Kate & Alf

by Carrie Stone

  She set down her cutlery, her mind suddenly made up. Without hesitation, she knew it was something she had to grab. ‘Okay, Michael, let’s go for it.’

  ‘Excuse me?’ He looked at her bewildered. ‘Go for what? Corsica?’

  She giggled nervously. ‘No, you idiot – I mean let’s get engaged. I’m saying “yes” to you.’

  ‘You are?’ The sparkling excitement in Michael’s eyes was hard to miss. He studied her face quizzically. ‘I know you’ve been humouring me, but are you sure you’re serious about this?’ His expression hardened, the sparkling eyes darkening.

  ‘I’m sure.’ And Megan knew she was because looking at Michael’s face had just confirmed everything. Butterflies danced inside her. ‘I still think it’s soon and I’m not saying we should rush into the wedding just yet, but I can see us growing old together – you with your walking stick and pipe and me with my hairnet and rollers.’

  ‘You do realise this calls for a proper celebration?’

  ‘What, so I can show off my hand-carved wooden engagement ring?’ Megan mocked teasingly. Although the African carved ring had been a novelty gesture and part of Michael’s ‘relaxed’ proposal, she’d appreciated the fun and jokey side of it.

  ‘Well, I’ll have to get you something a shade more reflective to put on your finger, won’t I?’

  ‘Am I going to be spoilt with diamante this time?’

  Amused, Michael leaned forward and brushed her fingers with his own. ‘I might stretch to a diamond; depends on whether you agree to going to Corsica for the honeymoon.’

  Poking out her tongue, Megan picked up her wine glass. ‘I’ll consider it.’ She nudged his foot under the table. ‘Come on, let’s have a toast then – to ourselves!’

  Laughing, Michael picked up his own glass. ‘To you, my beautiful Megan and our future life together. Hopefully in the countryside, after our magnificent holiday in Corsica.’ He winked and clinked her glass.

  Megan couldn’t remember being so content – she finally belonged with someone. It was a good feeling.

  ‘I’ve had two clients this week already comment on that one,’ Vivian said, raising her eyes and pointing to the large colourful canvas of an owl above them. ‘I’ve a good mind to get up there myself and stick a price next to it.’

  Kate smiled. ‘You know I can’t put a price next to it, Viv.’ She glanced around the entrance hall, a sense of pride swelling in her chest, for her artwork had given the usually drab interior a new lease of life. Even she had to admit that her canvases were eye-catching, and the extraordinary amount of compliments she’d received from both staff and residents was overwhelming. ‘Oh, I meant to tell you – Tommy congratulated me this morning. I could hardly believe my ears. Tasha said it’s the first time she’s ever heard him pass on a good word to anyone.’

  ‘Well, I’ll be struck down – that’s the first time I’ve heard of it, too. Miserable old bastard, that one. Although maybe part of it is due to having Tasha as his helper. She’s a dragon.’

  Kate nodded. ‘Yes, but you know how she likes to think she runs this place – and sometimes me, for that matter. I’ve noticed she’s a bit put out by all this attention I’m getting.’

  Vivian stopped walking as she approached the dining table and drew out her favourite chair. ‘Good, serves her right. Maybe if she was a little nicer to people, then she’d reap the rewards that you do. It’s all about what you put out, love. And I don’t mean your body, as Lil seems to think.’ She grinned cheekily, as Lillian approached with a glass of lemonade.

  ‘What’s all this about? I heard my name mentioned.’

  ‘We’re talking about Tasha the dragon.’ Vivian pointed behind her to the far right corner where the fiery red-headed carer was assisting Tommy to a table. ‘And also about you putting yourself about.’

  ‘Well, excuse me for thinking you were my friend!’ Lillian tutted loudly. ‘My days for all that are over,’ she said indignantly, pulling out a chair. ‘Besides, it never did me any harm. My second husband, Bobby, bless his soul, said I was the best thing he’d ever had.’

  ‘Is that why he left you, then?’ Vivian replied, gesturing Kate to give her the small carrier bag she’d asked her to bring to the dining table.

  Passing her the bag, which contained a flask of Guinness. Kate suppressed a grin. She always found it fun watching the two best friends prattle away at each other.

  ‘He didn’t leave me. She stole him. Love of my life, he was.’

  ‘Hmm, we know – you’ve told us a million times before,’ Vivian retorted, opening the flask and discreetly pouring a small amount of the Guinness into her empty coffee cup.

  ‘I don’t know why you bother with that. All the others know it’s Guinness not that espresso stuff you like to pretend it is,’ Lillian said, shaking her head. ‘Anyway no one drinks coffee with their lunch.’

  ‘Never you mind about me. Worry about yourself.’

  ‘Viv, be nice!’ Kate chided, noticing Alan walk into the dining room and making a beeline for them. ‘I’m off early today, remember – straight after lunch I’ve got that meeting with the financial advisor.’

  Vivian took a sip of her drink. ‘Oh, yes, good luck with that. Let’s hope he can find a solution for you to take over the mortgage.’ She crossed her fingers and held them up.

  ‘Afternoon, ladies,’ Alan said, approaching the table. ‘Would you mind if I joined you?’

  ‘Hello, Alan, of course – come and sit down,’ Vivian replied, patting the top of the chair next to her.

  Kate’s mobile beeped from the depths of her pocket, reminding her that she’d forgotten to leave it in her usual hiding place. ‘Oh, I forgot my phone was still on me.’

  Alan set down his glass of sparkling water on the table and took his seat next to Viv.

  Lillian winked. ‘Don’t worry about that, Kate. Answer it if you have to. We don’t mind. Stupid rules they’ve got here.’

  Alan nodded his head. ‘Indeed, Lillian, I do agree.’

  Retrieving the phone from her trouser pocket, Kate quickly checked the display and opened a message from Megan.

  ‘Are you free later? Need to see you. Got news.’

  Intrigued, she rapidly typed out a reply telling Megan she’d be home after her consultation with the advisor and to pop over to hers. She received an instant response.

  ‘Good. See you later. It’s important. ’

  ‘All okay love?’ Viv asked, disturbing her thoughts. What news could be important? It was unlike Megan to text if she had something significant to tell her. But, then, maybe she was busy and couldn’t phone?

  ‘Yes, fine. Only Megan – she’s coming over later.’

  ‘That’s nice. Bit of girls chat will do you the world of good. Viv topped up her coffee cup with the flask.

  Lil agreed and Alan continued to study the week’s menu card on the table, not wishing to get involved in womanly matters or draw attention to Vivian’s peculiar habit with her Guinness.

  ‘Right, I’m just off to get Hilda. I’ll be back soon.’

  ‘Just don’t be wheeling her in to sit at our table.’ Viv said, picking up her napkin to dab at the brown stain she’d made on the white top cloth. ‘I don’t want to be put off my lunch, thank you very much.’

  Alan chuckled, raising his eyebrow at Kate.

  ‘You know I wouldn’t do that. I’ll make sure I sit her as far away as possible. Okay?’ She could just about hear Vivian’s sarcastic reply and Lil’s subsequent laughter as she hurried off in the direction of the West wing. Thinking once again about Megan’s text message, an anxious feeling passed through her – similar to the sensation she’d had the previous day when she’d been unable to shake off the persistent thought that something awful was about to happen.

  By the time she’d reached Hilda’s room, she was utterly convinced that something wasn’t right. Texting wasn’t Megan’s style and she realised she also hadn’t spoken to her properly for a few days. Just the odd email
and very brief call. Yet she’d been so busy trying to distract herself from the Marcus situation that she hadn’t paid much attention. She’d thrown herself into her painting and given her wardrobe an overhaul with a shopping spree. It had been an enlightening experience to get back in touch with feeling sexy and good about herself again. The clothes she’d bought had reflected that.

  Yet thinking about Megan’s aloofness over the past days caused concern to build in her – something was definitely amiss.

  She really hoped she was wrong.

  Chapter 18

  Marcus finished typing the feature piece he was working on and glanced at his watch. ‘Two-thirty already.’ Exhaling heavily, he glanced back at his laptop screen. It had been a gruelling week with work, not to mention the deal he’d signed with the major publisher that was already demanding his attention in unwanted ways.

  And then there was the phone call, the call that he couldn’t stop thinking about. He knew it had been risky calling Megan, for she could have blamed him in many ways for everything that had happened with Kate. But he hadn’t expected her to be so receptive, nice even.

  He’d been with a lot of women and liked to think himself quite sensitive to the emotions of the opposite sex, even though he’d failed miserably when it had come to Kate. He’d finally stopped feeling guilty about the mixed messages he’d unwittingly given her. He’d just felt drawn to help whilst Alf hadn’t been around, like a protective older brother. In some ways, he’d thought he’d been doing his friend a favour – he knew Alf still cared for Kate. He’d thought that maybe she’d reconsider the breakup once she was seeing clearly again and was happier within herself. However, she’d evidently misinterpreted his actions, thinking that he was interested in her in a romantic way. He hadn’t expected Kate, of all people, to be the one to make him question his own judgement.

  His mind flitted back to Megan. So much of her reminded him of Linzie, all the good parts – the parts that had made him fall in love. Not the parts that had worn him down and torn his life to shreds. He stopped his mind wandering to his ex and the gossip that had filtered to him since he’d moved back down to the South. He couldn’t blame Linzie for wanting to move on; after all, he’d been the one who had walked away. But Linzie getting together with Jackson? On one hand he realised it was inevitable – yet on the other, he couldn’t help but wish she’d see sense. It was a dangerous road she was walking down.

  Still, he focused once again on the call he’d made to Megan and how much it had given him an insight into her. He knew she wasn’t available. Something she’d said had referred to that, but it couldn’t hurt to hope. He’d sensed something when speaking with her that told him she, too, was feeling an undeniable chemistry. It pleased him immensely. After all, since the first time he’d laid eyes on Megan he’d always known there was a connection.

  ‘You finished that feature yet, mate? Ed’s on my back regarding layout.’

  Marcus observed his colleague who’d appeared in his office doorway with slightly more irritation than intended. He didn’t like being disturbed midway through thought.

  ‘It’ll be with you in half an hour.’

  ‘Thanks.’

  He watched him skulk away – thankful that he’d managed to secure himself a position that gave him flexibility to use either home or office as his hub. He didn’t envy the colleagues who were forced to spend the best part of their days in the ever-busy office with its constant din of activity.

  His mind wandered back to Megan and he found himself thinking about her straightforward chatter. She really was a breath of fresh air. Even the way she’d told him not to fuss over Kate’s refusal to acknowledge him, and that she would eventually come round, had been to the point. He didn’t mince his words, either, for it had been the reason he’d called – wanting to know if Kate was okay, as she clearly wasn’t willing to let him know herself. Yet he couldn’t help but wonder if the situation had also presented him with a silver lining – an unexpected chance to connect with Megan again.

  He hadn’t realised just how much she had got under his skin until he’d spoken with her again.

  The only problem was that he didn’t know how to take the situation further.

  ‘Sam – dinner time!’ Kate stood against the frame of the back door and peered into the garden. Only partially visible through the overgrown bushes, she saw Sam’s small head bob upwards at the sound of her voice.

  ‘Come on. Come and eat.’

  He didn’t need to be told twice, for he was almost immediately at her feet after bounding towards her, jumping up at the silver dish filled with dog meat she was holding in her hand.

  She leaned down to place it on the floor. ‘You’d better make the most of that, sweetie – because the way things are going we’ll be living on bread and water soon.’ Picking up the empty foil carton of the premium-quality dog food, she placed it in the bin.

  Although she hadn’t expected the financial advisor to tell her that things would be unrealistically hunky dory with regard to a secure future, she hadn’t been prepared for what he’d actually said. It was grim, all of it. Grimmer than grim. An analysis of her current salary and outgoings, plus various calculations based on present bank loans had brought her sharply to the reality of her situation.

  She’d never be able to afford to take on the mortgage single-handed in the foreseeable future. The most realistic option was that they try to sell the property and she rent herself a small apartment. Sighing, she took a packet of chicken breasts from the fridge and began to prepare a curry – she didn’t have the willpower to consider her predicament without going into meltdown.

  By the time she’d added the final blend of fresh herbs to the simmering chicken, Megan was already ringing the doorbell. It did little to calm Kate’s anxiety; she was never normally on time, so why tonight? She couldn’t help but dread whatever ‘news’ her friend was bearing. She walked to the street door and opened it.

  ‘Hiya.’ Megan breezed into the hallway smiling broadly, clutching a bottle of white wine under her arm and a bunch of flowers in the other hand. ‘Got you these. Pretty aren’t they?’ She thrust the bouquet of mixed freesias towards Kate and slipped off her heels. ‘Mmm, I can smell curry – just what I fancy eating.’

  Kate eyed the flowers suspiciously and narrowed her eyes. ‘They’re gorgeous, but why’re you bringing me flowers? You never bring me flowers.’ She brought the bouquet to her nose and inhaled the sweet fragrance. ‘They smell lovely, though.’ She lowered the bunch, noticing that Megan was avoiding her eyes. ‘Yes, I’ve cooked a curry.’

  ‘Let’s eat, then. Glass of wine and curry. You always make the best curry!’ She led the way into the kitchen, dumping her bag on the hallway floor as she did so.

  Kate followed, heart pounding. She knew something was up. ‘Meg, what’s going on?’

  Putting the wine down carefully on the counter top, Megan stood still, holding her breath – her expression of utter happiness replaced with a worried glance. ‘Is it really that obvious?’

  Kate smiled, despite herself. ‘Well, yes; firstly you brought me flowers and secondly you’re doing that overly positive thing you do when you’re about to drop a bombshell.’

  ‘Oh goodness – I can never fool you on anything, can I?’ She shrugged sadly with a small grimace and took a deep breath, facing Kate. She knew it was better to do it quickly, or else she’d be on edge. ‘It’s Alf, Kate.’

  ‘What about him?’

  ‘I think he’s resigning.’ She watched as her friend’s face lost its colour and she held out her hand to steady her.

  Shocked, Kate leaned against the countertop, head whirling with questions and her heart dancing in her chest. ‘What? How is that possible? Alf would never resign. Are you sure?’ She stared at Megan in confusion.

  Taking a seat opposite her, Megan unwrapped the silk scarf from her neck, suddenly conscious of how hot it was in the small kitchen. ‘I’m not certain. However, I saw an email that I as
sume wasn’t supposed to have included the part at the very bottom. It was a discussion between two of the board members about Alf’s capacity in his new job – I don’t think they’re impressed with him. Anyway, one of them had mentioned that after a phone conversation they’d had with Alf, he would likely consider the resignation offer proposed.’ She let her words sink in, noting how quiet Kate had gone. ‘I haven’t been made aware of any offer – although I’m usually the one who helps draft such things as HR Manager, which is all the more strange. I’ve got a sense that Clyde is forcing Alf out of the company.’

  ‘But that’s terrible. Can they do that?’ Kate asked, feeling sickened by what she was hearing.

  ‘Technically, no. But Clyde is ruthless. I’ve seen it happen before and I’m sure it won’t be the last time. If he’s backing Alf into a corner by questioning his ability and putting pressure on him, then it’s likely Alf will want to walk away, especially if he’s tempted with a generous gardening-leave package.’

  ‘Alf’s not a quitter, though. He’s worked so hard for your company and look at what he gave up for that position, Meg.’ She shook her head in defiance. ‘I just can’t see that he’d resign….’

  ‘Look, I know it’s a bit of a shock. Even for me.’ She stared at Kate with a serious expression. ‘But it’s the way these things work out sometimes.’

  Choosing her words carefully, Megan walked across to the hob to lower the heat under the bubbling curry. ‘The thing is, I wanted to warn you because, if it’s true – it’s going to mean he loses all the Scotland benefits. Including his accommodation.’