by Carrie Stone
Kate frowned. ‘Why the sudden change of heart, though?’ she asked, wondering what had prompted such feelings. ‘Do you think perhaps the honeymoon phase is wearing off and you’re just a bit scared of the idea of commitment?’ she probed gently.
Sighing, Megan picked up their teacups and carried them to the island counter. Grateful for the chance to have her back to Kate, she used the opportunity to get what was really troubling her off her chest. ‘No, it’s neither of those things.’ She set down the cups. ‘I’ve met someone else, Kate.’
Before she had a chance to turn around, Kate was already in front of her, wide-eyed with shock. ‘You’ve what?’ She stood agog, staring at Megan. ‘Since when? Why didn’t you tell me? Who is he?’
Despite her guilt at the admission finally being spoken aloud, Megan smiled. ‘Who are you – PC Plod?’ She took a seat, sinking her head into her hands – Kate waiting patiently for her to begin explaining. ‘It wasn’t expected. I’ve known him a while, but there’s something there – something much deeper than I’ve got with Michael. I know he feels it, too. And we’ve got a lot in common.’
‘Where did you meet? At work? Is it anyone I know?’ Kate asked, intrigued.
Megan bit down on her lip, feeling torn. Ever since she’d thought about telling Kate of her feelings for Marcus she’d debated whether it was the right thing to do. She wanted nothing more than to be honest, but was that really fair on any of them? What if Marcus didn’t feel the same way – was it wise to reveal his name before she even knew where he stood?
No, it wasn’t. So as much as it pained her to lie, she’d decided that until she had a definite confirmation of Marcus’s feelings it would be a lot easier and kinder to Kate if she wasn’t aware that she was referring to Marcus. She also didn’t want to put Kate’s reconnection with Alf into jeopardy. Surely if Kate knew, she was certain to be flummoxed and maybe even angry; it was only natural that she wouldn’t immediately be able to understand the strong connection that Megan felt, especially after Kate had thought she’d had that same connection with Marcus herself. And then, what if Alf questioned things and discovered the truth about Kate’s previous fixation?
Besides, it had only been a month since the kissing incident, and given that the bridge between the pair had only just been rebuilt, she didn’t want to cause more friction.
‘Look, it’s someone at work. That’s all you need to know until I’m clearer on the matter.’ She lowered her eyes at Kate’s sympathetic expression, feeling even more of a traitor than she did already. ‘You’re my best friend and I value your advice more than anyone’s – if I’m having doubts about Michael and experiencing a stronger connection to somebody else; even though nothing has happened, doesn’t that mean I shouldn’t be engaged to Michael?’
Kate reached across and grabbed Megan’s hand supportively, noticing how uncharacteristically guilt-ridden and embarrassed she appeared to be. ‘Hun, whoever it is, if the feelings for him are really that strong and it’s more than lust and sexual chemistry.’ She nodded gently. ‘Then, yes, I suggest you need to have a good think about whether being engaged to Michael is the right thing. It’s too soon to be having doubts only a few months into a new relationship. Especially one that you’re intending to stay in ‘till death do you part’.’ She smiled wryly, watching as Megan slumped in her seat in disappointment.
‘I know you’re right,’ Megan muttered, although she’d half-hoped that Kate would have given her another answer, one that told her to be happy with what she had already. One that didn’t make things even more complicated. What if Marcus didn’t feel the same, though? What if she was mistaken?
‘Have you told this other guy how you feel?’ Kate asked, her curiosity getting the better of her and wondering who at Hamilton’s it could possibly be. Surely not Tray from Compliance? Hadn’t Megan once said she thought he was quite nice? No. Surely not?
‘No, I haven’t.’ Megan stared into her tea, wondering how Marcus would react if she did tell him. ‘Do you think I should do that before I make a decision on Michael?’
Kate considered this for a moment before answering. She’d never seen Megan as happy with a partner as she’d been since meeting Michael – maybe this other guy was a distraction, something she was focusing on out of fear that things could be too good to be true? But, then again, perhaps she was truly falling for another person. Didn’t they say that once the heart was open to love it could feel a lot deeper? What if Michael was her warm-up for the real thing? She thought of something her aunt used to say and found herself repeating it.
‘No, if you don’t know what to do, then it’s best to do nothing at all.’ She smiled as Megan looked at her quizzically. ‘It means wait until you’ve had the chat with the other guy, to find out where he stands – before you make a decision on you and Michael.’
Exhaling loudly, Megan dismally agreed. ‘Okay, advice taken. I’ll have the chat first, then take it from there. In the meantime, though, I’ll just try and focus on being happy with Michael.’ She picked up her cup and absentmindedly took a sip of tea. She knew how impossible it was going to be to try and put Marcus from her thoughts – after all, she’d barely been able to think about anything else for the past week.
‘On another note, I’ve got some good news’ Kate chirped, a bright smile on her face.
Forgetting her sullen mood, Megan looked at Kate curiously. ‘Go on, then – what news?’
‘I’ve had offers on three separate paintings that were hung at the care home!’ She clapped her hands in elation. ‘I can’t believe it, Meg. I mean, I didn’t think they would actually sell to anyone – let alone visitors.’
‘Goodness, hun, that is amazing.’ Standing up, Megan quickly moved across to congratulate her. ‘I knew this painting thing was going to pay off. I told you you’re too good to be wasting yourself.’ Putting her arms around Kate, she swayed her playfully from side to side. ‘Don’t forget your best friend when you’re rich and famous,’ she joked.
Chortling, Kate pulled away, radiant. ‘I won’t – it’s only thanks to you and Marcus that I even gave it another shot.’ She sat back down. ‘Alan told me about the offers this morning – they’re good ones, too. He said it’s up to me whether I want to accept them – but if I do, then the board apparently wants replacement paintings.’
‘Fantastic! You’ve got to accept, Kate – this is your new beginning with your art.’ Megan walked to the fridge, remembering that she had a box of unopened Belgian truffles that would suit the mood perfectly. ‘So, are you all set for your exhibition?’ Opening the fridge door she reached for the gold-and-blue box of chocolates. ‘Oh, and I meant to ask, do you want me to pick up Vivian and Lillian on my way there – it will save you rushing about and have time to get ready properly?’
Kate took a deep breath, the mention of her impending exhibition making her heart dive into the depths of her stomach. It had come around so quickly and although she was prepared, she couldn’t help but wonder if she was mad to go ahead with it. Yet the news of the offers received at the care home had been the encouraging push she’d needed – it was a confirmation of sorts that her paintings were good enough. Besides, she’d come too far to back out now, even if the thought of Saturday did terrify her.
‘That would be a great help, thanks. I’ll let Viv and Lil know. That’ll give me more time for any last-minute things.’
‘Good, that’s sorted, then.’ She thrust the box of truffles towards Kate, opening the lid in the process. ‘Here, have one of these. Michael bought them for me.’
Picking a chocolate from the box, Kate noticed how Megan’s face clouded at the mention of Michael’s name and realised how heavily the connection with the new guy was weighing on her friend’s relationship and mind.
She decided to change the subject and lift the mood again – there was nothing to be gained by raking over things they’d already decided. She suddenly remembered something she’d wanted to tell Megan. ‘Oh, listen to this.�
��
Megan looked up intrigued, popping another soft and chocolaty ball into her mouth and thinking how much calmer and content Kate looked in herself. It was madness that their roles had pretty much reversed within the space of a couple of weeks. Hadn’t she been the happy and peaceful one just a fortnight ago? She focused again on what Kate was saying. ‘… and then Marcus told Alf that…’ The chocolate ball lodged itself in her throat at Kate’s mention of his name.
Perhaps things were going to be a lot trickier than she’d expected.
Chapter 23
‘What about that one?’ Kate pointed towards a luminous-green leather recliner at the opposite end of the furniture showroom. ‘Or not quite bright enough? She giggled and bent down to pick up a colour chart for the fabric-covered sofa they were standing in front of.
‘That’s bloody awful.’ Alf laughed. ‘I’d have a headache after five minutes of having that in the house. Do people really buy chairs in that colour?’ Alf shook his head in disbelief.
‘Apparently so.’ She nodded discreetly towards the young couple who had stopped to consider the garish option. ‘I think leather is a good choice, though. This fabric one is lovely, but with Sam jumping all over it, it’ll be ruined in two minutes.’
‘Cor, that’s pretty cool.’ Alf said, his attention caught by a children’s bedroom unit he’d spotted nearby. He eyed the fire-engine structure in awe. ‘I’d have loved one of those as a kid.’
‘Oh, look over there, there’s a princess castle for a girl’s room, too.’ Kate signalled to the left, looking at the pretty pastel-coloured bed tower. ‘I don’t think we’d fit in either, though. Especially you,’ she joked, digging him lightly in the ribs with her elbow.
‘You might have half a chance, I certainly wouldn’t. But we’re definitely getting one for our future son one day.’
‘Yes, definitely.’ Kate smiled, her heart beating ten to the dozen. It was such a simple sentence and yet it spoke volumes. Alf leaned in, resting his hand on the small of her back.
‘Oooh, look at that up there. That’s unusual. Never seen a painting like that before.’ He stared up at the huge piece of artwork mounted on the upper level – a colourful mix of oils depicting a vintage car. ‘That’d look fantastic in our lounge.’
Kate followed his gaze, turning up her nose as she studied the creation. ‘Hmm, no I don’t think so! There’s no way I’m having that in any new home we move to.’
‘Oh, don’t be a spoil sport,’ he replied, mounting the stairs to take a closer look. ‘Let’s just have a see how much it costs. I could get it for the office or spare room?’
Following behind him with a shake of her head, she watched as he stepped in closer to the price code on the wall. ‘Eleven hundred quid!’ He turned to her, whistling loudly. ‘They’re having a laugh, aren’t they?’
Kate chuckled. ‘Well, if you really like it that much, I can paint it for you!’ She leaned in closer to the painting, studying the brushwork. It would be extremely simple to replicate.
With a shrug of his shoulders, Alf waved a hand dismissively in front of her. ‘No, you don’t want to be wasting your time painting. It’s pointless.’ He was already turning away and walking towards a mirrored dining table.
Kate felt herself bristling. Wasting time painting? Pointless? What did he mean by that? Trying to rationalise her thoughts, she glanced at Alf with a questioning expression, relieved that his back was towards her.
‘When we finish here do you fancy popping to the pub for a bit?’ he turned to her, unaware that he’d said anything wrong, and stepped forward to plant a small kiss on her forehead. ‘You look gorgeous today, by the way.’ He smiled at her as if she was the prettiest thing he’d ever seen.
Mentally chastising herself for doubting him and being quick to jump on his words, she softened and nodded her head, linking her arm through his. ‘Sure, that’ll be lovely.’
‘Well, it had me shocked, I tell you.’ Vivian tutted in disdain, dipping her spoon into the thick leek-and-potato soup. ‘They call this soup? It’s like eating an onion-batter mix. It’s disgraceful.’ Grimacing, she ate a single spoonful before surrendering her cutlery to the bowl. ‘No, I shan’t be eating any more of that.’
‘Fancy making us soup in this hot weather, anyway,’ Lil grumbled, equally unappeased by the lunchtime offering. ‘I have to agree about Kate, though – she has looked happier this past week. Even if it does seem as if she’s gone backwards instead of forwards.’
‘My intuition says it won’t last, but she’ll realise that soon enough.’ Vivian said, unscrewing her flask and pouring Guinness into the empty coffee cup. ‘I’ve got a feeling this exhibition on Saturday will show her a thing or two.’
‘Ooh, speaking of which, I’m ever so excited about it. I can’t remember the last time we had a night out away from this place. And it’s really nice of Kate’s Megan to collect us.’
Vivian raised an eyebrow at Lil’s enthusiasm. ‘Hmm, don’t you go thinking it’s going to be too wild a night. It’s Kate’s night, not a chance for you to get dosed up on free wine. We’re only there to support her – not for you to make a mockery of yourself.’
‘Ha!’ Lillian exclaimed. ‘Hark at you, dishing out the orders. Keep your knickers on, I’ll behave – oh, and don’t you go forgetting your flask or else we’ll all be in for it.’
Seeing Kate enter the dining room with Alan, the two ladies stopped sniping at one another and settled into a comfortable silence.
‘All okay?’ Kate asked, walking across to the table. ‘Why aren’t you eating the soup, Viv?’
‘It’s bloody diabolical, that’s why. I’m going to have to have another word with that chef – he’s useless.’
‘Do you want me to see if I can get you something else from the kitchen?’
Glancing pointedly at her coffee cup filled with Guinness, Vivian winked. ‘I think I’m okay, love, got me medicine there. That keeps me going – it’s full of iron, it is.’
Kate grinned and pulled out a chair, sitting down to join them. ‘If you say so. Anyway, I just spoke with Alf, he says the agent has already got a couple lined up for a viewing of the house this weekend.’
‘Cor blimey, that’s good news for the pair of you, ain’t it?’ Lillian replied, carefully buttering a soft, white roll. ‘You two had better start looking for somewhere new, then. You never know, they might have it, this couple.’
Kate shook her head uncertainly. ‘No, it’s only the first viewing, so I don’t think there’s any rush just yet. Anyway I want to get the exhibition out of the way first – that’s my main priority.’
‘And what’s Alf think about all this with your art work?’ Vivian piped up, intrigued that in the two weeks since Alf had re-entered Kate’s life, his thoughts on her new-found success had barely been given a mention.
Kate felt her face growing hot and wondered why the question had made her feel suddenly uncomfortable. ‘Yes, he’s been very supportive; he’s helping me to set up tomorrow night, too.’ She averted her gaze from Viv’s steely stare, feeling caught off-guard.
It wasn’t strictly true. Although Alf had been supportive of helping her to make the last-minute arrangements regarding free beverages and nibbles, she was acutely aware that he hadn’t been overly complimentary of her paintings. She’d told herself this was normal – after all, he wasn’t ‘into’ art – so therefore how could she expect him to want to ask the reasoning and concept behind her creations? It was natural he wasn’t going to be over-enthusiastic, wasn’t it?
‘Oh, that’s good, darling. As long as he’s encouraging – that’s what you need. I’m so pleased it’s all working out well for the pair of you.’ Lillian dunking a piece of her roll into the soup and taking a bite. ‘Oh, it’s not half as bad with the bread dipped in, Viv. Give it a try.’
‘Any news yet on the hypochondriac, love?’ Vivian asked, wisely changing the subject. ‘She still at hell’s door?’
‘Viv, you can’t be
talking about Hilda like that,’ Kate replied quietly, discreetly making a ‘shhh-ing’ sound at her. ‘Dr Sharman came and checked her over this morning and he said she looks to be over the worst of it, which is good news.’ She pointedly glanced at Viv as she said this.
‘Depends how you look at it. I suppose it’s good news for him downstairs – it’s not for us unlucky ones still lumbered with her, though.’
Lillian chortled, spluttering a piece of bread into her glass of water. She picked up her napkin and wiped her mouth. ‘Either way, it keeps us entertained for a bit longer, eh, Viv? Otherwise who else have you got to moan about?’
Folding her arms across her chest, Vivian ignored the question and stared at the giant clock on the wall. She couldn’t help but feel that something strange was about to happen. It was the feeling she’d always got when unexpected change was in the making. This time, though, it was different. It was much stronger.
‘Okay, ladies. I’d best get going; I need to crack on with paperwork – I only wanted to share the house news.’ Kate stood up, noticing that Viv had gone very quiet and pale. ‘You okay, Viv?’
Looking up at the mention of her name, Vivian stared into Kate’s midnight-blue eyes and felt an overwhelming sense of protectiveness. Kate was such a sensitive and kind soul; she deserved a man in her life to truly appreciate that. ‘I’m fine, love, don’t you worry about me. You go and see to your paperwork.’
‘Okay, good. See you later.’
Vivian watched as Kate walked away, all at once realising the meaning behind her strange feeling. There wasn’t much time. Pushing out her chair, she slowly stood up, clutching her flask to her. ‘Lil, I’ve got something I need to attend to. I’m going back to my room. I’ll catch up with you after lunch.’
The feeling was getting stronger; there was no time to waste. It had to be done soon. She had an urgent letter to write.