by Charley Dee
‘If you both feel the time is right, then go for it Hun, if you were asking should we get married now, I would say give it a little more time.’
‘Hey me marriage, I don’t think so, I’m the same as you Lucy Ross, no ball and chain.’ She laughs. ‘So have you made a decision about Tim moving in?’
‘What he appears to want is to rent my spare bedroom for a hundred pounds a week, he says it will be cheaper than the studio apartment he’s in now.’
‘So he’s not asking to live with you then?’ Jena urges.
‘Not as such, as he’s sleeping here about four nights a week, he feels it’s pointless paying out for his flat when he spends more than half of the week here.’ I explain. ‘He wants a separate room as he has a lot of IT equipment and then we would both have space, also he doesn’t expect me to feed him, I think he likes his own independence, which I feel is great.’
‘It’s a slightly unconventional affair, perhaps bordering on bizarre, however if it works for you both it has to be worth a try.’ Jena offered shrewdly.
‘After giving it much thought, maybe a trial basis on renting the room would be advisable.’
‘Sounds reasonable, I just have your interests at heart Hun that’s all.’
‘That Jena Wright is always appreciated, now time to get behind the bar and let Lucas have the rest of the night off.’
As Kate arrived on Thursday morning she looked a lot brighter, had she got good news at last? After wishing her good morning I slipped into the office, as I didn’t want to be seen as hounding her, even though I couldn’t wait to see if the problem had been solved. Within half an hour there was a tap on the door and Kate’s smiling face appeared.
‘Can you spare a few minutes Lucy for a chat?’ She asked softly.
‘Of course I’ll be right with you.’ I responded perhaps a little too quickly.
Over a cup of coffee Kate started to explain what had taken place.
‘Jeff called around last night and we had a heart to heart, by all accounts his mother was having ‘a thing’ with the ex landlord, even though he was married I hasten to add. So when the pub closed her nose was put right out of joint, Jeff admits she’s a difficult woman, however he’s given her an ultimatum. Because he wants to continue his relationship with me, she has to back off with all her aggressive behaviour or she won’t see him again. From what he said he really laid into her, so once again only time will tell, he admitted he wasn’t close to her and knows she is very objectionable.’
‘Mm that’s one of her finer points.’ I smile. ‘Thank you so much Kate let’s hope we can draw a line in the sand, as you say Hun only time will tell.’
With that I give Kate a big hug, as I know this has been a stressful few days for her, hopefully the dreaded woman will have learnt her lesson, they say everything happens for a reason.
Tim called into the bar later, so I took a few minutes out to sit and chat, Jena and Andy had gone out for the evening and I was working with Lucas.
‘Have you given my suggestion any more thought babe?’ Tim asks hesitantly.
‘As a matter of fact I have, why don’t we give it a try for a month and see how we get on.’ I offer. ‘I feel that would be best for both of us.’
‘Could we possible extend that to two months Lucy as I’ll be giving up my flat, I promise I’ll be the perfect tenant.’ He teases.
‘OK you’ve twisted my arm, when would you like to move in?’ I know it will be fun having him around even if it is bordering on bizarre, fingers crossed and all that…
‘Will the weekend be OK for you gorgeous?’
‘No problem sweetheart, the weekend it is, now I must go back to work, are you staying or going?’
‘I should go back to the flat and start packing.’ He said cheerfully. ‘I’ll see you tomorrow evening.’ With that he planted a little kiss on my cheek as he got up to leave; his smile spoke a million words.
I had a warm feeling inside of me, that the future was full of promise….a new beginning.
Friday was a busy day throughout and I’d booked another different band for the evening, in fact one that Archie had recommended. He’d been full of praise for the four guys, however I’m expected an influx of youngsters as their groupies, so Andy could have his work cut out for him tonight. I believe it’s crucial to please a varied age group as that’s what the Frog and Toad is all about, everyone is welcome. Jayne has offered to come in and help behind the bar, so in total there’ll be five of us to serve, well covered I feel.
The evening as expected was mega busy, Archie was in his element and Jayne clearly fitted in, as for me, Jena and Lucas we served wearing a constant grin, as conversation was impossible, however we were all diligent. Andy had become a great asset as our doorman; he handled the trouble makers with ease and fortunately had a good memory for faces. So once again the atmosphere had been electric with a general feeling of a brilliant night.
Much later when the doors were locked and the gang had all turned in, I kissed Tim gently on the lips. ‘Shall we have a nightcap or are you in a rush to get to bed?’
‘I would love a nightcap, tonight is special, our last night before I officially move in, and I just happen to have a tiny gift to honour the occasion.’
‘Oh that’s so sweet.’ With that Tim hands me a small velvet box, for a moment I panic hoping it wasn’t the obvious (as that is the last thing I want). So I carefully open the box to reveal a pretty silver heart necklace. ‘Thank you so much I love it.’ I say with a deep sigh of relief, it isn’t because I don’t care, however the whole conjugal thing scares me rigid… Tim takes me in his arms and as we share a passionate kiss I can feel his body hardening for me, as our desire overcomes us we start tugging at each others clothes, until at last we are naked…Tim lowers me gently onto the floor…as he enters me our rhythm escalates until we both reach an explosive climax…as our breathing slowly returns to normal, I can hardly believe we have just made love on the floor of the bar…
Saturday morning and Tim left early to collect his possessions ready to move into my spare room. I sincerely hoped I was doing the right thing, everything had moved so quickly. On reflection I allayed any fears I may have by realising the status quo could be rectified…if ever found necessary. So with this in mind I hurried downstairs to start my work, once again to begin in the office. Jena came in to join me and we worked together on last night’s takings.
‘So is Tim moving in today Lucy?’ Jena asked curiously.
‘Yes Hun he’s gone off to collect his stuff, I gave him a back door key so he won’t interfere with work.’
‘You’re a bit quiet are you OK Lucy?’ Jena enquired.’
‘Mm I think so Hun, things have moved so quickly.’
Are you having regrets?’ Jena persisted.
‘Not as such, just a tad confused as to how it all came about in a matter of weeks.’
‘Don’t stress Lucy it isn’t anything that can’t be reversed.’
‘I’m being silly, look at the little necklace he gave me last night, I’m sure he’s genuine, I believe I’m doubting my impulsive nature, you know me Jena.’
‘I do Hun and that’s what concerns me.’ She frowns.
‘Hey come on it’ll all be fine just you see, now how about a bite to eat, Kate should be in by now.’
The two of us go into the kitchen to be greeted by Kate, who was still looking like the cat who’d got the cream, thank goodness. I realise all the time Kate is with Jeff I get a lull from his deplorable mother’s objectionable behaviour. Nevertheless I would hate to be in her position, imagine Vie Butler as a mother in law, I’d rather suck lemons!
‘Hello you two.’ Kate greets us with a cheesy grin.
‘Hello Kate.’ We echoed.
‘You both look as though you need a full breakfast to start the day.’
‘If you’re offering how could we refuse?’ I add cheerfully. ‘So long as we get an update on your love life, while we eat.’
Ma
ry and Lucas joined us in the kitchen so Kate cooked bacon and eggs for us all, how I wish I enjoyed cooking, she’s so organised around food. Breakfast as always was delicious, and when Mary had left for home and Lucas went back in the bar Kate grabbed my arm. ‘I’m a tad concerned Lucy, last night I found Jodie’s mobile phone downstairs, which she’d obviously mislaid in error, being a nosey mother I glanced through.’
‘Go on what did you find?’ I urged.
‘Pictures of Archie.’ Kate declared. ‘My girl’s got a crush, how scary is that?’
Chapter 13
The weekend had been rather eventful, what with Tim moving in and then Kate realising Jodie has a crush on Archie. Personally I’d rather not be in Kate’s shoes at the moment with a couple of teenage kids. I wonder how she’ll handle this knowledge, delicately I’ve no doubt. Since Tim moved in I’ve hardly seen him, unpacking I expect, setting up his IT equipment.
Me and Jena went to the bank together on Monday morning as the weekend’s takings had been brilliant. Safety in numbers and all that, plus the bank manager is still wearing his cheesy grin. I then coaxed Jena to tag along with me to the shops for an hours retail therapy. She’s a pushover when I offer a hot chocolate and cup cake at Starbucks. I fancied a new outfit for next weekend, purely to allure Tim, I’m not talking outer outfit, more Ann Summers delights….while in the shop Jena was enjoying a good rummage through the outfits and also purchased a sassy little number…I’m not sure who influences who, however we always end up in fits of giggles.
Some time later I was fairly surprised when Kate walked into the kitchen, being as Monday is her day off. ‘Always lovely to see you Kate, nevertheless there has to be a reason to call in on your only day off.’ I ask tentatively.
‘Sorry to be a nuisance Lucy, I really need some advice on this crush Jodie has on Archie, how the hell do I deal with it?’
Kate looks rightfully anxious; I want to help as I hate to see her once again stressed out, only this time for a different reason.
‘Why don’t we go up to my flat, we can have a coffee and talk it through.’
With the coffee made and both of us relaxed on the sofa I attempt to help with a solution. ‘So what is your main concern Kate?’ Not a good start I’m thinking although I have to begin somewhere, I don’t have teenage kids which aint helping.
‘How the hell do I tell Jodie I’ve been looking through her mobile?’ Kate says shakily. ‘She’ll never trust me again, there has to be another way.’
‘How about saying the night she left her mobile downstairs, his picture was on the screen?’
‘Mm I thought of that but she’d say she always blanks the screen.’
‘If it’s the only way love you’ll have to insist that’s how she’d left it, I mean she did forget it anyway.’ I suggest hopefully.
‘You’re probably right I’ll have to go where angels fear to tread so to speak, and wait for the backlash.’ She adds gloomily. ‘That is just the start though Lucy, how can I suppress the crush?’
‘She’s sixteen Kate cast your mind back twenty years, it’s usually some kind of celebrity infatuation at that age. Unfortunately Jodie has desires on a guy who she can see on a fairly regular basis, unbeknown to you as well.’
‘I know all of that Lucy, how I deal with it is the question, by the way how old is Archie?’
‘He’s twenty four, have you considered maybe approaching him?’
‘It has crossed my mind I mean I get along great with him as a workmate; how he’d react to this news I shudder to think.’ Kate frowns.
‘He is unbelievably popular with all the youngsters, perhaps your answer lies with him.’ I suggest optimistically.
‘I guess it’s worth a try.’ Kate shrugs. ‘I mean he hardly knows Jodie, surely he’ll see it for what it is, a schoolgirl crush.’
‘Honey you won’t know until you try, bite the bullet about how you found his picture on her mobile. She’ll obviously give you verbal, because she’s been caught out, then you can give her your mummy speech.’ I try my hardest to appease the situation. ‘In fact Archie could be the solution.’
‘Thanks Lucy I’ll broach the subject tonight and if all else fails it’ll be Archie to the rescue tomorrow.’
With Kate looking a little less tense we make our way back downstairs to be greeted by Jena. ‘Have I missed out on a girlie chat?’ She quizzed.
‘You haven’t missed much Hun just a conflab about teenagers.’ Kate assured. ‘Anyway girls see you in the morning.’
‘Good luck Kate.’ I mutter, with my fingers crossed behind my back, as my recollections of being a teenager is total defiance.
‘We’re running the bar tonight Jena, so how do you fancy fish and chips before we take over?’
‘Shall I get them? Jena proposes.
‘If you like, I’ll lay a table up.’
‘What about Tim will he want to join us?’ Jena urges.
‘No love he sorts himself out, not sure what time he gets in anyway.’ I explain.
As Jena dashes off to buy our supper that very thought runs through my mind, I really have no idea what time Tim gets home or where he eats come to that. I know he’s only been here a few days; however I’ve hardly seen him. Certainly not the start of an average relationship, nevertheless I’d dislike someone constantly bothering me, so this way is plausible. My life is busy so I don’t think too deeply about run of the mill stuff, only things that affect the running of my pub, i.e. Vie Butler.
I didn’t see Tim until I was in bed, in fact not so much saw him as felt him as he slipped under my duvet. We made love…and I remember falling asleep in his arms. When I woke up this morning, I was on my own…this guy is such an elusive character, mystifying even. I daresay his ways will eventually fall into place.
When Kate arrived for work she certainly didn’t look a happy bunny, so my immediate reaction was things had not gone well with Jodie. ‘I’m gathering by your look Kate that Jodie’s response wasn’t good.’
‘My ears are still ringing from the verbal Lucy, her vocabulary includes words even I haven’t heard before.’
‘Well teens seems to have their own language anyway, shortened syllables I believe.’ This was my attempt to lighten the mood.
‘Lucy I wouldn’t even repeat them apart from informing you I’m a fatherless snoop, or words to that effect.’
‘She didn’t believe the story I take it?’
‘Totally incredulous.’ Kate adds grimly.
‘So now you’re going to try plan B?’
‘Jodie has declared if I speak to Archie she’ll do a runner.’
‘I’d take that with a pinch of salt Hun, as how would she survive without food, clothes, mobile, money, shall I go on?’
‘That’s as maybe Lucy but I can’t take any chances, the media is full of horrific stories about teens these day. God forbid I’d never forgive myself.’ Kate added tearfully.
‘Ok Hun leave it with me, there has to be a way of overcoming this without you being involved.’ I assure.
‘Tread carefully please Lucy; because she’ll know I’ve told you.’
‘Mum’s the word.’ I add as I tap my nose. Truthfully I hope I can deal with this, at the moment I probably sound a lot more positive than I’m feeling. Leaving Jena in the kitchen with Kate and Grace I go in search of Archie.
With Jayne already behind the bar made it easy for me to call Archie to one side without interruptions.
‘Archie there’s an issue I feel I should make you aware of, however I would be grateful if you kept the information purely between the two of us.’
‘I’m intrigued, what’s wrong Lucy.’ He replied curiously.
‘Nothing wrong as such, in fact as I relay the story I’m sure you’ll understand.’ So as tactfully as possible I conveyed the story to date. As I was talking I was also watching his facial reactions, which were very expressive. I was trying to define if he was aware of Jodie’s interest, as the thought had crossed my mind tha
t he could be. Jodie may only be sixteen years old; nevertheless she’s an exceptionally pretty girl with an hour glass figure. At the end of my account I was somewhat baffled by his reaction, as his expressions had changed throughout.
‘Well Lucy I don’t really know what to say, of course I know Jodie and I get on well with Kate. I mean the girl is sixteen so my theory is she’s old enough to have a boyfriend if she wanted to. Maybe Kate should let go of the apron strings a tad or she could lose her.’
‘So are you saying you’re aware of her crush on you?’ I ask cautiously.
‘No that’s not what I’m saying Lucy I’m looking at the bigger picture.’
‘Ok I see where you’re coming from and believe me I had no intention of prying on your social life Archie. Although I don’t have kids I can imagine Kate’s concern.’
‘That’s fine Lucy, don’t worry I’ll keep this conversation between us.’
Walking away I had reservations about the whole dispute, had I been right to approach Archie? I mean he’s a grown man; my main concern was to help Kate. The verdict on my chat today is confusing, is he aware? In fact perhaps he knows her better than Kate could even have anticipated, I’ll keep my eye on them both, purely because I’m curious and Kate is a dear friend. Venturing back into the kitchen to speak to Kate, I decide not to reveal all of my thoughts, as I have no wish to worry her more than necessary. As Archie said she is sixteen and let’s face it youngsters have a far different outlook on life at that age….how does it go? Mm yes they know it all.
‘I’ve had a word with Archie; he won’t mention it to Jodie.’
‘But did he know about it, what did he say?’ Kate urges as she wipes her floury hands round her face.
‘He didn’t say much at all Kate it was me who did most of the talking, try not to worry love. Your little girl is growing up fast.’ I smile, trying desperately to lift the mood.