by Nikki Ashton
Charlotte was not having such fun in Kent; she had slept fitfully after her liaison with Niall in the lift. Whey they had both finally picked their jaws up off the floor Niall had been the first to speak.
“Wh-what are you doing here?” he asked, running a hand across his head.
Charlotte stared at him, realising how tired he looked. Underneath his eyes were big dark circles, and his complexion was pale. He was dressed in the same charcoal grey suit he had worn during the day that they’d argued. The trousers were creased; his shirtsleeves were rolled up, and his jacket was flung over the briefcase in his hand. Definite signs of a horrendous journey at the end of a long day. Fighting the urge to stroke his tired face, Charlotte answered his question.
“I’m here for a few days holiday, to get away from everything.” Charlotte emphasised the last part of the statement, wanting Niall to know that he had spoiled her plans.
Niall shrugged his shoulders. “Oh, not that it is any of your business, but I’m here for a law conference in the City.” He narrowed his eyes to ease the pain in his head.
“And you just happened to be staying here,” Charlotte snapped back at him. “How coincidental is that?”
“I could say the same to you,” cried Niall, thrusting a hand to his hip. “I’ve had this booked for weeks, ask Paul.”
Charlotte frowned, rather unattractively. “Paul, why should I ask Paul, what has he got to do with it?”
“He recommended the place, told me to ask for…”
“Giles,” chorused Charlotte. “Now I know what Paul has to do with it. The little prat has set us up. I'll kill him!”
Niall didn’t smile, but he didn’t look angry either; simply weary. “Look,'” he sighed “I won’t be around much in the day, and I’m sure that we can avoid each other in the evening, what’s past is past. Anyway this is my floor, so well have a good holiday.” He moved toward the gate, as the lift lurched to a standstill.
Charlotte moved with him. “Mine too.”
They both turned left down the corridor, walking in silence, until Charlotte stopped outside her door.
“Good night then. I hope the conference goes well, and no offence, but I hope I don’t see you around.” She gave an empty laugh, amazed that Paul could do this to her.
As she turned the key in the lock, Charlotte sneaked one last look at Niall as he walked down the corridor; however, he wasn’t walking; he was opening the door to the room next to hers.
Obviously feeling a pair of eyes staring at him, Niall turned back too.
“Ah well,” he shrugged, “I suppose that we should at least try to be civil to one another, seeing as we are neighbours.”
With that he disappeared inside, leaving an open-mouthed Charlotte alone in the corridor.
Now here Charlotte was, walking down to breakfast, after what seemed like only a few minutes sleep. On getting out of the shower she had contemplated asking for breakfast in her room, but then decided against it. She was as entitled as Niall Devine to enjoy the hotel, and he was not going to force her into becoming a hermit at meal times.
As she walked into the dining room, Charlotte heard a familiar voice behind her; it was Frank, leading Margaret to breakfast.
“Good morning dear and how are you today?” He smiled gently, as he laid a hand on her shoulder.
“Oh not too bad thank you. How are you both?” Charlotte tried to sound jolly, but it wasn’t really happening.
“Very well my dear, although you sound a little tired. Is something troubling you?” Margaret asked, as she reached out for Charlotte’s hand.
Charlotte guided her hand towards Margaret’s. “No, I’m fine thank you Margaret; I think that I just need some fresh air to liven me up a little.”
Margaret turned to Frank, still holding tightly onto Charlotte’s hand. “Francis weren’t you going along the road for a little walk before breakfast?” She now turned back to Charlotte. “He likes to walk briskly, and he can’t when I’m with him. Would you sit with me for breakfast while he goes?”
Margaret ran a diamond-laden finger on the edge of her Jacques Vert jacket, as though checking that Frank had dressed her suitably. Satisfied that he had, she then patted her chignon, checking that it too was perfect.
“Of course I can,” answered Charlotte. “That would be lovely.” Not totally sure that she could cope with the questioning that she knew she was going to get.
As Frank went off for his walk, and according to Margaret, a crafty smoke and greasy café fry up, Charlotte led the way to their table.
Charlotte ate a wonderful cooked breakfast, and Margaret muesli and fresh fruit – hence Frank’s amenability to go out for breakfast, all the while chatting about their family and friends. When they had finished eating Margaret started her inquisition, her opening gambit was not subtle, but straight to the point.
“So, Charlotte what is it that’s troubling you today?” She edged her fingers across the table, until she found her coffee cup and gently lifted it up to drink the steaming liquid.
Charlotte found the words tumbling out, just as they had the previous evening; what was it about this lady? She made her babble on about her innermost thoughts?
“Oh dear,” said Margaret, finally. “But don’t you think that it’s probably fate that has brought him here?”
“No,” replied Charlotte. “I think that it’s more like some stupid prat of a boss of mine that has brought him here.”
“But he obviously has your best interests at heart. He realises how awful it is for you to have found someone you love, only to have him snatched away because of the bitterness of an ex-boyfriend,” Margaret sighed.
“I don’t know whether I do love him though, I hardly know him. Anyway, I told you about his wedding, so how I feel doesn’t come into it.” Charlotte was saying the words, but really she knew, deep down, that she did love Niall. If she didn't why did it feel so bad?
“Of course you love him.” Margaret echoed Charlotte’s thoughts. “I can tell because of the way that you describe him, and those beautiful eyes of his. I’m blind Charlotte, but I have a good picture up here of what he looks like.” She tapped the side of her head with a long, bony finger. I think you can only give a description that detailed when you truly love someone.”
Charlotte looked forlornly at Margaret, if only things were different, and she was enjoying a happy life with Niall; but it wasn’t going to happen.
“You know Charlotte, the length of time that you’ve known someone doesn’t really have any bearing on whether you love them or not.” Margaret smiled so widely that it lit up the whole of her face. “You must not let time fool you. I knew Frank for two weeks before we got married. I was on holiday in Torquay with my parents, and on the first day Mother took me to the hairdresser. Frank was there working as a trainee, and he cut my hair for me; his first cut on a client. We were both smitten and couldn’t stand the thought of being separated when I went home to Birmingham. I was only sixteen, and we ran off to Gretna Green after five days of knowing each other.”
Charlotte’s eyes widened. “Really?”
“Oh yes and that was sixty years ago. We’ve now got three wonderful sons and ten marvellous grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; so don’t tell me that you can’t possibly love someone whom you haven’t known for long, because I won’t agree with you.”
Charlotte felt warm inside. It was a wonderful story and Margaret, and Frank evidently shared something special; however, that didn’t mean that she, and Niall should be together.
“Well whatever, he’s spoiled my bloody holiday by turning up here,” Charlotte grumbled, pushing her tea- cup away. “I’m going to kill Paul when I get back.”
Out of the corner of her eyes, Charlotte suddenly spotted Frank, hovering near the doorway. She smiled and beckoned him over.
“I see that you’ve emptied the place with your gossiping then,” Frank remarked, looking around at the now empty dining room.
“Oh dear, are
they waiting for us to leave?” Margaret asked, pushing herself up from her chair. “Now remember Charlotte think about what I’ve said, and take every opportunity that comes your way.”
Charlotte smiled, and standing up hugged Margaret to her. “I will.”
Suddenly, behind them, there was a clattering of glass, as someone crashed into one of the tables that had already been laid for lunch. Charlotte and Frank turned to see who the perpetrator was.
“Niall,” gasped Charlotte, her legs suddenly shaking and her heart thumping.
A casually dressed Niall was bending down to pick up the knives and forks from the floor. “Blast it, I’ve missed breakfast then?” He looked up sheepishly, aiming his question at Charlotte.
Charlotte’s face shone like a beacon; what if Niall had caught her talking about him? He looked very handsome in his frayed jeans and thick sweater; how could he keep doing this to her blood pressure?
“Y-y-yes,” she stammered. “It was over about half an hour ago. I think that they’ve just been waiting for us to leave. Anyway, I would have expected you to be long gone." Charlotte tried to scold him, but he seemed so disappointed at missing his breakfast, that she flashed him a huge smile.
“No, not today. The part of the conference that I need to attend doesn’t start until tomorrow. I was in London yesterday, so didn’t see the point in going home to have to come back again.” He seemed nervous as he pulled the arms of his jumpers down over his hands.
Charlotte had to fight the urge to run over and hold him tightly. She so wanted to tell everyone that this was her man, and that he loved her.
Margaret interrupted her reverie. “Are you going to introduce us Charlotte?” The smile upon her face showed that she already knew who the noisy stranger was.
“Oh yes sorry. Margaret and Frank, this is Niall Devine a business associate of mine. Niall these are Margaret and Frank, who I met yesterday. I'm so sorry I don’t even know your surname.”
Frank stuck out his hand in Niall’s direction. “Blackstock, pleased to meet you Mr Devine.”
Niall took his hand and pumped it furiously.
“Pleased to meet you too Mr Blackstock, and you Mrs Blackstock.” Niall shook Margaret’s hand, a little more gently. “And may I say how lovely you look.”
As she watched, Charlotte recognised the same glint in Margaret’s eyes that had been in Gwen’s whenever she was in Niall’s company. He definitely had a way with the older lady. She grinned, as a slight blush appeared on Margaret’s cheeks.
“Ooh what a lovely accent you have Mr Devine, there’s something about the Irish.” Margaret giggled.
“Stop flirting with the man,” cried Frank, with good humour. “Let him get himself some breakfast.”
Charlotte nodded. “Yes, I’m sure that if you ask they’d make you something.” She suddenly felt uneasy, being in such close proximity to him; and not being able to touch.
“No, I’ll not bother them now.” Niall looked around at the busy waiters whom were clearing up the breakfast debris. “I can last until lunch, I won’t starve.”
Charlotte started to make her escape, and moved a few steps from the group. “Well, I’ll be off then. I’ve lots of sightseeing to do and so little time to do it in.” Charlotte’s voice quivered, as Niall looked at her intently while she spoke.
“What about you Mr Devine, what are you doing today?” Margaret asked, flashing a radiant smile.
Charlotte opened her mouth like a fish, wanting to protest, but Margaret was already arranging their day for them.
“Perhaps you could do some sightseeing with Charlotte, spend the day together. After all, you do know each other; there’s no need to spend the day alone.”
"Oh I’m sure that Charlotte has her own plans, don’t you?” Niall pleaded.
Charlotte nodded, and moved even further away. “Yes, yes I have. And I’d better get going.”
“Nonsense,” Margaret almost bellowed. “Go with Mr Devine and enjoy yourself. Don’t you think that it would be a good idea Francis?” She turned towards Frank, who showed his agreement.
“Absolutely.” He nodded.
Niall allowed a small smile to escape. “Okay,” he sighed in submission. “As long as Charlotte doesn’t mind.”
Charlotte didn’t really mind. It would be wonderful spending a day with Niall, but she wasn’t sure that her heart could take it; already worrying that it was going to jump out of her mouth, at any moment.
She slowly shook her head. “No, I don’t mind,” she whispered, her face matching the same red as her jumper.
“Good, that’s settled then. I tell you what, why don’t we all meet up for dinner this evening, and you can tell us what sort of a day that you’ve had?" Margaret looked very pleased with herself.
“Oh I don’t know…” Charlotte started to remonstrate.
Niall realising that they were not going to win placed a hand on Margaret’s arm. “That would be lovely, is eight o’clock okay?” He quickly winked at Charlotte.
“Lovely,” answered Frank. “We will see you both then. Come on Margaret let’s be off.” Frank held Margaret’s arm as they glided out of the dining room, leaving a bewildered Charlotte staring after them.
“You don’t have to spend the day with me.” Niall broke the silence, as he moved next to her.
“Sorry, no, no, it’s fine,” she stammered. “I just didn’t want you to feel pressured into it.” Charlotte looked away quickly, trying to stem the rush of adrenaline that flooded her body when she looked at him.
“Well, she’s an old lady who seems to think of herself as some sort of matchmaker; so how can we disappoint her?” Niall smiled widely, putting Charlotte at ease.
The adrenaline was still flowing, but her heartbeat had slowed down. Spending the day with each other could be okay; at least, they could get back on speaking terms. Charlotte was just surprised that Niall would want to spend the day with her; merely days ago he seemed to hate her.
“Well, we should get going, I suppose,” said Charlotte, smiling shyly. “I hope that she’s not going to be too sad, that her matchmaking doesn’t work.”
She didn’t know why she had said that, but Charlotte winced as she saw the frown that suddenly became etched on Niall’s brow. She knew that the comment had made her sound bitter, and that was the last thing she wanted if they were to spend the day together.
“I mean, she obviously doesn’t know that we are just friends.” She glanced at Niall, hoping that she’d rescued the situation.
Niall smiled at her. “I know what you meant,” he said, the smile not reaching his eyes. “I’ll meet you back in here in half an hour then.” He fiddled with his thumb ring, looking as uncomfortable as Charlotte felt.
“Okay,” Charlotte nodded. “See you then.”
As she went back to her room, leaving Niall to try to scrounge some breakfast, Charlotte wondered what the day would bring, but more to the point, how had she let herself get talked into it. First Paul and now Margaret, if she didn’t know better she would have thought that they were in cahoots with each other. What she did know was that they were definitely in a league with the devil.
She also wondered about Niall’s attitude again. She hadn’t imagine it; he had seemed to hate her a few days ago, and now he was positively friendly. Well, if he was willing to make an effort, then so would she; she only hoped that she didn’t show her true feelings too much.
They drove for miles in companionable silence, both thankful that there was no awkwardness between them, and Charlotte sneaking sideways glances at Niall’s handsome profile.
She had wanted to tell Niall, once again, that she hadn’t slept with Grant on that night, but somehow it didn’t seem appropriate; plus things seemed to be going well, and she didn’t want to spoil the atmosphere. Charlotte realised that she had to move on, just as Niall was doing.
Finally, they pulled up in a rather deserted seaside town, no one around except an old man walking his dog along the sea wall
that was lined with little wooden bathing huts. The obligatory fish and chip wrappers flew around as the seagulls screamed overhead, but otherwise, there was nothing and no one there. Glancing at a greasy piece of paper shuffling around his feet, Niall suggested that they went and get some fish and chips for lunch, and perhaps eat them on the beach. Charlotte hesitated at first, paranoid about the thought of a huge seagull swooping down to pinch her cod, but then agreed. Niall thought she was barmy enough as it was, and if she voiced such an illogical fear, he would surely suggest that they go straight back to the hotel. And so they trudged off towards the smell of frying chips.
“What is it about fish and chips from the seaside?” Charlotte asked, as she screwed up, her now empty wrapper and threw it into the bin next to her. “They taste so much better.”
“Well if its good fish and chips that you want you should try my local chipper at home in Ireland.” Niall coughed, slightly embarrassed, realising that it was highly unlikely that Charlotte would be visiting his home town anytime soon.
Charlotte, feeling his discomfort, changed the subject. “So, what is this conference all about then?”
“Oh, it’s about some of the new company laws that are coming out regarding diversity of, and prejudice in the workplace, boring but essential,” he explained, staring out to sea. “Anyway,” he continued. “What about you, what are you going to do with yourself while you are here?”
Charlotte shrugged and smiled broadly. “Shopping probably, maybe a little more sightseeing, but I think I’m more in the mood for retail therapy than anything else.”
Niall nodded as he pulled up the collar on his denim jacket as the wind swirled around them with more gusto. “I understand. I have sisters and know how much shopping can help.” He grinned, flashing his beautiful teeth. “So tell me, how are those friends of yours, have they sorted out their differences?”
Charlotte was surprised that he had remembered, but because he had the urge to kiss him increased. “No, not really,” she sighed. “Kerry mistakenly thought that Kelvin was messing around with another woman, and so she has gone away for a while.” As soon as the words “messing around” left her lips Charlotte wished they hadn’t. She noticed a shadow pass over Niall’s face.