Without Question

by Pamela Christine

  The rest of the morning seemed to drag on, and I found myself daydreaming about my weekend with Tom. In fact, I struggled to get the whole thing out of my head, especially now I knew about Kathryn and Anton. I was disturbed by the coughing of a large man sat behind me, which made me jump and brought me crashing back to reality.

  At lunch time I looked for someone to share a table with. I could see Mavis Stockwell who was head of the research department in London, sat with John Wright who was the Regional Manager and thought he was every woman’s answer to Mr Perfect, when in fact he was just annoying. He was average height, middle aged, with a middle-aged spread to match. I made my way over to join them.

  John got up out of his seat as I arrived at the table and greeted me with a kiss on the cheek. I shuddered, and not with delight.

  “Lovely to see you, Alex. How have you been?”

  “Fine, thank you, John, and you?”

  “I’m good, thank you. You’ve met Mavis before, haven’t you?”

  “Yes, of course I have. How are you, Mavis?”

  Mavis just replied with a ‘fine, thank you’ and shrunk back into herself; she never had much to say. She was late forties but dressed a lot older than her years. I never knew how to take her. She always seemed quiet, but she could chair a meeting no problem.

  “You’re looking as lovely as ever, Alex. What have you been doing with yourself since I last saw you?”

  “Oh, not much, John, just working. You know how it is!”

  “Say, why don’t we catch up over a drink tonight? Are you booked in at the hotel?”

  “No, sorry, I’m not. Got to get back tonight. I’m back in at work tomorrow.” Thank goodness, I thought. I couldn’t have stood a night talking about work and trying to fight off his advances.

  The afternoon was just as boring as the morning, and I was beginning to wish I hadn’t made such an effort to get there, as I didn’t feel it was worth it. Luckily, I managed to slip out before it ended, as I wanted to make sure I got back to the station on time.

  When I got on the train, I found what I thought was a quiet carriage and I must have nodded off, waking only when somebody’s garish ringtone started playing noisily, much to everyone’s annoyance. Jeez, why can’t people have some respect and leave their phones on silent when in enclosed public spaces? I was so tired. I’d been up early and chasing around to get to the most boring meeting. I just wasn’t in the mood.

  I glanced up at the offender, giving him the evil eye as he answered the call. I reached into my bag to look for the day’s notes to read, in an attempt to distract me from the sound of his voice. I put them back in my bag after a few minutes. I wasn’t in the right mood to digest them. As I opened my bag, I caught sight of Susan’s book and pulled it out again to give it another try.

  I managed to read another couple of chapters and wondered what all the fuss was about. I remembered Lily saying to give it a chance, so flicked through it until I reached something that caught my eye. Chapter seven seemed to be where it began. Some of the scenes did remind me a little of Tom. I wondered if he had read this book too and couldn’t help but laugh to myself.

  I arrived home around 9pm. I was pleased I could charge my expenses to work, what with all the taxis and trains. As I pulled up in the taxi, I noticed my car was gone and instead Sal’s was on the drive. I loved Sal, but after the day I had, I wasn’t sure that I felt like her company tonight.

  I walked into the living room, finding James and Sal sat opposite one another on the sofas.

  “Ah, here you are, Alex. I’ve been here since seven!”

  “Well, sorry about that, Sal, but I thought James would have told you about my terrible morning, hence my late return. Where are the boys?”

  “Oh, I think they’re both at some friend’s house, said they might not be in tonight, rehearsing or something.”

  One of the boys had recently decided to form a band. I couldn’t knock it as I’d tried it with a couple of friends when I was at school. It was all good fun and something to reflect on later in life.

  “Hmm, James, did mention you had a problem with the car.”

  “Oh yes, by the way, Alex, I phoned John at the garage. He picked your car up today and said he should be able to get it back to you by Friday. He’s going to ring tomorrow and let you know what is wrong with it and give you a quote.”

  “Great. Well, if you don’t mind, Sal, I’m going to nip for a shower and head off to bed. It’s been a long day.” I wasn’t in the mood for small talk. I leant over the couch, gave her a kiss on the cheek and headed for the door.

  “Ok, hun, no worries. I’ll text you tomorrow.” I felt a little guilty after Sal had been waiting there for so long, but I was really exhausted and needed my bed.

  As I entered the kitchen the next morning, James was full of it. Not in a bad way, he just seemed unusually happy.

  “I meant to tell you last night, Jack rang to invite us to a party round at theirs on Friday night. I said we would go.”

  The thought of spending an evening with Jack and Sarah constantly sniping at each other filled me with dread, especially as I would probably get stuck with Sarah as she didn’t have many other close friends.

  “Huh, you did, did you? What if I don’t want to go?”

  “Don’t go then. I just thought it would be a nice change. We haven’t been out with them for ages. I mentioned it to Sal as well last night, and she said she fancies it.”

  Well, no change there, I thought. Sal won’t turn a party down. “How come you’ve asked Sal? She hardly knows them.” Not that I was bothered; at least I would have someone else to talk to.

  “Well, she sounded a bit down, so I said she could come with us. Besides, they won’t mind.”

  I don’t think James had a clue about what was going on with Jack and Sarah. Sometimes he couldn’t see what was going on right in front of him, although I would have thought Jack would have mentioned it to him.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Friday night came all too soon. James was in from work unusually early, and after tea, he was first in the shower. The boys were out. We didn’t seem to see much of them these days.

  Oliver, or Olly as he liked to be known, was sticking it out with the band. While Daniel, or should I say Dan, wanted to concentrate on getting into university, which I was pleased about. I would have loved Oliver to do the same, but at the moment he was following his dream. I’m sure it will come one day.

  I had grabbed a coffee and settled on the sofa to catch up on the news when James came down.

  “Come on then, aren’t you getting ready?” In all honesty, I wasn’t that bothered about going to this party. I really just fancied staying in with a glass of wine and a good book. “I said we would be there at 7.30, and its nearly seven now.”

  I glanced up at James, took a sip from my coffee and made my way up to the bedroom. I searched through my wardrobe for something to wear. I came across a distressed pair of jeans and decided to wear those, then managed to find a top that would complement them nicely. I quickly rummaged through my underwear draw for something to go underneath and headed for the shower.

  In no time, I was out and ready. I managed to not get my hair wet. I couldn’t be bothered to wash it.

  James shouted up from downstairs. “How you are doing up there?”

  “Yes, I’m nearly ready.” I popped a bit of eyeliner and mascara on, blushed my cheeks up and was ready to go.

  When I came downstairs, James was already making his way out the door. “Come on!”

  I slipped some heels on and followed him out.

  When we arrived at Jack and Sarah’s, there were already a few people there, but no sign of Sal. Jack came to greet us. “Alex, glad you could make it. You look lovely as ever.”

  James made some brief small talk with Jack and then went to find Sal. I made my way into the kitchen to make myself a drink and then went back into the hallway. I was surprised to see so many people. I wasn’t expecting that.
I wondered if they were mostly work colleagues.

  I took a seat on one of the stairs, sipped my wine and waited for Sal to appear. While I was sitting there, Sarah came down the stairs. “Alex, so glad you could make it.”

  We exchanged a kiss on the cheek, and I moved over slightly so she could sit beside me. She seemed a lot happier. Sarah said that she and Jack had been getting on better lately. I was pleased for her, although I had some reservations. I felt it was probably false on Jack’s part as he was not to be trusted.

  After a short while, Sarah got called away to talk to somebody else, and I was once again alone on the stairs. James came through into the hallway with a drink in hand. “Ah, there you are. I’ve been looking for you. I can’t see Sal anywhere.”

  “Maybe she didn’t fancy it.”

  “Hmm, still not like her to turn down a party though.”

  We sat there in silence for a while. I didn’t know what to say to him. In the background, someone had put some jazz music on. I turned to James and said, “I like sax.”

  “I’m surprised to hear you say that.”

  “Why, what do you mean?”

  “You saying that you like sex!”

  I began laughing out loud. “I didn’t!”

  “Well, yes, you did, just now!”

  “No, I said I like sax! The saxophone.” We both began to laugh. I thought to myself, Actually, I do like sex, James. It’s just you never took the time to share it much with me.

  My thought was suddenly disturbed as Jack came over to us. “So, how’s my favourite couple then?”

  “Fine, thanks, and you?”

  “Yes, I’m good, Alex. Busy with work and that. What have you been up to?” With that, James deserted me again as he caught sight of Sal coming through the door.

  “Erm, I’ve not been up to much really, Jack.”

  He squeezed up beside me on the stairs, and once again I felt uncomfortable around him. I thought the world of Sarah. She was a lovely person who would do anything for anyone, a little annoying at times, but then again who isn’t?

  “So, where have you been going on your nights away?”

  I quickly turned to look at him, and I felt myself going red. “What? I haven’t got a clue what you’re on about.”

  “I mean your overnight stays. Where do you go?”

  I clenched my wine glass and took a large gulp from it. “Not that it’s any business of yours, but I have had to attend several business meetings.”

  Jack tossed his head back and laughed at me. “As if you would be up to anything.”

  Just for a minute, I wanted to tell him, just let him know that I had been up to more than he could imagine. Well, maybe not, but more than he would ever imagine that I would do. I had to stop myself, but I did just want him to know. He turned and stroked my cheek. “Oh, my dear Alex.” I could feel the hairs on my neck rising. He made me shudder. I half-smiled at him, quickly got up and walked away.

  I made my way into the kitchen to join James and Sal. “Hi, Al, how’s it going?” She winked at me as she said it.

  “Yeah, I’m good thanks. What about you?”

  “I’m fine. James was telling me you’ve had a lot of work away, what was it, seminars?”

  I looked up at Sal and couldn’t believe she had said it. What was with everyone tonight? “Yes, that’s right. We’re very busy at work and I seem to have drawn the short straw.”

  Sal smiled at me as she took another sip of her wine as James disappeared to mingle. She let out a loud laugh. “You handled that well, Alex.”

  “You’re unreal. Why did you do that?”

  “Your face was a picture!”

  I shook my head and couldn’t help but laugh at what she had done. “So, how is Mr Grey?”

  “He’s fine, thank you.”

  “And when is your next meeting?”

  “Look, can we change the subject please?”

  “No, I’m interested on how things are going.”

  “Well…”

  Just then Sarah came into the kitchen. I’ve never been so pleased to see her. “Great party, Sarah! Thanks for inviting us.”

  “No problem, glad you’re enjoying it!”

  She started talking to Sal, so I slipped away. In all honesty, I wasn’t in the mood for a party and I felt like I should go. I found James and told him I wanted to leave. He clearly didn’t want to, so I told him just to stay and that I would see him when he got back. I slipped out of the door and waited for my taxi on the front. I very much doubted anyone would miss me.

  Chapter Eighteen

  The weekend passed quickly. James nursed his hangover and I didn’t really do anything. I couldn’t be bothered. By the time Monday morning arrived, I realised I still hadn’t heard anything from Tom. Susan and Lily were nattering on about a load of rubbish, and I was just nodding in the right places– at least I hoped I was.

  My boredom was interrupted by the sound of my phone, signalling I had received a message. It was Tom.

  Can you make it this weekend?

  I wanted to reply instantly, my heart was pounding, but I felt I should make him wait. I slipped my phone back into my bag.

  “Anyone interesting?” remarked Lily.

  “No, just Oliver.” I could feel my skin colouring up as I said it. I read the same line on my computer about four times before I realised it was no good; I had to text him back.

  Yes, possibly, I will let you know later today.

  I knew that I could make it, but I mustn’t seem too keen.

  OK, can you let me know by 5 so I can get things sorted?

  I’m guessing “things” meant he had to make his excuses to his wife.

  I texted Tom back around three that afternoon and told him I would be there. When I got home, I told James that I was going to visit my friend again at the weekend.

  “Yes, you should go see how she’s coping without her husband.”

  Well, that was relatively easy, I thought. He didn’t seem to bat an eyelid.

  I had a really busy week at work, trying to get on top of all my jobs before the weekend so I didn’t have to think about them while I was away.

  I was sat at my desk trying to complete one of my research papers when I was interrupted by Susan.

  “So how are you getting on with Mr Grey then?”

  I looked up from my desk in shock, wondering how she could know. Susan stared at me in anticipation of my reply.

  I stumbled for the right words to say. “I… Erm, well I… Erm, don’t know what you mean.” I felt myself going red as I said it

  “The book, Alex, what do you think?”

  A wave of relief rushed over me – the book! “Oh, the book! Well, yes, it’s ok, I did skip a few pages though.”

  “So which chapter are you on?”

  “I think I’m about to start chapter eight.”

  “Ooh, you’re in for a treat, isn’t she, Lily?”

  “Yes, stick with it. You won’t believe what they get up to!” Somehow, I think I will, I thought.

  “My husband reckons it’s changed our marriage. What about you, Lily?”

  Lily just blushed a little and turned back to face her computer.

  “He said he’s never had so much.” I listened as Susan proceeded to tell me the intimate details of her sex life, which I felt was a bit too much information.

  As the afternoon wore on, I decided I needed a drink, so I texted Sal to see what she was up to.

  Hi Sal, any chance we could meet up after work for a drink?

  She replied straight away.

  Yeah sure, is everything okay?

  Yes, all good, I just need a chat!

  Okay then, I’ll see you in our usual place about 6.00.

  See you later!

  I messaged James as well to let him know I wouldn’t be in till late, but just got the usual okay from him.

  I left the office around five thirty and made my way into the centre of town. I had been walking for around ten minutes
when I was caught in a torrential shower, and as usual I didn’t have a brolly with me. I began to run, looking up at the sky and hoping it would ease up soon. As I struggled along in my heels, I suddenly stumbled, falling sideways and crashing into an athletic-looking man as he made his way out of Marks & Spencer’s. I wanted to swear but managed to contain it to a grunt under my breath.

  “Are you okay?” he asked.

  “Yes, thank you, I’m fine.”

  “Are you sure? You look a bit shook up.”

  “No, really, I’m good, thank you.” I quickly composed myself and carried on up the street.

  I reached the wine bar looking like a drowned rat. Sal was already sat at the table, looking like she had just stepped off the catwalk as usual.

  “Oh my, is it raining?” I looked up at her and glared. She began to laugh. “Did you not bring a brolly?”

  “Oh yeah, I just chose not to use it.” We both laughed.

  Sal poured me a glass of wine from the half-drunk bottle on the table. I took a large mouthful and sank back into my chair. “I needed that.”

  “I’m guessing you’ve had a bad day?”

  “No, not really… Well, Susan has driven me mad as usual, and I thought she had found out about Tom.”

  “Why, what did she say?”

  “Well, she asked how Mr Grey was…”

  Sal nearly spat her drink out as I told her. “So, what did you say?”

  “Well, I stumbled a bit, then she said, ‘You know, the book.’” Sal fell about laughing. “You see, I borrowed the book off her. Anyway, I’m glad you think it’s funny! I was mortified!”