Mim was relieved to see that Rick at least had the decency to look guilty, and there was no evidence of his usual cocky swagger. ‘To be honest, I think it’s fair to say I wouldn’t exactly have been over the moon to hear from you.’ The cold was creeping into her bones and mingled with the anxiety that had started to swirl in her gut, making her shiver.
‘No, I don’t blame you, but I owe you a hell of an apology, Mim. I honestly don’t know what I was thinking of; you were the best thing that ever happened to me – everybody said that, and it’s true – but I had to go and fuck things up, and get taken in by some meaningless girl’s flattery; she was so bloody pushy, practically offering it on a plate. Me and my bloody pathetic male ego; I don’t know where my head was at the time. I’m really sorry, Mim. If I could turn the clock back I would never have even looked at her. What we had was so good, you and me, I realised that pretty much straight away; I was such a bloody idiot.’ He paused for a moment, gnawing at his bottom lip. ‘Look, I’ll kick myself if I don’t ask this, but I don’t suppose there’s a chance … for us, I mean?’ He went to reach for Mim’s hand but she quickly stuffed it into the safety of her coat pocket.
‘I’m sorry, Rick, there isn’t, it’s too late.’ If he’d asked her this a few weeks ago, she knew her answer would have been very different; her heart would have leapt at the chance. But not today. Her life was complicated enough. He needed to know they were very definitely over; that there was no going back. She took a fortifying breath. ‘I’ve moved on since we broke up; I’m a different person now.’
‘Oh, right, okay. Shame.’ A few beats passed as he searched her face. Mim couldn’t work out if he was trying to read her thoughts or if he was waiting to see if she’d change her mind. ‘So, are you seeing anyone at the moment?’
‘Mmm-hmm.’ She nodded. ‘Yep.’
‘Is it serious?’
‘It’s early days, but it has potential.’ That’s wishful thinking and you know it.
‘It’s Aidey, isn’t it? I always thought you two would get—’
‘It’s not Aidey, it’s no one you know.’ The look in his eyes set her heart pounding, making her wish she hadn’t stopped to speak to him. Rick was tugging at feelings she’d had for him not so long ago, rifling around her mind in the detritus of their relationship. Looking at him today, with those mesmerising dark eyes, it was easy see why she’d fallen for him. But equally, a part of her felt numb to his charms; the attraction she’d once felt had faded and morphed into something very different. It took her by surprise when she recognised this feeling as something akin to pity. She felt sorry for him? She doubted he’d be very happy to hear that. But the more she looked at him the more she became aware of the unmistakable shadow of sadness in his eyes, and the air of loneliness about him. It almost made her want to reach out to him. Almost … but not quite. Like she said, she’d moved on, and she wasn’t going to be a mug for him anymore.
‘Listen, if it doesn’t work out with this new bloke…’ Rick pushed his fingers through his dark, floppy fringe that was now dripping wet with rain. ‘What I’m trying to say is that I’d do anything for the chance to give things another go with you, Mim. I’ve been desperate to put things right. I feel really stupid saying this, but I didn’t realise until it was too late that I’ve, erm, well, you mean a lot to me; a hell of a lot. When it sank in what had happened, what I’d done, I was gutted.’
You’re not the only one. And why did you have to go and say that now, you stupid arse?
Mim was lost for an answer, being tough and hard didn’t come naturally to her. She swallowed her discomfort. ‘I’m really sorry, Rick. Much as I think you’re a lovely guy, I couldn’t run the risk of it happening again. You really hurt me, doing what you did with Honey. I know I probably gave the impression of being a soft touch before, but I’ve changed now; I’ve had to. I never want to go through that again, and I’m afraid I don’t feel that way about you anymore.’
The rain was falling more heavily now, icy splashes slicing at her cheeks, making them sting. ‘I can’t just forget about what you did; you really hurt me, made a fool of me. And, to make matters worse, that girl you cheated on me with now works in my office, at the next desk to mine.’ A constant reminder.
‘What? You’re joking?’ He looked stunned. ‘How the hell has she got a job there?’
‘Her godparents own the magazine. Very convenient, eh?’
Rick shook his head. ‘Watch yourself with her, won’t you, Mim? She’s trouble. Seriously. I wasn’t with her for long; I couldn’t stand all the mind games and manipulation; she messes with your head big time. Singles people out and makes their life hell. Got quite a reputation for it from what I can gather, as well as a nasty jealous streak.’
‘Tell me about it.’ It felt a little surreal, Rick doling out advice about someone he’d dumped her for. Evidently, the grass isn’t always greener. ‘Anyway, this rain’s getting really heavy, you’re getting soaked and I told Aidey I wouldn’t be long. I’d better go.’
‘Oh, okay.’ Disappointment clouded his eyes. He leant across and kissed her cheek, lingering just a little too long. ‘It’s been good to see you again. Look after yourself, Mim. You’ve got my number so you know how to reach me if ever you fancy meeting up.’
‘Bye, Rick.’ His familiar cologne set her nostrils tingling, stirring dormant memories. A warning in her gut kicked in, a timely reminder of Anna-Lisa’s words. Sensing he was about to say something more, Mim turned and hurried off towards the Nutmeg Tree, depriving him of the chance. Don’t look back, just keep on walking. Don’t look back. She continued, head down, collar up, dodging puddles and shoppers huddled against the rain. She was conscious of the weight of his eyes on her until she disappeared amongst the sea of umbrellas. As far as she was concerned, there was nothing left to say. And she was relieved to find his kiss hadn’t rekindled the deep feelings she’d once had for him. Yes, it had evoked a tiny flicker of something but it felt like little more than a superficial attraction.
For the first time, she’d made a decision based on what she wanted to do instead of what some man wanted her to do. It was surprisingly empowering and it felt bloody good! She couldn’t wait to tell Anna; her friend would be so proud of her.
But a little part of Mim couldn’t help but feel she’d been unkind for leaving Rick standing there while rivulets of rain poured down his handsome face, his gorgeous eyes looking unbelievably sad. She quickly pushed a pang of guilt away and strode on; Anna wouldn’t be quite so chuffed if she knew about that.
Mim was relieved to be in the warmth of the coffee shop, the easy playlist and chatter of customers mingling with the delicious aroma of food that sought out her appetite and assuaged her guilt as she squeezed her way to Aidey. His kind face was etched with concern. ‘You okay? You’re drenched. I bet you’re frozen; here, you stand next to the heater, get yourself warmed through.’
She did as she was bid. ‘Thanks, Aidey, you’re a star.’
‘So, you’re alright?’
‘Never better,’ she said, linking her arm through his and giving it a squeeze. ‘Well, I dare say my hair could be; it’ll be a frizzy mess when it dries but hey-ho, I’m used to it now. Anyway, I honestly thought I’d be really upset if I ever saw Rick again, but it turned out to be the opposite. I didn’t really feel anything for him, other than pity. And I didn’t feel upset or heartbroken like I thought I would.’
His face broke into a wide smile. ‘Well, that’s great news, Mimbo.’ He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. ‘I must admit, I was a bit concerned about leaving you, but didn’t want to look like I was sticking my nose in.’
‘It wouldn’t have looked like that, but I needed to face him on my own; prove to myself I was well and truly over him – which I did, and I am. Would you believe he asked me if we could start again?’
‘No way. And what did you say?’
‘I told him there was no chance.’
‘Wow. Yo
u actually said that?’
‘I did, well, words to that effect.’
Aidey smiled, unmistakable happiness in his eyes. ‘Good for you, Mimbo.’
‘I know it was the right thing, but it didn’t stop me from feeling like a mean old moo.’
‘After what he put you through? That’s the last thing you are; you’re way too soft for your own good.’
‘Not today! Today, I’ve been a hard ass! Boudicca eat your heart out!’
22
‘So what do you think the thing with Anna’s money is about?’ Aidey asked as they were leaving the Nutmeg Tree, arms laden with cup carriers and paper carrier bags bursting with sandwiches and traybakes.
‘I don’t know, it felt a bit weird, didn’t it?’ Mim negotiated the slippery cobbles that lined the road along Smiddersgate. The rain had stopped but it was still bitterly cold and underfoot could be dicey.
Aidey nodded. ‘It did and it’s not at all like Anna, she’s the most organised person I’ve ever met; right down to the smallest details of her life.’
‘Yeah, she is – total opposite of me. It’s her way of dealing with life since she spent so much of her childhood in care. She explained it once, said being organised gave her the feeling that she had control of at least some aspect of her life.’
‘Poor Anna.’
‘For Christ’s sake, don’t let her hear you feeling sorry for her; she’ll have your nuts for earrings faster than you can say “castration”!’
Aidey threw his head back and laughed. ‘Noted!’
‘Still, she did seem genuinely thrown by the money not being in her purse.’
‘Yeah, she did.’
Mim’s appetite had returned and she took a sip of her hot chocolate, noisily sucking a marshmallow through the hole in the lid of her cup.
‘Enjoying that?’ Aidey asked, grinning at her.
‘Mmm. It’s seriously yummy, especially when the marshmallows go all warm and gooey. I couldn’t resist a quick sip when the chocolatey smell wafted under my nose.’
‘So me and half of Smiddersgate gathered.’
‘Cheeky.’ Mim nudged him with her arm.
Aidey laughed. ‘Here we are, walking along the road, dodging traffic and folk rushing around, it’s absolutely chucking it down, there’s rain dripping off your nose, yet you still have to stop for a quick hot chocolate fix.’
‘Can’t see what’s wrong with that myself, and you should know better than to come between a girl and her hot chocolate. And my nose is huge, that’s why so much rain drips off it.’
‘Don’t be daft, there’s nothing wrong with your nose, it’s perfect; you need to stop putting yourself down all the time, Mim.’ He flashed her a quick smile that made her heart squeeze; typical Aidey, always wanting to make you feel better about yourself.
‘Anyway, this thing with Anna and her dosh, you don’t think Caleb might’ve just taken it and forgotten to mention it to her, do you? You know, if he was in a hurry,’ he asked.
‘It’s a possibility, though I can’t see him going in her purse without asking her first, can you?’
‘Not really. And who would do that sort of thing anyway?’
‘I’m not sure,’ said Mim.
‘Well, as far as I’m aware, Caleb’s never done it before. And, thinking about it, it’s unlikely he had the chance since Anna was so sure she’d checked her purse just before she left for work; he leaves before her.’
Aidey was right. That thought sent Mim in a different direction. ‘You don’t think it’s got anything to do with Honey, do you?’
‘It had crossed my mind, but since the pen we’ve been careful not to leave her on her own in the room whenever possible; we both know that’s why Anna didn’t come out with us just now.’
‘True. You don’t think we’re jumping to conclusions, do you, because of what happened with the pen? I mean, when has Honey had the chance to take money from Anna’s purse?’ As the words left her mouth Rick’s warning flashed up in her mind, “Watch her, Mim … she messes with your head…” Maybe there was some substance to their suspicions. ‘Oh, bugger, Catherine called me to go down to her office, said I had to go straight away, she wanted to talk to me about the Facebook and Instagram adverts for the Christmas edition. You and Anna were with Clarissa; I wasn’t gone long – I don’t know why Catherine couldn’t have told me what she wanted over the phone, but you know what she’s like. Anyway, I was only gone a couple of minutes, so if Honey did take it, she had to be flippin’ quick.’
‘Did she look suspicious when you went back in the room? Was she in her seat?’
‘She was fiddling with her chair, muttering about it being the wrong height or something. I didn’t pay much attention, but come to think of it, she did look a bit flustered, I just thought it was another one of her attention-seeking things.’
‘Hmm. I dare say if she’d been in Anna’s bag she wouldn’t have had time to sit down and look like she was working; sounds like she was putting on a little performance so she didn’t look suspicious.’
The worried tone to Aidey’s voice sent anxiety scurrying up Mim’s spine. ‘Shit! I’d better check my bag, make sure she hasn’t stuffed it in there like she did with the pen.’
Once they reached the entrance to Yorkshire Portions, Aidey held her bag open as she searched through it, a task made much easier since she’d got rid of the clutter. He lowered his voice. ‘Listen, I think it’s probably best if we don’t say anything about our suspicions to anyone just yet; we don’t know it’s Honey for definite, and we don’t want to go making false accusations. I think we should keep it to ourselves till we know what we’re going to do about it. Obviously, we need to talk to Anna, but we can do that after work. Are you getting a lift with Caspar?’
Mim nodded. ‘Yep, he’s heading my way anyway.’ Why did she feel the need to add that bit? ‘And, there’s no sign of the money in my bag, thank goodness.’ Her shoulders slumped as relief washed over her.
‘Well, that’s something at least. Anyway, I’ll tell Anna what we think when we’re walking to the carpark after work tonight; I’d rather not mention it in the office, you never know who’s listening there. But we definitely need to say something to her before she goes home and accuses Caleb of taking it.’
Mim nodded. ‘You’re right, things aren’t exactly rosy between the two of them, and that definitely wouldn’t help, but let’s hope she hasn’t already texted him about it.’
‘I’ve got a feeling she won’t have done.’
‘What on earth are you two doing, dithering about on the doorstep looking like you’re plotting something?’ Kenneth appeared behind them, making Mim jump. ‘Anyone would think you weren’t aware there’s work to be done and we’ve got a deadline looming.’
‘Blimey, Kenneth, you gave me a shock!’ Mim pressed her hand against her chest.
‘We’re on our lunch break,’ said Aidey. ‘And we’re back early.’
‘Lunch break? What’s a lunch break? It’s years since I took one of those; wouldn’t recognise one if it slapped me in the face.’ He pushed past them, turned around and shook his umbrella out, sending cold droplets of rain splashing up Mim’s legs.
‘Arghh!’ She jumped back.
‘Well, what do you expect if you stand in the way?’
Rather than tell him that any decent person wouldn’t have the bad manners to do such a thing, or that she’d like to stick his umbrella where the sun didn’t shine, Mim kept her thoughts to herself and watched him disappear up the stairs to his office. ‘Pompous arse,’ she muttered.
Aidey shook his head in disbelief. ‘I don’t know why that family think they’re so superior and that it’s okay to treat us like worthless peasants.’
‘It’s because they’re the Pallister-Biggs and they can do what they want, we’re just simple Yorkshire folk which means we do what they say,’ said Mim. ‘That’s how they see it in their little world.’
‘And I if I have anything to do with i
t, I won’t be part of that pathetic little world for much longer.’
‘You’re not the only one.’ The thought of not working with Aidey made her feel suddenly rather sad, but she knew neither of them could stick it out at Yorkshire Portions for much longer if things continued the way they were.
23
Mim and Aidey found Anna-Lisa alone in their office, concentrating hard as she proof read an article Tamsin had been tasked with. She looked up and smiled as they walked in. ‘Now there’s a sight for sore eyes, I’m absolutely starving.’ Her eyes settled on Mim, taking in her soggy appearance. ‘You look like a drowned rat, Mimbo; have you been diving into puddles again?’
Aidey chuckled. ‘For a change, no, she hasn’t but sipping hot chocolate in the pouring rain and a close-encounter with Kenneth and his umbrella hasn’t helped.’
‘I won’t ask.’ Anna pulled an amused face.
Mim shrugged off her coat and hung it up. ‘You won’t believe it when I tell you why I’m practically soaked through to my knickers.’
‘I can’t even begin to imagine,’ said Anna-Lisa.
‘I got drenched because I was standing in the rain talking to Rick when the heavens decided to open.’
Anna-Lisa took a moment, as if waiting for the words to sink in. ‘Rick?’
‘Yep.’
‘As in cheating bastard Rick?’ Anna-Lisa’s eyebrows had shot up to her hairline.
‘Poetically put, Anna,’ said Aidey.
‘I do my best.’
‘Yep, the very one,’ said Mim.
‘And?’
‘And, you won’t believe this either – where’s Honey, by the way?’
‘Last I heard, she’d gone out for lunch, she’s meeting a friend apparently, though how she’s got any beggars belief. Anyway, enough about her, what happened with Rick-the-cheating-bastard?’
‘Well…’ Mim sat at her desk and opened her sandwich as she shared the conversation she’d had with him, her friends listening intently, expressing their outrage in a mixture of eye rolls, head shakes and exclamations of disbelief. Mim still found it hard to believe she hadn’t crumbled, especially when he’d kissed her cheek. But at the back of her mind she knew that if Caspar hadn’t been on the scene, the story would have had a very different outcome.
Tell That to My Heart Page 19