A Family Affair

by Marilyn McPherson

Chapter Eight

  Ellen stood up slowly as Tom marched the two women out of the room without looking back at her. She was confused and surprised by his outburst. All night long, Tom had been good-natured and funny, a complete gentleman in every way. His nature reminded her of her father back home because he was cool, calm and in control of every situation. But the presence of his mother had completely shaken him up. He had lost his temper and seemed like a completely different person to Ellen. Tom's mother did not seem like a particularly easy woman to get along with, but Ellen could not help wondering if this was part of Tom's real personality. Perhaps he had just been on his best behaviour so far.

  Ellen did not want anything to do with a man who could not control his temper. She turned around and surveyed the room for a potential escape route. Would he be mad at her for leaving without saying goodbye? She could not be concerned with that at the moment. The house appeared larger than it had minutes ago, and Ellen knew there was a reasonable chance that she would get lost running from room to room to find a back door. Her mind ticked over the various options for ending the evening. Feeling alarmed and uneasy, she was about to head down the main hallway, when Estella walked in with a damp cloth.

  “You can use this to clean up your face,” she said in a friendly voice, offering it to her.

  Ellen clutched onto Estella's hand. “Estella, how do I get out of here? I'd like to go now. Is there a back door?” she asked urgently.

  “What's wrong? Are you not feeling well?”

  Ellen did not respond.

  Estella seemed surprised by her concerned expression. “Mr Bradley is a good man”, she continued. “He will drive you home if you are ready to go.” Estella paused for a moment, carefully considering her next words. “He is usually very patient with his mother, not like tonight. More patient than I could be,” she added.

  “I didn't like all the yelling,” Ellen said timidly, looking into Estella's eyes for reassurance.

  Estella's gentle and motherly nature calmed Ellen instantly. “Don't leave. Let Tom explain, yes? Mrs Bradley is very difficult woman. Mr Bradley’s very patient normally.”

  Ellen hesitated. Perhaps she was over-reacting to the situation. Perhaps everything would be all right. “Okay”, she said, taking the cloth and starting to wash her face.

  “I'll make you a cup of tea while you clean up. Mr Bradley had a very good time tonight before his mother arrived. I have not heard him laugh like that before. Everything will be okay. You'll see.”

  Estella led her into the kitchen and put the kettle on.

  Earlier that evening, Tom had taught Ellen how to make a pizza dough from scratch with real yeast. After the dough had risen, they had rolled it flat and added various toppings before sliding it into a hot oven. The food fight had started just after the pizza went into the oven, when Tom had accidentally touched her face with his flour covered hands. Ellen remembered the moment with a smile. The pizza was obviously cooked, as the smell now wafted through the whole kitchen, making her hungry.

  It wasn't long before Tom returned from seeing the two ladies out. He walked through the kitchen doors, paused and looked at Ellen thoughtfully. Estella immediately excused herself, saying something about tidying the laundry.

  Tom started to clean the flour and other pieces of pizza topping off his face as he moved towards Ellen. Now that they were alone again, he tried to explain, “I'm sorry that you had to see me so angry on our first date.” His voice was calmer, and he sat down on a stool beside her, leaning in gently. “My mum has been introducing me to various women of a certain breed for as long as I can remember. And tonight and in front of you, of all nights, I just snapped. I'm sorry.” Tom reached for her hand.

  His touch sent a sharp sensation down Ellen's body.

  Tom continued, “I usually go along with my mother's plans just to keep her happy. I should have put a stop to it a long time ago. I know that we've only just met, Ellen, and I don't want to scare you off, but being with you makes me happy, happier than I've been for quite a while. So please forgive me.”

  Although slightly overwhelmed, Ellen was starting to feel calm in Tom's presence again. She tried to explain her feelings, without upsetting him further. “The thing is, I don't want to be with someone that yells at me,” she explained. “Someone that I'm afraid of.”

  “No,” Tom replied quickly, looking alarmed. “I'm not like that at all. I would never yell at you or want you to feel afraid of me.” He took both of her hands in his. “Please, Elle, give me another chance. I can't remember the last time I had an outburst like that.”

  “Your mum did look a bit surprised.”

  Tom chuckled. “You see! I'm normally much more agreeable. But I think it was necessary to use some firmness with her this time, in order to put a stop to the surprise visits.”

  Ellen saw his sincerity, and knew instantly that she had indeed over-reacted. She felt completely at ease again. “I believe you, I really do,” she replied.

  He seemed to relax once she had said that.

  “And I'm sorry,” said Ellen. “I shouldn't have questioned your character like that. I was actually trying to escape before you came back.”

  Tom looked surprised.

  It seemed silly to Ellen now. She should have had more faith in what she already knew about Tom.

  “I should give you a proper tour, so you will know how to get out the back door next time,” Tom added roguishly.

  Ellen smiled and wondered what it was that he saw in her. His attention was almost overwhelming and she was unsure how to respond to his eager touch. She looked down at her hands being held by him so tenderly, his eyes watching her every move. Maybe they had been lovers in a past life, or were soul mates destined for each other.

  “I think you're going to cut off the circulation soon,” Ellen said jovially, trying to lighten the mood.

  Tom let go. “Sorry”, he said, but did not move his body or eyes away from her.

  The night so far had certainly been intense. Tom had brought her the largest bunch of flowers that she had ever seen when he arrived to pick her up. He had recommended to her and Chloe that the flowers be put into a vase, and Chloe had taken the flowers nodding, even though they both knew there were no vases to be found. Tom had glanced around their sparsely furnished apartment with a slight look of horror, but thankfully, he hadn't said anything.

  Soon after, Tom whisked Ellen away in his black sportscar, which was easily the fastest car she had ever been in. His property was amazing. It was the sort of home Ellen had only ever seen in magazines. Large iron gates guarded the entrance and old oak trees lined a winding driveway through perfectly manicured lawns and gardens to a three storey stone mansion. He obviously had a number of staff who worked there, and Ellen had been intimidated by Tom’s evident wealth.

  She looked at him now, wanting to return to the evening's light-hearted moments, as when they had jokingly thrown flour and sauce at each other after making dinner. “You know, I'm getting kind of hungry. I think our pizza is probably ready by now”.

  Tom remembered the pizza. “Oh no! I hope we haven't burnt it.” He raced over to the oven, grabbing some large blue oven mitts from the counter. “Smells good,” he said and lifted the hot pizza out. “And yes, it looks good too.”

  “What can I do?” Ellen asked, standing up.

  “Why don't you grab some plates and glasses?” Tom pointed towards one of the drawers in the island bench. “And the wine glasses are behind you. I've got the cutlery and a nice bottle of wine here. Why don’t we take our wine and pizza out to the balcony and enjoy the view?” Tom was already cutting the pizza into neat rectangle-shaped slices.

  Ellen found three different plate sets in the drawer and chose two plates from a plain, stone coloured set. She chose short stemmed sturdy wine glasses from the shelf. “Okay, I'm ready to go here,” she announced.

  “Follow me then,” Tom said as he led her out through the double kitchen doors, down a long hall
way, through a lounge room and onto a large covered timber deck.

  “Wow,” Ellen said as she took the view in. The city lights shone brightly through the misty rain and appeared to stretch for miles.

  “I bought this place over ten years ago because of the view, and I still love it.”

  “You don't get lonely living in this big house all by yourself?” Ellen asked.

  “I keep busy. You know, working lots, spending time with my parents. Actually, Estella lives in the guest house that we passed on the way in, and she has a young child about eight years old. And I just adore him, I really do. Estella has worked here for nearly five years, and she and her son are almost like family to me now.” Tom paused and seemed thoughtful. “I guess I am lonely though, a little anyway.”

  Ellen looked at him tenderly. He was very brave to admit something like that. Suddenly she shivered slightly.

  Tom must have noticed, “Sorry, Ellen, let me put the gas heater on.” Tom stood up and fumbled around under the coffee table to retrieve a set of matches. “Watch this”. He walked over to the wall, and lit a pilot light. Suddenly, two large heaters ignited above them, lighting up the ceiling. “Give it a minute, and we'll be warm.”

  Ellen felt warmer almost immediately as they started on their pizza. There was an awkward silence and Ellen smiled at Tom in response to it. “I don't think I'm a very good date,” she joked. “I don't seem to have much to talk about. I cause trouble with your mum.” Just as Ellen was talking, she dropped a large piece of tomato and cheese onto the timber decking. “And I drop food onto your deck,” she added, disappointed in herself for not displaying more lady-like qualities.

  Tom winked at Ellen. “Well, I know something we should probably talk about at some point or another.” He chuckled, but waited a moment before continuing, “So.. exactly how old are you? I'm not doing something illegal here, am I?”

  Ellen giggled. “I turn nineteen in about a month. What about you?”

  Tom looked relieved. “Who me?” he asked incredulously, surprised that she had turned the question around onto him so quickly.

  “Yeah you,” Ellen insisted, watching him intently.

  He started to look a little uneasy. “Would you believe,” Tom said and paused briefly, “That I'm thirty years old?”

  Ellen shook her head. “No”, she replied at once.

  “Really?” Tom questioned her earnestly.

  “No!” Ellen found herself giggling again.

  “Well, then, how about thirty-five?”

  “Yeah, I guess I'd believe that.” Ellen tried to sound as serious as she could before continuing, “Is that the truth? Because honesty is really important to me in a relationship!”

  Tom picked up his glass of red and took a long sip. “Hmmm, honesty hey?” He seemed to be deep in thought for a moment. “Okay, well then, in all honesty, I'm thirty-eight, but on the inside, I don't feel a day over thirty-seven and a half,” he said jovially. “And that's what's really important!”

  Ellen decided to change the subject because their age difference wasn't really of any great concern to her. “This pizza is really good,” she informed Tom, and went on, “Really good pizza in front of a really good view.” She took a sip of wine and sighed happily.

  “And lucky me, I have a really good woman here to share it with,” Tom added with a cheeky grin.

  Ellen looked embarrassed and replied cautiously, “You don't even know me, Tom. We only met earlier today you know. I don't understand how you can keep saying such nice things about me already.”

  Amused by her statement, Tom continued eating and said, “I know that we only met this morning, and I promised myself, that I wouldn't say anything to scare you off. I guess I'm not doing too well on that count.”

  Ellen didn't necessarily want him to stop saying such nice things, and tried to clarify a little. “It's just that I haven't met anyone like you before. I guess, the whole night has been surprising.”

  “Surprising in a good way?”

  “Yes, a very good way.”

  “I knew there was something special about you the moment I first saw you. I don't know exactly what it is, but I know that I want you in my life. I feel as if I already know you. You definitely remind me of someone but I can't quite put my finger on who that is. Jake felt the same way when he saw you the other day.”

  “He did?”

  “Uh huh.”

  “And while we're talking about Jake,” Ellen said. “Are you mad at him for bringing me into Satinol?”

  “Of course not! Why would you think that?”

  “It's just that you didn't look too happy with him this afternoon… in the studio.”

  “Oh, right.” Tom realised what she was talking about and scratched his chin as he continued, “Well, the situation with Jake is that he has a habit of bringing pretty young things into the studio. And Satinol has a contract with one of the city agencies to source models for our promotional work. So, there is no need for Jake to approach girls on the street. And well, I think in the past, Jake may have been doing things like this for the wrong reason.”

  “Oh, I see,” replied Ellen, sounding alarmed. She did not like the idea of being the object of Jake's affection.

  “But with you, it's a bit different.”

  “Is it?”

  “Yes, Jake has assured me of that. He saw something in you, something familiar, but at the same time fresh and new.”

  Tom reached out and tenderly tucked a stray strand of Ellen's hair behind her ear. He continued, “Did Jake tell you what his job actually is at Satinol?”

  Ellen thought back, shook her head. She had assumed it was a role with the models.

  “He's the travel manager for Satinol.”

  “Oh. I can see why you would be concerned. And so you and Jake are on friendly terms again?”

  “Well, friendly probably isn't the right word. I have a lot of colleagues at Satinol, but only one close male friend to be honest, not counting family.” Tom paused thoughtfully. “That actually sounds a bit sad. Anyway, Hayden Joseph is the company's head of legal. The two of us have been friends for a long time. We go way back. He is my right hand man at Satinol. You'll meet him sooner or later, I imagine. The two of us went through school together and have been friends for many years. In fact, I don't really remember a time without him and I couldn't imagine running the company if he left.”

  Ellen was listening intently. This was the most Tom had said about himself all evening.

  “And with regard to Jake, well this is not something that you need to worry about, but I've asked him to make sure it doesn't happen again. An official warning, if you like.”

  “I'm really glad to hear that he didn't get fired, because of me,” said Ellen, feeling relieved.

  “Fired? No. Not yet anyhow. And although I didn't want to admit it to him,” Tom continued, “Jake has actually brought the right girl in this time. I think your photos are going to be amazing.”

  Ellen pretended not to hear that last comment. “My friend Chloe and I have been friends for years too.”

  “She seems like a lovely girl.”

  “She is,” Ellen said as she finished her second piece of pizza. “We're also working together at a hotel in the city.”

  “Jake mentioned something about the Windsor. Are you enjoying working there?”

  “It's fine. I mean, I’m enjoying earning my own money and, you know, being independent from my parents, but the actual work is kind of boring. I will probably go to university next year.”

  “I’m glad to hear that. You know, this modelling contract will be anything but boring, I would imagine.”

  “Really?” asked Ellen hopefully. She wanted to know more about working for the company but didn’t want to sound presumptuous. All evening she had tried to find the right words to ask about it.

  “There'll be shopping and fittings, hair appointments, makeup sessions, photos, travel to new and exciting cities. Do you want me to go on?” aske
d Tom.

  Ellen beamed with excitement. “Yes please. Tell me more, Tom.”

  “Well, you'll get to wear designer dresses and diamonds, and stay in expensive hotels, and of course you will need your own assistant to help you with your appointments. I guess you would need a masseur as well.”

  “Are you just messing with me now?” asked Ellen.

  Tom chuckled. “A little,” he admitted. “From what I know, being a model is hard work. It takes a lot of time and energy and many young girls fail to realise what they are getting themselves into. Having said that, I will do everything in my power to ensure you have a positive experience working for us during the period of the contract.”

  “I appreciate your saying that, Tom,” Ellen said in a serious tone, “but we haven't even seen the test shots yet.”

  “The photos will be fantastic. Have some faith in yourself.”

  There was a moment of silence again.

  “Ellen, do you think I'm too old for you?” Tom asked. This was obviously something that was on his mind.

  “How did we get back onto this subject?” Ellen asked, puzzled.

  “I don't think we covered it thoroughly enough.”

  “This is only our first date, Tom. I don't think we need to be so concerned with these sorts of details yet.”

  “I know what you're saying, but the reason it's important is because if the media get a whiff of the fact that we are dating, it will be in the papers and gossip columns.”

  Ellen smiled contentedly to herself, realising that he was talking about them as a future couple.

  Tom was thoughtful as he poured more wine into their glasses. “And then for instance, your parents might hear about it before you've had a chance to tell them about me, to explain how it came to be that you are dating someone a little older.”

  “My parents won't mind my dating someone older. My mum is about twelve years older than my dad.”

  “Really? That's unusual,” Tom stated. “I mean for a woman to be older than her husband.” Tom paused thoughtfully. “Not that it’s a bad thing. They still might be worried about me though. Maybe I should meet them sooner rather than later.”

  “If you like. But they live in Mansfield, so news from the gossip columns in Melbourne will take a while to reach them in any case.”

  “Well, let me know if they hear something and are concerned about me. I’m happy to drive up there whenever we need to.”

  “I'll keep that in mind, assuming you ask me out again.”

  “I will.”

  Ellen felt a wave of happiness sweep over her to hear that. “I think you will like my father.”

  “Why is that?”

  “Well, he is only,” Ellen did the maths in her head. “He is only eight years older than you.”

  “Oh, that does make me feel old.”

  Ellen giggled. “And he has a very good sense of humour.”

  “Well, I look forward to meeting him. Do you have brothers and sisters?” Tom asked, trying to change the subject now.

  “No, it’s just little me.”

  The rest of the dinner was light and fun for Ellen. After the meal, Tom suggested the two of them retire to the library for coffee. He left her momentarily to prepare the drinks and Ellen took time to wander around the library studying some of the artefacts and pictures surrounding her. There was a bronze statue of a young boy which caught Ellen's attention because of the sad expression on his face. It was cold to touch and heavy when Ellen tried to lift it. The boy stood on one corner of a large wooden desk. This must be where Tom works at night, Ellen thought. There was a large leather chair at Tom's desk and Ellen pulled it out and slid into it. This is the most comfortable chair in the world, she thought to herself. Everything in the room was amazing and yet also overwhelming. Books lined the walls in shelves that reached to the ceiling. Why would he have so many books? So many rooms? Tom was a puzzle, a very intriguing puzzle. He obviously likes to joke around and have fun, she thought. He does not seem like the sort of man that would enjoy sitting in this large, stuffy room by himself for hours at night. He is a man that does not match his surroundings, she concluded, and decided right there and then to take Tom out of the house on their next date. Somewhere different and fun for both of them.

  “All right then.” Tom returned to the room carrying a silver tray with various items. He laid out coffee, tea, cream, sugar and milk on the coffee table in front of the brown leather sofa. “What can I make you?” he asked, sitting down.

  “I think I might just have a cup of tea if that's okay. Got to go to work early tomorrow morning.” Ellen sat down besides him on the sofa.

  “No problem,” Tom said as he poured a cup of tea for Ellen and a black coffee for himself.

  “So, thanks for dinner tonight,” Ellen said. “I had an interesting time.”

  Tom looked up, a concerned expression on his face.

  “I mean, a good time,” she corrected herself while smiling at him wickedly.

  Tom turned in his seat to face her. “I had a good time being with you too. I like you a lot, Ellen.” Tom tried to kiss her lips but Ellen turned her head to the right. He kissed her cheek instead. “You don't want me to kiss you?” he asked awkwardly.

  “Sorry,” she told him. Ellen had never met anyone that talked to her the way he did. She was starting to feel like a little girl, out of her depth here. The truth was, that she had no experience kissing. There were a few boys back home who had shown interest, but it had not been reciprocated. Tom was just moving too fast. But she regretted not letting him kiss her as soon as she turned her head.

  “No, I'm sorry, Elle. I shouldn’t have done that. We can slow things down if you like.”

  “It's just that I haven't really had a serious boyfriend before,” Ellen explained. “You surprised me, that’s all. I wasn't ready for it.” Ellen wanted him to try again, but didn't know how to express that.

  “Oh I see,” Tom said, sounding a little put off. With a completely straight face, he added, “I just assumed that you would want to stay the night.”

  Ellen was shocked by his suggestion and suddenly realised that seeing an older man possibly wasn't such a good idea after all. She definitely wasn't ready for all of this.

  Tom watched her expression change and quickly poked her in the ribs, “Hey, I'm just joking. I don't expect anything like that.”

  Ellen sighed in relief.

  “I mean, if you wanted to stay, I certainly wouldn't be arguing with you,” Tom said as he observed her expression tensing again. “But I can see that you would prefer to go home tonight. I'm happy to take things slowly if that's what you need.”

  “I would appreciate if we could go slowly, yes.”

  “So how about I drive you home now so that you don't look so concerned anymore.”

  “Okay,” Ellen said quietly, feeling a little disappointed as she grabbed her hand bag and stood up to leave.

  Her cup of tea was unfinished and it looked awkwardly out of place on the coffee table as she stood up.

  Tom reached for her hand. “I'm sorry I made you uncomfortable. Let's get out of here.”

  The two of them chatted happily during the car ride back to Ellen's apartment and before she knew it, they pulled up outside her place. Tom leapt out of the car and dashed around to her side of the car. He is such a gentleman, Ellen thought as he gallantly opened her door and bowed for show.

  “There you are, my lady”, he said as he smiled.

  “Thank you, kind sir. Will you see me to my door?” Ellen asked.

  “Of course, my lady.” Tom grabbed her hand and led them up the garden path and stairs to her front door.

  “So,” Tom said staring into Ellen's eyes. “I could be slick and wait three days before I call you again, or I could risk showing you how keen I am and call you tomorrow. What do you think I should do?” he asked cheekily.

  Ellen was amused by this question. “You know,” she said. “Women generally like men who are decis
ive and know what they want.”

  Tom realised that he was being teased. “All right then, tomorrow it is,” he responded. To demonstrate his confidence even further, Tom leant down and quickly pecked Ellen on the lips taking her by surprise again. However, this time she didn't have time to turn her head away.

  Ellen felt a little disappointed because the kiss had been too quick, and she had not had time to register it properly. She decided to do something bold, and took a step towards Tom. She gently turned her head and kissed him lightly on the lips.

  Tom looked delighted and when she pulled away he reacted quickly, kissing her again, this time harder and longer. Ellen gave into his kiss and allowed herself to be completely consumed by it. Her eyelids became heavy, a dizziness swept over her and her heart started to beat like a drum. Kissing was better than she had imagined.

  “Well, I had a lovely night,” he finally said, stepping back.

  Ellen realised she still had her eyes closed and quickly opened them. “I did too,” she said.

  “I'll call you tomorrow,” Tom said as he turned around and briskly walked away from her.

  “Good night,” Ellen said still feeling light-headed, but happier than she could remember feeling in a long time.