Love for Auction

by Karen Klyne

  Chapter Twelve

  Phil sighed and banged her head lightly against her chair. What had she done wrong? Everything seemed fine when she’d dropped Kim off at the pub. Since then, she’d called loads of times, but the phone was off. She’d sent texts and voicemails but nothing had come back, not even a tiny text from Kim saying she’d reconsidered, and it had all been a terrible mistake. The first text was just a few lines: Hi Kim, thanks for a wonderful, memorable evening. I can’t wait to see you again. Call you later. Phil xxx The voicemails said much the same. She sent another text: Hi Kim, is everything okay? Did you get my other text? I also left you a voicemail. Phil xxx. The third one simply said: Please call or text. Thanks, Phil xxx

  There’d been no response. Still, she’d waited and waited. She’d left another message at midnight.

  By the morning there’d been no reply. She left one more message, irritation warring with fear and a very real, very unusual, sense of rejection. What if she was ill? No, someone would have let her know. Something had changed Kim’s mind. Or somebody. Jan and Dave certainly didn’t approve. Maybe she’d confessed all, and they’d made her see the error of her ways. Or was it Alan? He’d certainly have talked her out of it. Maybe she’d realized what a terrible mistake she’d made by being with someone who had no desire for commitment. Or had she found out that Phil had lied about the so-called event on in town, and that there were actually taxis available? She had tried to be honest, but Kim had stopped her.

  She resigned herself to Kim having a change of heart. If she’d let her go, they could still be friends. Instead, she’d backed Kim into a corner, and Phil couldn’t turn back the clock. She hadn’t been in this position before. Normally, she wouldn’t give a damn. But it hadn’t been just sex on this occasion. She’d made love to Kim. Phil held her head in her hands and shed tears that would flood an auction room. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d cried. Tough. She’d been an outrageous womanizer, and it had come back to bite her. What goes around, comes around.

  ***

  Phil was in a foul mood when she went into work. Alan said he wanted a word with her, and she followed him to his office.

  “Sit down, Philippa.”

  “Is that a request or an order?” Whatever it was, she took a seat.

  “Have you done something to upset Kim?”

  Here we go. “In what way?”

  “She called me last night. She sounded odd, not like Kim at all.”

  “So that’s my fault, is it?”

  “It’s funny. One minute you’re all pally pally and telling me what good friends you are, and then suddenly she takes off.”

  “Takes off where?” She’d left? Without even saying anything? The news caused a fresh wave of pain.

  “She’s gone to Spain. And as you don’t appear to know anything about it. I’d say that was odd, with you being her best friend and all.”

  “Oh, yes. Spain. We were planning to go together. I can’t imagine anything better than lying on a beach with her.”

  Alan stared at her and frowned. “What exactly are you playing at? I told you categorically that Kim was off limits. We had an agreement that you’d keep your private life out of Cauthwell.”

  Phil stood, kicked the chair back, and walked towards the door. She opened it and turned around. “Just keep your fucking nose out of my business, Alan, or I’ll say something we might both regret.” She stormed out and slammed the door behind her. She made a point of keeping out of his way for the rest of the day.

  She had no idea how long Kim would be away, so she popped into the pub and asked Jan, who looked none too happy to see her. But she told her when she was returning, and Phil decided to confront her at the airport. It seemed like a good idea, but once she was at the airport, it felt cheesy and over the top. Now she’d become a stalker. Talk about furtive. She stood behind a pillar in the arrivals lounge poking her head left and right as though she was on some secret mission. Mission impossible. She’d been there a good hour and a half because the bloody plane had been delayed. She’d succumbed to two espressos and a sticky doughnut, and now she felt sick.

  Kim entered the arrivals hall, and Phil leapt behind a pillar, her heart hammering a staccato beat in her chest. Go on, then. It was time to strike. It was now or never. Kim looked amazing in a pair of red jeans, a white sweatshirt, and a leather jacket. She looked relaxed, as if she’d got over whatever it was she had to get over. Phil ran a hand through her hair. Moron. What’s to be achieved by confronting her? You’ll embarrass her and humiliate yourself. Phil kept her distance and followed her to the car park. God, it was so cold outside. She pulled the collar of her jacket up around her neck. Kim seemed to sense someone watching her and looked around. Now’s my chance. Wave to her, get her attention. But the moment passed, and Kim drove away. Phil sat in her car, more lost than she’d ever been.

  ***

  Phil checked into the hotel. It was chic, just like Cass always picked. She wished she was there with Kim. But that gavel had gone down, and the cheers had gone up from all the villagers. It was exaggerated, but that’s how it felt.

  She found her room, which was more like a suite. The large bed welcomed her, but she resisted the temptation to nap. She showered, put on a bathrobe, and turned on some music. She poured herself a gin and tonic from the mini bar and relaxed. This was her birthday treat from Cass. It was a yearly ritual for just the two of them.

  She took her time to get ready and then made her way down to the bar. Cass walked over and pulled her into a hug.

  “Happy birthday, darling.” She handed Phil a glass, and they chinked. “You look stunning. It must be the country air.”

  “Thanks, Cass. I so need this time with you, and we need to make some plans.”

  “No worries. I’ve worked out some dates, and I should be able to start work next week.”

  “Brilliant. I can’t wait to get started.”

  Cass caught the waiter’s attention. “Can we have a bottle of champagne, please.”

  “Hell, Cass, we haven’t sunk our gins yet.”

  Something caught Phil’s eye. She blinked several times, thinking it was a mirage. It wasn’t. Two familiar women walked towards their table. Cass stood, and she followed suit, though she nearly collapsed into a heap. It was Cass’s girlfriend, Rebecca, and Elaine, the woman she’d spent a night with in London months ago. She was shocked, and it wasn’t a happy shock. They all stared at Phil.

  She kissed them on the cheek. “How wonderful to see you both.” Who was she kidding? It didn’t sound remotely sincere.

  They sat down. Cass poured them a drink, and they toasted her birthday. She tried to make small talk and Cass helped her out, but the situation was awkward and tense. Elaine excused herself and Rebecca followed.

  Cass’s head slumped into her hands. “God, Phil. What have I done?”

  “Shit, Cass. I’m sorry, I never expected this. It’s usually just the two of us, just like it always has been on my birthday. If you’d given me a clue, I could have steered you away. I’m so embarrassed, and how I feel must show on my face.”

  Cass grimaced. “But you got on so well last time. I thought the two of you might become an item. Or that you’d be happy for the hook up at the very least?”

  “You must know better by now? I’ve not been in contact with her. You know I never stick around more than a night. All I did was leave a message and send flowers. I know it was rude and cowardly. I should have been more up front and said thanks for the pleasurable sex. It was all very nice, but there’s somebody else in my life now.”

  Cass’s eyes widened. “Who? You never told me.”

  “I didn’t think I’d have to. I thought tonight was you and me.” Phil didn’t try to hide her disappointment. Cass would understand.

  Cass rolled her eyes. “I’m so sorry. It never occurred to me. We’re in different cities, and I lost track of where we were at in life. I don’t know what to say except I’m sorry. You’re right, I know th
at you play the field, and I should have thought of that. Listen, can we try and hold this together? We can all eat, and then I’m sure the girls will take themselves off to a club or something. I’ll move my stuff in with you, if you can tolerate me sharing, and then the girls can share a hotel room, too. God, I’ve really ballsed up.”

  “I should’ve told you. You thought you were giving me a surprise birthday present.” Phil covered her face with her hands and groaned. “Poor Elaine.”

  Cass sniffed. “Rebecca and Elaine aren’t stupid. When they saw your expression, they’d know I fucked up. It’s your birthday. They’re not going to make a scene. Fucking hell, though. Rebecca is going to kill me.”

  The women returned and were laughing and joking. They held out their glasses for a refill. Rebecca might be laughing outwardly, but Phil suspected that inside she was homicidal. Elaine barely made eye contact and directed most of her conversation toward Rebecca and Cass. Phil drank more than she should, and her food was tasteless in the face of the arctic winter coming from the others at the table. What a birthday.

  When the meal finished, Rebecca smiled at Phil. “I hope you two don’t think we’re party poopers, but there’s a club we’ve heard about. Who knows, we might get lucky?” She turned and stared into Cass’s eyes. “I daresay I’ll see you around sometime.”

  They stood and waved farewell. Phil would have liked to explain to Elaine, but what was the point? She wasn’t going to say anything that would make Elaine feel better. It would be like pouring alcohol into an open wound.

  Cass and Phil fell back into their seats. Phil poured the last of the wine into their glasses. They met each other’s eyes and burst into laughter.

  She punched Cass’s arm. “You stupid cow.”

  “Yeah. I’ll pay big time for this. But forget that, tell me about your new amore. She must be bloody special, because in all the time I’ve known you, you’ve never failed to look at the beautiful women around us, and you’ve barely looked away from the table.”

  Phil took a deep breath. “It’s Kim. Kim Besson. Let me rephrase that, it was Kim Besson.”

  “Isn’t she the one you sold the house for?”

  “Yes, the same.”

  “Have you slept with her? That’s a stupid question. Who haven’t you slept with in Cauthwell?”

  Phil frowned. “Quite a few, actually.”

  Cass folded her arms across her chest and smirked. “Have you forgotten your nickname, Philanderer? Come on, answer my question.”

  “She’s different.”

  Cass laughed. “Two heads?”

  “Don’t be daft. She’s great looking, good sense of humour, terrific personality, and she really turns me on. I’d have settled for friendship. I didn’t want to ruin it, and I didn’t think I could take advantage of what we had.”

  “Friendship? Not taking advantage? That’s hilarious. When did this happen?”

  “A few weeks ago. But I fucked it up. I honestly didn’t seduce her, but maybe I put us into a situation where there weren’t many options. I did want it, though. After that night she never contacted me. I wrote texts and left messages, but there’s been nothing.”

  “In our twenty-five years of friendship, I’ve never heard you say you couldn’t get a woman into bed and then leave her behind.”

  “It came as a shock to me too.”

  “If you’d got into a relationship, how do you think she’d feel about your history?”

  “I’ve told her a lot, and if she cared about me, there wouldn’t have been a problem.” She laughed and let the pit of sadness swell in her stomach. She’d brought this on herself. “How could she resist me?” She tried to make light of it but damn did it sting.

  “You’re a cold bastard at times, Phil, but you know something? I think you’re hooked on this woman, and it might be you who gets hurt this time.”

  Too late. That house sold long ago. “It’s already happened. Shall we have some more coffee?”

  Cass nodded. “What’s she going to think about––?”

  Phil held a hand up. “It’s irrelevant now. It’ll never come up.”

  All that Cass said was right, and it was comforting to know that she cared. The liaison was doomed from the start. How could she ever imagine she could have a normal relationship, especially in a town where her reputation preceded her? I could have. But I blew it.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Friday. The exchange of contract on her home. She thought she’d got over Phil, but the thought of seeing her in the office today made her knees weak.

  It was supposed to be an exciting day, but it was tinged with sadness. Still, she had to get on with life and despite the negatives, she was looking forward to owning her first home.

  At ten o’clock her mobile rang. Did she wish to make the payment to the seller’s solicitors? Kim said yes without hesitation.

  She ran downstairs to pass the news on to Jan, and then she put her coat on and walked to the office. Alan was there, but there was no sign of Phil. She remembered that Phil was going away to see her friend. Friend indeed. That could be the reason she hadn’t made contact. It was beginning to fall into place and better she found out sooner rather than later.

  Alan threw the keys to Kim with a smile. They were wrapped up in a pink ribbon. She couldn’t imagine Alan tying a ribbon around them, but what the heck.

  She walked around the corner to the house, stuck the key in the door, and turned it. She stood in the doorway and spun around, trying to take everything in. It was hers. All hers. In the middle of the lounge was the most amazing bouquet. She looked for a note, but there was nothing. Could it be from Phil? Tears welled in her eyes. Odds were, they came from Alan.

  Then all the furniture started arriving, and it went like a dream. By the end of the day it was still a mess, but she’d sort out where to put everything tomorrow. As arranged, she went back to the pub for her last night. By tomorrow evening she’d be settled into her new home.

  Jan brought over two glasses of wine.

  “So where’s Dave?” Kim asked.

  “He hasn’t been feeling well. I suggested he take an early night. I think he’s just skiving as per usual. Forget him, tell me how it went today?”

  “Brilliant. It’ll take some sorting, but I’m looking forward to that part.” Kim couldn’t help but notice how quiet it was in the pub, and after the two clients had left, Jan locked up and re-joined her.

  Kim tilted her head. “You look worried.”

  Jan nodded. “I don’t know how to ask you this…”

  “Just go ahead.”

  “I need your help. We have a wedding party next Friday. Dave booked it without even consulting me. Our regular help isn’t available, and I can’t get anyone at short notice.”

  Kim punched Jan on the arm. “Of course I’ll help.”

  Jan began to cry. Phil went to sit beside her and put an arm around her shoulder. “Hey, it’s no big deal.”

  Jan took Kim’s hand. “Believe me, it is a big deal.”

  “Get serious. You put a roof over my head and have showed me nothing but kindness. Do I need to say any more?”

  “There’s other things…”

  “What aren’t you telling me, Jan?”

  The muscles in Jan’s face seemed to tighten. “Let’s get this hurdle over with first.”

  “Whatever you say. Go and take an early night. I’ll clear the glasses and close up.”

  Jan kissed her on the cheek. “Thanks, sweetheart. You’re a gem.”

  Something wasn’t right with Jan. The uncertainty with the brewery must be playing heavily on her mind, and as for Dave, he’d always been a bit of a dickhead. She wasn’t sure why Jan put up with him. Especially with his drinking and skiving. Her dad had always preferred Jan’s company to Dave’s, but he came as part of the package. Now she understood better how her dad had felt. And there was her thinking she had problems.

  As for those, nothing had changed. She still checked her phone repeat
edly. It had become more of a habit than out of any real expectation. There’d been nothing from Phil, not even a good luck message. The bouquet? Nobody had claimed it. So why hadn’t she included a note? Now she understood. Phil was a coward.

  ***

  After working all morning shifting furniture, she needed some fresh air. It was a lovely November afternoon, so she wrapped up well for a nice long walk. When she opened the door, Alan was on the other side about to knock. His eyes were bloodshot, and his face was as grey as lead. Kim dragged him in and sat him down.

  He held out a bottle of champagne. “A small housewarming gift.”

  Did he know about her and Phil? Was this going to be an interrogation? And did she really care? She kissed him on the cheek. She rambled on about the house, and Alan nodded, although he didn’t seem to be listening. She tried to distract him by showing him around and led him up the stairs. His eyes bulged when he saw the four-poster bed. “How many guests are you expecting?”

  Kim gave a thin smile. “Just me. I hoped there’d be another, but it didn’t work out.”

  Alan’s face turned crimson, and he followed her downstairs.

  “Coffee, Alan?”

  “I could do with something stronger. Do you have any whisky?”

  Whisky? Something must be wrong. Either Grace was leaving him or Phil was. Both options were unbearable. “If I can find it.” She remembered she had a few bottles of hard liquor somewhere. She rummaged in a box and held up a bottle. “Aha. I knew I had some.” She poured him a few fingers and passed the glass over. He drank it down in one gulp.

  “Can you top me up, please.”

  “Sure. As long as you stay and have something to eat.”