by Karen Klyne
“Hello, love, have you brought me a cup of tea?”
Jan folded her arms across her chest. “Tea? More like arsenic.”
Dave frowned. “Pardon?”
Jan strode to the chair, picked up his jeans and hurled them at him. The belt buckle caught his cheek, and he put a hand up to his injured face. He stroked it and turned his hand over, possibly expecting to see blood.
“What’s got into you? Have you had a bad day?”
“I’ve had continuous bad days since I married you. They’ve just got worse.”
“You’re not making sense, woman.”
Jan shrieked with mock laughter. “Sense? What sense have you got?”
Dave held his head. “What are you rabbiting on about?”
“Shut up and get your trousers on. We have something to discuss.”
Dave looked confused, but he eased himself onto the side of the bed and attempted to put a foot through one of the leg openings in his jeans. He toppled and fell sideways. “I’m too weak, Jan. I feel dreadful. What’s this about?”
She raised her voice. “You should have thought about that before you started meddling in other people’s affairs. Kim is here with some interesting things to say.”
Dave glared at her.
Phil laughed softly. “He’s gone awfully pale, and I don’t think it’s anything to do with his virus.”
Kim crossed her arms, still staring into the room. “I hope he doesn’t pass out before we get to him.”
Phil nudged her. “Don’t worry, there’s a nice cold shower waiting for him if he does.”
Dave stammered. “I can explain.”
His voice was raspy. He shuffled around, perhaps trying to find more clothes.
Jan twitched her eyebrows. “I’ll be delighted to hear it. Let’s hope you can convince Kim and Phil.”
“Where are they?” he asked as he pulled on his socks and shoes.
“Downstairs.”
Kim and Phil scooted off ahead and back to their table.
Dave followed Jan into the main bar a moment later. Kim and Phil were poised and waiting.
Kim looked like she’d rip him apart. Phil wanted to get there first.
Kim glared at him, her arms crossed. “You bastard.”
Dave went into a coughing fit as he tried to formulate a sentence. “I was trying to protect you, Kim. When I saw your phone, I thought it was a sign and it was meant to be.”
“What? You mean like divine intervention from God?”
He shrugged. “Sort of.”
“And, pray, what are you protecting me from?”
Dave looked at Philippa and back again. “From her. I thought you were making a big mistake.”
“Are you judging what’s right or wrong for me?”
“I was your father’s friend. I was acting in loco parentis.” He motioned towards Phil. “She’s not what he’d have wanted for you.”
Kim narrowed her eyes. “What a load of balls. Mind you, you’d have to strap a pair on. Neither you nor my father could make those decisions for me. This is my life, and you could have ruined it. You’ve really hurt me.”
“I saw it as saving you.” He pointed a finger towards Phil. “She’s the one who’ll hurt you. She’s hurt other people in this town, good women who would have been fine if it weren’t for her.”
Phil stared into Dave’s eyes. “Would you like your dick gift wrapped or just rammed down your throat, sir?” She half meant it. If she had a knife, she might’ve carried out her threat.
Kim prodded his chest. “Whose phone did I leave a message on?”
Dave rubbed his eyes and sniffed. “Mine. I called my mobile from Jan’s.”
Jan grabbed hold of a handful of his sweater. “God. You devious little shit.”
“Ouch. That was my skin.” Dave rubbed his chest. He was trembling. “We gave you as much support as we could, and we gave you a roof over your head, didn’t we, Jan? There was no need to bring that kind of thing into our business. Or our home.”
Jan scowled. “This is my pub. My name’s above the door, and it was my invitation. So don’t try to take credit for anything.”
Kim stood firm. “And I appreciate that, Jan.”
Dave lowered himself onto a chair. His shoulders slumped, and he covered his face with his hands. Then he began to sob. “I’m not sorry. I was trying to save you.”
Kim rubbed her forehead. “Are you homophobic?”
“I didn’t want you to have that sort of life. There are plenty of decent men out there. And anyway, Alan will never approve.”
Kim banged her hand on the table. “I couldn’t give a damn. And why is everyone so bothered about what Alan thinks? He was my father’s friend, yes. And yes, he’s Phil’s partner. But that doesn’t mean he’s got any say in our personal lives. And if that’s how you both feel, then I don’t care if I never see either of you again.”
Dave turned to Jan, clearly expecting her to back him up. But when he saw the expression on her face, he winced and looked away.
Jan stared at him. “Get out of my sight. If you don’t, the chances of you living past tonight are very slim.”
Kim sighed. “If I hadn’t seen Phil today…” She closed her eyes and shook her head. “I’m going. I can’t stand the sight of you.” Kim kissed Jan on the cheek. “I’ll call you.”
Jan pulled her into a hug. “I’m so sorry.” Jan turned and took hold of Phil’s hand. “I promise you this will never happen again.”
Phil wasn’t angry with Jan, but for now, it was hard to separate the two of them in her mind. “We’ll sort it out. Don’t worry.”
Phil and Kim left. They walked back along the high street hand in hand. Everyone stared. They’d get used to it. If they didn’t, she didn’t care, but when Kim saw everyone staring at them, she pulled her hand away.
Kim rubbed her hands together and stuck them in her pockets. She shivered. “It’s freezing, isn’t it?”
Phil nodded in agreement, though she knew Kim had withdrawn her hand through embarrassment. It saddened her. Maybe it was to be expected. Phil had spent most of her life as a lesbian and was used to the staring whereas it was all new to Kim. Hopefully, she would adapt. “When can I see you? Can we meet tonight? We’ve got lots to discuss.”
“I know. Do you want to come around for something to eat?”
“I’ve got a valuation later. Shall I come around for a drink after?”
“Sounds good.”
When they arrived at the office, Phil kissed Kim on the cheek. “See you later.”
Although they’d sorted this problem out, Phil wondered if it was just the tip of the iceberg. Just as with them, nine-tenths of Phil’s past was below the surface, hiding, and there were still things Kim didn’t know. She bit her lip. She’d known relationships were complicated, and that was why she stayed away from them. But she had a feeling Kim was worth it. If, that is, they could get past the next issue that lay ahead.
Chapter Fifteen
When Phil stepped through the door, Kim pulled her close and held her tightly. Their kisses were soft and unhurried. It was almost as if they were starting from the beginning. They’d made love that one night, but it seemed like a lifetime ago. Now they’d have to start afresh and get to know each other. Perhaps it had all been for the best in a sadistic sort of way. Kim had done some thinking during their time apart, and some of her thoughts were confusing.
Kim took Phil’s hand and led her towards the sofa. They sat down, and she poured them a glass of wine each. She handed one to Phil. They chinked their glasses together. “To new beginnings.”
Phil leaned over and kissed her. “You bet.”
“By the way, happy belated birthday.”
“Oh, that. It came and went. Just as it always does.”
“Why didn’t you tell me it was your birthday, Phil?”
“When? We never had an opportunity, due to that little shit. Anyway, it was just a birthday.”
“So, was
it a good one?”
“Disastrous.”
Kim settled further into the sofa. “Why?”
“My friend Cass set me up with someone.”
Kim jerked forward. Had she been so easy to set aside? “Anything I should be worried about?”
“No. I met this young lady some months ago. It should never have happened again, but I didn’t make it clear. I hold my hands up, it was my fault entirely, and I was disrespectful. Honestly, I could kick myself. When I met you…when I’d made love to you, I knew I wanted to get to know you better. And even after, I couldn’t think of anyone but you. She left, and I’m pretty sure my friend was in the doghouse for a while over it.”
“Don’t keep anything from me, Phil. That’s all I ask.” Was this always going to happen. Could a leopard change its spots that quickly?
“I won’t, not if it’s important.”
That was a strange caveat. What did Phil consider important? They’d only just got back together, and she was already telling her about some woman who was after her, although she answered the moment Kim had asked. Maybe she didn’t always want to know…
Phil grasped Kim’s hand. “In fact, I’ll share something with you now. I feel horny.”
Even though there was a lot left unsaid, Kim was drawn to Phil in an intensely physical way and felt the desire take hold of her. She took Phil’s hand and led her upstairs. It was the first time she’d shared her four-poster bed with Phil, and the thrill of it all made her legs wobble and her heart pound. She made love to Phil, taking her time to see what made Phil’s breath catch, what made her squirm, and what made her call out. She savoured every taste, every sound, every touch, and held on to her for the rest of the night and well into the early hours.
At some point, Phil opened her eyes and smiled. “That was…truly amazing.”
“Honestly?”
“Without a doubt.”
Kim sighed. She’d never made love to a woman before, and she’d never wanted to until she’d met Phil. It was new territory but something she’d loved exploring. They lay in each other’s arms, and Kim could hardly believe the magic of it all. Their relationship, or whatever it was, may never have resumed. It could have been disastrous, but it had ended well, thanks to divine intervention.
Phil yawned and stretched. “I’m hungry for food now. I could murder a bacon sandwich. Shall I go and make us one?”
“No. Let’s have an agreement. You do the seducing, and I’ll do the cooking.”
“Oh, good. I was hoping you’d say that. Let’s go eat.”
The bacon sizzled under the grill and filled the house with the delicious aroma. Kim took four slices of bread, laid the bacon on two slices, and covered it with the other slices. She cut them in half, but they didn’t look very delicate, so she was about to cut them into quarters.
Phil held her hand up. “Can you leave mine in halves? I like to get my teeth into something.”
“Halves it is.”
Phil slapped the counter. “I hope you’ve got some brown sauce.”
Kim went to a cupboard, fetched out a bottle of brown sauce, and placed it at the side of Phil. “Voila, madam.”
Phil opened up the sandwiches and smothered the bacon in sauce. Kim did the same but with half the amount of sauce. Then she poured out two mugs of coffee and slid one over to Phil.
Phil took a bite and the brown sauce oozed out and dripped onto the plate. She dipped a finger in, scooped it up, and put it in her mouth. They both laughed. When they’d finished, Phil sat gazing into the distance.
“Penny for them.”
Phil shook her head. “Sorry. I was just thinking how lucky we are.” She reached over, took Kim’s hand, and squeezed it.
“Aren’t we just.”
They were, but there was something left hanging in the air. Kim was sure Phil had something else to say, and though she waited, it didn’t come.
They topped up their coffee mugs and took them over to the sofa. Kim tucked a piece of stray hair behind Phil’s ear. “You look tired.”
Phil ran a hand through her hair. “You mean I look old?”
Kim punched her arm. “Don’t be daft. I said you looked tired, that’s all.”
Phil looked down. “Does it bother you…I mean, the age difference?”
“Why? How old are you?”
“Forty-four. No, I forgot I’d just had a birthday. Forty-five. I’m sixteen years older than you.”
“Bloody hell. I didn’t realise you were that old.” Kim giggled.
“It’s no laughing matter. That’s a good chunk of time, you know.”
“Nah. Come January, there’ll only be a fifteen-year gap.” She put her arm around Phil and pulled her close. “I like the fact that you’re older.” Kim wiggled her eyebrows. “I like a more experienced woman. Anyway, let’s face it, you’re such a kid at heart.”
Phil still looked worried, but she couldn’t tell if the age thing was the only reason. Perhaps the forced break between them had given her second thoughts. The age gap didn’t bother Kim at all, but Phil’s history and her vast sexual experience compared to hers did give her cause for concern. How long would it be before she gave into the temptation to find someone more experienced? Someone closer to her age and more together? Kim bit her lip. “So, where do we go from here? This has really been a big tester for us.”
“You’re right. Let’s enjoy our time together and see how things go. No pressure on either of us.”
Kim nodded. It sounded to her like a fling, not a relationship. Maybe that was all Phil could offer or would ever be able to do. She wasn’t sure if that suited her, though.
Phil looked at her watch and smirked. “I don’t have to go into the office until this afternoon. Shall we go and try the sleigh bed out? Maybe it’ll transport us into another world.” She took Kim’s hand and almost dragged her up the stairs.
It proved to be just as good as the four-poster. After they’d made love, she lay there wondering what the future had in store for them. A few months, a year? Whatever it was, she was damned sure she was going to enjoy every moment. And then what?
***
She saw very little of Phil over the next few days They both had a ton of things to catch up on. Everything was fine between them, and they phoned and texted all the time. The next hurdle was meeting up with Jan. The issue had to be confronted, but she knew it could be tricky. She didn’t ever want to see Dave again, but that could make things difficult between her and Jan, and she feared it might come to a falling out. That kind of thing in a village this size would make life uncomfortable, and it wasn’t how she wanted to begin her new life here.
As she approached the doors to the pub, nausea crept up into her throat. She could hardly believe what she was seeing. Closed until further notice. Guilt ripped through her. What had she done? Everything had been fine until she’d come along, and now Jan was possibly losing her business. She pushed the door open and called out hello.
Jan shouted, “I’m in here, darling. Coffee’s ready.”
Kim stared at the empty pub lounge. Jan sat on the only table left in the room. Kim slapped a hand to her forehead. “Shit. They’ve closed you down?”
Jan looked around and shook her head. “No. The brewery and I have had a little chat. Come and join me.”
Kim scanned the room, but to her relief, there was no Dave. “Where’s Dave?”
“Gone.” She pushed a coffee cup towards Kim. “We’re getting a divorce.”
Kim pinched the bridge of her nose. “Was it because of––”
Jan waved a hand in the air. “That was just the last straw. We’ve been heading into divorce land for a long time. I hadn’t got the guts to tell him. Secretly, I think he was pleased the brewery were on our backs. What he did to you tipped me over the edge. It made it much easier for me to make a decision.”
Kim covered her mouth with her hand. “Christ, Jan. So much has happened. What on earth are you going to do?”
Jan smil
ed. “The brewery has agreed to re-decorate. New carpets, everything. It won’t take long, and the pub will re-open in a few weeks just in time for Christmas. Then I’m closing it for a couple of weeks in January and taking a holiday in the sun with my sister.”
“But how do you know it won’t fail again?”
Jan wiggled her eyebrows. “That’s where you come in. How do you fancy coming into business with me?”
Kim was lost for words. She hadn’t given a lot of thought to her next job venture, but this hadn’t even occurred to her.
“I’ve been doing my own investigations. I visited a lot of pubs to see what they do to attract customers, just like you suggested. I want to give it a whirl if you’ll help me. I want to do some themed evenings and a special menu, one that people will like and say, ‘Hey let’s go to the Pheasant tonight because they have a special deal.’ And I want you to do the cooking.”
Kim scratched at the table, thinking. “In principal it sounds good, and of course it would solve some of my problems. But I don’t do fancy cooking, and I don’t want to get tied up at weekends or every night. I’ve spent too long not having a social life.”
“I’ve thought about that. You could prepare some of the food beforehand, apart from maybe the first week and the occasional evening. We could get you a sous chef, too, so it wouldn’t all fall on your shoulders. You see, most people know you had a catering business, and they’re aware that you’re a great cook.”
“Are they? I didn’t know that. But you’ll need help in the pub, someone you can trust.”
Jan nodded. “That’s where my sister comes in. She’s on her own too, so I’m hoping to persuade her to move in and share the workload. I’m putting adverts in all the local newspapers, and I’ve organised fliers to be sent out. Now all I need is for you to say yes.”