Reinventing Lindsey

by Maggie Brown

  The cool night air hit in a soothing rush. She paused to collect herself, taking a deep breath before she walked up to where the car was parked. Joe didn’t say a word as he opened the back door.

  “No, Joe. I’ll sit up front with you tonight. I’d appreciate the company.”

  “Of course. Would you like some music?”

  “No, just peace and quiet,” she answered. Mortified, she stared out the window and attempted to ignore what had happened. But as much as she tried, she couldn’t forget or stop the welling tears. She brushed them away irritably.

  “Are you all right, Lindsey?”

  She turned to look at him, catching the concern in his voice. “I’m fine. Just tired.”

  Then she realized that his presence was making her feel much better. He was so normal, one of her most trusted and loyal employees. She always felt completely safe with him—Joe was her protector as well as chauffeur. He was a solid, fit man in his early forties, hair cropped short in a military style and a leathery, lined face. Ex-army, he had been in first wave of Australian SAS soldiers to hit the ground in Afghanistan after September 11.

  After the loss of his left hand in a landmine explosion two tours later, he was discharged with a prosthesis and limited employment prospects. He had been one of two hundred people applying for the position of courier-chauffeur when she bought her house. It wasn’t the fact he was an amputee that won him the job—it was the way he unapologetically fronted up to the interview knowing he had little chance against more able-bodied applicants.

  After hiring him, she sent him to the lab to be fitted with one of their experimental limbs.

  Unable to shake the feeling of vulnerability, she eyed him with some disquiet. Was he content in her employment? She’d always presumed he was but had never asked. “You’ve been with me over ten years, Joe. Are you happy?”

  “I am. I like the job and nobody interferes with me. The accommodation is great.”

  She smiled, knowing he took pride in his flat above the garage. Being a loner, he preferred to look after himself, though she knew Bernice took a dinner plate over to him most nights. “I’m probably going to need you more often for personal trips in the coming months. I’ll have my accountant draw up an increase in your salary.”

  “That won’t be necessary. My present wage is generous.”

  “Nonsense. You’ve enough to do ferrying things between the two labs, collecting our shopping and attending to the odd jobs around the house without having to go out at night. You’ll be bored silly waiting for me. Call it nuisance money.”

  He flicked her a quick warm look. “It’s good to see you going out at last. Your new clothes are very nice.”

  “Why thank you,” said Lindsey, flattered. Joe was not one to voice an opinion. “Daisy persuaded me to upgrade my wardrobe.”

  “Ah, Daisy. She’s a nice girl, that one. Never fails to thank me for a ride.”

  “She is very friendly and thoughtful.”

  “Fun too. You should see her do her impersonations. She had Bernice and I in stitches.”

  Lindsey looked at him in surprise. While Daisy was living in the cottage, she obviously had more interaction with the staff than she realised. Joe seemed as enamoured with her as Bernice was. “I’ll have to ask her to show me,” she said, a little annoyed she’d been left out of the fun.

  “Whoever gets her will be a lucky woman,” Joe said quietly.

  Lindsey shot him a glance. Was her driver inferring Daisy would be a good catch for her? From the tone of his voice, it certainly sounded like it. “No doubt,” she said finally.

  She huffed to herself. What was with her staff? First Bernice and now Joe. Interfering busybodies. Then she couldn’t help herself, ignoring the fact it wasn’t her business. It was his turn. “Have you a girlfriend, Joe?” she asked.

  “I’m not one to socialise. It’s been hard to adjust back into civilian life.”

  A wave of guilt hit. Swept up in her own problems, she’d had no idea what he’d been going through. How could she have been so blind? He would have suffered PTSD, though to what degree she didn’t know. He had always seemed so in control. “I understand fully,” she said compassionately. “But maybe it’s time to let things go.”

  He cleared his throat then said in low voice. “Daisy has a lady she wants me to meet. She lost her husband in a boating accident. I’m taking her out Saturday night after I drop you off at the club.”

  Lindsey sank back into the leather seat. Trust Daisy to recognize in only a few weeks that Joe was lonely. She hadn’t noticed in a decade. “I’m sure you’ll find her lovely. Daisy has a knack of matching up couples.”

  Knowing he wouldn’t want any more questions on the subject, she said nothing more and they fell into silence for the rest of the trip.

  At last in bed, she had little hope of sleep. Now alone, her mind was firmly on the events of the night. All her old insecurities rushed back. She hadn’t wanted to go to bed with Nicolle, but she could have handled it better. Just said no without sermonising. Been more adult about it, instead of rushing off like a frightened rabbit. Maybe she just should have had sex with her. It had been long enough. But at that thought, Daisy’s image popped in and she jammed the pillow over her face.

  Get out of my head, Daisy!

  Giving up, she took a sleeping pill. She closed her eyes, remembering Nicolle’s heated kiss and her leg squeezed between her thighs. But as she drifted off, the face shimmered out of focus and it was Daisy kissing her, sliding her fingers under her panties.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Daisy peered at her reflection in the bathroom mirror as she twitched out a few stray eyebrow hairs. Satisfied, she took a long hot shower, rubbed on her most expensive body lotion and put on a lacy bra and matching knickers. Not that anyone was going to see her underwear, but she couldn’t possibly wear her best dress with grannie bloomers and a plain bra. Straightening her hair with the hot wand took a while, but eventually the curls stayed tame. Although she wasn’t one for too much makeup, she took more care tonight. Carmen always looked like a walking ad for Estee Lauder.

  Finally finished with the preliminaries, she reached into the wardrobe, bypassing her favourite black number for the blue sparkly knee-high dress with the plunging neckline that she reserved for very special occasions. She put on her silver strand necklace with the matching teardrop earrings, a birthday present from her mother, and twirled in front of the mirror. After giving herself the thumbs-up, she grabbed her Gucci evening bag and slipped on the gorgeous slingback sandals that she’d picked up for a song at a sale.

  When ten minutes later the doorbell rang, her stomach began to churn. They hadn’t spoken since their argument, only texted to confirm the pickup time. Daisy had no idea what the reception from Lindsey was going to be like. Friendly? Cool? Reserved? Sour? A long deep breath settled her nerves as she opened the door. All her fears vanished like butterflies in the wind.

  With a shy smile on her face, Lindsey stood in the hallway clutching a bouquet of red roses. Daisy’s heart flip-flopped. Wow! Dressed in the tuxedo, Lindsey had discarded the bowtie to leave the shirt unbuttoned to the top her cleavage. Her only jewellery was gold studs in her ears to match her cufflinks and the thin gold chain around her neck. She must have revisited the salon, because her hair was newly trimmed and the colour brightened.

  “Hey,” Lindsey said in a husky voice. “You look beautiful.”

  “Why thank you, Lindsey. And you look very dapper. That’s sweet of you,” Daisy murmured as she was handed the roses. “Wait there a minute while I pop these in a vase.”

  When she came back, Lindsey did something totally unexpected. She stepped forward and hugged her tightly. Daisy sank into the embrace, then wriggled in closer with a little sniff. She smelt so good.

  When they broke apart, Lindsey looked bemused. “Sorry for that display,” she said. “I’m just glad to see you. I thought you might be angry with me.”

  A huge surge of
relief flooded through Daisy. “I was worried you’d be still annoyed with me.”

  “I had no right to say what I did. I’m sorry.”

  “You had every right. I shouldn’t have been so pedantic.” Absently, Daisy brushed the shoulders of the tux and straightened the shirt collar. Suddenly realizing what she was doing, she dropped her hands with an awkward little laugh. “Shall we go.”

  Joe was already waiting with the car door open.

  “Hi, Joe,” Daisy said brightly, eyeing his sports coat approvingly. Raylene was really going to like him. She gave him a wink. “You look great.”

  He merely nodded with a twitch of a smile. She climbed in, and slid over to let Lindsey follow her in.

  “So,” Lindsey said in a low voice. “Joe told me you’ve set him up on a date.”

  Daisy looked at her curiously. “Do you mind?”

  “It’s entirely his business. But…well…I’d like to thank you. I think he’s lonely.”

  “My client lost her husband five years ago and is very lonely too. I’m hoping they hit it off. She deserves to meet someone nice and she needs a father for her two boys.”

  “He’s a good man.”

  “I wouldn’t have lined up the date if I thought he wasn’t,” said Daisy, then added after a pause. “Um…how did your date with Nicolle go?”

  “Nice restaurant.”

  “What was it called?”

  “Constantinou’s Kitchen,” Lindsey replied, then shuffled around in the seat.

  Daisy looked at her in surprise. As no more information was forthcoming, she presumed the date mustn’t have gone well. Though bursting with curiosity, she clamped back further questions. Maybe Lindsey had had a panic attack, but whatever had happened, the subject was closed.

  She was searching for something to say when she had an idea. As well as allaying any fears Lindsey may have, it would also give Daisy an excuse not to go home with Carmen. “I was thinking you might like to stay at my place tonight. I’ve a comfy bed in the spare room and a tracksuit that should fit. We can make an early exit if warranted. We’ll take a cab home from here.”

  Lindsey’s eyes widened. “Really, I couldn’t—”

  “Why not? You don’t have to be anywhere early tomorrow, do you?”

  “No, but—”

  “Good, then that’s settled.” Daisy sat back, pleased with herself.

  When the club came into view ten minutes later, she looked expectantly at Lindsey and flicked her head toward the driver’s seat.

  After a pause, Lindsey said reluctantly, “I’ll be staying in town with Daisy tonight, Joe. Pick me up at ten in the morning.”

  “Okay, Lindsey. Have a good night,” he replied, his voice displaying no surprise.

  Carmen was waiting for them in front of the dark-panelled door at the entrance, a gold-sequined cocktail dress sculptured to her model-thin body. Her black hair was piled into an updo style and large hoop earrings glittered in the streetlight. Daisy snorted. So much for it’s not too dressy. The model looked like she’d just stepped out of Harper’s Bazaar. From the corner of her eye she could see Lindsey studying the model.

  Carmen swayed forward on impossibly high stilettos and planted a lingering kiss on Daisy’s cheek. “Hi, babe.”

  With a wince at the endearment, she hastily introduced the women to each other. She had hoped in her desire to impress her important guest, Carmen would drop the girlfriend act. No such luck. She casually draped her arm over Daisy’s shoulders as she led them inside. The foyer, decorated with elaborate tapestries and polished antique furniture, radiated wealth. Thankfully, Carmen dropped her arm as they walked up three marble stairs to a small lounge. There was no doubt that the Beauvoir was soaked in prestige and exclusivity. It was as if the pages of Vogue had come to life: all chic in cool greys and neutrals, with subtle feminine undertones. No testosterone within these walls.

  Music floated out from somewhere further in but Carmen ushered them over to three plush chairs in the corner. “Let’s have a quiet drink before we join the party, shall we.”

  Immediately after they were seated, a waitress appeared with a tray of cocktails. Daisy was mostly quiet while they chatted, content to watch the two women interact as she sipped a pineapple concoction. She had expected the model to fawn over Lindsey, considering her new star status, but it wasn’t the case. She was as pretentious as ever. Really, the woman was insufferable. She tried to imagine sitting at home with her, just the two of them. What would they talk about? Food? Nope. Carmen looked like she survived on salads. Fashion? Nope. She would take over the conversation. What did they have in common? Very little. When that first rush of sex wore off, they would be bored with each other within six months.

  Daisy swept her eyes around the room. She knew no one. Most were in the over-fifty age bracket, obviously preferring a quiet drink with friends to partying. Then when she heard Carmen ask in her best hoity-toity voice, “Aren’t the furnishings in the foyer superb?” she refocused on the conversation.

  Lindsey gave a languid shrug but there was a distinct gleam in her eye. “My mother preferred Chippendale to Louis Quatorze, but it’s all the same to me.”

  Daisy intervened hurriedly. Lindsey looked like she wasn’t far off from giving the model a taste of her temper. Not that she would blame her. “Shall we adjourn to the next room?” she said hastily and jumped to her feet ready to take Lindsey’s arm. With a deft movement Carmen adroitly slipped in between them, placing a hand on her back. Daisy forced down the surge of anger as she allowed herself to be guided into the next room.

  The party was in full swing in a very festive atmosphere. Women of all ages and sizes filled the room and spilled out onto the terrace. The dance floor was crowded, patrons bouncing merrily to the music of an all-female jazz quartet. Carmen ushered them through the crush to one of the last available tables. “I’ll get us some drinks.”

  Daisy hummed happily, tapping her feet to the beat. She nudged Lindsey. “This is super fun. Do you—”

  She trailed off when a woman stopped at their table and exclaimed, “Lindsey. I don’t believe it. Is that really you?”

  Lindsey looked up and sprang to her feet. “Margarette.”

  The woman gave a delighted laugh. “But this is wonderful. You disappeared for years and now…poof…you appear looking quite marvellous.”

  Intrigued, Daisy watched them embrace. The woman wasn’t young. Her hair was streaked with grey, and beneath the cosmetics life-lines were etched into her face. Lindsey was smiling broadly as she turned to introduce her former mentor, Dr Margarette Bellerose.

  When Carmen reappeared with the drinks, they shared a polite hello. “I see you’ve met my friends,” she said. Something in voice suggested she and Dr Bellerose weren’t exactly close.

  “Lindsey is an old colleague and friend,” Margarette answered without elaborating. She turned to Lindsey, pointing to a table across the room. “Could I spirit you away for a little while? My friends would be thrilled to meet you. Your work has been ground-breaking.”

  “I’d love to.” Lindsey picked up her glass, flashing a smile at Daisy. “I’ll see you later.”

  Carmen tucked her arm around Daisy possessively. “Don’t worry, I’ll look after her,” she said smugly.

  Frowning, Lindsey glanced down at Carmen’s hold, nodded and walked after Margarette.

  With a pang, Daisy watched her go. She’d hoped to show her a good time and introduce her around. Judging by the ages of the three women at the table, they were hardly marriage prospects. And now she was left with Carmen. Oh, well. Better make the best of it. She downed the champagne and said brightly, “Wanna dance?”

  Carmen arched her eyebrows. “Let’s go.”

  As soon as Daisy hit the floor, she deliberately lost herself in the beat.

  Two songs later, Carmen hissed, “Slow down. I’m wearing four-inch heels and a bloody tight dress.”

  “Oh, lighten up,” she said gaily. “Get a drink and have a
rest. I’m not ready to sit down yet.” When she disappeared to the bar, Daisy continued to dance alone, though not for long. A tall woman with the streamlined body of a long-distance runner took Carmen’s place. Daisy laughed delightedly—the woman certainly knew how to move. They jumped about enthusiastically, and when the band began to play “I’ve Had the Time of My Life,” they launched into dirty-dancing mode. When the crowd began to clap, they exaggerated their actions. Finally, when the band took a break, she waved goodbye and went in search of Lindsey.

  She was still talking to Margarette as Daisy approached. “Lost Carmen?” Lindsey asked inscrutably.

  “She’s about somewhere. Can I get you all a drink?”

  “We’ve a bottle of champagne in the ice bucket. You’re welcome to join us. We’ve a spare glass,” replied Margarette, shuffling a chair over.

  “Thanks. I’d love one.”

  “I imagine you would be thirsty after all that dancing,” said Margarette with a wink. “Oh, to be young again.”

  Daisy waggled her eyebrows. “I don’t know…you look pretty sprightly to me. I probably wouldn’t be able to keep up with you.”

  This received a chuckle. “You’re good for the soul, my dear.”

  While Daisy found Margarette and her two friends charming, Lindsey barely spared her a glance as they talked. The conversation was stimulating, but she gradually became more uncomfortable. Lindsey’s attitude was puzzling and upsetting. When at last she heard Carmen calling her name, she eased out of the chair, relieved. “I guess I’d better go. Do you want to join us for something to eat, Lindsey?”

  For the first time since she sat down, Lindsey looked at her directly. Her expression was close to disdain. “No thanks. I’m quite happy here.”

  Suddenly Daisy felt small and stupid. She forced herself to say pleasantly, “Okay. Let me know when you’re ready to go home.” Then hurried away to find Carmen.

  She was at the buffet, delicately selecting low-kilojoule tidbits.

  “Oh, for shit sake,” Daisy snapped. “Eat something decent.” She grabbed a plate and piled it high. “You won’t find food this good at home. Now where do you want to sit?”