The Woman in the Pyjamas

by Sarah Pond

  Eve said, 'I knew that she liked him. It was obvious.'

  'I didn't think she did at the start.'

  'Well, you know how often when people appear not to like each other, it's because they're secretly attracted to them, but don't want to make it obvious.'

  'Is that so?' Daisy cocked her head to one side, as she looked at Eve.

  'Yes! Like with you and Ryan.' She pulled a face, 'Oops, sorry.'

  'It's fine. So, Dr Eve, you don't think that sometimes it is just a mistake?'

  'Not really. At some level, I think there's got to be some attraction there.'

  'Hmm.'

  'It happened to me once with this rep at work. I thought he really didn't like me, he always seemed to be having a dig at how I did things.'

  Daisy was interested, 'What happened?'

  'I think it was his third or fourth visit. We were in the stock room, going through a new order. I turned to ask him something, and he was looking at me with flaming eyes. I thought, uh oh, I've said the wrong thing, and he told me he couldn't stop thinking about me. I didn't see it coming in a million years. It was one of the hottest make outs I've ever had!'

  'Wow. How long did it last?'

  'I wasn't timing it!'

  Daisy slapped Eve's leg, 'You know what I mean! Did you go out with him?'

  'A couple of times. It burnt out pretty quickly, to be honest. It was fun, though!' At the look on Daisy's face, Eve asked, 'Has anything like that ever happened to you?'

  'No, of course not.' Daisy's answer was like a shot from a cannon ball.

  Eve laughed, throwing her head back, 'Hey, don't be so serious.'

  'Sorry.' Daisy tried to laugh, but it sounded false, even to her. She didn't know why, but there was something nagging at the back of her brain. Something half remembered, like a forgotten dream that suddenly floats to the surface.

  Daisy was at the school gates, waiting to pick up Jess, when she saw Trish walking towards her. It was still quite early, and apart from one other parent, they were alone. 'Hi, how are you?'

  'Great thanks.' Trish swished her hair. 'I've come straight from the hairdressers. I'm going out tonight.'

  'It looks very nice. Your hair, I mean.' Daisy made the effort to smile.

  'Thank you.' She gently brushed her fingers through the ends.

  At this point, another parent arrived. 'Hi Trish, you look good.'

  'Thanks John. I bought a new coat in town.'

  'It looks very stylish.' Daisy stifled a laugh, when she realised it was the coat she had donated after her massive wardrobe sort out.

  'Well, I do like to buy designer brands. Adds a bit of class, don't you think?' Trish gave John a twirl, smiling at him flirtatiously.

  It had been quite an expensive coat at the time Daisy had bought it, and she had only worn it a handful of times. It reminded her of Stephen, though, and it went along with the majority of her wardrobe.

  'You wear it very well.' John wasn't subtle in his attraction to Trish, and she loved the attention.

  Daisy was nearly bursting with wanting to laugh out loud, and was relieved when Jess came running out to hug her.

  'Hi, how are you?' Daisy smiled at Ryan.

  'I'm okay, thanks. You?'

  'Busy, but okay.' Conversation was still a bit strained, but it was beginning to be a bit more relaxed between them. 'I've got a particularly long day today. I'll catch you later.'

  'Yeah, bye.' Ryan watched Daisy walking away, and sighed.

  It was difficult at times, but Daisy knew she had done the right thing. Maybe she should have ended things when she first had doubts about their age difference. Then, as Ryan had said at the time, why not enjoy the moment. They'd fancied each other, and they were both unattached adults. They'd had a really good time together, and it had been fun while it lasted.

  Daisy had returned from a late meeting, and Jess opened the door to her. 'Mum!'

  'Hi darling, how are you?'

  'Great. Kate and I have been planting in the garden. Come and see.'

  Jess had smudges of earth on her cheeks and forehead. She took Daisy's hand, leading her into the garden. There was earth strewn across the path, and a spade and hand trowel on the ground.

  Kate was leaning over a border, putting the finishing touches to the earth around a new fern. She looked up as she heard the approaching voices, 'Oh hi, how are you?'

  'Tired, it's been a very long and busy day. How are you?'

  'We've had a great time. We've also got some pasta for tea, Jess wanted to cook today.'

  'Great. You guys have really been busy. I'll go and get changed, then I'll come and join you.'

  Jess did an excellent job of making dinner, and once she had gone to bed, Daisy and Kate tidied and washed up. Once they were done, Daisy made some fresh coffee, and they plonked themselves on the sofa to relax. 'Ah, that coffee smells good.'

  'I've been looking forward to getting home. It's been quite a day. Dinner was lovely.'

  'Jess did a great job. She's great at gardening, too. I think she could turn her hand to anything.'

  Daisy sighed, 'Yes, she is a bright girl. She seems to be growing up so quickly nowadays.'

  'She's a lovely girl, you must be so proud of her.'

  Daisy smiled, 'I am. Thank you again for helping out, I really appreciate it.'

  'Any time, I'm happy to do it.'

  As they were chatting, Daisy laughed, 'You have smudges on your face like Jess!'

  Kate grabbed a hanky from her pocket, and wiped it over her face, missing the main smudge.

  'Here.' Daisy leaned forward, and ran her thumb down Kate's cheek, removing the last smudge. Looking directly at Kate, she stalled for a moment, as a memory suddenly flooded her mind.

  Kate noticed the change in Daisy. 'You okay?'

  'Um, yes.' Daisy collected herself, 'There, all done.' She turned away to pick up her mug of coffee. 'I'm just going to pop to the loo, back in a minute.'

  Kate wondered whether she was picking up on something, or was she just imagining things. It was the first time she had seen Daisy since she had brought her home from the club.

  Daisy splashed some water on her face. Her cheeks were burning, and the droplets dried quickly on the warmth of her skin. No, I must be getting confused with a dream or something. There's no way... Pull yourself together.

  As Daisy sat down again, not making eye contact, Kate asked, 'Are you okay?'

  Daisy reddened, and mumbled, 'Yeah, of course.'

  'Look, I know things have been tough for you recently. You know you can talk to me.'

  Daisy suddenly looked up at Kate, 'Do you ever have the feeling that something's happened, but you just don't remember it.'

  'All the time!' Kate laughed.

  'Seriously, though.'

  'How do you mean?'

  'Like, it's a sort of memory. I have a nagging feeling that something happened the other night at the club, but I just can't grasp it.'

  Kate's stomach flipped. 'Oh. No idea at all?' She kept her voice as normal as possible.

  Daisy shook her head. 'I think you do, though.' Daisy's candidness caught Kate off guard.

  'Well, you, er, you were already drunk when you turned up at the club.' Now it was Kate's turn to blush.

  'Please just tell me. I'm sure there was something, and it's really bothering me now.'

  'It was nothing. Really.' Now it was Kate who was avoiding eye contact.

  Daisy reached her hand over to Kate's, which automatically made her look up. 'Please.'

  Kate sighed. 'Remember, you were drunk.'

  'Yes, I know. If I wasn't, I wouldn't be asking, would I?' Daisy's eyes were pleading.

  Kate gave her a level look. 'Fair point. Okay. But you were really drunk.'

  'For goodness sake, just tell me.' Daisy was exasperated.

  Kate let out a long breath. 'You kissed me.'

  'Huh?' Daisy looked shocked.

  'You heard.'

  'Oh.' Daisy sat in stunned silenc
e for a moment. 'Then what?'

  'Then nothing. You took me by surprise, I pulled away, and you promptly fell asleep!'

  'So, like a peck on the cheek, then?'

  Kate blushed, 'Um, no.'

  Daisy's hand flew up over her mouth, 'Oh my god, I'm so sorry. How did it happen, though?'

  'I don't know. One minute you were drinking water, then suddenly you leaned forward and kissed me.'

  'I'm so embarrassed.' She looked horrified, but there was also something else in the look, which Kate couldn't quite put her finger on. 'Why didn't you tell me?'

  'I didn't want to embarrass you, and you were very drunk. I didn't even think you'd remember it, to be honest.'

  Kate chuckled to herself, and Daisy groaned, 'Oh no, what now?'

  Kate was laughing, 'You said I had a beautiful smile!'

  'I really don't know what to say. I'm sorry, it won't happen again.'

  'That would be a shame.' Kate winked at Daisy, and Daisy playfully smacked her arm.

  She wasn't completely sure whether Kate was joking or not. Kate changed tack, 'So, how are things at work with you and Ryan?'

  Daisy sighed, 'Oh, okay, I guess. We're both disappointed.'

  'Could you give it another go?'

  'Oh, Kate, whenever I think about it, I just see the look on his face when I said I didn't want any more children. He says it's okay, but what if we did stay together, then a few years down the line he realises he's made a mistake. I think it's best that things ended now. He can find someone nearer his age, who wants the same things.'

  'Daisy, I know you're scared. You've been hurt badly before, and you want to protect yourself. But don't let it stop you having a great time with someone else.'

  'To be honest, I was having a good time with Ryan. But the thing about having a family with someone, that's a big deal. I know I don't want to have more children now.'

  'That can change, too, when you meet someone.' Kate looked wistful for a moment.

  Daisy wanted to ask her more, but she still wasn't sure. She didn't want to push Kate to talk about something if she wasn't ready. 'I know. So maybe Ryan isn't the one for me. I do miss him, though. I've also realised that I want to be in a relationship again, which in itself is a huge step for me. I didn't think I would ever trust anyone again after Stephen.'

  'Well, that's great.'

  'And I want to wait for the right person, not rush into things, you know?'

  Kate looked back at Daisy, 'Yes, I know exactly.'

  Over the next few weeks, whenever Daisy and Eve tried to make arrangements with Kate, she never seemed to be available. Admittedly, the summer was a busy time for a gardener, so they supposed it was to be expected to a point. Kate was still doing some occasional babysitting, but as Jess spent three weeks of the holidays with Stephen, and had some holiday clubs too, not as much as usual. Even when Kate did babysit, she would often dash off when Daisy returned, whereas before she would often stay for a coffee or a glass of wine. Ah well, she was a fairly private person, and if she said she was busy, then they would have to leave it at that.

  There was one evening when Eve and Daisy wouldn't take no for an answer, and eventually Kate gave in. She realised that it would seem strange if she said no to getting together every time. Also, she was hardly going to be gardening on a Saturday night. They went out for drinks, then dancing. Daisy thought that Kate seemed quieter than usual. It was too noisy at the bar to talk properly, so when they were heading home later, Daisy asked if she was okay. 'Yes, I've just been really busy, that's all. I'm quite tired.'

  Eve said, 'I think you need a break. You've been working really long hours. The suntan looks great on you, but you need some down time as well.'

  'I have to take the work when I can get it. Also, I have more time in the autumn and winter anyway, so I'm used to working more over the summer.'

  As they arrived at Daisy's place, they all hugged goodbye. Daisy held Kate's shoulders, looking into her eyes, 'Are you sure you're okay?'

  Kate could feel the blush flushing her cheeks. 'Of course.'

  'I've been worried about you. Jess is missing you too. Please take it easy.' She wrapped Kate in a hug.

  Kate was thankful for the darkness, and hoped that Daisy wouldn't see the tear that she could feel running gently down the side of her face. She managed a softly spoken, 'Thanks, but I'm okay. Really.'

  As Eve and Kate walked onwards, Eve said, 'So come on then, I think you need to talk.'

  And it all came out.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Back at home that night, Kate was lying in bed, looking up at the ceiling in the half light. The early morning light was now beginning to seep in, giving the room a misty quality. Her mind whirred over and over, and she just hadn't been able to sleep. How had it even happened? She replayed the conversation with Eve.

  Eve looked at her sympathetically, 'How long?'

  'I don't know. I suppose since...' She couldn't finish the sentence. It would be unfair on Daisy to tell Eve about the kiss. It was just a drunken mistake. 'A little while now.'

  'Does she have any idea?'

  'Of course not. It's such a fucking cliche, falling for my straight friend.'

  Eve couldn't help chuckling, before correcting herself. 'Sorry.'

  Kate smiled despite herself, 'No, you're right. It is laughable.' She sighed, 'Damn, I never expected this.'

  They walked along in silence for a while. Eve asked tentatively, 'Kate, you know that time I first brought Daisy to the club?'

  'Yes.'

  'Well, did you like her then?'

  'I liked her, sure. She seemed nice. But I didn't think about her in that way.'

  'I've sometimes wondered. You did kiss her that night.'

  Kate flushed at the memory. 'I know you might not believe me, but it really was just to make a point about her living in the moment. I was trying to help her with Ryan.'

  Eve smiled at her friend.

  That wasn't the kiss that turned things upside down for Kate. The night that Daisy had turned up drunk at the club, Kate had wanted to look after and protect Daisy. She had sensed a vulnerability in Daisy ever since they had met, and she really cared for her as a friend. But there was something about the way that Daisy had kissed her that night that showed her strength and passion. Yes, of course she had been drunk, but it was as though she was really going for what she wanted, and that strength had really turned her on.

  Kate had made Eve promise not to say anything to Daisy. 'Of course not, but shouldn't you talk to her?'

  Kate looked at her friend matter of factly, 'And say what?'

  Eve met Kate's look. 'Okay, you've got a point. The thing is, if you keep your distance, she'll just think something's up. She's already concerned about you, and she'll keep asking you.'

  'Yes, I know. After the summer, I will be around more again.'

  Kate really was happy being single. Yes, she did want to meet someone sometime, when the time was right. This was really unexpected. And as for Jess, Kate just adored her. She would love to have a daughter like her. It was only now that she realised just how much of a family they had become to her. If only Daisy had been sober that night. But then it would never have happened. Her heart ached.

  'So, dear, any men on the horizon?'

  Oh, this really was a boring conversation. And a repetitive one at that. 'No, Mum. Not at the moment.'

  'Are you getting out much?'

  'Yes, a fair bit.' Daisy rolled her eyes.

  'That's good, dear.'

  Daisy managed to steer the conversation away from her non-existent love life, and on to her mum's new interest, her pottery classes. This unleashed a monologue, which Daisy was happy to listen to. Anything to distract her from herself at the moment.

  Daisy had mentioned to Eve a couple of times that Kate wasn't around much at the moment. 'It just seems a bit odd. Usually she's always around, and suddenly she's never available. Do you think I've upset her in some way? I'm not aware I have.'
>
  'No, of course not.'

  'But how would I know. She probably wouldn't tell me if I had.'

  Eve felt for her. 'Stop worrying. She's fine. She's just been really busy, that's all.'

  'I hope she's okay. Jess misses her. To be honest, I've been missing her too. She's really become a part of the family now.'

  'I'm sure she'd be pleased to know you think of her in that way. You know she's very fond of you, too.'

  Daisy suddenly smiled, 'I hope she meets someone. I sometimes wonder whether she gets a bit lonely.'

  'I think it would be good for her. Still, she was so badly hurt after what happened with her ex, so she's being extra cautious now.'

  'Maybe she should take her own advice, and just go for it, without thinking about things too much.'

  Eve smiled to herself. She knew that Kate would love to do just that, and also knew that she wouldn't jeopardise her friendship with Daisy.

  Over coffee at work, Cheryl asked, 'So, what's new with you?'

  'Nothing much.'

  'It's a shame that Ryan's not around much now. I get why you finished things, but it was a bit of office excitement!'

  Daisy rolled her eyes, 'You really need to get out more! How about you?'

  'I've been on a couple of dates, but nothing has come of it yet. A friend recommended this dating site, so I thought I'd give it a go. Nothing ventured…'

  Daisy had come to realise that over time, she had stopped setting herself challenges. In a way, she didn't feel she needed to, as she felt she was becoming more confident and bold in her choices and decisions. So when she had decided to join a dating site, it hadn't been a challenge, just something she had decided to try out for herself. People at work had varying degrees of success, including Cheryl, and Daisy thought, why not.

  Daphne was horrified at the thought. Yes, Daisy knew that she didn't have to tell her mum, but the inevitable question came up when they had lunch together. 'But you'll meet someone else, you're an attractive lady. Why stoop to that?'