The Woman in the Pyjamas

by Sarah Pond

  'Oh, come on! Everyone is so busy, that's how most couples meet nowadays. And at least you know a bit about the person beforehand, whether you have things in common.'

  Daphne looked almost disgusted. 'Your father and I found out about each other over time. It's part of the fun of a new relationship.'

  Fun and her parents didn't really equate somehow. Daisy couldn't imagine her parents as a young courting couple. Sure, she had seen photos of them, but the faded pictures seemed so much from another time. Even her mum using the word fun struck Daisy as odd. She always seemed so constrained and uptight. If she had to find one word to sum her mum up, it would probably be 'proper'.

  The process to sign up to the dating site seemed rather long winded. Still, Daisy thought that it was probably a good idea to take her time and do it right to increase her chances of meeting someone nice, and not some axe murderer. No, don't be silly, that was just the film she and Eve had watched the other evening. This was real life, of course it would be fine. She just had to be sensible about it.

  Two glasses of wine, and over an hour later, Daisy smiled at her completed profile. There, that wasn't so hard. She couldn't help but be impressed by the number of possible matches that came up on her laptop screen. Wow, there are a lot of people out there. Daisy happily scrolled through photo after photo. Maybe, she thought, she should have done this a long time ago, all th ese single guys out there, she had no idea. After photo sixty three, she became aware that rather than just scrolling through the pictures, she had been swiping 'yes' to wanting to meet them all. Daisy's cheeks flamed, and she swiftly shut her laptop closed, as if it would make it all go away. The, If I can't see it, it's not there, approach. She quickly rang Eve, who laughed uncontrollably for the first couple of minutes, not helping in any way to settle Daisy's mind.

  'Oh my god, they're going to think I'm a right floozy!'

  'My darling, you are hilarious! No one is going to know how many photos you've swiped, and nothing will happen unless you start a conversation and arrange to meet them.'

  Daisy started to calm down, 'Yes, I suppose you're right. But I think they should give you proper instructions with this sort of thing.'

  'You can always add the words “not a floozy” to your profile!' Eve began laughing again.

  'I thought you were my friend.' Daisy's voice was mock indignation.

  'Sorry. You'll be fine. Remember, you don't have to reply to anyone if you don't want to. Rather than look at the photos, go to the profile pages.'

  'Yes, you're right. I think I'll log out for now, and look at it when I'm more refreshed. Thanks, Eve.'

  'Any time, honey bunch.'

  Daisy was a bit more cautious when she went back to the site, but soon started to find her way around. There were a few messages going back and forth with a couple of guys, and she started to be a bit more comfortable with the whole process. Also, seeing how many hundreds of people were on the site, she realised just how much she wasn't alone.

  The first couple of dates were quite enjoyable, but Daisy knew there wouldn't be a second one. When she arrived back home, Eve was eager to hear all about it.

  'There's not much to tell, really. We had dinner, made polite conversation. No sparks, from either side, I don't think.'

  'Well, there aren't always sparks straight away. Sometimes things need to simmer a bit, before they start to heat up!'

  'Oh, Eve, do you think I was too hasty ending things with Ryan?'

  Eve exhaled loudly, 'Are we really going to go through that again?'

  'Yes, I know. It was for the right reasons. There were definitely sparks there, though. More like a flame, to be honest.'

  'There will be someone for you. When it's right, you'll know.'

  Daisy sighed, 'I hope you're right. Anyway, how's Kate doing, have you heard from her?'

  'Not for a few days.'

  'Maybe she and I should go on a double date, sort us both out.'

  Eve didn't answer, she just smiled wryly.

  Daisy's third date was a disaster. She had arrived at the restaurant first, and by the time that Stu had approached the table, there was no way that she could suddenly get up and leave. For starters, if it wasn't for the fact that Stu had made a beeline for the table, quickly introducing himself, Daisy would never have recognised him. Sure, she knew that the photos weren't always going to be bang up to date, and some people might get them a bit photo-shopped. But, bloody hell, who was this guy? She was expecting a medium build man with dark hair, forty six years old. Quite nice looking from the picture, but she thought she'd wait and see in person. That photo must be twenty years old, at least. The, let's be honest, almost pensioner who sat down opposite her, really took the wind from her sails.

  'It's so lovely to meet you. You look younger in real life.'

  Is he for real. Daisy blushed violently, thinking, I certainly can't say the same about you. She managed to sputter out a thank you, almost choking on her words. She was dearly wishing she'd used the emergency phone call trick. Did people use it in real life, she wondered. Daisy had only seen it in films.

  'Well, I must say, this is an excellent choice of restaurant.' Stu looked very pleased, as his eyes scanned the room.

  Whilst Stu was thus engaged, Daisy regarded him through squinted eyes, trying to find any resemblance to his online photo. Okay, so maybe a brief resemblance. His hair was now almost grey, and much thinner than in the photo. His cheeks were ruddy and stubbly, not the smooth, healthy shine that she had been expecting.

  'I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to shave.'

  Daisy jumped, she hadn't realised that he was now looking at her, and his voice had startled her. He seemed oblivious, as he continued, 'I only flew back into the UK this afternoon. Then I was delayed from the airport, hence my rather dishevelled appearance, I'm afraid.'

  Daisy managed to pull herself together, 'Oh, don't be silly. Where were you flying from?'

  This unleashed a very long and monotone explanation of Stu's business trip, and a detailed description of his job, of which Daisy had no recollection or idea of when Eve had asked her about it later. She had heard of Einstein's quip, “Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute, and it seems like an hour. Sit with a pretty girl for an hour, and it seems like a minute. That's relativity,” Well, this felt like hours already. She was relieved when the waiter came to take their order.

  When did things get so complicated. When she was dating Stephen, it had seemed much simpler. Or was it just that she remembered it differently, it was a long time ago. She was so sure her memory was reliable, recalling an outfit she had worn or a place they had visited. Then she would come across an old photo, and realise that it wasn't quite as she had remembered it after all. Maybe things had been similar, and she had just forgotten over time. Daisy felt a pang in her stomach for the life she thought she was going to have. She and Stephen had been so in love, and she had really thought that they would spend the rest of their lives together.

  Why was she thinking about him now?

  'Don't you think so, Daisy?'

  Again, she was shocked back into the present. It took her a moment to focus her eyes, seeing an enquiring look in Stu's. 'Sorry, am I boring you!'

  There was no malice in the quip, which made Daisy laugh involuntarily. 'No, of course not. I am so sorry, I just thought of something I forgot to do earlier.' Like cancel this date. She laughed again.

  'Are you alright?' Now he did look a bit concerned.

  'Yes, fine. I'm so sorry.'

  What possible excuse could Daisy give for her rude behaviour. Well, it wasn't as though Stu had been exactly truthful. Take that twenty year old photo, for example. Suddenly she was seeing the funny side of it, and tried to suppress the giggle that was bubbling up inside her. 'Will you excuse me a moment?'

  Stu looked disconcerted for a moment, then smiled. 'Of course.'

  Daisy hurriedly stood up, and made her way to the ladies bathroom. Once safely inside, the giggle burst forth, giving way t
o a belly laugh, the sound resounding around the white tiled walls. A woman coming out of one of the cubicles looked rather surprised, and Daisy couldn't help sharing the source of her laughter. 'Online dating. More like a blind date, he doesn't even look like his photo!'

  The woman pulled a face, 'Are you sure you met the right person?'

  'Oh, yes. I don't know how I'm going to get through the rest of the evening, though. We've ordered dessert, I should have just gone for a coffee and the bill. Still, the food's good!'

  The woman talked to Daisy's reflection in the mirror, as she brushed her long, straight red hair. 'I've been there, so I know how you feel!'

  Daisy leaned forward on the edge of the sink, looking into the mirror, 'Tell me, does it get better?'

  Now the woman turned to look directly at Daisy, understanding in her eyes. 'It does. I met my fiancé that way. I must get back to him. Look, hang in there. I hope the rest of the evening gets better.'

  'Thank you.'

  Daisy watched as the red head swooshed out through the doors. Okay, time to get myself together, and back to the table. Stu will be wondering what's going on.

  Stu stood as Daisy returned to the table. Was that a sweet gesture, or just confirmation of the fact that Stu was probably old school, and a sign of his age. Aargh.

  Daisy just wanted to be back at home, chatting with Eve or Kate. She looked down at the beautifully presented Eton mess in front of her. 'This looks nice.'

  Stu smiled enthusiastically, and tucked into his blackberry and apple crumble, having poured a generous amount of cream on top of it. Fortunately, he carried on chatting away, saving Daisy the issue of having to find things to talk about.

  Daisy dragged herself through the rest of the evening. Having initially declined coffee, Stu ordered a cappuccino, so she thought she might as well join him. At least it would give her hands and mouth something to do. Stu insisted on paying for the meal, and also on walking her home. She said goodbye at the corner of her road. Not that she thought he was a stalker or anything, but she didn't want him to know which was her front door. 'Thank you for a nice evening.' Well, what else was she going to say?

  'I've had a lovely time. I'd really like to see you again.'

  Oh bugger. He looked so hopeful, a wide smile on his small mouth. 'Um, well, I'm not sure. Work is really busy at the moment. And being a single parent, you know.' Daisy trailed off awkwardly.

  'Oh, okay. Right, then.' Stu looked deflated.

  Daisy couldn't help feeling bad for him, but knew she couldn't sit through another evening with him. 'But thank you, again.'

  Stu put on a cheery face again, 'Well, if you are free sometime, I would love to take you out again. It's been such a splendid evening.'

  'Oh, okay. Well, maybe I'll let you know.' Really, Daisy? There's no way that's going to happen, don't get his hopes up.

  'Terrific. Goodnight, then.' As she walked away, he turned, adding, 'Until next time.'

  Daisy groaned inwardly. At least, she hoped so, she wouldn't want Stu to hear her. How could he not know that she hadn't enjoyed the evening.

  Making her way to the front door, Daisy sighed with relief as she stepped into her hallway. Kicking off her shoes, she called out, 'Eve, get the wine, and make it a big one! Oh my god, what an evening!'

  As she walked into the lounge, she was surprised to see Kate sitting on the sofa with Eve. 'Hi, I hope you don't mind...'

  Kate hadn't finished her sentence before Daisy wrapped her in a big hug, causing Kate's cheeks to heat up with guilt and embarrassment. She really shouldn't have left it so long. Eve had talked Kate into coming along, insisting that the longer she left it, the harder it would be later on to suddenly show up.

  'It's so lovely to see you. How are you? Are you okay?' Daisy didn't give Kate a chance to answer. 'I've been worried about you.'

  'There's really no need, I'm fine. Just busy, that's all.' She couldn't stop her cheeks heating again, she was not a good liar.

  Now Daisy was holding her at arm's length, looking into Kate's eyes, which served to make her feel guiltier still. 'I'm so pleased you're here.' Daisy pulled her into another hug.

  Over her shoulder, Kate pulled an 'oh no' face at Eve, who just shrugged, and smiled back at her.

  Once they were sitting down, Daisy swilling the large glass of wine in her hand, she related the evening to her friends, who were in stitches at the way Daisy described the evening.

  'Oh, you poor thing,' Eve spluttered through her giggles.

  Kate was glad she'd come along this evening, it was so good to see Daisy again. Despite her feelings, she knew nothing was ever going to happen, and she certainly didn't want to lose her as a friend. She'd been silly to leave it as long as she had. Never mind, she was here now.

  It was getting late, and Eve said that she must be off, as she had an early start the following day. 'Night then. I'm sure your next date will be better, it's still early days!' She hugged each of her friends in turn.

  As she left, Kate said, 'I'd better be going to.'

  'Could you stay for one more drink? I was going to make hot chocolate.'

  Kate found it hard to resist the hopeful expression on Daisy's face. 'Oh, okay. But I can't be too long.'

  'Yes, of course.'

  Once they were sitting down again, Daisy looked Kate directly in the eye, and asked, 'So, what have you been up to then?'

  Kate cleared her throat, 'Work, mostly. Just the usual.'

  'Oh. To be honest, I thought you'd met someone. The fact you've hardly been around.'

  Hmm, that would have sounded more convincing, Kate thought. 'Um, no. Just, you know, work.'

  'But you're okay?' Daisy was looking at her intensely.

  Kate didn't like being under the microscope, and shuffled around on the sofa. 'Yes. Fine, honestly.'

  Daisy leaned back on the sofa, relaxing more, 'Sorry, I didn't mean to pry. I'm so used to everyone telling me everything at work. Personnel, HR, whatever you want to call it. I think it's also the mum in me.' At that, Daisy noticed the change in Kate's expression. 'Oh no, I haven't put my foot in it again, have I? I'm really sorry.' Daisy leaned over, putting her hand on Kate's arm. When Kate jerked it away, she couldn't help feeling a bit hurt.

  The reality was, that now Kate had accepted she had feelings for Daisy, she wasn't sure how to be around her. With Eve there, it had been fine, but now they were on their own, she was feeling vulnerable. Now, every kind word or look made her ache a bit more. She wanted to scream “stop touching me”, not from lack of desire, but because Daisy's gentle touch on her arm caused sensations to rush throughout her whole body. So maybe coming here tonight hadn't been the best idea, after all. She should have left with Eve, she told herself. Footsteps on the stairs snapped her out of her reverie.

  'I had a bad dream, Mum.' Jess was rubbing bleary eyes, her hair dishevelled from a restless sleep. Then she spotted Kate, 'Kate!' She ran into Kate's arms, and the love and emotion she felt brought tears to the back of Kate's eyes. 'I've missed you.'

  Kate tried to clear the emotion from her throat, 'I've missed you, too. How's school?'

  'Good thanks.'

  Daisy looked lovingly at her daughter, who still had her arms around Kate's neck. 'So what was your dream about?'

  'I can't remember. When can we garden again?'

  'Soon. Maybe I should take you to work with me!'

  Jess' eyes widened, 'Mum, can I?' She was so excited.

  'I think Kate was joking, darling.'

  'Well, I kinda was. But on the other hand, I suppose you could come along when I do my neighbour's garden. If it's okay with your mum, that is.'

  Jess looked expectantly at Daisy, her hands pressed together, pleading.

  'Yes, of course.'

  Jess squealed with excitement, and hugged Kate and her mum in turn. 'Thank you.'

  Now Kate really thought her heart would melt. In that moment, she knew that staying away from the two people who had become so important to her was not
an option.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  It was a usual Saturday morning for Daisy, she and Jess were at Sainsbury's buying some food for the weekend. 'Mum, can I have this new cereal, please?'

  'Let's have a look at it.' She stretched her hand out towards Jess, 'As long as there's not too much rubbish in it.'

  Passing it over, Jess said, 'I've already checked, it's fine.'

  'Okay, then, I suppose-' Daisy was shocked into panicked silence as she saw Bob, her postman, walking along the aisle with his wife. Okay, breathe. He probably hasn't seen me. Shit, he's seen me.

  'Oh, er, hello. Hi. Fancy seeing you here.' Daisy instinctively stood behind her trolley. She didn't know why, it was no more use than the net curtains, but at least today she was fully clothed.

  'Morning. How are you?' Bob was trying to look everywhere, but at Daisy. His cheeks had flushed as red as she knew hers were.

  'Good. Morning off, then?' She sneaked a brief glance at Bob, before pretending to look at an item in the bottom of her trolley.

  Bob cleared his throat, 'I've already done my rounds. Spending the day with my missus.'

  Daisy nodded a hello to Bob's wife, who smiled back.

  Over the sound system, she heard the familiar music of What About Us. You have to be kidding me. If it was possible, Daisy's face went three shades redder. 'Well, I won't keep you, then. Bye.'

  With that, Daisy whisked herself off down the aisle, with a bemused Jess following, and an equally bemused Bob's wife watching after her. His wife looked at him enquiringly, but Bob just shrugged and carried on down the aisle.

  The following weekend, after much cajoling from Jess, Daisy agreed that she could go with Kate to do some gardening. Daisy was hoping that Kate was still happy with the idea, as it had been mentioned as a passing comment originally. Jess was very excited, and pulled her old jeans out of the bottom of her wardrobe, along with an old sweatshirt, which was getting a bit too small for her.