by Sarah Pond
Jess gave Kate a big hug. 'Thanks for bringing the gardening books. Can I help you at the weekend?'
'We'll see. I'm not sure if I'm working yet, I can let your mum know. Night, sweetheart.' She hugged Jess, then Jess skipped happily away. She really was the most adorable girl.
'I'll just go and say goodnight to her. Back in a mo.' Daisy followed her daughter out of the room.
When Daisy returned, she said, 'I've just realised I'm still in my shorts. I'd better get changed.'
'Don't do so on my account. I think you look very fetching in them!' Truth be told, Kate really fancied her in her gym outfit.
Daisy jokingly made a couple of model like poses, laughing as she did so. 'Maybe I'm in the wrong career!'
'Maybe you are!' Boy, Kate could feel the heat soaring through her body. She didn't want to give anything away, so she turned to the pots of nuts and crisps on the table, then quickly took a sip of wine.
'Thank you for looking after Jess again today. I know you said before that you wouldn't take anything for helping me, so Jess and I thought we'd like to take you to dinner.
'That's really sweet of you, but you don't have to.'
'Well, we'd like to.' She said it in such a way that Kate wasn't going to argue with. 'Maybe this weekend?'
'Thank you, I'd love to.'
Daisy sat back down, and Kate was getting distracted by her bare shoulders. She really was the complete package. She was sweet, caring and very attractive. Not to mention, she had a rocking body. She could still recall the feel of Daisy's lips on her own. If only... but what was the point of thinking like that. It was never going to happen.
'Anyway, I think I'd better be off. I'm working tomorrow. Thanks for the wine and nibbles.'
They hugged goodbye, Daisy thanking Kate again for babysitting.
The next morning, as Daisy was getting out of the shower, she noticed a couple of big bruises on her legs. Where did they come from? Oh, of course, the pole fit. All that wrapping my legs around the pole, and twisting my feet to try and get a grip. No wonder. She was also feeling a bit stiff too. The hot shower had helped a bit with that, though.
Daisy had decided to wear flat shoes to the office. Yes, that was definitely a good idea. Her calf muscles felt tight as she walked. Still, she must have been doing them some good, she supposed. She was already seated at her desk when Cheryl arrived. 'Morning, boss!'
'Morning. You're very cheery. How are you feeling today after the class?'
'I feel great. I've realised I've stretched a few muscles I didn't know I had, but apart from that, I feel fabulous. How about you?'
'A bit stiff and bruised, to be honest. Probably not as bad as my bruised ego, though. I was so embarrassed.'
Cheryl started chuckling at the memory of Daisy's embarrassing release of wind.
'Don't you start again. I can't go back there.'
'Of course you can. No one will remember by then.'
'I don't think it's really for me. Thanks for making me go, though. Despite everything, it was certainly a new experience!'
At the end of the week, as they were packing up to go home, Daisy was telling Cheryl that she and Jess were taking Kate out to dinner.
'You seem to spend a lot of time with her.'
'Yes, she's become a close friend. She and Jess have become close too. They often do gardening together. Also, because Jess likes her so much, I don't feel so guilty if I need a babysitter.'
'That's great, as everyone's happy. Is Kate single, then?'
'Yes, she's lived on her own for quite a long time. I think she enjoys the company with us. I love having her around. She's such a kind, gentle person. Not to mention, the garden's looking great now she's teaching Jess! Have a good weekend.'
'Yes, you too.'
As Daisy left, Cheryl looked after her. I wonder if she knows, she thought to herself.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Daisy had been getting more and more agitated as the date for Stephen's wedding drew nearer. Eve was trying to help her to look at things a bit logically. 'It was always on the cards for one or both of you to remarry. Do you think if you were with someone, it would bother you less?'
Daisy answered with a tetchy, 'Oh, I don't know. I was seeing Ryan when I found out, and I went into meltdown, so not really.'
'So what is it?'
Daisy sighed, 'I think it's still the thought of Jess having a new mum.'
'She's going to be Stephen's wife. Yes, she'll be Jess' step mum, but that's only for alternate weekends and the occasional holiday.'
'I know that in my head, but I can't help the feeling in my stomach. It's in knots all the time at the moment. I've not been eating much, I can't seem to sleep at night. I really don't know why it's affecting me so much.'
'Maybe once they're married, it will be better. You'll get used to the idea, and it'll be fine.'
Daisy sighed, 'I hope so.'
After Stephen had dropped Jess back home on the Sunday evening, Daisy asked him in for a quick chat. He always brought Jess back on his own. On a rare occasion when he brought her home after a long day out, Lisa would always stay in the car. Although it had never been discussed, Daisy appreciated this small bit of discretion. Lisa was happy with this arrangement. She still felt guilty about how she had met Stephen, even though he had told her countless times that the marriage was long since over.
'I just wanted a quick talk. You know, with the wedding coming up.'
'Okay.' Stephen was a bit concerned, he had no idea what Daisy was going to say.
Instead of the gentle approach that she had intended, her mouth spouted out bluntly, 'You won't get Jess to call her mum, will you?' She still couldn't bring herself to say Lisa's name. It was almost as though it wasn't as real that way. She knew her reasoning was ridiculous, but it was a way of her coping with the situation.
'Of course not. Unless she wants to.' At the upset look on Daisy's face, Stephen quickly added, 'She never has before, so I don't see that changing. I have spoken to Jess, she seems okay with me getting married. Has she said otherwise?'
'To be honest, she doesn't seem in the least bit fazed. It's me who's having the trouble, it seems.' She instantly realised she had given away more than she had intended to. Christ, what was she doing.
'Really?' Stephen seemed genuinely surprised. 'Sorry, I hadn't really thought... I don't know what to say.'
Daisy's face went hard, 'I'm not worried about you getting married, don't flatter yourself. It's Jess I'm concerned about.'
Stephen remembered that look and tone of voice all too well. He had never experienced for himself, until Daisy had found out about the affair. Still, he could hardly blame her, in the circumstances.
'Look, she's fine. We've talked to her quite a lot about the wedding, so she could get used to the idea.'
Daisy's tone was business-like, 'Okay, well, alright then. Thanks for dropping her back.'
Okay, so conversation over, then. Stephen turned to go, 'Bye then.'
'Yes, bye.' With the best will in the world, she couldn't bring herself to wish him luck for his wedding.
Daisy was relaying the conversation to Kate over coffee. They quite often met up at Neros in George Street on a Friday afternoon, before Daisy collected Jess from school. Kate looked at her with kind eyes, 'Like I mentioned before, it's quite natural to feel mixed up about him getting married again. Believe me, seeing your ex with someone else isn't easy.'
Daisy's face dropped, 'Sorry, yes I know you've been there.' She paused for a while, before saying, 'It sucks.'
Something about the way that Daisy said those two words tickled Kate. Once she started giggling, she couldn't seem to stop. 'What's so funny?' Daisy couldn't help smiling, though, at Kate's reaction.
'I don't know.' Kate was wiping tears of laughter from her eyes, 'Just such an understated phrase for what you've been feeling!'
Daisy saw the funny side, and started to laugh too. Talking to Kate made the difficult things seem less important,
somehow. Maybe it was because she had been through something similar, she wasn't sure. In this moment, she began to feel a contentment that she hadn't felt in a long time. She looked at Kate, smiling.
'What?' A smile still played on Kate's lips.
'Nothing.' Daisy just smiled back.
'Come on. Out with it.' Kate still had a playful look on her face.
'Thank you. You're such a great friend, that's all.'
'Hey, you're pretty good, yourself.' Kate winked at Daisy, making her laugh. 'Seriously, though. Can I ask you a question?'
'Of course.'
'You don't have to answer. But I was wondering, do you ever wish you were still together?'
'No. Not after what he did. Something in me died the day I found out, and there was no going back.'
They were both quiet for a long time, until Kate broke the silence. 'I used to think I would have taken Kiri back, tried to make it work. That wasn't an option, though. She had moved on, and I had to pick up the pieces.'
Daisy asked quietly, 'If she had been willing to try, do you think you could have got beyond what happened?'
'I thought I could, because I loved her so much. I thought love could conquer all, stupid romantic that I am!'
'I think it's good that you didn't try to get her back.'
At this comment, Kate looked up apologetically. 'It wasn't that I didn't try. I made a bit of a fool of myself, to be honest. And after that, as I think I mentioned before, I went on a bit of a self-destruct. I don't recommend it.'
Daisy squeezed Kate's arm. 'I know this is going to sound such a cliché, but it's her loss. You've got to respect yourself, and not let anyone treat you like that.'
'You're right. Hence why I've been single for so long, now. The trouble is, I think I've gone a bit too much the other way, and I'm afraid to open up to someone.'
'It'll happen. When you meet the right person, it will be natural. It'll feel right, and you'll know.'
Kate could feel emotion rising in her throat, and couldn't trust herself to speak. She was saved by Daisy saying, 'I suppose I'd better start heading off to school. Would you like to join us for dinner this evening? I'm cooking, but nothing fancy.'
Kate considered it for a moment. She had been thinking about going dancing tonight, seeing a few friends. Then the thought of a busy club on Friday night, compared to a relaxed dinner with Daisy and Jess, there really was no competition. Kate had recovered herself. 'Thank you, I'd love to. I'll pick up some wine on the way.'
Daisy smiled at Kate, 'I'm sure I drink more wine when I'm with you. You'll be getting me into trouble.'
'Ooh, promises, promises!'
'Hi Ryan, how are you?' Daisy felt quite relaxed around him now. She would still get the occasional pang of desire, but didn't engage in the fantasy. Sometimes she fancied the idea of a friends-with-benefits scenario, but in reality, she knew she wouldn't be able to do it, it just wasn't her. Or maybe it could be. She was more confident now. No, in her heart, it wasn't for her.
'Good, thanks. How are you doing?'
'Good, busy. You haven't eaten all the biscuits, I hope!'
'I'll always save some bourbons for you!' Ryan winked at Daisy, which reminded her of Kate. She hadn't thought about it before, was winking something people did much? It always seemed something playful to Daisy.
'Well, biscuit boy, I have more work to do. Catch you later!' She winked at him as she left.
Ryan looked after Daisy, smiling. Well, she certainly seemed to have a spring in her step.
Daphne had invited Daisy and Jess for Sunday lunch.
'Hello, dear, how are you?' she kissed her daughter on both cheeks in welcome. As she held Jess at arms-length, she said, 'Darling, you're taller every time I see you! Come here.' Daphne pulled her into a hug.
'Hi Grandma.' Her voice was muffled into her Grandma's hug.
Daphne spoke towards Daisy, 'Your father's in the lounge. I've also invited David.'
'That'll be good, I haven't seen my brother in ages.'
David was a couple of years younger than Daisy, and although they got on together, they weren't very close. He was often away travelling with his job, which she still wasn't entirely sure what it involved. Something in IT, maybe? He did try to explain it once, but he'd moved companies a few times, and Daisy had lost track.
Hearing the arrivals at the door, Charles folded his newspaper, and set it down on the floor next to his favourite armchair. He smoothed back his thinning, dark grey hair, and stood up. 'Darling!'
'Hi Dad.' Daisy hugged him warmly.
'And how's my favourite granddaughter?'
Hugging him, Jess said, 'Grandad, I'm the only one you have!'
Charles bent down to kiss her on the top of her head. 'Well, you're still my favourite!'
Jess giggled, 'You're funny, Grandad.'
When David arrived about half an hour later, there were greetings and hugs all round again. Daisy was struck by how much he looked like their dad. They had practically the same style hair, parted on the side, except David's was very dark brown, like his dad's had been at his age. They were both just shy of six foot tall. David was fuller in the face and a slightly bigger build than his dad, but if you were to take a photo of them side by side, you could almost mistake them for the same person, thirty years apart.
'So, Stephen's wedding is next weekend, then.' David was slouched on the sofa, having eaten a very large Sunday roast.
'Yes.' Daisy wasn't sure she wanted to be talking about it, with Jess around. However, she seemed engrossed in playing a board game with her grandparents.
'How are you feeling about it?'
Daisy swallowed, 'Up and down, to be honest.'
'You'll be fine, sis. They've been living together a while anyway, so is it that much different?'
Daisy considered this for a moment, 'I suppose not. Except I realised a few days ago that she'll have the same surname as me.'
'You could change yours, if you feel that strongly about it.' He seemed to have an answer for everything.
Daisy was quick to answer, 'No, I don't want a different name to Jess. I will just have to live with it. It's not like I have a choice, is it?'
David looked at Daisy appraisingly for a moment, before answering, 'You're right. I think you've handled it all really well.'
'You should have seen me a few weeks ago!'
'Seriously. I think you're doing great. Are there any gentlemen on the horizon?'
'For goodness sake, have you been talking to mum!'
David smiled kindly, 'I just care about you, sis. I want you to be happy.'
Daisy relaxed her shoulders, and smiled back. 'I am happy, thank you.'
'I have to say, you do look it. Something's obviously agreeing with you. How's work?'
Daisy went on to explain about her coaching weekend with Eve, and how the wellbeing programme came about. It was only when she was relaying everything to David, that she realised just how much she had accomplished, and how much things had been changing for her. 'All things considered, I guess I'm doing okay.'
'And you're sure there's no one special in your life now?'
Daisy felt herself blush, not knowing why, 'No, there's really not. So, how are things with you?'
David went on to tell Daisy about his latest business trip. It was whilst travelling home from a trip that he'd met his new girlfriend, Patricia. 'She's going to be joining us this afternoon, so you can all meet her.'
Daisy was surprised, 'Wow, are you sure she's ready for that? Meeting the whole family in one go!'
'Fortunately she's made of strong stuff! Also, it'll be good to get it over with all at once!'
'Charming! Seriously, though, I'm pleased for you.'
'Thanks. She's had a bit of a rough time over the last couple of years. I'm so pleased I met her.'
Soon after four in the afternoon, the doorbell rang. David sprang up from his seat. 'That'll be Patricia. I'll let her in.'
From the hallway, the others coul
d hear David and Patricia speaking in muffled voices. As David walked back into the lounge, Patricia at the end of his arm, he said, 'Everyone, this is Patricia.'
Daphne walked over to her, 'David's told us so much about you, it's lovely to meet you.'
'Lovely to meet you, too.'
'And this is my sister, Daisy.'
Daisy opened her mouth and closed it a couple of times before actual words came out. 'Trish!'
Trish looked just as surprised as Daisy, and instantly blushed. 'Hello. Fancy seeing you here.'
David looked pleased, 'Oh, you two know each other. Well, that's good. We don't need an ice breaker, then.'
Only to break the false smile on Trish's face, Daisy thought unkindly. Why did it have to be Trish. Trish, who would get a dig in at someone else's expense, as soon as blink. Trish, who would appear to be interested in what you were saying, until the moment someone else more interesting turned up. How on earth had they met? Daisy always hoped that whoever David ended up with, they would be best friends, and could have girly days out together. But Trish? Hang on, maybe she was getting ahead of herself. They had only just started dating, anyway.
All of these thoughts whirred through Daisy's brain in a matter of seconds, then Daisy realised that so far, all she had managed was to say Trish's name. Quickly, think of something. 'I didn't realise you were a Patricia.' Smooth. There's a great way to improve your street cred. Hang on, why am I still trying to impress her. She's not nice.
'Um, I prefer Patricia. I'm not very good at correcting people, that's all.' David squeezed her shoulder protectively, smiling at her.
Could have fooled me. I thought that's what you took most pleasure in. David was watching the strange expression on his sister's face. He knew that look from when they were children, Daisy having an internal conversation whilst she tried to get her head around something. David asked, 'So, how do you two know each other?'
Daisy answered first, 'From school. Jess is in the same class as Trish-, I mean, Patricia's son.'
'Well fancy that. We met travelling back from a business trip, and you already knew each other from living along the road from school!' David looked delighted. Daisy could tell that he already saw them as friends.