by Sarah Pond
Cheryl and Daisy were discussing their weekend plans whilst packing up to go home. 'Not seeing Kate this weekend, then?'
'No. She's been busy again recently. She's dating again, which is good.'
Cheryl couldn't help noticing that Daisy's body language didn't quite match the words she was using. 'You seem disappointed.'
Daisy sat up straight, painting on a cheery smile. 'No, of course not. I'm delighted for her. She's such a lovely person, she deserves to be with someone nice.'
'Hey, I'm sure she does. So, what are you doing?'
'Eve and I are going to take Jess to a craft fair in Hove. Then we'll probably treat her to dinner at JB's Diner.'
'Sounds lovely.'
'You can join us, if you fancy it.'
Cheryl was touched that Daisy would include her. 'That's so sweet of you. I've got plans, though. Erm, I've got a date!'
Daisy looked thrilled for Cheryl, 'There must be something in the air! Do tell!'
'It's this bloke I met at a concert last week. You know, the one I went to at the Ropetackle. We had a drink after the concert. We're going out for dinner.'
'Wow, that's great. Have a good time. Don't do anything I wouldn't do!'
'Well, that gives me carte blanche for anything then!'
'Cheeky! See you Monday, then. Be good.' She smiled as she waved goodbye to Cheryl.
'Yes, boss!'
That evening, Daisy was wondering what she was going to do on her day off. She wasn't seeing Kate for their afternoon coffee, and the thought of that made her feel a bit hollow inside. Maybe she could get on with some of her own gardening. She was sure that Jess would love to help her out when she got home from school.
Later on, Daisy was right in her assumption. Jess got changed into her old clothes, which were still dusty from her last gardening session. 'You know, you're really good at this. Kate has taught you well. She's says you're a natural.'
'Thanks.' Jess sat back on her haunches, brushing a stray piece of hair from her face with a muddy finger. In that moment, Daisy thought that she looked so grown up. Where did the time go?
'I miss Kate. I wish she could be here helping.'
Daisy stopped what she was doing. 'I miss her too.'
They both carried on with their digging and weeding, each in their own little world.
Along with Eve, Daisy and Jess had a lot of fun at the weekend. The craft fair was fascinating, and Jess had a go at basket making and weaving. After a busy morning, they headed towards the seafront to JB's for burgers, chips and malts. Eve laughed, as Jess filled her face with fries. 'I don't know where you put all that food!'
'Well, she's had a busy morning!'
'Ah, I used to be able to eat anything when I was young. Now, it seems to stay with me!'
Walking along the seafront after lunch, Jess said, 'That looks like Kate over there.'
Daisy and Eve squinted in the general direction of Jess' finger, but couldn't spot her. 'I can't see from here, but it could be.'
'It looked like she was holding hands with someone.'
'I don't know, maybe.' The women were too far away for Daisy to see clearly.
'That would be nice if she was with someone, wouldn't it?'
'Yes, darling.'
Daisy wondered whether the pang she felt was one of jealousy. She told herself it was a touch of indigestion.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
A couple of weeks later, Jess, Daisy and Kate were working in the garden. They were chatting about their previous weekends.
'Kate?' Jess looked up at Kate seriously.
She turned to smile at Jess, 'Yes?'
'Do you have a boyfriend now?' Kate blushed slightly, looking over to Daisy with a question mark in her eyes. Daisy nodded for her to go on.
'No, I don't.'
'I thought I saw you at the weekend holding hands with someone. When we were on the seafront.'
'Ah, yes.' She again looked awkwardly at Daisy, who just smiled in return.
'So, was it a girl, then?'
'Erm, yes.' Kate had never discussed this with someone as young as Jess before. She was wondering what Jess was going to say next.
Jess was direct, 'Don't you like boys?'
'I do. I just don't like them in a romantic way, that's all.'
'My best friend at school has two mums.'
'Oh, does she?'
'Yes. And another friend has two dads. We will get to meet your girlfriend?'
Kate was still surprised about how relaxed Jess was about it. Then, she didn't really have that much experience with children. Certainly when she was that age, she never talked about anything like this. 'I don't know. Maybe.'
Kate couldn't really say why, but she didn't want to introduce her to Daisy at the moment.
Daisy couldn't deny that she was intrigued about Kate's girlfriend. She had seen her at the club that time, of course. It had been Daisy who had actually pointed her out. She really did want Kate to be happy. So why did she have a gnawing feeling in her gut whenever she thought about Kate and this woman. It would be better if they met, Daisy decided, she just wanted to know that Kate was happy.
One evening, Daisy brought up the subject of Kate and Marie coming round for dinner. When Kate seemed a little reluctant, Daisy said, 'You don't have to, it was just a thought.'
Damn, I've offended her. Kate tried to make amends, 'No, it's a lovely idea. It's just that...'
What was it? Kate was enjoying being with Marie, but it wasn't exactly romance of the year. She didn't really know why she was reluctant. There was a part deep down inside her, maybe even unknown to her, that didn't want anything to burst the bubble she had with Daisy and Jess. Somehow, bringing Marie along to Daisy's felt too intimate, and she wasn't ready yet. Okay, quickly, what to say.
'Rather than go to all that effort, why don't we meet at a pub for a drink. Just to keep it informal.'
'Well, I suppose we can.' Daisy just wanted to do something nice for Kate. Then, going out for a drink would be less stressful. Even after suggesting the meal, Daisy had begun to feel nervous about getting it right.
At the weekend, Daisy was visiting her parents, along with David and Patricia. Since that first tea, Trish had been quite different with Daisy at the school gates, always making the effort to chat with her. Daisy was still wary, and hoped that David wasn't going to get hurt by her. To be honest, she hadn't noticed Trish flirting with the other dads at all, so that was something. Still, Daisy found it hard to shake how two faced she had been before. If it wasn't for Trish dating her brother, she probably wouldn't be making the effort, just like before. Oh well, she thought, if David's happy, he's old enough to look after himself.
Daisy didn't know why she was feeling so nervous about meeting Marie that evening. She had seen her before at the club, and although she had encouraged Kate to talk to her, now this felt different. Well, tonight was about Kate, and she wanted to do her best for her.
At Kate's, as they were getting ready to go out, Marie asked, 'So, how long have you known Daisy?'
'Quite a few months now, I'm not really sure. Feels like ages.'
'And you met her at the club?'
'Yes, she's a friend of Eve's. Eve brought her along to let her hair down a bit. She'd had a rough time, and Eve was trying to help her get some confidence back. Her husband had an affair, and since they split up she'd been single for a long time.'
Marie was getting dressed as she talked. 'That's really crappy. Did the experience put her off men?'
Kate looked over to her, 'How d'you mean?'
'I just wondered, why bring her friend to a gay club?'
Kate laughed, 'Oh, I see! No, she likes men. Eve just wanted to her have some fun, without the worry of going anywhere with it.' She turned back to the mirror to continue brushing her hair.
'Did it work?'
'I think it helped. It wasn't long after that she started dating a guy at her work.'
Marie smiled at Kate. 'Will he be there tonight?'
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'No, it didn't work out, unfortunately. So, are you ready?'
They headed off to the pub, Kate feeling a bit nervous. She really hoped that Marie would like Daisy.
Kate and Marie were already seated when Daisy arrived at the pub. 'Hi, sorry I'm a bit late. I just wanted to say goodnight to Jess before I came out.'
'No worries, we haven't been here long.' Kate stood to give Daisy a hug. As they pulled apart, she said, 'Daisy, this is Marie.'
Daisy reached out a hand to shake Marie's, 'Nice to meet you.'
'You too.' Marie smiled warmly at Daisy.
'Of course, I have seen you before. At the club. I noticed you before Kate did.' Oh no, what am I saying. Stop talking.
Marie looked a bit nonplussed for a second, before Kate stepped in, laughing. 'The night I first saw you, I was there with Daisy and Eve. Daisy kept telling me to go and talk to you.'
'Ah, I see.' Marie looked a bit more comfortable now, and smiled at Kate.
'So, can I get you two a drink?'
Kate said, 'I've already ordered. I hope you don't mind, but I ordered for you, too.'
'That's lovely, thank you.' Daisy was touched.
The drinks arrived within a few minutes, and they raised their glasses to one another.
When Daisy returned home, Eve asked how her evening had been. 'Very nice. Marie seems nice.'
'Nice?'
'Well, it's the first time I've met her, I don't really know her.'
'Does Kate seem happy?'
Daisy shrugged, 'She seems to be. They appear to get on well together.'
'That's good, I'm pleased that Kate's finally met someone, it's been such a long time.'
Smiling, Daisy said, 'Yes, me too. She deserves to be happy, she's such a warm, loving person.'
Eve noticed the way Daisy's face became animated when she spoke about Kate. Rather than say anything, she just smiled at her.
Returning from the pub, Marie was quiet. 'You okay?' Kate's voice was a question mark.
Marie didn't respond for a moment. 'Can we sit down?'
'Of course, what is it?' Kate sat on the sofa next to Marie.
'Kate, how long have you been in love with Daisy?'
Red whooshed up Kate's face as though she'd been splashed with paint. Her heart started pounding, and she forced her words out as calmly as she could. 'What are you talking about?'
'Come on, don't do this. You surely can't tell me you hadn't realised?'
Kate was defensive, 'I'm not in love with her, for goodness sake.'
'You're either delusional or in denial.'
Kate's shoulders slumped, as she sighed. 'I really like her, she's a very close friend. And I think the world of Jess.'
'Does she know?' Marie was being very matter of fact.
'Know what? There's nothing to know.'
'Don't be obtuse.' Marie gave Kate a dark look.
Running her fingers through her hair, Kate said, 'Of course not. I like her, but she's straight, nothing would ever happen. If it was likely to, I wouldn't be dating you, would I? Anyway, it was Daisy who kept telling me to go for it with you.'
Marie levelled a long look at Kate, 'Well, regardless, I can't be in a relationship with you. Until you get over this woman, you're never going to be able to commit to someone else. All those times at the club, I couldn't understand why you were single. Now it makes sense.'
'Marie, come on, please. Give me a chance. Spend a bit more time with Daisy, and you'll see there's nothing there.'
'I've already seen enough tonight.' Marie looked into Kate's eyes, she really did like her. 'When you get over her, you know where to find me. If we're meant to have a shot together, it will work out.' Marie stood, and walked over to the door. 'Still, it was fun while it lasted. Bye, Kate.' She planted a chaste kiss on Kate's cheek, and was gone before Kate could say any more.
Daisy dropped Jess at school one morning, and noticed that Trish was looking very drawn. As she stood at the gates, she pulled the collar of her coat up tightly. When Daisy greeted her, she was sure that Trish had been crying. 'Oh, hi.'
'Fancy a coffee?' Daisy smiled gently at Trish.
Trish's eyes welled up, and she nodded in response.
'Come on, then.' Daisy led the way back into Hove, to find a quiet coffee shop where they could talk.
Trish had been having some problems at work, she was also worried about her son, and everything had piled on top of her. She poured it all out to Daisy, who listened patiently. 'Thank you so much for listening to me ramble on. It really helps to talk about it.'
'Of course, it's important to share things.'
So Trish was a normal, vulnerable human, the same as everyone else. She should have known that her previous facade was just to protect herself.
'Anyway, enough about me. How are you?'
Daisy sighed, 'I'm alright. I've been a bit out of sorts recently, but I don't know why, which is really annoying.'
'In what way?'
'I don't really know. I've not been sleeping that well. My appetite seems to have dropped off. There's no particular reason, though. Jess is good, work is going well.'
'Is there anything different in your life at the moment?'
'Not that I can think of. Things have been getting better all the time, to be honest. In fact, things have been so good, I should be feeling wonderful.'
Trish's face coloured a little, 'I've got a confession to make.'
Daisy's stomach somersaulted. 'Oh?' What on earth was she going to say. Please don't let it be one of her digs, they seemed to be getting along so well, she was really beginning to see Trish differently now.
'I've always been rather jealous of you.' Trish looked embarrassed.
If Daisy had been a cartoon character, her eyes would be bulging out of their sockets, and her jaw would be flat on the floor. Surely she must have misheard. After the longest time, she managed, 'What, really? Why?'
'You just seem so sorted and relaxed. Over the last few months in particular, I've noticed a change in you. Whatever you're doing, do more of it!'
'Really?' Daisy was still trying to gather herself.
'Yes. Please tell me what you've been doing, I think I could do with a touch of it myself.'
Daisy smiled at Trish, humbled and grateful that she had taken the time to chat with her today. She thought, it just showed, you really can't judge by appearances. All that bluff and show with Trish, she should have realised it was just a front. Now, she was truly pleased that David and Trish had met.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Eve answered the phone on the third ring, 'Hi.'
'Hi, how are you?' Kate was subdued.
'I'm good, thanks. Can't say the same for you, by the sound of your voice. Wanna talk?'
'Yes please. Can I pop round?'
'Of course.'
Once they were seated on the sofa, hot drink in hand, Eve asked, 'So, let me guess. Something to do with Daisy?'
The look on Kate's face gave her the answer. 'Marie ended things.'
Eve looked surprised, 'Really? Did something happen with you and Daisy?'
'No, of course not. It's never going to happen, is it. But we went for a drink, and Marie thinks I'm in love with Daisy.' Kate levelled her eyes to Eve, waiting for her to disagree. For her to say that Marie must be crazy. But the words never came. The silence sat in the air between them, until Kate couldn't bear it any more. 'Well?'
Eve smiled at her dear friend, and softly said, 'I think Marie is right.'
'Shit.' Kate dropped her head, running her hands through her tousled hair.
'I think you know that, too.'
As Kate raised her head, Eve could see her eyes glistening with unshed tears. 'What am I going to do?'
'Unfortunately, there's not a lot you can do. You'll get over her in time. You tried keeping your distance before, and that didn't work. She'll meet someone sooner or later, you were okay when she was seeing Ryan.'
'I hadn't fallen in love with her then.' As
soon as she had said the words out loud, Kate knew it was true.
Eve smiled sadly at her. 'Maybe now you've finally admitted it, you can start to move on.'
Kate sighed heavily. 'Maybe. I hope so, I hate feeling like this. I just want to go back to being friends.'
'You can. Daisy is oblivious to it, so it's just a case of you dealing with it from your perspective.'
'Yes, I guess. I thought going out with Marie would help. She's a really nice person.'
Eve unsuccessfully tried to stifle a laugh.
'What?' Kate looked offended.
'When Daisy got back from meeting you two, that's exactly how she described Marie! Nice.'
'Well, she is.'
'Hardly romance of the century, though!'
Kate couldn't help but laugh. 'I suppose you're right. Okay, I'll get myself back out there. Maybe I can turn the dial up to lovely or wonderful, maybe even sexy!' Her smile was half hearted.
Eve beamed back at her. 'That's more like it!'
The following weekend, Kate dropped Jess back to Daisy's after mowing the lawn at her neighbour's house. 'Did you have fun?'
Jess smiled up at her mum, 'Yes thanks. I earned another ten pounds today.'
'Wow, that's great. Go and get showered, then, and I'll make some dinner. Kate, glass of wine?'
A smile spread across Kate's face. 'Go on, then. As long as you're having one.'
'Of course!'
Once she had removed her shoes, Kate followed Daisy into the kitchen. The house was feeling like her second home nowadays. She reminded herself that she shouldn't get too comfortable. As Eve had said, she had to think about moving forward.
Daisy's voice cut through her thoughts. 'How's Marie?'
After a slight pause, Kate replied, 'I don't know. We're not together.'
Daisy turned to look at Kate, 'Oh, sorry to hear that. What happened?'
Kate blushed, 'Nothing, really. We just weren't clicking, you know how it is.'
Daisy had a brief flashback to some of her internet dating experiences. 'Yes, I know. I'm sorry to hear that though, I really hoped you'd find someone.' Daisy put her arm around Kate's shoulder, squeezing her tightly, and Kate felt her cheeks redden.