by Carol Wyer
‘You didn’t put me off.’
‘I know. I appreciated your honesty. The others made up excuses about washing hair and stuff, but you told me the truth and I’m grateful for that. I’ve just invited Neats and she really wants to come along. She loves pantos. Thought you’d like to know.’
‘I’m really pleased for you.’
‘Yeah. I think it’ll be good. I hope you get over… you know…’
As Rob bobbed away, she caught sight of Sean looking at her. ‘He asked me to go to the panto as you suspected and I refused, but Neats is going instead,’ she said.
‘That’s great. I quite like Rob. He’s an interesting guy. Not what you’d expect. You know he runs drama classes for troubled adolescents?’
‘Really?’
‘Yeah. He volunteers once a week. Funny what you learn about people. Ed nursed his wife for two long years through cancer. His granddaughter who’s at university signed him up to the site. She paid for a two-months’ subscription out of her part-time earnings as his Christmas present. Thought it would brighten his life.’
‘Oh. That’s really sweet.’
‘Sure is.’
Ed, the last person to get into his suit, was now ready and Eleanor, not wearing a Sumo wrestler outfit, stood at the front of the room.
‘We’re going to draw the first pair of contestants out of the hat.’ She lifted up a wrestling helmet, dipped her hand in and extracted a folded piece of paper. ‘Alex. You’ll be going up against…’ She pulled out a second piece of paper and unfolded it. ‘Jacqueline! The winner of this bout goes through to the next round. Let’s wrestle!’
Jacqueline pulled a mock angry face and dialled up the comedy by stomping around the room and grunting before getting into the circle.
Alex emulated her and marched around in turn. The others applauded.
‘You’re toast, chubby baby,’ said Jacqueline.
‘Come on if you think you’re big enough,’ Alex replied. There were hoots of laughter.
Jacqueline dropped her head and charged at Alex, her helmet sinking into his padded stomach. Alex placed hands on her shoulders and forced her away.
‘A-lex… A-lex…’ shouted Tim then added, ‘Jac-que-line… Jac-que-line!’ as the two remained locked in combat. Alex’s grunts became genuine as he fought to keep Jacqueline from toppling him. His brow creased and his face turned red with exertion but she kept pressing forwards until he took a step backwards. Neats cheered.
‘Come on, Jacqueline! He’s giving way.’
Jacqueline drove him back another step and then another. Grunts came from both contestants. Alex was dangerously close to the edge of the mat. He released a loud roar and pushed even harder, the tendons in his forearms straining but it was to no avail. Jacqueline kept walking forward with determination and with a loud release of air, Alex took one final step outside the mat.
‘The winner is… Jacqueline!’ shouted Eleanor. Jacqueline gave a wide smile and shook hands with Alex who returned to stand next to Chloe.
‘Phew! She is so competitive. I reckon she’ll go all the way. Tougher than she looks. I’m exhausted now.’
Chloe had to admit he looked hot and bothered. ‘Never mind. You put up a good show.’
‘Sean, you’ll be facing Tim.’
Sean’s huge padded belly bounced up and down as he moved to the far side of the mat. Tim gave a wicked smile as he bowed. Both men decided to ham it up as well and went into a ridiculous bowing routine that lasted several minutes before Tim suddenly barged at Sean who was ready for him, and with his long arms outstretched he held Tim, the shorter of the two, at bay, whistling nonchalantly as Tim thrashed at him with arms that made no contact.
‘Let him go!’ Danielle called. ‘Boo! It’s a foul, ref!’
‘No chance. He’ll knock me over,’ said Sean. ‘I’m trying to tire him out.’ His comment earned more laughter which increased when Tim wriggled free, raced behind Sean at speed and grabbing his knees, which were just visible under his outfit, felled him so he toppled over on the mat. He rolled over and congratulated Tim and both went into a silly bowing routine again. Faces were animated and a loud cheer went up when Eleanor announced the winner of that round who jogged a victory circuit of the room, hand-in-hand with Sean.
* * *
With everyone having taken a turn, the room was filled with high spirits. The event was proving to be a huge success. They’d lost their inhibitions and were rooting for each other vociferously. Chloe had made it through to the final round and was up against Neats who had been hilarious in the first bout when she’d beaten Rob, and in her semi-final against Jacqueline. Rob was staring at Neats starry-eyed as she and Chloe squared up.
Sean shouted words of encouragement. ‘Come on, Chloe. Show her what you’re made of.’
‘Padded foam,’ called Tim, earning groans.
Neats stepped up to the mat and placing her tiny hands on her enormous hips walked heavily like an overweight penguin around to the far side of the mat, her bobbed hair swaying rhythmically.
Chloe heard her name being chanted and caught sight of Alex clapping for her. She stamped up and down and earned some more cheers.
A knock on the function room door and a member of staff, a man in a porter’s outfit, poked his head around the door. Eleanor rushed over and nodded.
Neats released a blood-curdling growl and launched at Chloe who side-stepped gracefully before facing her again. She bared her teeth in a mock defiance. She was actually enjoying the silliness of the event and Neats was making her laugh with her exaggerated eyebrow movements and pretend snarls. She imitated them and as they grappled to grab hold of each other’s costume, hands slipping over the smooth padded suits, the door opened again. Chloe stopped in her tracks and released her hold on Neats’s foam bottom, staring at the man in fitted chinos and a dark shirt that set off his glossy black hair who’d just come in. Neats, with her back to the door, was oblivious to the man’s entrance and having slipped away from her opponent’s clutches, now hurled herself at Chloe with all her might, and meeting no resistance whatsoever caught her adversary off-guard. Chloe’s helmet dislodged and she toppled backwards before landing with a hefty thump. Her head connected with the floor and as she blinked back stars, the room began to fade to grey. Somebody rushed over to her but she couldn’t move or speak. All she could do was wonder what on earth William was doing at the singleton club.
Chapter Fourteen
Saturday, 13th January
‘Honestly, I’m fine.’ Chloe wanted Eleanor to stop drawing even more attention to her with her fussing. The room felt claustrophobic and she needed to get away from everyone including William, especially William whose mocking smile, the last thing she’d seen before she tumbled, had cut into her heart.
‘I’ll take her outside for some air,’ said Sean, putting his arm around her shoulder. She didn’t shrug it off. It was comforting to have him there.
‘I’m really fine. I’ll be back in a moment for the award ceremony,’ she said.
‘You sure?’ asked Alex. His face, the first she’d seen as she came to, had been pure concern.
‘Absolutely. It’s nothing. The suit saved me and the floor isn’t made of stone,’ Chloe insisted.
They left by the same door William had come through. He hadn’t spoken to Chloe but as she walked out with Sean, suit now discarded, he offered a small smile which she didn’t return.
‘Bad luck, Chloe,’ William said.
Sean waited until they were outside before he said anything.
‘He knows you.’
The urge to unburden was too great. ‘He’s my ex-husband or rather soon-to-be ex.’
‘What on earth’s he doing here?’
‘Beats me but it caught me unawares and once again I’ve showed myself up in front of him.’
Sean took her hands in between his and breathed in. His bedside manner reminded her of Dr Turnpike’s, his eyes as serious and well-meaning. ‘Chloe, you didn�
�t show anyone up. You have to get that into your head. All he’ll have seen was a crazy Sumo wrestling bout. We were all having a blast. It got a bit boisterous and if he hadn’t turned up, you’d have probably beaten Neats.’
Tears burned her eyes. ‘It’s not even about winning. I was actually enjoying myself. I was feeling better than I have for so very long. I don’t want William to be involved in my life in any way. He’ll spoil it.’
‘Then, honey, don’t let him. You have friends here. He can’t change that. You’re your own woman – a successful writer with an incredible house on the hill and another book underway. He can go and take a swing.’ He tapped the end of her nose gently, like he might his daughter’s.
‘You’re so kind to me.’
‘That’s because I like you. I’m certainly not kind to everyone. Ask Suzy’s mom.’
‘Bet that’s not true.’
He shook his head sadly. ‘It’s true. I fucked up things between us because I was a self-centred arsehole. Now, I’m trying not to be, and just be the father my daughter deserves. Okay. How are you feeling? Dizzy? Got a headache?’
‘No.’
‘How many fingers am I holding up?’ he asked, putting his hands behind his back.
‘None.’
‘Good. I don’t think you’re concussed. Come on, let’s go back. Ignore William.’
They trundled back inside in time to watch Neats collect her award. She gave a cough and addressed everyone.
‘Thank you to all my supporters, my trainer who got me into shape for this big match, and to my opponent, Chloe. She was a very tough cookie – well, actually not tough at all… pretty soft really… as indeed we all were. Thank you, Eleanor and Fairfax. It’s been a knockout!’ She smiled across at Chloe who applauded.
Eleanor stepped up. ‘Thank you, Neats, and to everyone for coming along. Can I remind you our next event will take place on the twentieth of January at the Arts Centre in Uttoxeter. It’s called “Lighten up”. Now, the bar here is available to us, so if you fancy staying on, the drinks are on the house.’ Everyone clapped and she moved away to join William. Alex found Chloe. ‘You want to hang on for a while or shall I get a taxi for us both? I’m not staying. I’m absolutely done in. Two hectic weeks working on the farmhouse and then grappling with giant sumo wrestlers. I need to crash.’
‘I’ll join you. Do you mind, Sean?’
‘Not at all,’ he replied.
‘I’ll tell Fairfax we’re off,’ said Alex and moved off again.
‘You fancy coming into the bookshop this week? I can guarantee you a quiet corner with a swing chair all to yourself.’
‘I’d like that. Which day suits you best?’
‘Wednesday. If you come at two, I’ll have locked up. Suzy’s being dropped off this week, after school. You could meet her.’
She gave him a warm smile. ‘Thanks.’
‘My pleasure. I’d enjoy the company. I get a little bored when I’m on my own, and I could do with some advice.’
‘From me?’
‘Yes. I want to run something past you.’
‘Okay.’
Alex returned. ‘Taxi’s on its way. Want to wait here?’ People were moving from the room, towards the bar. Eleanor however was still in the corner, talking animatedly to William. Chloe avoided looking in their direction as she and Alex slipped away.
‘No. Let’s go.’
Outside once more she took a deep breath of fresh air. It was like ingesting clean medicine. The sky had begun to cloud and fresher winds were strengthening. She pulled her coat around her.
‘You didn’t half give me a shock when you hit your head,’ said Alex, looking at a sheep on the other side of the fence, who had raised its black face to check them out.
‘No damage done. I think it’s made of concrete,’ she replied jokingly. She didn’t want to be reminded of the incident. It only made her feel foolish. It was the first time she’d seen William since he’d left her to be with Lilly, and she’d been wearing a ridiculous costume and made an arse of herself. It ought not to have mattered but it did. Her pride was damaged, yet again.
‘You blacked out for a minute,’ he said.
‘I did?’
‘Only briefly. I patted your hands to wake you up. You called me William.’
‘Oh shit… shit… shit. I’m sorry.’
He studied her carefully, his eyes searching her face. ‘You were desperate to get out of the room. I understand you felt embarrassed but you were among friends who were only concerned. We all looked as stupid as each other and you had no reason to feel ashamed. And when you came back in with Sean, you couldn’t look at the bloke talking to Eleanor, even though he kept looking across at you. You know him?’
For the second time in the last half an hour she explained who he was. Alex nodded. ‘Bummer. I take it you weren’t expecting to see him?’
She shook her head. A people carrier bearing a phone number on the side panels arrived. It was their taxi. Once they were inside, Alex fell quiet and she didn’t know what to say to him. He seemed distant, probably annoyed she’d called him William. She kept her focus on the road and tried not to think about her husband or why he’d turned up at the hotel and how he knew Eleanor. She was so fixated on the fields flashing past, she almost didn’t hear him when he finally spoke.
‘You miss him?’
She faced him. ‘Honestly?’
‘Yes.’
‘No. Seeing him today only served to prove one thing – we’ve grown apart. I couldn’t look at him because he makes me feel awkward and stupid and ugly.’
Alex stared into the distance and a silence fell again. She wondered if she ought to continue but it seemed wiser to remain quiet. The sky was becoming ever darker and she wondered if it was going to snow again. She wanted to take Ronnie out before it became too cold or rained. They were now turning into the track that lead to Sunny Meadow and her heart lifted at the sight of the development on the hill. She was home – her sanctuary. Alex was looking at her earnestly. ‘I understand how you feel and it hurts like hell. I’ve been in a similar situation myself. People can mess with your emotions and head big time.’
The taxi pulled into the first driveway – Alex’s house and they both got out. Alex insisted on paying and as the taxi drove away, she turned to thank him. His eyes had dark circles under them she hadn’t noticed earlier that day.
‘For what it’s worth, you are far from awkward, stupid or ugly. Don’t let him get to you, Chloe. Now, are you sure you haven’t got a headache or dizziness?’
She tapped her skull with a balled fist. ‘Solid wood. I’m fine.’
The corners of his mouth tugged into a smile. ‘You definitely are,’ he said. ‘Fancy checking out the pub in the village tomorrow? I hear they have craft ales and some decent wines. It’ll be full-on once the site’s back up and running on Monday, so I ought to make the most of my last day off.’
She wanted to so very much. She wanted to be able to walk into the pub, and have a night out with him. Her heart thudded dramatically. She wanted nothing more than to take him up on his offer but the village pub brought back memories of William and gossips. She couldn’t go. ‘I’m a bit nervous about villagers and pubs. Don’t want anyone to find out who I really am. Appletree is only twenty miles away and you know how news can travel.’
He nodded. ‘Sure.’
He was about to turn away. Chloe stayed rooted to the spot. If he walked off, she might not be given a second chance. He wouldn’t invite her anywhere again. If she didn’t act, he’d think she was rejecting him. She ought to tell him the true reason. She couldn’t go to the pub but she couldn’t face his reaction. She opened her mouth. ‘How about you come over and I’ll cook you lunch, instead?’
‘That’d be great.’
‘Don’t expect anything gourmet, will you?’
‘Don’t go overboard – no Sunday roast and all the trimmings. Anything hot will do.’
‘Okay. Toasted san
dwiches it is,’ she said with a smile. ‘See you then.’
As she walked towards the house, she heard a familiar voice whisper in her head, You are stronger than you think. Nanny Olive would have loved this stronger, happier Chloe, more like the woman she’d been before William.
* * *
Back in her office, once again dressed in her onesie, she thought about the day. She might have made a fool of herself in front of William but Alex, Sean and Rob hadn’t thought badly of her. As she opened the document entitled, Oh, Ambassador, she wondered once again what reason William had for meeting Eleanor and visiting the singleton club. She shoved thoughts of her soon-to-be ex out of her mind. She had more important things to get on with and the ambassador in her novel was going to host an unusual party, one that involved bare-chested women, wrestling and thongs.
Chapter Fifteen
Sunday, 14th January
‘Ronnie, no!’ A puddle of drool had formed on the kitchen tiles in front of the oven. She flapped her tea towel at him although she couldn’t blame him. Not only did the meat smell delicious, but he could see the actual chicken through the glass-fronted door. He urged closer. ‘Ronnie, you’ll burn your nose. Scoot! Bed.’
He moved away as instructed and Chloe checked she had everything she needed. Goodness knew why she’d ordered the chicken online. It would have been far too large for her and Ronnie to manage, but it had proved to be a wise choice. If she hadn’t bought it, Alex might have had to eat toasted sandwiches after all. She had roast potatoes, part-cooked and waiting to go in to be turned golden brown and carrots which she’d mashed with butter and would reheat nearer the time. It wasn’t a feast but it would do and there was a rather sumptuous apple pie and custard for dessert.
The knock at the door came ten minutes earlier than expected. Gentle-winged butterflies took off in her stomach and she tugged at the strings of her apron with one hand and cast an eye over the kitchen to make sure it looked clean and tidy. She told herself it was only lunch but her pulse quickened at the thought of spending time with Alex.
