by Maggie Brown
“Then tell me why you haven’t told Michael that?”
Pandora grimaced. Winter hadn’t taken long to ask that question. “And you think I haven’t?”
“I don’t know what to think. He told his mother he intends to marry you.”
Pandora blinked at her, speechless. She snatched up the glass of water and gulped, then managed to get out, “You’re kidding me.”
Winter’s eyes turned dark. “Do I look like I’m joking?”
“No, I guess you don’t,” she answered reluctantly. “But I suggest I give my side of the story before you continue to judge me. Are you interested in hearing it?”
“Of course I am. Look,” Winter replied, her voice lower, softer, “we started off on the wrong foot. I admit I went to the club with the preconceived idea you were playing around with Michael. Don’t get me wrong. I couldn’t care less who he’s seeing. He’s an adult and can do what he likes. If it’s someone more…ah…mature, then that’s his choice. But my aunt is panicking. This marriage declaration has her in a flap. She asked me to—”
Her voice trailed off when a female voice interrupted. “Your meals, ladies.”
They both looked up with a start, then hurriedly leaned back to allow the waitress to place the plates on the table.
After smiling her thanks, Winter waited until the woman disappeared before she continued. “She asked me to…well…assess the situation.”
“Why did you agree? You just said yourself it was none of your business.”
“It’s very hard to say no to Gussie,” Winter said with an embarrassed shrug.
Pandora let out an exasperated huff. “You know, all this could have been avoided if I hadn’t been so stupid.”
“What do you mean?”
“I made the mistake months ago of paying a bit too much attention to him one night. He was with a crowd celebrating a twenty-first. They were so much fun I stayed to closing time partying with them. Because he was the shy one in the group, I decided to make him feel special with some light-hearted flirting.”
Winter poked her fork in the air. “Bad move. Knowing Michael, he would have taken you seriously. His mother mollycoddles him.”
“I know that now,” Pandora said impatiently. “Ever since that darn night, he’s haunted the club like a lovesick puppy. I’ve tried everything to discourage him, except being downright nasty and I don’t want to do that. Quite frankly, I’m at a loss how to handle it.” She looked at the composed Winter thoughtfully as an idea formed. “Perhaps your appearance at the club may be a good thing. You should be able to get through to Michael that I’m not interested because I certainly can’t. It’s like talking to a brick wall.”
Winter nearly choked on the piece of chicken. “Certainly not. He won’t listen to me. He’s twenty-one for Christ sake…he thinks I’m a stick-in-the-mud. I only promised Gussie I’d have a look. Nothing more. That’s it.”
“Rubbish. You can’t get out of it that easily. You poked your nose into my business so you have to help me.”
Winter scowled at her. “How do you suggest I do that? He’ll hate me for life and he is my cousin.”
“Maybe we should get together and make a plan. I’m fresh out of ideas.”
“Humm…I suppose I could help. I have to go back to work soon. Do you have any nights off?”
“Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays. Singing four nights a week is enough. Any more and you start getting voice fatigue. They have recorded music Sunday and Monday, and every Thursday the club features a different artist.”
“Right,” said Winter, suddenly all business. “How about coming over to my place tomorrow night for dinner then. I enjoy cooking. Say about six? You might like to have a dip in the pool before eating. We’ll work something out.”
Pandora was tempted to hug her. It seemed Winter was a woman of action once she made up her mind. She could see why she would be good at her job. And it was nice to be looked after for a change. She already owed her a debt when she’d given her a way out to get rid of Lawrence Partridge. Not only had she put him in his place, Winter had come like a shining knight to Pandora’s defence.
“Dinner sounds delightful,” she murmured.
Chapter Six
Winter conceded that if it had been anyone but Pandora, she’d never have agreed to be part of this. She always shied away from getting involved with other’s personal affairs. Give her a flow chart or a commercial contract and she was quite at home. Catch phrases like “better solutions,” “broader perspectives,” and “accountable risks” were her bread-and-butter buzzwords. Not words like emotions, love, or soulmate. She’d been wracking her brains to come up with a solution to Michael’s infatuation, but every idea would be sure to hurt him. She didn’t want to be responsible for his winding up in the same state after Nanette broke up with him. He had been close to being hospitalised. Then in the end, she decided it was probably better if she and Pandora bounced ideas off each other—two heads would be better than one.
She prepared the Dijon salmon and roasted vegetables ready for the oven later and went upstairs to shower and dress. She dithered over her outfit. Though it wasn’t actually a date per se, just a get-together to discuss things. All the same she did want to look her best. Pandora knew how to wear clothes—her dress yesterday was stunning. Eventually she decided on mid-way—not too dressy nor too casual. But that didn’t prove easy. By the time she’d tried on half her wardrobe, it was nearly six.
With a “For heaven’s sake, this is absolutely bloody ridiculous,” she pulled on the charcoal jeans and the embroidered beige shirt that she’d tried on first. Then she rushed to the mirror, applied a touch of makeup and put her hair up in its usual French twist. This time she slipped in her tortoise-shell comb as well. With two minutes to spare, she made it downstairs before the doorbell tingled. Pandora stood on the landing with a small bag and a bottle of wine.
“Hi,” said Winter, keeping her expression calm. “Come on in.”
Pandora flashed her a wide smile. “Your house is great.”
“I’ll take you on a tour afterward. You’ll have a dip in the pool first?”
“I’ve brought my swimmers,” Pandora announced, holding up the bag. She handed over a bottle of wine saying, “I hope you like this.”
“Excellent. Come around the back and you can change there.”
“You’re not coming in?”
“I’m not much of a swimmer. I put the pool in for my…um…ex. It’ll be nice to see someone use it again.”
“Then I’m happy to oblige,” said Pandora cheerfully.
Once her guest disappeared into the change room, Winter took the bottle to the kitchen. She glanced approvingly at the label before popping it into the bar fridge. Then she poured herself a glass from an opened bottle and went back out. Stretched out on a deckchair beneath the shade of a wisteria, she watched Pandora swim laps. The woman certainly was at home in the pool as she churned through the water with economical seemingly effortless strokes.
When Pandora finally hoisted herself out, Winter found herself fixed on the graceful body. Drops of water gleamed on her skin like golden pearls as the muted rays from the setting sun bathed the yard in warm colours. She looked breathtaking.
Pandora towelled off, drying her hair vigorously for a minute before combing it into order with her fingers. “That was wonderful. I haven’t had for a swim for ages,” she exclaimed before she dropped onto a deckchair beside Winter.
“You’re like a fish.”
“I was into competitive swimming at school.” She wriggled her toes. “Big feet.”
“You make it look so easy. Would you like to sit out here for a while before changing?” Winter asked, staring up into the evening sky. “It’s too pretty a time of day to be indoors.”
“It certainly is,” agreed Pandora with a wistful lilt in her voice.
“Ready for a wine, or a beer perhaps?”
“A beer sounds nice after the exercise. I’ll have a wi
ne with the meal.”
Winter was back in a few minutes with a frosty beer, a refill for herself and a small plate of nibbles.
Pandora took a long swig, then sank back in the seat. “It’s so peaceful.”
Winter entwined her fingers behind her head, pillowing it as she looked out over the pool and surrounds. “Yes, it is,” she murmured.
An orange tinge reflected in the still water and the gardens were tinted mauve in the evening light. They sat silently content, letting the calm of the evening wash over them. Winter shifted her attention to Pandora, studying her as she gazed out over the yard. With only a trace of makeup and hair tousled, she looked just as appealing as her onstage persona but in a far different way. In fact, it was hard to even see the singer in the woman stretched out on the chair beside her. She seemed not so soft, not so sleek. In a one-piece bathing suit, she looked super fit like a competitive athlete. Though essentially very feminine, the muscles in her upper arms and legs were quite defined.
Pandora turned her head with a quirk of her eyebrows. “What?”
Winter took another a quick swallow from her drink, embarrassed to be caught staring. “Just thinking how fit you look. Do you work out?”
“I do. Standing for hours singing requires a certain degree of stamina so I do some gym work and jog in the mornings.”
“You put me to shame. I need to get in better shape,” Winter said, patting her stomach.
“Nonsense. You’re very nice how you are. Only…” she leaned forward suddenly and reached a hand over to Winter’s hair. With quick fingers, she plucked the comb and bobby pins out of her bun and shook the locks free. The hair tumbled to below her shoulders in a mass of thick waves. “There,” Pandora murmured. “That’s better. It’s way too pretty to be kept up when you’re not at the office.”
Winter blinked at the intimacy of the gesture. Something heady and unexpected shot through her. Tongue-tied, she felt herself blush as the fingers continued to fan out the strands. “You think it’s pretty?” was the only thing she could think to say.
“Very much. It’s such a beautiful shade, like light chocolate,” Pandora murmured. “And you have beautiful eyes…autumn brown and gold. Gorgeous.”
“Um…” Winter stared blankly at her, fumbling for a witty retort. Finally, she just muttered, “I guess we’d better go in. We have a lot to discuss. Change and come in when you’re ready.”
Pandora dropped her hand and smiled. “Sure thing. I’ll see you inside.”
Her nerves tingling, Winter put the vegetables into the oven. She’d have to pull herself together or she’d make a fool of herself. When Pandora stroked her hair, she’d nearly leaned into her and purred. It was not surprising her hormones had come so alive at the touch. She had been far too long without any loving. And even before the split, the sex had been infrequent and mostly one-sided in favour of Christine.
Thankfully, by the time Pandora appeared back in her black jeans and red top, Winter had herself in check. She placed the salmon in to cook and smiled at Pandora. “Let’s sit in the lounge until dinner’s ready. I’ll get us another drink.”
Pandora took a seat opposite her in the soft leather armchair and crossed her legs. Without stage makeup, her face was not quite so symmetrical, her chin stronger and a tiny scar was visible above her left eyebrow. To Winter, the little imperfections enhanced her beauty rather than distracted from it. And with her full lips shimmering with a rosy lip gloss and the damp ends of her hair twined into little curls, she looked bewitching. When she handed her a drink, Pandora immediately raised her glass and said, “Cheers.”
Winter lifted her glass in the air to return the salute with a smile. “To you too. Shall we get down to business before we eat, or talk about it later?”
“Let’s get it over with,” Pandora said, leaning casually back. “Have you come up with anything?”
“There is one thing that baffles me,” Winter began, searching her face. “If you’ve let Michael know you’re not interested, then why are you so worried about just telling him he’s an irritating shit and to leave you alone. Is there something you’re not telling me?”
Her fingernails drummed a staccato on the arm of the chair before Pandora replied. Her expression became strained. “Two reasons. Firstly, I’m expected to encourage paying customers, not drive them away.”
“Yes, but there are limits surely.”
“True. But unless they become physical or too aggro toward me, I have to ignore them. It’s part of the job. It’s a nightclub not a church social.”
Winter pulled a face. “Lucky you.”
Pandora gave a noncommittal shrug in return. “I can handle aggression.”
“I’m beginning to believe that. What’s the second reason?”
“This one is more complicated. It’s a feeling I have. I’ve studied human nature and I’m not so sure Michael will take rejection well. Not an unpleasant knock back anyhow. He strikes me as the type who could go off the rails and self-destruct.”
Winter nodded. “He gets very depressed if he can’t cope.”
“The depth of his infatuation is alarming. I’ve honestly ignored him but he still turns up at the club twice a week, plus sends flowers every Saturday. And we can’t forget he has developed a fantasy that I’m going to marry him. If he makes a public scene, the bouncers won’t hold back with the punches.”
“I didn’t imagine it was that bad. We certainly must do something,” Winter exclaimed, feeling a touch of panic. “Have you any ideas?”
“I’m fresh out of them other than to tell him to get lost,” said Pandora.
A loud ringing emanated from the kitchen. “That’s the oven timer.” Winter rose to her feet. “We can continue the discussion while we eat.”
“Do you want a hand?”
“I’m fine with the meal. The wine you brought is in the small fridge behind the bar. If you could fetch it while I bring the dishes to the table that would be great.”
Winter scanned the salmon with satisfaction. Cooked to perfection. Pandora was already seated with the two glasses filled when she bustled in with the long serving platter. After another trip for the dinner rolls, she took a seat, pleased how nice everything looked on the Queen Anne rosewood dining table. She’d picked it up at an auction and had it restored, the finest piece of furniture she had acquired since moving into the house.
“This looks fantastic,” said Pandora.
“A true-and-tried recipe, so I hope you like it.”
“I’m sure I will,” Pandora replied, then enthusiastically filled her plate. “You like cooking?”
“I do.”
“Not a party animal?”
Winter laughed with a shake of her head. “Workaholic actually. But I’ve decided to cut down on my workload and get out more. Jessie keeps telling me I should.”
“I’m intrigued you’re such good friends,” said Pandora contemplating her. “You’re nothing alike.”
“You mean because she’s bright and funny and attracts women like bees to a honeypot.”
“Some people prefer light and bubbly,” said Pandora holding the glass of red up to the light, “but I prefer more robust, more depth.”
Winter flushed and dropped her gaze. “Jessie and I have been friends since we were eighteen. She’s a good person but needs to find someone to settle her down.”
“You were never lovers?”
“God, no. I was too awkward and naïve for her in our university days. She always dragged me along to bars as her wingman.”
“I bet she did,” murmured Pandora. They lapsed into silence while they ate, content just to enjoy the food. When Pandora finally put down her knife and fork onto an empty plate, she gave a satisfied groan. “That was absolutely delicious.”
Winter was flattered. She imagined this woman would have had many gourmet restaurant meals. “Thank you. Would you like a brandy nightcap?”
“No thanks. I drove over.”
“Okay. Then I’
ll make us a coffee. Go into the lounge and I’ll tidy up. I won’t be long.”
“Nonsense. I’ll help clean up.”
As the coffee trickled into the mugs under the coffee machine, Winter watched Pandora fill the dishwasher. This was what she was missing, someone in her house again to share a meal. Even if it were for only one night, it felt liberating. Life after Christine had become full of culinary contradictions. Winter loved cooking but had lacked interest in preparing anything other than quick and simple. Sometimes, she just opted for takeaways. The occasions she socialised with friends were usually at a bar or a show, and family dinners were always at her parents’ house. Her kitchen had become as sterile as her life.
She put the mugs on the tray, feeling a spurt of optimism for the first time in what felt like eons. She wouldn’t allow herself any more time hiding away. With an airy wave, she gestured to the door. “Let’s go to the lounge.”
Pandora pointed to the bundle of black fur curled up asleep in one of the chairs. “Who’s that?”
“That’s Jinx,” Winter said, then picked him off with a “Tsk, tsk,” and shooed him out the door. He protested with a loud meow, flipped his tail in the air and padded off to the kitchen. “Sorry…I hope you’re not allergic to cats?”
“No, I love them. You could have let him stay.”
“Don’t worry, he’ll creep back shortly. He has the run of the house. I’ve spoilt him, I’m afraid.”
Pandora chuckled. “Cats are always the boss.” She gazed around the room before she settled into a chair. “Your house is lovely.”
“I’ve renovated but tried to retain its original style.”
“It’s a wonderful legacy. They don’t build ’em like this nowadays.”
Winter slanted a look at her curiously, catching the wistful tone. “Where were you brought up, Pandora?”
“All over. My father was in the army so we moved constantly.”
“So, this city is not your home?”
“No,” Pandora answered, offering nothing more.
