Kim’s phone rang and a quick glance told her it wasn’t a number she recognised. She almost rejected it. ‘I’ll have another Slippery Nipple,’ Kim said to Ruby, before pointing at her phone and taking the call. She squeezed through the crowded bar with the phone to her ear but it was difficult to hear what the person was saying. ‘Hang on,’ she told the caller as she made her way outside.
The cool evening breeze was a relief. ‘Right. Sorry about that.’
‘Hello, is that Kim Baxter?’ said the clipped female voice.
‘Yes, it is.’
‘I’m Sally Burrows, the solicitor acting for Mr Vincent Baxter. I understand you’re expecting my call?’
Not at this time of night she wasn’t. Her head wasn’t really in the right place for a serious conversation. ‘Yes, but I’m out at the moment. Any chance you could call back tomorrow?’
‘Sorry, I’ve been in court all day. This is the first chance I’ve had to speak to you but of course I can call back at a more convenient time.’
Kim felt bad. She walked a bit further up the road. ‘It’s okay. You can talk to me now if it’s not going to take too long.’
‘Thank you. I appreciate that. My client has made a new will and named you as sole beneficiary. This means his house, its contents and any money in his bank account will become yours upon his demise.’ Even though Kim knew this, hearing it from someone official made it all seem too real. This was actually happening. Vince was dying. She took a steadying breath and listened. ‘It would be helpful to me if you could provide details of your bank account so that in the event of his death his assets and the property proceeds would be easily transferred to you.’
‘Right. Okay.’
‘You can call me back with the details. You should also consider obtaining a power of attorney. That’s a legal document that needs to be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. I can do this for you but I’d need some identification from you.’
Kim’s head was starting to spin. ‘Look I’m sorry. This is more to think about than I realised. It’s a lot to take in and like I said I’m not at home right now. Can I call you back tomorrow?’
‘I’m afraid I’m in court all day again. I’ll call you. Thanks for your time. Goodbye.’ The phone went dead.
Ruby definitely needed a drink and the house white wasn’t going to cut it. She fixed her eyes on the barman who was now making two Slippery Nipples. That way she wasn’t tempted to keep scanning the bar. She was starting to look desperate and a balding plumber from the Manor Estate winked at her every time she turned round. She didn’t know what Lewis did for a living although Kim had said he travelled a lot for his job so she must have asked him some questions when they’d had their one-to-one. Perhaps he’d been called away. Ruby was feeling that she’d quite like to have a proper one-to-one with Lewis and have a chance to find out a bit more about him.
She saw Kim come back inside and start fanning herself. She made her way through the bar and slumped an elbow on the counter. ‘That was Vince’s solicitor.’ Kim rolled her eyes.
‘At this time?’ Ruby looked around for a clock and had another crafty look for Lewis – still no sign. The plumber gave her a wave and a wink and she hastily turned back to face Kim.
‘She’s been in court all day,’ explained Kim. ‘It’s definitely happening. She’s confirmed that he’s leaving everything to me: his money, his house and its contents.’
Ruby twisted her lips. ‘Blimey. Does that mean you have to sort through all his stuff after he …’
‘Dies?’ She finished the sentence for her. ‘I guess so. That would be strange. The solicitor wants my bank details and asked me to consider getting a power of attorney so I can pay for things when he gets sick.’
Ruby thought about this. ‘I think that makes sense.’
‘I’m not sure.’ Kim chewed at her thumbnail.
‘Two Slippery Nipples, ladies,’ said the barman, presenting them with two shot glasses both filled to the brim.
A hand clutching a twenty-pound note came between Ruby and Kim. ‘I’ll get these,’ said Lewis, giving them both a broad smile. The barman took the note.
Ruby was so pleased to see him she could have hugged him but instead she picked up her glass and eyed him seductively over the top. ‘Thank you for my Slippery Nipple,’ she said.
‘You’re welcome. I called St Pancras lost property.’ Lewis pulled a face. ‘I’m really sorry but they only keep things for a few weeks and after that they go to charity. They’ve not got your phone any more. But I have a mate who can get second-hand phones at a good price. I’ll get you a replacement. Is that okay or do you hate me right now?’
He looked at her with persuasive eyes. How could she hate him? ‘It’s not a problem. I’ve got a new phone already through my job.’ She pulled it out of her bag. ‘And I don’t hate you, but you do owe me.’
‘Something more than a shot?’ He gave her a cheeky smile. He was very sexy.
‘Definitely. I think dinner at least.’ She sipped her drink and the alcohol buoyed her confidence. ‘But first I need your phone number so I don’t lose you again.’
‘Of course.’ He took her phone and punched in the number.
The bell rang. ‘VIP daters, it’s time for round two!’ bellowed the barman.
‘I think I’ll give it a miss,’ said Kim, looking a bit glum and red-faced as she fanned herself with the cocktail menu. ‘I’ve got too much to think about.’
‘Yeah. Me too,’ said Ruby as Lewis handed back her phone.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Ruby rang Curtis’s phone for ages before he answered it and then all she heard was a groan. ‘Curtis? Are you all right?’ she asked.
‘My head – it feels awful. And it’s like someone has sandpapered my tongue.’
‘Do you think that might be a hangover?’ suggested Ruby.
‘I suppose it must be.’
‘Tell me this isn’t your first one.’
‘I don’t usually have more than one alcoholic drink.’
‘You must have got wasted at university?’
‘Ow, it hurts when I shake my head. No, I was there to study. Others drank a lot and then they vomited. I couldn’t see the appeal.’
‘When you put it like that … Anyway, take two paracetamol and drink lots of water. Then have a shower and call me back.’
‘Yes, right. Why?’
‘Because I’ve found the elusive Lewis.’ She gave a little screech and then realised her mistake.
‘Ow …’ There was silence. ‘Well done. I look forward to hearing all about it. Bye.’
Ruby paced the flat and Seymour appeared to be watching her from the comfort of the sofa. The minutes ticked by. Exactly how long did it take someone to shower? Weren’t men supposed to pride themselves on being super quick? She’d got up early and waited until eight before calling Curtis and she still got the impression she’d woken him up. But it was an emergency. She needed to know how soon she could get the ring from his safe so she could arrange her dinner date with the lovely Lewis and return it to him.
The thought of him made her emit a soppy sigh. He was exactly as she’d remembered from the train: kind, interesting and drop-dead gorgeous. Unfortunately, they hadn’t been able to talk for long. Lewis’s mate wanted to get his money’s worth at the VIP dating and Kim was quite down after her conversation with Vince’s solicitor, so they’d said their goodbyes. Ruby had promised to message him once she’d been able to arrange the collection of the ring.
Her phone sprang into life and Ruby leaped on it.
‘How are you feeling now?’ she asked.
‘Like my brain is trying to tunnel its way out of my head and I fear I may vomit at any moment.’
‘Excellent. Let me tell you all about Lewis.’ She gave him a potted update of her evening and awaited a response. ‘Say something, Curtis.’
‘I’m not sure you can claim to have found Lewis. It’s purely coincidence.’
‘You’re splitting hairs. I made contact with him. It’s the same thing. Anyway, what train are you getting back tomorrow? I thought maybe I could meet you and get the ring?’ She bit her lip in anticipation.
‘Hopefully before five o’clock. I can text you when it leaves.’
‘Great. Thank you.’ She punched the air in celebration and Seymour seemed to think she’d thrown something and spent the next couple of minutes trying to find it.
She belatedly remembered to ask about his evening. ‘I’m sorry, Curtis. How did Project Cordelia go?’
There was a long pause. ‘My memory appears to have been impacted by the alcohol.’
She chuckled at his turn of phrase. ‘It’s a bugger when that happens. Any clues? Like, is she asleep in your bed with her underwear hanging from the lampshade?’
‘I didn’t have sex with her if that’s what you’re trying to ask. In fact, I can’t remember much after Jonty bought a round of tequila shots.’
‘They’re the worst. Look, don’t worry. I’ll call Jonty and get the lowdown – he won’t have missed a thing – and then I’ll update you. Don’t do anything until I call back.’
As she had suspected, Jonty was full of all the gossip, much of which was about people she either didn’t know or had met the one time but it was nevertheless quite entertaining. ‘I mean seriously, who snogs four different people at a works party? That’s outrageously slutty.’
‘Don’t beat yourself up. It’s tough when you break up with a long-term partner.’
‘Thanks, Ruby. You’re lying but it’s kind and I appreciate it. I’m not sure how I’m going to face Frank in the office. He’s retiring soon and I get the distinct impression I was the first person he’d kissed in a very long time.’
‘Then you probably made his day. And that’s a good thing. Like care in the community.’
‘Okay, now not as kind. But sadly, very true. Anyway, you missed a good night. Next time you’re down we should go out.’
‘And invite Frank along,’ she suggested with a giggle.
‘You’re funny.’
‘Thank you. No gossip on Cordelia then?’
‘There’s a loaded question. Oh my God, have our bosses hooked up? Spill the dirt – I want it in truckloads after what I’ve confessed to you.’
‘No, no, no. I was just fishing,’ she said, worrying that she’d dropped Curtis in it.
‘Oh, that’s disappointing. I had high hopes that those two might get it on. Cordelia is like a cat on heat at the moment. This job seems to have been the kiss of death for her love life.’
‘So, what happened?’
‘Cordelia passed out after the tequila shots, I put her in a cab and by the time I got back to the party Curtis was in a similar state, so I did the same for him. Pair of lightweights – they’re made for each other.’
‘Thanks, Jonty. You’re a star.’
‘Twinkle, twinkle. Don’t be a stranger.’
Ruby ended the call and immediately rang Curtis to update him. She suggested that he check Cordelia was still on for dinner that evening and she wished him every success and this time she really meant it.
The work day started well as Ruby breathed in the scent of the sweet peas. They were glorious and filled her with joy, although she was already feeling pretty maxed out on that spectrum. Curtis was a few nudges away from dating Cordelia, and Lewis had sent her a couple of flirty texts and they’d arranged dinner at the fancy Italian in town. She had temporarily put her motherhood plans to one side in case Lewis was the answer to all her dreams. Everything felt like it was lining up.
Boomer was lying on his back on the shop floor with his tongue hanging out and his legs lolling around while Kim rubbed his middle.
‘He looks happy,’ said Ruby.
‘You’d look like that if you’d tried to mount the postman and then had a packet of bacon and a tennis ball for breakfast.’
‘I’m not sure I would. But he’s definitely calming down,’ said Ruby, making up a giant bouquet for Dean who had called in his order earlier.
‘I wonder why dogs love this?’ asked Kim.
‘I’ll rub your stomach and you can tell me.’ Kim stuck her tongue out. ‘Are you okay?’ asked Ruby. ‘I get the feeling something is bothering you.’
‘Well, I slept in a vest top and both my boobs escaped in the night. I woke up to Boomer chasing one around the bedroom.’
‘That’s not true,’ said Ruby.
‘Sadly, it is, apart from the bit about him chasing one. He was actually lying on top of my left boob. I had to pull it out from underneath him. No wonder I’m overheating at night. He insists on sleeping right up against me.’ Kim rubbed the dog’s tummy harder.
‘He loves you.’
‘At least someone does.’ Kim sounded glum.
‘Oh Kim. What’s wrong?’ Ruby wanted everyone in her life to get a happy ending and Kim more than most.
‘I’ve given Vince’s solicitor my bank details. I’m not sure if it was the right thing to do.’
‘It’s no more than the info on a cheque,’ said Ruby, pausing what she was doing. ‘You’re definitely going to accept then?’
‘What else can I do? If he wants to make amends and leave it all to me that’s his choice. But I’m not doing the power of attorney thing because that feels like too much responsibility.’
‘And what about you two hooking up again?’
‘That’s the thing. I don’t want to and now he’s offered me the money it feels even weirder. Like he’s paying me.’
‘That’s sleazy.’
‘Exactly. But that makes me feel a bit bad because he’s dying and then I go around the same stuff again and again and it’s driving me crackers!’ Her voice spiralled into a shout and Boomer leaped to his feet. He did a quick lap of the shop, barking at every corner in case there was danger lurking behind a bucket. Kim coaxed him to her with the rubber chicken and he took it to the back room for a good chew.
Kim slumped onto the stool behind the counter. ‘I’m exhausted with it all.’
‘You know you’ve got to do what’s right for you.’ Kim opened her mouth and Ruby waved any protests away. ‘Nobody else. Just you. Don’t feel guilty or pressured or blackmailed into anything.’
‘I thought you were all for us getting back together?’
‘Not if it’s not what you want. I’ve said it before. You’re too kind, Kim. Sometimes you need to do what you want and to hell with everyone else.’
‘You are very wise.’ Kim slumped her head onto the counter.
‘Any takers from the VIP speed dating?’
Kim twisted her head in her direction. ‘Nah, I wasn’t really hunting.’
‘Anything from Adrian?’
Kim let out a long sigh. ‘Nope. I think that’s properly over. And it’s not what might have been that gets me, it’s the loss of what we had. The friendship. It was worth much more to me than anything else. And Hayley has gone and spoilt it all.’
‘With a little help from our beads,’ added Ruby, tying the bow on the giant bouquet with a flourish. As if on cue, Dean strolled in and Ruby proudly held the flowers aloft. Even if she did say so herself, they looked stunning. The pastel colours all blended together beautifully.
‘Ruby, they’re amazing. Have you written the card?’
Ruby was particularly pleased with today’s wording. She handed it over and waited. ‘Wow, girl, that’s awesome.’ He paid for the bouquet and slipped Ruby a five-pound tip. Life was definitely looking up.
Kim needed to clear her head after a busy day so decided a very long walk around Rother Valley Country Park was just the ticket. Boomer still took a few goes to get in a car but he loved sticking his head out of the window once it was on the move and he had been securely strapped in.
Kim had thought a lot about what Ruby had said and she was right. It was up to Vince who he left his money to, but that shouldn’t be a deciding factor in whether or not she wanted to rekindle their relatio
nship. She no longer harboured any romantic feelings for Vince. They might have shared a happy marriage but his adultery and the passage of time had killed the love she’d once had for him. If she went back with him it would be purely for his benefit and only because he was dying – all the wrong reasons. The issue now was that she needed to tell him. And that was easier said than done.
She needed some head space to think through what she was going to say and work out her responses to any counter arguments Vince presented. She’d need to stand her ground and not be manipulated round to his way of thinking. If he changed his will she didn’t care – she’d never expected a penny anyway and she was doing fine on her own.
She parked the car and they set off at their usual jolly speed. She’d found it was easier to go at Boomer’s pace than try to hold him back. At least the extra exercise was doing her good.
They headed towards the lake. The sun sparkled on the surface like a thousand sunken stars. The ducks were sleeping by the edge of the water and quacked their protest as Boomer barked an excited hello. It was half five and still rather warm. She’d call Vince when she got home and arrange to meet as soon as possible.
A little further on Boomer found a nice spot to bob down. Kim was now used to the routine – well, as used to picking up another creature’s excrement as you could be. She was hovering over it with her hand in a bag ready to scoop it up when she heard footsteps approaching.
‘Hello!’ someone called. Kim lunged for the poo but Boomer ran towards the voice, almost pulling her over. She stood up fast and clung onto his lead. ‘I thought it was you,’ said a happy-looking man with a golden cocker spaniel lolloping along beside him. For a moment Kim was puzzled and then she remembered. She’d met him at the speed dating.
‘Oh hi,’ she said, not sure what else to say. She was keeping one eye on Boomer and the other on his deposit – the last thing she needed was to step in it.
‘I’m Ray and this is Florence. Well, I call her lots of things. She’s often Flo, Furry Flo Flo, Floodle Poodle, Flumpy Floo or Furry Baby. Do you do that?’ He looked hopeful and not nearly as embarrassed as he should have done.
‘Er, no, not really. This is Boomerang. Boomer for short.’ Both dogs were frantically checking out each other’s bums while their tails wagged faster than a teacher’s finger during playground duty.
The Promise of Summer Page 26
