by Lynda Renham
‘Hello,’ he smiles.
Harry Bloom has a lovely smile. Harry Bloom has a lot of nice attributes. His sultry brown eyes are one. Unfortunately his father overshadows Harry’s good points.
‘There’s a Marks and Spencer down the road,’ I say, ‘I’m sure they’ll have nicer roses there.’
‘I think you’re probably right,’ he agrees.
Why do I have to be the one without a card or a rose? Before I can stop myself I grab a pack of Besties pork pies and throw them into my basket. Its comfort food to get me through the day, I tell myself. It’s not my fault they don’t have any salad is it? I reach up for an egg mayonnaise sandwich at the same time as Harry does, and our hands touch. I let out a little gasp. An odd feeling runs through me. Very similar to the one I had when dancing with him at the Christmas party.
‘There’s only one left,’ he says. I can tell he is as shaken as I am by our touch.
‘I’ll have the prawn mayonnaise,’ he smiles.
I can smell his shower gel.
‘How did your date go the other day?’ he asks.
Shit, and there was me thinking I‘d slunk down in the boy racer just in time.
‘It was different,’ I say.
That’s not a lie is it?
‘Doing anything special tonight?’ he asks casually, following me to the till.
A little voice in my head says lie, lie. Call it Jeremy programming, but somehow I just can’t lie.
‘No, not really.’
‘I thought you’d be seeing your new boyfriend.’
Bruce sodding roadkill, I presume he means. The memory of his bad language and rippling biceps makes me cringe.
‘That didn’t exactly work out,’ I say.
That’s putting it mildly. I’m not telling Harry Bloom that Mak and Jasper had to rescue me so I could get away.
‘Well, have a nice evening whatever you’re planning,’ I say, placing my goods on the counter. He seems to hesitate and then says.
‘Do you know The Blue Note club?’
‘No, I can’t say I do, sorry.’
‘We’re playing there tonight if you’d like to come. Bring your friends too. They’re having a Valentine celebration.’
Hang on a minute, isn’t he seeing Jilly tonight? Surely he’s taking her for a special romantic dinner with the Marks and Spencer red roses.
‘Aren’t you doing anything special?’ I ask.
‘Yes. I’m playing at The Blue Note. It would be great if you could come.’
‘I’ll ask the others,’ I say.
His face lights up.
‘Great, it’s in Chelsea. It’s not hard to find. I can send you a Google map link if you like?’
‘Erm …’
‘I don’t have your number,’ he smiles, pulling his phone from his pocket.
Should I be giving the enemy my phone number? Too late. Before I have time to answer myself I’ve handed it over.
‘See you later. We’re kicking off at eight,’ he says and walks towards Marks and Spencer.
Oh well. At least I’ve got somewhere to go on Valentine’s night. It’s a pity that Jilly will be there but you can’t have everything.
*
Imogen is still sick so she can’t come. She was all weepy on the phone because Daniel didn’t send her a Valentine card. I really can’t believe she actually expected one.
‘He’s probably got a lot on his plate,’ she’d said, excusing him.
Yes, like a wife and three kids. I could slap her for being so naïve. She doesn’t seem to realise how lucky she is to have found Malcolm.
‘Daniel is still taking me to the Guildhall ball,’ she’d said, bucking up.
Mak and Jasper are dead keen so at least I don’t have to go on my own.
‘Sounds like the kind of place that will sell Dubonnet and gin,’ Mak says gleefully.
Harry had texted the Google map link almost immediately. There is no excuse not to go. I’m really excited actually. I never imagined I’d be going out on Valentine’s night.
Chapter Thirty-Six
The Blue Note is most certainly the type of place that sells Dubonnet and gin. In fact, it is the most decadent place ever. Mak and Jasper in their bright suits and trilby hats fit in perfectly.
I’d made them wait an eternity. I couldn’t decide what to wear. After all, I was going with the two most flamboyant gays in London. I finally choose a long black skirt I’d bought from Jigsaw and a frilly blouse. I top it with a frilled edged pink shawl. I can’t help wondering what Jilly will be wearing. Surely she won’t be there in her riding jodhpurs will she?
‘At last,’ groans Mak.
‘Do I look okay?’ I ask.
‘You look fabulous,’ says Jasper.
I think they would have said I looked fabulous if I’d come out in striped pyjamas and a beanie, they were that fed up waiting.
The Blue Note is full of outrageously dressed people. Chequered cloths cover the tables which are adorned with heart shaped candles. It’s like stepping back in time. Black and white photographs of Noel Coward and Sammy Davis Junior line one wall, while Duke Ellington and other musicians that I don’t know line the other wall.
‘Oh my God,’ says Mak. ‘I’ve just realised. The Blue Note. This is what the psychic was talking about.’
‘Of course,’ agrees Jasper excitedly.
‘Hang on, I wrote down what she said,’ says Mak, pulling a little notebook from his pocket. ‘Here you go. You’re going somewhere, where there is music, something to do with musical notes.’
‘And that you’d find what you wanted there or something like that,’ adds Jasper.
What a load of bollocks.
‘She was talking about musical notes,’ I say.
‘The Blue Note,’ says Mak. ‘Hell, shit fire, darling. That’s it isn’t it?’
‘It’s all a bit vague don’t you think?’
‘That’s how the spirits work.’
I thought Mak had more sense.
‘It’s a date for the Guildhall ball I’m looking for.’
‘Exactly,’ says Mak.
He’s not serious?
‘Harry Bloom is about to make me homeless. If, for no other reason, I think that’s sufficient for me not to want to go with him to the Guildhall.’
‘You’ll find someone,’ Mak assures me. ‘But I really feel it has to be someone from here. That’s what the psychic said.’
‘I agree,’ says Jasper.
‘Dubonnet and gin all round I think,’ says Mak. ‘Find a table darlings, preferably close to the stage. After all, we want a good view of the divine Harry Bloom don’t we?’
I look around for Harry but there is no sign of him or Jilly.
A large banner hangs above the stage saying ‘Happy Valentine’s Day’ in bold colours. I find myself thinking of Ashby and wonder what he is doing tonight. No doubt, having a romantic meal with Essex Earring. He’d never take me out on Valentine’s night. He always said the restaurants ripped you off and used to take me out the day after, which was never the same.
Jasper finds a table near the stage and guilt engulfs me. What am I doing consorting with the enemy? I’m an active member of the Save our Homes from Bloom committee, and what’s more, I’m coordinating the social media aspect of our cause. The last place I should be is here, consorting with a Bloom and at his invite too. No, this is all wrong. What was I thinking of? Vanessa Redgrave wouldn’t compromise her principles like this would she? Russell Brand, maybe, but I’m no Russell Brand.
Mak arrives with the drinks.
‘Darlings, I can’t tell you what a classy place this is. Well done love for …’
I jump up, my shawl slipping from my shoulders.
‘I don’t know what I’m doing here,’ I say, grabbing my bag.
‘What?’ says Mak. ‘Suffering cats, you can’t leave.’
‘Where are you going?’ asks Jasper. ‘We’ve only just arrived.’
‘I shouldn’t
be here. I’m an activist,’ I say, sounding like I have a contagious disease.
‘You are?’ questions Mak, looking puzzled.
‘Can’t activists go to clubs?’ asks Jasper.
‘You know, Save our Homes from Blooms. Harry Bloom is the enemy and …’
‘Hello, glad you could make it,’ says a voice behind me.
‘Hello darling,’ says Mak. ‘We were just saying what a divine place …’
‘I have to …’ I break in.
‘Thank you for inviting us,’ interrupts Mak. ‘That’s what she’s trying to say, isn’t that right Phoeb? We’re all looking forward to watching you perform. On the drums that is.’
Jasper laughs.
I wonder if I can get a cab outside or whether I’d need to call one. Harry looks at me. Noel Coward plays in the background and I feel like I’m in a forties movie. I’m almost surprised that Harry hasn’t got Brylcreem in his hair. He’s wearing one of those fisherman jumpers with a white shirt underneath. It seems to enhance his good looks.
‘Can we get you a drink?’ Jasper asks.
‘The Dubonnet and gin is fabulous,’ says Mak.
‘You’re looking very nice, Phoebe,’ Harry says.
My heart skips at the sound of my name on his lips. I feel stupidly happy that he’s noticed what I’m wearing.
‘Oh it’s just …’
‘Some old rag she threw on,’ Mak laughs nervously.
Oh what to do. I really want to stay but it would be wrong wouldn’t it?
‘I’ll get you a Dubonnet,’ says Jasper and hurries to the bar.
‘I can’t stay,’ I hear myself say.
‘Bugger,’ mutters Mak.
‘Why can’t you stay?’ Harry asks, pushing a hand into his pocket.
He couldn’t be more chilled if he tried.
‘Because she’s an activist,’ says Mak, downing his Dubonnet.
‘I coordinate social media for our cause,’ I say shakily.
What’s happened to my voice? What’s happened to my legs come to that? They’re all shaky too.
‘Right,’ says Harry with a smirk. How dare he patronise me. ‘What cause would that be?’
‘Save us from Bloom,’ says Mak in a tired voice.
‘Save our Homes from Bloom,’ I snap.
Honestly, the least Mak could do is get it right.
‘Dubonnet and gin for everyone,’ says Jasper, clinking the glasses on to the table. ‘Everything okay?’ he asks.
‘She’s activating,’ says Mak, making me sound like an out of control robot.
‘I’d like you to stay,’ says Harry.
‘Well …’
‘Come on love. You can activate tomorrow can’t you?’ says Mak.
‘It’s Valentine’s Day,’ says Harry, ‘let’s put everything behind us for one night.’
I suppose I could. I can’t be an activist twenty-four-seven, can I? It would be nice to stay and I can take tons of photos to post on Instagram. That should make Ashby jealous.
‘Well, just this once,’ I say.
‘Great,’ he grins. ‘I’ll join you after the set.’
‘Who’s for another Dubonnet?’ says Mak.
‘Won’t Jilly be sitting with you?’ I ask and find myself holding my breath.
‘Jilly?’ he says, surprise in his voice. ‘No, Jilly isn’t here. I’ll see you later.’
‘Well thank God for that,’ Mak sighs. ‘Don’t you think you’re taking this activism of yours a bit too far? Christ darling, you keep saying you want a date for the Guildhall ball. There he is, right under your nose.’
I almost spit out my drink.
‘Harry Bloom, are you serious? He’s trying to take my home from me. And …’ I say pointing, ‘I’m sure all this is to soften me up. I bet you my overdraft that he makes me an offer in the next two weeks. First pizza and then this invitation and …’
‘Pizza?’ repeats Mak. ‘You never mentioned pizza with Harry Bloom.’
I knock back my Dubonnet.
‘I didn’t actually have pizza with him. It wasn’t like that. It was more like …’
‘Yes darling. Well let’s make the most of his softening you up shall we? Who’s for another round?’
Chapter Thirty-Seven
From the racket I’ve endured through the wall of his flat I’d never have guessed that Harry Bloom was such an accomplished musician. Admittedly he plays the guitar better than the drums. I’m beginning to wonder if Harry Bloom is good at everything he does and feel a little ache in my loins at the thought. That can’t be right can it?
Harry Bloom can sing too. Is there anything the man cannot do? The set finally ends and Harry spends some time chatting with the other band members before joining us.
‘What did you think?’ he asks, obviously wanting praise.
I’m finding it more and more difficult to dislike Harry Bloom and have to keep reminding myself that he’s just softening me up for the big kill. I’d have to get a better job if I keep my flat. Either that or downsize but flats don’t come much smaller than mine. I’ll end up in living in a cupboard.
‘You were abfab, darling,’ says Mak. ‘Totally blew us away didn’t he Jasp?’
Jasper nods.
‘We love the club too. We’re definitely coming again.’
Harry looks at me over the top of his wine glass.
‘What did you think?’ he asks.
‘I must admit I was expecting the racket I usually hear from your flat so I was pleasantly surprised.’
He laughs.
‘Clearly it doesn’t sound so good through the walls.’
Harry has gorgeous lips and lovely eyes.
‘How’s Niall?’ he asks.
For a second I wonder who he’s talking about. I’ve got so used to calling the little sod Brat Face that I’ve almost forgotten his real name.
‘Oh, causing havoc no doubt. I must say you were very impressive with cornflake boxes.’
He’s very impressive full stop. He’s also the enemy, Phoebe, don’t forget that.
Mak grins. I’m not going to the Guildhall with Harry Bloom. I’d rather stick hot needles up my arse than lower myself to asking him. Anyway, he’s going out with Jilly. Not that I would ask him if he wasn’t.
‘This is a great place,’ says Jasper. ‘Do you play here often?’
‘I play here every Tuesday night,’ says Harry, continuing to look at me. ‘You’re welcome to come anytime.’
‘I’m just going to phone Imogen,’ says Mak. ‘See how the old girl is doing.’
Oh no, don’t leave me alone with Harry Bloom.
‘I’ll get another round,’ says Jasper.
‘Alone at last,’ smiles Harry.
‘You can’t soften me up you know,’ I say firmly. ‘I’m not leaving my flat.’
‘You’ve lost me,’ he says.
Oh, he’s smooth. I’ll give him that.
‘Our movement is gaining momentum,’ I say, sounding like the bad guy in Olympus Has Fallen.
‘Is that right?’
The little sod is patronising me.
‘That is right,’ I say.
‘Why are you always angry with me?’ he asks, pouring wine into his glass.
‘Three guesses, Harry Bloom,’ I say, emphasising the Bloom.
‘You’re judging me again.’
‘You work for your father don’t you?’
‘So you keep reminding me,’ he agrees.
‘Your bad luck I suppose to be born into such a family.’
His eyes harden.
‘You’re very judgemental aren’t you?’
‘And you’re very opinionated.’
‘Having fun guys?’ asks Mak, joining us. ‘Imogen is still crap.’
He looks at our faces and sighs.
‘Oh dear, don’t tell me. She’s activating.’
‘I need to order a cab,’ I say, pulling my phone from my bag. ‘I don’t feel great.’
The truth is
I have never felt more miserable in my life. It’s Valentine’s Day and I’m the only woman here without a date. Why do I care so much about not having a man in my life? It’s starting to define me. I’ll be introducing myself as Phoebe Smith without a man in her life. It’s ridiculous. So what if it is Valentine’s Day?
‘I’m due back on stage. I hope you’ll be here when I get back,’ says Harry, lightly touching my arm. I can’t believe how a small touch can have such a big effect.
‘Don’t leave love,’ says Mak. ‘It’s Valentine’s Day.’
‘I know and I’m the world’s worst company. I just keep thinking of Ashby with Essex Earring.’
‘You can’t go yet, Jasper is getting another round.’
‘Here we go guys,’ says Jasper with a tray of drinks. ‘This club is brilliant isn’t it? Can’t think how we didn’t know about it. It’s the place to be.’
‘I’m finishing this drink and then I’m going home. I’m not really in the mood to celebrate Valentine’s Day.’
Too many snogging couples for my liking and it’s not helping that a woman has just come in with a bucket of roses and all the men are buying them for their girlfriends. I throw back the remains of my Dubonnet and pick up my bag.
‘Happy Valentine’s Day,’ says Harry, holding out a rose. Okay, so it’s a bit dark around the edges but it’s a buggery rose. Mak winks and minces towards the band.
‘Just going to ask them to play something special,’ he says, hugging Jasper.
I look at my rose.
‘It’s not at its best,’ smiles Harry. ‘It’s a bit late in the day now.’
I’m stupidly touched and surprisingly speechless.
‘Thanks,’ I say finally.
‘You’re welcome.’
We both seem to be avoiding each other’s eyes.
‘Another drink?’ he asks, pointing to my glass.
‘This was going to be my last but …’
‘Just one more,’ he coaxes.
I grip my rose and prick my finger. Cheap sodding thing. You wouldn’t get thorns on Marks and Sparks roses. I bet horsey mouth Jilly isn’t getting any pricks from hers. I sigh. I suppose she’ll be getting a decent prick later though. Why isn’t she here anyway? It’s Valentine’s Day after all. I’ll stay for one more drink and then I’ll call a cab.
