A Happy Christmas Ending

by Christiane France

  The clients were a pair of fifty-something twin brothers who said one of their ancestors had built the hotel during the reign of Queen Victoria. It was rumored the then Queen and her consort, Prince Albert, had once spent a few days at the hotel as guests shortly after it opened. Unfortunately, the hotel register for the period had been lost so it couldn’t be confirmed and they had to be content with the rumor rather than recorded fact.

  With any renovation project, once the building itself had passed the necessary safety tests and been given the official go-ahead, what happened next was entirely at the whim of the client. Some wanted everything updated to twenty-first century state-of-the-art ultra-modern while others wanted things restored to the way they once were.

  The Ferris brothers had done their market research as to what appealed to twenty-first century tourists and hotel staff and, as a result, had taken a rather neat approach. To use their words, a guest might be thrilled to stay in the same room as the young Queen Victoria, but they wouldn’t appreciate the lack of central air or being given a jug of hot water in place of a modern-day shower massage or whirlpool tub. The same would apply when it came to hiring staff. Be it the people who worked in the kitchen, housekeeping, or on the front desk, they’d expect to be given whatever tools were necessary to do their work in a competent and timely fashion.

  In other words, what they wanted was twenty-first century comfort and convenience with a Victorian twist. The bathrooms and kitchens were all being gutted and refitted with the latest and greatest equipment currently available. The décor in the guest and public rooms would be updated with things like TVs and computers, but retain the flavor of a bygone age with the clever use of fabrics and furnishings. I thought it sounded like a great idea. What their guests would think when the hotel reopened for business would be interesting to say the very least.

  I was back in London by early afternoon. After returning the car to the garage, I went home to Jasper’s, found the business card for Sparrowdine & Son, estate agents, and gave the guy I’d spoken to a call.

  “Good afternoon. This is Paul Bennet. How may I help you?”

  “Hi, Paul. This is Drew McEvoy. We spoke a few days ago. I told you I’m interested in renting an apartment. Remember?”

  “Oh, right. You and your partner are looking for something, correct?”

  “Correct. But we need a place that accepts pets. Is that a problem?”

  “Weeeell.” Paul drew out the word like a sigh. “I’m afraid it often can be. Especially if the pet in question is a dog. If you’d seen what happens when people go off for the weekend or a few days and leave a dog alone, you’d understand why. The animal gets upset and takes it out on his surroundings. So, yes, it definitely would be a problem in the case of the two possibilities I mentioned when you came into the office. No pets of any kind has been stressed in both listings. But... You know what? I may have an idea. What kind of pet do you have?”

  “A cat. A lovely ginger male who weighs around ten pounds.”

  “Really? A cat would be very welcome at the place I have in mind. That’s if you’d consider living above a restaurant.”

  “Where’s the restaurant?”

  “In Soho. It belongs to my partner’s uncle and his wife. Nico was told he could have it for however long he wished, but lately he’s been spending more time at my place than there. He wants to make the move to my place permanent, and that means they’ll be in the market for a new tenant as soon as he moves his stuff. Although, I should warn you it may come with the odd mouse or two, so a cat would be very welcome. Of course, I understand if you’d rather not. But the fact is, even with the best, most expensive pest control available, mice are always a hazard where restaurants and the storage of food is concerned. It depends on how you personally feel about the little grey beasties.”

  I had no idea how Marmalade felt about mice or even if he’d ever made their acquaintance, but they didn’t bother me. I knew mice and old buildings usually went hand in hand. “The buildings in Soho are pretty ancient, yes?”

  “I’m afraid so. And this one is definitely far from brand new. Not all glass and glitzy like what you’d find at Canary Wharf, if that’s what you had in mind.”

  “What I want is somewhere that’s comfortable, in good repair and within easy access of my office. Soho would work just fine. What’s the place like? I’m assuming you’ve been there and seen it.”

  “Actually it’s very nice. Two bedrooms, open living area and kitchen, full bathroom with both a shower and a full-size tub, and a laundry room complete with washing machine and dryer. You’d get to share the restaurant’s heat and hot water which are both included in the rent. It used to be storage space, but then Tony, that’s Nico’s uncle, decided he didn’t need it and could make some extra income if he turned it into an apartment. It was done less than two years ago, so everything is new and very modern. If you’d like to take a look it can be arranged.”

  I laughed. “Sounds good, but if it’s that nice, why is your partner moving in with you and not the other way around? What’s the catch? Is he scared of mice?”

  Paul returned my laughter. “There’s no catch, Drew. And Nico has never actually seen a mouse, he’s just heard what he thinks are mice in the walls, which as you probably know is something that happens with old buildings. His main reason for moving is partly because he would prefer not to be living on his family’s doorstep. For another, his job takes him all over the British Isles. He does most of his travelling by train and my apartment is a short walk from Marylebone Station. One of these days we plan to buy a house, but for now this works for us. So, what do you think? You interested in taking a look?”

  “I can’t wait. The possibility of mice notwithstanding,” I said with a chuckle. “When would be convenient.”

  “Now. Later. Tomorrow. I just have to call ahead and let Tony know so he can leave the key with someone in the restaurant.”

  I’d arranged to meet Michael at Lisetta’s at seven and I would have loved for him to come with me, but I knew better than to even suggest it. But I could go earlier and meet Paul to check things out. Then, depending on what I thought about it as a possible home for the three of us, I could tell Michael or not. “How about six this evening? Would that work for you?”

  “Give me a few minutes to check with the owner and I’ll call you back.”

  Five minutes later, Paul called. “I’ve just spoken with Tony and he’s agreeable to you taking a look. The restaurant is Tony & Tonya’s on Greek Street. There’s a small foyer between the outside door and the one leading into the dining room. I’ll wait for you there.”

  “Is the apartment furnished?”

  “I’m afraid not. Will that be a problem?”

  “Umm...” I hesitated. Unfurnished could work very well if Michael did decide to go live with his parents for a while. He’d need somewhere to store his things and Marmalade would appreciate having all his own old familiar stuff around. It would make the move much less traumatic for the little guy. “No problem at all. Unfurnished is good. See you at six.”

  I hung up and called Michael to confirm I was back and would see him at Lisetta’s at seven for dinner. Instead of Michael, I got his voice mail, so I left a message asking him to let me know if he needed to change the time for any reason. I then headed for the office to catch up on whatever had happened during my absence.

  * * *

  I arrived at the restaurant on Greek Street a few minutes before six and found Paul Bennet waiting inside the door as promised.

  “If you’d like to follow me, the apartment has its own separate entrance,” he said, as he stepped outside and indicated a black painted door a few feet farther along the street. “At one time, whatever was needed in the way of supplies was delivered upstairs via these stairs. As you might imagine, it was never a very convenient arrangement, so when space became available next door, Tony grabbed it. He put in a connecting door to his kitchen and turned upstairs into living space.”
>
  At the top of the stairs, Paul unlocked another door and led the way into what appeared to be a very nice set up. The décor was neutral off-white with dark wood flooring, slate gray cabinets in the kitchen, brushed steel appliances and what looked like, but I doubted was, granite countertops. The bathroom was bigger than I’d expected, neutral cream tiles with a hint of gold speckle and the fittings all good quality. The current furnishing were simple with no decorator touches, which led me to believe Paul’s partner had never intended to stay here long.

  “So what do you think?” Paul inquired, then added what he assured me was an all-inclusive amount to cover the rent and utilities.

  I explained about my job. That I didn’t know the exact length of my stay or what would happen when the projects were finished, so I couldn’t enter into a lengthy lease. I also felt obliged to add that my partner might not be joining me right away. That it would be just me and the cat to start with. Also I couldn’t guarantee Michael wanting to take over the lease if I was recalled by head office. If any of that was a problem...

  Paul smiled. “It’s not. There’s a steady demand for short-term leases by people with job-related issues similar to yours, so I’ve already discussed that aspect with Tony. Ideally, he’d like a year’s lease with an option to renew from year to year after that, but if you’d prefer month-to-month, he’s willing to go along. Subject, of course, to all the usual employment and bank references.”

  I demurred for all of five seconds, then offered him my hand. “In that case, we have a deal.” No matter what happened with Michael’s job, I was sick of hotel living and this place was perfect. “When could I take possession?”

  “If you drop by the office first thing tomorrow, we’ll take care of the necessary paperwork. Then, provided everything checks out, you should be able to move in January first. Nico, my partner, is away on business until the weekend. He’ll need a few days to clear out his stuff, and I’m sure Tony will want to give the place the onceover, make sure it’s clean and everything is in proper working order. In the meantime, if you should need to measure up for drapes or furniture, let me know and I’ll make arrangements for someone to let you in. How does that sound?”

  “Sounds fine to me.” I took a step toward the door, then paused. “What do you mean by first thing? Around nine?”

  “The office opens at eight. Any time after that.”

  * * *

  I said goodbye to Paul and headed for Lisetta’s. I was a few minutes early. After one of the waiters showed me to a table, I said a friend would be joining me and asked him to bring me a light beer.

  My head was spinning with plans and ideas for the new apartment. I hadn’t thought I’d find one this fast and certainly not anything quite so perfect. I couldn’t wait to tell Michael about it. Whether or not he lost his job, he now had a place to put his things when he moved out of the old place, and Marmalade had a new home I just knew he’d love.

  I wasn’t sure what furniture Michael had exactly. His bed was no great shakes, so I’d need to buy a new mattress. Also I’d need new linens. and a few pictures would go a long way to relieving those endless off-white walls and smartening the place up. Maybe some dishes and—

  I felt something brush against my shoulder, then Michael slid into the chair across from me. He smiled. “What’s up? You look as self-satisfied as Marmie when he’s conned me into giving him an extra treat. Did you win the lottery or something?”

  “No, but I’ve found us an apartment and I’ll be signing the lease in the morning. What do you say to that?”

  The smile vanished and he gave me a long, considering look. “Really? That’s nice.” He picked up my glass and took a sip of beer. “Do you know what tonight’s specials are?”

  For a moment I simply stared at him, wondering why the cold reception to what I considered fantastic news. “That’s all you can say? I thought you’d be pleased. No matter what happens now, you won’t have to worry about what to do with your furniture or Marmalade.”

  He shrugged and drank some more beer. “I’ve already agreed, if it becomes necessary, Marmie can live with you temporarily until I sort myself out. As for the furniture, that’s the last of my worries. Some of it was left behind by the previous tenant and apart from one or two pieces I’m fond of, the rest isn’t worth the cost of moving it.”

  I had no idea what Michael was playing at, but he was making me sweat. “What about your books, your clothes and whatever else there is?”

  “I’ll have to box it all up and take it down to my parents’ place.”

  I wasn’t only sweating, I was starting to panic. I knew Michael was a hard head, but what he was saying was crazy. “Why? I got the apartment for us. And why are you talking as if moving in with your parents is a done deal? Have you heard something about the status of your job?”

  “No. The last I heard, negotiations were proceeding full steam ahead. What that will mean for me I have yet to discover. In any case, it’s your apartment, Drew, not ours. I’m in no position to sign a lease at the moment, as you well know. But...” He hesitated. “I don’t mean to come across as rude or ungrateful, but if it was intended as ours why wasn’t I consulted? Maybe even allowed to take a peek, see what I thought and perhaps be given an opportunity to put in my two cents?”

  “Oh, shit. I’m sorry. I didn’t even think.” I came down off cloud nine with a hard landing and reached for his hand. I felt like a complete and utter idiot. I wasn’t usually this thoughtless, but I’d been excited by the totally unexpected find. “I know that’s no excuse, but it’s difficult to find a nice place that accepts pets. The first two said no way, then the agent told me about the apartment his partner’s moving out of at the end of this month. It’s perfect for us, Michael. Two bedrooms, one you can use as an office, and a cat is welcome because they think they may have mice. The fittings and fixtures are relatively new, and the price is unbelievably reasonable. I couldn’t say yes fast enough. I was terrified if I didn’t I’d lose it. I guess I should have stopped and given you a call, but I can get in touch with Paul, he’s the agent, and ask if—”

  Michael smiled and squeezed my hand, hard. “Shut up, Drew, you’re babbling.”

  “I know. I really am sorry. I can’t believe I just rushed into it without talking to you first. You mad at me?”

  He laughed. “No. I was for maybe a minute, but I know how hard it is to find anything decent. Sounds as if you’ve struck it very lucky.” He beckoned one of the waiters, who was hovering nearby. “Have you decided what you want to eat?”

  “No, but why don’t we get the veal parmesan for a change? I haven’t had it in ages.”

  Michael nodded. “I haven’t either. What do you want to go with it, Caesar salad?”

  “Sure. And you can also bring us a bottle of Lacrima Christi,” I added in an aside to the waiter as he jotted down our order on his pad. “My treat to make up for being so thoughtless,” I said to Michael when the man left.

  Another waiter brought the wine and poured us each a glass. Michael raised his glass and said, “Here’s to happy landings in your new home.” He hesitated, chewed on his bottom lip for a moment, then smiled at me. “And, dare I hope, mine, too, in time? I know I can be an awkward bastard at times, and I shouldn’t be taking my problems out on you. Forgive me?”

  “Of course.” I held his gaze as we clicked glasses. “I got the apartment for us, babe. You know that, and I want you to keep it in mind. I promise not to push, but whenever you’re ready...”

  “Where is it exactly?”

  “You know Tony and Tonya’s?”

  Michael nodded. “It’s just up the street.”

  “Right. Well, it seems they decided to make themselves a few extra bucks by converting what used to be unused storage space on the upper floor into an apartment. It wasn’t done that long ago and they did a great job. Everything from the flooring to the fittings and appliances all appear to be top of the line. The current tenant is their nephew, who also h
appens to be Paul’s boyfriend. And the reason he’s giving it up is because he wants to move in with Paul.”

  The food at Lisetta’s was always good, and tonight’s veal no exception. But by the time we left, the temperature had dropped down to near zero again. It had rained while we were having dinner and now the streets and sidewalks were wet with icy spots, making walking more than a little hazardous.

  It was still too early for any of the better clubs to be open and neither of us fancied hanging out in a bar for the next several hours until they did.

  When we came to the corner of Old Compton Street, Michael shivered and pulled his coat tighter around his body. “Lord! I hate this weather. It really is the pits. Where to from here? A movie? Check a few of the box offices and see if we can drum up some last minute theater tickets? Or shall we find a cab and go back to my place?”

  I laughed and gave him a quick hug. “You really need to ask me that?”

  * * *

  It had been so long since Michael and I had spent a whole night together. Yesterday’s quickie had taken the edge off, but I wanted more. I needed some reassurance Michael’s way of handling his problems was right for us. That what we felt for one another was strong enough to withstand this kind of a setback and there would still be an us when everything was finally resolved.

  The taxi dropped us off outside Michael’s building and I followed him up the stairs.

  “What will it take for you to please stop worrying,” Michael asked the moment we were inside the apartment.

  I tried feigning innocence. “What gives you the idea I’m worrying about something?”

  He put his arms around me, then laughed softly and kissed me on the mouth. “Because I know you, Drew. You didn’t say a word in the cab, and I don’t have to be a mind reader to guess what you’re thinking about.”

  I clasped my hands behind his ass and pulled him in closer, far enough for him to know what I was feeling as well. “Okay, smarty pants. What am I thinking?”