Right Here Waiting for You

by Pugh, Rebecca

  Hannah, the babysitter, had already arrived, and Harry would be dropped off once Michael got there.

  There was only half an hour to go until Michael would arrive to pick her up. A shiver of anticipation ran up and down Sophia’s spine at the thought of greeting him at the door. Now the night had arrived, she couldn’t deny she was excited about what lay ahead. It had been so long since she’d last enjoyed a good night out. She rose from the chair and approached her dress, which was hanging on the back of the bedroom door. It held so much promise as she stood and looked at it for a moment or two.

  Conscious of the time, Sophia gently took it down and slipped it from off the hanger. The material was so silky and soft, it was impossible not to want to touch it. It seemed to fit her curves like a glove, hugging her body in all the right places. She felt like a whole different woman as she smoothed it down over her hips and thighs, and turned to get a better look at herself in the mirror. From her hips downwards, the dress cascaded to the ground, pooling around her feet. She turned from left to right, admiring a figure she had long forgotten she even had, and for the first time in a while, Sophia felt like the kind of woman she’d always longed to be. Confident, sexy, and capable of making a man perhaps look twice in her direction. She pinned her hair up, making sure to leave a few strands dangling around her face, and then applied a deep-red shade of lipstick that made her lips appear plumper than usual. With a final spritz of hairspray, and a dab of her favourite perfume on her wrists and neck, Sophia was ready to go.

  ‘My, my, my,’ Michael murmured when Sophia opened the front door to him. ‘Sophia Good? Is that really you?’ With his hand on his heart, he took a step back and shook his head in disbelief. ‘You look…’ He hustled Harry inside and Hannah waved him into the front room. Esther grinned when she saw him and began to babble excitedly about her plans for the evening.

  ‘Different?’ she offered with a shy smile, suddenly feeling ridiculous. A bit like a child dressed up in her mother’s grown-up dress and shoes that were way too big for her, despite these fitting her feet perfectly. It was the nerves and excitement getting to her. She needed to take a deep breath and calm the hell down.

  Michael continued to shake his head while he stared at her and Sophia secretly loved that this was his reaction to seeing her. ‘I don’t know what to say. I’m completely speechless. You look… fucking incredible.’ His eyes travelled up and down the length of her body, mouth slightly open in shock as he took her in. ‘I just… I don’t know. I knew you’d look amazing but this is something else. Something else entirely.’

  ‘Thanks. You scrub up well too. I love the jacket. Very nice touch.’ She smiled and nodded. He looked delicious in his tailored trousers, white shirt and smart jacket. He had a pair of what looked like expensive black shoes on his feet, shiny and laced up neatly. His aftershave smelt heavenly too. She could smell it from where she was standing. It was enticing.

  ‘So, shall we?’

  ‘Let’s go.’ Sophia called goodbye to Hannah and the kids, and walked slowly in her heels down the path behind Michael. She was still getting used to them and felt a bit like a newborn foal, trying to walk steadily in a straight line. She didn’t want to make a show of herself, and it felt very important to her that she didn’t in front of him. She was showing Michael a side of herself he hadn’t seen before, and so she wanted to make the best possible go of it. If she fell over and landed flat on her face, she would never forgive herself. She straightened her back a little and held her head a little higher, hoping to look confident and self-assured. She was certain she could feel like that if she just tried hard enough.

  Once they were safely inside the warmth of Michael’s car, Sophia felt herself relax. The nerves of the night ahead remained but, with him by her side, she felt more than capable of enjoying the evening. She was sure that, once she had a few drinks in her system, she’d be absolutely fine. She just needed to loosen up and remember this wasn’t anything serious. It was simply a bit of fun with the people she used to go to school with. That was all. Why on earth she built these things up to be so huge in her mind she had no idea.

  ‘Really, Sophia, I really don’t know what to say. You look stunning.’

  Sophia felt her cheeks blush. ‘I suppose I look okay,’ she laughed. ‘I had to make an effort, didn’t I? As tempting as jeans a T-shirt were.’

  Michael grinned and looked across at her. ‘Still feeling nervous then? Or have you calmed down a bit now?’

  ‘Still a tiny bit nervous but I’ll be fine. I guess I’m just not used to things like this, you know? Lots of people. A bar. Music. Socialising. I mean, I’m not a complete recluse, but I should probably learn to get out more. I wouldn’t be as nervous as I am now if I did. How about you? Are you looking forward to it?’

  ‘Yeah, I think so. It’ll be nice to see some old faces. I’ve got a feeling not a lot of them will turn up, but here’s hoping it’s a decent enough turnout.’

  ‘What about the online dating? How’s that going?’ Sophia tuned out as Michael spoke. She’d promised herself she wouldn’t ask about it, but here she was, unable to stop herself from doing exactly that. She needed a slap to knock some sense into herself.

  The community hall came into view as the car rounded a corner. Michael drove into the car park and tried to hunt out a spot. It looked much busier than it usually did during the week, and the fear Sophia had been pushing further and further away resurfaced once again, only ten times stronger now they were there. There were a few groups of people milling about outside the entrance, probably waiting for friends to arrive so that they didn’t have to go in alone.

  She hadn’t stopped to think about what she would do if she turned up. Because what would she do? How would she feel if she came face-to-face with her? Would she run? Would she stand up and face her? She really had no idea. The only thing left to do now was head inside and scope the place out. She had Michael beside her, so at least she wasn’t alone and vulnerable, which would have made her feel far worse.

  ‘We’re here.’ Michael punched the air and whooped. Once he’d parked the car, Sophia unclipped her seat belt and climbed out. Michael came round to her side of the car and together they headed towards the entrance.

  ‘Don’t be nervous,’ Michael whispered as they passed by a few people. Everyone was trying to get a good look at everyone else, probably trying to remember the name behind the face. ‘You look like a movie star.’

  Sophia couldn’t help but smile at the compliment. No one had ever said that about her before. ‘Thank you,’ she whispered back, although her attention was elsewhere. They’d arrived and were inside. She was trying to catch a glimpse of the faces around them. So far, so good. She couldn’t see anyone familiar yet. Not the woman she was thinking of specifically. Having made it this far, Sophia felt her body relax a little bit and they made a beeline towards the bar.

  Chapter Eleven

  Magda sipped her gin and tonic and glanced around. It was busy. Busier than she’d expected it to be. She’d spotted a few familiar faces on her way in but hadn’t stopped to say hello, preferring to head straight to the bar and bagsy a seat, which would remain hers and hers alone for the entirety of the night. Thankfully, those familiar faces hadn’t clocked her, so she’d been able to slip by unseen, fading into the edges of the busy, noisy hall. She’d tried to get there earlier than necessary to avoid an arrival crush in the entrance and it seemed she had timed it just right.

  From her position at the bar, she had a perfect view of the hall and the people who were already there, as well as those who were still arriving. Cheesy eighties and nineties pop music was playing and flashing lights lit up the empty dance floor. It wouldn’t take long for it to fill up. Once people had a few drinks down their necks, they’d soon make their way over, ready to let loose and enjoy themselves, which was of course the main aim of the evening.

  As Magda felt the bar becoming crowded on either side of her, she drank greedily
from her glass and wondered why she’d even decided to come. Mostly, it had been an excuse to see her father, as well as a chance to spend some time away from Greg. But she supposed she’d known all along that she’d turn up just for the fun of it. Just to see what they all looked like now, and to see if she would turn up too.

  A small part of her mind entertained the idea of Tom Archer turning up. Perhaps he’d come home from his travelling, deciding to make an appearance after all? It was a long shot. Magda couldn’t make up her mind about how she’d feel if she were to see him again. So many years had passed. She tried to summon up an image in her mind of an older, tanned and worldly-wise Tom. A Tom who’d travelled far and wide, a Tom who had stories to tell. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t imagine it. He remained in Magda’s mind as that teen she’d always had eyes for.

  ‘Another gin and tonic, please,’ Magda called to the bartender. He swung round in her direction but told her she’d have to wait her turn. She had to admit, the bar was heaving now, being everyone’s first port of call before they really started to enjoy themselves. She turned on her stool to take another good look around, and came face-to-face with Cameron, one of the lads she used to hang around with when they’d been young, one of Tom Archer’s best mates. She blinked at him for a few seconds, not sure of what to say.

  ‘Magda! Is that really you? Blimey, it’s been a while!’ Cameron was all smiles with lanky arms and legs. He’d never been blessed with cracking good looks but he was kind and friendly and hadn’t really fitted into their group too well, but they’d let him in anyway, and he’d always seemed grateful to have a cool bunch of friends to hang around with. Magda didn’t really want to be stuck chatting to him all night but she felt cornered at the bar and wasn’t quite sure where else she could go. It wouldn’t hurt to chat to him for a bit, would it?

  ‘Cameron! Nice to see you. You’re looking really well!’ She fixed a smile on her face and waved at the bar stool next to hers, which a man had just walked away from. As if it meant nothing to him. Fool! Didn’t he know a seat at the bar was like gold dust when it came to things like this? Cameron was on it like a whippet, clearly thrilled to see a familiar face. ‘Fancy a drink?’

  ‘Yeah, why not!’ He rubbed his hands together in glee, looking cosy on the stool beside hers. ‘So, fill me in. What have you been up to all these years? It was a real shock when I heard you’d left town. Didn’t you get married? I swear I heard that somewhere too. But you know what this place is like, rumours flying around all over the place. You’re never quite sure what to believe and what not to believe, are you?’

  Magda took a gulp of her drink before answering. ‘Sure did,’ she said with a nod. ‘I left and moved into Greg’s house. We got married shortly after.’ She would not go into detail. She would not tell Cameron how disastrous that decision had turned out to be. She would uphold the image of happiness and serenity. She slammed her glass back down on the bar and grinned, baring all her teeth.

  ‘Is he here with you? I’d love to meet the guy who managed to whisk you off your feet!’ Cameron chuckled good-naturedly. He looked around as if Greg would appear behind Magda.

  ‘No, he couldn’t make it sadly.’ Because he’s a massive prick, Magda added silently. ‘Work stuff,’ she said with a shrug. ‘He’s a very busy, very successful man. But tell me about you. Are you married yet? Got any kids?’ She’d always wanted kids. It just hadn’t happened with Greg, which was probably a good thing in the grand scheme of things.

  ‘No, not married. I never found the right girl, I guess. So, no to the question about kids as well. I’m still holding out hope.’ He nudged her with his shoulder and laughed. ‘Have you seen anyone else you recognise yet?’ Glancing towards the entrance, Cameron narrowed his eyes slightly. ‘I haven’t seen anyone familiar, besides you. I feel like I don’t remember half of these people.’ He turned back to her. ‘How’s your old man doing?’

  ‘He’s doing okay, I guess. That’s one of the reasons I’m back. We lost contact a while back. My fault. He’s changed a lot though, but I guess losing the person you love can do that. Do you still live in Worthington Green?’

  ‘No, not any more. I live about twenty minutes away so it wasn’t too much of a drive. I was shocked when I got the invite, but thought I’d give it a shot and see how it went. Do you still speak to Sophia and that lot?’

  Magda laughed nervously, and nearly fell backwards off the stool at the mention of her. ‘I haven’t spoken to any of them since I left. I doubt I’d even recognise them if I saw them.’

  ‘Nah, I’m sure you would. I recognised you, didn’t I? You really haven’t changed at all. Still as gorgeous as you ever were.’ Cameron smiled. ‘In fact, you look even better, if that’s possible.’

  Magda blushed, not sure of how to reply. ‘Thanks,’ she laughed, in the end. ‘That’s a lovely thing to say.’

  ‘It’s true.’

  ‘You look really good too, Cameron, and it’s great to see you.’ Magda finished her second drink and hopped down off the stool. ‘Back in a sec. Call of nature. Any idea where the loos are? And keep my seat safe, will you? Don’t let anyone steal it.’

  Cameron pointed her in the direction of the loos and off she went, winding her way through the people standing around chatting with drinks in their hands. The music continued to thump away. The hall had been decorated, Magda noticed, as she headed for the toilets. There were balloons tied here and there, and a banner announcing ‘school reunion’ had been pinned up on one of the walls. Nothing too fancy, but they could have put a bit more effort into it.

  Once in the toilets, Magda did her business and then, once she’d washed her hands, looked at herself in the mirror. She was still feeling all fuzzy from Cameron’s compliment and she supposed she didn’t look too bad. Her dark hair hung loose and long around her shoulders, matching the colour of her eyes. She’d opted for skinny jeans, heels, and a nice blouse and blazer this evening. She turned to the side to check out her figure and decided that things could be worse. Much, much worse. Why had Greg done what he had? She wasn’t that bad, surely. But now wasn’t the time to think about Greg because she was one hundred per cent certain he wouldn’t be thinking about her. He was probably off doing whatever behind her back now that she was away. Before, simply the thought of that would have made her want to curl up and cry, but here, in the toilets, she felt different about it. She felt stronger, and less likely to have an emotional breakdown. Even now, the thought of returning home to Greg was enough to make her want to enjoy herself while she had the chance. She turned and left the toilets, ready to rejoin Cameron at the bar.

  It was as she was walking back towards the bar that she noticed Cameron chatting to a tall, dark and handsome man. She hadn’t seen him before and didn’t recognise him from her schooldays either. From here, she could see that the man had a fine physique, made even finer by tailored trousers that showcased muscles and firmness. As she neared them, Cameron turned and spotted her.

  ‘I tried to save your seat but Michael snatched it, I’m afraid.’

  ‘Oh, that’s okay. I don’t mind standing.’ Magda smiled at them both. ‘Hi, I’m Magda.’

  Michael shook her hand. ‘I’m Michael. Nice to meet you. Here, have your seat back. I don’t mind standing either.’

  His smile was completely electrifying. Magda thanked him and slid back onto the stool beside Cameron. She noticed he’d got her another drink so, while he and Michael continued to talk, she sipped and listened in as best she could.

  ‘Ah, here she is. Sophia.’

  Magda wasn’t sure she’d heard right at first. All of a sudden, it felt impossible to remain upright on the stool. She swallowed the gin and tonic in her mouth quickly, trying to hurriedly numb the shock of hearing Sophia’s name, and began to choke violently. Tears began to rise from the force of it and she grabbed at her throat, willing it to stop. She hadn’t foreseen this in her plans.

  ‘God, are you okay
? Here, let me help you.’ Sophia arrived beside her and began patting her on the back while Cameron and Michael watched them both curiously.

  ‘I’m fine,’ Magda wheezed. ‘Fine. Honestly.’ She tried to push Sophia’s arm away while keeping her face turned away at the same time. She didn’t want to be recognised but it was too late. She knew the moment Sophia knew it was her because she stopped the back-patting and stepped away.

  Magda turned to look at her properly, realising it was futile to try and keep her identity hidden any longer.

  ‘Magda? You’re back in town? You came to the reunion?’

  Still trying to regain her breath after her choking fit, Magda could only nod as she clasped her throat with her hands. ‘I did,’ she croaked, ‘and so did you.’

  ‘I don’t know what to say.’

  Magda attempted a smile. ‘I was due a visit so I thought, why not? I didn’t expect to choke to death at the bar though.’ It was a flimsy attempt at humour and went by unnoticed. ‘You don’t seem very happy to see me,’ she ventured, marvelling at how her old friend hadn’t aged or even changed at all in the years they’d been apart. How gorgeous she still looked. How familiar. How much like home.

  ‘No, I don’t suppose I am happy to see you, Magda, but that’s understandable considering everything that went on, don’t you think? I honestly can’t believe you’re here.’

  Magda felt a glimmer of hope at that, but the hope only lasted for a second, until Sophia spoke her next words and crushed it completely.