Bridge Over the Atlantic

by Lisa J. Hobman

  “Tried to do? What do you mean what I tried to do?”

  “You know very well what I mean!” she yelled.

  She grabbed her bag and made for the door, terrified he would try to stop her. Luckily, he was attending to his bruised manhood. She ran for the lift and hammered at the button, smoothing her crumpled dress down as she waited impatiently for it to arrive.

  “You stupid, stupid idiot!” she shouted at herself in the lift. She rang Brad and asked him to come for her without explaining. Dutifully he arrived ten minutes later.

  “Shit, Mallory are you okay? You look like you’ve been fighting.”

  She pulled down the vanity mirror and addressed her hair which was dishevelled and her lip gloss which was smeared across her face. She didn’t speak.

  When she got back to their house she explained what had happened. Josie was disgusted and Brad, steaming with anger, stormed out to his car and drove away, tyres screaming as he reached the end of the road. Neither woman tried to stop him as they knew that their attempts would be futile. It took a lot to get Brad angry, but if he thought someone he loved had been harmed in some way, hell the perpetrator had better watch out.

  This was not how she had wanted things to turn out. She was shaking from the delayed shock of it all. Josie handed her a glass of neat Jack. She felt so stupid. What the hell did she think she was doing?

  She sat with her elbows on her knees and her head in her hands. “This is so not like me,” she told Josie who knew her the best. “Has Greg affected me so much that I go out and seek some kind of pathetic revenge on him by pulling some arrogant groping bastard? Not cool, Mallory, so not cool.”

  Josie’s mouth was pulled into a straight line. “Hmm, love makes you do bloody crazy shit, Mally,” she said before leaving the room.

  When Brad returned his knuckles were red and grazed. It turned out that Dan was on his way out to go drinking in town after the incident with Mallory and Brad had caught him off guard. He was now sporting a broken nose. Brad had left him bleeding at the doors of A and E under the threat that if he reported Brad, Mallory would go to the police. Dan had believed him and agreed he’d been in the wrong.

  Mallory decided that the next day would see her return to Seil. She concluded that perhaps she had given Greg a rougher ride than he deserved and maybe she should give him another chance at friendship…but nothing more. She couldn’t risk getting her heart broken again so soon after losing Sam. It was silly to contemplate feelings for someone else so soon anyway, surely?

  Her early start had meant that the return journey home was fairly straight forward. She took a brief break at the Green Welly stop and took Ruby for a quick walk. Grabbing a coffee and croissant to go she set off to home once again.

  Walking through the door of the house felt good. It smelled fresh and she felt good about the jobs she had managed to do prior to her trip. This was the first time she walked in and felt at home fully; totally. She sighed in a mixture of melancholy sadness and hopeful happiness. She had serious thinking to do.

  After taking a nap she headed on over to the pub. Greg was standing behind the bar. Alice was nowhere to be seen thankfully. She walked over and his eyes lit up when his gaze lifted to meet hers.

  “Mallory, you’re back.” He sounded joyful, but then his expression changed. “How long are you here for?”

  “I’m not sure Greg. Not yet. Can I speak to you in private please?” The pub was fairly quiet apart from Ron in his usual spot and Colin and Christine eating a meal. Do they ever cook? She smiled to herself. They all acknowledged Mallory with a wave and a smile.

  “Is everything okay, Mallory?” he asked with a look of concern as they stepped outside.

  “Greg, I’ve done a lot of thinking whilst I have been away.” She made direct eye contact with him.

  His eyes were like an open book today. Filled with mixed emotions.

  He gave a sad smile. “I’m not going to like this am I?” He winced.

  She smiled at him which seemed to relax him a little.

  “I think maybe I was…too hard on you about the whole marriage thing. I don’t feel able to be anything more at the moment and I doubt that I ever will now…but I think we can maybe be friends…If you want to?” she asked.

  He looked very disappointed. “Mallory, I love you. I probably always will. It will be hard to just be friends, but I would rather have that than the icy chill between us.” He stroked her arm, his chocolate brown eyes tinged with sadness.

  She flinched. She didn’t really want to be touched by anyone at that moment. The last few days were still raw in her mind. There was no way she could ever tell Greg about what had happened. He would totally freak out and go looking for Dan. Not a good idea. No, she would keep that quiet.

  “Well, as I said, friendship is all I can offer.” she reiterated. “Where’s Alice?”

  “She went home. She…wants to give things another go with me,” he admitted.

  Mallory snorted derisively. “I’m fully aware of that. Did she not tell you about our cosy little chat in the ladies that last time you played?” Greg’s expression changed to one of anger, but Mallory continued. “She accused me of breaking your heart worse than she had and pretty much warned me off you.”

  Greg ran his hands through his hair. “Shit! Really? Is that why you went—”

  “Ha! Greg, I won’t be scared off by her or by anyone. I’ve become quite tough lately. I just needed a break. That’s all,” she said sternly.

  “Okay. Well, I haven’t made her any promises and I won’t be doing so either.”

  Mallory raised her eyebrows at him. “Not that it’s any of my business, but she told me you’re thinking about getting back together with her.”

  “I’m thirty-eight, Mallory. I admit that I don’t want to be alone forever, and I know now that I can’t have the person that I want but…if I’m really honest with myself, I think I’d rather stick with being alone than go through another relationship with her. She’s asked me to think about things and I said I would, just to appease her enough to make her leave, but deep down I think she knows It’s a no-go—”

  “Right, well as I say it’s nothing to do with me, but I just think she would hurt you again and as my friend, that prospect doesn’t sit right. But anyway, I…I’m glad we talked. Look, I’ll be off now. I’m not staying for a drink. I just wanted to see you,” she said brusquely backing away and turning to make her way home.

  She felt annoyed that this reunion hadn’t gone quite according to plan. She’d wanted to hug him, but felt that it would blur the already hazy lines between them.

  She was shocked that Greg was even pretending to consider taking back that witch. If, God forbid, he did actually take her back she could no longer stay friends with him, even though they had just reconnected. That cow was simply more than she could take.

  Mallory was happy to be back at the pub that night. Greg would be there too as he was playing again. Stella had to ask him to increase his dates. He was being asked for on a regular basis. Mallory was so happy that it was working out for him.

  She dressed in black trousers and a black fitted shirt for her shift. She pinned up her hair and went with glasses instead of contacts for a change. She chose red earrings, shoes and belt. Greg was there when she arrived. He smiled when he saw her. He was clutching a half empty whiskey glass.

  She frowned. “I thought that stuff dried your vocal chords out,” she teased him as she pulled herself a diet cola.

  “Aye but I’m a tad nervous tonight. Some guy put a clip of me on the internet and this bloke from some entertainment agency is coming to see me play.” He gulped down a large swig of the amber coloured liquid, clearly trying to quell a tumult of nerves in his gut.

  “Wow, Greg. That’s brilliant,” Mallory gasped. “What will happen if he likes what he sees?”

  “Ah…I won’t be famous or anything quite so crazy, but it could mean I get gigs further afield. He has a list of places all over High
land that I could be booked for.”

  Suddenly a man and woman walked in. They were definitely not regulars. They were trying to emanate professionalism, but only succeeded in looking awkward and out of place in the country pub, wearing their suits and carrying files. Hmm, a bit OTT. Rather than entertainment agents they looked more like not-so-secret agents or debt collectors. They were trying too hard, Mallory surmised.

  Following Mallory’s glance Greg inhaled sharply. “Shit, that must be them.” He took another gulp of his single malt. Shaking like a leaf he went over to introduce himself.

  Mallory watched as the two smartly dressed agency reps chatted to Greg. She saw his anxiety gradually subside. She was relieved for him. The pub had become very busy and she was rushed off her feet at the bar as Greg started his first song.

  “Evening all.” His usual greeting fell casually from his lips. “Good to be here again and to see the place packed. I’m sure Stella is grateful and I know I am.” The appreciative rumble traversed the room as usual. “I’d like to start tonight off with a dedication to someone. They know who they are. The words have to be said and I can think of no better way to say them…It’s a song by a band who you may think obscure for a week night in a village pub, but the sentiment is important. It’s by a band called Incubus and it’s called Dig.

  Mallory looked over and sure enough his gaze locked on to hers.

  The song was beautiful and talked of friendship, forgiveness and being there for each other. Mallory found her arms covered in goose bumps as the words touched her deeply. Greg’s voice never ceased to amaze her, hitting every note with precise perfection. Her heart swelled and she smiled despite the tears that stung the backs of her eyes. He reciprocated her smile and all felt good. She was beginning to love that about Greg. He could always find the perfect song to express his feelings.

  At the end of the night Greg chatted with the reps again. He looked happy and relieved. There was a lot of handshaking, smiling and nodding.

  Mallory waited until they had gone before excitement got the better of her and she made her way over to where he was putting his beloved guitar away.

  “Well?” She waved her hands at him eagerly awaiting his response.

  “They’ve taken me on!” He grabbed her and hugged her before she had a chance to protest. It felt good to be hugged by him again.

  She hugged him back without reserve. “I’m so happy for you, Greg. How amazing.” She was proud of her friend. It felt good to call him her friend again.

  “Look, I’ve something to ask you. Feel free to say no if it’s too soon to socialise with me again but…I’m going to an open mic night at the beginning of October in Oban and I wondered if you’d like to come along? I’ve been before and there are some great performers on. What’s even better is that you can get up and do something if the mood takes you.” He smiled.

  She loved the sound of that and she had missed spending time with him “I think I can safely say I’ll be there.” She smiled. He hugged her again.

  ~~~~~

  Things had settled down well for Mallory and Greg. They were back to joking and laughing again. Every so often there would be a tricky moment where he looked at her in the way that meant he still loved her, but she managed to rein her emotions in.

  The first weekend in October was rainy. There had been two couples to view her house but she hadn’t received any offers. She was quite relieved. Friday, the seventh was just as wet a day as the rest of the week. Greg picked her up and they set off for Oban at seven for the open mic night. Greg was like a kid on Christmas Eve.

  “So Mallory, have you ever been musical at all?” Greg enquired as they chugged along in the Landy.

  Hesitantly she admitted, “Well…actually I used to sing in choir back in Yorkshire a few years back.”

  “Really?” After doing a double take a wry grin appeared on his face “What happened? Why’d you stop?”

  “I had a couple of solos and really enjoyed it, especially when I was asked to sing ‘Martha’s Harbour’ by All About Eve…I love that song…but then the conductor changed and it all went downhill.”

  “Soooo, you’re a singer then?” He wiggled his eyebrows at her.

  “Not for a long time and don’t be getting any ideas.” She poked him.

  He feigned shock. “Me? I don’t know what you mean.”

  The sky was heavy and dark as they drove the journey to the club. The place was alive with excitement and effervescence when they arrived. They got a drink from the bar and listened to the young man who was on stage performing a cover of ‘Yellow’ by Coldplay, accompanied by his guitar. He was really good.

  They listened to a few more artistes. One of which was a girl with long red hair and green eyes who must have been in her late-twenties. Greg was transfixed on her as she sang a beautiful rendition of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ Eva Cassidy style. Mallory watched Greg as tears welled in his eyes. She realised from his description and from photos she had seen, that the girl bore a striking resemblance to Mairi.

  Mallory squeezed his arm and he looked down at her. He shook his head as if he realised he had been staring. He told her he was going to the men’s room and disappeared. He was gone quite a while and Mallory was wondering if he was okay.

  When he eventually returned he grabbed Mallory’s arm and pulled her with him toward the stage. “You know you sang ‘Martha’s Harbour’ in your choir that time?” he whispered.

  Mallory scrunched her nose as she looked up at him. “Yes, yes of course I remember. We were just talking about it.” Her mouth fell open and she shook her head beginning to panic. What has he done?

  “Aye well, I hope you remember the words, coz you’re just about to sing it live on stage. It just so happened it’s one of my favourites and I know it like the back of my hand.” He grinned.

  She gasped and pulled against him. “You must be mad! There’s no way I’m—”

  “Ladies, gentleman it’s time for a duet now. Next up this evening we have Greg McBradden and Mallory Westerman performing ‘Martha’s Harbour’.”

  There was a rumble of applause and whistles. Mallory looked at the crowd and realised with horror that she was already on the stage. Unsure as to how she got there she sat on the stool next to Greg as he began to play the opening chords to the haunting melody. He nodded and winked at her. Her mouth felt dry. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Never expected to be doing this tonight. Somehow she managed to come in at the right time and the beautiful lyrics came flooding back to her.

  She kept her eyes closed as she sang. A strange feeling washed over her. It was a sense of calm at the lilting guitar and how well Greg played the piece, but also at her inhibitions melting away. When the song finished there was a rousing, raucous applause which took Mallory by surprise. She looked over at Greg who was grinning from ear to ear and glowing with pride. His eyes looked glassy and he was applauding her too. She felt amazing.

  When they had climbed down from the stage, Greg put his guitar down and scooped Mallory up in a bear hug. He kissed her head and both cheeks. She looked up into his sparkling, intense brown eyes and for a moment she was lost. He leaned down close to her face and kissed her chastely on the lips, never taking his eyes off hers.

  Her heart was pounding and they were so close she felt sure he could feel it. She desperately wanted to kiss him back but shook her head and looked away. He seemed to have got the point and released his grip on her.

  He cleared his throat. “You were amazing up there, do you know that?” he said running his hands through his hair as if to occupy them somehow. “You’re a bloody good singer. You’ve been holding out on me you sod.” He laughed.

  “I have to admit it felt pretty amazing too.”’ She smiled, her heart rate was still galloping, but the adrenaline that had been coursing through her veins was beginning to calm.

  Greg got up and did a few more numbers throughout the night. He was wonderful.

  Mallory was beginning to
feel confused about her feelings again. The pounding of her heart wasn’t just down to the rush of being on stage and she knew it. The fact it skipped a beat or two when he was so close was playing on her mind. He made eye contact with her periodically throughout his songs, making heat rise in her face. He did a rendition of Buzzcock’s ‘Ever Fallen in Love’ and winked at her whilst he sang. The temperature of her cheeks soared yet again.

  During the journey home Greg attempted to make small talk, but as always he was better at communicating through song so the conversation melted into an awkward silence. They parked outside her house. He turned off the engine and swivelled in his seat to face her.

  “Thank you for a wonderful night.” He smiled warmly

  “Thank you for making me confront my fears. I loved singing tonight.”

  “We’ll have to do it again soon, eh?” he suggested hopefully.

  “Hmmm, we’ll see about that.” She wasn’t sure if she wanted it to become a habit considering how nervous she had been.

  Greg looked at her intently. “Can I ask you something, Mallory?” He reached for her hand.

  “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.” She broke away from his gaze and pulled her hand away.

  “Mallory, I’m going to ask anyway. I think I’ll be able to tell the real answer by your body language.”

  She turned to him again trying to plead with her eyes. “Greg, don’t, okay? We’ve had a lovely evening please don’t spoil it.”

  “Mallory, can you look me in the eye and tell me honestly that you don’t want to be more than friends?” His gaze was intense and filled with emotion.

  She sighed. “Greg, you lied about being married. It doesn’t matter how I feel. You broke the trust we had. It will take a long time to get that back. I would always be wondering if there was more to come.” Her heart rate increased again and she felt the familiar sting of tears behind her eyes. Why couldn’t she keep her emotions in check around him?