‘Seems a lot of trouble to go to when you could have just asked me on a date.’
‘Yes, I know, provoking cuckoo! Alex?’
‘Yes?’
‘I promise to make it up to you. Will you please be mine? Say yes!’
‘Yes.’
‘Say it again – say, “I’m yours!”’
‘I’m yours, Thom.’
He smiled immensely before pressing those eager lips to mine again.
‘So,’ he said, after giving me a moment to catch my breath, ‘would my girlfriend like to do something with me tomorrow?’
‘What do you have in mind?’
‘I’d like to take you somewhere, anywhere you like. Away from this place for once.’
‘I’d like that. Oh, wait! I have plans in the morning. I’m out shopping with Beth. If it’s not too late though I can meet you for three o’clock?’
‘Would you be interested in going to the Winter Fair at Richford House?’ He caressed my jawline with his thumb. ‘It’s the house’s 250th year anniversary.’
I smiled. ‘I saw posters for it. I’d love to go.’
‘Then that’s what we’ll do. I’ll pick you up at three?’
I nodded and took out my phone in order to exchange numbers and text him my address. By the way he casually watched me do this I began to suspect he already knew them both.
‘Drive safely,’ he said, kissing the tip of my nose.
…I don’t have much recollection of driving home that evening. I was spellbound.
That night I dreamt of shadows and brightly coloured lights swirling like paint that did not mix well. The next morning I woke with a metallic taste in my mouth like I’d been melting copper coins under my tongue. It was too familiar to mistake it. Blood. When I checked my mouth in the bathroom mirror, I found a darkened patch like a bruise. Small, though certainly visible, to the underside of my tongue with an incision centred. It wasn’t painful. I must have bitten myself in the night.
Twenty-two
LOVE ON ICE
‘The madness of love is the greatest of heaven's blessings.’
– Plato
After lunch with Beth I raced home to get ready for my first date with Thom. Which did I feel more, nervousness or excitement? I couldn’t tell. I threw on a cream cashmere top with jeans and suede winter boots – the outfit had never suited me so well. To this I added two squirts of my favourite perfume.
The moment I was with him my nervousness ceased. I received a nice kiss at the door and another once inside his sleek black BMW, which was strong in his scent. He tasted sweet and spicy; better than spearmint, cinnamon, or anything I could think of.
‘You had a good day with Beth?’ he asked the minute our lips were free. ‘How’s that little terror, Eloise? Still calling you Addicts?’
‘Yes, and I think she will be for some time. I had a great day. I’ve had a lot to look forward to.’
‘Did you mention our date tonight?’
‘I didn’t, only because Beth’s friend came along and I didn’t want to divulge my excitement to a complete stranger. I’ll tell her when we’ve had our date.’ I coloured. ‘So what have you been doing?’
It felt so comfortable, like we’d been together for years. He remained inches from my face, staring lovingly into my eyes.
‘Nothing much. It’s been difficult to concentrate on anything.’ He smiled and handed me a flat velveteen box, astounding me. ‘Open it.’
‘What is it?’
‘A convertible. Cassandra, open it.’
I did. It was a gold necklace with three sculpted roses along the chain. Each had a dewdrop centred. They looked to be diamonds.
‘Thom,’ I whispered, my heart rate accelerating, ‘this is too–’
He put his fingers to my lips and shook his head. ‘No it isn’t. I adore you. Let me put it on.’
I turned and he swept my hair off the back of my neck. The little hairs at my nape stood on end as his fingers combed my skin hypnotically, while fastening the chain.
‘You’re favourite flowers are roses, right?’
‘How did you know?’
‘You’re a lover of classic.’ He gently kissed my neck. ‘Plus your dress at the Christmas party.’
‘It’s beautiful.’ I touched the necklace. ‘Thank you.’
He smiled and started the car. ‘Do you want some music on?’
‘I don’t mind, just the radio will do.’ I leant forward and switched it on. It didn’t pick up anything, just sounded out low horrific noise.
‘It’s probably the aerial.’ He switched it off. ‘There’s a ton of CD’s in the glove box there, if you like. But then, by the time you pick one we’ll probably be there; fussy wee thing that you are!’
He turned into the high street. I watched him out of the corner of my eye, cruising with one hand on the wheel and the other on the gears. He was a good driver and I found it attractive to watch him in control of the vehicle.
‘What?’ he said coolly in his deep voice.
‘I didn’t say anything.’
‘You’re staring. What is it? Have I got horns growing out of my head or something?’
‘No–’
‘Is my shadow scurrying away across the backseat? Are my mirrors empty? My reflection AWOL?’
‘I can’t tell from this angle.’
‘Do I look suspicious driving then?’
‘Not especially. I’ve just never seen you drive before. Dan mentioned that you don’t like it.’
‘Don’t like driving? I’m not keen, but today it’s growing on me.’ He squeezed my knee before turning off the main road, entering onto the winding gravel track that ran over the extensive grounds of Richford House. It was narrow and flanked with oaks, some plastered with posters advertising the fair. Music played in the distance and lights flashed in various colours up ahead. We approached the large Georgian house: a Palladian villa, which sat strikingly well restored at the end of the track. It was three storeys high with sash windows and creamy-beige stonework. The car park sat between its stables and a gated off English Country Garden. Surrounding the house on its enormous gravel driveway were numerous rides such as the waltzer, Ferris wheel, and bumper cars. Between these were stalls dealing in shooting games, cuddly toys, basketball practice, foodstuffs, and so on. Amongst these were the paying public.
We parked up and made our way over. The sweet smell of warm buttery popcorn made my mouth water. It surprised me to see, to one side of the mansion, glowing white under flashing blue lights –
‘An ice rink!’
Thom smiled, taking hold of my hand and dovetailing our fingers. ‘What would you like to do first, fusspot?’
‘I don’t mind.’
‘I don’t mind she says composedly as she pulls me closer to the arena.’
‘I just want a look,’ I said, hearing that distinct sharp sound of blades scoring the ice.
More people spectated than skated at this point. The circular rink was a decent size with skating path.
‘Come on; let’s get you skated up. I know that smile.’
I was too excited to deny it.
‘Have you ever skated before, Thom?’
‘A while ago, but I’m sure I remember the basics.’
‘What are they?’
‘Alex, you fruitcake! Have you never skated?’
I shook my head. ‘But I’ve always wanted to. Does that count for something?’
‘No.’
We moved towards the entrance where Thom showed our tickets and gave our shoe sizes for the skates. He laughed when I declared my feet were size four. His were ten.
‘Rule number one, little foot,’ he gibed, ‘never stand up straight on the ice. Always bend your knees a touch and lean slightly forward. This here’ – he smacked my bottom! – ‘is a counterweight for your upper body.’
I blushed scarlet while he smiled profoundly at me. His gorgeous dimples at their best.
‘Sit yourself here,’ h
e said, offering then to exchange my boots for the heavy bladed ones.
Since I was perfectly capable of doing this myself, I told him I would not allow him or anyone ever to touch my feet. ‘I am ridiculously ticklish.’
I immediately regretted admitting it. He pulled a face that assured me I would soon suffer at his hands.
Standing on the rubber mat was strange, but trying to waddle forward was something else. Thom stood up in his skates and walked somewhat gracefully over to the side of the rink. So it was achievable, I thought.
‘Alex, do you want my hand?’
‘It’s probably better I try without, isn’t it?’
‘Yes, dear. But grab a hold of this railing and we’ll make our way over there’ – he pointed – ‘where that sign is for ice cream. There aren’t so many people there. Take your time.’
Thom slid elegantly onto the ice, turning to watch me and moving the whole time with his arms folded across his chest.
‘I thought you said you mustn’t stand up straight? You’re standing straight!’
‘Yes, but I’m very practised. Alex, use the bar there; that’s what it’s for.’
I was about to as I clambered onto the slippery surface. I just couldn’t quite convert my automatic treading-the-ice to letting myself slide along it. – He was then before me holding out his hands. I took them gladly.
‘Look up, Cassandra. Keep your eyes on mine. Don’t stomp your feet – we’re not doing the mambo! Just keep them on the ice and let yourself slide, I’ve got you.’
He skated slowly backwards without looking behind him, pulling me along. I kept my feet level and locked onto the ice as he’d directed. It felt very smooth, like flying, as we got to the area he’d pointed out. He showed me how to move my feet, gliding at my side the whole time, sometimes with his hand on my lower back.
‘You’re a natural, Alex, but do you want a rest? Come on, my little fidget; let’s grab one of those benches over there. Give me your hands.’
I did, and he led his little fidget over to the seating area with a technique that resonated professionalism – he knew where other skaters and barriers were without looking.
‘Here, how’s this–’ He paused on the mat to look over my shoulder. I turned to see, and there was Mark. He hadn’t seen us. He was in a group of four, smiling and chatting to a girl. They were on their way over to skate, but then just leant on the barrier to watch. His presence didn’t bother me. Clearly, it did Thom. I thought it best to show him I was unaffected.
‘Thom?’ I squeezed his hand. ‘What were you saying?’
‘I was just going to ask if you’d be comfortable here.’
‘Perfectly. Wow – I didn’t realise how much my ankles hurt until I sat down.’
He pulled my booted feet up onto his lap and rubbed the tops of my ankles. I moved up to him and leaned in for a kiss, which secured me his full attention.
‘I’m having trouble believing we’re here together,’ I told him. ‘I’m terrified that something will ruin it. I feel like this is a dream and I will wake up any moment.’
‘Alex, I’m just as apprehensive about something spoiling this. But I won’t allow anything to. I promise you, as long as you want me, I will be here.’ He wrapped his arm delicately around my waist where he grasped to tickle me. Being completely ticklish everywhere I couldn’t help but flinch and yelp in laughter. I tried to get a grip back on him but it was useless. He only smirked at my failure. ‘Impracticable,’ he called it.
‘Don’t worry,’ he said, easing his grip and squeezing me tenderly. ‘You tickle me mentally! Much more successfully I would wage than I could tickle you physically.’ He ended this mockery with a satisfied chortle.
The sun vanished and left the sky a light misty blue.
‘What would you like to do next?’ he asked.
‘Ferris wheel?’
He smiled and nodded.
The view over the lake and boathouse were wasted on us, because we spent that time kissing and whispering soppy things.
‘Alex, you must want something to drink or eat now?’ he said as we finished another ride.
‘I saw a little Italian stall that way.’ I pointed. ‘The pasta smelt good.’
‘Pasta? Alex, you don’t go to a fairground and eat pasta. You eat hamburgers, corndogs, and popcorn till you’re sick.’
‘Corndogs?’ I verified. ‘You’ve been watching too many American movies, Thom, and not going to any English fairs. We don’t have corndogs this side of the pond.’
‘No?’
‘No.’
‘My point, fusspot, is that you don’t eat Italian cuisine at a fairground.’
‘I do,’ I said, leading the way.
I filled a small tub with pasta twists in a tomato sauce. Thom paid for it but bought nothing for himself.
‘Shall we go and find you that hamburger?’
‘Maybe later.’
‘This is very good: here – taste it.’ I held out a sample.
‘No thanks, fruitcake.’ He pulled his head back. ‘I don’t like– well, what are those dark lumps?’
‘Olives.’
‘I thought so. I’m not a fan. The sauce is also not the thing for me.’
‘Oh, okay. Try this then.’
‘What is it?’
‘Avocado.’
‘Yuck.’ He smirked.
‘Do you have a problem with eating in front of me, is that it?’
‘Definitely; that’s it exactly.’
‘Because you think it will put me off you or something silly like that?’
‘Very possibly. But I’ll have to overcome it soon.’
‘Yeah.’ I nodded.
We sat on some decking where I finished eating. He pulled me back into his arms and a wave of happiness washed over me.
‘These last few hours have felt like minutes,’ I told him. ‘It’s all gone so quickly.’
‘Less than seconds!’ he added. ‘I could stay here forever with you.’ He rested his chin in the crook of my neck. ‘Forever with you, Alex, I certainly could – if you didn’t fidget so much! What is it, another itch?’
‘Sorry, but I think I’ve been bitten!’
‘Well, it wasn’t me!’ He elevated his eyebrows. ‘Of course, you need only say the word and I’m happy to oblige– don’t scratch it! You’ll only make it worse.’
I pulled my sleeve back down, covering the tiny bite.
We remained there, unmotivated to let the date end; kissing, talking, and watching people disperse. On the drive to drop me home, Thom started chatting away as if to someone else –
‘Earlier this evening she wouldn’t stop nudging me and whispering in my ear.’ He was smiling. ‘Now we’re not distracted, there’s a deathlike hush coming from her seat. She’s no longer fidgeting like a sugar-indulged toddler. “What,” wonders her doctor, “could be going on in that peculiar brain of hers?” – Perhaps, Cassandra, I should have taken you somewhere else for our first official date. It should’ve been dinner or something classic and romantic like that, where we could communicate properly without all the diversions. But it was too opportune with the fair on tonight.’
‘I’m glad you suggested it.’
‘Did you enjoy it, my little raving lunatic?’
‘Very much.’
‘So, dinner and a movie next time – fancy that?’
‘Definitely, if that means I’ll get to see you eat something. One night next week?’
‘Any night you wish. Tomorrow, even, if you didn’t have plans. No more buses for you either– I mean, when you don’t have your stepbrother’s jeep. I’d like to drive you home after work.’ He paused and gave me a sidelong glance. ‘I know you don’t mind getting a lift home occasionally.’
‘I see,’ I spoke up. ‘I wondered when Mark was going to get a mention. Did it upset you that he was there tonight?’
‘Never. It upset me when I saw you getting into his car for a lift home, soon after you declined my offer. To
see him tonight was just a reminder.’
‘Wait – your offer?’
‘Yes. I’ve offered you a lift home before – the day you nearly scorched yourself with tea.’
‘I remember. Sorry. I was just being polite. I didn’t want to put you out or make you feel like I might expect a lift every night.’
Silence.
‘Did you like him, Alex?’
‘Who?’
‘You know who.’
‘Oh, Mark. Well yes I did, at first.’
‘Until you saw him by daylight, eh? Found he was not that great looking after all?’
‘I thought he was attractive, when he was nice. Then I saw his true colours, which were disagreeable, and they marked his features.’
‘Will you promise me something?’
‘I might.’
‘If something happens to us– say something was to happen which made you not want to be with me any longer. Promise me you won’t go off with him? I know I’m a jealous prat in asking – I can’t help it.’
‘For so many reasons, Thom, it could never happen. I’m not going anywhere for a start. Mark means nothing to me now and never will. Though if it makes you feel better, you have my promise.’
Halton Cray (Shadows of the World Book 1) Page 24
