by Laura Ziepe
‘Morning,’ he said in a sleepy voice.
‘Morning,’ she replied, closing her eyes again. The bed was so lovely and warm that she didn’t ever want to leave it.
‘God, it’s so nice to be waking up to you again,’ he replied, snuggling up to her, his head resting on her shoulder. ‘I’d love to just call in sick, but I can’t.’
‘Me either. I couldn’t leave the girls short staffed and they’d think I’d decided to spend the day with my mystery man. They’d be demanding to meet him then; they already keep telling me how keen they are to be introduced.’
Simon looked at his watch and heaved himself out of bed. ‘I need to get ready otherwise I’ll be late. Shall we quickly grab a coffee and some breakfast downstairs before we leave?’
Forty minutes later they were at the train station. Simon wasn’t going home before work, seeing as they were already in London, but accompanied Grace on the walk.
Grace scrunched her nose up. ‘Aren’t work going to notice you’re in the same clothes today?’
Simon laughed. ‘I work in media; half of them wear the same clothes all week. Anyway, I have a spare jumper I’m going to change into when I get in.’
She hugged him in the entrance to the station. ‘Thank you for yesterday and last night. I really had a good time.’
He kissed her softly. ‘Me too. I’ll send you a message about where I’m taking you next. Then maybe next time I’ll just stay at the house rather than us keep booking hotel rooms.’
Grace was looking forward to it already, but felt awkward about Simon coming back home, even if just for one night. Rachel would be there. She wasn’t sure why, but because things were going so well she didn’t want anyone else to know about them. She liked Simon being a secret. She didn’t need to listen to everyone else’s concerns and opinions. She could make her own mind up and if she wanted to believe that Simon was serious about changing, and if she wanted to give him another chance, then that was her choice. She didn’t want to be influenced by anybody else. She worried that Amber and Rachel would just think she was scared of being single so she’d run straight back to him for convenience. ‘I don’t know if that’s a good idea. I’m not really ready to start telling everyone about us.’
Simon’s forehead creased with lines. ‘Really? But why, Grace? We’re not doing anything wrong. What are you so afraid of? Why do you care what people think? We’re married for Christ’s sake.’ He shook his head in puzzlement and disbelief.
Grace bit her lip and wrapped her scarf around her neck tighter. ‘I can’t explain it, Simon. I’ve told them all about how unhappy I’ve been. I can’t admit I’ve just run straight back to you so soon. They’ll tell me I’m crazy giving you another chance, I just know it. I’ve promised to be single; we even made a pact to all be single at our work Christmas ball…’
‘So I’m not invited to that?’ Simon looked hurt. ‘I mean, it’s not the fact I’m not going to the ball, it’s the fact that you’d rather go without me. Alone, or single as you’ve just put it. I’ve always been with you every year.’
Grace frowned. ‘Yes, you have Simon. But things haven’t been good between us for a long time. It’s going great at the minute and I’m really happy. I don’t want to rush straight back into our relationship for all the problems to still be there. I can’t and won’t do that. I’m terrified of that happening. You need to let me get there in my own time, okay? I don’t want to feel pressured,’ she told him worriedly. They’d had the most wonderful night together and she really didn’t want it to be ruined. Couldn’t Simon see that he couldn’t just jump straight back into her life immediately?
‘Okay, I get it,’ he said understandably, taking her hand. ‘Whatever you want to do, I’m down with, okay? I understand you don’t want me to move back in right now or anything drastic like that, and I can see why you would be afraid. But things will be different from now on between us, I promise you, Grace. If it takes you a long time to see that then I’ll just have to wait. I don’t understand why you can’t tell your friends, but that’s your choice.’
‘Just give me time, okay?’ Grace asked, looking into his grey eyes. She was relieved he was accepting her decision to keep quiet about the fact they were rekindling their relationship. She was glad he was considering her feelings and willing to do whatever she wanted. But picturing the Christmas ball without him by her side made her feel sad inside. She desperately wanted Simon to be there; it wouldn’t be the same without him. But she could never let her friends down by bringing him along, could she?
Chapter 21
‘Cheers,’ Amber’s mother said in merry tones, as they clinked their champagne glasses together.
‘Cheers,’ they all joined in.
Amber smiled widely. She loved nothing more than when it was the four of them together and she couldn’t believe the effort that Jack had gone to. The table was laid out delightfully. Red napkins with ornate gold napkin holders had been displayed beautifully by their large gold plates. Large white and red candles had been lit and the food Jack had just brought to the table looked delicious. He even had Rod Stewart’s Christmas album gently playing in the background.
‘It’s very nice and festive,’ Diane chuckled in approval. ‘Honestly, Jack, I didn’t know you had it in you to make such a beautiful dinner. All those years I used to cook for you and you were hiding these amazing culinary skills.’
Jack laughed. ‘You haven’t tried it yet,’ he said, passing the dauphinoise potatoes. ‘Thanks though; I thought I’d get into the Christmas theme with the red table decorations. I can’t believe it’s only in a few weeks to be honest. I haven’t even done much shopping.’
‘Typical man leaving it until the last minute,’ Amber’s mother giggled happily. ‘What will you be buying your fiancée? Oh, it feels weird saying that,’ she said, her lips turning upwards. ‘Feels like only yesterday that you two were small being mischievous together. Do you remember that Christmas, Diane, when they managed to sneak a bottle of brandy up to Jack’s bedroom? Only just seventeen you were I think. Jack ended up handing it back because they didn’t like the taste.’
Diane laughed heartily and Amber couldn’t help but smile herself when she caught Jack’s eye.
‘I’m not sure what I’m buying Natalya just yet,’ Jack revealed, cutting up the chicken on his plate. ‘I guess I’ll need Amber’s expertise in that department.’
Amber swallowed hard, unable to bear the thought of shopping for Natalya. She forced a smile. ‘Of course. Whenever you like. You know I’ll always help you buy presents.’
‘So, Amber,’ Diane began in between a mouthful of food, ‘how’s your love life? Have you met anyone nice enough to sweep you off your feet yet?’
Amber’s mother snorted. ‘That’ll be the day; she’s too fussy.’
Amber tutted. ‘I am not. I’m just…’ She searched for the word. ‘Selective. I don’t jump into relationships easily. They’re usually complicated and I find it easier being alone.’
‘You’ve never met anyone good enough for you, I’ve always said that,’ Jack said in agreement. Amber stared at him and smiled thanks. He was good enough for her. If only he would see it.
‘Where is Natalya tonight?’ Diane asked inquisitively, and Amber wondered if she was thinking the same thing: how come she’s allowed this to happen without intervening?
As Jack opened his mouth to answer, there was a sound at the front door and Amber’s heart plummeted when Natalya waltzed through the door holding a cake in her arms.
Jack looked shocked to see her there. ‘Hi.’ He stood up and kissed her, ‘I wasn’t expecting you to come round?’
‘Hi everyone.’ She quickly glanced in their direction. ‘I’m so sorry to intrude on your evening.’ Then she turned to Jack in a hushed voice, but obviously aware that everyone could hear her. ‘I’m just bringing you the other dessert I said I’d make. Not everyone will like fruitcake. Did you take the potatoes out of the oven when I said?’
‘Oh,
that’s nice, you’ve brought a dessert over,’ Amber’s mother grinned. ‘She must be a keeper Jack. Will you not join us, Natalya? Seems silly to have all this food and only four of us.’
Amber rolled her eyes, not caring if anybody saw her. She could feel the anger coming off her in waves and had to refrain from telling her mother to be quiet. Her mother had absolutely no idea that this was obviously all planned on purpose. Amber had been a fool to think they were really going to spend the evening just the four of them. Of course Natalya was going to spoil it. Obviously she wouldn’t have been able to miss out.
‘Oh no, don’t be silly,’ Natalya replied, her voice shrill, flicking her hair. ‘I couldn’t possibly impose. I was just bringing over this chocolate cake I made. Jack was going to buy one, but I told him that homemade is so much nicer. I thought not everyone would like the fruitcake he’s got.’
‘I do,’ Amber said sharply, folding her arms across her chest. ‘I love fruitcake.’
‘Well, you may as well join us now you’re here,’ Jack offered, going to the kitchen to get another plate.
‘Don’t be silly,’ Natalya protested without conviction. She was already taking her coat off.
‘Take a seat, Natalya,’ Diane told her kindly. ‘You’re here now and how lovely that you’ve made us a chocolate cake.’
‘Well, if you all insist,’ Natalya replied gratefully.
Amber was fuming, so much so that she couldn’t even talk. She’d completely lost her appetite. This was weird; was she the only one to see that? Was everyone completely blind as to how Natalya was controlling the situation? It was getting ridiculous now. Just as Amber had thought and feared, she’d managed to gatecrash their evening. Just another strange thing to add to the list. She wondered what Jack thought about it. Why hadn’t she given him the chocolate cake earlier? She was so transparent and it was driving Amber stir crazy.
‘Sorry sweetie,’ Jack said, handing Natalya the plate. ‘I thought you were out tonight with Gemma. That’s why I didn’t ask you.’
‘She cancelled,’ Natalya responded, attempting to look disappointed. ‘Besides, I know how you four have a special bond together.’ She smiled. ‘The last thing I’d ever want to do was get in the way. Jack has told me so much about you,’ she said, her eyes flicking to Amber’s mother. ‘I’m Natalya, so nice to meet you.’
‘She’s beautiful, Jack,’ Amber’s mother complimented her. ‘You’re going to make a stunning bride, Natalya. Pleasure to meet you.’
Amber was screaming inside. She couldn’t look up from her plate. What was the point in joining in any conversation with Natalya? She wanted nothing to do with her. It was getting to the point where she just felt like admitting defeat. If Natalya wanted to steal her best friend and he was ignoring the fact she was some kind of sick psychopath, then so be it. Amber wasn’t sure she had the strength left to fight for him. She wasn’t going to win; not against her. Jack was in love with Natalya, and Amber was just a family friend. Even though their friendship had always been tight, it was hardly going to last that way with Natalya around. She was pulling them apart, and Amber was no longer certain she could stop it. Natalya had the wool pulled over all their eyes, Amber thought, as she watched them all chatting politely round the table. Perhaps even Diane was now a fan; she certainly looked it as she admired her cashmere jumper and told her how much she loved her blonde highlights.
Amber knew that Natalya was beautiful, a real head-turner. But she was gutted that Jack had chosen to marry someone so downright fake.
‘You okay, Amber?’ Jack questioned. ‘You seem a bit quiet?’ He looked over at her with a concerned expression.
‘Not feeling too well,’ she lied. ‘I hope none of you mind, but I think I may call it a night.’ She pushed her plate away, aware of the puzzled glances they were shooting each other.
‘But you’ve barely touched your food,’ her mother pointed out.
‘I’m not hungry,’ Amber told them. That part wasn’t a lie.
‘Oh, what a shame,’ Natalya said, probably sounding sweet and caring to the others, but nothing but sarcastic to Amber. ‘But if you’re not feeling well, perhaps it’s best to get an early night. Make sure you cut yourself a slice of chocolate cake on your way out, won’t you? It really is delicious.’
Amber blanked her, refusing to react like she knew Natalya probably wanted her to. She was most likely getting immense pleasure from the fact that Amber was leaving. Natalya’s plan had worked perfectly.
‘Well, if you’re sure,’ Jack said, standing up and walking her to the front door. ‘It’s a shame though.’
Amber let Jack help her put on her coat at the front door. ‘Thanks for the dinner and everything. Sorry I’m leaving early.’
Lines appeared on Jack’s forehead. ‘Are you really okay? I feel like something is up with you. What is it? You know you can tell me anything,’ he offered affectionately.
Amber stared at her handsome best friend and her heart ached for him. He was slipping away from her, when all she really wanted to do was confess her true feelings for him. Tell him that, in fact, she was in love with him and that despite all of this, he shouldn’t be with someone like Natalya. But she would never do that. She couldn’t watch him turn away from her. Losing him for good would hurt too much. She took a deep breath and gazed into his eyes.
‘Are you happy, Jack?’
He looked confused, like it was a trick question.
‘Yes,’ he replied slowly. ‘What does this have to do with me though?’
‘Nothing,’ Amber answered sadly. ‘Nothing at all.’ She kissed him goodbye and walked out into the street.
Fifteen minutes later she pulled up outside the block of apartments where she lived. It was freezing out, but it hadn’t snowed in a while and Amber wondered if it would again and whether they would be lucky enough to have a white Christmas; she couldn’t remember if that had ever happened before. Amber had lived in the same block all her life. She had grown up in number three and lived there with her mother until they heard number nine upstairs was available to rent when she was twenty-six. Finally deciding it was time to move out, Amber went for it, laughing with her mother that she was still in the same building. Still, it was good for when she got lonely and she would often find herself popping into her mother’s apartment or vice versa. It was nice living so close if she ever needed her for anything, though eventually, Amber planned to buy her own place. A small house was the dream and Amber made sure she saved money every month when she could. There was a man standing outside her apartment block, peering through the door and for some reason, it made the back of the hairs stand up on her neck. He was ringing someone’s number, but obviously wasn’t being buzzed into the building. It was dark out, and Amber felt a little vulnerable as she walked over. She couldn’t just let him in, could she? But she could hardly go in herself and slam the door in his face. Perhaps he was locked out? Though from behind she didn’t recognize him as one of her neighbours.
She coughed to make him aware she was approaching and he quickly glanced behind, before ringing the doorbell again. It was at this point that Amber noticed he was ringing number three, her mother’s apartment.
‘Are you looking for someone?’ Amber ventured nervously.
As the man turned to face her, Amber froze on the spot, recognising him instantly.
‘As a matter of fact, I am,’ he replied, shooting a friendly smile. ‘I’m looking for Camilla Houghton? I’m not sure if she still lives here.’
Amber gulped, her whole world spinning around, making her feel dizzy. ‘Dad?’ she croaked. ‘Dad, is that you?’
Chapter 22
Everything felt different. The sun seemed to be shining brighter, her skin seemed softer, more plump and glowy, and even her orange juice tasted fresher than usual. It was as though everything had a filter on it, making Rachel feel uplifted and joyous. Rachel knew she had never felt this way with Mark, not even once. Yet, she’d only been out with Nick three
times so far and she couldn’t stop thinking about him. He gave her hope that everything was going to be okay. A little laugh almost escaped her lips; perhaps everything really did happen for a reason? The fact she’d found him made her feel better about the whole Mark and Bianca situation. Maybe Nick was her true soulmate? What if everything was meant to happen so he could rescue her from the situation? Show her what a real, fun relationship was supposed to be like? She knew she was thinking too far ahead, but she couldn’t help that. She’d never been able to help that. She didn’t have time to waste with men at her age; if she didn’t see them as a potential husband and father of her future children then she wouldn’t bother. But with Nick, she could see him as both of those things. The thought made her smile again for the millionth time that morning.
Their date two nights ago had gone well. Amazingly well. Nick had taken her out to a stunning restaurant and they’d got on like a house on fire. There had been no moody, cold Nick this time and Rachel was hoping that was the last she’d seen of that side of him. He’d been cool, laidback and funny. He’d been perfect. When Grace had messaged Rachel saying she wasn’t coming back, Rachel had invited Nick back to the house for a nightcap. After a few drinks, she knew he’d be over the limit if he drove home, so she suggested that he stay the night.
He’d raised an eyebrow, his eyes sparkling mischievously. ‘Where will I be sleeping? Is this just a ploy to get me into bed?’
Rachel had grinned, about to tell him he was being ridiculous and he would be staying in the spare room or on the sofa. Rachel would never sleep with somebody so soon. She had rules; she’d never been the type of girl to have sex with someone so suddenly. They had to wait. She had to check they were in it for the long run. Everybody knew you would give the man the wrong idea if you just jumped into bed with them. They’d never call you afterwards, would they? But as she’d stared at his broad shoulders and muscles through his fitted navy shirt, she’d found herself wondering what it would be like to run her fingers across his tanned skin. Suddenly, the idea didn’t seem like a ridiculous one at all. Rachel was always sensible and self-controlled. She was never as relaxed about life as Grace and she’d never been as crazy and carefree as Amber; maybe it was her turn to just do what the hell she liked without worrying about the consequences? This time perhaps she shouldn’t fret about her future plans? Grace clearly wasn’t, if she was staying out for the night with Steve.
