“Ah I see! So? It’s not unheard of that siblings change partners and go out with their brothers’ or sisters’ cast-offs.”
“I know, but this is different. Evie was itching to tell me and at the same time hesitant, as she thought I’d be inconsolable. And she and Martyn told Mum and Darcy about him and me.”
“That sort of makes sense. It would have come out sometime.”
“True, but Martyn told Evie and Mum that he dumped me!”
“Ah! I get you now.” She pondered over my words. “Maybe he’s embarrassed…doesn’t want to lose face in front of Evie and your family. If I were you, I’d ignore it and put it all behind you. He sounds insecure, if you ask me. A bit of a pathetic weed. I don’t see how you can consider it scary, though.”
I laid down my chopsticks and poured us some more wine. Pathetic weed? I hoped that was all he was.
“Okay, so maybe I’m overreacting. Forget it, I’m being stupid.”
“Yep. Won’t be the first time.”
I was like a dog with a bone. “Okay, but what are the real chances of meeting my sister? I mean bumping into her like that?”
Faye shrugged. “It happens all the time. The world’s a small place. Kismet, perhaps.”
I shivered. “That’s what he said.”
“Are you going to have the last of the duck or have you finished?”
“You have it. I’m full. I see your cold hasn’t dampened your appetite.” I leaned back against the sofa, enjoying the cosiness of the room and seeing my best friend again.
“Like my granny always said, ‘starve a fever, feed a cold’. I’ve never really believed that, but you’re right, I am hungry.”
“So, how’s Simon? What time’s he due back?”
“About ten. He’s fine.”
“Just fine? You spend half your life away pining for him. I’d have thought it would be all wine and roses on your return.”
She gave the fire a poke, and sparks flew up the chimney. I peered at her face and sensed she was troubled about something.
“Oh it is.” She waved a hand towards an enormous vase of flowers sitting on a table in the corner. “He’s always pleased when I’m home. It’s just this wretched wedding next year and the child thing. I find it all a bit frightening.”
“Well, you already live together.”
“Yes, but buying a house and getting hitched is so…massive. I mean, I believe in marriage vows, but what if it’s all wrong?”
“Now you’re not making sense. What will be so different? You share bills and do most things together.”
“Yes, but it’s the hugeness of it all. Do I want to be tied to one person for the rest of my life, no matter how easy-going they are? Always having to consider someone else, and with a baby, that’s one more being to bear in mind. It’s a gigantic step.” She sighed. “Don’t mind me. I’m just tired and full of bugs and hate the idea of becoming middle-aged.”
“Just be thankful middle-age is forty-plus now. A few decades ago it was thirty-something.”
I laughed and ducked as she threw a cushion at me.
We were still giggling when we heard a clunk in the hall outside and footsteps head towards the living room.
Simon poked his head round the door, raindrops glistening in his hair. “Hi, girls. Thought I’d make some coffee. Can I get you both one?” He walked into the room and bent down towards Faye.
“How are you feeling, darling? I bought you this,” he said, kissing her gently on the mouth and handing her a fair-sized bar of chocolate.
“A little better thank you, and coffee sounds good. Oh, ginger chocolate for afters! How well you know me.”
I smiled to myself, thinking that if he knew her that well, I wondered why she got so worked up about anything. Simon was so nice, calm and understanding. He spent most of his time ensuring Faye was happy. It wasn’t every day men like him came along.
***
That week whizzed by, and I couldn’t believe it when the weekend arrived. I was busy at work, with few gaps in the diary, and on two evenings, I almost chickened out on my run or visiting the gym because I felt dead beat.
Mum called earlier in the week and asked if I would go for Sunday lunch. As I hadn’t got a hot date, I decided some home cooking would be almost as good. That was until she told me who was invited.
“Evie was so pleased the three of you got on well last Saturday. She said it was a weight off her mind. You know, you should have told me.”
“Told you what?”
“About you and Martyn splitting up. It’s not nice feeling miserable all on your own and I expect Faye was away gallivanting around Europe as usual? Where are your friends when you need them?”
“Yes, but that’s got nothing to do with it. Faye works there. But she might be coming back to the UK to work. And Mum, I wasn’t miserable at all, actually. I’m perfectly happy on my own. I don’t know why you think otherwise.”
“You’re being very adult about this.”
For fuck’s sake, I thought. I’m thirty-seven, not some spotty teenager full of angst after losing their first love. What was the point of explaining? Nobody seemed to believe me.
“Anyway, I’m delighted Evie’s so happy, and Martyn obviously adores her. He’s so gentle and careful with her, it makes me feel something good will come out of this. So, Sunday lunch with all the family, then? I think it’s important for Evie to introduce Martyn properly.”
I suppressed a sigh; it would be ghastly, but if I failed to agree and turn up, my family would never have believed I wasn’t sulking. Talk about moral blackmail.
“Yes, I’ll be there.”
“Evie suffered badly when her marriage broke up. She deserves another opportunity and believes Martyn’s the one. I know she never says anything, but a mother can tell.”
“Then let’s hope he is the one for her if she’s so determined.”
There was a silence from the other end, and I realised I sounded bitchy. While I was wondering what to say to countermand this, Mum continued.
“Don’t be mean, Moya. Let Evie be happy. You have lots of boyfriends, all the time. Let her have this one chance.”
“Mum! Of course. Look, I’ve got to go. See you Sunday.” It all seemed so bloody cosy. What I didn’t understand was why Martyn had homed in on Evie. They were nothing like suited.
Chapter 6
Sunday dawned, and thankfully the last week of drizzly weather gave way to a fine October day. I made certain I was on time for lunch, as in my head I felt damn sure if I had been early or late, it would have raised eyebrows. By arriving early, there was a chance Evie would have imagined me muttering a few choice whinges to Mum about her and Martyn. On the other hand, if I arrived late, I could quite easily have been accused of trying to steal the show by making an entrance. Neither scenario made me feel at ease.
The same applied to my appearance. Although Sunday lunch at home was casual, everyone made some attempt to look smart without wearing their Sunday best. I wanted to look carefree and chic at the same time. Too much glamour and I could look pitifully over-dressed; equally, I couldn’t amble in looking like I was sedated on anti-depressants, wearing tatty jeans, a baggy sweater and no bra.
I sifted through my wardrobe, taking out one garment after another, only to return it after trying it on, before deciding to wear my emerald-green dress of fine merino wool, with black knee-high boots and matching belt. The outfit was an old favourite, and I always felt comfortable wearing it. As I cinched the leather in an extra notch round my waist, I noticed I had lost weight and put it down to overwork and probably excessive exercise. A touch of eye make-up, pale lipstick and a dab of scent completed my ensemble. Nothing underwhelming or over the top to make any kind of statement. Perfect. I made my way to Mum’s.
“You look nice,” she said as she opened the door to me. “I’ve always liked that dress, but my goodness, I believe you’ve lost weight since I last saw you.”
She eyed me with a mothe
r’s concern, and I guessed what she was thinking. No, I wasn’t bloody pining.
“It’s the running and gym. I’m trying out a new routine, but it might not be the right one for me.”
“You’re too thin. Thank you for the flowers…they’re lovely,” she said, almost as an afterthought and sniffed them. “Chrysanthemums always make me think winter’s almost upon us. Not that I don’t like them,” she added hastily.
I followed her down the hall, hearing conversation coming from the rear of the house.
“Everyone’s in the garden, making the most of the sunshine. Hasn’t it been a dreadful week until today?”
While she disappeared into the kitchen, after insisting I join the ‘youngsters’, I walked through the dining room and hovered on the step before taking the plunge into the bosom of my family. They were all there, including Evie and of course, Martyn.
Mum’s garden was lovely and absolutely flawless, thanks to hers and old George’s efforts. George was a pensioner who adored cruises. He supplemented his pension by caring for gardens, and he had cared for Mum’s as long as I could remember. I sometimes wondered if he fancied her in an odd pensioner sort of way. I supposed pensioners did still think about sex, even if they …no, I couldn’t go there. That was my mother I was day-dreaming about.
Angela, the third girl of the family and my younger sister, sat next to her husband, Dale. Their two children—my niece and nephew—six-year-old Kirsty and four-year-old Liam were busy terrorising their ever-patient and forgiving golden Labrador, Ginny. Nothing new there, I thought, screwing up my eyes against the sunlight.
Darcy, my baby sister of sixteen, caught my eye and raised a hand as she walked across the grass towards me. Her greeting saved me the bother of acknowledging Martyn and Evie just yet. I wanted a minute or two to compose myself before they thrust their bonhomie upon me.
“Moya, I’m so glad you came. I want you to talk to Mum. I want to go to a party later, and she’s said no way can I go unless I’m back by ten.”
I surreptitiously looked my youngest sister up and down. She had toned down the vampy black look of thick black eye shadow, chunky jewellery and heavily studded leatherwear. For once, she was wearing some sort of tunic-type dress over leggings and short boots. She looked normal. Even so, Mum had her rules: the following day was a school day and I said so.
“Aw, Moya, you’re so bloody mean! I thought you’d understand.”
“I do, but look at it from her side. You’re well into your studies, and you only get one chance. You’re bright, Darcy. Far cleverer than the rest of us. Mum’s determined you go to uni, and I’m behind her one hundred per cent this time. Please…don’t let her down, and while I’m on the subject, mind your language.”
“But it’s a party at that new club, and I promised her I wouldn’t be in late. How will I be able to look my friends in the face if I can’t stay out until eleven?”
“Darcy, you’re never in on time. And if it was my choice, I’d only let you stay until ten o’clock on any night. Town’s a rough place for a girl.”
“You’re so bloody unfair. You act like you’re my mother sometimes!” She pulled a face at me, and I believe she would have said more if it hadn’t been for Evie and Martyn joining us.
Evie was looking radiant and poised in another new outfit. She was wearing a deep-blue dress in light soft wool. It clung to her curvy hips and breasts, and for her, I noticed, she was showing more leg than usual.
Martyn sidled up from behind, placed a palm in the small of my back, just above my buttocks and pressed a glass of red wine into my hands. “Hi, Moya, you look like you could do with a drink. Evie and I were just saying you look a bit tired. Had a hard week?”
I turned, dislodging his hot paw and noticed he too was looking smarter than I had been accustomed to. His jeans looked new, and the shirt and bottle-green sweater I definitely didn’t recognise. Ignoring him and his personal remark, I smiled at Evie.
“Love the dress. It’s new, isn’t it?”
She nodded happily. “Yes, from the new boutique in the square, Ici Chic. It was more than I usually spend, but I couldn’t resist it.”
“I said Moya would like it. Didn’t I, honey-bun?” He turned back to me. “You dress well yourself when you can be bothered, but I always had to give you some encouragement when it came to choosing clothes.”
I gaped at him, speechless. Martyn and I had never been near a boutique together, let alone pick out new clothes. I felt tempted to slap him down and let everyone know what a liar he was, but I didn’t. A quick glance at Evie’s face showed she was listening intently to our conversation. Instead, I was saved from saying anything, as Darcy picked that moment to try and get someone other than me on her side.
“Martyn, you told me you’re a free spirit…what do you think about me going out later tonight to a party?”
I watched as she inched over to his side with a cheeky little grin on her face. “Mum says no way can I stay out later than ten, and Moya’s being a real pain and siding with her. I’m up to date with my homework and I won’t be home much later. There’s a new club opened, and it’s free entry for girls tonight. It’s a chance I can’t miss.”
Martyn glanced from Darcy to me, a look of pleasure spreading across his face. “Well, Darcy, seeing as it’s so special, have you told your mum that? I have to agree, Mum’s word is generally best, but would you like me to come with you and talk to her about it? Perhaps put her mind at rest?”
“Aw, would you? That’d be awesome.”
She slipped her hand into his and tugged him easily towards the house. I sighed and turned back to Evie with a shake of my head.
“As usual, Darcy will get her own way, no doubt.”
Evie laughed. “It doesn’t really matter, does it? She’s young. I remember when Dad was alive and he used to insist I was in at some god-awful early hour. It was so embarrassing always being the first to leave a party in case I missed the bus home. Anyway, don’t you think it’s a nice change having someone else in the family to work on Mum instead of one of us?”
I wondered what she meant for a second before it hit me. Someone else in the family…was it a slip of the tongue, or was there some other reason she had labelled Martyn in that way? I let it go.
I shrugged. “Perhaps you’re right. Dad, bless him, was very strict. He seemed to unbend a little more after each daughter was born. Darcy—and to some extent Angela—got off lightly.”
She laughed. “Think what would have happened if Mum had had more daughters. She was one of six girls herself, after all.”
We chatted for a while until Darcy appeared in the kitchen doorway and glanced our way. She wore a smug grin and gave us the thumbs up. Mum followed closely behind, Martyn holding her arm as he escorted her down the two steps, which she had obviously never walked down in her life before. As if.
“It’s all sorted,” Mum said once she reached Evie and me. “Martyn explained everything to me. He knows the club owner and says it’s very respectable there, and he’ll see Darcy home afterwards. I must say it refreshing to have such a pleasant, well-mannered young man about the place. Now, everyone, lunch is ready thanks to Martyn and Darcy’s help. Let’s go in.” She gave Martyn a huge beam before shooing us all indoors.
As everyone stood up and made their way across the grass, Martyn held back before swinging round and giving me a satisfied smirk. “Coming Moya? I think that went rather well, don’t you? Belinda—your mum—understood, once I took the trouble to explain I’d bring Darcy home.”
“Quite the Boy Scout, aren’t you?” I snapped.
He laughed. “Absolutely! Once a boy scout always a boy scout, didn’t you know?”
He held out his hand to me, but I ignored it and brushed past him, catching my heel in the turf at the same time. I tripped, and he caught me, holding me hard against his body just a fraction too long and his hand brushing across my breast. As I pushed myself away, I sensed someone’s fierce gaze, and as I looke
d up, I saw Evie glaring at me from the doorway.
I felt irritated that he had touched me, albeit in a minor way. But most of all, I was bothered that he had contrived the whole scenario. I guessed he knew Evie would have noticed. Perhaps most of all I cared that he had ingratiated himself with Mum and the rest of my family.
Or…was I being shameful thinking like this? Evie loved him…Mum and Darcy obviously thought the sun shone out of his backside.
One thing I knew for certain: Martyn was a complete slime ball and an expert manipulator.
Chapter 7
The meal was up to Mum’s usual high standards and everybody’s favourite: melt-in-the-mouth roast beef, fluffy Yorkshire puddings, crispy-edged roast potatoes, a choice of three vegetables and thick tasty gravy. All probably adding up to thousands of calories, but who cared. I kept being told I was too thin and a few extra pounds wouldn’t hurt. I did have just the one small helping of apple pie and custard, though.
“So, Moya, how’s it going? We didn’t get a chance to say much outside. Still going to the gym? What was it? Three times a week?” Martyn asked when there was a lull in the conversations going on around us.
I felt as if everyone was staring at us. My mouth dried. I chewed and swallowed.
“Nope. More like four or five times.” I lied.
He smiled, and I knew I hadn’t fooled him one bit. Why did I say that? How did he know?
“You’ll wear the equipment out. Isn’t there something else you’d rather do? Gym work is…a little boring.”
“No, actually. I’ve got another very good reason for going.” I tried keeping my voice down, but sensed everyone was listening.
“Aha.”
I noticed everybody at the table had gone quiet as I went on.
“I meet my boyfriend there.”
I felt at least six pairs of eyes swivel round to me. The teeny weenies carried on eating of course.
“Cool”, said Darcy, twirling a lock of hair between her fingers. “A dude who works out. Has he got, like a six-pack?”
Behind A Twisted Smile (Dark Minds Book 2) Page 4
