by Carrie Stone
Sylvia was blow drying her hair, half dressed in jeans and nothing else when her phone started to vibrate against the dresser. She didn’t immediately recognise the number flashing across the screen but then, as a mobile hairdresser and professional make-up artist, she didn’t know most of the people who called her. She set down the hairdryer, answering the phone.
“Hello. Sylvia speaking”
“Sylvia, hi how are you?” came the vaguely strained response. Sylvia hesitated, biting down on her lip. The voice sounded so familiar and yet she couldn’t quite place whom it belonged to.
“Sorry, I don’t mean to be rude, but who is this?” she asked apologetically, glancing into the mirror at her appearance. She was already late for meeting the girls and she still needed to touch up her make-up. The last thing she could do with was a client keeping her chatting.
“It’s me, Felicity.”
Sylvia’s focus immediately shifted to the voice at the other end of the phone. “Fee? Is that really you? I just can’t believe it. Do you know how long it’s been?!” Sylvia walked across to her wardrobe, in shock.
The last time she’d spoken with Felicity had been nearly five years previously and it had resulted in a complete breakdown of their friendship. She’d missed Fee so much in the year that followed, but despite her frequent attempts at reaching out and trying to make peace, Felicity had resisted and retreated even further into her own world. The last she had heard of Fee, she had bought a new house and was working all hours under the sun.
She could almost hear Felicity smile at the other end of the receiver. “Yes, I know it’s been years, partly my fault at being so wrapped up in work. I just thought I’d call and see how you are, what you’ve been up to?” Sylvia knew better than to expect an apology from Fee, but she hadn’t expected her old friend to sound so flat.
“Well, I’m so happy you’ve made contact, Fee - I’ve missed you. But listen, I’m just getting ready to go out and meet the girls. You know, the old gang... why don’t you come along, we can have a proper catch-up?” Sylvia asked, waiting patiently as silence greeted her in response.
“Come on Fee, I know they’d love to see you.”
Felicity stiffened at Sylvia’s invitation. It had been a total shock even to herself, to do something so drastic as to contact a totally unsuitable old friend. Yet she’d hoped maybe by reaching out to Sylvia that it would give her a new balance on her social life once again. Surely rekindling friendship with the one person who was known as a party animal would be beneficial in some respect to the changes she needed to make?
She sighed suddenly, regretting her decision to contact Sylvia. Now she had put herself into a situation with potentially having to see a gang of people she had nothing in common with. What did a group of women who did little but gossip and drink copious amounts of alcohol really have to offer her?
“Ok, where are you going to be – I’ll meet you there.” She had no choice but to agree to the invite; as much as she didn’t want to spend her evening listening to dull and mind-numbing drivel, she also didn’t want Sylvia giving the others the impression that she couldn’t face them. From what Felicity had heard through the grapevine, most of them were now married and had children, not to mention had gained weight and given up their career paths.
“Fabulous, I can’t wait to see you. Bet you haven’t changed a bit! We’ll be at The Kings Head within the next hour or so. See you there, ok?”
“Perfect - see you later on.” Felicity hung up the phone with a feeling of apprehension. Sylvia had always been a good friend, if a little wild at times. She wasn’t one to judge anyone, yet Felicity had a burning desire to prove not only to Sylvia, but also the rest of the group, just how far she’d come in the years since she had lost contact with them.
Walking into her bedroom, she looked through her wardrobe, picking out the pieces most suited for a pub get-together and making sure they were also the most expensive and eye-catching ones. As she pulled on her tight jeans and teamed them with a loose black tee-shirt and electric pink heels, she tried to remember the last time she’d dressed so causally. It had been months since she’d spent an evening with ‘friends’. She began to feel a little anxious; aside from her work, what did she have to talk about?
Picking up her small purple leather messenger bag and stuffing inside it her purse, she switched off the lights and set the alarm, heading towards her car, stomach full of butterflies.
Chapter Four
Dan took another bite of his ham sandwich and perched on the edge of the sofa. As much as Andy had been good enough to let him stay, he knew it couldn’t go on much longer. The offer was wearing thin and he felt he was beginning to get under Andy’s feet.
Anyhow, Stacey had been constantly calling. It wasn’t that he missed her. In fact, he felt relieved to be free of her nagging and childish ways, but she did want him back. Weighing up his options, he decided it was best to be where his bread was buttered. It wasn’t as if Fee was going to be thawing of her ice maiden ways anytime soon. He would have to put up with Stacey for a while longer.
His phone rang just as he finished the last of his food. Putting down his plate, he wiped his mouth and answered.
“Hello?”
“Hi baby, it’s me. I miss you. Have you made up your mind yet?” Stacey’s whining tone seemed more pronounced than usual. Dan rubbed his face; he was powerless to make her wait. He needed to go home, there was no point dragging things out.
“Listen Stacey, I’ve been thinking and you’re right. Let’s give things another go and see what happens.”
“Really! Oh Dan that’s made me so happy - we are meant for one another. Everybody says so and I’ve been in pieces the last week without you.”
Dan grimaced. Would she never learn? It had been flattering when they’d first met to have all the attention and fuss she lavished on him. Yet after two years it had become too much. She was obsessed with him. He felt suffocated with her constant needing to know what he was up to. His business had suffered as a result. He hadn’t managed to grow his client base as much as he could have. Stacey wasn’t one for big dreams or ambitions. She didn’t understand his desire to be the most reputable landscape business in the entire South East and without her support, he had found it difficult to take on the extra hours and manpower.
Leaving Stacey had been an easy decision. Yet naïvely thinking that Fee would be interested in him in more than just a professional and physical capacity, had been a big mistake. He’d have to bide his time.
“What about us going for a drink later to celebrate?” he suggested casually. The thought of having to go back to the small terraced house he shared with Stacey wasn’t an appealing one. A few beers would be in order to take the edge off his decision, and her whining voice.
“Yes, what a great idea. Maybe we can get a takeaway on the way home too - saves me cooking for us later” Stacey replied excitedly.
Dan softened a little. It wasn’t Stacey’s fault that he’d fallen out of love with her over the past year. She was a ditsy girl, always trying to please the people around her. Just sometimes a little too much so. She was also amusing - she couldn’t boil an egg let alone cook a meal. What she was referring to was a ready meal heated in the microwave. A takeaway was far more appealing.
“Alright, let’s do that then. I’ll load my stuff up in the car and come and collect you in half hour or so. We can go straight for a drink.”
“Ok baby. See you soon.” Stacey rang off hurriedly and Dan could imagine how she’d be spending the next thirty minutes priming herself for his arrival. Sadly, it would be a wasted effort.
The Kings Head wasn’t a pub Felicity had visited often. She couldn’t begin to imagine what Maurice would say if he saw her going into such a venue. She vaguely recalled a visit there a few years previously; stained carpeted floors, dark wood beams and a smell of stale beer. It was as far removed as possible from the trendy wine bars she would usually find herself in.
P
ushing open the heavy, half glass panelled entrance door, she looked around in surprise. The dirty, dull interior she recalled had been replaced with a modern, airy feel. Cosy looking sofas played host to chilled-out couples and the majority of the high bar stool tables were already occupied. It had a lively, upbeat feel and she felt a glimmer of hope that the evening might not be the disaster she was intuiting.
Scanning the various tables, she walked towards the bar area, trying to catch sight of Sylvia. A big bosomed brunette grabbed her arm as she brushed past.
“Fee! I almost didn’t recognise you” she said loudly, her double chin wobbling slightly as she giggled. “We’re over there in the far corner” she said, pointing to an obscure area behind a glass divider. “I’m just on my way to the loo, see you in a moment. You look great by the way!”
The excitable brunette giggled once more before continuing on past Felicity, who stood bewildered. Surely that hadn’t been Dozy Donna? She looked so different. She was still heavyset and big busted, but never had Felicity once seen her smiling or full of energy. Things had certainly changed.
Felicity strolled confidently towards the area which Donna had pointed at. She was barely visible to those seated before Sylvia jumped up, throwing her arms around her tightly.
“Eeeek! It’s been far too long, Fee. So pleased you made it!” she said, hunching her shoulders and smiling widely. Loosening herself from Sylvia’s over-enthusiastic and slightly drunken hug, Felicity was taken aback by her friend’s honed appearance. She didn’t look as thrown together as she had in the past. She looked stylish and elegant. Unperturbed by Felicity’s lingering gaze, Sylvia leant across to pick up her purse and turned to the group.
“Same again girls? And Fee, are you still on the Jack Daniels?”
Felicity lifted her gaze from Sylvia’s purse, which happened to be identical to the one she had herself and had cost a small fortune. How in the world could Sylvia afford such a thing?
“Actually, I’d love a glass of Rosè wine please” she replied distractedly.
“Okay, back in a tick.” Felicity watched as Sylvia tossed her shoulder length hair to one side and made her way in the direction of the bar.
Aware she was being stared at in anticipation by the remaining three women, she smiled broadly and pulled up a chair.
“Hi, ladies, it’s been a while!” she said self-consciously, doing her best to look casual as Sally, Diana and Jo eyed her up and down.
She’d never been keen on the three women and any interaction had only been through their mutual friend Sylvia; but surprisingly, all three made the effort to say their hellos and welcome her into their conversation. Dozy Donna was back within minutes and Felicity watched in fascination as the bubbly brunette dominated the chatter with her infectious energy.
Sylvia looked on from her place at the bar as her friends chatted in the far corner amongst themselves. She was surprised that Felicity had changed so much in appearance. Gone was the youthful , fresh-faced blonde she had known and in her place was a beautiful, but cold and aloof looking woman. Judging by Fee’s clothing and accessories, especially the elegant watch and small diamond earrings, the rumours of her new found wealth were correct. She just hoped that the rumours of the stuck-up and bitter nature, didn’t also hold truth. Picking up the wine bucket and glasses, she made her way back to the table.
“Don’t you agree with that, Fee?” Donna asked as Felicity shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
“Agree with what?” Sylvia asked, breaking into the conversation as she set down the bucket and picked up the chilled bottle.
“Donna was asking if I agree with men being house-husbands.” Felicity replied, grateful that Sylvia’s return diverted the conversation. She reached across for one of the clean wine glasses and held it out in Sylvia’s direction. “Mmm, I’m looking forward to this glass of wine.”
“So do you agree?” Donna pressed on, looking at Felicity once again.
Felicity rolled her eyes in annoyance. She’d been on best behaviour sitting through ten minutes of listening to incessant baby chat, from Sally’s son’s nappy rash to Diana’s daughter’s cat allergy. She most certainly did not want to get started on the subject of house-husbands. She knew her strong thoughts on the matter would undoubtedly cause tension.
Sylvia saved her, pointing towards Felicity’s nails.
“I can’t stop looking at your nails, are they real?” she asked, winking at Felicity.
Grinning gratefully, Felicity flexed out her hand in front of her, admiring the acrylic work. “No, of course they aren’t real. I get them done in a place in the City. They’re expensive but it’s worth it.”
Sally leant forward abruptly, reaching for Felicity’s hand. “Must be nice having the time, not to mention money, to lavish on nails. Unfortunately for us mothers with small babies, acrylic nails aren’t an option. We have more important priorities.”
Felicity took a sip of her wine and bit down on her tongue, allowing the comment to pass. She’d expected that it wouldn’t be an easy evening to put up with the group, but she didn’t want to argue and at least Sylvia had proved rather interesting with her new glossy appearance.
Ignoring Sally, Felicity turned towards Sylvia.
“I love your purse by the way. I saw it before when you went to fetch the drinks. I have the very same one in tan leather.”
Sylvia looked at Fee in surprise. The purse had been her first extravagant treat to herself since she’d landed the make-up contract with a well known television production. She wondered if Fee was aware that she was also now an established figure within the make-up industry, and a high earner.
“What a coincidence! Obviously we both have good taste. Although it was rather more expensive than I would usually spend on a purse.”
Felicity nodded in agreement. She knew full well that the purse had cost far more than average. So how had Sylvia managed to justify such a spend on her low wages?
“Are you still doing the mobile hairdressing and make-up?” Felicity asked tactfully.
“Yes, still doing the same as before. Things have moved on a little though and I’ve been rather fortunate in landing a few contracts that have benefitted me.” Sylvia answered, deliberately vague. Unlike Felicity, her success hadn’t changed her personality and she didn’t feel the need to brag. The extra finance and opportunity had been a blessing, but she still had the same friends and support group as before.
“You’re so modest Sylvia” Donna chuckled, nudging Felicity’s arm. “Haven’t you heard, Fee? She’s working now on prime time television doing the make-up for the celebs. Earns bundles of money and to top it all, she’s also seeing the presenter of Good Morning Telly.”
Felicity felt her stomach drop into her feet as her heart skipped a beat. Sylvia was seeing that good looking presenter of GMT? He was one of the most recognised faces within the industry. And she was working in television! She hoped her face didn’t betray her as she tried to act both delighted and shocked for her friend. Inside, she felt rattled. Sylvia had never been one to take her work seriously, or the type of woman to appreciate a man that had a successful career. She’d always just floated along in life, happy to party away whatever spare time she had. Why then, did Sylvia appear to be living a version of the life that Felicity strived and had worked so hard for?
Overcome with envy, Felicity found it hard to focus on the conversations taking place around her and despite the occasional forced giggle or nod of her head, kept relatively quiet. Listening to Sylvia speak candidly about her life, she hadn’t expected to feel so awkward. It seemed that Sylvia had managed to incorporate her new found success easily into her old life. She was still a fun, easy-going person who could entertain a crowd. Draining the remainder of her second glass of wine Felicity excused herself, heading to the toilet.
Dan watched in silence as Stacey picked absentmindedly at the beer mat in front of her. He picked up his pint of beer taking a long, slow gulp. Why was Stacey still sulking?
He hadn’t meant to snap at her, but from the moment he’d picked her up, the endless stream of questions on whether he’d missed her had driven him crazy. Couldn’t she just be thankful that he’d agreed to give things another try? Why did she need constant reassurance? It was draining. And now she was managing to ruin his much looked forward to beer, with her silence and brooding.
“I might have a game on the fruit machine” Dan said, breaking the silence and drumming his fingers against the table.
“Whatever.” Stacey answered, staring into the distance and folding her arms across her chest.
Dan sighed; he really didn’t need this. They were supposed to be celebrating getting back together, not once again at war with one another. He would have to do something to repair the tension. It was bad enough having to move back home without her in a strop with him too.
“Stacey, look at me. I’m sorry, ok? I missed you so much this past week. I really wanted tonight to be special for both of us.” He reached out and gently prised her hand away from her chest, taking it in his own.
“Let’s have another drink and we’ll go and get that curry and have an early night together, yeah?” He let his fingers tickle the underside of the palm of her hand. Stacey looked up suddenly, smiling at him.
“Yes, ok then. I want it to be special too.” She leant forwards and kissed him gently on the lips.
Bingo. Mission accomplished, Stacey was back on his side. It wasn’t her fault she was such an easy touch to win over. It had saved them both from arguments many times in the past. But he couldn’t help thinking about Fee. A strong woman like her would never be so easily talked around by a man. She would have made him work for it.
“You grab the drinks while I pop to the ladies.” Stacey ordered, getting up from her seat.
Dan knew better than to protest. Another beer was just what he needed to get through the evening. Leaving his coat on the back of his chair, he got up alongside Stacey and headed to the bar.
