Fantastic, thought Annabel. With her rocking her PJs, her sister doing a great panda impression, and Dan all suited and booted, they had to look like the weirdest search party on the planet.
Once out of the vehicle, Annabel scanned the car park, just hoping no one was watching. She led the way as the three of them headed towards the building and approached one of the pub windows. ‘Can either of you see him?’ she asked, peering inside. ‘Because I can’t.’
‘It’s too busy,’ said Rebecca. ‘He could be anywhere amongst that lot.’
Annabel turned to Dan, who simply shrugged. ‘I wouldn’t know him if I bumped into him,’ he said.
Understandably so, she supposed, considering he’d never actually met her brother-in-law.
She turned and slouched against the wall. ‘Blast,’ she said. Annabel pictured herself having to go from room to room until she found Gavin, she could only imagine the comments about to come her way. She closed her eyes, cringing at the very idea. ‘This is going to be so embarrassing,’ she said.
‘It doesn’t have to be,’ replied Dan.
Annabel opened her eyes again. ‘What are you talking about?’
‘I can go in for you,’ he said.
‘But you’ve just admitted you haven’t a clue who he is.’
‘I haven’t. But one of you must have a photo. Everyone carries pictures of their nearest and dearest, don’t they? Look.’ He reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet. ‘Even me.’
He offered it to Annabel who took in the picture of him and his mother. Seeing him at such a tender age she couldn’t help but giggle. ‘Wow,’ she said, causing him to suddenly snatch the wallet back.
‘That’s enough of that,’ he said, tucking it safely away again. ‘It was the nineties. Every young boy had hair like that.’
Rebecca’s coughing interrupted the banter. Purse in one hand and photo in the other, Annabel took the snapshot from her and, after a quick peek, handed it to Dan. She watched him smile as he took in the photographic scene – Rebecca, Gavin, and their three children in happier times.
‘Good looking family,’ he said, ready to go.
‘Thank you,’ her sister curtly replied.
‘We’ll wait in the car,’ Annabel informed him. ‘Come and get us the minute you spot him.’
‘I will,’ he said. ‘I better take this with me though, if you don’t mind.’
Rebecca nodded her consent and, as Dan headed inside, Annabel took her sister’s arm and led her back to their vehicle. ‘Everything’s going to be okay,’ she said. ‘You’ll see.’
After getting into the car, they seemed to sit there for ages; and as time ticked on Annabel’s confidence began to wane. She wondered if she should be worried. After all, if the pub’s exterior was anything to go by, its clientele had to be equally as suspect. In an environment like that, she knew poor Dan wouldn’t stand a chance and, continuing to clock watch, she couldn’t help but think they were going to have to send in a search party to locate the search party.
‘What do you think’s happening?’ asked Rebecca. The woman was obviously thinking the same thing. ‘Surely he should be back by now.’
‘Maybe, but we both saw how packed it is in there.’ Annabel tried to reassure herself as much as anyone else. ‘It’s probably just taking a while to get through the crowds.’
Dan finally re-appeared. ‘Thank God,’ said Annabel as she and Rebecca jumped out of the car. ‘And he’s still in one piece.’
She tried to read Dan’s face as he approached, hoping for some sort of clue as to what he’d found, but there was nothing.
‘Well?’ said Rebecca.
He looked her sister directly in the eye. ‘I think you need to come with me,’ he said.
19
Annabel finished keying in her text and pressed the send button. She might have thanked Dan for all his help already, but she wanted him to know just how appreciative of his assistance she’d been. Going into that place fully dressed, let alone in her pyjamas, would have been bad enough, a message she’d tried, and somehow failed, to convey.
She thought back to the drive home. Despite her grateful wittering, he’d seemed unusually quiet. Almost as if he wasn’t listening. Of course, it had been an unusual night and come the end of it, he had to think she and her family were balm pots. Not that he actually said this out loud. In Annabel’s view, Dan was far too much of a gentleman for that. Most men would probably run a mile rather than get involved in someone else’s marital issues, and they definitely wouldn’t partake in a spot of breaking and entering. Her lips curled as she once again recalled his chivalry. When he handed her his jacket and rolled his shirt sleeves up, he’d made climbing that drainpipe look so easy. And he’d been right, there’s no way she could have managed it herself, with or without the pair of fluffy bunny slippers.
‘What are you smiling at?’ asked Rebecca.
‘I’m not,’ said Annabel. She put her phone down to one side. ‘Unlike you, I see.’ She took in her sister’s features, the woman didn’t just appear happy, she glowed. ‘You haven’t stopped grinning since getting here.’
‘I know. It’s like a great, big weight has been lifted off my shoulders.’ She let out a long sigh. ‘How could I have been so silly as to think Gavin would do something like that?’
‘Tell me about it,’ said Annabel. ‘I’ve never been one to say I told you so, but everyone knows how much that man loves you.’ She joined her sister at the table. ‘I suppose that’s what happens when people keep things from each other. They get the wrong end of the stick.’
‘It’s very romantic though, don’t you think?’
Annabel laughed. ‘What? Having to take a second job in some grotty old pub to make ends meet? If you say so.’
‘It’s not to make ends meet,’ said Rebecca. ‘He’s earning the extra cash for something special.’
‘For your up-and-coming wedding anniversary? You’ve said, numerous times.’
Her sister frowned. ‘You don’t have to be like that about it,’ she said. ‘I’ve also made it clear how sorry I am for dragging you into this. And all for nothing as it turns out.’
Annabel looked up to the heavens. ‘Rebecca, I’m teasing,’ she said. ‘And I don’t remember you dragging me into anything. We’re sisters, if you have a problem, it’s my problem too. I’m just glad you’re back to your old self.’ As she looked at her sister again, she noted it was good to see her so relaxed, to see her smiling for a change. ‘Better than your old self, in fact.’
‘I could say the same about you,’ said Rebecca.
Annabel narrowed her eyes. ‘Meaning?’
‘Meaning nothing.’
Frustratingly, her sister she refused to say anymore. She simply raised a knowing eyebrow before moving the conversation on.
‘I told Gavin about the baby,’ she said.
‘And?’
‘And he’s as ecstatic over this pregnancy as he was all the others.’
‘I’m pleased to hear it,’ said Annabel. She felt torn. On the one hand, she couldn’t be happier for Rebecca, on the other, she couldn’t be more disappointed for herself.
‘Are you? Because I’m not sure I could be quite so gracious in your shoes.’
Annabel appreciated her sister’s concern, but it was completely unnecessary. Despite her mixed feelings, she planned on supporting this pregnancy along with everyone else. ‘What kind of question is that?’ she replied. ‘Of course I am. I admit, I wasn’t as excited as I should have been in the beginning, but what would be the point in feeling resentful? If anyone knows life doesn’t always go according to plan, it’s me and so what if you’ve gotten in there first? It just means I get plenty of practice on your baby before I have one of my own.’
Thankfully, her reassurances appeared to have the desired effect and Rebecca seemed to relax.
‘Anyway, that’s enough about me,’ said Annabel, ready to talk about something else. ‘Tell me about this surprise
gift Gavin’s saving for? What do you think it is?’
‘Oh I don’t know,’ said Rebecca. ‘I’m hoping it’s a holiday, to somewhere exotic, like the Caribbean. We always said we’d mark the Big Ten with something really special. Although if it is.’ She looked down at her stomach. ‘I’m going to look a right treat in a bikini.’
Annabel began to picture a clear blue sea, gently lapping the shore of a white sandy beach. She could almost feel the heat of the sun as she imagined herself, cocktail in hand, soaking up its rays. It had been years since she’d had a holiday. Her last break being her honeymoon and, although she and Tom had had a great time, it hadn’t been what anyone could call glamorous. The cost of the wedding itself, and the fact that she’d been setting up the Florist, hadn’t left enough money for anything fancy; a few days in Torquay was all that they could manage. Annabel sighed wistfully. Maybe the time had come to treat herself?
‘Speaking of special,’ she said. ‘Any idea what this is all about?’
‘I haven’t a clue,’ replied Rebecca. ‘Katy just said she had something important to tell us, and to get myself round here. All very cloak and dagger if you ask me.’
‘She’s probably about to announce she’s also with child.’
‘Annabel!’ said a shocked Rebecca. ‘How can you say that?’
She laughed. ‘Well, it would be just my bloody luck!’
‘I was thinking more along the lines of an engagement,’ said Rebecca. ‘This Oliver chap could have popped the question?’
‘No,’ said Annabel. ‘Surely not? We haven’t even had the pleasure of meeting him yet. And I wouldn’t have thought they’d been seeing each other long enough, would you?’ She thought for a moment. By Katy’s standards, this relationship did seem different to all the others and, in light of that, Rebecca’s suggestion definitely provided food for thought.
‘It would certainly explain all this palaver,’ added her sister. ‘And she does seem more committed.’
‘I know what you mean,’ said Annabel. ‘Before she was all love ‘em and leave ‘em.’
‘Whereas now …’
Annabel couldn’t help the grin spreading across her face. ‘You know, I think you might be right.’ Her ears pricked at the sound of the front door opening and closing; she made sure to lower her voice. ‘Talk of the Devil,’ she said. ‘At least now we’ll find out for sure.’
‘It’s only me,’ Katy called out. She exuded excitement as she burst into the room. ‘Thank goodness you’re both here,’ she said. ‘Have I got news for you?’
Annabel looked to Rebecca full of anticipation. She noted that her friend was carrying two bottles of champagne, it was clear that whatever the news Katy had, it was big. She discretely checked out Katy’s ring finger, but disappointingly couldn’t see any jewellery. Not that this necessarily meant anything, Annabel told herself. After all, to walk in with a diamond on show would only spoil the surprise.
‘So, what’s all this about?’ she asked. Annabel tried to sound casual, she didn’t want to ruin her friend’s moment.
‘First thing’s first,’ said Katy, with a giggle. ‘Glasses, please.’
As Rebecca began to protest that she, and the baby, would be fine without the alcohol, Annabel wasted no time in doing as instructed. In her mind, the quicker they got this bit over with, the quicker her friend could make her announcement.
‘One little mouthful isn’t going to hurt,’ said Katy to Rebecca, expertly popping the first of her champagne corks.
Annabel produced three champagne flutes and couldn’t fail to be impressed as her friend proceeded to fill them. Left to her, the stuff would have been everywhere and she wasn’t about to reveal her engagement.
‘Right, now we’re all ready,’ said Katy. She handed everyone a glass.
Here we go, thought Annabel.
Annabel was already imagining herself as Maid of Honour, she never dreamed she’d see the day. Totally against the whole boy meets girl and lives happily ever after scenario, Oliver must be one special guy for Katy to do such an about turn.
‘So,’ said Katy. ‘You know how Oliver and I have been getting pretty close of late.’
‘Yes,’ said Annabel.
‘Yes,’ said Rebecca.
‘And that our relationship has gotten quite serious?’
‘Yes,’ said Annabel.
‘Yes,’ said Rebecca.
‘Well last night, we decided to take things to the next level.’
Annabel could hardly contain herself. She willed Katy to get on with it, this build-up was killing her.
‘So much so, that last night he got down on one knee and gave me this.’
‘Oh my goodness,’ Annabel whispered to Rebecca. ‘We were right.’
She watched as her friend reached into her bag. Holding her breath, her eyes widened.
‘Ta daaa!’ said Katy, revealing all.
Looking from Katy’s hand to her face, Annabel froze, speechless.
‘It’s a key,’ said Rebecca.
‘I know,’ said Katy. ‘To his apartment. Of course, we’re not moving in together. That would be taking things a bit too far. But isn’t it exciting?’
Annabel watched on as Katy lovingly looked down at the shiny piece of metal in her hand, sighing at the heart shaped ring it was attached to.
‘So, Ladies,’ she said, back to giving them her full attention. ‘What do you think?’
Annabel knew she should say something. This might not be much of a step as far as she, herself, was concerned, but for Katy it was clearly something else. ‘I think it’s wonderful,’ she said. ‘Don’t you, Rebecca?’
‘Wonderful,’ her sister replied. She continued to stare at the key. ‘That’s one word for it.’
Katy narrowed her eyes, suspicious. ‘I’m getting the sense you’re both a little underwhelmed here,’ she said.
‘No, not at all,’ replied Annabel, images of this bridesmaid dress and that bridesmaid dress fast disappearing. ‘I wouldn’t say that, would you, Rebecca? It’s just come as a bit of a surprise.’ She could see her friend didn’t believe her. ‘I mean it’s such a big step,’ she carried on regardless. ‘You and Oliver haven’t been together very long, have you?’
‘You expected a ring, didn’t you?’
‘No,’ said Annabel. ‘Of course not. We didn’t expect anything of the sort, did we?’ She turned to her sister, willing her to play along.
‘Yes,’ said Rebecca, her tone as blunt as ever. ‘We did.’
Having just been dropped in it, Annabel fell silent. With the game up, she just hoped her friend wasn’t too offended.
Much to her relief, Katy suddenly burst out laughing.
‘Guys, it’s me we’re talking about,’ she said. ‘Sorry to be a drag, but this is as big as it gets, I’m afraid. You’ll be down the aisle long before me, Annabel, that’s for sure.’
Pleased to see her friend see the funny side, Annabel stepped forward to give her a hug. ‘No, we’re the ones who are sorry, Katy. We didn’t mean to spoil it for you.’
Annabel realised what her friend had just said and she suddenly pulled away again. ‘What are you talking about? I’ll be down the aisle long before you?’
She looked from Katy to Rebecca. It was clear the two of them had been gossip mongering and she waited for an explanation. They obviously knew something she didn’t.
‘Oh come on,’ said Katy.
‘I told you she’d deny it,’ said Rebecca.
‘Deny what?’ asked Annabel.
‘That there’s more to you and Dan than you’re admitting,’ said her friend.
Annabel almost spluttered.
‘Even a blind man can see he’s besotted with you,’ said her sister.
‘And don’t think we haven’t noticed the twinkle in your eyes too,’ Katy carried on.
‘Rubbish,’ said Annabel. ‘The two of you don’t know what you’re talking about.’
‘Is it me?’ asked Katy. ‘Or does the lady p
rotesteth too much?’
‘You know what,’ replied Rebecca. ‘I think she does.’
‘You don’t even like the man,’ said Annabel, to her sister. ‘And how did we go from your anniversary?’ She turned to Katy. ‘And your non-engagement, to me anyway?’
‘That was before last night,’ Rebecca replied, completely ignoring Annabel’s objections. ‘Having spent a little time with him, I now happen to think he’s perfect for you.’
‘Perfect for me?’ Annabel couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She felt hijacked into a conversation she didn’t want. ‘Now listen to me, you two,’ she said. ‘I’ve already had the love of my life and I think you’re both being very disrespectful.’ She thought about what she and Tom had shared in their short time together. How she’d vowed to never replace him, before, and after, his death. ‘And if you’re being disrespectful, to even try and go there again with someone else, well what would that make me?’
Her friend looked to Rebecca and, despite not saying a single word, Annabel could see they were still in agreement.
Both women turned their eyes directly on her.
‘Lucky!’ they said, in unison.
Dan poured the freshly blended mix of vegetables, herbs, and stock from the mixer back in to the pan. ‘Not bad,’ he said. ‘Even if I do say so myself.’ He breathed in the soup’s enticing aroma. No way would his mother be able to resist this.
He gave it a quick stir, and stopped to lean against the kitchen counter; he took his mobile from his pocket and, yet again, read the text from Annabel. Up until now, he’d been the only one to instigate contact outside of their usual appointment, so her message had come as a bit of a surprise. A nice surprise, he had to admit, especially when she’d expressed her gratitude already.
He smiled to himself, doubting she’d have shown any appreciation at all had she known he’d been half tempted to let her head off in search of Gavin herself. Considering her wardrobe, it would have been great entertainment value. Although she did look pretty cute in her PJs, he had to concede. Not quite as cute as when she opened the door in nothing but her dressing gown, of course. Now that was an image he’d never forget.
The Trouble With Words: a heart-warming romantic comedy Page 16
