Reluctantly I did, and took a long lazy shower, then dressed in my best. Actually I feel like I’m going to work because my best consists of my dark-blue pin-stripe work trousers, and my short-sleeved, light blue blouse – I wish I were in a dress, a really beautiful, long, fitted, summery dress. I shake my head at myself – Get a grip Coral!
I take a deep breath and try to calm my anxious mind. As I look up again, I finally see them. Malcolm is waiting for the traffic to clear so he can turn right into the gym car park. I’m surprised by his choice of car, I thought he would be in an executive car, you know, a flashy Merc or a BMW, but no – he’s in a silver Toyota Land Cruiser. Gladys is waving at me with a wide smile stretched across her face. I lift up my hand, plaster a smile on my face, and wave back. Why am I nervous?
Malcolm pulls up beside me, then leaving the engine running he exits the car. I raise my eyebrows in surprise. He’s impeccably dressed in a smart, light beige suit and a crisp white shirt, he scrubs up good. He smiles broadly at me, with kind, gentle eyes.
I can already feel myself warming to him and relaxing – Maybe this won’t be so bad?
“Good evening Coral.” He smiles deeply and leans in to kiss my cheek. I’m surprised that I don’t feel weird about it.
“Hello Malcolm, nice ride.” I smile, but I quickly notice he looks just as nervous as I feel. No doubt still embarrassed about the last time we met. Malcolm opens the rear door for me. I’m impressed, the guy has manners. I slip inside the sumptuous beige leather seating, and lean forward to kiss Gladys.
“Hello darling.” She smiles warmly at me.
“Hi.” I lean back in my seat and put my seatbelt on.
Malcolm gets back in and we’re soon heading west on the A259. No-one is talking, but surprisingly enough the atmosphere in the car feels really calm and relaxing. I’m trying not to notice the loving glances they keep giving each other, or the fact that Malcolm has been holding Gladys’s hand above the centre console, squeezing it every now and then, at least I don’t have to endure the loved up couple for too long.
Ten minutes later we are parked at the Hilton Metropole. I instantly think of Tristan – I wonder if he’s up there? Then I remember he said he was going back to Leeds. I wonder if that’s where he’s permanently based? I shake my head at myself – Forget him, tonight’s important, concentrate Coral.
Right, concentrate, I look up at the building, last time I was here was for Debbie’s wedding. I start getting flashbacks, all the preparations, Debs walking down the aisle, Scott’s face when he saw her in her dress, the meal, the after party.
“Coral?” I hadn’t even noticed Malcolm had opened my door for me again, and is standing there with his hand held out to me.
“Sorry Malcolm, miles away.” I say and place my hand in his. As Gladys reaches me she wraps her arm around my waist, squeezes me and then winks playfully at me.
“Shall we ladies?” Malcolm gestures for us to go before him and we head inside.
I AM COMPLETELY WON OVER. Malcolm is charming, warm, witty, sweet, and seems to think the world of Gladys. I finally relax knowing that Joyce was right; they really do seem like a perfect match for one another. Inside I’m gushing with happiness, I have never seen Gladys so happy and buoyant, it’s like she’s got this fire lit inside her. I can see it clearly, the glow and twinkle in her eyes gives it all away. How strange it feels though, I always thought she was really happy anyway, Gladys has always been a fun, positive person to be around but now she just seems so, so – alive?
After an hour of drinking, chatting and laughing we have finished our starters, which were delicious, and the wine is going down a treat. In-fact, I think Gladys is getting a little tipsy, she seems nervous. As the waiter clears our plates, Gladys turns to me and squeezes my free hand.
“So darling, we have something very important to ask you.” She says. Uh-Oh!
My stomach flips. “Ok.” I whisper and take a gulp of wine – Please don’t ask me to be a bridesmaid!
“Well, it’s about the wedding.” She says glancing at Malcolm. I try not to frown.
“We’d like to do it sooner rather than later.” Malcolm says, seeing that Gladys is struggling a little.
“Ok.” I shrug nonchalantly.
“We’ve got a date in August,” Malcolm adds. My eyebrows rise, I stare back at him feeling a little surprised – Christ that is soon!
“And we’d like to have it here,” Gladys adds. “Debbie’s wedding was such a lovely day.” I nod in agreement.
“But the only date they have left’ – Malcolm says – ‘Is the 8th August.” He takes another swig of wine and looks across the table to Gladys. My Birthday!
Gladys pipes up. “We’re only asking darling, we don’t want to spoil your day, if you don’t want it then’ – “Stop.” I tell her. “Let me think.” I quickly run it over in my head and instantly relax. I wasn’t going to be asked about bridesmaids after all. I can’t help smiling at that one. I can see Malcolm and Gladys visibly relax before me.
Then I think about their request. Am I really that bothered? My birthday is a Thursday this year and I wasn’t planning on doing anything on the actual day, I was going to ask for a barbeque the following Saturday. So what difference does it make? Decision made!
“Ok, well first off, no I don’t mind at all, but it’s a Thursday? Don’t you want your wedding to be on a Saturday? Isn’t that when people traditionally get married?” They both chuckle.
“No darling, we’re not worried about all of that. We were just going to go to the registry office and have a little party back at the house, but then we came here for a meal a few weeks ago, and I was telling Malcolm all about Debbie’s wonderful day here’ – “And I insisted we book it.” Malcolm interrupts beaming at Gladys again, then taking her hand in his, he raises it to his lips and tenderly kisses it - Gladys melts and goes all gooey-eyed.
“Well I think it’s a fabulous idea.” I say excitedly. Then I frown, Joyce will be gone by then, what if I can't get the time off?
“What’s wrong darling?” I’m surprised it’s Malcolm asking me and not Gladys.
I already feel like I’ve known him a very long time – Huh! Who’d have thought it, maybe I’ll get a father figure after all.
“Joyce will have sold by then. I just hope my new boss gives me the time off?” I say.
“Tristan…” Gladys beams, blinking rapidly. “Of course he will darling.” She adds flippantly, as though it’s a no-brainer. Anyone would think she’s a close and personal friend of his the way she’s acting!
I roll my eyes at her. “Gladys, you don’t know him, so I don’t know how you can say that?”
“I know more than you think.” She says winking at me. What? What does that mean?
I blink several times trying to get my brain to work again. I really want to ask her what she knows, but if I do, she’ll get suspicious and I can't handle her questioning – I’m not even sure how I feel about him yet. I guess Joyce must have told her a lot about him. God damn it, I really want to know!
I sigh inwardly. “So, you think he will give me the time off? I just think with the take-over, it might not be such a good time.” I foolishly add.
“Nonsense, I’m sure it will be fine.” Gladys soothes patting my hand. “So you really don’t mind?” She queries.
“No,” I chortle. “It will be a lovely day.” I add feeling all warm and buzzy inside.
“Thank you Coral.” Malcolm says, smiling warmly at me.
I shrug, it’s no big deal. “Are you planning on having a big wedding?”
“Oh no!” They both answer. Then smile at one another – Ok, the lovey-dovey looks are actually starting to gross me out a little bit!
“Just family and a few close friends,” Malcolm clarifies.
I nod and drink some more wine.
“Now,” Gladys says in a very business-like manner. “Bridesmaids.” My face falls and my heart sinks. They both start sniggering. Oh great, m
ake fun of me why don’t you, yep lap it up!
“We’re not having any,” Malcolm chuckles, Gladys bursts out laughing – Oh I get it, they knew I’d be freaking out about it, so decided to wind me up! I instantly relax then see the funny side of it.
“Oh! Very funny you two,” I chortle. – Phew! Off the hook!
“Sorry darling, we just couldn’t resist.” Gladys chuckles.
“Evidently!” I snort and shake my head at them both.
AS WE DRINK MORE WINE and browse the menus for our mains, my mind keeps rushing forward to their wedding, my birthday – I still don’t know if I can get the time off, and I like things to be set in stone. I mean, I’m pretty sure Tristan will say yes, but I just want to be sure. In that very moment, I feel his card glow red inside my purse. It’s as though it’s pulsing at me to call him. In fairness I’ve been waiting for an excuse to hear his voice since he walked out my door yesterday afternoon. So much seems to have happened since then.
I debate for a good five minutes about calling him, yes –no, yes-no; until I just can’t take it anymore. I pick up my handbag and excuse myself from the table. Once I’m inside the restroom, I get myself into a stall, lock the door, put the toilet lid down and sit. My leg instantly starts jigging up and down – I’m so god damn nervous.
Taking a deep breath, I open my purse and pull out his card, running my fingers over his name. I feel my stomach flip over then start fluttering madly. The card in my hand is rapidly shaking, giving away my nerves – God damn it!
Trying to ignore all my body’s reactions, I take a deep breath, fish my mobile out and punch in his mobile number. I take another deep breath and press dial, it starts ringing. My leg goes into full scale jigging mode, and I am biting my bottom lip in nervous anticipation.
It only rings three times.
“Coral.” He sounds relieved. I frown deeply, he knew it was me!
“H-hi,” I stutter a little astonished. “You knew it was me?” I gush, all the air leaving my lungs.
“Yes.” I can tell he’s smiling. “It’s good to hear your voice,” he adds sleepily.
“Did I wake you?” I gasp.
“No,” he chuckles. “I was relaxing on the sofa, reading.”
“Oh!” I answer breathlessly - Come on Coral, you can do better than that!
“To what do I owe the pleasure?” Tristan’s voice is husky and soft and sexy all at the same time – Is that even possible, or legal?
“Um...I was,” I stop for a moment. Where do I start, so much has happened? – “So Gladys is getting married,” I say. “You know my adoptive mother?” I add.
“Is she?” He asks his voice full of surprise.
“Yes, I only found out yesterday. We’re at the Hilton, they’re having the wedding here, next month.”
“Wow, that’s...quick.” Tristan still sounds shocked.
“Tell me about it, I didn’t even know she was seeing anybody.” I answer dryly.
“Are you ok?” He instantly sounds concerned.
“Um...quite honestly, I don’t know...well, yeah I guess. I’m happy she’s happy, and has found Malcolm’ – “Malcolm?” Tristan interrupts.
“Yeah, the guy she’s going to marry. He’s nice.” I say trying to placate him.
“Hmm.” Tristan doesn’t sound convinced.
“Honestly...he is,” I sigh. “I feel comfortable with him...which is surprising.” I roll my eyes. “And you should see the way they keep looking at each other, all gooey-eyed and loved up.” I add dryly.
“That’s good though right?” Tristan says still sounding concerned.
“Of course I’m...h-happy for them…but,” I break off. Why do I feel the need to spill my guts to him? I was only supposed to be checking it would be ok to get the time off!
“I’m coming to see you,” he says, his voice low, but full of a deep and profound promise. And I believe him. I think if I asked him, he would come to me. I can hear his footsteps moving quickly across a wooden floor. Then I think about the guilt I will feel afterwards, the fact that I just need someone to lean on because I don’t have anyone right now.
“No Tristan, don’t. I...” He sighs heavily. I can no longer hear his rapid footsteps across the floor. “I’m ok.” I try to sound convincing, then I sigh feeling the weight of my words.
“I’m not convinced.” He states.
“It’s just all…a bit of a shock,” I croak.
“I’m sure it is. Have they known each other long?”
“A year, Gladys didn’t want to tell me until...” I sigh again feeling a little of the betrayal I initially felt when she told me.
“Until what?” Tristan asks a little annoyed.
“She wanted to wait until, well, that they were both sure. I guess they were just being careful, they’ve both been hurt in the past.” I say, I don’t mean to sound gloomy.
“Well that’s understandable,” he says. I wonder for a moment if he’s actually right?
“Either way, the Wedding isn’t the worst part of it.” I say somberly.
“Then what is?” He asks.
“Oh they’re leaving,” I croak, my eyes filling with unshed tears - What’s going on? I was fine a minute ago!
“Leaving?” He says his voice low and dark.
”Yeah...Gladys wants out of Brighton. Malcolm likes Cornwall, or Devon, they’re not sure which yet.” Tristan is silent, I hear nothing and I wonder if I’ve lost signal. “Tristan?”
“I’m here.” He answers.
I take a deep breath and compose myself. “So anyway, the reason I was calling is to see if it would be ok to get the time off.” He doesn’t say anything, so I continue while I can. “For the wedding...I mean...it’s going to be on a Thursday, the 8th August’ – “Your birthday?” He interrupts - He knows when my birthday is too?
“Um...yeah, I...well that’s why I’m calling...will I be able to get the time off?” Tristan is still silent. What’s wrong with him? “Tristan, are you there?” I ask.
“Yes.” He exhales loudly like he’s been holding his breath for a long time. “Of course you can have time off.” He sounds a little miffed.
“Well, I just thought I’d check...you know with the take-over and everything...” I say scowling at the floor.
“It’s no problem at all Coral; you shouldn’t even have had to ask.” He scolds.
“Sor-ry!” I bite back.
“No...I didn’t mean...” Tristan exhales in a rush. “I really would like to come and see you, see for myself that you’re ok.” I close my eyes and swallow hard, my throat seems so dry. Get off the phone Coral!
“I have to go,” I tell him. “They’ll be wondering where I am.”
“Can I call you later?” He asks his voice a somber whisper.
“Sure.” I reply before I’ve even thought about it – No Coral, what are you doing?
“I’ll let you go…I miss you.” He whispers then hangs up. I stare at my mobile in disbelief. Did that conversation really just happen? Did he really just say I miss you? I feel a strange fluttering in my belly – “Coral?” Shit Gladys!
“Yeah...I’m here!” I scramble out of the stall.
“We were wondering where you were?” She says, her cheeks a little flushed.
“Sorry.” I mumble and walk over to the sinks to wash my hands.
“Darling, are you really ok about the date?” She looks so worried. I quickly dry my hands and hug her hard.
“Yes, I really am. I’m not just saying it.” I feel her shoulders relax. She hugs me back for a second then pulls back with her hands still on my shoulders, studying me intently.
“Who were you talking to?” She quizzes, her eyes narrowed – Shit!
“Rob,” I lie. “Something’s really wrong with him.” I frown hard. “He won’t tell me what it is, and he’s not coming on Saturday, which reminds me, can I get a lift with you and Malcolm?”
“You don’t need to ask that.” Gladys softly scolds.
I pull my lips up to smile. “Bob’s coming too.” I add feeling a weird fluttering race up and down my body, and I know it’s because I'm going to hear Tristan’s voice later.
“Oh lovely, haven’t seen him in a while.” She says warmly. I nod with more enthusiasm that is necessary and pull my lips up to smile again, it feels odd. “Come on, let’s get back to Malcolm, he’s going to think I’ve deserted him.” She chuckles.
I follow Gladys out of the restroom and back into the main restaurant.
MALCOLM HAS WALKED ME BACK TO MY STUDIO. He was insistent, even though I told him I was fine at the car park. I unlock the door and smile up at him. “Thanks Malcolm.”
“My pleasure,” he smiles. “Now go on, get yourself inside and lock up behind you.” He adds.
“I will.” I say pulling the patio door open. Malcolm watches me lock the door behind me, smiles, nods once, then waves as he walks away – Well, that felt nice, how protective of him.
Then I realise how hot it is. Dashing over to the air-con I switch it onto full to cool the room down. I feel exhausted, my belly is full and I’ve had far too much wine. Kicking off my stilettos, I pick them up and make my way up the stairs – My head is swimming again, so much is happening, I don’t even know where to begin trying to assimilate it all.
As I’m getting changed into my sweats, I feel my heart start fluttering, like a bird in flight – which is very worrying – because I know it’s because I’m going to hear Tristan’s voice soon, that’s if he calls. I sigh inwardly and head back down the stairs. I decide to call Carlos, Rob’s been on my mind since this afternoon, I’ve been trying to work out how I can reach him so I can find out what’s wrong. Maybe Carlos can shed some light on the situation?
I check the time 10.20pm, it’s not too late, so I call him, but I get no answer, which is strange, Carlos always answers his mobile. I check the number to make sure I got the right one and press call again, only this time it goes straight to voice-mail. I instantly feel angry, he knew I was calling and pushed me to voice-mail - Arghhh! – I chuck my mobile on the sofa in frustration. Why won’t they talk to me?
CORAL (A Romance Trilogy, Book 1) Page 23
