by F. C. Clark
‘It’s fine. Besides, we’re running out of time.’
I climb up on the roof, shuffling along the apex of the A-frame structure, bulbs in one hand, steadying myself with my other hand. Admittedly, it’s higher than it looks.
‘Switch it on, Jerry; check them all before I get down.’
‘Right-o, flower… Yeah, that’s it. No, there’s one more towards the back.’ Jerry stands on a ladder and passes me another bulb. ‘Shout when it’s ready to test.’
I move towards the back end of the roof. ‘Done… go for it.’ I look around. Everything seems to be in working order.
‘Kate, what the hell are you doing?’ I recognise the angry baritone of Mr Luke Sutton.
I move towards the front of the roof.
‘Hi. Some bulbs weren’t working.’ Luke is not alone. ‘Oh, hi Zhan, how are you?’
Zhan smiles, perhaps at the memorable impression I am making. Also, witnessing Luke’s prize possession straddling a roof is slightly amusing.
‘I’m very well, Kate. I can see you are busy.’
‘Jerry, why did you let her go up there?’ Luke’s pissed-off tone is not lost on Jerry.
‘Luke, I offered – this has nothing to do with Jerry. I’m fine.’ However, as the words exit my mouth, my supporting foot slips, making me lose my grip.
‘Get your arse down here now.’ Luke moves the ladders. ‘I’m coming up to get you.’
‘Jesus, don’t be so bloody ridiculous.’ I climb back down slowly, Luke’s hand on my arse guiding me.
‘You drive me mad. I can’t trust you not to get yourself into trouble.’ He shakes his head and kisses the end of my nose.
‘I climbed some ladders! Really, I’m fine; all in one piece.’ I walk towards Zhan. ‘Sorry, I look a mess.’ Cobwebs and mud are not overly flattering.
‘I think it’s safe to argue he’s seen you in various degrees of inappropriate clothing.’
‘I’m pleased to entertain you, boys.’ I try to dust myself down and remove the cobwebs in my hair – I feel the jet-wash may be my only choice.
‘Kate, you have forty minutes to get ready.’
I salute him. ‘Yes sir. You know I don’t take long at anything I do.’ I’m not one to miss a trick, and I managed to deliver an ambiguous comment; always a bonus to push a Sutton button.
* * *
I gaze at my reflection. A thirty-minute makeover? This has to be my all-time record. I wonder if Valerie knew about the white party. Hanging in my secret garden is a beautiful white Jackie O dress, with a thin nude belt that matches my nude Louboutins perfectly.
The nerves in my stomach swirl as I descend to the kitchen, and I feel more nervous when I see so many strangers. Swiftly, I move to the garden, eager to see someone I recognise. Max is the first person I see. He looks at me as I approach, swigging his beer. Maybe he needs alcohol to deal with me.
‘Hi Max, you look handsome.’ Normally he wears a suit, but this evening he looks continental in a white shirt and chinos.
‘Kate.’ Short and sweet!
‘Do you know these people?’
‘Some. The rest, I haven’t got a clue.’
‘Me neither.’
I can hear Jerry and Rosie before I see them. I turn.
‘Kate, you look lovely.’ Rosie gives me a kiss. ‘Everything OK, Max?’
‘Not bad, Rosie. Jerry, do you want to go to the bar and get a drink?’ Max must be bored of my company, or maybe he’s afraid that I might ask him some probing questions.
‘I bloody need a drink. This party nearly killed me. I’ll see you in a while, ladies.’
‘I can’t believe how fabulous it looks; the end result is stunning.’ I scan the garden, absorbing the grandness that has been built in such a short space of time. ‘The weather is perfect.’
‘Yeah, we’re lucky with the weather tonight. They do a good job every year, Kate. Changing the style for each party – it always amazes me. I’m going to find Stella – do you want to come?’
‘No, I’ll wait here for Luke.’
‘OK, sweetheart.’
Rosie leaves me alone as I scan the garden to see if I can find the man that controls my heart.
A firm grip around my waist and a gentle nibble at my ear inform me my wait is over.
‘I’ve been looking for you.’
I turn to see the man of my dreams gazing into my eyes. Instantly my arms go around his neck.
‘You’ve found me – now what will you do with me?’
‘Don’t tempt me.’
We both laugh.
‘You look hot in that dress… Tell me, is it easy to remove?’ He kisses me passionately, even though he knows we are being watched. My hands slide to Luke’s firm arse. He pulls his mouth away, his eyes locked to mine. ‘Are you groping me?’
‘Yes, I am – is that a problem?’ I smile, taking in the man who stands in front of me, wearing a white shirt and dark jeans; very casual but, as usual, oh so fuckable.
‘Not for me – but maybe for you, if you continue.’ He releases me and takes my hand. ‘I do believe there are some introductions that are needed after that little display.’
Luke introduces me to various groups of new faces, holding my hand the entire time. The simple gesture offers me the strength to meet all the guests and deal with their questions. I urge Luke to mingle on his own, allowing me to catch up with Stella, which also gives me some peace and quiet.
‘Stella, thank God you’re here.’ I kiss her cheek.
‘Kate, my darling, are you not having fun?’ She affectionately touches my cheek.
‘The party is amazing.’ I take a deep breath, ‘but all the questions! Who are you, what do you do, have you been around the world et cetera. They then realise that my life is dull, my previous employment was here cooking for my ex-boss, who I now share a bed with. I know what they’re all thinking.’ Great, a waiter – I grab another glass of champagne.
Stella laughs at my problems.
‘Kate, just be yourself.’ She takes my hand and squeezes it. ‘Listen to me: you are the right person for Luke. I know that you’re not interested in his money; you have to rise above the wagging tongues.’
‘Easier said than done, Stella.’
‘I know, my dear, but you and I are made of strong stuff.’
‘I hope you’re right.’
I turn. Shock is not the word to describe who I can see.
‘Fuck, who invited her… Sorry, I didn’t mean to swear.’ Realising my lack of linguistic filter, however with the super-bitch in my eye-line my words are justified.
‘Oh dear, I forgot she was on the guest list.’ She reaches for my hand. ‘The same list gets printed each year, with a few additional names.’ Stella can see my anger at this woman being in my home. ‘Ignore her.’
Alexis makes her way towards Stella and me. As ever, she looks stunning in a short white suit.
‘Stella, how are you?’
‘Alexis.’ Stella offers a clipped response.
‘Kate.’
Just the sound of my name coming from her vile mouth makes me want to slap her, hard.
‘Alexis,’ I retort.
‘You look shocked to see me. Did Luke not inform you that I would be attending?’
No, he fucking didn’t.
‘Yes, of course he did.’ I’m compelled to lie through gritted teeth.
‘I told you our circle of friendship is strong; distance is not an option.’ She triumphantly looks at me as though she is winning a game.
Stella places her hand on my elbow to calm me.
‘Alexis, I think it would be best if you walked away,’ Stella says.
‘Stella, it’s fine. Alexis and I know how we feel about each other. I told you to stay away from me and I mean it.’ I say to Alexis. I pla
ce my glass on the table, and stand strong. Composure at all cost.
‘Kate, is that an idle threat?’ She drinks her champagne and smirks.
‘I don’t make idle threats. Let me put it in a way that you may understand. Luke isn’t interested in you, and he never will be. I will do anything to protect him, especially from people like you. If you continue to treat me like this, I will stop Luke from seeing you.’
Alexis laughs.
‘Do you think this is funny?’ I’m going to punch her so fucking hard.
‘Kate, if you think you have control over Luke, then you are mistaken.’
‘Ladies, this is not the time or the place.’ Stella looks at me.
‘It’s fine, Stella.’ I turn to Alexis, closing the space between us. ‘Luke would do anything to protect me. You’re my target, so watch your fucking back.’
‘Don’t threaten me, Kate.’ Alexis folds her arms, looking pissed off. Good fucking job.
‘It’s not a threat. Test me and we’ll see who wins this battle. I told you before – you can’t touch what we have.’ I look at Stella. ‘I’m going to get something to eat to take away the bitter taste in my mouth.’
‘I’ll join you, Kate.’
Stella and I enter the marquee arm in arm. Although I have no appetite, it was the perfect excuse to leave. I encourage Stella to try the various dishes on offer. We find Rosie, allowing me to leave the two kindest women in the Sutton garden. My head is lost in a cyclone activated by the super-bitch, and now I’m in need of some fresh air – ironically, the garden is not giving me the clear head I need.
I hurry to the secret garden – the walk-in closet – where I keep my old house keys. I head for the large black door.
‘That looks like a woman escaping.’
Oh shit. I turn to see Zhan. ‘Not escaping – I just need some space.’
‘Kate, if you have to leave, then allow me to take you. I’m leaving too.’
Heels, tight white dress… ‘Thanks, Zhan, that would be lovely.’
We head towards the waiting black car. I give Zhan my address, and he relays it to his driver.
‘Are you sure you’re not absconding?’ Zhan has such a warm charm that he instantly makes me feel at ease.
‘No. Well, not from Luke if that’s your concern, just some of his unpleasant guests. Present company not included.’
‘Good – I’m glad to hear it.’ He looks at me with compassion. ‘I suspect you will not be shocked by Luke’s disapproval when he finds you have fled.’
‘I know, but he’ll get over it.’
‘Kate, may I say that Luke seems very happy of late? I know you are the reason. After he split from his fiancée, I never thought—’ Zhan stops dead, seeing the look of shock on my face.
‘Sorry, can you repeat that, did you say fiancée?’ Holy fuck, Luke was engaged? I think I’m going to be sick.
‘Kate, I’m sorry. I thought you knew.’ Zhan must hear the panic in my voice, as he sees the distress on my face. ‘I assumed Luke would have told you. Please, Kate, you look deathly white – I didn’t mean to upset you.’ He reaches over and touches my hand.
‘It’s not your fault. To be honest, Luke and I had decided not to discuss previous relationships. You know he can be hot-headed, and I thought it would be a safer option.’ That may be so, but I never thought he would have a fiancée we may need to discuss. Shit. He has loved someone. Not me, but someone else.
‘As I said, Kate, I apologise for distressing you. But may I shed some light on the situation?’
I nod, needing as much information as possible, as many light bulbs as he can conjure up – actually, I need a floodlit playing field.
‘It was roughly two years ago, and I haven’t seen Luke this happy since that time. More to the point, he wasn’t this happy when he was engaged. I hope that brings some solace to you.’
‘Zhan, please don’t feel bad. As I said, Luke and I both have pasts that we felt were best left where they were. I’m sure he’ll tell me when the time is right.’ And the Oscar goes to… the shit liar in the back of the car. Why has he not told me? He was going to spend the rest of his life with this woman, whoever she was. What happened?
We pull up outside Harry’s house.
‘Thanks for the lift, Zhan. I’m sure I’ll see you soon. Please don’t worry about our conversation.’ I reach across and peck his cheek.
‘Kate, you make him happy. He has a spring in his step. I do see good things for you both, please remember that.’
‘Thanks, Zhan. Bye.’
I open the door and rush to the kitchen, needing a drink of water. The shock makes me feel nauseous. However, seeing a tall handsome man stealing food from my fridge needs addressing too. I down a glass of water and cling to the sink, feeling out of control.
Barney watches me as I finish the water. I hold my finger in the air, asking him to give me a minute.
‘Hi, are you hungry?’
‘Yeah, babe, are you all right? What are you doing here?’
I tilt my head at the irony – Barney is in my home, and in my fridge.
‘I just needed to collect some bits. Seeing your arse hanging out of my fridge usually means you haven’t eaten.’
‘Starving. Bloody rehearsals are taking up all my time and I haven’t been food shopping. Do you fancy knocking me up some pasta?’ He looks at me with a ‘poor me’ expression.
I nod. ‘Chilli bacon pasta.’ For once Barney has perfect timing. Cooking is my favourite de-stressing tool.
‘Fab, babe.’
I decide to text Luke.
Hi sex god,
Had to go to Harry’s to collect some things.
I will be back shortly.
Miss you :-) x
Sliding my dress off, I slip my apron on and begin to prepare the pasta. Tomato-based sauce and a white dress spell disaster.
Pasta boiling, bacon, chilli and sundried tomatoes cooking, fresh basil chopped and Parmesan cheese grated, Barney returns to the kitchen just in time.
‘Smells fab. Jeez, I bloody miss you.’ He puts an arm around my shoulder.
‘I think it’s safe to say you miss my cooking, not me.’ I pass him a large bowl of pasta and some plastic containers. ‘Here, I’ve made you two extra portions – put them in the freezer when they’ve cooled down.’
‘Thanks, babe. Catch up with you for your birthday next week.’
‘I’ll sort something out, and don’t forget my tickets for your show.’
Barney leaves the kitchen and my old home. I feel hurt and angry and the need to punch someone or something. Bread. I think flour and yeast will provide the best way to work out my frustration.
The kitchen table is covered in flour and the dough is made. My kneading can commence. Fuck, he was engaged. He asked someone to marry him. Tears prick at my eyes. Why am I feeling so threatened? He’s not given me any cause to worry that there may be an ex lurking. Hearing the door again disrupts my thoughts.
‘Barney, you didn’t need to—’ I look up.
‘Tell me, what could you possibly need to collect? More to the point, why are you cooking?’ Luke watches me from the doorway, his arms folded.
‘Well… bits and pieces. I thought as I was here I would make some bread. Plus, I’ve just made dinner for Barney; he was hungry.’ I look down and continue kneading the dough. Have I offered an adequate response for Luke Sutton? I will go with my gut instinct – no.
‘I spoke to Stella. I’m confused. Why run here?’
I stop kneading the dough and look up at him
‘Luke, I didn’t run away, not from you. I just needed some air.’ Also, you went down on one knee for someone – please share the details with me.
He walks towards me.
‘I apologise for Alexis being on the list.’
&nb
sp; ‘It’s fine.’
‘Stella was shocked at how rude she was towards you.’
I shrug my shoulders. ‘I’m used to it – clearly she hates me.’
‘You should never put up with such contempt.’ He moves further into the kitchen.
‘At least you know I’m not lying, and that she needs a one-way ticket to China.’
‘Kate, I’ve never doubted you.’
‘Yes, but you never really believed me. It’s fine, Luke, I understand – you’ve known each other for years.’
He hands move to my cheeks.
‘History doesn’t provide an excuse for her behaviour.’
I place a kiss on his lips.
‘Stella did say you stood your own ground, and your words were… let’s just say, to the point.’
I try not to laugh.
‘Oh my God, she makes me so fucking mad.’
‘There we go, she’s here, my tenacious Kate and her fiery tongue.’ He laughs and kisses my forehead.
‘No one heard us – I think.’
‘Please accept my apology for her entering our home. Never will that happen again.’
‘Apology accepted.’
‘Good. You know you can’t run from me.’ He smiles at me, changing the chill in the air with his words.
‘Luke, I know what people think of me and why they think I’m with you.’
‘You’re with me because I want and need you – it is has fuck all to do with anyone else, Alexis included. I will speak to her and tell her to back off.’
‘No, don’t do that. Besides, I threatened her. I said that I have a strong desire to protect you, and if she continues to be nasty I would make sure you never saw her again. I know that’s not true; I would never say that to you.’
‘I would never see her again,’ he says honestly.
‘Look, go back to the party and I’ll come home shortly.’
‘No. I need you at my side. The party is in our home; you need to be with me.’ His eyes settle on mine and he gently kisses me.
My hands automatically link around his neck.
‘OK. I need to clear up this mess first.’ He pats my arse, his look of relief changing to one of bewilderment.
