A Small Town Affair

by Chrissie Loveday

  ‘Deal. I’ll drive down Friday afternoon and be with you for the evening. What’s the address?’

  Georgie gave it to her and they finished the call. It would be great to see Jenny with time to talk properly. She’d know the right thing to do.

  Chapter Five

  When Georgie told her boss of her plans, Audrey immediately offered to find cover so she could take Saturday off.

  ‘That’s so kind of you. Are you sure you can manage?’

  ‘We’re often relatively quiet on Saturdays as it’s changeover day. People leaving and new visitors haven’t arrived. I’m sure Maddy’s friend will come in to help. She came in last year. You have a nice time with your friend. I’ve been worried that you don’t have much of a life down here.’

  ‘I must admit, I’ll enjoy a good gossip with Jenny. I’ve known her for years.’

  ‘Now, you get yourself some breakfast while you can.’

  She took her toast and coffee to one of the outside tables and glanced up the hill towards the Clarence Hotel. She wished she would see the tall dark man coming down the hill to join her but undoubtedly, he was busy serving breakfasts. She was still trying to convince herself she had made the right decision but she knew she had missed something she really wanted. She hoped she hadn’t ruined everything. Just the thought of him excited her. Being even closer was positively thrilling. She was already halfway towards making her mind up. Given another chance, she might not say no. Jenny would be here soon and her more experienced friend would be certain to give her good advice.

  She picked up her empty cup and pate and went back inside. It was a rather boring life in truth but she was determined to stick to the job for a while. She was proving something to herself and felt proud of it.

  There were two texts from Jay during the day. She felt relieved. She told him about Jenny’s planned visit, assuming he’d be working all weekend. Much to her surprise, he suggested they might have coffee together on Sunday morning.

  I’d love to meet your oldest friend, he texted.

  Great. Come round to the apartment.

  Jenny arrived in time for supper and greeted Georgie with great affection.

  ‘Gosh you’re looking great. This place suits you. I love it. Lovely views and such a pretty village. So where’s the action round here?’

  ‘There’s not exactly much action anywhere. The Beach Bar is okay but hardly a hub of activity. I’ve become very reclusive. I’ve even spent time watching television.’

  ‘Good grief. You are Georgina Hetherington? I haven’t found someone posing as her?’

  ‘Actually, I’m not Georgina Hetherington at all. I’m Gina Hind to everyone round here.’

  ‘Heavens. I’ll never remember that. Will it matter if I call you Georgie?’ She frowned, thinking of Jay meeting her friend.

  ‘I’d rather my cover wasn’t blown just yet. Gina is who Jay thinks I am. Did I mention he’s coming for coffee on Sunday?’

  ‘Only about four times. I take it I’m supposed to give you a star rating?’

  ‘I guess that’s the idea. He wants to meet you ... I suspect his plan is to discover more about me. I’m really not sure it’s a good idea.’

  ‘Oooh I do. I need to inspect him and give you my report. From what you’ve said so far, I gather he’s alpha male in all physical respects but you’re a bit hazy on the rest. Something he’s holding back? But that may be on account of you hiding about ninety percent of yourself behind this Gina Hind character. Anyway, enough of this speculation. I can smell something cooking and I’m starving. What’s for supper?’

  ‘Nothing special. Just some lasagne from the café. Audrey, that’s my boss, made an extra dish for us. She’s brilliant actually. Really thoughtful.’

  ‘She sounds nice. You can take me there for coffee tomorrow and I’ll do a survey of the workplace too.’

  They ate the meal and washed it down with a decent bottle of Italian wine. Georgie chatted non-stop, making up for the many quiet evenings she had been spending alone. Much of the conversation centred round Jay of course and a little on Jenny’s new man.

  ‘You seem quite keen on this chap,’ Georgie remarked.

  ‘He’s lovely. It’s all very relaxed and we have a lot in common. He’s quite keen on riding so that’s a good start. He’s got a lovely chestnut and I’ve taken Starlight over to his place to stable her. Works out more easily when we want to go out together.’

  ‘All sounds pretty well sorted. And you’ve been away together? Are you thinking of making it a permanent state of affairs?’

  ‘We’re thinking of getting married. Not for a while as he has several large projects on the go. Once he’s got the contracts completed, then we shall name the day.’

  ‘Oh Jenny, that’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you. I can’t wait to meet him.’

  ‘You’d have met him by now if you weren’t stuck in this place. How long do you intend to stay here?’

  ‘I don’t know. I had to prove I could do a proper job and support myself. Not that I’m exactly doing that. Daddy’s still paying for this place even if he doesn’t realise it yet. I’m waiting for the credit card to be refused any moment.’

  ‘Tell me exactly what’s been going on with your Jay character. Romantic meals? Clubs? Long strolls by the sea?’

  ‘Not really.’ Georgie bit her lip. Thinking about it, they’d spent very little time together at all. ‘He’s working crazy hours to save up for his hospitality course. Doesn’t get much time off and I think he gets rather a meagre rate of pay.’

  ‘In other words, he doesn’t spend anything on you.’

  ‘Well no. But is that important? Isn’t this what it’s all about? I don’t need to be impressed with lavish entertaining or presents. It’s quite a novelty for me. He’s with me for my sake and not because he thinks he might gain something. If he knew my real background, I’d have to find him a better job and in any case, he’d probably be afraid of me because of it.’

  ‘I hope you’re right love. With so short a friendship, I think you were absolutely right to hold back. I know we have a similar background but I’ve been out in the big wide world a lot more that you. My parents wanted me to be independent while yours were much more the “wrap you in cotton wool types”. You’re quite an innocent where men are concerned.’

  ‘I could almost hate you for being so right,’ Georgie snapped waspishly.

  ‘Come on love. I’m speaking the truth and I don’t want you to be hurt. Maybe your Jay is the perfect man for you and it will all work out. You don’t know him very well yet and you shouldn’t rush into anything you can’t handle. You’re enjoying freedom for the first time in your life and Jay’s obviously everything dear old Guy isn’t.’

  ‘Guy has never roused the same feelings in me as Jay does. Guy is more like a brother really. We’ve kissed and held hands but it feels like my parents holding my hand to see me across the road when I was five. With Jay, just a touch seems to send me to jelly. We lay side by side on a blanket on the beach looking up at the stars. When did Guy even notice there were any stars?’

  ‘Okay. I get the picture. But you’d never live without decent money behind you. You’re too used to buying whatever you want whenever you want it. You’ve been all over the world, staying in the best hotels. Enjoying good food and fine wines.’

  ‘But Jenny, isn’t this the point I’m making here? I haven’t missed any of that. I’m just as happy with a beach picnic as a fancy, expensive meal in an overpriced restaurant.’

  ‘Novelty, my girl. Believe me, you’d hate to live the rest of your life that way.’

  ‘But we wouldn’t have to. Once we are sure of each other, he can work for my father in one of the hotels. He’s getting qualifications and he’s clever, I know it.’

  ‘Clearly you’re besotted. Now, are we going to explore the Beach Bar or whatever delights this place has to offer?’

  ‘If you like. Or we can stay here and open another bottle of wine.’
/>
  ‘I need a bit of a walk. It seemed a long drive and sitting so long doesn’t suit me. Come on. I’ll pay if you’re so broke.’

  The bar was packed with crowd of surfers and holiday makers having their final evening out before returning home. It was noisy and lively gave no chance for further conversation. Several people invited them to join them but Jenny grinned and shook her head. She bought a bottle of wine and they perched on a rail at the edge of the terrace outside.

  ‘Bit mad in there,’ Jenny shouted.

  ‘No kidding. That’s where Jay works,’ she shouted back, pointing up the hill towards the hotel.

  ‘We should go there for a meal tomorrow night.’

  ‘No way,’ Georgie laughed. ‘He’d be furious. We’ll go somewhere nice though.’

  They finished the wine hurriedly and left the bar to get away from the noise. They walked along the road beside the beach and rested elbows on the wall, looking out at the waves as they rolled endlessly onto the shore. It was a gentle, peaceful scene. The service bus stopped outside the bar and Georgie looked back at the passengers getting off. There was a tall, dark man among them. He turned and walked briskly up the hill. She gave a gasp. It had to be Jay. Jenny looked at her and followed her gaze.

  ‘That’s him, isn’t it?’

  ‘I think so. But it can’t be. He said he was working this evening.’

  ‘Maybe he wasn’t. Perhaps something or someone called him away. Didn’t he get off the bus?’

  ‘I think so. Maybe it wasn’t Jay at all. I only got a glimpse and there could be several tall dark people working at the hotel. Or staying there.’ She was trying hard to convince herself that it wasn’t Jay but she remembered the man she saw at the cinema the other night. She had also seen him catching the bus early one morning, when he’d said he was working.

  ‘So, maybe Jay isn’t quite perfect after all.’

  ‘Maybe not. But then, I’m not who he thinks I am. Perhaps we’re a pair of con artists both out to cheat the other. Shall we go back?’

  However cheerful she tried to be, something about the evening was spoiled for Georgie. Jenny sensed it and tried to comfort her.

  ‘You know, there’s no commitment between you. If he has a life he hasn’t told you about, he’s no worse than you.’

  ‘I wanted there to be a commitment.’

  ‘It will happen when it’s right. No use trying to hurry it. He’s clearly holding something back. He’s not spending money even if he’s earning it. What has he done for you? Bought a few bottles of wine and a picnic for goodness sake.’

  ‘I provided the food,’ she said in a small voice. ‘For the picnic.’

  ‘Then he should be rolling in dosh. Whatever you say, waiters in posh hotels get decent tips if nothing else. And a good looking bloke will get more than most. I’ll reserve my final judgement till I’ve met him but I’d say you’d be well out of it.’

  ‘But I don’t want to be out of it,’ she replied miserably. ‘Now I’m even more confused and you were supposed to make me feel good about it all. I like him so much.’

  ‘Come on my girl. You need some coffee. Too much wine and too much soul searching. Tomorrow, we’re going out for the day. Do some shopping, visit places and maybe go to a club if we can find one somewhere.’

  ‘Okay. If you say so. I could do with some more clothes. I came away with just a small travel bag and I’ve worn everything to death.’

  The two girls began their day with breakfast at the beach café. Audrey was delighted to see them and touched that Georgie had brought her friend to meet her.

  ‘On the house,’ she insisted.

  ‘What a great boss to have,’ Jenny laughed. ‘It’s very kind of you but there’s no need.’

  ‘My pleasure. Now it’s apricot jam you like best, isn’t it?’

  ‘You know me too well.’

  Georgie kept glancing up the hill throughout their meal, as if looking for clues about Jay’s activities. Wisely, her friend made no comment.

  ‘What are you planning to do today, Gina?’ Audrey asked as she brought an fresh pot of coffee.

  ‘Just looking around. Bit of shopping maybe.’

  ‘Enjoy yourselves. She’s a hard worker, this friend of yours. Deserves a day off. Here come the girls now. I’d better go and sort them out.’

  ‘Hard worker, are you Gina?’ Jenny said with a laugh. ‘I can’t believe you call yourself Gina. Georgie isn’t exactly giving anything away.’

  ‘I know but it seemed like a complete change for me. I was taking on a whole new identity. Surely the fact that Audrey thinks I’m a hard worker says something?’

  ‘Okay. You win. Come on. Let’s go and spend some money. Your car or mine?’

  ‘I’ll take mine. Give you a break from driving.’

  Jenny could hardly believe Georgie was the same friend she’d always known. Gone was the frivolous girl who bought anything and everything that took her fancy. She spent money carefully and chose simple things with no discernible label.

  ‘My goodness. You are being frugal.’

  ‘I don’t need a lot. Shorts, jean and tee shirts seem to be the order of the day here. I’ve got a few things for being smart but I rarely seem to need much more.’

  ‘How long is this going on?’ Jenny asked. ‘You can’t seriously want to live like this forever.’

  ‘Of course not. I’ll probably see out the season. Go back in a couple of months maybe. Audrey wouldn’t keep me on at the café during the winter anyway. Are we done with shopping? I fancy going somewhere peaceful. Get some sea air.’

  ‘Fine by me.’

  Though they chatted pretty well non-stop for the rest of the day, serious subjects were banned. They drove to Newquay and watched surfers riding stupidly large waves and ate ice creams. It was a glorious day and both of them felt relaxed. In the evening, they went out for an expensive meal, which Jenny paid for and went to find a club afterwards. It was so bad and such dreadful music that they left early and went back to the apartment.

  ‘Could you believe that DJ? He was almost as bad as the music he chose.’

  ‘It has been fun though Jenny. I’ve been missing you. Missing seeing people outside work too. Thanks for coming down.’

  ‘It’s been a lovely little holiday. Too short but well worth coming to see you in your hideaway.’

  ‘You won’t tell the parents where I am, will you?’

  ‘Not if you don’t want me to. I can hedge without telling outright lies. So, what time is your dream man coming tomorrow?’

  ‘Oh heavens. I’ve still only got instant coffee.’

  ‘Shouldn’t worry. He’ll probably never notice.’

  ‘He’s quite a coffee gourmet actually.’

  ‘Make it strong and serve it in a jug. Always looks better.’

  ‘I think I’m ready for bed. It’s well after midnight and we’ve been on the go all day.’

  ‘Could it be that we’re getting old? No stamina anymore.’

  ‘Awful thought but you could be right. Night love. And thanks again.’

  As she lay in bed, Georgie pondered the advice. Jenny was right. Jay must be earning reasonable wages and yet, he spent very little. Not that it was a problem. She didn’t want money to be spent on her. What had happened? A few drinks together. One picnic and a number of rather passionate kisses. All her thoughts had been centred round him and the intense physical attraction. It certainly wasn’t enough for her to give in to temptation and the consequences that might bring. No, she decided, she would enjoy his company when it was available and make sure she did other things instead of waiting for him to be free. She felt certain he was being less than honest and might well have someone else in his life. But it hurt such a lot to think of him with anyone else.

  When she went into the sitting room, Jenny was already up and dressed and had folded the sofa bed away. She was sitting near the window, looking out at the sea.

  ‘Morning. Hope you don’t mind, I helped
myself to coffee. I can see why you love this place. It’s so peaceful and clean looking. Uncluttered.’

  ‘I’m glad you like it. It certainly has compensations even if life is a bit too quiet at times. I think it was what I needed.’

  ‘And Jay?’

  ‘Him too. But I’ve thought about what you said. I shouldn’t go too far with him. He can be a close friend and we can go out together but he isn’t going to be my Mister Right. So, what do you want for breakfast? There’s a choice of toast or toast.’

  ‘I’ll take the toast, thanks.’

  At ten-thirty, right on time, the doorbell rang. Her heart missed a beat as she let him in. Jay was looking even more gorgeous after a few days of not seeing him. He rested an arm on her shoulder and bent to kiss her. She felt the urgency of need rush through her body as she kissed him back. She heard a sound behind her and swung round.

  ‘Jenny. This is Jay. Jay, meet Jenny, my best friend.’

  ‘Good to meet you,’ he replied, taking her hand quite formally. Jenny seemed taken aback.

  ‘Hi,’ she murmured and even managed to blush slightly. ‘Nice to meet you.’

  ‘I’ll get some coffee. Do sit down and make yourselves at home.’ She went to small kitchen and began to spoon coffee into mugs.

  ‘Hope you’ve had fun,’ Jay said. ‘All right for some, while I’ve been working my socks off.’

  ‘Really?’ Jenny said coolly.

  ‘Very busy. Usually are on Saturdays. Seems to be the evening everyone goes out to eat. So, what did you two get up to yesterday?’

  ‘Bit of retail therapy and a bit of sightseeing. Haven’t you got any biscuits, Georgie?’ Jenny asked as her friend arrived with the coffee. Georgie glared. ‘Wrong name,’ she mouthed.

  ‘Georgie? I thought it was Gina?’

  ‘Unfortunately, it’s a name with any number of diminutives.’

  ‘I rather like Georgie, actually. It suits you.’

  ‘I feel it may be a bit childish really,’ she said, blushing. Jenny looked embarrassed.

  ‘Yes, I’m sorry. I forgot you were trying to be grown up. Gina it is, except when I forget. I’ve been calling you Georgie most of my life.’ She smiled and took her coffee. The conversation was slightly strained with both girls trying hard not to give anything away. Georgie hadn’t realised how difficult it was going to be to mix the past she didn’t want to remember, with the future that was pretty uncertain.