Riding Solo

by Woods, Karen

  Winnie’s face dropped. “Now you’re asking for trouble Grace. I mean, Martin would knock ten tons of shit out of any man you brought back here. You need to think this through. Danny is too nice of a man to get involved in all this shit.”

  Grace agreed but she was desperate. “We need a plan don’t we?”

  Winnie raised her eyes to the ceiling. “We need a miracle love not a bleeding plan. Let me think about this one and I’ll see what I can come up with?”

  Grace was frustrated and kicked her foot against the table leg. Winnie sniggered and banged her fist on the table to get her attention. “Ay, I’ve got a gig tonight in the pub if you want to come and watch me?”

  Grace was shocked. “What you’re singing tonight?”

  Winnie looked as proud as punch as she straightened her clothes. “Yep, the landlord come up to me the other night and asked me if I fancied doing a few songs on Saturday night.”

  “Give over. And you’re doing it?”

  Winnie pulled her skirt up over her knees and jigged about the front room. “Do bears shit in the woods? Of course I’m doing it. This is what I’ve always wanted to do. There is no way I’m turning it down this time. Opportunity only knocks once on your door and I’m grabbing it with both hands before I miss my chance again.”

  Grace congratulated her friend. “I’m so proud of you love. What’s Stan said about it all?”

  “I’m not telling him. He’ll only put the mockers on it all; you know what he’s like. This is my dream not his.”

  Grace checked the clock on the wall and stood to her feet. “Right, I’m coming to see you tonight then. I’m going to meet Danny for lunch, so I’ll see if he’s up for it too.” A noise from outside the door made them stop talking. Grace crept over to the door and stood with a single finger pressed up against her lips. She dragged the door open quickly. Sticking her head outside, she scanned the area. Nobody was about. Walking further into the hallway, she could see Martin running upstairs.

  Grace stood in the front room and she could feel her ex-husband’s eyes burning into the back of her head, she knew he was watching her every move. Popping her hand into her handbag she sprayed her perfume all over her body, she gave an extra squirt of it up her skirt just to let Martin know she was going out on a date. Grabbing her coat from the side of the sofa she made her way to the door. Martin bolted up from his chair and followed her. “Grace, if you’re thinking of bringing your new guy back here then think again because, I’ll tell you now, no man is coming a step inside my gaff. If you’re going to have sex, go to his house or something.”

  Grace knew she’d rattled his cage and smirked. “Listen, I’m going nowhere. If I choose to bring a man back to my home then so be it. You’ll just have to go out or something won’t you?”

  He banged his flat palm on the wall just over her head, he meant business. “Don’t wind me up Grace, you’ve been warned.”

  There was no way she was letting her husband rule her life. She moved out of his way and opened the front door ready to leave. His bark was worst than his bite, and if the truth was known she was always the violent one in their marriage. The cold air hit her and she pulled her coat tightly around herself. “Don’t wait up Martin. It’s going to be a long night for me,” she shouted over her shoulder as she walked down the garden path, her body shook inside as she heard the front door bang behind her.

  Heading to the bus stop Grace dipped her head low. The wind was circling around her and she was finding it hard to walk. The sound of the passing traffic made her wish she’d learned to drive when she was younger, her life would have been so much easier now. Once she’d paid her fare she sat down with her handbag resting on her legs. Martin was lying heavily on her mind and she knew this situation would either make or break her, checking her watch quickly she made a detour before she went to meet Danny.

  Grace knocked at the door and stood back waiting anxiously. She knew that today wasn’t her therapy day, but she needed some urgent help before she did something she might regret. The door opened and Marcy was stood there with a smile on her face. “Grace, it’s not our appointment today is it?”

  Grace shook her head and dug her hands in her coat pocket. “I know Marcy; I just need some advice before I crack up under the pressure. Can I just come and sit with you for ten minutes. I won’t stay any longer I just need to clear my head.”

  Marcy opened the door wide and welcomed her in. She had appointments today but they weren’t due for another half an hour. “Of course Grace, come inside out of the cold. Do you want a cup of tea or something?”

  Grace declined, she knew this woman's time was important and wanted to get straight to the point. Marcy led her to a smaller room at the side of the corridor; this wasn’t the usual room she held her classes in. Once inside Grace sat down and dragged her coat off as if it was suffocating her. “It’s Martin, he’s come back to the house and said he’s not leaving. Marcy, I can’t have him back under the same roof as me. He thinks it’s all a game, but I’ll end up doing him in if he stays a minute longer.”

  Marcy reached over and cupped Grace’s hand in hers. “Just calm down, let’s talk about this and see what the best options are?”

  Grace was frantic. “The only option is to get him out of my house. He said it’s half his home and he’s well within his rights to stay there too. Oh Marcy, what am I going to do, he’s got me bang to rights hasn’t he?”

  Marcy passed a box of tissues over to her client. She was like a fish out of water with this one; she was a heartache therapist, not a solicitor. Marcy was thinking, suddenly she reached over to her laptop and started typing, eyes glued to the screen she held a serious look on her face. “You need to go and see a solicitor Grace. Martin’s right, he does have the same rights as you to be at the house. It would be different if you had small children living at home or if he was violent towards you, but without that, your hands are tied.”

  Grace paused and she dabbed the tissue in the corner of her eyes. “Are you telling me if Martin was violent, he would have to leave?”

  Marcy carried on reading from the screen and lifted her head slowly. “Yes, that’s what it says here online.”

  Grace knew given the opportunity Martin would swing for her, he’d raised his fist to her in the past and she knew he had a short fuse. Marcy carried on reading, trying to get as much information as she could about her client’s situation. She stood up and walked over to the printer. Picking up the white sheets of paper she read over them slowly. “Here’s a list of solicitors in Manchester. They all deal with cases like yours every day. It might be worth giving them a ring.”

  Grace took the papers from her hand and shoved it straight into her handbag. She had her own ideas of getting rid of her husband now and using a solicitor was the last thing on her mind. Grace sat chatting with Marcy and her mood seemed to have lifted as they came to the end of their chat. Grace reached for her coat and started to get ready to leave. “Marcy, you are a life saver you know. Honest, hand on my heart, I owe you my life.”

  Marcy smiled and looked embarrassed. “You have helped yourself Grace, I’ve just listened that’s all.” Grace left the room and headed to meet Danny. She had a bounce in her step and seemed to have got a second wind.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Harry yanked his crisp white boxer shorts over his firm thighs. He’d really pushed the boat out with his underwear. Calvin Klein was an expensive make and a million miles away from the normal superstore brand he usually wore. Reaching over to the bedside cabinet he squirted his favourite aftershave ‘Joop’ all over his body, he smirked as he pulled the front of them open and sprayed his wedding tackle. This was his pulling juice, or so he thought. He’d often referred to his aftershave as a fanny magnet in the past and he was hoping tonight it worked its powers on his date with Amanda.

  The bedroom door opened slowly and his sister Kerry was stood there with her hand fixed firmly on her waist. “Fuck me Harry, what’s all the aftershave abo
ut? It smells like a prostitute’s handbag in here.”

  Harry chuckled and reached over for his new beige canvass pants. “It’s my pussy potion,” he sniggered.

  Kerry walked inside the room and plonked down on the bed, she was studying her brother. Something had changed in him over the last few days and she wanted to get to the bottom of it, looping her hands behind her head she started to probe deeper. “Well, what’s her name then? Don’t lie, because I know you’re seeing someone. Even Jordan has said you’ve changed lately.”

  Harry sat on the edge of the bed and started to put his trainers on, he twisted his head back towards her. “You two are up it if you think I’ve got a woman on the go. Let me tell you, it’s not through the lack of trying neither. I’ve got cock block at the moment.”

  Kerry sat up and inhaled deeply. “What’s all the aftershave for then, and,” she grabbed his chin in her hands, “you’ve had a shave too.”

  Harry pulled away from her and stood to his feet. “I’m going to see Amanda for your information. You know the girl from my therapy classes?”

  Kerry’s face creased as she sat thinking. “You said she was a nutter, why are you going to see her?”

  Harry tapped the side of his nose, he loved it that Kerry didn’t have a clue what was happening and he teased her further. “Ask no questions and I’ll tell you no lies.”

  Kerry pounced on him and they were rolling about the bed giggling. “Orr come on Harry, tell me what’s going on. You know I love a bit of gossip?”

  Harry poked his finger in her waist and made her scream out laughing. “No Kerry, there’s nothing to tell you. Honest! On my life, this girl is just helping me get back on my feet, that’s all.”

  She broke away from him; it was so nice to see him smiling again. Her face suddenly dropped and she clenched her teeth tightly together. “You better not be meeting Jenny. I swear to you, if I find out you’ve been anywhere near that tramp you’re finished with me. Remember what that woman did to you!” she paced the bedroom floor panting for breath. “She’s a slapper, you need to keep well away from her. You could have been dead for all she cared, that woman is selfish.”

  Harry’s face creased at the sides. Just the mention of this woman’s name sent shivers down his spine. “Are you right in the bleeding head Kerry?” he pointed his finger at her. “I’ve not seen Jenny for months. Thanks a lot for reminding me of her now. For fucks sake you’ve put me on a right downer.”

  Kerry realised she was barking up the wrong tree and ran to his side, there was no way she wanted him to fall back into the black hole of despair that he’d just climbed out of, she back-pedalled. “I’m sorry, okay. I just had a bit of a magic moment and thought you were back with her that’s all. I’m sorry.”

  Harry was on one and stood in the mirror with a sour expression. “Right, just leave me to get ready will you? I’m late as it is.”

  Kerry dipped her head as she trudged from the bedroom, she stood at the door for a few seconds before she left, she seemed as though she was going to say something else but decided not to at the last minute. The door slammed shut, Harry was alone again. His chest was rising faster than normal and his nostrils were flaring. Kerry had definitely put him on a downer.

  Amanda clipped the last piece of her hair up and stood back from the mirror admiring herself. She didn’t look like the same woman, she was stunning. Her make-up was gentle and not over the top, she hated caking her face in products, she liked the natural look. Less was more she always said, and she was right, she looked amazing. Twisting her head over to the white wardrobe at the side of her she stood up and walked over to the black dress that was hung up there. Stroking her hand over it slowly she bent her head into it and inhaled the scent. The last time she’d worn this little number was with Paul, her eyes closed slowly. She was remembering their time together. Eyes open, she slowly lifted the dress from the hanger, it was time to get ready. Harry would be here soon and she’d not done half the things that she wanted to do before her guest arrived. With a quick squirt of fragrance she slipped her red shoes onto her feet. One last look into the mirror and Amanda left the room.

  The living room was dimly lit with burning candles, it looked romantic and the perfect setting for a intimate first date. Amanda froze as her eyes shot to the back of the room. Paul’s photograph was there staring at her. Her jaw dropped as she sprinted over to it. Lifting the photo frame in her hands she held it to her heart. “Paul, this isn’t what you think. I’m just helping a friend out that’s all. I will never love anyone like I love you. This is just,” she tilted her head to the side and chewed on the side of her lip. “It’s just me trying to move on I suppose.” As if the photo frame was burning her fingers she quickly placed it back on the cabinet. This time though she made sure it faced the wrong way. There was no way she wanted her deceased partner’s eyes on her when she was with Harry. There was a knock at the door. “Hold on, will you. I’m coming,” she shrieked at the top of her voice. Amanda hurried into the hallway and opened the door, she was angry. “Bleeding hell, you knock like I owe you some money.”

  Harry smiled and pulled out a bunch of flowers from behind his back. “Ta-dah,” he was waiting for her reaction. Amanda ignored him and walked straight back into the front room. Harry followed her, once he’d closed the front door and coughed to clear his throat. “Don’t tell me I’ve brought the wrong bleeding flowers? I thought all you women liked flowers and all that?”

  Amanda knew she’d overreacted and tried to make amends. “Give them here while I put them into some water before they snuff it. Thanks Harry, they’re beautiful.” She left the room and walked into the kitchen. Harry shot his eyes around the room and he was impressed, he jerked his head forward slowly. Amanda had made a big effort in setting a romantic scene. Checking she wasn’t watching him he held his hand up to his mouth and tested his breath. Nodding his head slowly he was pleased he’d passed, his breath was fresh. Amanda came back into the room holding two glasses and a bottle of white wine. “Here, make yourself useful and pour us both a drink while I put some music on.”

  Harry obeyed her and sat down on the sofa. As she walked passed him she sniffed hard. “Bloody hell, have you had a bath in aftershave or what?”

  His face was going redder by the second; he was out of his comfort zone. “No, you cheeky get I haven’t. I only put a few squirts on. It’s just strong stuff that’s all.”

  Amanda carried on walking to the stereo. “You can say that again. I can taste it at the back of my throat,” she exaggerated a cough and banged her clenched fist onto her chest.

  Harry shook his head and tried to ignore her, but she was making him laugh. A “Dido” song called, “White Flag” started playing in the background. It wasn’t loud; it was just playing softly. Amanda sat down and looked Harry straight in the eyes. “I’ve made us something to eat. I hope you like fish?”

  Harry’s jaw dropped. He wasn’t a fussy eater or anything, but fish, he just couldn’t stomach it. Playing frantically with his fingertips he dropped the bombshell on her. “I don’t like fish love. I’ve not eaten it since junior school. Honest, ask anyone who knows me. I’m not lying”

  Amanda was in a panic. She hadn’t planned on making anything else. “What are we going to do then? It’s what I’ve made for us?”

  Harry reached his hand over to her and patted her knees slowly. “We can have a takeaway. I’ll pay for it of course.”

  Amanda seemed to relax, the problem was solved. Harry rubbed the bottom of his stomach. “We can have a curry if you want, that’s if you don’t mind a bit of ring sting in the morning?”

  Amanda roared laughing and licked her lips slowly. “I’m fine with a curry. To tell you the truth I’ve not had one in ages. Well, since Paul was here.”

  Harry raised his eyes to the ceiling, he was sick to death of hearing this man’s name. Amanda watched him closely and she could have kicked herself for speaking about Paul. She tried to make light of the matter. �
�Right, if I say Paul’s name again tonight, just hit me.”

  Harry rubbed his knuckles onto her head and chuckled loudly. “Thank God you said that. I couldn’t stand another night listening to you ramble on about St Paul all bleeding night again.”

  With the ice broken the date began. Harry looked at Amanda and for the first time tonight he realised how much of an effort she’d made to impress him in her appearance. “You scrub up well love. I’ve never noticed it before but your eyes are blue aren’t they?”

  Amanda shied away and held her hand over them. “Come to bed eyes the boys used to call them when I was younger.”

  He threw the cream fluffy cushion at her and watching her trying to duck away from it. “Get a grip will you, they’re more like don’t come near me eyes.”

  Amanda looked serious, was she that cold towards people these days? She sat sulking staring at the floor; his words had obviously hit a nerve. Harry eventually ordered the food and they both sat talking. With a shy look on his face Harry whispered in a low voice. “So, am I doing all right at this dating game or what?” he nudged her playfully.

  Amanda’s eyes were wide open; she’d forgotten why he was even there. It all felt so natural. Flicking her hair back she swallowed hard. “Yes, you’re doing alright I suppose. A bit full of yourself, but I can teach you to curb that. The flowers were a good gesture too, so you’ll earn a few brownie points off them when you finally go out on a date.”

  Harry was frustrated and sat cracking his knuckles. “I should know how to treat a woman though shouldn’t I? I’m not that bad of a person am I?”

  “No, you’re lovely,” she whispered as she wriggled about in her chair. “You just need to be polished up that’s all.”

  Harry kicked his shoes off, they were strangling his feet. “Can I put my feet up? I wouldn’t do this on a proper date, but we’re like old friends aren’t we?”

  Amanda nodded and watched him sprawl out on the sofa. It was good to have a man about the house again. “Come and get on here with me Amanda, we can have a little chat until the food arrives. Let me peck your head for some tips on women and what they really like.” Her feet seemed to have a mind of their own, without her knowing it they led her straight to his side. He pulled her by the arm next to him before she had chance to change her mind. “I’ll move over and you can start talking. This can be the therapy sofa.” He was chuckling loudly as Amanda lay down next to him, she didn’t look comfortable and she was edgy, fidgeting. Harry turned to face her; she could feel his warm breath on her cheeks. This was the closest she’d been to a man in a long time. Eyes locked they held a look at each other that seemed to last forever. “Am I expected to kiss on my first date or what?”