Kitty's Countryside Dream

by Christie Barlow

  ‘Shall we find somewhere quiet to talk?’ he suggested.

  I nodded and followed him down the maze of corridors. Pushing open the double doors to the exit, we made our way to a wooden bench positioned not far from the hospital entrance. We sat down; things felt tense.

  Tom broke the ice. ‘Are you OK?’

  Staring into his eyes, I gave him a nervous smile.

  ‘You’re shaking,’ he noticed.

  ‘It’s the chill in the air; it’s a little nippy now.’

  ‘Here, take this,’ he said, slipping his jacket around my shoulders, his arm lingering for a few seconds.

  ‘Thanks.’

  His eyes seem sad. The poor man was most likely confused, because I knew I was. He was probably looking for a nice straightforward relationship and in a short space of time his girlfriend was pregnant and he’d nearly ended up kissing me.

  ‘I should have known someone like you wouldn’t be single for long.’ He looked down at the floor, avoiding all eye contact.

  What the heck was he going on about?

  He lifted his head up, but his eyes were closed and he shook his head. ‘I just wish you’d been honest with me.’

  Me be honest with him? I was lost for words; what the hell had I managed to do wrong?

  He opened his eyes and looked straight at me; my eyes met his with disbelief. I shook my head and laughed self-consciously. ‘I’m sorry, I don’t follow.’

  ‘There’s no use pretending, Kitty. I saw you; I saw you both.’

  I was completely flummoxed. I had no idea what he was talking about.

  ‘I wanted to call you but I couldn’t. I thought about it for hours, but I don’t want to stand in your way.’

  ‘My way?’ I questioned. ‘What about your way?’ I was beginning to feel a little agitated now.

  ‘My way?’ he repeated. ‘I’ve been honest with you right from the very start.’

  ‘I wouldn’t go that far,’ I retaliated.

  ‘I’ll come straight to the point then,’ he blurted. His voice seemed distant and cold.

  ‘Please do.’

  Just then the double doors to the entrance of the hospital were flung open. ‘There you are, Kitty. Come on, we’re here for a girly chat and at this rate all the chocolate will be eaten!’ Lucinda shouted across to me.

  ‘Unfortunate timing,’ mumbled Tom.

  Turning towards him, I said, ‘I best go and I’ll look forward to hearing all about the baby names you and Jeannie have come up with.’

  ‘What on earth are you on about?’ he demanded.

  Standing up, I didn’t answer him. I was fuming. How could he sit there and accuse me of not being honest? I handed him his jacket back and walked off in the opposite direction. I didn’t look back.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  The following evening I met Lucinda on the corner of the high street and we walked to the bistro. Sitting down at a table, we ordered a bottle of crisp white wine to share. It was a quaint little place; the lighting was dimmed, with tea lights flickering on every table. The whole place had an olde-worlde feel about it. The menu was simple but offered a delicious range of food. We both ordered penne along with a fresh green tomato salad accompanied by garlic bread. I was looking forward to a decent meal. I didn’t have any inspiration when it came to cooking for me; it was always easier to bung a meal for one in the microwave. So this was certainly a welcome change.

  Taking a sip of the wine, I began to relax. I was glad my working day was over. Things were strained at the farm; Tom had barely spoken to me and I’d barely spoken to him either. For most of the day he’d stayed out of my way, mending the fences down at the bottom field. The only words I can remember him saying were, ‘You’ve done a grand job of cleaning those coops; you could eat your dinner off the floor in those.’ I’d nodded and he’d disappeared again. I didn’t see him after that.

  ‘That was a huge sigh. Have you had a difficult day?’ Lucinda asked, pouring more wine into my glass.

  ‘I have to say this wine is going down way too quickly,’ I answered, ‘and I’m certainly glad today is over.’

  ‘Me too. I’m ready for some me time. The bakery has been so busy in recent weeks, I feel like I’ve lost all contact with the outside world. So what’s been going on today? Tell me all about it.’

  I contemplated spilling the life of Kitty Lewis to Lucinda, including my feelings for Tom, but before I could think about it anymore the waitress was wandering over to our table, balancing two bowls of pasta, salads and garlic bread in her hands. Placing the plates of food down in front of us, she asked whether there was anything else we needed before disappearing off to fetch the bill for the table next to us.

  ‘Wow, this looks delicious. You go first. The bakery being busy must be a good thing, right?’ I asked, changing the subject quickly.

  ‘It most definitely is. I’ve had a couple of extravagant wedding cakes to bake this week and in-between the usual orders I’ve been interviewing for new staff. I’m expanding.’

  ‘That all sounds very exciting – tell me more,’ I enthused.

  ‘I’ve been doing a little research into opening another shop and I think it may just happen. I’ve been interviewing for a manager, someone I could trust to take over the daily running of the bakery and manage the staff, which will take the pressure off me whilst I set up the second shop.’

  ‘Lucinda, that’s fabulous! Have you found some new premises?’

  Lucinda nodded. ‘I’ve seen a few places and I’ve settled on one in a brilliant location in the next town, so fingers crossed. It’s in the early stages and I’m still in the negotiation phase, but I’ve got a feeling the small shop will be mine very soon. I’m also toying with the idea of opening up a small teashop attached to it,’ she said, grinning.

  ‘You could easily do that with your talent. And owning your own little teashop? Wow, that’s every little girl’s dream. Vintage teacups, slices of home-baked cakes, I’m there already!’

  ‘Keep it under your hat until all the Is are dotted and the Ts are crossed; I don’t want to tempt fate.’

  ‘Your secret is safe with me.’

  ‘The only downfall is that I’ll have less time to find a man,’ she said, laughing.

  ‘They’ll be flocking to you once you’ve made your first million; you’ll have the pick of the bunch.’

  ‘Let’s hope so because I’m not sure I can spend many more evenings as a lonely woman. I’d just love a cuddle from time to time.’

  Visions of Tom seeped into my mind again. For the past few evenings I’d woken up sweating – I’d begun to dream about him. The dreams were so vivid, so real, and my mood had most definitely dipped when I awoke, knowing that the fantasy was just that – a fantasy. I knew exactly how Lucinda felt, but luckily for me I had Alfie to keep me company.

  A few seconds later the waitress ambled back over and asked us whether everything was OK with our meals. We both nodded and she smiled and flitted to the next table. It was the most delicious meal I’d eaten in a long while. Being reckless we decided to order another bottle of wine.

  ‘What about you, Kitty, what’s happening with you?’ Lucinda was looking straight at me. ‘You seemed a little preoccupied last night at the hospital, and I don’t think I’m speaking out of turn when I say Jeannie is worried about you too.’

  Placing my knife and fork down on the table, I met Lucinda’s gaze. ‘Jeannie? Why’s Jeannie worried about me?’

  ‘She’s not daft, Kitty; she could see you were upset last night when you came back in the room after speaking with Tom. We both could.’

  She reached across the table and squeezed my hand. ‘She’s worried about you and Tom.’

  My stomach lurched and I felt physically sick.

  Lucinda was still staring at me.

  ‘I’m so sorry,’ I managed, blinking away the tears.

  ‘You don’t need to be sorry, but the only advice I can offer you is that you need to sort the situation s
ooner rather than later.’

  I brushed away a lone tear that had escaped and was now running down my cheek.

  ‘How long have you known?’ I asked.

  ‘Jeannie told me all last night when you’d disappeared after Tom; she’s been really upset about it.’

  ‘I can’t apologise enough. I didn’t mean to upset her – with everything she’s going through too. I’ve been such a rubbish friend. I tried to fight it, I really did but …’ Placing my head in my hands, I couldn’t bear this conversation; it shouldn’t be happening. I felt so low, but it was probably nothing compared to what Jeannie was going through knowing that I had feelings for Tom.

  ‘Hey, there’s no need for these tears; I’m sure we can sort this out.’ She smiled kindly, rummaging in her handbag, then handed me a tissue over the table.

  ‘Thank you, but I don’t deserve your kindness. I would understand if neither of you wanted to speak to me again. You must both be disappointed in me,’ I said wearily.

  ‘Don’t be overdramatic. Why wouldn’t we want to speak to you again?’ She laughed. Why was she being so kind to me?

  I looked up and our eyes met. She pulled a sympathetic face. ‘You and Tom just need your heads banging together.’

  ‘What do you mean we need our heads banging together?’ I was confused now.

  ‘Can I ask you a question first?’

  I had a feeling if I’d have said no, Lucinda would have asked anyway, and I wasn’t going anywhere fast. If both she and Jeannie knew of my feelings towards Tom, I may as well get it out in the open.

  ‘Go on …’ I waited.

  ‘Out of curiosity, do you have any feelings towards Robin?’

  Well, that wasn’t a question I was expecting. ‘Robin? What’s Robin got to do with anything?’

  ‘Just answer me; it’s not a trick question,’ she said, smiling.

  Taking a huge gulp of wine from the glass, I swiftly filled it up again.

  ‘Such a cliché I know, but Robin and I are friends. I have no romantic feelings for him at all. Truth be told, I feel very comfortable in his company, but I think of him more as the big brother I never had.’

  ‘So nothing whatsoever has happened with him?’

  ‘Er no, of course not. Why do you ask? Where is this going?’ I was even more confused now.

  ‘Because before we arrived at the hospital last night, Tom had told Jeannie that you were dating Robin.’

  ‘He needs to get his facts straight! Where the hell would he come up with that from? I’ve been straight with Robin, and he knows the situation between us.’

  ‘Tom saw you.’

  ‘Tom saw me doing what?’

  ‘He told Jeannie he saw you through the window.’

  ‘What window?’

  ‘Your living-room window.’

  ‘Lucinda, you’re talking in riddles. Please just tell me what you know,’ I begged.

  ‘Tom spent an hour by Jeannie’s bed; he was beside himself. Eventually Jeannie extracted the information out of him. He told her about his feelings for you, he revealed the moment in the kitchen when he was sure you would kiss. He came back that night, Kitty, and he spotted Robin’s car outside. He waited for an hour or so and it was still there. The curtains to the living room were open, the light was on and he was about to knock on the door, but when he looked in the window he spotted you both with your arms around each other on the sofa. He left and went home.’

  My mind was in a whirl – what must Jeannie think of me? I couldn’t believe Tom had revealed we nearly kissed. She had every right to be cross with me. Not only was she lying in hospital with low blood pressure, hooked up to a drip, she had to lie there and listen to the father of her baby stating we’d nearly kissed. Whatever was he thinking? Why would he tell her without thinking of the consequences and why didn’t he discuss it with me first?

  ‘I’m so sorry, I really am.’

  ‘Stop saying sorry; he was honest about his feelings for you and thought you were making progress until Jeannie was rushed into hospital.’

  ‘I need to go and see Jeannie and apologise. I hope she’ll forgive me; I didn’t mean for her to be upset.’

  ‘She has nothing to forgive you for. No, Kitty, it’s you talking in riddles now.’

  I paused.

  ‘Why do you want Jeannie’s forgiveness?’ Lucinda’s eyes were locked on mine. She took a sip of wine and waited for me to answer.

  ‘Because I’m in love with Tom, and he’s the baby’s father,’ I blurted.

  Lucinda burst out laughing.

  ‘You silly fool, whatever gave you that idea?’ she asked. ‘Tom’s not the father. Jeannie was upset because you pair seem to be going round in circles, and not realising that you’re totally perfect for each other. Quite simply, Tom has fallen in love with you, Kitty, and thinks you don’t want him.’

  ‘Well if Tom isn’t the father, then who the heck is?’ I asked.

  ‘I’ll leave Jeannie to tell you that one.’

  ‘I can’t tell you the relief I feel! So there’s nothing stopping me being with Tom after all?’

  ‘Absolutely nothing at all,’ Lucinda confirmed.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Stepping off the bus, I gazed up at the hospital building in front of me. The trees were rustling in the light breeze and despite the people bustling around me and the constant drone of the traffic in the street, I felt a sense of calm. Last night I’d slept right through; in fact a full eight hours. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had a decent night’s sleep, and I certainly felt better for it.

  Right now I needed to see Jeannie; I couldn’t believe I’d got the situation so wrong. I knew once I’d seen her I would go and find Tom; he’d be up at the Lodge and I would try to put this situation right. He was probably wondering why I hadn’t turned up for work as yet, but I’d be there soon enough. Walking up the light and airy corridors of the hospital towards Jeannie’s room, I smiled to myself. I had a feeling today was going to be a good day.

  Opening the door to her room, Jeannie was sitting up in bed, flicking through a magazine.

  ‘Good morning,’ I said cheerfully.

  ‘Good morning, yourself. I’d get out of bed and give you a hug but unfortunately I’m still hooked up to these wires,’ she said, smiling, and nodded towards the bleeping contraption beside her. ‘I think they’ll let me out tomorrow now my ketones are back where they should be. They just want to make sure they’re stable for twenty-four hours.’

  ‘Ketones?’

  ‘Something to do with dehydration; some women suffer for the whole of the pregnancy, but it varies.’

  I settled on the chair next to her bed.

  ‘Well, you’re definitely looking more alive.’

  ‘Ha ha, do you reckon? Because I think I look a mess, and I without a doubt I feel yucky.’ Jeannie grinned.

  ‘Don’t be daft; you don’t look a mess. But to be honest you could be arrested by the fashion police for wearing that hospital gown; it doesn’t do anything for you!’ I teased.

  ‘I wish I could get out of here now; my patience is wearing thin and I’m bored silly staring at these four walls. I know it’s only been a few days, but there are only so many celebrity magazines I can read before my eyes start to glaze over. I’m sick to death of reading about their latest fad whilst they flaunt their perfect bodies.’ Jeannie tossed the magazine down on the bed.

  I laughed. Picking up the magazine, I perused the photo on the front cover advertising yet another celebrity exercise video, with the before and after picture of a woman parading around in a bikini and sparkly silver high heels. I didn’t have a clue who she was.

  ‘Have you eaten this morning?’

  ‘Now you sound like my father,’ she replied. ‘Hospital food isn’t the best, but my appetite has returned thanks to the secret stash of goodies Lucinda’s been sneaking in.’ She nodded towards the drawer of the bedside table. ‘If it wasn’t for her I’d have been starving, never m
ind dehydrated, and I never want to see another creamed potato as long as I live.’

  ‘I’ve been feeling like the worst friend in the world recently,’ I admitted.

  ‘Why, what have you been up to? I’ve only left you alone for a few days; surely you couldn’t have got yourself into that much trouble?’

  ‘Do you want a bet? Being single, an idiot and not getting the correct end of the stick is no easy run,’ I joked.

  ‘And here was me thinking I was the only idiot around here.’ She winked.

  ‘It was way back at the Easter-egg hunt at the Lodge, I stumbled across the romantic setting in the stable and I assumed that it was for you and Tom.’

  Jeannie’s mouth fell open and her eyes widened. ‘Me and Tom, whatever gave you that idea?’

  ‘The double-date fiasco. The night at the pub – the one we shared with Robin and Tom.’

  ‘Fiasco? I had a fun time. Well maybe just a little too much fun in my case.’ She smiled, rubbing her stomach.

  ‘We were sitting in my kitchen and you told me you were dating Tom and my date for the night was Robin. At that point I already had feelings for Tom. I was in two minds whether to go but I talked myself into it only because I’d convinced myself it was unethical to have any type of relationship with Tom except a working one, me being his boss and all that, and I thought you two were together.’

  Jeannie rolled her eyes. ‘Tom isn’t my type. I prefer the rough-and-ready type of guy; Tom is more the dependable, loving sort.’

  ‘But you set me up with Robin.’

  ‘Yes, initially, only because Robin spotted you at the market, and yes it was his idea for us all to spend the evening together. But anyone with an ounce of intelligence could see the sparks were flying between you and Tom that night; the pair of you barely took your eyes off each other.’

  ‘I thought I’d hidden it well.’ I smiled broadly.

  ‘That would be a big fat no! You could see Tom was on pins all night, thinking you were going to go out with Robin.’