A Girl Called London

by Clare Lydon

  The lift made it to the ground floor and the doors slid open. Tanya walked forward first, at the same time as Sophie, and their bodies pressed together again, more familiar this time. Was it just Tanya’s imagination or did Sophie lean in slightly?

  She knew she had.

  When Tanya glanced up at Sophie, their eyes met once more and for a split second, the world wobbled, just as it had before a few weeks back. Did Sophie feel it, too? Or did she still think Tanya was the world’s biggest idiot? Tanya would love to know, but now wasn’t the time to ask. Not with a house move to do, and Alice and Jake behind them.

  “Sorry,” Sophie said, her gaze sliding down Tanya’s face as she bit her lip.

  All of which made Tanya wobble that bit more internally, but from the outside she hoped she looked cool, calm and collected — it was, after all, Tanya’s signature brand.

  “My fault,” Tanya said as she waved her arm, waiting for Sophie to walk ahead.

  This morning, Sophie looked very different to how she had when Tanya had first run into her, and it wasn’t simply that her hair was styled just-so and she looked shower-fresh. She was also exuding an air of confidence that hadn’t been there before, one Tanya was instantly drawn to.

  “So I’ll see you around, now we’re neighbours,” Tanya said, controlling her breathing and hoping her cheeks weren’t actually alight as she imagined they were.

  “I’ll probably see you in the lift,” Sophie said with a tiny smile, glancing at Tanya. Then, just as quickly, she checked her watch and turned on her heel. “I’ve gotta run — but if you need anything, Rachel and I live in flat 20, so just knock.” She turned to Alice and Jake. “Nice to meet you both, good luck with the move!”

  With that, Sophie gave Tanya a wave, before hesitating, shaking her head and walking off.

  “So I take it that was the woman you nearly knocked out when you were checking out the flat,” Alice said, watching her go.

  “The very same,” Tanya replied, her heartbeat pounding in her ears.

  “What you failed to mention in your original report was that she was stunning. I mean, did you see the eyes on her? And her perfect figure? Honey, I’d turn for her.”

  Tanya rolled her eyes. “You’re straight, remember?” She paused. “But anyway, she just told us she lives with Rachel, so she’s not available.” Tanya didn’t want to discuss this any further with Alice this morning: she was only just digesting the new and improved Lift Woman, whose name she now knew was Sophie. She’d never met a Sophie before.

  Sophie sounded exotic, a little French, like a movie star from the golden era.

  Sophie. Tanya liked the way the name rolled around on her tongue. She liked the way it tasted.

  She shook her head to clear her thoughts. She had a sofa to move, no time to ponder a new woman on the horizon. Today was all about settling in and getting her bearings. And first of all, moving the damn sofa.

  She flicked her head towards the van, where Jake was already up and shifting the sofa to the edge of the van’s floor. Tanya and Alice ran to the back of the van to help him.

  “If I shove this over the edge, are you two ready to catch it?” he said.

  Alice gave him a look. “Ha ha, very funny.”

  “It’s not that far off the truth — I’ll hold it, but you’re going to have to take its weight. Ready?”

  Tanya nodded up to Jake, holding out her arms. “I’ll get this end, you get the other, Alice, okay?”

  “On it,” Alice said, holding out her arms, too, as Jake shifted the sofa over the van’s edge.

  “Okay?” he asked as the sofa slid forwards and then pitched down sharply, quicker than Tanya had imagined. Tanya let out an ‘ooomph!’ as the sofa landed heavily in her midriff, but she caught it. However, the force of it meant she staggered backwards a little, but she took a moment and managed to hold it.

  “You okay?” Jake asked, concern on his face as Tanya looked up.

  “I think so,” Tanya said, trying to balance the sofa’s weight. “Yeah, I think I’m okay.” But then she glanced left, where Alice’s features were creased with concern. She was struggling to hold the sofa.

  “You got it, Alice?” Jake asked.

  “I have, but the leg is stuck in my ribs. It really hurts!” Alice replied.

  Tanya could see the sofa was lurching left where Alice didn’t have it balanced. She thought hard for a solution, but she couldn’t see an obvious one.

  “I can’t move or I’ll drop it, and then you’ll have more weight,” Tanya said, her voice rising. She didn’t want anyone injured and she didn’t want a buggered sofa. They were in a pickle and she leaned backwards, trying to get the attention of Roger the concierge, but he was on the phone.

  “And if I let go you’re both buggered,” Jake said from above them, where he was still holding onto the other end of the sofa.

  “Should we try to push it back up and try a different angle?” Tanya asked.

  “Maybe,” Jake replied.

  “Can I help?” said a voice from behind.

  When Tanya turned her head, that voice belonged to Sophie. “I forgot my headphones, just came back for them.” She immediately sprang to the middle of the sofa and took the weight, which freed the leg from Alice’s ribs.

  “Oh, thank god.” Alice said, breathing out. “I thought it was going to puncture my lung.”

  “No problem,” Sophie replied, smiling at Tanya.

  “Alice — if you let Sophie take your end, you can you take one side of my end, then hopefully we can get it down?” Jake said, pointing.

  Alice made sure Sophie was okay, then she ran around and did as Jake instructed. Together, with lots of shouting and coaxing, they managed to get the sofa to the ground unscathed. When its legs touched the floor, Tanya let out a sigh. “Thanks so much, we nearly had casualties then,” she said, smiling at Sophie.

  “You need a hand getting it up the stairs, too?” Sophie asked.

  “We might,” Tanya said. “Do you have time?”

  Sophie nodded. “Sure.”

  Tanya tried not to focus on Sophie’s strong build as they lifted the sofa on the count of three, getting it through the front door with the help of Roger the concierge holding the lift door. Then they all wedged themselves and the sofa inside — it was a tight squeeze. It was only when the doors shut Tanya realised Sophie was stuck on the back wall again, this time pinned by her sofa.

  “I seem to do this to you a lot, don’t I?” Tanya said, grinning.

  “I guess I’m coming to floor 30 with you,” Sophie replied.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Sophie followed Tanya out onto the balcony, accepting the offer of a river view. Alice and Jake had disappeared downstairs to get the last few boxes, which left just the two of them. However, it didn’t feel as awkward as their first exchanges — perhaps Sophie had been a little hasty in judging her new neighbour.

  “Like I said, if you need anything, let us know. Not just a cup of sugar or a stick of butter, but good pubs to go to, restaurants, shops. We’ve lived here for a year, so we’re locals now.”

  “I’ll do that, thanks,” Tanya said.

  “This really is a lovely flat — two bedrooms as well. Are your friends moving in, too?” Sophie’s gaze was raking the view, revelling in the lunchtime sunshine. She checked her watch: she needed to get a move on if she was going to make her appointment, but she didn’t want to move from this particular spot. Outside space was at a premium in London, and it was what she missed the most living in her flat.

  Tanya shook her head. “On my own — Alice and Jake are just helping me today.”

  Sophie tried to keep a hold on her facial muscles, but she knew they’d gone into surprise mode. “Wow,” she said. “Are you a not-so-secret millionaire?” Sophie knew what these flats went for, and it wasn’t anything near what she could afford. Then again, that would be something no bigger than a shoe box, so it wasn’t an ultra-reliable barometer.

  Tanya laughe
d, and her face lit up when she did. She was so different from that first morning they’d met: friendly, helpful, grateful for Sophie’s help. Sophie much preferred this version than what she’d got on day one.

  “Not a millionaire, no. But my ex and I sold a house when we split up two years ago, so I had money from that.” Tanya’s face clouded over then. “Plus, my gran gave me some cash, so there was that, too.”

  Sophie’s stomach dropped: she shouldn’t have pried, Tanya’s whole persona had changed in an instant. She’d gone from sunshine to stormy in the blink of an eye. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I shouldn’t have asked.”

  Tanya shook her head, painting a water-coloured smile on her face. “It’s fine — I’ve just been lucky in some ways, buying and selling at the right time. My ex is still sitting on her pile of cash, so she’s lucky, too. And now, here I am.” Tanya splayed her hands wide. “On the waterfront in Woolwich. A far cry from where I was living in Finchley, but I think it was the right move. At least, I hope it will be.”

  Sophie smiled at her new neighbour: so Tanya’s ex was a woman and she had a balcony to die for. She chewed over those bits of information before replying. Tanya was a lesbian, which she’d thought she might be. However, now it was confirmed, Sophie was inordinately pleased, a happy grin tugging at the corners of her mouth.

  “I’m sure you’ll be happy in this flat, how could you not be?” she said. “And if it helps, Rachel and I — my flatmate by the way — we did the same. We moved from north London to south, and contrary to popular belief, the world did not end.”

  Sophie still recalled her dad’s horror when she’d told him. “My dad thought I was selling my soul to the devil, but even he can see the benefits of living here. We just rent, but one day, I’d love to buy a flat as nice as this one.” Sophie gave Tanya a smile and wandered back into the living room. “You’ve done really well.”

  “Thanks,” Tanya said. “And thanks again for your help, too.”

  Sophie checked her watch again. “No worries,” she said. “But I have to dash, I’ve got a client I have to meet. My first one.”

  “Client? What do you do?”

  “I’ve just started a dog-walking business. New venture, new horizons.”

  Tanya gave an impressed nod. “For you and me both,” she said, sweeping her hand around the flat. “Good luck with your new client. And I hope to see you around.”

  Sophie gave her a full-beam smile.

  Much to her surprise, she hoped so, too.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “I can’t believe it — you’re finally a home owner!” Meg hugged Tanya as she sat down opposite her in a café called Porter’s. Seemingly custom-made to make you feel good about yourself, it was a mass of huge windows that bathed you in natural light, coupled with righteous coffee and incredible-looking food.

  Meg was Tanya’s ex-girlfriend, and after some time navigating their post-relationship status, they were now back to being friends. Tanya was thrilled it had finally happened — she never wanted to be without Meg in her life. Porter’s was just around the corner from the flat Meg shared with her wife Kate, and Meg was clearly a regular, greeting all the staff like they were long lost friends.

  “I am indeed,” Tanya replied, leaning back in her wooden chair. Her new place was all hers, the first time she’d owned something on her own and that was an amazing feeling. To be able to sit here with Meg and say that showed just how far they’d come in the two years since they split up. It seemed like a lifetime ago.

  “The pictures you sent me looked fantastic. And that river view! I can’t wait to come over and see it.” She paused. “And did I spot an island?”

  Tanya nodded, a wide grin on her face. “And a wine cooler. Did I mention I own a wine cooler?”

  Meg shook her head. “You did not. I’m so jealous now.” She paused. “Did you buy some wine to put in it?”

  “First thing I did,” Tanya replied. “And I’d like to tell you that’s not true, but I’d be lying.” She paused as their coffees arrived, brought by a smiling woman with awesome hair, shaved up one side. Tanya had always wanted to do that, but she’d never had the guts. Plus, she worked in finance, where it wasn’t really the done thing.

  “Thanks, Jess,” Meg said, a smile on her face. “Jess, this is my friend Tanya and she’s just moved to Woolwich — so you’re going to be neighbours!”

  Jess put out a hand and Tanya shook it. “You live in Woolwich?”

  Jess nodded. “Yep — we moved down there six months ago, one of the new builds on the river. My girlfriend opened a new optician’s nearby, and I’m opening a café there, so it was a no-brainer.” She paused, putting one hand in the back pocket of her jeans.

  “She’s your fiancée, not your girlfriend,” Meg corrected.

  Jess gave her a smile. “I keep forgetting — it’s still new.” She turned her gaze back to Tanya. “Whereabouts are you?”

  “On the river, too — just moved in this week.”

  “In that case, we should have a drink in the pub — and then you must come into the café when it opens for coffee and cake.”

  “Definitely get the cake,” Meg agreed, laying her hand on Tanya’s arm. “Jess makes the best cakes, as does Mark, her business partner. In fact, I will demonstrate — can we get some now?”

  Jess nodded. “Salted caramel?”

  “God, yes,” Meg replied, as if Jess had just offered her a massage with a long-lasting, happy finish.

  “After a reaction like that, this cake has a lot to live up to,” Tanya said, laughing.

  “It’s never let anybody down yet,” Jess replied. “Be right back.”

  Tanya watched her leave, her mouth watering at the sound of this apparently legendary cake. But then she thought of her gran baking in her bright yellow kitchen, the smell of chocolate and vanilla wafting around her house just like always. A wave of emotion welled inside her, but she pushed it down and turned her mind back to today, away from the impending funeral.

  “So how do you know Jess?”

  “She’s Kate’s sister-in-law, the one who moved out just before I moved in.”

  “Oh, she’s that Jess,” Tanya replied. “Well it’ll be good to know some people who live in the area. I’ve already met some people in my block, which means so far, the move is proving to be a good one.”

  “That’s so great,” Meg said, and Tanya knew she meant it.

  “I’m still kinda pinching myself. Like this morning, I woke up and had coffee in the sunshine on my balcony, overlooking the Thames. It’s like I’m on holiday — only, I’m not.”

  Jess interrupted their conversation, arriving with a slice of salted caramel cake, with two forks.

  “There you go,” Jess said, placing it on their table. “On the house,” she added.

  “Free cake — it’s going to taste even better,” Meg said, grinning. “Did you make this?”

  “Of course,” Jess replied, as if that were the stupidest question in the world.

  Tanya picked up one of the forks Jess had brought and tasted the cake: sweet with a hint of salt, melting chocolate, oozing caramel, creamy filling. Was there anything to dislike? Apparently not.

  “I’m single,” Tanya said, her tongue still tingling from its recent taste sensation. “Is this cake seeing anyone or can I take it on a date?”

  Jess grinned. “She’s not a cheap date, but I could ask her.”

  Tanya licked her lips, scooping a bit more cake onto her fork. “So the place you’re opening in Woolwich — will it be like this one?”

  Jess nodded. “That’s the plan — it’s going to be called Porter’s, too, and it’s going to be my baby. So if you know anyone who needs a job, let me know, I’m looking for staff. And if they can bake, all the better.”

  “I don’t, but I’m sure you’ll do well — a good café is what those flats need.”

  “I hope you’re right. Anyway, I better get back,” Jess said, jerking her thumb over her shoulder at the
queue forming at the counter.

  “So do you feel different now you’ve got your own place?” Meg asked, taking another bite of the cake.

  “I do,” Tanya replied. “It feels like the right move — like I’m finally a grown-up.” She paused. “Not that we weren’t grown-up, but you know what I mean.”

  Meg smiled at her. “I know exactly what you mean.”

  “I feel so settled, I might even bake some bread.”

  “That is settled,” Meg said, laughing, her blonde hair shorter than when she and Tanya had been together.

  Blondes. Huh. Tanya never thought she had a type, but Sophie was blonde-ish.

  “You said you met some neighbours, too?” Meg added.

  Tanya nodded. “I did. We had a bit of a rocky start, but she helped us move the sofa in.” She smiled as she thought about Sophie saving the day with the sofa, stepping in and calmly making sure they didn’t get crushed. Something had shifted when they’d chatted on the balcony — that was the friendly moment Tanya had hoped might happen, and perhaps something more than friendship was on the cards.

  All Tanya knew was, she hadn’t felt such a strong, instant connection to anyone before.

  Nothing so visceral, so raw.

  Not even when she’d met Meg, and she’d thought that was a thunderbolt. So what did that make Sophie?

  “She? Lesbian?” Meg asked, bringing her back to the present.

  “Could be,” Tanya said, smiling. “Her name’s Sophie.”

  “Sophie — sounds very French and fancy.”

  Tanya laughed at the similarity of their thoughts on Sophie’s name. “That’s what I thought, but she’s definitely not French.”

  “Is she fancy?”

  Tanya gave Meg a look.

  “And she helped you move?”

  “She did.”

  “And you accepted her help?”

  Tanya gave Meg a look. “Don’t you start. Alice gave me this lecture the other day.”