Kate & Alf

by Carrie Stone

  ‘I’ll wear the navy one,’ she muttered to herself, grabbing the dress from her wardrobe and flinging it onto the bed. She began to take the bendy rollers from her hair, watching as her already-wavy locks bounced into loose curls.

  It hadn’t bothered her until now that she’d spent the majority of her adult life relatively single. She’d always been happy in her own little world. She liked her social nights out with friends; she’d enjoyed working her way up the career ladder, affording to buy a decent-sized house for herself and Jonnie. But lately, she’d started to feel differently about everything. There was this strange need to have someone to share her life with, to cuddle when things got too much and to talk with, when no one else was available. She needed someone in her corner, someone to love – for her heart was almost brimming over with love to give and yet there didn’t seem to be anybody suitable to give it to…

  She’d recently begun to think over the countless relationships that she’d started for a few months here and there – even Simon, who she’d been with for over a year – some of them seeming promising, but she’d broken off with all of them as soon as they had got too close. It wasn’t that she’d intended to do it – she’d only ever felt bereft afterwards – but it was something she couldn’t help. How could she allow a man close when there was Jonnie in her life? The Jonnie that always fell back on her. The Jonnie that needed her.

  Despite the constant drama and heartache that her brother brought to her doorstep, none of the men in her past had been able to understand her feeling of responsibility and protectiveness towards him – and that was part of the problem. Simon, especially, had proved that, eventually growing tired of her worry over Jonnie.

  So how could she form a relationship and think about starting a family of her own, when Jonnie had no one of his own? What man would allow the burden of her brother’s alcohol problem eating into his relationship with her?

  She’d wondered about Michael, with his compartmentalised ways and his already apparent need to be in control. How would he fare if feelings got deeper and she explained her fears about Jonnie? Sadly, she already knew the answer, despite only having been to dinner twice with him. He would be the same as many others before him. She was confident that he wouldn’t be able to understand.

  Spraying her curls with fixing hold, she concentrated on adding a final coat of mascara to her already-long lashes. She didn’t often wear make-up, but tonight she wanted to ‘wow’. She had a feeling it was the last time she’d be seeing Michael and she wanted to make a final lasting impression.

  Sighing, she walked over to the bed to put on her dress. She knew that the course of love was never going to be an easy one, but she couldn’t help wondering if it was her destiny to remain single.

  After all, how many men would be able to relate to her situation?

  Kate took a bite of her goat’s cheese and pesto Panini and considered Marcus’s point. It wouldn’t make business sense for him to jump at the first deal offered, especially as he’d since had interest from a competitive publisher; it would be more sensible to wait it out.

  ‘Whatever you decide, I’m so pleased that Samantha has been of benefit to you. It was good thinking on Megan’s part to introduce you. I’ll be sure to let her know that it’s paid off.’

  Marcus leaned forward in his seat at the sound of Megan’s name. ‘How is she – Megan? I hope that brother of hers isn’t giving her more trouble.’

  Wiping her fingers with a tissue, Kate chewed carefully before answering. It was a simple enough question, but she’d noticed how Marcus’s body language had changed at the mention of her friend’s name. ‘She’s fine. Jonnie’s been behaving, as far as I know, which is good, really, considering Megan’s started seeing a new guy.’

  She watched for Marcus’s reaction, noticing a small twitch of his eyebrow on his otherwise unresponsive face. She continued. ‘I hope it goes well, she deserves to be happy and she’s been single for far too long. It’s about time she met someone nice.’

  ‘That’s good,’ Marcus said, taking a sip of his coffee. ‘And you? Have you guys made up your mind yet on the offer?’

  Kate sighed, shaking her head. ‘No, I can’t say we have; and it hasn’t helped matters that Hamilton’s still haven’t confirmed Alf’s proposed package.’ She screwed up her napkin into a small ball, placing it on the plate in front of her. ‘He knows that I’m not making my final decision until we can be sure it’s worth uprooting for.’

  Marcus considered Kate’s answer, a brief scowl passing across his face. ‘What will you do about your work?’

  ‘In all honestly, I’ve no idea,’ Kate replied, looking downcast at the crumb-scattered table. ‘The thought of starting again isn’t something I relish.’ She picked at her used napkin. ‘It’s hit me the past few days just how much I do love my job – Viv, Lil, Alan, even hypo Hilda. I can’t imagine starting at another care home, you know?’

  Marcus nodded, understanding Kate entirely. ‘Sometimes, though, an upheaval can be a good thing. I mean, take me as an example. Six months ago I had a fiancée, a house and a career in Leeds with a bunch of plans for the future that focused on those things. And now, I’m here – in completely different circumstances.’ His green eyes met Kate’s. ‘It’s not been easy. I won’t lie and say it has. But I’m happy.’

  Kate smiled gratefully, aware of Marcus’s attempt to help her feel better about the situation. The truth was, though, that she wasn’t sure any more about anything. Given that Alf was still awaiting his package offer, combined with his sudden enthusiasm for working longer hours – in the hope he’d convince management they’d made the right decision – it had left little time to discuss her concerns with him.

  She looked at Marcus’s newly grown dark stubble. It gave him a slightly harder edge, but couldn’t take away from his devastating Mediterranean features. She found it hard to believe that he was still single. Although now that he’d settled into his new home and given that his book was in a bidding war, she didn’t suppose that he would be for much longer. It was interesting that he hadn’t bitten her bait about Megan. Maybe there wasn’t that much of an interest there after all… Surprisingly, the discovery filled her with hope.

  Kate nodded. ‘You’re right, I know that. I’m just finding it hard to get my head around everything, though. As much as I love Alf and this is our chance of a fresh start together, I can’t help wondering what’s in it for me.’ She bit the side of her lip tentatively. ‘I keep thinking, what if things don’t work out – where does that leave me?’

  Marcus looked at her quizzically as a deep-crimson blush slowly began to spread across her cheeks. He frowned. ‘I’m not sure I’m following,’ he said awkwardly. ‘Do you mean that you and Alf are having problems?’

  Squirming in her seat and wishing she’d never raised the subject, Kate avoided looking at him. She knew he wasn’t a girlfriend and the last thing he probably wanted to discuss was her and Alf’s relationship issues; but if anyone could give her a man’s perspective on Alf’s behaviour then Marcus was the ideal person. After all, he knew Alf. He knew Alf well.

  Taking a deep breath, Kate decided it was now or never. Although her emotions had felt more balanced and improved concerning her future with Alf since Viv’s reading, she couldn’t shake off the thought that she needed to consider the Scotland move very cautiously. ‘Has Alf ever mentioned to you about marriage or engagement or even kids?’ she asked carefully.

  Looking startled, Marcus raised his eyebrow as he slowly took a sip of his coffee. He wiped away a thin line of frothed cream from above his lip before he answered, considering his words. ‘Not directly, no. But there’s been the odd reference to marriage in various conversations we’ve had.’

  Kate squinted, disappointed. She knew that it was unlikely that Alf would have had heartfelt conversations with Marcus, or any male friend, for that matter. But she’d hoped that there might have been something mentioned that could have given her a clue.

&n
bsp; ‘Okay, just forget I said anything.’

  Setting down his coffee cup, Marcus wondered whether to say more or to keep his opinion to himself. He knew Alf well enough to know that he could be selfish at times. He’d also observed from living with the couple that there were cracks in the relationship, and ones that needed filling fast. Yet Kate was such a fragile and delicate woman, he didn’t want to hurt her with his straightforward observation on the matter. Anyone with foresight could see that the relationship was heading into well-worn and bleak territory. They were too set in routine and their lives were a bit dull, in his opinion.

  ‘Look, if it’s marriage you’re thinking about – I personally don’t think it’s unreasonable to raise the subject with Alf. You guys have been together years now and as a man I can say he’s probably expecting you to hint at it at some point anyway.’ He smiled, lightening the mood. ‘It’s what women do.’

  Grinning, Kate nodded her head in agreement. ‘I suppose it is. And anyway, given that the move affects both of us, it would probably be a good time for me to start dropping hints.’

  Relieved that the conversation had taken on a lighter tone, Marcus’s eyes flittered across to an attractive young woman in her mid-twenties, giggling with a friend. She looked up, as if sensing his eyes on her. ‘So, any plans for the weekend?’ he asked Kate, suddenly aware of a longing to be spending quality time alongside an attractive woman such as the one now shooting him suggestive glances behind Kate’s back. He returned the gaze, drinking in her slim frame and long brunette hair.

  ‘Actually, Megan’s convinced me to go to out on Saturday night.’ She noticed Marcus’s eyes dart towards her with new-found interest. ‘We’re going to Swoonies and then there’s some new cocktail place opening that her friend Shilpa has got us tickets for.’

  ‘Sounds fun – it’s about time you got out and let your hair down,’ he said pointedly and she felt herself agreeing. During Marcus’s time staying with her, he’d made it clear on more than one occasion that he felt her social life was lacking. He was right. Besides, who knew how much longer she’d have to enjoy girls’ nights out if she was to be moving to Scotland.

  ‘And you? Any plans?’

  ‘Not at the moment. I might be working, so…’ he shrugged, signalling the waiter for the bill. ‘I’ll see how it goes.’ He glanced across at the brunette again, wondering if there was any way he could get her to feature in his weekend plans…

  Picking up her handbag off the unoccupied chair next to them, Kate reached for her purse.

  ‘No, I’ll get this,’ Marcus said as he saw her opening the zip. ‘Put your money away.’

  Doing as she was told, Kate hesitantly replaced her purse and hooked her bag onto her arm with a smile. She watched Marcus’s glinting eyes and wondered how a man with so much charm came to be starting a new life so far removed and far away from his old one. Where had it all gone wrong?

  She stiffened when the thought occurred to her that she, too, could soon be doing the same thing. Except in Scotland. Her smile faded just as fast as it had come.

  She needed to have the ‘marriage and children’ talk with Alf. She couldn’t avoid it any longer. It was time.

  Chapter 11

  Alf looked at the offer letter laid out on the solid mahogany and leather-bound desk in front of him, not needing to think twice as Clyde thrust his heavy ballpoint pen towards him.

  ‘It’s going to be a pleasure working with you on this new venture. We should expect to see great results within the next three months,’ the older man said assuredly, watching as Alf’s signature flowed from the ballpoint onto each page of the contract.

  Leaning forward to retrieve the signed papers scattered across the desk, Clyde fixed a satisfied smile to his face.

  ‘So that’s it, then,’ Alf said aloud, partly in disbelief as he once again considered the hefty salary that he’d just secured. ‘Four weeks to tie up here and then it’s off to Scotland.’

  Clyde chuckled, aware that the board’s decision to request an immediate answer from Alf didn’t exactly comply with protocol. But he’d observed how malleable the newly appointed managing director could be. His hunch hadn’t failed him – Alf had barely taken time to ask the basics before he’d agreed. He was most definitely proving to be the right choice for the role.

  ‘Yes, that’s it. Megan from HR and Janelle will be in contact to send you across everything needed and a copy of your contract. I suggest you liaise direct with HR with regard to our accommodation budget and suchlike.’

  Indicating the end of the meeting and despite Alf being suddenly filled with questions, Clyde stood up and held out his hand. ‘Congratulations, Alf. I think it’s time you shared the good news with your wife and celebrated.’ Walking swiftly across to his brass coat stand, he lifted his Crombie overcoat from the hook, shrugging it on quickly. ‘Now, if you’ll excuse me – I have a lunch with the CEO of Lloyds to attend.’

  Alf followed feebly as the chairman made his way out of the office, the word ‘wife’ ringing in his ears. His eager excitement had vanished – replaced with a dreaded feeling of anxiety. The one-hour meeting had passed quickly, but had he reacted too hastily? However would he explain his decision to Kate? He knew full well that she’d be livid that he hadn’t consulted her first, and rightly so. But how could he have said anything but ‘yes’?

  Clyde’s parting words ran once again through his mind. Wife…

  Why did hearing that word fill him with such alarm? He shuddered involuntarily and watched with a pang of nervousness as the mirrored lift doors pinged open in front of him. Everything had suddenly got very complicated.

  Megan had only just returned from her lunch break when the new office junior plopped a sealed brown internal envelope on her desk. A post-it note attached was signed by Janelle. She sighed, frustrated at the growing amount of work and pressure that management was placing upon her with the restructure. Putting the envelope on the ever-growing pile of documents she needed to attend to, she one-handedly tapped her password into her keyboard.

  A small beep came from deep within her shoulder bag and she rustled inside for her mobile, her spirits rising a little when she saw Michael’s name on the screen.

  She smiled. ‘Well, well, aren’t you the keen one,’ she muttered happily to herself as she opened and read his message.

  ‘Are you still on for dinner later? Pick you up at 8? x’

  Despite having her reservations about him, he’d so far squashed every theory that she’d ever had about men. If she was honest with herself, she was starting to really open up to him and look forward to their dates. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d began to feel this way about someone. It made it all the more promising that she’d delicately tried to drop small hints about the situation with her brother and Michael had seemed nothing but reassuring and supportive.

  Her phone rang and she saw the chairman’s office flash up on the caller ID. Picking up the handset, she noticed two answerphone messages flashing at her.

  ‘Hi, Janelle.’

  ‘Hi, Megan. I sent Casey down with a document for you. It’s urgent.’

  Megan glanced at the internal envelope she’d dumped precariously on the overflowing pile, and reached for it – thankful that Janelle couldn’t see her rolling her eyes.

  ‘It’s Alf Stafford’s signed employment contract. Clyde’s asked that you get everything prepped as priority.’

  She heard herself taking a sharp intake of breath. ‘Signed contract? But I only prepared the document this morning.’

  ‘Well, Clyde and a few members of the board had a meeting with Alf an hour ago and he signed,’ Janelle said flatly. ‘Anyway, you were requested to be at the meeting, I left you two voicemails.’

  Feeling slightly panicked that the chairman had requested her on the one occasion that she’d allowed herself a full hour’s lunch break, she stumbled for something to say. ‘Oh, I had to take …’

  Janelle cut her off dismissively. ‘I
t’s fine, Clyde went ahead anyway. You just need to deal with it as a priority.’

  Shocked, Megan mumbled her agreement and replaced the receiver. She’d barely had a chance to think about the document she’d been asked to prepare only that morning. Of course, whilst typing it up she’d been considering the conversation she’d had with Kate only the previous evening – listening as Kate had voiced her concerns about the Scotland move.

  Megan still couldn’t understand the motives behind the board offering Alf the opportunity to head up the new Glasgow office. Especially since she’d originally been instructed to prepare the offer letter and contract for Henry Cavendish. But nonetheless, it had been a shock when Kate had rang and told her the previous week – only minutes before Clyde’s office had confirmed it with her.

  Preparing the formal offer that morning, she’d seen that the salary and package that had been laid out for Alf – whilst very generous – wasn’t comparable to that which would have been offered to Henry. She knew Kate would be impressed, but then she also knew her friend wasn’t over-fussed about the material side of life.

  She’d expected that the formal offer would have been tendered to Alf within the next few days and he’d be given a short period of time to make up his mind. She was fully aware that the start date for proceedings in Glasgow was only a month away. It had panicked her to think that in a few weeks her best friend could be packing up her life in London for new horizons. But she’d assumed she’d have time to talk it over with Kate first.

  It was astounding to believe that within less than four hours of her preparing the document, Alf had already signed on the dotted line. What on earth had he been thinking, to sign without first consulting Kate? Because surely he hadn’t had time to discuss it with her.