Coffee, Tea, The Gypsy & Me...

by Caroline James

  Jo looked at Thomas then looked at the dog.

  “What’s her name?”

  “We think it’s Pippa - she seems to respond to that.”

  “Go and see if Sandra has got anything to feed her, she’s as thin as a rake. I’ll see if Hattie can track Alf down.”

  Jo rose to her feet and folded the towel. She looked at the dog.

  “How old is she?”

  “Alf didn’t know, thinks she’s quite young though.” Ann replied. Her fingers were killing her.

  “Hmn. Well Alf’s got a lot to answer for.” Jo leant and kissed Thomas who was rocking excitedly and pointing at Pippa.

  “Ippa Mumma! Ippa!”

  Jo looked from the child to the dog and back again.

  “Oh bloody hell Ann. You know I can’t turn the poor thing out. Sod it. Sod it! Sorry Thomas - Mummy means sausages or something. Have we got a blanket anywhere that we can put her on? And get her somewhere warm when she’s had some food, she looks frozen. I’ll bloody murder Alf when I see him!”

  Jo turned away to stop herself falling to her knees to cuddle the animal. She thundered out of the room.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Jo parked the car behind the car wash. It was an upright unit with two huge yellow brushes and looked like a crazed gallows for naughty vehicles.

  A gormless youth stood beside it. He held a plastic spray with cleaning chemical in one hand and a large sponge in the other and stared at Jo as she got out of the car. Jo wondered if she was about to get a rub down too.

  She moved round to the rear door and encouraged Pippa to jump out.

  “Come on dog. I’d better not leave you there - Lord knows what you’ll do.”

  Pippa had barked furiously at every oncoming vehicle they’d passed on their journey to Marland.

  Jo bent down and picked up the rope that Alf had knotted into a loop to form a noose. She pushed it over Pippa’s head and the dog trotted obediently beside her as they walked to the car showroom. Jo glanced around for a salesman and hoped that Pete Parks was out. She stood in front of the large glass doors and tried to slide them apart. They refused to budge and she began to feel foolish. She peered through, beyond the gleaming vehicles, to an office area where Pete sat behind a desk. He talked into a telephone and waved in a circular motion with his hand - indicating that she use the side door.

  “Sod it.” Jo mumbled. She wiped her finger marks off the immaculate glass with her sleeve, then tugged the dog’s rope and walked briskly to the side of the building, where she entered the show room and moved cautiously along the wall. She hoped that Pete would leave her be while she looked at the cars on display. Pippa’s claws clicked on the tiled floor.

  “Now then, what have we got here? By this is a pleasure on a Monday afternoon.” Pete came towards them. “Are you on your way to the animal shelter?”

  He looked down at Pippa who leaned against Jo’s legs. The animal was unsure of the tiled surface and trembled as she waited for Jo’s next move.

  Pete rubbed the dog’s head.

  “Have you found it wandering about? It will have been abandoned by the gippos.” He patted her. “She looks half starved.”

  “She’s mine. She needs a new lead and she hasn’t had her dinner yet.” Jo blurted out. She suddenly felt protective. Pete looked at her and smiled.

  “Aye, that’s it, that’s all she needs.” He made a serious face. “Let’s see if we’ve any biscuits in the tin. I’ll stick the kettle on and you have a look round. Hattie said you’d be in to change the Uno and I’ve got just vehicle for you, over there.”

  He nodded across the room and went back to his office. Jo watched him walk away. Bloody Hattie! She must have phoned ahead. Jo pulled Pippa over the tiles to see what he’d been pointing at.

  “Like it?” Pete asked. They stood by a gleaming dark blue BMW.

  He handed Jo a mug of coffee, then dug into his pocket and bought out a rich tea biscuit. Pippa gobbled it down and sniffed the tiles for fallen crumbs.

  “Only just come in. One careful owner and low mileage, bit like myself.” He winked and gave Pippa another biscuit.

  Jo walked round the soft top saloon.

  “Want a little test drive?”

  Jo looked up. The last thing she wanted was to be confined inside a car with Pete and his wandering hands.

  “Erm, I’ll have a think about it.” Jo handed her coffee to him and opened the driver’s door.

  “Have a sit in, get a feel for things. It’s got two litres under the bonnet so you’ll fly round the lanes in it.”

  Jo sat behind the steering wheel and moved the gear stick gently. She liked the polished wooden trim and the leather seats were gorgeous – a bit masculine, but very up market. She caressed the soft hide.

  Pete admired her legs.

  “Come and drink your coffee and I’ll get Michael to get her out of the showroom.” Without waiting for an answer he waved at the car-washer who put down his sponge, rubbed his hands down his jacket and ran over. Pete tossed him a set of keys, then placed his hand on the middle of Jo’s back and guided her into his office. Jo looked uncertainly at the car and the man who dragged the large glass doors open.

  “Don’t worry. He may look daft but he knows what he’s doing. That’s our Michael, my sisters lad, knows more about an engine than I do.”

  Pete installed himself at the large desk and Jo sat opposite. A large framed image of a motor bike and rider travelling at speed, hung on the wall behind Pete. Jo looked at it with curiosity.

  “TT races at the Isle of Mann nigh on three years ago. I won it.” Pete leaned back in his swivel chair and laced his fingers over his chest. “You must’ve seen the bunting out in Butterly. They went mental when I got back.” He smiled. “I had to ride up and down the main street, did a few stunts too for the locals.” He looked thoughtfully at the photograph.

  Jo remembered the commotion in Butterly when rider and bike had triumphantly returned home. Pete proudly displayed his winner’s medals and everyone turned out to wave and cheer as the local lad made good rode victoriously through the town. Jo had been stuck in the pub kitchen, cooking with Sandra. When they heard the roar of the bike, they ran to a guest bedroom at the front and hurled the window open to lean out and watch the display.

  “You must be very brave. Isn’t that one of the hardest courses?” Jo stroked Pippa’s head.

  “Aye it’s a tough one. You have to be mad to do it, there’s nowt brave about it. Where there’s no sense there’s no feeling.” He spoke modestly.

  Jo watched his face as he talked about the race. His eyes were so blue! Like pools of tropical water, that made you want to dive in.

  “So how’s it going?” Pete leaned forward. “It was great food the other night. You’ve made a lovely place of it.”

  “Thank you.” Jo met his gaze. “People are being supportive, but we need to get the holiday makers in and build up bookings. We should be full at this time of year.”

  “Aye, it will come once folk know you’re there. Mind, with this Conservative government, things will be rough if they don’t shake themselves up.”

  Jo looked away. She didn’t really want to get into a political discussion and had tried to ignore the shaky economy. The first thing to be affected was tourism and she hardly dare think about it. The last thing she needed was the government increasing interest rates. People would stay at home and save money. She‘d already had to increase her overdraft facility at the bank. Costs had escalated by the time she’d opened the doors. She needed working capital to keep wages paid and suppliers happy. What the hell was she was doing here looking at a new car? She remembered her father’s words and focused her attention back to Pete. She wouldn’t buy it outright. The monthly repayment could go through the business.

  “I don’t want you to be worried by what I am going to say.” Pete leaned forward. Jo felt alarmed. Whatever was going to tell her?

  “You know I think you’re a grand lass. In fact I fa
ncy you something rotten. I’d do anything to get you into bed and you’ll have to forgive me if I keep trying.” He smiled wickedly and Jo felt herself blush.

  “I want you to know that I have always thought that prick of a husband was a bloody fool when he left you. But life goes on and he’ll come to regret it. I told him at the time that he was making a big mistake.” Pete shook his head. “So here you are and you’re doing great. I want you to know that I’m your friend and if there is anything…” He leaned forward. “I’ll always be here - you’ve only to ask.”

  Jo stared at Pete. She was embarrassed but felt humbled by his words.

  “You don’t need to say anything, but just remember I’ll always be there for you.” He scraped his chair back and stood up. “Let’s get you in that motor and on your way.” He waited by the side of the desk as Jo stood up.

  “Thanks Pete.”

  She could smell his aftershave and wanted to reach out and touch his soft black sweater. Hell Jo, get out of here! She gathered the rope, pulled Pippa to her feet and walked out of the office. She seemed to be accumulating ‘friends.’ Both John and Alf had assured her of their loyalty in the last twenty four hours!

  Michael was polishing the bonnet of the car with a soft yellow duster. He looked up and smiled. More blue eyes! Jo concentrated on the vehicle. The top was down and the elegant car beckoned.

  “I’ve put a cover on the back for t’animal.” He glared at Pippa.

  Pete laughed and opened the driver’s door for Jo.

  “Sure you don’t want me to go with you?” He asked as he settled Jo in the front and Pippa in the back. Seeing that Jo had already turned the engine over and engaged the gears, he closed the door gently and bent down alongside the open window.

  “Mind how you go. There’s plenty of lead under that pedal. Not that you can’t handle it I’m sure.” He winked salaciously, stood back and put his hands in his pockets. “Give us a shout when you get home. If you like it, I’ll sort the paper work out.”

  Michael watched the car move off and twisted the duster in his hand.

  Pete waved as Jo pulled away, then sighed and walked back to the showroom.

  * * *

  Jo took a long route home. She left Marland and headed out on the bypass then turned off on a side road.

  The car was divine to drive. It hugged the road round bends and sped smoothly away as she accelerated. The wind felt wonderful in her hair. Pippa sat on the back seat and ignored the oncoming traffic as she sniffed the passing countryside, her ears flapping in the breeze.

  Jo smiled to herself, the car was glorious! He’s a clever sod, she thought. He knows no one in their right mind would go back to the Uno after a couple of miles in this.

  She pulled up by the castle at Hough and parked in the visitor’s car park. She felt like stretching her legs and wanted to see how Pippa reacted to being in countryside. Taking the rope, Jo led the dog through the turnstile to a wide open field where the River Bevan flowed alongside. Pippa walked beside Jo and glanced up for reassurance, as Jo made sure that there were no sheep or people to worry about then loosened the lead and let her off.

  The dog stood still.

  “Come on Sweetheart. Have a run.” The dog was rigid and Jo bent down to stroke her. “Come on Pippa. It’s OK.”

  The dog began to shake.

  Jo patiently encouraged her until suddenly, as if realising that she was free, Pippa took off and hurtled past Jo - knocking her off balance. Jo scrambled to her feet in panic. She watched the dog race off and run round the edge of the field, barking like a maniac as she sped away. She loped across the grass, graceful in her movement and there was something else - she was happy! The dog was expressing joy and delight and Jo felt herself welling up. How stupid to feel emotional - it’s only a dog! But it’s a lovely dog and it needs a friend… Jo thought and as she seemed to be accumulating them, she determined to become one.

  “Pippa, Pippa!”

  The dog slowed and trotted over, wagging her tail. She flopped down and licked Jo’s hand.

  “We’ll be fine.” Jo whispered. She bent down and cupped Pippa’s head, then took the rope from her pocket and slid it in place. In perfect step, they strolled back to the gleaming vehicle on the car park.

  * * *

  “Frigging ‘ell, I told him to look after you but this beggars belief! What have you promised him?”

  Hattie paced round the gleaming BMW and admired the cars sleek body work as she stroked the paintwork and peered through the windows.

  “Did he throw the dog in as well?” She looked disapprovingly at Pippa who sat on the gravel close to Jo. She wagged her tail and looked up at Jo adoringly.

  “It’s a business deal nothing more, he’ll be paid appropriately.” Jo snapped back. “Pippa needs a good home and I’ve decided to give her one, so don’t be horrible to her, she’s lovely.” She patted Pippa affectionately.

  Hattie shook her head.

  “I’m saying nowt.” She mumbled. “You’ve done well with the car though. Your Dad will be pleased.”

  They walked to the side door of the hotel where Judy rushed to greet them.

  “Mrs E! The photographer’s here from the Westmarland Tribune.” She said excitedly. “He wants you and all the staff outside the hotel for a photo.”

  Jo and Hattie’s eyes met.

  “Shite!”

  They flew past Judy to reception and hurled themselves on their handbags and frantically began to apply make-up.

  “Morning Ladies.” A pimply face leered round Reception.

  “Christ! It’s Peter Pigmy, Trevor’s nephew.” Hattie whispered. “Westmarland’s answer to David Bailey. It’ll be all teeth and tits in the photo. He’s a slimy little devil.”

  “Morning Peter.” Hattie turned and smiled. “You’re looking as handsome as ever.”

  “Got you down as centre spread Harriet.” He licked his lips and gazed at Hattie’s cleavage where her breasts tumbled out of a tight white shirt.

  “Best mind where you put the staples.” She reached out and tickled him under his chin. “Have you stopped using that cream the doctor gave you?” Hattie frowned and looked pointedly at his acne plagued face. Peter flushed and straightened up. Annoyed, he started to fiddle with the lens of a large camera slung around his neck.

  “Mrs Edmonds, the paparazzi await.” Hattie grinned. “Where would you like us Peter?”

  “In front of the hotel.” He snarled and stormed down the hall.

  “You’re heartless Hattie.” Jo pursed her lips in the mirror.

  Judy had gathered the staff and everyone met in the porch. Linda and Kath from housekeeping chatted excitedly to Sandra and Michael and were joined by Simon, Gerald and Old Johnny. Jo and Pippa stood in front of Judy and Hattie. She removed the rope from the dog’s neck as Peter took charge.

  “Say SEX!” He called out and began clicking way.

  “Not with you.” Hattie said loudly enough for everyone to hear.

  “Thanks Mrs Edmonds.” Peter glared at Hattie. “It’ll be in the paper on Friday, if the supporting ads are ready.” He threw an angry glance in Hattie’s direction. “I’ll be on my way.” He jumped in his car and sped off.

  “Hardly The Mail On Sunday,” Hattie said.

  “You could have been pleasant, offered him a cup of coffee or something.”

  “Nah, he’s like a leach, you’ll never be rid.”

  Hattie disappeared in the kitchen where Sandra was trying a new taster course on the menu – a warm asparagus soup served in a shot glass.

  Jo left Pippa with Ann and Thomas and went to see how prep for dinner was coming along. As she opened the kitchen door, Hattie and Michael spun round. Michael had a ladle in his hand and Hattie held an empty shot glass. Her top lip was covered in green froth.

  “Soup OK?” Jo asked.

  Hattie wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. “It’s my duty to taste everything.” She said.

  “Absolutely Hattie, we don�
��t want you wasting away.” Jo turned to Sandra who shook her head. “Is everything alright Sandra?”

  “Aye, the soup is really good. Especially with some of Michael’s coriander blended in, just gives it a bite.”

  The phone rang in reception and Hattie went to answer it.

  “Thanks Sandra, I’ll see later.” Jo returned to the house.

  “Uff Uff Mumma.”

  Thomas was crawling around the floor, heading toward Ann’s well-built behind which stuck out from under the stairs. She folded a blanket into a large dog basket then sat back on her knees and pulled Thomas onto her lap.

  “That looks inviting” Jo stared at the box.

  “I asked our Jack to drop it off.” Ann said. “None of our dogs use it.”

  The box fitted perfectly under the stairs. Safe, warm and out of the way Pippa could watch the daily comings and goings.

  “Pippa! Box.”

  Jo pointed at the box and Ann patted the blanket. The dog trotted over, took a sniff then climbed in and plonked herself down. Thomas wriggled free and snuggled himself beside her. He stroked her fur and she nuzzled him in a motherly fashion as he giggled and pulled her ears.

  “God, my mother would have a fit if she saw Thomas in the dog box.”

  “Best make sure he’s out of it when she visits then.” Ann looked up, relieved that the dog had been so easily accepted. Alf had been right!

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  The Westmarland Tribune featured a double page spread on the opening of Kirkton House and the group photograph, alongside the editorial, was surrounded by supporting adverts from the many businesses that supplied the hotel.

  Jo was flattered. Everyone had wished her well including Mrs Brough who’d placed a decent size advert: Swags & Tails of Westmarland - Proud to Supply Soft Furnishings to Kirkton House.

  The photograph was pinned to the notice board in the kitchen and some wag had drawn a plant on Michael’s head and tassels on Hattie’s bulging breasts.