Second Time Around

by Colette Caddle

  ‘Hi, Katie. How did it go?’ She knew that her friend had finished her accountancy exams today.

  ‘Who knows? I’m just glad they’re finished. I think I may have just about scraped through. So, where are you taking me to celebrate?’

  Jess felt a pang of guilt. ‘Sorry, I’m busy tonight. My brother’s friend, Cal, asked me out.’

  ‘That gorgeous hunk with the come-to-bed eyes?’

  Jess laughed. ‘That’s the one. Am I forgiven?’

  ‘Only if we go out tomorrow night instead – and you tell me all the gory details.’

  ‘Deal,’ Jess promised, smiling. ‘Now I have to go. I can’t decide what to wear.’

  ‘Something totally indecent,’ her friend advised.

  ‘Goodbye, Katie.’ Jess tossed the phone on the bed and went back to selecting a suitable outfit. She realised she was looking at all of her clothes with a critical eye. Were they provocative or too sexy? She tended to dress casually, but something about her had attracted Louis’s unsolicited attention. If he saw her with Cal, would he think she was deliberately taunting him, parading a new boyfriend in front of him? Would he come over later to question her about it? Feeling sick, Jess picked up her phone and sent Cal a text suggesting a different venue. He replied seconds later.

  Fine, see you there.

  Instantly she relaxed and reached for a red summer dress that complemented her dark colouring and, for once, left her hair loose around her shoulders. She didn’t bother with jewellery and wore flat sandals, her only makeup eyeliner and lip gloss.

  When Jess walked into the pub, the expression in his eyes told her that she’d got it right. He was looking pretty damn gorgeous himself in black jeans and a short-sleeved, black polo shirt.

  ‘Hi, Jess.’ He stood up, smiled and leaned over to touch his cheek to hers. ‘What will you have to drink?’

  ‘I’m buying the drinks, remember?’

  ‘Fair enough. A pint of lager, please.’

  She went to the bar and ordered the beer and a spritzer for herself. ‘Cheers, and thanks again,’ she said when she returned, raising her glass to him.

  ‘I think that you’re crediting me with more than I deserve. From listening to you and Noel it sounds like you had reached the same conclusion. Well done, you, for having the guts to say something. Most people pretend nothing’s happening and hope it will go away.’

  Jess nodded as she remembered her brother-in-law’s sad expression. ‘Keith was quite polite and civil but it was obvious that he felt I was interfering, and he didn’t like it.’

  ‘When he sees the benefits of acknowledging the problem he’ll be fine. You all will, especially Bobby.’

  ‘True, although I’m not so sure about Mum. I doubt she’ll ever be the same grandmother to Bobby again.’

  ‘Hey, don’t write her off just yet,’ cal told her.

  ‘Let’s change the subject. I am fed up with all things connors.’ Jess didn’t want to bring the mood down by dwelling on her mother. ‘Tell me about you and your work. Noel says you’re part of a large practice in town.’

  ‘That’s right, but I’m not planning on staying there. I’m more attracted to the research end of things.’

  ‘Good.’ Jess flashed him a grin. ‘Now I won’t worry that you’re analysing me all evening.’

  ‘I hate telling anyone what I do,’ he confided. ‘So many people profess that they would never go into therapy but, after a few jars, they latch onto me and start telling me all their problems.’

  ‘You’re quite safe tonight,’ Jess assured him. The very last things she wanted to talk about were her problems. Tonight she wanted him to see that she was fun and carefree.

  ‘You’re different,’ he told her.

  She held his gaze. ‘I am?’

  ‘Yeah. You’re not people, you’re Jess. A very attractive woman and a talented journalist.’

  ‘Have you even read any of my articles?’ she teased, used to people praising her without having read her work.

  ‘I certainly have,’ he assured her. ‘I like your writing style. You don’t force your opinion on the reader but provoke them to think and question.’

  ‘Thank you,’ she said, truly complimented by his praise. ‘What drew you to psychology?’

  ‘The mind is the final frontier,’ he said, his face animated. ‘Helping someone work through and conquer their problems is very rewarding, especially if it can be done without medication. I’m interested in the research because there’s still so much for us to learn.’

  ‘Sounds more exciting than treating people. It must be depressing, listening to problems.’

  ‘All medicine involves listening to problems,’ he reasoned. ‘Once you learn to keep a professional distance it’s fine. Those who usually end up sitting in my office can’t see a way out. My job is to help open their eyes to the fact that, no matter how bad things may seem, there are always options.’

  ‘Are there?’ Jess said, thinking of the mess she’d got herself into with Louis.

  ‘Always.’

  She looked up and saw the certainty in his eyes and smiled, realising he knew exactly what she was thinking. It was disconcerting and yet comforting. Jess could so easily open up to this man but she didn’t want him as a therapist: she wanted more. Was she crazy? Her history with men was disastrous. She’d always gone for losers or attracted men who already had at least one woman on the go and, she knew from Noel, Cal had never been in a long-term relationship either. Perhaps he wasn’t as perfect as he seemed.

  ‘What’s going on in that head of yours?’ He watched her, eyes twinkling, his head on one side.

  ‘Why now?’ she blurted out.

  He looked confused. ‘Sorry?’

  ‘You’ve known me for years and never shown any interest in me. So, why now?’

  Cal looked completely wrong-footed, embarrassed even.

  Jess had no idea why she was being confrontational. The poor guy probably couldn’t wait to escape. But she’d swallowed so many sweet, flattering words from lots of guys that she’d had enough. All she wanted and needed from Cal was some straight talking. ‘Well?’ she pressed.

  ‘When we were younger, I didn’t have the guts to ask you out,’ he said, looking almost shy. ‘And, by the time I did work up the courage, you were seeing that guy, Jamie?’

  ‘Jeremy,’ she said, staring at him.

  ‘Yeah. What a twat.’

  ‘He was,’ she agreed, smiling, although at the time she’d thought he was wonderful and was devastated when he decided to take a year out to travel and didn’t even ask her to go with him.

  ‘And then I was studying and I’d moved into my own flat and didn’t see as much of Noel and, I suppose, I figured I’d missed the boat.’

  Jess couldn’t believe her ears and was touched by the anxious way he was watching her. A warm glow spread through her and she smiled at him. ‘The boat’s back in port now.’

  A couple of drinks later, they were sitting a lot closer and talking about everything and anything, as if they hadn’t seen each other in years. Which in a way was true. They may have been in the same city and met occasionally but they’d never really talked.

  ‘You’re kidding me.’ Jess burst out laughing when he admitted a love of country-and-western music. ‘You kept that quiet. Just as well: Noel would never let you live it down.’

  ‘He knows, and he doesn’t,’ Cal confirmed, with a dramatic eye roll.

  ‘I’m sure there must be a support group where you could get help,’ she teased.

  He put a hand to his heart. ‘Wow, a double whammy! A pot shot at my profession and my musical taste.’

  ‘I think you’ll survive.’ Jess beamed at him, wondering when was the last time that she’d laughed so much with a guy. Never?

  ‘Come on, then, tell me, what sort of music are you into?’

  ‘I like songs from all genres and all eras: blues, jazz, rock, pop and some heavy metal.’

  ‘No country-and-west
ern?’ he asked, looking crestfallen.

  She shook her head, laughing. ‘Sorry, no country-and-western.’

  ‘Then it will be my mission in life to convert you and you’ll be perfect – except for your lousy taste in men.’

  She started at his reference to Louis and was about to correct him, but she didn’t want to go down that road and spoil this lovely evening. Besides, she was distracted by the way he was looking at her and the warmth of his arm against hers. ‘Lousy taste? I’m here with you, aren’t I?’

  ‘That’s only because you wanted to show your gratitude and I’m your brother’s mate,’ he said with a melodramatic sigh.

  Jess sobered and put a hand out to touch his face. ‘That’s not true.’

  His eyes locked on hers. ‘I’m glad to hear it.’ He turned his head and pressed a warm kiss into the palm of her hand. ‘You’re beautiful.’ She shook her head, dumbfounded. ‘What?’ he asked, catching her hand and holding it to his cheek when she tried to move away.

  ‘I don’t know how you can be interested in me after everything I’ve told you.’

  ‘Nothing you’ve told me has stopped me thinking that you’re perfect.’

  She stared at him, searching his eyes and was overwhelmed by what she saw there. ‘Perfect?’

  ‘Except for your lousy taste in men, but a slight imperfection makes you human.’

  ‘Hmm. So what’s your slight imperfection?’ she asked.

  He grinned. ‘I like country music?’

  ‘Ah, yes, good point,’ she smiled.

  His eyes held hers. ‘Which, when you think about it, makes up a perfect match.’

  Jess agreed immediately when Cal later suggested they go home. Outside the pub, he hailed a cab and directed the driver to her flat. In the intimacy of the cab, they sat in silence, holding hands.

  ‘Coffee?’ she offered, hoping she didn’t have to make any. She wanted a kiss from that mouth that had distracted her all evening. To her astonishment, Cal shook his head.

  ‘No, thanks, but I’ll see you to your door, just to make sure the coast is clear.’

  Jess was brought down to earth with a bump and glanced around nervously, checking for Louis’s car.

  Cal took her keys from her and, looking around him, went ahead to open the flat door and made her stand on the landing while he checked the flat. He smiled when he came out, holding out his arms to her. ‘All clear.’

  ‘Thanks,’ she said, cuddling into him and trying to recover the warmth and safety she’d felt in the cab.

  ‘Hey, it’s okay,’ he said, sensing her tension. He leaned his forehead against hers and massaged her shoulders. ‘I’m sorry, Jess. I didn’t mean to frighten you.’

  ‘I’m fine.’

  Cal pulled back to look into her face. ‘No. You’re not. I know writing for the Gazette is important to you, but is it worth all this stress and anxiety?’

  ‘Probably not,’ she admitted.

  ‘I like you, Jess Connors.’ He kissed her just beneath her ear lobe. It was a light but incredibly sexy thing to do and she shivered and gave him a shy smile.

  ‘I like you too.’

  He sighed and looked at her with such desire. Jess was tempted to beg him to stay – and not for coffee. But, looking slightly tormented, Cal stepped back and smiled. ‘Jess?’

  ‘Yes?’ she said, sensing he was weakening.

  ‘Humour me, lock up now so that I won’t spend my night worrying about you.’

  ‘Will do.’ Disappointed, she followed him downstairs.

  ‘Goodnight, Jess.’ He gave her a soft kiss and pulled the door closed.

  ‘Goodnight, Cal.’ Jess locked it and, touching her lips, went back upstairs, smiling.

  She made tea and took her mug into the bedroom, her mind moving between the wonder of Cal’s declaration and horror of Louis’s assault. Her hand went unconsciously to her throat. Had she fooled herself that his sexual attraction was something more because then she didn’t feel so dirty? Had she let Louis grope her just to get the work she craved so much? Did she deserve the cool hostility of the other women in the office? Yes, yes to it all. Cal was right: she should walk away. Why was she hesitating?

  As if sensing that he was in her thoughts, a text came through from Louis. She shrank from her phone and crept to the window, peering out through the curtains. Had he been waiting for her to come home or, worse, followed her? The road was quiet and there was no sign of his car. I’m getting paranoid, she thought, picking up the phone. She opened the message and read.

  Drinks on Friday in local, lots of contacts. You should be there.

  She’d heard that there had been a promotion in the Gazette and there was a reception to celebrate it but Jess hadn’t intended to put in an appearance. She couldn’t bear the thought of being in the same room as the man, never mind talk to him. And he wouldn’t be content with her simply showing up: he’d waylay her at some stage, she was sure of it. The thought terrified her. She needed to talk to Katie. She hadn’t said a word about what was going on as Katie had enough on her plate with her exams. But now Jess couldn’t wait to unburden herself. Katie was smart. She’d figure out a way to put an end to this stalking and, well, everything. She had to, or Jess thought that she’d have to abandon her flat as well as her job.

  Chapter Thirty

  Mandy tucked the receiver between her chin and shoulder and poured herself another mug of coffee. She needed it. Suzie was in full flow and there was only so much family shite Mandy could handle. Her sister was sounding just like her old self, and that wasn’t a good thing.

  ‘How are things going with Douglas?’ she broke in when Suzie stopped to draw breath.

  Her sister hesitated before answering, a sure sign that she was practising her new control technique: don’t open your mouth until you know what’s going to come out. Another practice that pissed Mandy off. How long would it be before her sister was back to her old self and remembered everything?

  ‘We’ve only been out twice,’ Suzie said.

  Mandy’s ears pricked up. That was it? That was all that she had to say? And how come Douglas had asked her out again after he’d agreed to give Suzie more time? She didn’t like this, didn’t like it at all. There was some rustling at the end of the phone, followed by a muttered curse.

  ‘What’s up?’

  ‘I got a letter from Maurice. He wants to come visit.’

  ‘John’s brother?’

  ‘How many Maurices do you know?’ Suzie asked, her voice loaded with sarcasm. ‘I need this like I need a hole in the head.’

  ‘He’s a widower now, too, right? I always thought he fancied you.’

  Suzie snorted. ‘All Maurice ever fancied was free board and lodgings. There must be something on in Dublin or he wouldn’t be coming.’

  ‘Tell him you won’t be there,’ Amanda said.

  ‘Then he’d expect me to leave him the keys. Anyway, he knows I never go anywhere.’

  Mandy frowned. ‘What about our trip to New York?’

  Suzie’s sigh was heavy. ‘How can I go away now that I’m looking after Bobby?’

  ‘Aw, for feck’s sake, Suzie. I was looking forward to a holiday,’ Mandy complained, although she brightened, realising that Suzie would have less time and energy to socialise and that Douglas wouldn’t be able to whisk her sister off to Croatia. He hadn’t mentioned doing so but, given his obvious infatuation, Mandy expected him to invite Suzie to accompany him.

  Mandy heard the front door close and had an idea. ‘Well, Suzie, nice chatting but I’d better get some work done. You have a great time with Maurice.’

  ‘Huh, you’re very funny. I don’t suppose that you’d like to take him off my hands. He’s loaded and childless, a very attractive prospect, I’d have thought.’

  ‘No, I wouldn’t dream of playing gooseberry, Suzie,’ Mandy said loudly, ‘but tell him I said hi.’

  ‘What are you on about, Mandy? You’re not making sense.’

  ‘Ha, do I eve
r? Listen, you two have fun. Must run. Bye, Suzie.’ She hung up, aware that Douglas was standing behind her and had heard every word. Good.

  ‘I got more milk if you fancy a coffee.’

  Mandy gave a yelp and spun round. ‘Douglas! I wish you wouldn’t creep around the place like that. You frightened the life out of me.’

  ‘I don’t creep,’ he said. ‘You were just so engrossed in your personal phone call that you didn’t hear the door.’

  ‘That personal call was during my break and made on my own phone.’ She smiled sweetly. ‘A coffee would be nice, if you’re making one.’

  He raised an eyebrow. ‘Who exactly works for who round here?’ he grumbled but took another mug down from the shelf above his head. ‘How’s Suzie?’ he asked.

  Amanda suppressed a grin. Bingo! ‘All flustered getting ready for a visitor.’

  ‘Oh? Anyone important?’

  ‘Maurice, her widowed brother-in-law. He’s a nice man. It will be good for Suzie to have some company and it will take her mind off her grandson. I hope she doesn’t overdo it. She spoils Maurice rotten, cooking all his favourite dishes, although I expect he’ll take her out every night. It’s good they’re still so close. Suzie dropped a lot of friends after her accident because she couldn’t really remember them, but not Maurice.’ Amanda studied him from under her lashes, trying to gauge his reaction. He was playing it cool but she wasn’t fooled. Douglas wouldn’t be at all happy that Suzie was having a man to stay.

  ‘She takes too much on herself.’

  ‘You’re not wrong,’ she agreed, ‘but only for people she cares about. The rest of the world can go to hell, as she has no problem telling them.’