Who Needs Men Anyway?

by Victoria Cooke

  ‘The half Cadillac and reformer bundle package would be your best bet,’ Megan mused, breaking my thoughts. ‘You don’t need one though. Honestly, you always throw money at things and you don’t need to.’

  ‘It looks great. Let’s order that one.’ It was quite expensive for equipment she’d ignore anyway but needs must. ‘Megan, let me take you for some dinner as a thank you.’ I used my special I-won’t-take-no-for-an-answer tone.

  She pursed her lips for a moment to consider. ‘That would be lovely. Mike is in London this weekend with work so it would just have been me, a takeaway, and Britain’s Got Talent.’

  London? Pah! What, at a tile conference? How can she not see what he’s up to?

  ‘Somewhere that does a good cocktail would be nice,’ she added, breaking my thoughts.

  Great food, cocktails, and cheating bastard men. ‘Brilliant. I know just the place.’

  The Halcyon Hotel was just as swish as I’d remembered, with its dark, luxurious wallpaper and gold and silver accessories. The doorman wore a smart grey uniform, complemented by a top hat, and held the door open for us as we walked in.

  ‘This is nice,’ Megan said, drawing out the word nice in a way that might have been annoying had I not felt so sorry for her in anticipation of what was to come. I just smiled and nodded in response.

  ‘Head to the bar and I’ll see about a table in the restaurant.’ I pointed her in the right direction.

  The restaurant was dead, but the waitress still kept me waiting whilst she decided if she could seat us. If eating there wasn’t part of my plan to catch Moonlighting Mike, I’d have left. Mike was nowhere to be seen, but the waitress decided she could, in fact, accommodate a table for two after umming and ahhing, then consulting with a higher power, despite the fact the place was empty. At least my plan was on track. I knew the chances were good that Mike and waitress-woman would be dining there at some point, since an early bird dinner was part of the package and that was due to start soon. I’d just have to drag the meal out, which wouldn’t be too difficult.

  I strode into the bar, ready to settle in for a long evening, but Megan wasn’t there. I scanned the room quickly and then checked the ladies’ loos, stopping for a quick pump of Molton Brown hand cream. But she wasn’t there either. It was odd. I stood in the lobby and started to feel confused. My heart rate even picked up a little. I was so close. Where the bloody hell had she gone?

  The doorman popped his head inside. ‘Excuse me, madam, are you looking for your friend? She just left. She was in quite a hurry.’

  Left? Why would she leave? ‘Okay, thank you.’ I forced a smile, yet everything else sagged. I’d been so close, yet for a second time, I’d failed. I knew I could be a little irritating at times but just ditching me seemed harsh. She’d better have a good excuse. Since I was there and the pornstar martinis were apparently the best in Manchester, I decided one couldn’t hurt and traipsed back into the bar and perched on a stool – James would be out or barricaded in his office anyway.

  The room was dimly lit in a typically modern boutique style. It followed the same colour scheme as the rest of the hotel – rich grey-brown-coloured walls and metallic features. It was nice, although it was probably a clever Las-Vegas-style sales tactic to trick you into thinking it was evening any time of the day. The barman placed my drink down, and as I took my first sip, I glanced around to take in the rest of the room. That’s when I saw it.

  A disgusting entanglement of two very deceptive people.

  Chapter Four

  ‘I didn’t know where else to go,’ Megan sobbed as I opened my door to her much earlier than she was due to arrive.

  ‘Oh, Megan, what’s the matter?’ I asked, bracing myself. She fanned her face with her hand, unable to speak, so I ushered her inside. ‘I’ll put the kettle on.’

  She sat at the breakfast bar and I looked her over discreetly. She was a shadow of herself. Her eyes were marred by dark circles, and her face was pink and blotchy. Her sandy-brown hair looked unwashed and hung limply around her face. She scraped it back, taking a hair tie off her wrist to secure it in a messy ponytail, then slumped back into the chair, her frame swimming in an oversized sweater. She was usually so well turned out that it was a shock to see her like that but even in the state she was in, I couldn’t help but notice that she still looked pretty.

  She glanced up. Catching me staring, she shook her head. ‘It’s Mike.’ Her voice trembled while I focused intently, ready to catch the pieces she was about to splinter into.

  ‘I caught him cheating on me!’ Her floodgates opened as I gasped and clasped my hand to my mouth for effect.

  I furrowed my brows. ‘What? Are you sure?’ I asked, trying my best to appear shocked.

  She nodded. ‘That’s why I left the other night at the hotel. I saw them at the bar and I didn’t know what to do. I just ran off and caught a bus home. I’m so sorry for leaving you there, Charlotte.’

  She wrapped her arms around herself as I felt a pang in my chest. I wasn’t sure if the root cause was guilt or profound sadness, but I felt a sense of responsibility to Megan to make sure she got through it. Without speaking, I walked over to her and wrapped her in a hug, not caring that her tears soaked through my T-shirt, dampening my shoulder.

  ‘Oh, Megan, don’t worry about me. I just can’t believe it. I don’t know what to say.’ I patted her back.

  She sniffled. ‘There’s nothing to say – he’s a bastard and that’s it. I can’t believe I was going to marry him.’ Her face was haunting, and my stomach churned seeing her in that state. A small niggling voice in the back of my head was questioning whether I should have stayed out of it in the first place. The affair could have fizzled out and they could have had a long and happy marriage had I not interfered.

  ‘I’m just glad I found out now and not a few years down the line when . . . well, if we’d have started a family, it would’ve been even worse.’ My body sagged slightly with relief. She was right there – I couldn’t imagine having children with someone who had cheated on me.

  I rubbed her back. ‘Definitely.’

  Once she’d sipped her tea, she calmed enough to be able to talk. ‘I’m so sorry for landing on your doorstep in this state unannounced. It’s just, well, my close friends and family never liked Mike, and a bunch of I told you so’s weren’t what I needed today.’

  I smiled to reassure her that it was okay. To be honest, I might have turned to her if, God forbid, I ever found myself in that situation. My only other choice would be Kate and she isn’t usually overgenerous with her sympathy.

  ‘All my friends who do like Mike are his friends too, and I don’t want them involved in taking sides. Yet.’

  ‘I understand. Stay as long as you need. Has Mike left?’ I asked cautiously.

  She nodded. ‘Yes, he’s apparently gone to a hotel. He said the whole thing was a mistake and I was the one he wanted.’ She let out a humourless laugh and allowed her shoulders to flop. ‘But he could be staying with her for all I know. Do you know the worst part of all of this? I know who she is. She comes to my Pilates class and we’ve chatted a few times. Can you believe that? She’s younger, prettier, it’s such a cliché.’ She shook her head in disgust.

  I sat on the stool next to her and asked her softly what she was planning to do.

  ‘I don’t know. We had plans, and it’s like my whole future has been shattered.’ Her voice cracked as she spoke. ‘We were going to start a family and he’s thrown that away for some waitress with incredible core strength and flexibility.’ She shook her head. ‘One thing I know for sure is that I won’t be taking him back – he’s not the type of man who’d make a good father.’

  She lifted her head and her watery eyes met mine. ‘You’re so lucky to have a partner like James. Someone who respects you and shares your life goals. Hang on to him.’

  She was right: I was lucky to have a man like James, and it made me feel her pain all the more. I couldn’t imagine him ever doing any
thing like that – he didn’t have the time for starters but he loved me.

  She left a short while after, saying she needed to be at home to sort out her next move, and I felt satisfied she’d be okay after letting out some emotion. Once she’d gone, I started to think about my relationship with James and what Megan had said about him being a great man and one to hang on to. I didn’t expect Megan would be coming back for my training session so decided to make an effort, and since Kate’s comments about my underwear the other day had been playing on my mind, I got in the car and drove to the Trafford Centre, heading straight for Selfridges when I arrived.

  When I reached the Agent Provocateur concession, I froze, bewildered for a moment. It was a brand that people always talked about but none of the garments on display seemed to make much sense. I felt the heat rise in my cheeks.

  ‘Can I help you?’ the immaculate assistant asked as I turned to leave but my words were stuck. I could’ve just ordered online, I scolded myself. It was unlike me to lack composure, and I hated myself for coming over all feeble and pathetic. In an attempt to appear more confident, I quickly scanned the rail next to me and picked up a small black playsuit that looked sultry yet classy.

  ‘I was just after one of these.’

  ‘Ahh, the Gloria basque. It’s a popular item.’ She smiled, taking it from me. She looked at the tag then looked me over. ‘I don’t think this is your size. ‘What bust size are you?’

  ‘Er . . . 34C,’ I replied.

  She nodded and said she’d be back in a moment. I relaxed a little as I waited and started to browse, idly flicking through the delicate fabrics. The assistant soon returned with my garment.

  ‘We had one in stock,’ she said, ‘and I’ve brought out the matching knickers and some stockings to complete the outfit. Would you like to try them on?’

  I shook my head. ‘No, they’ll be fine, thank you. Where can I pay?’

  ‘Please, follow me.’

  Thankfully it was an unusually quiet day but that didn’t stop my eyes darting about frantically as I followed her to the counter, but before I knew it, she’d carefully wrapped the items and placed them in a bright yellow bag. Just as I was tapping my four-digit PIN into the card machine a familiar voice caught my attention and I spun around to see the back of a woman called Ginny who was part of the golf club clique. ‘Emmy, hi,’ she wailed into her phone. ‘Yes, of course I am . . . No idea, I’m out shopping for something now . . . seven I thought . . . yes she’ll be there – Lauren was inviting all the WAGs.’ She chuckled as if she’d made a joke.

  The assistant handed me my bag just as I caught the tail end of the conversation: ‘See you tonight.’

  I scurried off before she saw me. Once I was safely back in my car, I couldn’t help myself, I had to check my phone for an invitation to whatever the gathering was. I knew before I looked that I wouldn’t be invited, not after the way Emmy had blanked me. I didn’t really care anyway but that didn’t stop my curiosity. Pulling my phone out to see the blank screen only confirmed my suspicions. I let out an even sigh. It looked like I was definitely out of the group. I don’t know what Lauren had told them all and I didn’t care. Strangely, I was quite relieved.

  At around 6.30 p.m. I took a shower and let my hair dry naturally wavy. I applied some natural-looking make-up with toned-down smoky eyes and a red lip-stain before slipping into my spoils of the day. I puffed my hair up at the roots, using a bit of hairspray to keep the volume, and put on my Valentino studded sandals before looking in the mirror.

  The flattering lines of the basque pulled in my waist, and there was enough bust support to give an ample-looking cleavage. My bigger than usual hair made my body look smaller, and the high-heeled sandals my legs longer. I didn’t mind admitting it – I still had it. My black satin robe lay on the bed so I put it on and tied the waist before going down to the kitchen, where I poured two glasses of Argentinian Malbec – James’s favourite. Then I sat and waited.

  Seven came and went, and by seven-forty I’d almost finished my second large glass when I heard the door open and a waft of aftershave hit me. On standing, I felt tipsier than I’d realised I was and had to hang on to the bar stool and take a minute. I giggled. My cheeks had a fuzzy warmth, and any inhibitions I’d had in the shop earlier had been destroyed by the alcohol. I loosened the belt of my robe and turned around, letting it fall to the floor in front of him.

  James’s face was a picture of surprise and bemusement. His lips parted like he was about to speak, but the words didn’t come. Seeing him, a powerful lawyer, lost for words gave me all the more confidence as I sashayed towards him, kissing him slowly when I got there. He returned my kiss, slowly at first and then quicker as he traced a finger up my arm and right down my back to underneath the cheek of my bottom.

  ‘You look amazing,’ he whispered close to my ear, sending a tingle down my spine, making me want him all the more. Then he sighed. ‘I’m sorry, I have a meeting with the judge tomorrow to present my case. I’ll be working on it all night.’ He let out a groan and pulled me in close, smelling my hair when he did.

  Tears pricked my eyes as I buried my face in his shoulder, and I fought hard to hold them back when I pulled away. Unable to speak, I handed him his wine and tried to smile.

  ‘I’m sorry,’ he said again softly and planted a kiss on my forehead.

  When he’d left the room, I allowed a tear to roll down my cheek. The mixture of humiliation and frustration was worth that at least. I drank the rest of my wine and tried to pull myself together. It wasn’t James’s fault, or mine – it was circumstantial and badly timed. I went upstairs and slipped into something that really was more comfortable – my PJs – and called Kate.

  ‘I tried your underwear idea,’ I said as soon as she answered.

  She didn’t need any time to pause and process. ‘And?’

  ‘Well, it was badly timed. James doesn’t need me to do things like that. We understand each other. I wish I hadn’t listened to you.’

  ‘So, he was too busy? Again? What did you wear?’

  ‘A black Agent Provocateur thing with suspenders – the works. I looked pretty good, even if I do say so myself, but it didn’t work.’ I emphasised the last part.

  ‘I’ve never heard of Agent Provocateur underwear that doesn’t work. Are you sure you had it on right?’ I heard her sip what I assumed to be wine.

  ‘Well, I thought it looked okay.’ I’d not actually considered whether or not it had been on right. I was usually more of a Playtex woman – the more modern styles at least, not the frumpy old-dear ones. I just wanted something sturdy and no-nonsense that looked okay and I didn’t have to worry about.

  ‘That husband of yours needs to realise what he’s missing.’

  I sighed before moving the conversation on. ‘My trainer, Megan, finally caught her fiancé with that mistress of his.’

  ‘Oh, the poor woman. How did that play out?’ Kate said, her interest clearly piqued.

  ‘She’s understandably devastated so I’ve offered my support.’

  ‘Does she have her revenge plan in order?’

  ‘I don’t think revenge is what she’s going for. She’s upset, humiliated, and her life is in tatters.’

  ‘Well, I wouldn’t let him get away with it.’ I heard Kate take another sip of wine.

  ‘I know you wouldn’t.’ I laughed.

  ‘Why don’t you see if she wants to come out with us for a drink next week? Thursday perhaps? That gives her over a week to get to grips with things. There’s a new champagne bar I’m dying to try and it’ll do her good to get out. Pus it would do me good to have a girls’ night and I need to see you dressed up in something glam because that mental image you left me with last week, of all the beige, is truly awful, and as a result, our friendship is currently on the line.’ I smiled. Kate was Kate.

  ‘I do have a slinky red dress I’ve been dying to wear . . .’

  ‘Oh thank God!’

  ‘I’ll drop Megan
a text and see if she’s up to it.’

  ‘Great, I’ll see you Thursday.’ She blew a kiss down the phone and hung up.

  ***

  Megan had reluctantly agreed to come out. There was a chance she felt obliged since I was technically her boss, but I didn’t feel too guilty since it was for her own good. We met earlier in a bar in Wilmslow as I thought pre-Kate drinks were probably wise. On Megan’s arrival, her dowdy appearance shocked me a little, but I hid my reaction, for fear of upsetting her. She had on a lilac dress that fit poorly and washed her out. She’d attempted some make-up, but it was a half-hearted attempt at best. Her usual natural beauty wasn’t shining through, and she looked frumpy. I was sure it was a reflection of how she was feeling and continued to say nothing, but she brought it up.

  ‘I look a mess, don’t I?’ she said as we sipped a glass of wine.

  ‘Not at all. A bit tired, perhaps – have you slept?’ I wasn’t going to agree aloud.

  She shook her head. ‘No really, not since . . . before.’ I gave her a sympathetic smile. ‘Will your friend mind a miserable face like mine putting a dampener on her night?’

  ‘Not at all. Kate is quite a character if you remember. She’ll maybe even take your mind off things for a few hours.’ Deep down, I hoped Kate would go easy on Megan. Once we’d finished our wine, we took a cab to the champagne bar in Alderley Edge where Kate was already waiting. In deep contrast to Megan, she looked amazing in a gold skimpy dress, which set off her tumbling ebony waves and tanned skin perfectly.

  She was seated in a plush booth with white leather padded seats and a dark glossy table. It was lucky she’d found a table since the place was packed to the rafters, but knowing Kate, there would have been some eyelash-batting involved at the very least. She stood up to greet us as we walked over.

  ‘Ladies, it’s lovely to see you both.’ She air-kissed us before sitting back down and beckoning a waiter over. I introduced Kate and Megan since they’d only met briefly, and then sat down.