by Edie Baylis
Feeling better than she’d done all day, Jane snorted another fat line of coke off the dashboard and then fired the engine.
SETH WAS CROSS. Very cross. It had gone 8 and there was still no sign of Jane. He hadn’t seen her since she’d disappeared from Digger’s this morning. He’d waited agitatedly the rest of the day and eventually, for want of nothing better to do, had put away fifteen pints since he’d got to the bar.
As he’d got drunker, he’d got angrier. His brain was driving him mental, betting she’d gone off with someone else. He’d been waiting for something like this to happen. Just waiting for it. Fuck. Fuck. FUCK!
With his blood pressure through the roof and adrenaline physically pounding through his veins, he looked down at his shaking hands and glared at anyone who dared to look in his general direction.
Sparking up another fag, Seth’s eyes were suddenly drawn to the man lurking by the jukebox. It was that wanker who thought he was Alice Cooper, the fucking prick. He knew all about him and what he’d done to Jane and was going to have him. In fact, he might have him right now.
Closing his eyes, Seth took a deep breath. Christ, he couldn’t take this! Where the hell was Jane?
He pushed himself to his feet and forced the rest of his pint down his throat. That was his plan for tonight. He’d drink himself to death. Right. Fucking. Now.
Seth walked out of the bar into the empty toilets and leant against the cold tile wall. Punching the cubicle door off its hinges, it landed with a crash on the floor. His knuckles hurt, but he didn’t care. Turning on the tap, he splashed cold water on his face.
From his reflection in the cracked mirror, Seth wasn’t much impressed with what he saw. His green eyes were bloodshot and his beard too long. He looked like shit. Total shit. No wonder Jane hadn’t come back.
Sort yourself out Seth. He pulled a wrap from his pocket and quickly cut two lines on the side, snorting them through a rolled up twenty. Sniffing hard, he felt the rush hit his brain. He needed to sober up fast because when Jane returned he was going to ask her to marry him again and this time she was going to say yes.
Yanking the external door to the Gents, it slammed noisily against the wall and Seth walked through the bar towards the jukebox.
AS HE WAS GRABBED AROUND the throat, Paul stared up at the crazed man who had appeared out of nowhere trying to choke him and saw nothing but pure hatred. So this was what the infamous Seth looked like close-up? This was one mad fucker.
He sighed. He’d have to speak to Jane later. She wouldn’t be happy to hear Seth had treated him like this, but maybe it would be the crux needed to prove she was better off without the nutter.
Paul’s train of thought was interrupted when he was suddenly lifted off the floor and slammed against the wall. Struggling to breathe as the vice-like grip tightened around his windpipe, he blinked and a glimmer of fear radiated from deep down in his stomach.
“Listen to me dickhead,” Seth growled, “and listen well.” He smiled as Paul slowly raised his eyes. “I’m going to kill you. Not now, but soon.”
Releasing his grip, Seth casually continued on his way as if nothing had happened and Paul slid slowly down the wall. He raised his hand to his throat, hoping his makeup hadn’t smudged. It had taken him ages to get it right.
It was happening again wasn’t it? The room had gone from loud and clamouring laughing voices, to silence and everyone was looking at him. It was madness. If they wanted his autograph all they had to do was say.
Pulling himself to his feet, he stepped back behind the jukebox where it was darker.
THE COKE HAD DONE ITS job and Seth was on a roll. He’d had a cold shower and pulled himself together. Admiring himself in the mirror he smiled, exposing his straight white teeth, happy with his newly trimmed beard and moustache.
Better. Much better.
Shrugging on a long-sleeved white cotton shirt, he slipped solid silver cufflinks through starched cuffs and pulled on his nicely pressed black suit trousers. Tucking his shirt in, he did up the silver buckle on his black leather belt and looked in the mirror again.
Not bad. Seth, you can still definitely work it.
Adjusting a slim grey tie around his neck, he slipped on his black double-breasted suit jacket and admired his wide shoulders in the reflection. “Now turn me down, woman!” he muttered to himself.
Slicking his hair back, he tied it into a ponytail and walked into the bar with a spring in his step, feeling good. Tonight he would get exactly what he wanted and get it good. “Lee, I’m going up the Barrels. You coming?”
Lee did a double take. “Bloody hell!”
Eliza stared at Seth and drank in his wide back, accentuated by the shoulders of his jacket and sighed. She dared to glance up at his bright green eyes. He was even more gorgeous in a suit. She squirmed uncomfortably on the seat and hoped no one could read her thoughts.
Seth turned his wide shoulders towards the landlord, Benny sitting with a group of regulars, his big belly straining against his beer-stained shirt. “Benny, when Jane comes in, tell her I’m at the Barrels will you?” he yelled.
Shaking his head in disbelief, Benny winked. “Will do.” Even he had to admit Seth looked good. “You scrub up well, son.”
Lee scowled and glanced down at his scruffy jeans and ripped polo shirt. Pulling Eliza to her feet, he wished she’d roll her tongue back in.
JANE TANKED DOWN THE road, her mind racing as fast as the speedometer. She needed to get home. She needed Seth.
Pulling in to the car park, she abandoned the motor and ran into the bar, her eyes searching the room.
“Alright J?” Benny winked, signalling she’d got a drink in whilst his other hand kneaded himself through his tan-coloured chinos. “Fancy some lovin’?”
Rolling her eyes, Jane walked to the bar and picked up the freshly poured glass of vodka, downing it in one. Where was Seth?
“He’s not here...” Benny said, reading her thoughts.
“I can see that!” Jane snapped as he refilled her glass. “Where is he?”
“He’s just this minute left.”
“Left? Why?” Jane’s heart skipped a beat. Looking at Benny, she searched his eyes.
“He’s gone to the Barrels with Lee and Eliza. Looking rather dapper, even if I do say so myself!”
Paranoia rushed through Jane’s brain as she glanced at the clock on the wall. What was Seth doing? Why hadn’t he waited? Draining the refill, she walked towards the door, pretending to be happier than she felt.
As she reached for the handle, Paul emerged from behind the jukebox and grabbed her arm. Seeing his garishly made up face leering from the shadows, she recoiled instinctively.
“I need to talk to you,” he hissed.
“Get fucked!” Jane snarled, ripping her hand as far away as possible and disappeared out of the door. She felt sick just looking at him. Why had she ever let that thing put his dick in her?
Grabbing some clean knickers and clothes from the basement, she rushed up the stairs to the bathroom. Turning the shower on she slipped under the water, relieved to wash the day down the plughole.
Drying off quickly, Jane pulled on a black basque, fishnets and a ruched velvet figure-hugging skirt. After reapplying her makeup and some thick red lip gloss, she stepped into her black stilettos. Popping a pill into her mouth she ran down the stairs and out into the night.
SETH WAITED PATIENTLY at the Ten Barrels. He’d heard on the grapevine Jane was back. News always travelled fast in this town.
Swigging from his pint, he fingered the box containing the full carat diamond ring and smiled. It had cost him a fortune, but he didn’t care. He’d get her without fail tonight. If she turned him down again he’d have to kill her. Even that would be better than losing her.
Jane pushed open the double doors of the underground bar into the pumping music. She wanted to drink and dance, but most of all she wanted to find Seth. Her eyes flitted around, spotting Eliza and Lee frantically waving to g
et her attention. But where was Seth?
Spotting Jane straight away, Seth purposely turned his back on her and lined up a drink.
With a jolt, Jane saw Seth and took in a breath. She’d have recognised him by his shadow alone. Fuck, he looked good.
As she reached his side, Seth’s hand moved to the small of her back and Jane felt herself go weak at the knees. Chastising herself silently, she glanced sideways as his free hand pushed her drink towards her. Pulling herself together, she took the drink and turned to walk away.
Seth immediately swung around and grabbed her. “Where are you going?”
“To the other side of morning,” Jane replied evasively, a trace of a smile on her lips that needed his kiss.
“Then I’m coming with you,” Seth growled and pulled her towards him. Bringing his mouth down onto hers he held her tight, his tongue working its magic in her mouth. “Where have you been?” he rasped huskily. “I’ve been worried.”
Watching Seth’s brows furrow, Jane smiled and ran her hand down his thigh feeling his hard muscles underneath the soft material. “Nowhere important...” She’d explain later, but right now she wanted to enjoy herself.
She traced her finger along his cheekbone. “I can see your face again.” Jane pressed herself up against his body. “And I like it....” God, she wanted him.
“Love you, Princess,” Seth murmured. Giving her a lazy smile he picked up his pint.
JANE SPENT THE REST of the evening unmolested by Seth’s temper. He either propped up the bar, leaving her to do her own thing for once, or sat in the corner with Lee whilst her and Eliza danced on the tables.
When the lights went on at the end of the night, she was proud to take his hand as they staggered up the stairs onto the pavement.
Smoking a joint outside, Jane was chatting to Digger when she heard Seth shout her name. Where on earth was he?
“He’s up there!” Eliza screamed, pointing.
Following Eliza’s gaze, Jane saw Seth standing on the top of a telephone box. The crowd was eerily silent, waiting in expectation for the shit to hit the fan like it usually did. Walking forward she wondered what she’d done this time. “What are you doing, Seth?”
“Come up here!”
What? Was he mad?
“Digger! Get her up here!” Seth yelled.
Dutifully lumbering over, Digger grabbed Jane and hoisted her onto his massive shoulders. Her legs splayed either side of his thick neck and she clung on for grim death as he stood to his full height.
Seth span around on top of the phone box with his head towards the sky, his eyes closed and arms outstretched. His hair now free from the pony tail blew loosely in the wind.
Jane’s heart beat like a drum when Digger lifted her up and Seth grabbed her arms, pulling her up to join him. He quickly lifted her to her feet and grabbed her face with both hands. She swayed, feeling really drunk as the fresh air hit and stared at Seth’s intense expression. How she loved him.
Everyone was looking at them - including the police who’d moved slightly closer, but so far were just watching.
With her eyes alight with excitement, Jane stared at the crowd, feeling alive. As they started cheering, she turned to see Seth down on one knee. Oh God.
Taking her hand, Seth’s green eyes were serious. “Well, come on then. Will you?”
Jane wanted to run her tongue across his eyelids, taste the salt of his skin. Melt into him. “Will I what?” she teased, her heart thudding painfully.
Seth’s eyes narrowed slightly but held his unblinking stare. He sighed impatiently. “Ok.... For you.... Once more.... Jane Ellerton, will you marry me?”
“Come on, don’t be crazy!” she tried to pull her hand away, feeling embarrassed.
“Answer me,” Seth muttered quietly, a nerve twitching in his neck. “Now.”
Jane felt like she would pass out as he continued to stare intently, his eyes stabbing into her soul. It was completely silent as everyone waited for her answer.
“Well?” he whispered.
“OK.”
“OK what?”
Jane broke into a wide smile. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
A huge cheer erupted around them and even the police were clapping when Seth pulled himself to his feet, kissing Jane passionately. He slipped the gorgeous diamond on to her finger. “Trust me,” he whispered.
Raising Jane’s arms over her head, Seth lowered her over the side of the phone box. She smiled. She already trusted him more than he knew.
Winking at Jane standing on the pavement below, Seth launched himself off the top of the phone box. “I LOVE YOU JANE ELLERTON!” Rolling onto the floor, he pulled her on top of him.
Ignoring the pain as her knees hit the pavement, Jane wound her fingers in Seth’s hair, kissing him hungrily and started pulling his shirt from his trousers.
A policeman nudged them. “Come on you two, get a room!”
Smiling, Seth and Jane dragged themselves to their feet and staggered back towards the King’s Head.
SIX
AUNT BARB HAD BEEN steaming when Debbie had told her about Seth’s rebuff after what had ‘happened’ at the party. She’d wanted to give him what for, but thankfully she’d talked her out of it, instead successfully blaming Jane for his attitude.
Since then Aunt Barb had launched a hate campaign at the factory, messing up Jane’s work and dropping her in it with the foreman. She’d managed to well and truly get her constantly in the shit.
Taking another crisp out of the packet, Debbie sucked her fingers and smiled. It was the little things in life.
Tracy had also been horrified by Seth’s disdain and had wanted to have a pop at him as well, except she wanted to reason with him. Would he not even pay for the abortion?
Debbie scowled. What fucking abortion? As if she’d actually even consider getting rid of his kid! It was her ticket to everything after all. Well, it would have been if there had been a kid...
A small part of her wondered whether she should have even started this. It should have been done and dusted by now and she wasn’t sure how it was going to end. She certainly didn’t want to be outed for what she’d done or that she’d made the whole thing up because she’d be a laughing stock.
No, it had to pull off soon because she was starting to forget what she’d lied about and that alone was dangerous. She couldn’t afford to balls this up. It should have been all over the factory that Seth had got Barb’s niece pregnant, yet it appeared nothing had been said.
Debbie had been in the pub for the last three hours and was fairly drunk, but fully intended to continue until either her money ran out, or she could find someone who’d pay to replenish her glass.
Looking around the Black Eagle bar, she saw Paul in the corner staring glumly into his pint. His makeup was smudged and she was sure he’d been wearing that T-shirt for two weeks. Maybe she should go and speak to him to see if he was ok?
Glancing at her pint of cider, Debbie decided she’d just finish her drink first.
Tracy had hardly been able to wait to tell her that Seth had proposed to Jane in front of everyone. The thing was Debbie already knew, but no one had noticed her standing in a shop doorway witnessing it. Neither had they seen the tears streaming down her face or heard her punch the window over the bloody cheering had they? Not that it mattered. No one ever noticed her anyway.
It should have been her on the phone box with Seth, not Jane. Tying the empty crisp packet into a greasy knot, Debbie tipped the remainder of the cider into her mouth and scowled.
PAUL WAS OFF WITH THE fairies. He had no idea how long he’d been sitting with the same pint. It could have been days for all he knew, but he didn’t care.
Pulling his eyes away from the Boddington’s beer mat, he stared at the toothless old man looking at him gormlessly from the other side of the table with a long trail of dribble hanging from his hairy chin.
For fuck’s sake, Paul thought, getting crosser by the minute. He was a rock
star, so why was he surrounded by these dregs of society? He should be living it up in swanky city bars with beautiful women pawing at him. Something was obviously very horribly wrong with his life.
He’d tried to speak to Jane about Seth’s behaviour, but she’d told him to get lost. Could she not see how that lunatic had treated him? Did she not care? The overgrown orang-utan had clearly brain-washed her and he wasn’t going to put up with it much longer.
“Hi Paul!”
Oh no. Who wanted a piece of him now? Another bloody autograph? He really must get a minder or something. This was beyond a fucking joke.
“It’s me, Debbie. Remember? We went to school together.” Sitting down uninvited, Debbie struggled to keep her arse cheeks levelly balanced on the narrow wooden stool. “I just wondered how you were, you know.... since, erm, you got out of hospital?”
Paul slowly lifted his head and looked at her blankly. Actually, he did remember her from somewhere. “Hi...” his voice was flat.
“So, er, are you, er... ok now?” Debbie asked.
“Ok?” Paul looked puzzled. “Yes of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Oh you know, with all that stuff with Jane... you know....” Feeling a little awkward, Debbie began to wish she hadn’t started the conversation. “The canal stuff....?”
Paul blanched. He didn’t want to think about that. He’d worked very hard to ensure he hadn’t. Very, very hard. He glared at Debbie. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Quickly realising she wasn’t going to get anywhere with that subject, she changed tack. “I wonder if we’ll get invited to the wedding? Heard it’s going to be a big one.” Fiddling with her new drink, she watched carefully for a reaction.
Paul looked confused. “Whose wedding?”
Debbie smirked knowing this would set him off. “Jane and Seth’s wedding. Just about everyone’s talking about it....”
Paul had heard about it alright, just hadn’t wanted to believe it. Jane was supposed to be marrying him. How could she be marrying that shit-for-brains bastard? He wouldn’t allow it. Not in a million years. He feigned indifference. “Oh that...”
