Unexpected

by Jenny Frame

  “I can’t wait to add this little girl to the pictures.”

  Dale turned to her then and gazed at her baby bump like she was fighting not to touch it.

  “I suppose I better get started in the roof,” Dale said, making her way to the stairs.

  “I’m going to be out this morning. I hope you don’t mind if I leave you for a while—I have a job to go to, but I’ll leave the kitchen door open so you can make yourself a cup of tea.”

  Dale’s head snapped around. “What do you mean, job? I thought the doctor ordered you off work?”

  “He did, but it’s nothing too arduous. I’ve been feeling a lot better anyway. It’s just a small art gallery in the next town that needs some new pictures for their website. I’m not doing the big contracts, just some small ones to keep some money coming in.”

  Dale scowled. “Becca, I don’t think that’s a good idea—”

  “This is none of your business, Dale. I’m doing what I need to do for my family, so just keep your opinions to yourself.” Becca left her standing in the attic while she walked off angrily.

  * * *

  Dale finished putting the last patched tile on the roof and looked over her handiwork. She was no roofer, but she was handy enough to turn her hand to most practical jobs. That was the way her dad had brought her up. The McGuires never called in a tradesman when they could do it themselves. To her dad, it was letting your family down if you couldn’t repair, decorate, or build something yourself, and Dale had taken that into her own life.

  She was happy with the job, but the house would probably need a whole new roof whenever Becca could do the proper refurbishment.

  Dale looked at her watch and wondered when Becca would be back. It had been a few hours since she’d left.

  Becca.

  What a mistake she had made earlier by questioning her sense in working. After their chat today, she had felt they had crossed a bridge, that they were getting closer. Becca had let her guard down.

  Dale knew money was tight for her, but working when the doctor had told her not to was crazy as far as she was concerned. Especially since Becca had told her about Jake’s difficult birth only a few minutes before.

  She walked down the ladder and started to pack her tools into the box, and then carried the ladder around to the garage.

  Dale had no idea when Becca would be back, but she hoped she had the chance to see her before Jake came out of school She had to make it right with her, because despite Becca’s determination for independence and trust of no one, Becca and Jake needed her. They needed someone on their side to take care of them, and Dale was determined she would be the right one for the job.

  She got out her notepad and looked down Jake’s list of jobs. She had managed quite a few in her time at the vicarage, but the one major problem she had yet to get fixed was the central heating. The quick look she had had at the outside boiler told her that it needed to be replaced, and long term she was sure it could be dangerous, but Becca didn’t have the money to cover the work and equipment and would be horrified if Dale offered it to her. She’d need to handle it carefully.

  Dale heard the sound of a car pulling into the driveway, and hurried out hoping it was Becca, but it was in fact a truck with the car parts she’d asked to be delivered.

  By the time she and the driver got them off the van and safely packed into the garage, Becca’s car was coming up the driveway.

  Dale signed the delivery driver’s paperwork. “Thanks, mate.”

  She then hurried over to Becca, who was taking bags out of the boot. Dale wasn’t quite sure of the reception she would get. “Can I get these for you?”

  Much to her surprise, Becca smiled and said, “Yes, thank you. If you could put them on the kitchen table, please.”

  Dale grabbed the bags and set off for the kitchen before Becca had a chance to change her mood or mind. She put the things on the kitchen table, and switched the kettle on. When Becca finally caught up with her, she was still smiling. This was not the Becca Harper who’d left here earlier. In fact, the change was unnerving.

  Dale pulled out a chair for her. “Sit down. I put the kettle on for you.”

  “Thanks.” Becca sat and let out a sigh. “If you look in that brown paper bag, you’ll find some sandwiches I brought for lunch.”

  “Oh, thanks.” Weird. “Um…Becca, about earlier? I didn’t mean—”

  “No, Dale. I want to say sorry. You’ve done nothing but help me, and I’ve done nothing but scowl at you most of the time. I was thinking while I was away at my appointment, and I need to apologize.”

  “No, you’ve got every right to feel threatened by my presence, Becca. I understand that.”

  “I’ve been under a lot of stress, and feeling guilty about everything.”

  “What do you have to feel guilty about?” Dale asked.

  “Everything. Bringing another child into the world when I don’t have the means to support Jake, far less the new baby, when I knew my age and pregnancy problems would be difficult. And making Jake so worried that he went to find you. All I can tell you is something happened to me last year that made making a bigger family the most important thing in the world.”

  Dale took a seat beside her, and again took a giant risk by covering her hand with her own. Luckily Becca didn’t run. “You don’t owe me or anyone else any explanations.”

  “I do. You’ve been so kind to me, and you’re right, you have followed all my rules. If you are waging some secret plot to take my children away, then you’re hiding it well, but still I can’t trust anyone. That’s my problem not yours.”

  Dale said sincerely, “I would feel the same as you, if our positions were switched.”

  Becca gave her a soft smile. “I don’t think you would. You are warm, open, kind.”

  Dales heart started to flutter. Please tell me I’m not dreaming. Am I actually winning her over?

  “All I can tell you is that there are reasons why I am like I am, why Jake and I are out here trying to hide from the world. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to talk about it. There are just two people who know everything, my ex, who’s also my lawyer…”

  Dale suddenly went on alert, and a tight knot clenched in her stomach. An ex, she hadn’t considered that.

  “And one other person, who put the final nail in the coffin and destroyed my family,” Becca said sadly.

  Dale tapped her fingers on the table restlessly. “Was your ex part of Jake’s life? Did you have him together?”

  “God, no. Trent never wanted children and I did, desperately. So we went our separate ways.”

  Dale had no right to, but she felt such relief when Becca said that. She didn’t want to think of Becca and Jake ever being claimed by someone else.

  “I’m telling you this, Dale, and taking a risk for the first time in years. I haven’t even told Sadie these things before.”

  “I promise you’re safe. I would never hurt you, the wee man, or the wee yin. I promise.”

  Becca smiled and it warmed Dale’s heart. “You know, you’re the only person who’s ever been concerned about their welfare before. I’ve been alone for a long time.”

  “You don’t have to be.”

  Becca’s eyes widened and Dale realized she’d said too much.

  “I mean…alone with Jake and the wee yin. I can be your friend.”

  Becca sighed. Everything told her not to, but her heart said yes. “I’ve been on my own for such a long time. So long that I didn’t realize I was teaching Jake not to trust, and to fear others, just like me. I had a meeting with his teacher last night. He won’t socialize, make friends, or even go out at break time, and it’s my fault.”

  “No, Becca—”

  “It is. I’m teaching him to distrust the world. I need to change if he is to change too. But God help me if you’re not sincere.”

  “I’ll prove to you that I am, Becca. I promise.”

  “Only time will tell. I just wanted you to know what a hug
e ask it is for me to trust,” Becca said truthfully.

  They both said nothing for a few seconds and then Becca asked, “What was being delivered when I arrived?”

  Dale looked apprehensive to tell her.

  “Just tell me, I’m not going to snap at you or anything.”

  “Parts for your car. I got it working, but I thought I could give it a few upgrades for you, to make it run better and be more comfortable.”

  Becca had to practice some of that trust she was talking about. “That’s very kind of you, but I have one condition.”

  “What condition?” Dale said.

  “In exchange, I’ll take photos of you, your staff, and your business, to upgrade your website. What do you say?”

  “Deal.”

  Becca reached into one of the shopping bags and pulled out a brown envelope. “There’s one more thing.”

  “What?”

  She handed over the envelope and said, “Open it.”

  Dale opened it and found a set of Jake’s baby pictures. “Oh my God. It’s the wee man’s pictures.”

  It made Becca feel wonderful to share this with Dale. “You gave me the chance to have a child, and I’ll always be grateful for that. I saw your reaction when you looked at my pictures, and no matter what happens, I wanted you always to have something of him.”

  Becca was sure she saw tears in Dale’s eyes. She just prayed she was right to let Dale this far in.

  Chapter Ten

  Ash had been waiting in her car from before McGuire’s Motors opened. She had her camera sitting on the passenger seat waiting for a glimpse of Dale McGuire, but she never arrived with the rest of her staff. After weighing up the pros and cons, she decided to go inside.

  She walked into the reception area and stood at the desk waiting for the silver-haired member of staff to look up.

  “Good morning. My name is Ted. How can I help you today?”

  “Morning, Ted. I’m looking to get my Mercedes serviced and some new tires put on. Would you have any appointments free?”

  Ted quickly checked the computer, and said, “I’m sorry, ma’am, but we’re all booked out till Friday. Would that be suitable?”

  “Listen, I’m an old friend of Dale’s. I’m sure she could do it more quickly. Is she in today?”

  “No, I’m sorry. She’s off today.”

  “Could you give me a phone number for her? As I say, we’re old friends.”

  Ted looked her up and down slightly suspiciously, and replied, “Give me a moment, will you?”

  When he went through to the back, Ash leaned on the reception desk and looked around at the motoring prints littering the walls. She recognized Dale in the pictures from the McGuire’s Motors website. Going by the pictures, Dale must take part in racing, as she was sitting on the bonnet of a classic Jaguar with winner’s laurels around her neck, and a huge bottle of champagne.

  She walked over to look at the pictures more closely. So, you’re the one Lisa and the others are fighting over? I bet you’re one arrogant prick.

  Ash knew her type well, but what connection did she have to Victoria Carter? Vic was never the kind to be attracted to that type, although she was sure that lawyer friend of hers was more than an acquaintance.

  “Excuse me,” a voice behind her called.

  She turned around and a grin spread across her face. This woman was beautiful. Older—in her forties, probably—and completely fuckable.

  Ash walked back over to the desk and turned on the charm. “Hi, there, and you are?”

  “Valentina Brooks. I believe you want to put your car in. Did Ted tell you we have no appointments till Friday?”

  Ash leaned on the desk, and must have moved her hands a bit too close, because the sexy Valentina took a step back.

  “He did, but I thought Dale could fit me in a bit earlier since I’m an old friend. Could I talk to her?”

  “I’m afraid she’s not in today. How exactly does she know you?”

  “Oh, we go way back,” Ash lied.

  Val crossed her arms. “Funny, I’ve known her since she was seventeen and I don’t ever remember you.”

  Fuck. “Well we probably moved in different circles. Could you remind me of her telephone number.”

  “I’m sorry. We don’t give out staff phone numbers. Now do you wish to make the appointment for Friday?”

  “No, thanks. That’s not a good day for me. I’ll catch Dale around.”

  Ash walked back out to her car. This wasn’t going to be as easy as she thought.

  * * *

  Ash came back later that night and waited for the staff to pack up and leave.

  One man left on foot, rather than driving, so she drove her car around the corner and caught up with him. She stopped her Mercedes and lowered the window to talk to him.

  “Mate, have you got a minute?”

  “Why? What do you want?”

  Ash parked and got out. “I’m from the Tribune newspaper and I wonder if you could give me some information?”

  The man looked at her ID then back to her. “What information?”

  “On your boss.”

  “Dale?” he said with surprise. “What would a newspaper be interested in her for?”

  “You’d be surprised. So will you talk?”

  “No way. Everyone already got their balls booted for giving out her whereabouts to some girl who tracked her down.” He started to walk off and Ash caught up with him.

  “Believe me, I’m not interested in her romantically, and I’m willing to pay.” Ash took out her wallet and showed him some notes.

  He stopped and eyed the money hungrily.

  “Come on. It won’t hurt anyone, and it’ll be to your benefit. Let’s go back to my car.”

  He thought for a second and then followed her back to the car. When he got in, he said, “You won’t tell anyone, will you?”

  “Of course not…What’s your name?” Ash asked.

  “Mike.”

  “Okay, Mike. I’ve got one hundred pounds here that’s yours if you help me out, with more to come if you get me some information.”

  “What do you want to know?” Mike asked.

  Ash took out her picture of Victoria Carter and showed it to him. “Have you seen this woman before? Maybe with Dale?”

  Mike shook his head. “No, you never see her with any of her women. I don’t recognize her at all.”

  “Has Dale being doing anything unusual recently?”

  Mike nodded this time. “Yeah. Dale never misses work. She goes around the different McGuire’s Motors branches, depending on the day, but she’s always at one of them.”

  “And what’s different?” Ash asked.

  “She’s hardly been at work, and she’s never done that before. When she does come in, it’s usually just for a few hours and then she leaves again.”

  Ash thought she might actually be getting somewhere. “Does anyone know what she’s doing?”

  “Nope. There’s a lot of talk, but no one knows. Except—”

  “Except what?”

  “I heard she asked for a lot of parts to be ordered for some personal project, but they weren’t for her race car like usual. It was for a twelve-year-old Ford. Dale doesn’t drive old cars, unless they are classics.”

  “Could you get me the address they were sent to?”

  Mike shook his head. “No way. I don’t have that kind of access. Only Ted, or my bosses Val and Sammy, can get that kind of info.”

  Ash took the hundred pounds she had and put them in his shirt pocket. “There’s five hundred more if you get me the address they were delivered to.”

  Mike took the money from his pocket and squeezed it in his hand. He was obviously tempted.

  “Come on, Mike. It’s easy money.”

  “If I do, you won’t ever grass me in, will you?”

  Ash smiled and said, “Cross my heart.”

  * * *

  Becca was in her studio working on the prints she had taken ea
rlier in the week. The job wasn’t a lot of money, but it would be enough to pay some household expenses. If she could just hang in there with these smaller jobs until the baby was born, maybe then she could find her way out of the financial hole she was in by winning a few big contracts. If Eugene Hardy could wait that long. She had an excellent reputation, and hopefully that would help towards the contracts she’d had to break.

  She saved her work and looked at the time. Two o’clock, time to take some tea and biscuits out to Dale. Becca had to admit that after being alone in this big draughty house for so long, it was comforting to know Dale was out in the garage pottering away with her car and singing along with Britney Spears. In fact it was more than comforting. Dale’s presence made her smile.

  Becca had never met anyone like Dale before. Her first impressions had been completely wrong. They were from different sides of the tracks, true, but Dale was highly intelligent, and an extremely good businesswoman. She was a diamond in the rough, and someone who had run from her past, much like she did. Whatever that hurt and pain was made her determined to do the right thing by Jake and the baby she was carrying.

  Becca sat back in her chair and soothed the baby, as it moved around, with tender loving strokes. “Shh, little one. You’re hyperactive, just like Dale.”

  She gasped when she realized what she’d said. There’d been a moment when she’d begun to think that she was carrying Dale’s baby, and not just hers. It was probably when they’d shared the special moment of feeling the baby kick.

  The way her body and mind were reacting to Dale was so out of character for her it was scary. Maybe Jake and the baby were trying to tell her something. Maybe it wasn’t wrong to ask for help and maybe Dale was meant to be the one to do it.

  Becca was just about to leave the desk when her mobile rang. It was the school, and she answered with a feeling of dread.

  “Hello?”

  The school secretary must have heard the panic in her voice because she said, “It’s Westview, Ms. Harper. There’s nothing to worry about. We’ve had a power cut at school. There are roadworks going on outside the school and they seem to have gone through the mains supply. We’re asking that all day students be picked up and taken home for their own safety.”