by Karen Klyne
“This one. Beginning on Friday and ending on Sunday.”
“Does madam have any particular requests?”
“Just hot!” Phil felt the tension leaving her shoulders. There was nothing like a true friend to remind her that life was more than work.
“Well, I think you’re in luck. We have just the right client on our books.” She laughed. “Apart from that, how are you, Phil?”
“Honestly? I’m knackered, and I can’t wait to see you. I need civilisation. And a bit of sex wouldn’t go amiss either.”
Cass sniggered. “I’m sorry. I’m already spoken for.”
“Ha ha. As if. Anyway, can we go eat somewhere on Friday night? Just you and me?”
“You bet.”
“Brilliant.” After a brief chat, they hung up. Phil’s mood lifted. London wasn’t calling, but a friendly face was exactly what she needed.
The days passed by quickly, along with the train journey to London. She’d had a great night’s sleep the night before, and she’d even nodded off in the carriage. By the time she reached St. Pancras, she already felt relaxed and refreshed. She stepped off the train. No, to be precise, she was almost pushed out of the door. It was all hustle and bustle, and everyone seemed to be in such a hurry. She had a weird sensation of not belonging, unexpected, and not entirely unwelcome. A normal Friday for London but not for Cauthwell. She queued for a taxi for way too long, and even the driver seemed hostile.
Cass opened the door and embraced her as though she’d been away for a decade. She pushed her back and took a long hard look at her.
“The panda eyes aren’t a plus, but you’ve got a healthy colour, and your hair looks so shiny.”
“Thanks for that. I’m beginning to feel better already.”
Cass pulled her into the apartment. “Actually, I didn’t think country life would suit you. I’d given you a max of six months in the boondocks, and there you are proving me all wrong. Tea?”
“I’m gasping.” Phil perched on a bar stool and watched Cass perform her task. “Ye of little faith. Mind you, for a while, I did wonder if I’d made a bad career choice.”
“And?”
“I love it. Maybe it’s because of my roots.”
Cass slapped Phil’s arm. “Roots? You were only there for a couple of years as a child.”
“Which obviously made a great impression on me.”
Cass grimaced and shook her head. “I can’t say I’ll ever understand, darling. You had the world at your fingertips. You were a celebrity. The Lady Auctioneer live on television. All those hot young chicks swarming around you like bees. How the fuck could you turn down the second series? It was heaven on a plate. Not to mention the oodles of dosh.”
Phil wiggled her eyebrows. She didn’t want to talk about that kind of deep stuff right now. “I have women swarming like bees in Cauthwell and every surrounding village.” She laughed. “More than I could ever handle. As for money, I’ve made plenty, but it’s not that important. Anyway, I have the most fantastic audience wherever I am, be it London or Cauthwell.”
“You’re one hell of a crazy lady.” Cass winked. “Talking of crazy, have you been run out of town recently?”
“No, it’s not come to that yet. Alan told me I have to move my love life to a different county, that’s all. Which reminds me, whet my appetite? What’ve you got planned?”
“I’ll tell you all about it over dinner. Another tea?”
“Please.” Whilst Cass busied herself making tea, Phil glanced around the apartment. Things had really changed. No more bachelorette pad. It looked like someone had walked in and erased all of Cass’s character and turned it into a love nest for two. She didn’t know Rebecca well but recalled she was a strong-minded young lady, and she couldn’t believe that Cass had been taken over so easily. Still, she looked happy enough. Maybe that’s what she wanted now. Phil couldn’t imagine someone taking over her own life that way. Ever.
When they’d finished their tea, Phil told Cass she was going to relax in the bath and unwind. She nearly dozed off in the tub, but luckily Cass disturbed her potential drowning by shouting that it was martini time. After their cocktails they went off to a new French restaurant Cass had discovered. Their dinner lasted hours. There was so much to catch up on and they chatted constantly throughout each course. Phil put her coffee cup down and stretched, letting the last of the day’s stress melt away. “Things have really changed. Are you and Rebecca living together twenty-four seven?”
“No. Four days a week, but it’s great. I can highly recommend it.”
“Not for me. I like my own company too much. And what the hell do you find to talk about?”
“Everything. Absolutely everything. I never realised how wonderful it could be sharing a life with someone. Let me rephrase that: sharing a life with someone you love. It’s the coming home, cooking dinner together, and then having a damned good bitch about everything before having phenomenal sex and then cuddling up to sleep. I never grasped how good it could feel.”
Phil yawned. “Terrific. Anyway, what are we doing tomorrow? Are we clubbing or have you managed to fix me up with a date?”
“Aha! Do you remember Rebecca’s friend, Elaine?”
“No, should I?”
Cass shook her head. “Well, she certainly remembers you. Apparently, you met briefly on New Year’s Eve, and you kissed her. Rebecca asked her if she wanted to join us tomorrow, and she fair jumped at it.”
“Great. So, which New Year’s Eve are you referring to? I’d have been totally pissed by midnight, and with a bit of luck I must have kissed about fifteen or twenty women.”
Cass laughed and rolled her eyes. “You cocky sod. Obviously, it wasn’t as memorable for you as it was for her. Apparently, she mentions you all the time. She’s quite obsessed. She’s nice, attractive, good company, employed, has her own home, and she can string more than two sentences together. We’ll meet at the restaurant and then go on to a club. Then it’s up to you. If you get lucky, our rooms are far enough away from each other.” Cass winked.
“That sounds great. It’ll be good to have some female company again. I’ve been so busy lately my private life has been zilch.”
“Excellent. I’ll give Rebecca the go ahead.”
They went back to Cass’s and kept chatting about life. Cass would always be her friend, no matter how different their lives were, and she missed having someone like that in Cauthwell. She didn’t miss London at all: the noise, the commotion, the drama. All better left behind. Later, when she eventually got to bed, she slept like a baby and thanked the lord she didn’t have one. Being with Cass was just the tonic she’d needed. It was like old times.
The following day, they headed off on a shopping spree. She did miss Oxford Street and Knightsbridge when it came to emptying her wallet, but if that’s all she lacked then there didn’t seem to be much to complain about. She ended up buying loads of clothes and accessories even though she could have lived without them.
Later, she and Cass headed for the restaurant. It gave her time to down a few aperitifs before Rebecca and Elaine arrived. She hadn’t been exactly nervous, but now she was nice and relaxed. And when they arrived, Phil honestly didn’t recognise Elaine. Shame, because she was damned attractive. She also had a great personality and a wicked sense of humour. Conversation was easy. They exchanged stories of Elaine’s career in the recruitment agency, and Phil’s move from London to village life. Everything was going swimmingly.
Cass held up the empty bottle of champagne. “Sorry to interrupt, but shall we order another, or continue at the club?”
Rebecca touched Cass’s hand. “The club. I’ll go and order a taxi.”
It had been a long time since Phil had been there, but as soon as she stepped into the room, she remembered how crowded it always was. There were plenty of clubs in the towns surrounding Cauthwell, but she hadn’t visited them. In fact, she didn’t miss them either. Surely she couldn’t be getting homesick for Cauthwell?
Or maybe she could.
There were still a few seats, so Phil guided Elaine and Rebecca to a table whilst Cass got drinks. The music was loud, and it was impossible to hold any meaningful conversation. Later, after their voices were hoarse from shouting, Cass pulled Rebecca towards the dance floor. When the slow songs arrived, Phil asked Elaine if she’d like to dance. She nodded and smiled. They danced closely, and Elaine’s perfume was intoxicating. She caressed Elaine’s neck gently. It’d been a while since she’d felt like this. The jets of excitement in her stomach turned more sensual as she moved her hand further south. She pulled Elaine closer, and their hips swayed together in time to the music. Desire flooded her.
“Shall we go somewhere quieter?” she whispered into Elaine’s ear.
Elaine lifted her head and met Phil’s eyes. “Good idea.”
“We can go for a nightcap if you like. I have a key to Cass’s apartment.”
“What about my place instead?”
Phil kissed her on the cheek. “Even better.”
They said their farewells, and Phil hailed a taxi. This was working out well. She liked Elaine, even if she hadn’t been able to remember her. Perhaps they could remedy that and make up for lost time.
When they arrived at Elaine’s apartment, she took her on a tour. They stood in the doorway of Elaine’s bedroom, and that was enough for Phil. She pulled her towards the bed and Elaine didn’t object. For the remainder of the night, and early morning, they made love to each other, and the time passed in wave after wave of desire. Eventually, they’d fallen asleep, exhausted and appetites quenched.
Phil awoke and stretched. She felt rejuvenated, as if she’d had a sexual spa treatment. The sun was shining brightly through the window and bathed her in warmth. What more could she ask for? Possibly more of what they’d had.
Elaine rolled over and lay her head on Phil’s shoulder. She sighed. “Wow, that was fantastic. Have you been locked away for a year or something?”
“No. It’s just the effect you have on me.” Phil traced her fingers down to Elaine’s breasts. “I’m not sure I covered this area last night.”
Elaine groaned. “I don’t think there was any area you didn’t cover. But don’t let me stop you.”
She didn’t.
A little later, Phil managed to twist her wrist around and glance at her watch. It was ten o’clock. The movement disturbed Elaine, who was draped in her arms. She yawned and looked up at Phil.
“After all that pleasure, I think I need a shower. Would you like to join me?”
That was an invitation she couldn’t refuse.
They stepped from the shower and dried themselves off. They kissed, and Elaine mumbled something about coffee and drifted towards the kitchen. Phil watched her leave. She liked Elaine, a lot. Apart from being a great lover, she was chilled and sociable. She didn’t feel she had to put on a show for her, and she certainly wouldn’t mind repeating the evening sometime in the future. She gathered her clothes up, got dressed, and wandered into the kitchen. Elaine was standing by the sink, and Phil took a seat at the kitchen island.
Elaine pushed a mug of coffee over to Phil and took a seat opposite. “I’m sorry. I don’t have a lot to offer you.”
Phil laughed. “You had plenty to offer last night, and it was pretty damned perfect.”
Elaine waved her hand. “Actually, I meant breakfast. But I agree, it was terrific.” She walked around to Phil, kissed her lightly on the lips, then headed towards a cupboard and pulled out a pack of cornflakes. “They’re freshly made. Can I tempt you?”
“My favourite breakfast. I’ll re-phrase that, it’s my second favourite breakfast. You’ve already served the best part.”
Elaine chuckled and poured cereal into two bowls. Phil had a second helping. She seemed to have had more than her fair share of second helpings with Elaine, but now she began to fidget. Oh God, no. She knew the feeling only too well. She wanted it to go away, but it always happened––that unpleasant heat surging through her body, and then the buzzing in her head, almost like she was about to have a panic attack. She thought it might be different with Elaine. She’d hoped it would be. She longed to feel normal. Perhaps I should see a therapist? But they weren’t open on Sundays. She knew she’d have to leave soon, but she couldn’t just up and walk out. No. That wouldn’t be fair to Elaine. She took in some deep breaths and tried to relax.
Elaine topped up her coffee mug. She ran her nails down Phil’s arm and took hold of her hand. Elaine was getting tactile. Phil couldn’t do tactile the morning after. She didn’t do it between the hours of ten in the morning and nine at night, unless she wanted something. Then it came into play at any time.
Elaine smirked. “Do you remember when we first met?”
Phil straightened her back and rolled her shoulders. Focus. “Of course I do. It was New Years’ Eve at the club. I kissed you at midnight, and it was the most memorable kiss of the evening. I only wished I’d been sober enough to take it further. How could I forget?” She winced inwardly at the white lie.
“Yes, I wish you’d been more sober too. We wouldn’t have wasted all these months. We could make up for it,” she said as she walked around to Phil. “I haven’t got anything planned for the rest of the day.”
This was one of those awkward moments she always tried to avoid. A part of her wanted to stay. After all, she’d had a great time, and she truly liked Elaine, but like always, there was something missing. She inhaled and tried for a genuine smile. “There’s nothing I’d like more, but I have to be back home early tonight, and I have some business to discuss with Cass first.”
Elaine pouted. “Maybe next time, eh?”
Phil put an arm around her waist. “Without a doubt. I promise I’ll make it up to you.” She glanced at her watch again, then pulled Elaine closer and kissed her tenderly. “I’m sorry about dashing off. Can I see you again? I’ll be back in London, and I’d love to meet up.” Why did I say that? Was it guilt? Or because Elaine was a good person and part of her meant it? Or perhaps she was just keeping the door open. Maybe next time she wouldn’t get a fit of anxiety.
Elaine seemed to perk up. “Sure, I’d like that. Here’s my landline and mobile number.” She passed Phil her card. “Call me…whenever.”
Elaine seemed reluctant to call her a taxi and managed to delay her for as long as she could. As she kissed Elaine and walked out of the door, she felt a mixture of remorse and relief. She desperately wished someone could find her a cure. Somehow, she doubted there was one.
When she got back to Cass’s house, Cass and Rebecca were sitting on the sofa reading newspapers and drinking coffee. It looked civilised. And boring.
Rebecca jumped up. “I have some calls to make. Will you two excuse me?”
Cass stared at Phil and sniggered. “I don’t know how you do it, honey, but judging by your demeanour, I’d say you had a good night?”
Phil smirked. “Pretty damned good. I thank you, my friend, from the heart of my bottom. I hope to be using this dating agency again.”
“Glad to be of assistance. So, how did it go?”
“Absolutely fantastic.” A bit over the top. She flopped down on the couch opposite Cass, closed her eyes and relaxed in the quiet of the apartment.
“Are you going to keep in touch with her?”
“Of course. I said I’d see her again when I’m next in London.”
Cass threw her one of her dubious glances. “What year will that be? Remember you aren’t getting any younger.”
“What? You mean I should be grateful for Elaine’s attention? Shit. I only had my fortieth a few months ago.”
Cass’s eyes widened. “Sure. And some.”
Phil ignored her comments and changed the subject. “So, you two look serious, sitting there reading your newspapers together. Is it the real thing? Do I hear wedding bells chiming?”
“God, you’re such a cynic, Phil.”
“No, I’m not. I just haven’t found the right person yet.
Sometimes I wonder if I ever will. I mean, how do you know?”
Cass leaned back. “When I met Rebecca, I felt so at ease with her. There was no pretence. I just had to be me. Sometimes we’d talk in depth, and yet other times it didn’t seem necessary to say a word.”
Hadn’t she felt that with Elaine until the dreaded hysteria arrived? Perhaps everyone felt the same but managed to overcome it. Maybe she wasn’t trying hard enough? “So what about the sex? Does it change after a while? Doesn’t it get same old, same old?”
“Hell, no. Like every relationship initially, sex is all consuming. It was perfect. Then I remember the first morning we had breakfast together. We looked across the table at each other, and I knew instantly that she was the one. All I can say is, when you find love, you’ll know it. You could do a lot worse than Elaine. She’s a lovely girl. She’s ambitious, kind, thoughtful, and of course the added bonus is she’s crazy about you. Wouldn’t it be uncanny if you two got together? Just imagine the four of us, eh? You, me, Elaine, and Rebecca. That would be perfection.”
Phil nodded and gave a half-smile. She could see the way things were going. Before long they’d have her moving back to London and shacking up with Elaine. She’d be in the same rut they were in. Still, they did seem happy. However, she hadn’t looked across the breakfast table and thought Elaine was the one. All she’d wanted was to get out of there, and that definitely wasn’t what Cass was talking about.
Later, she caught her train back home. She tried to read but couldn’t concentrate. She’d had a great weekend, but as far as she was concerned, in the end, all it had been was uncomplicated sex with someone she’d fancied. She was saddened by the admission. She would have loved to have felt more for Elaine. But she didn’t.
Chapter Four
It didn’t take long for Kim to realise her future wasn’t in Manchester. Everything had changed after she’d lost her father. She was unsettled and needed a fresh start. Only problem was, where, and what? First thing’s first. She made a call to her business partner, Rick, and arranged for him to come around. When he arrived, he’d only just got through the door and Kim thrust a glass of wine into his hand. “Here, I think you’re gonna need this.”
