by Karen Klyne
Rick placed a kiss on Kim’s cheek. “Bugger. You’re leaving me, aren’t you?”
Kim’s eyes widened. “How did you guess?”
“Because your heart’s not in it anymore.”
Kim sat down on the sofa, and Rick sat in one of the armchairs. He was so right. “I owe you, buddy. I know you’ve carried me over the last year. Things haven’t been easy for either of us.” She sighed. “I’ve been giving it a lot of thought, and I want to sell my share of the business.”
Rick leaned back and crossed his legs. “I’m not shocked. I’ve been expecting this. I think we’re quits as far as helping each other out is concerned. I’ve already seen my bank manager, and I want to buy your share, plus your apartment, the van with all the equipment, and I want it at a good price. I’ll also want an assurance that you won’t set up business within fifty miles of Manchester.”
Kim straightened her back, stunned that he’d already worked all this out. “Wow. You’re one step ahead of me. You’d better come up with some figures then.”
“I already have one in mind.” He dug into his pocket, placed a piece of paper on the coffee table, and slid it towards her.
She gazed at the figure written on the paper, and her mouth gaped. She snapped it shut and pressed her lips tightly together. “Shit, Rick. That’s more of an insult than an offer. Do you want the shirt off my back as well?”
Rick rolled his eyes and grinned. “I hardly dare ask for that too.”
She shook her head. “Why are you being such an arse? Are you trying to screw me because you think I’m desperate?” God, after all she’d done for him. Wasn’t it her who’d given him a job when he was at rock bottom? She’d thought their friendship meant more to him than that. Obviously, she was naïve.
“I know it doesn’t look like a fantastic offer, but you won’t have to go through an agent. You’ll be saving time and fees, and you won’t have to find a buyer for your share of the business. You know it’s not that easy finding someone to sink money into a business when there’s another partner in existence.”
She scowled. “I’ll think about it.” She reached for his glass of wine and got up. He’d hardly touched it, but she didn’t care. This was no time for niceties. He took the hint, and she walked him to the door. Cheeky bugger.
He gave her a peck on the cheek. “I’m sorry, Kim. It’s business. You know I adore you.”
“Sure.” She closed the door behind him. Her shoulders sagged, and she stared down at the piece of paper. She guessed Rick was right, even though there seemed to be quite a shortfall moneywise. She went over to the table, picked up a notepad, and began to jot down the pros and cons. She still had a fair size mortgage on her apartment, but she’d be able to pay that off and have some to spare when Rick bought the apartment and the business. She’d certainly have enough to buy a nice new car as well. The pros were positive. She certainly didn’t want a new business within fifty miles. She had a room at the Pheasant indefinitely, thanks to Jan and Dave. She had the family house. She could live there, but there were far too many memories, and it was too big and needed way too much money spending on it. The house would be auctioned soon, though, which meant she could buy a small home and have enough to live off until she found a job. But where? And what would she do jobwise? Her head began to spin. She needed time to think, preferably in peaceful surroundings. She folded her hands in her lap. Spain.
No time like the present. She called her friend, Iz, and booked her flight. Three days later she was lying on a beach, soaking up the sun with her friend.
Iz passed her a bottle of cold water. “I can’t believe we’re here together. Last night I was thinking about how we’d all met. It all seems unreal. Were we really at catering college eleven years ago?”
“Yup.” Kim laughed. “It’s funny really. You and Juan got married, and Rick and I formed a partnership. And look how things are now.”
“True. Did you ever contemplate a relationship with Rick?”
“God, no. It wouldn’t have worked. We’d have ended up running a pub or something, and I’d be stuck in the back cooking all the food. More to the point, I didn’t fancy him.”
“You still had to make all the sandwiches and cakes though.”
“I know, but it was my business, and I chose the venue. If I hadn’t found that outlet on the business park, it would never have succeeded. That winter, when someone asked for hot food, that was when it all kicked off. Then it ballooned. Rick was working in a pub that was about to be closed, and I couldn’t cope alone, not if I wanted to expand. It was a great decision at the time. Anyway, how’s the hotel going?”
“It’s only what they call a pension here, not really a hotel. We serve three meals a day but only ever have a few guests at a time. We’ll never make our fortune, but I love it.”
Kim looked up at the clear blue sky and turned her palms up. “Who can beat this, eh? Living here permanently in this climate has to be a plus?”
“Definitely. It’s quiet now, but you wouldn’t like it in the middle of summer. Mind you, I shouldn’t complain, we’re fully booked from May onwards. Even need to hire someone to help Juan in the kitchen.” Iz raised her eyebrows and offered a questioning gaze.
Kim tilted her head. “What?”
“Why don’t you come over and take a working holiday? Wouldn’t that be great?”
Kim pondered. “Sounds tempting. Can I think about it?”
“Sure. At least you’re giving it some thought. I figured you’d turn me down flat.”
The offer sounded too good to be true. Maybe it was just what she needed, and at least it would keep her cooking skills in practice, and perhaps she’d learn some new ones to boot. Yes, she’d definitely mull that one over.
Iz shivered. “C’mon, let’s get back, it’s turning cool.” They gathered their stuff together and strolled back to the pension, arm in arm. “There’s only a few other guests, so I’ve given you the room with the balcony. If you’ve got good eyesight, you can see the sea between the buildings.”
Yes, she could just see it if she used a bit of imagination. But she didn’t need that to relax. She fell in love with Isla de la Vista, and during her two weeks, she sunbathed, walked, swam, and came to two decisions. Firstly, she called Rick and accepted his offer, and secondly, she took Iz up on her proposition. She was slightly envious of the life of her two friends from catering school. They were so in love. She wondered if she’d ever find that someone special. She doubted it, but perhaps if she spent time with them, some of their luck might rub off on her.
She arrived back in England refreshed and positive. Soon she’d have no home, no car, and no permanent job, but she’d have plenty of time to consider that in Spain. For now, the Pheasant was her temporary home. She liked Jan and Dave’s company, but of course she didn’t want to stay there indefinitely. She believed in fate, but sometimes you had to create your own destiny. She had a feeling that something would turn up.
***
Where had time gone? It was the end of April and Phil couldn’t believe the house auction was only a week away. She sat on the edge of Carole’s desk. “Okay. Plan of action. We have a heavy week ahead of us. Once we get those last viewings done, it’ll calm down. Alan’s made a good recovery, so we’ll soon be back to normal, whatever that is. Before we crack on, can somebody get me a hot, strong coffee?”
Abby jumped up and rushed towards the kitchen. “Would you like latte, cappuccino, espresso, or Americano?”
Phil lifted her arms in the air. “Oh, please, dear God, one day I’d like to say espresso and have something that didn’t taste like mud. In the meantime, just bring me a cheap instant coffee with cream, assuming one can buy cream in Cauthwell.”
She strolled to her office with her mug in her hand and began her telephone calls to the lot owners. She opened Kim Besson’s file and came across the copy of her passport. She looked at the date of birth and made a quick calculation. Twenty-nine. Bloody hell, she was fifteen years
younger than Phil. Maybe Cass was right, she wasn’t getting any younger. She sighed, then erased the depressing thought from her mind. She’d left Kim until last. Always save the best for last. She called her number and was disappointed when it went to voicemail. She left a message suggesting a meeting on Friday. Apart from Kim’s home, all reserves were now set on the properties for auction.
Later that evening, she checked her diary. Call Elaine was sprawled in large writing. She was overcome by a pang of guilt. She’d phoned her ages ago but never actually spoken to her. She recalled the message she’d left: “Hi, Elaine. It was terrific meeting you again. You were great company, and I so enjoyed waking up with you. We must do it again. I’ll call you soon.” She rolled her eyes. She’d sounded like she was saying thank you to an escort agency. And she hadn’t even asked her to return the call. It was rude, and she was sure by now that Cass and Rebecca would have a hitman out on her. She wiped her brow. She’d call her tomorrow. What is my problem? Maybe she’d send her a note and some nice flowers instead.
***
When Kim entered her office, Phil stared for way too long. She looked amazing. She stood and shook her hand. She thought about kissing it or her cheek. Lips were definitely out, even though she was thinking about them. “Gosh, you look well, Kim. Your hair looks awesome.” She wished she hadn’t put such great emphasis on that, because Kim’s face turned bright red.
“Err…thanks. I’ve gone back to my boring medium brown, that’s all.”
“Doesn’t look boring. I like the ginger highlights.” And they complement your blue eyes. When Kim’s flush grew deeper, Phil stopped ogling her. She spotted Carole’s shadow at the half glass door and jumped up. She relieved her of the tray and busied herself clearing a spot on the desk. She handed Kim a mug of tea and offered her a biscuit. “Do you like ginger nuts? I think they’re great for dunking.” They also matched her highlights.
Kim took one and laughed. “I used to do that when I was a kid.”
“I’m still a kid.” She dipped one in her tea, popped it into her mouth, and wiped her lips with a tissue. Phil pulled a face. “The biscuit was great, but the tea is awful. Don’t suppose you fancy going and having a decent coffee somewhere?”
Kim’s eyes seemed to light up. “Yes. Why not?”
“Great. Let’s go.” Phil packed all the papers away in her laptop bag, and they left the office. They went around the corner to the one and only coffee shop in the village and found a table. “What would you like?” Me? The likelihood of her saying that was about zero.
“Americano, please. With cold milk.”
“Will do.” Phil went to order and chastised herself for wandering thoughts. She needed to be professional, not predatory. She returned with their coffee.
When she set them on the table, Kim peered at Phil’s glass. “What on earth is that?”
“It’s called the Undertow. Three pumps of syrup, milk, and two shots of espresso.”
Kim laughed. “It looks like an exotic cocktail.”
“It is.” Phil slid the glass towards Kim. “Try it.”
Kim took a sip. She held a hand to her throat and stuck her tongue out. “Yuk. It’s so sweet and strong.”
“Yeah. Just like me.” She winked to show she was joking.
Kim blushed a little and fiddled with a button on her blouse.
Aw. She’s so cute. She’d have loved to reach over and stroke her cheek and tell her how adorable she was. And now she was gazing into Kim’s eyes. She cleared her throat. “Anyway, we’d better get down to business. I don’t suppose you’ve given any thought to the reserve price?”
“You suppose right.”
“Don’t worry, that’s what I’m here for, to give you my professional opinion. The response at viewing days has been favourable, and I’ve printed out a list of the genuinely interested parties. I honestly think the property should reach somewhere near three hundred thousand, maybe even more. You should perhaps think about a reserve of say, two hundred and seventy-five thousand. It’s a starting figure so that everyone knows where they stand.”
Kim turned her palms upwards. “Sounds good to me. You have the knowledge, so I’ll go along with that figure and keep my fingers crossed.”
“The worst that could happen is it doesn’t quite make that figure. If that’s the case, and there’s an offer close to the reserve, then we still have the option of approaching them after the auction. I’m sure there will be a sale, either during or after. I really think it’ll reach the reserve and beyond.”
“You said there are interested parties. How do you know if they’re serious?”
“Good question. Once the proposed bidders have decided on their maximum bid price, they arrange the finances. Whoever succeeds in buying will have to secure a deposit of ten percent of the total price of the sale. Completion usually happens between twenty and thirty days of the auction day. Again, assuming there is a sale, they’ll pay their deposit and sign the memorandum of sale—none of which you need to get involved with. We’ll take care of everything.”
Kim picked up a pen and let out a deep sigh. “Where do I sign?”
Phil pointed to the bottom of the paper. When Kim signed it, Phil put it back into her bag. She rested her chin on fists as she leaned on the table. “So, what are your plans when the house is sold?”
Kim moved her coffee cup to one side and looked across at her. “To be honest, I haven’t got a clue.”
“Will you go back to Manchester?”
“Doubtful.”
Phil smiled. She’d detected a moment’s hesitation in Kim’s response, as if she did have an idea about her future plans but wasn’t prepared to say. Still, why should she share it with her? They hardly knew each other. “Perhaps we’ll have to entice you back to Cauthwell. There’s lots of desirable properties coming on the market.”
Kim laughed, and her eyes widened. “Then you’ll have to tempt me.”
I’d like to. Was she flirting a little? Phil hoped so. “I’ll see what I can come up with.” She looked at her watch. “Sadly, I have to get back to the office. I’d love another coffee, but I have stacks to do before the auction. Maybe we could do this again sometime?” Or even dinner? That was wishful thinking, but she’d always been an optimist.
“I’d like that.”
“Good. It’s a date.”
There was that blush again. So captivating. They got up, and Kim walked back with her to the office. Instead of actually shaking her hand, Phil clasped Kim’s hand between both of hers. “See you at the auction.”
She was sure Kim’s hand was trembling, but all the same she let her hand rest in Phil’s. It was a stimulating sensation. It was just her hand, and yet…Phil tried to shake off the burning feeling in the middle of her chest.
Once the house is sold, she’ll be off. Shame. Maybe that would be best all round. Nothing could come of it.
Chapter Five
The day of the auction, Kim was curled up on her bed, staring at the ceiling, the enormity of the day weighing heavily. No alarm clock was necessary, because she’d hardly slept a wink. It was early, but she was gasping for a cuppa and for something to distract her from her whirling thoughts. She filled the kettle and plugged it in, then opened the curtains. Bright sunshine streamed through the window. She sat on the window seat and admired the view over the fields. This was going to be one of the most difficult days of her life, and she didn’t know how she was going to get through it. The kettle clicked off and brought her back to the moment. She took her mug of tea back to bed and switched the television on. The news channel only seemed to give out bad news, so she clicked the remote repeatedly until she came up with an old episode of Friends. She stretched out on her comfortable bed, grateful to have this small luxury. She half-watched the comedy, even though she’d seen every episode many times before. All she could think of was the auction. And Philippa. She smiled. It was so sweet of her to suggest coffee the other day. It settled her nerves as regards agreeing
a reserve for the property. And yet it brought about a different variety of nerves, ones that fluttered gently in her stomach and then began to swarm, an unfamiliar sensation. Had she flirted with Philippa? She was sure she had, even though it wasn’t something that came naturally to her. She’d never flirted with anyone before, not that she could remember. Then, when she was leaving, Philippa had taken her hand between hers. Kim had trembled. She’d thought the swarm was over, but then she’d experienced secondary after-swarm effect. Why on earth was she feeling this way? There was no denying she was certainly drawn to Philippa. Her shoulders slumped. Someone like Philippa wouldn’t give her a second look. She was just being kind to her. It was a sad thought. But she had other things to think about.
Things like the house sale. She wished she could be somewhere else, maybe lazing on the beach in Spain. No, she had to face this ordeal, and then perhaps she could move on. She pulled herself together, took a shower, put on a track suit, and made her way downstairs.
Jan was polishing tables. She looked up and stopped cleaning. “I heard you were up and about, so I didn’t bother giving you a wake-up call. I’m guessing you haven’t slept at all, sweetie?”
“Not much.”
“There’s some fresh coffee brewing. I’ll go get some. I thought you’d like some breakfast too.”
“That’s great, Jan. You will join me, won’t you?”
“Of course.” Jan carried the coffee mugs over and sat down beside her. “Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you? I can always get Anna to cover, and it won’t be busy. Dave and Anna can cope.”
“No, honestly I’ll be fine. I’ll feel better when it’s over.” She wasn’t sure if she would. Over sounded final, and final sounded like an ending. But wasn’t that what she wanted? What if she couldn’t figure out where to begin once this had ended?
