by Karen Klyne
Pete brought the wine over and poured some into the two glasses.
Kim raised her glass. “Cheers. I keep calling you Philippa, but others call you Phil. Which do you prefer?”
“Whichever you like, but my friends call me Phil. If we’re toasting to a new friendship, call me Phil.”
They raised their glasses, and it wasn’t long before the food arrived. Conversation was light-hearted, and Phil enjoyed hearing some of Kim’s anecdotes about growing up in the village. She liked the way Kim talked. She used her hands a lot, her eyes lit up when she talked about something she was passionate about, and her expression was open and easy to read.
Kim put her knife and fork down and wiped her mouth. She held her stomach and leaned back on the seat. “That was great.”
“Yeah, they do a good steak here, and they have some yummy desserts.”
“Honestly, I couldn’t. I’m full to bursting. But you go ahead.”
Pete brought the dessert menu over and passed it to Phil. “Let’s see what they’ve got?” She studied the menu. “I think I fancy some cheese and bics. Would you mind?”
“Heck, no. It’s great to see someone with an appetite.”
Phil grinned, thinking about an appetite of a different kind. “I always have one. In fact, it’s come back with abundance.” The biscuits were small, so she popped the first one in her mouth and then prepared two more. She reached across to Kim. “Here, try this one, it’s a local cheese, and it’s to die for.”
Kim opened her mouth, and Phil placed the biscuit slowly onto the tip of Kim’s tongue. There was something suggestive about the way she did it, and she noticed Kim’s cheeks flush. She seemed to do a lot of that in her company, and it was something Phil found becoming. Not many women she knew were shy enough to blush, and she wondered if it meant Kim might be open to something more after all. She’d had enough food and asked for the bill. “Shall we go and finish the champagne?”
Kim laughed. “Yeah, it would be a shame to waste it.” Kim dug into her handbag and pulled out a purse.
Phil placed her hand on Kim’s. “No, this is my treat.”
“You bought lunch and provided the lovely champagne.”
“You pay next time.” I’ll get that one in now.
Kim acquiesced gracefully. “That’s a deal.”
When Kim hit the fresh air, she staggered a little, and Phil slipped a hand under her elbow.
Kim giggled. “I think the wine’s gone to my head.”
Phil hoped it had gone other places too. She guided Kim back to the cottage, who seemed to recover a little. Phil put on some background music, poured the remains of the champagne, and sat in the chair opposite Kim. “So, tell me about yourself. What sort of business are you in?”
“Just a small catering company. We supplied a selection of food to offices.”
“That sounds past tense.”
“It is now, almost. My partner, Rick, made me an offer. It was a bloody ridiculous one, but I accepted. I’ll soon be footloose and fancy free.” Kim laughed. “Which means I haven’t got a bloody clue what my long-term plans are.”
Phil smiled. Maybe she could help her with a few short-term plans. “Most people take a holiday.”
“I’m sort of doing that. I’m going to spend some time with friends in Spain.”
“And then what? Have you decided if you want to buy in Cauthwell? And come home, so to speak?”
“I’m not sure. I haven’t ruled it out, but I really haven’t got a clue what I want.”
Phil arched a brow. “You never know, something might turn up.”
“Who knows?” Kim leaned back into the sofa and sighed. “I ought to think about heading back.”
“Why? It’s early. Stay and have some coffee and liquors.” And more.
“I’m not used to drinking this much. Still, I suppose it is a special occasion. Go on then, you’ve persuaded me. I guess it doesn’t matter when I call a taxi.”
“Or you could stay over. I can always take the sofa, or…well, you’ve seen the size of my bed. I’ll take the left side, and you can have the right, and I daresay we’ll not see each other all night. I do believe that rhymes.”
Kim giggled. “That sounds tempting. You know, I just don’t feel like being alone tonight, and I’ve had such a wonderful afternoon, all things considered.”
“That’s settled then. I’ll go make us some coffee.”
When Phil walked in with the tray, Kim was sending another text, so she placed the tray down beside her and caught sight of the text. Staying over. C U tomorrow. Kim xxxxx Phil raised her eyebrows. Success. “Do you like…” She stopped herself. God, I almost said orgasms. “Cognac?”
Kim’s eyes widened. “Yes. But only a small one, please. I’ve had way too much already.”
“Me too. It’ll help you sleep.” Unfortunately.
Kim laughed. “Or give me a hangover.”
“I doubt it. It’s good quality.”
“What? Even when it’s mixed with champagne and red wine?”
Phil laughed. “Even better. Anyway, it’s Sunday tomorrow.”
“So it is.” Her mouth curved into a smile. “Thanks so much for today. It’s been a real tonic.”
“Thank you too. Normally I’d have gone to the pub, had a few drinks, and spent the rest of my day alone.”
Kim laughed. “I doubt if you’d ever be alone.”
“Okay. Maybe I’d have hung out with someone I didn’t really want to be with.”
Kim laughed. “Like Simone? She was very taken with you.”
“Was she? I liked Simone but not that much. On that subject––” Phil cleared her throat and decided to put it out there, so that she knew what the night might hold. “I hope you’re not worried about your reputation. I’m sure you’ve heard that I’m gay?”
Kim’s face turned the colour of a rose. She rubbed her brow and shrugged. “Actually, I didn’t know. To be honest, I didn’t even give it a thought. I was having such a nice time.”
“Me too, but people in small towns have small minds. It wasn’t even a topic of conversation in London, but here…well, it’s given people plenty to chat about. So, if you have second thoughts, I totally––”
Kim held her hand up. “I don’t know you that well, Phil, but you don’t look the kind of person who’d take advantage of a situation.”
Phil hesitated. Oh, but I would. She raised an eyebrow and smirked. “Only if you twisted my arm.”
“Ha. Not tonight, Josephine,” Kim said with a mock French accent.
Hmm. Not tonight? That sounded encouraging. She’d always been an optimist. And it was interesting that Kim barely batted an eye. She didn’t say she wasn’t gay…
When they’d finished their drinks, Phil suggested they head off to bed. She took Kim’s arm and led her up the stairs. She was a bit wobbly, and the last thing Phil wanted was for Kim to fall. She could imagine what they’d say. Alan and Grace, Jan and Dave…in fact, the whole village. She’d definitely be run out of town this time.
“You can use this bathroom. Here’s a toothbrush, and if there’s anything else you need, you should find it in the cupboard.”
Kim raised her eyebrows. “You’re well prepared, aren’t you?”
“I was a girl scout.”
“I bet.”
A few minutes later, Phil tapped on the bathroom door. “I’ve put you a T-shirt on the banister.” But you don’t have to put it on.
“Thanks.”
When Kim came into the bedroom, she was wearing the T-shirt which only just covered her bum, and Phil only got a quick look at her pretty long legs before she quickly slid under the duvet. God, she was at least two miles away. She should have bought a single bed.
“Goodnight, Kim. Sleep well.”
“Night, Phil. Sleep tight.”
She doubted it, but Phil was pleased she hadn’t made a genuine attempt to seduce her. She liked Kim, and there was no way she was going to jeopardise a potential fri
endship for a quick shag, particularly when Kim was drunk. If anything was going to happen, she’d like Kim to remember it. She closed her eyes and managed to drift off, but dreams of caresses and soft skin made her wake, her skin tingling.
Phil had no idea of the time, but she couldn’t sleep any longer. She slipped out of bed and crept downstairs in search of the kettle. She perched on the edge of a stool and was baffled as to what was happening. Upstairs in her bed was a beautiful young woman, and all she was doing was preparing tea. This was certainly a first. She carried the mugs upstairs and pushed the bedroom door open just as Kim was stretching. As she did so her T-shirt rode up and exposed a few inches of tummy and silky panties. Phil’s eyes were glued to the sight. Kim opened her eyes. It seemed to take a while before she orientated herself, and then she must have seen her standing at the bottom of the bed.
She pulled the T-shirt down. “Phew, I forgot where I was.”
Phil laughed. “Women don’t usually forget an experience in my bed.”
“Actually, you’re right. I won’t forget it because I slept so well.” She grinned and pulled the sheet over her.
Lucky you. Generally, sleep didn’t come into the equation when a woman shared her bed. Life was just full of new experiences these days.
Kim yawned and put a hand to her mouth. “Did you hypnotise me or something?”
“I think it was the booze. I didn’t get a chance at the ‘or something.’ I’d like to try that sometime, though.” She winked and put a mug of tea on Kim’s bedside table and slipped back into her side of the bed. “So, what are you doing for the rest of the day?”
Kim shrugged, clearly deciding not to play the flirtation game. “Not a lot really. I said I’d help Jan and Dave out at lunchtime, but apart from that I’ve nothing planned.”
“Sounds great. I’ll pick you up outside the Phez at four. I have a property to value, and I think you might find it interesting.”
Kim’s eyes widened. “I’m intrigued. Why?”
“Patience. All shall be revealed.”
Kim sipped from her mug of tea, and Phil downed hers in a few slurps. Considering Kim didn’t drink, she’d recovered extremely well from all the alcohol they’d consumed last night. Phil made a note there was no point plying her with alcohol. “In the meantime, what would you like for breakfast? I have croissants, bread, jam, marmalade, and of course, butter. If you want anything else, that’s tough.”
Kim chuckled. “Sounds great to me.”
“I’ll take a shower, and then I’ll go organise that mammoth task.” She hoped the cold shower water would come directly from Iceland.
By the time Kim came down from her own shower, everything was ready to go, though Phil’s libido had yet to receive the message to mellow. Phil plonked herself on one of the stools and placed her elbows on the island counter. “I have to tell you this. If our friendship continues, I should make you aware of one thing. I don’t cook, I can’t cook, and I won’t cook. You’ll go hungry if you rely on me for food.” What would it take to satisfy Kim’s appetite in other areas?
Kim laughed. “Somehow I never put you down as a cook. I love cooking, so we won’t starve.”
“Good, I’m glad that’s settled.” It looked like a crash course wouldn’t be necessary, and the fact that Kim didn’t immediately say she wasn’t sticking around was a plus. Kim spread some butter on her croissant and lathered it with jam. She took a bite and half the croissant remained on her face. Phil leaned over and wiped a few crumbs from the side of Kim’s mouth. A slight flush came to Kim’s face as Phil lingered with the touch of her finger. “Why does time always fly when one’s having fun?”
Kim cleared her throat. “Time? Gosh, it’s late. I’d better get a move on. I can’t imagine what’s going through Jan and Dave’s minds.”
Phil wiggled her eyebrows. “Do you want me to tell you? I can certainly picture what’s going through Dave’s, and it’s not for the ears of a sweet, innocent young lady.”
Kim tilted her head. “How do you know I’m sweet and innocent?”
Now that was a leading question. “We’ll save that conversation for another time. In the meantime, I’ll whisk you back to your castle, and cometh the hour, I’ll carry you away to the unknown.”
Kim giggled.
They got ready and climbed into Phil’s car. She drove Kim back to the pub and kept the car engine running. “I think I saw the curtain twitch. Of course, we could give them something to think about…like a nice lingering kiss?”
Kim’s eyes narrowed. “Followed by a small slap across the face.”
“Might be worth it if it’s only a small one.”
Kim punched Phil’s arm playfully. “I’ll see you later.” She blew a kiss.
That was about as good as it was going to get, but it held a hint of promise, and that was enough. “See you later, kiddo.” She watched Kim disappear through the pub doors. She wished she could morph herself into a fly and become a spectator, though she didn’t have to. They’d both be warning Kim about her newfound friend. If that’s all they were going to be, it could be a hell of a lot worse, and at least they’d have a good laugh. And maybe a friend was what she needed more than a quick lay that caused any sort of drama. Maybe.
Chapter Seven
Kim hung back in the doorway. She smiled as she eavesdropped on their conversation and watched the conspiratorial pair from the shadows. Dave sounded like he was grilling Jan.
“C’mon, tell me who it is.”
“Keep your voice down. You will not believe this.”
“Who?”
“Who’d be the last person in this village you’d imagine?”
“Err…let me think. This must be a trick question. So, it’s somebody I wouldn’t dream of?”
Jan laughed. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe you would.”
“I do love these little mysteries. I’ve heard that Gary Brandon is back in town, but from your reaction it wasn’t him or his brother. Surely, it’s not Jack, the window cleaner? I saw him eyeing her up the other day.”
Jan shook her head.
“I can only think of one other person. It can’t be…tell me it’s not. I can see by your face that it is. It’s Alan, isn’t it? He’s back to his old tricks again. How could Kim fall for him? This’ll kill Grace…after all she’s been through in the past.”
“For God’s sake, stop rambling. You do surprise me. There was me thinking that your warped mind would at least come up with someone a little more dangerous than Alan Farrell. You can be so unimaginative and boring. It’s Philippa Young.”
Kim pushed the door open and strode into the bar confidently. It was chilly in the doorway. “Hey, you two. Nice to see you working so hard. I’m off to change my clothes, then I’ll be down to help.” She took the stairs two at a time. She stopped at the top and sat on a stair to listen to the rest.
“Bloody hell! That’s a shock, even for me. Do you know I wouldn’t have put our Kim down as that way inclined? That’s something to ponder.”
“Don’t go making any of your wise cracks, Dave. She’ll tell us if she wants to.”
“What, you mean you’re not going to ask her outright?”
“No, I’m not, and neither are you. Let’s drop the subject. It’s none of our business.”
“It is our business, though. She’s living here under this roof, and we’re supposed to be protecting her from that sort of thing.”
“What sort of thing?”
“You know full well what I mean…that lesbian.”
“Shit. All these years together, and I never realised you were homophobic.”
“I don’t think it’s a good thing for her to be knocking around with that woman. You know what she’s like. Hell, everyone knows what she’s like.”
Jan raised her voice. “Bugger off. Go check if the meat’s done.”
Kim went off to her room. Phil was right about small minds, but she hadn’t expected it from Dave. But then, she didn’t know him that w
ell.
She whistled a happy tune. What a wonderful day she’d had with Phil. They’d spent all those hours together and never once was she bored or melancholic. She remembered staring at her when she came down the stairs in those tight white jeans. Butterflies had danced in her tummy. Women didn’t usually have that effect on her, but Phil was no ordinary woman. And what exactly did that mean? She was by no means ordinary. However, she’d felt totally relaxed in her company, and yet she hardly knew her. She giggled. Spare toothbrush. I bet she buys them by the shedload.
She’d never been in that situation before. She’d shared a bed with female friends, but it was slightly different knowing that Phil was a lesbian. Phil had flirted with her quite a bit, and Kim hadn’t felt the need to object. In fact, she’d rather enjoyed the banter and the attention. She thought about her relationships with men. They’d been a disaster, and as for the sex, she’d rarely been turned on. Certainly nobody had ever flipped her pancake. Perhaps she was one of those women who just didn’t enjoy sex? Whatever. She’d always found an excuse to dump them, mostly out of boredom. As for women, she’d never really fancied one before, apart from a few celebrity crushes. Is that what this was? Did she have a bit of a crush on Phil? She’d suggested a lingering kiss. What that would be like? The thought brought on the butterflies again, and she decided to be open to it, if it happened. She wasn’t going to close the door to anything, not when her world was totally hers to create now. She’d been in Manchester long enough to have shed any small town thinking about the gay thing, and it didn’t concern her at all that she could entertain that option. But all the same, she didn’t need to have drawn out conversations about it just yet either.
When she’d changed her clothes, she skipped down the stairs. “Hi, Jan. Do you want me to take over behind the bar?”
Jan jerked her head back. “You look happy.”
“I suppose it’s because it’s over. Did you hear about the sale?”
“Yes, a bit. But you can tell us your version over lunch.”
“Sure thing. I’m starving.”
They served lunches to a few customers and then locked up. Kim wiped the bar down, put the glasses away, and poured herself a diet Coke. She took it over to their table. Dave placed a bottle of wine on the table, and the three of them sat and ate together. Kim filled them in on the details of the sale of the house. She put the last forkful of food into her mouth. “I swear you do the best Sunday roast ever.”
