by Karen Klyne
“The meal was good, and the entertainment was wonderful. We called it ‘the Anton and Philippa show.’ She always seems to know the right people.”
“I wish I’d been a fly on the wall.” Kim wiped her mouth with her napkin. “That was beautiful, Grace. The meringue was lovely, and it’s such a long time since I’ve had coq au vin. You’ll have to give me your recipe. It tastes totally different to mine. I might add it to my list of menus for the pub.”
Grace smiled. “Glad you liked it.” She left the table and returned with coffee and liquors. She placed them on the coffee table. “You two go ahead. I’ll just load the dish washer, and then I’ll join you.”
Kim poured the coffee and two small glasses of cognac. She passed them over to Alan. “Have things calmed down in the office yet? Phil looks shattered. I do wish you wouldn’t work her so hard.”
Alan looked puzzled. “I can assure you her tiredness has nothing to do with the business. In fact, we haven’t seen hide nor hair of her for the last few days.”
Kim jerked back. “She said she was absolutely inundated with work for the auction in February.”
He waved dismissively. “Baloney. That was finished ages ago. Carole and Abby are doing most of the show days on the houses, apart from the Gilbert’s place, and that’s down to Philippa. Anyway, she said she had some other business.” Alan gave a small laugh. “I’d assumed was you. But apart from that, the work on the auction will begin after Christmas.”
“Oh.” Other business? Then why was she looking so knackered? It puzzled her, but she couldn’t think of a reason why Phil would keep anything from her. Unless it was personal. She felt the blood drain from her face, and she gripped the napkin on her lap.
Alan raked his fingers through his hair and gave a deep sigh. “I did try to warn you.”
Kim took a long drink from her glass. “About what, exactly?”
“Don’t play dumb, Kim. You know what I’m referring to.”
Kim scratched her chin. “Isn’t there a saying about people in glass houses and things? You seem to have developed a short memory.”
Alan reached across the table and took Kim’s hand. “I’m sorry. I just don’t want to see you hurt. And lies about time and location…well, I know what that looks like.”
Kim took her hand back and looked at her watch. “God. Is that the time? I’d better get going. I’ve got lots on tomorrow.” She just wanted to get home and curl into a ball on her sofa.
Grace burst through the door. “Going already? Was it something my husband said? He does have a knack of putting his foot in it.”
“No. Honestly, I’ve got so much on at the moment.”
They walked her to the door. It had been a nice evening, even if she hadn’t liked where the conversation had drifted. Alan had a thing about Phil’s history. Maybe he understood her, because he had one too. She shivered and quickened her step. It was much cooler than when she’d left.
There was very little traffic around, only the few odd cars, but as she turned the corner towards her house, she heard the screeching sound of tyres as a car approached the T-junction at the top of the road. The car took a wide berth around the corner and turned left at quite a speed. There was only one car like that in Cauthwell, and she easily recognised the number plate. Phil. There was no doubt in her mind, unless of course she’d loaned her car to someone? She shivered and not because she was cold. She tried to convince herself she’d imagined it. But she hadn’t. What the heck was Phil doing in Cauthwell at this time of night when she was supposed to be in Leeds with her friend? There must be a perfectly good explanation. She racked her brain but couldn’t come up with one. She shook her head to rid herself of the gloomy feeling. Of course, she could message her and ask her outright. But she’d much prefer to ask her face to face. That way she was sure she’d detect whether Phil was telling the truth.
What was the point in trying to sleep? She’d tossed from side to side, changed her pillows around, and even punched the pillow that Phil slept on. Nothing worked. She got up, put her dressing gown on, and went downstairs. She made herself a cocoa and opened her laptop. Eventually, she found her mother’s email address. She typed it in and stared at the blank screen.
Dear Mother and Pierre,
It suddenly occurred to me that I haven’t given you my new email address, so here it is. I hope you’re both well and looking forward to spending time together over the festive holidays. It’s been a busy time for me with lots of changes. I recently sold my share of the business in Manchester to Rick. It was a hard decision, but I think I was ready for changes in my life. I also sold the Chase and made the decision to move back to Cauthwell. I’ve found a super house, and I’m just beginning to settle in. Still lots to do though. As far as work goes, I’ve gone into a sort of partnership with Jan at the Pheasant. It’s fun, and things seem to be working out rather well. By next year, we hope to get the pub back on the map. The New Year is looking exciting, and I’ve made many new friends in the village. It would be nice to hear from you, and I wish you a very Merry Christmas.
My love and best wishes to you both.
Kim xx
She wanted to put a P.S. I’ve met a wonderful woman. I think I’m losing her. I’m not enough. I didn’t think I ever could be. I’ve never been in a relationship, and I don’t know what to do. Can you help me?
She didn’t though. What was the point? After all, her mother wasn’t exactly an expert herself, though she’d been with Pierre a good few years.
She clicked send. It was a bit stilted, but she was relieved she’d written it.
She went back to bed and must have fallen asleep. Somewhere in the distance, she could hear someone hammering at the door. She yawned and looked at the clock. It was just past nine in the morning. It couldn’t be anything important. She rolled over and closed her eyes, but the hammering continued. She put her dressing gown and slippers on and headed for the stairs. When she found the key, she opened the door.
“Surprise, surprise.” Phil produced a beautiful bunch of flowers and thrust them at Kim.
Kim’s mouth gaped. Then she smiled broadly. “Phil. What are you doing back?” She pulled her inside.
“I missed you. I drove back late last night instead of staying over, but I wasn’t about to come over that late. I waited as long as I could this morning.”
Relief dripped off Kim in pints. “You don’t know how good it is to see you.”
Phil put the flowers down on the table. “I’m hoping you’ll show me.”
She tried her best. They spent the rest of the morning in bed, making love.
Phil leaned her elbow on her pillow, the one Kim had pounded with her fists.
“How was last night?”
“Not too bad.” Dinner had been okay, but it was the bit after that left her sleepless. “I made a hasty retreat when it started getting personal. I told them I had a lot on, which I don’t.”
“Lucky me.”
“Mind you, I’ll be busy for the next few days. I’ve got to cook the turkeys and prepare for Christmas day.”
Phil licked her lips. “Yummy, yummy. Apart from eating it, I’ll give you a hand on Christmas day, if you’d like me to. Then, whoopee, we’re free for a couple of days. I’ve decided to deliver presents in the office tomorrow, then I’m all finished for the holidays.”
“Good. You can give me a hand decorating the tree.” Kim snuggled into Phil’s arms and lay her head on her shoulder. She may feel contented now, but she was still left wondering why Phil was heading in the opposite direction to her home last night. Also, Alan had made it quite clear that her exhaustion wasn’t down to their workload. She was sure there was an explanation, but it was pointless asking silly questions. Phil was here instead of with her friend, and that meant a lot. Insecurities could wait.
***
Phil didn’t like lying to Kim, but what was the point in confessing her secret now? She hadn’t gone anywhere near Leeds yesterday. Cass had been over at
her place. Her new place. Kim’s old family home, the Chase. She’d taken possession at the beginning of the month, and Cass had been back and forth from London whenever she could to re-design the whole interior. That’s why she’d been so busy and knackered, but now it was almost finished. She’d loved it from the moment she’d set eyes on it. Originally, the house had been sold by auction in May, when she’d sold it for Kim. In July, the house was on the market again when the buyer’s company went bankrupt, and they had to sell their assets. Nobody knew about it. There was no “For sale” sign or anything like that. She’d found out purely by accident in a newsletter she subscribed to. She couldn’t believe her luck. She’d made an offer, and it was accepted. She’d had no idea that she and Kim would be more than friends at the time. Cass had banged on for months about it, saying, “You must tell her. It’s only fair.” The longer it went on, the harder it was to tell Kim. And why should she, anyway? She didn’t need anyone’s permission. It was her life. Christ, they hadn’t been together for long. In fact, they were only really dating. It wasn’t a full-blown relationship thing, and it wasn’t like they’d professed undying devotion. Kim had sold it, because she didn’t want it. There was no reason for her to be bothered about who had bought it, even if it was Phil.
Anyway, she’d decided to save the news until after Christmas, when she could share the whole thing, top to bottom. She was sure Kim would understand. At least, she hoped she would. She put it to the back of her mind.
The following day Phil carried her special present into the office and placed it on Carole’s desk.
Abby shot up. “Do you want coffee?”
“No, thanks. Not today.” Phil motioned for them to open the gift. They tore the paper off and gasped.
“Wow,” Carole said. “This is the coffee machine they’ve been advertising on the TV. It’s got everything, and it makes about ten variations of coffee and stuff. No more powdered rubbish and no more dashing off to the café. God, it must have cost an arm and a leg.”
“Something like that. Don’t worry, I’ll get a big contribution from Alan. We’ve suffered long enough.” She handed them an envelope each. “Just a little something from me as a thank you for all you’ve done this year.” They hugged and thanked her, and then she went upstairs to see Alan. She handed him a couple of gifts. “A little gift for you and Grace.”
He turned a little pink and fidgeted in his seat. “That’s very sweet of you, Philippa. I’m sorry. I’m not very good with presents myself, but I’ll be dropping off a couple of bottles of champagne to Kim’s. I assume you’ll be there for Christmas?”
“Spot on. See you next week.” She bent over and kissed him on the cheek.
He put an arm around her waist and returned the kiss. “It’s been a good year for Farrell and Young. How do you feel about us taking a large bonus?”
Phil was stunned. She knew it had been a good year, but Alan was the one who took care of the books. “I think that’s a brilliant idea.” It would certainly help with all those extra expenses she’d incurred. “Thanks, and Merry Christmas, Alan.”
She had one more visit on her list. Neither she nor Kim had been able to take up Enid and William’s offer of a festive drink, but she couldn’t ignore them and didn’t want to. She rapped on the door, but nobody answered. She had a feeling they’d be napping, so she went around to the back of the house. They were in the conservatory fast asleep. Enid stirred and jumped up to let her in the side door.
“What a lovely surprise.” Enid took her hand and led her in. “Look who’s here, William.”
“Hello, young lady. What a pleasure to open one’s eyes to a beautiful woman.”
Philippa bent and kissed him. “Flatterer. I bet you were a devil with the girls, eh?”
He laughed. “In my day, and luckily I can still remember them.”
He patted the seat next to him, and Phil joined him. Enid insisted on making a pot of tea and Philippa poured it into the china cups and handed them around. They talked of Christmas and bygone days spent with their friends.
Enid sighed. “Sadly, they’re housebound, in nursing homes, or they’ve long gone. Still, we have our memories. Anyway, will you be spending Christmas with Kim?”
“Yes. I can’t wait for our first Christmas together.”
“Then make it a good one. You’re only young once, and believe me, before you can blink, you’ll be sitting in a conservatory together nodding off.”
Phil laughed. “As long as we’re as happy as you two.” She looked around. There weren’t many greetings cards on the sideboard, but at least they had a small artificial tree in the corner of the room. Who wants to get old? It depressed her a little, but she guessed they’d had their glory days, and at least they had their world cruise to look forward to. “So what are you two doing tomorrow?”
Enid shrugged. “Nothing much. Mind you, I did buy a couple of luxury dinners from that fancy shop.”
“Well, you can save those for the following day. I hope I haven’t been too presumptuous, but I’ve booked you in at the Pheasant. A taxi will pick you up at one and then drop you home later.” She knew it wasn’t a normal thing to do, but she’d taken the risk and it didn’t matter if they said no. She liked Enid and William a lot, and they reminded her of her Nan and Pop, who were no longer around.
Both their hands covered their mouths. They looked at each other. “How wonderful.” They said in unison.
Philippa slapped her knee. “Excellent. In that case I’ll shoot off and see you tomorrow.”
They walked her to the door and hugged her tightly.
Enid gripped her hand. “Thank you, Philippa. That’s so kind of you.”
Phil smiled. It was the best gift she could have given, and their acceptance was the best gift she could possibly have. Life was good.
Phil arrived at Kim’s for dinner. Tonight was theirs. She had a small case and a bag which she placed on the floor. She kicked the door shut and flung her arms around Kim. She sang a Christmas song, picked her up and spun her around, and then she kissed her tenderly on the lips.
Kim laughed. “Put me down, you idiot.”
Phil let her go and went to the door and locked it.
She unpacked the bag and took some packages over to the tree. “Oh, it looks like Santa’s been already. And now there’s some more.” She laid them down underneath the tree. “I know we’re going to be busy tomorrow, so shall we save them until we get back?”
“Great idea.”
They ate a delicious casserole and raised their glasses. “To the best Christmas ever.”
Later, when they got to bed, Phil made love to Kim. She’d have liked to continue until the early hours, but they had a busy day ahead of them. There’d be plenty of time for that in the future. The word came into her mind before she could swallow it. It must have been a mistake or someone else’s word. The thing was, she loved being with Kim, especially when she was physically with her. Everything seemed easy and natural. But she’d never had that before, and in a way, she thought she ought to fight it. Shouldn’t it feel claustrophobic? But it didn’t, and that was almost as scary as thinking about having a future with someone. Nobody was going to push her into anything though, and that suited her just fine.
It was all go, go, go in the morning, but Phil had to admit it was exciting. Jan and her sister came down, and they transported all the prepared food up to the pub.
Everything was set, and they were ready to serve. There was only one sitting at twelve thirty, so everybody arrived to a champagne reception. The room was buzzing when Enid and William arrived, and although Phil felt a responsibility towards them, it wasn’t long before they mingled and found a group of similar aged people from the village.
The atmosphere was electric. Phil usually spent her festive holidays in London with Cass. She vaguely recalled how much they’d paid for their lunch, and she knew there wasn’t much change from five hundred pounds. The buzz in this little village pub equalled anything she’d
enjoyed in London, and it was a hell of a lot less money. Funny what she’d accepted as the norm in London when the rest of the world was nothing like it, and in many ways, was even better. Anyway, it would have been different this year because now it was Cass and Rebecca. It could never be the same. In the future it could be the four of them, and maybe Cass and Rebecca could come to Cauthwell. Maybe.
By three thirty, everybody had left, and the day was deemed a massive success. Enid and William’s taxi picked them up, and they were in high spirits when they departed.
Phil and Kim wanted to have their first Christmas meal together at home, so they said their farewells and drove back to Kim’s house. Kim had prepared the food, so it wasn’t long before they sat down to eat. They drank champagne with their meal, then after a large helping of Christmas pudding, Phil helped tidy up and load the dishwasher.
They sat down with their coffee, and Phil rubbed her hands together. “Can we open the gifts now?”
Kim tutted. “Now don’t get over excited. You know you’ll end up being sick.”
“Hmm. Then I’ll have to spend the rest of Christmas in bed. Nice thought.”
They opened the small presents because they’d agreed to hold their main gift back.
Kim punched her arm playfully. “Here. Open mine first.”
Phil carefully unwrapped the gift. A red box displayed the name, Baccarat. She opened it up and inside was the most spectacular crystal gavel. “Kim…this is wonderful. What a truly unique gift. Thank you so much.” She pulled Kim into an embrace and kissed her tenderly on the lips. She looked again at the present and was overwhelmed. She passed Kim her gift. “It’ll never beat your present.”
The present was wrapped delicately in tissue paper and finished off with a tiny bow in the centre. Kim opened the box and inside was a white gold choker necklace.
She gasped. “It’s…it’s divine. I’m lost for words.”
“Let me put it on for you.” Phil took the necklace out, and Kim turned her head so Phil could reach. After she fastened the clasp, Phil peppered her neck with kisses.
