by S J Crabb
The look she shoots me makes my heart sing as she storms from the shop. Yes, Violet is about to learn just what being a landlord involves. I feel a pang as I think about Ken hearing about my demands. It’s true, I never bothered him with the little things and he always let me off other things. It was a good working relationship that suited us both until Violet. Maybe if he came and spoke to me, we could work things out. However, all my requests have been ignored so now I have no choice.
Despite my small victory, it’s a hollow one. I want my friend back, not this… person who has taken his place. Sadly, I wonder if that’s possible now.
28
Thursday night and I can’t quite believe we’re here. As Jack and I stand hand in hand outside Cilla’s Salsa at the Armitage Centre my nerves threaten to call this whole thing off. I still can’t quite believe we’re doing this and that Jack even agreed to it but here we are, about to enrol in the very same class Amanda and James attend.
I look at Jack and say in a small voice, “Are you sure about this?”
He squeezes my hand and says firmly, “Of course.”
We share a look and then head inside to try to put things right.
Cilla Barnes is the lady we need to see and there are no prizes for guessing who she is. As soon as we step foot inside the room, we hear a loud voice say, “Newbies, how fantastic. Come in, come in, don’t stand on ceremony.”
As our eyes adjust to the glare of the lights, we see the slightly disturbing sight of a mature woman dressed as a flamenco dancer bearing down on us. Her hair is wrapped in a scarf and she has bright red painted lips and the bangles on her arms jangle as she moves. “Welcome, my dears, have you come to salsa?”
She does this strange pirouette and stamps her feet as she laughs and I swallow hard. “Yes. We would like to learn.”
“Bravo my darlings. Come into the light and let me see you.”
She pulls us into the middle of the room and looks at us critically. “Hm, yes, a little stiff perhaps but that’s probably the nerves. Just follow the class and you’ll soon pick it up.”
She turns away to greet the next people through the door and Jack looks around furtively. “Are they here yet?”
“Who, your parents or the targets?”
“The targets, of course. I think I’d know my own parents.”
Shoving him I look around and spy Ken smooching in a corner with Violet and almost heave on the spot. “There they are. I can’t believe they’re all over each other in a public place.”
Jack raises his eyes and grins and I feel myself turn red as I remember being caught doing much the same thing in the supermarket aisle yesterday when Jack and I went shopping after work. Shaking my head, I say crossly, “It’s different. He should know better.”
Luckily, Amanda and James arrive and head straight over to us. Amanda lowers her voice. “I can see you’ve located them. I mean, who wears orange - ever. The woman’s a monster.”
I’m inclined to agree with her because Violet is dressed head to toe in orange chiffon. James smirks, “She looks like an amber traffic light, you know, the one that means ready.”
Amanda rolls her eyes. “Yes, that’s your favourite kind of signal.”
He grins. “I’m not so sure, I quite like the green one.”
Jack looks uncomfortable as his parents glare at each other and then luckily Cilla claps her hands and calls everyone to attention. “Class, I have some exciting news. Firstly, we must welcome some young blood into the fold. We have two new dancers among us.”
She shines a torch on us and we just smile and try to shield our eyes as everyone claps. Then she says, “I have three spots to the regional finals up for grabs. You have just six weeks to convince me that I should put you through and the winner of the whole competition wins £20,000. That’s amazing news, isn’t it?”
The class cheer and for some reason, I look across at Violet. Her eyes are gleaming and she is speaking urgently to Ken.
Amanda whispers, “I’m not surprised she looks excited. Women like that are all about the money. Now she can fleece that poor man and use him to earn herself some extra cash. Shameless!”
I can tell Amanda’s right because there’s a look in Violet’s eye that shouts determination. Poor Ken is about to spend the next six weeks of his life brushing up on his dancing skills because Violet looks to be a woman who doesn’t like coming second.
The music starts and I am slightly amused to see James take Amanda in his arms as they start to follow the teacher. They look uncomfortable and I wonder when things started to go so badly wrong for them. It’s obvious they can’t stand each other because I’ve never seen them share a memory or a warm look. All they share are recriminatory remarks and it’s difficult to be around.
Jack pulls me to him and whispers, “This is going to be fun.”
I have to agree with him because any excuse to gyrate against Jack in public is worth all the effort we are going to put into this.
We spend the evening concentrating on everything we are told to do and despite it all, I am enjoying every minute of it. Jack’s a fast learner and has surprised me with his skill on the dance floor. I never had him down as a dancer, more a footballer but he is light on his feet and quick to move.
By the time we reach the break, my head is spinning with it all and I wonder why I never thought of this before. This is amazing.
As Jack heads off to grab us some refreshments, Violet stops by and sneers. “I know what you’re up to.”
I feign disinterest. “It’s called dancing, Violet.”
“Is that what you call your pathetic attempt to get Ken to talk to you? Well, he’s sent me over to tell you to stay away.”
Shrugging, I turn my back on her as Amanda heads over with James. The look Amada throws Violet is priceless as she says loudly, “Oh, look darling, it’s that woman from last week. You know, the desperate one who tried to get your number.”
Violet storms off as James does a rare thing and laughs. “That told her. She really is so transparent. I can’t think why your friend can’t see that for himself.”
I spy Ken carefully moving through the crowd, balancing two glasses of wine in his hands and I feel a surge of affection for him. This isn’t his fault. I know he’s being fed all sorts of tales by Violet and I just need a moment alone with him to set the record straight. Leaning towards Jack, who conveniently arrives with the drinks, I whisper, “I hope this works.”
He laughs softly. “I’d bet my business on it.”
We finally get our chance at the end of the evening when Cilla shouts, “Ok everyone, ladies’ choice. Gentlemen, please line up on one side and ladies on the other.”
I stand next to Amanda and pray this works out. Cilla turns to me and says loudly, “Let our newest member select first.”
I take a moment to glare triumphantly at Violet as I march over to Ken and say softly, “May I have the pleasure?”
He looks surprised and then a little hesitant but there is nothing he can do without looking like a bad sport, so he smiles thinly and nods with a nervous look in Violet’s direction. As the rest of the ladies choose, I notice that Violet chooses Jack and smile to myself. Of course, she would.
As we take our positions, I look at Ken and say quietly, “We need to talk.”
The music starts and I soon realise how difficult it is to have a serious conversation while salsa dancing. With every swing, sweep and move my words are carried away over Ken’s shoulders and I can’t hear what he replies. After a while, I stop trying and just say loudly, “What’s going on Ken? I thought we were friends.”
He shakes his head. “We are.”
“Then why won’t you take my calls or come and see me? Violet told me you wanted me to stay away, and she was dealing with things now.”
He looks worried. “Listen, I’m sorry about that but I had to let Violet take things off my hands for a while. To be honest, she has pointed out several things I’ve been doing wrong and has
really made me sharpen up. It’s nothing personal, just business.”
I can’t help myself and say tartly, “Is that what you texted Patty?”
He flinches and says in a low voice, “I deserved that.”
“Maybe but she didn’t. Have you even spoken to her once since you sent that message?”
He looks over his shoulder with a worried expression at Violet dancing nearby and says in a dull voice, “It’s complicated.”
Sighing, I pull him closer and whisper, “Then try to get away and come and explain it to me tomorrow. This isn’t the place but I know a quieter one.”
He smiles thinly and nods. “I’ll see what I can do. No promises though.”
I can see Violet staring at us intently and swing around so we are obscured by another couple. As the music changes, it doesn’t surprise me that Violet comes to claim her man and leads him away as if I’m contagious.
Jack pulls me into his arms as the song changes and whispers, “So, did you get to talk?”
“Not really but he’s promised to come and find me tomorrow. How about you, did you find anything out?”
Jack grins wickedly. “A little. I’ve discovered Violet’s a flirt and not averse to flattery. I’ve also extended an invitation to come and check out the competition tomorrow, so that may give you some breathing space with Ken.”
I roll my eyes. “Of course, she’ll want to visit on her own. What did you tempt her with?”
Laughing, he swings me around and dips me to the floor, whispering, “Aside from the fact that I’m totally irresistible, I may have said I was investing in a chain of More than Chocolates around the country. Her money grabbing eyes lit up like a firework, especially when I laid on the charm and made her think there was more than chocolate on offer, for her, anyway.”
Despite the fact it’s weird to be happy at the thought that your boyfriend has just propositioned the local harlot, I smile with approval. “Well done, Jack. I knew I could count on you.”
Now the business of the evening has been done, we both just relax and enjoy the dancing. I never realised how much fun it could be and I’m even surprised to see Amanda and James laughing at something in the corner. Maybe Aunt Alice has hit on something here. Spending time together in close proximity could be a blessing in disguise for the two of them.
29
It’s actually three days later when Ken edges into the shop and looks around him furtively. “I haven’t got long, Nelly. Violet’s having a shower, so I said I’d pop out for a newspaper.”
Quickly, I pull him inside and lock the door. “That should keep the non-existent customers out,” I say lightly and drag him into the back room of the shop.
Ken holds up his hands and says with resignation. “Before you say anything, I know I was wrong. I should never have ended things with Patty that way but Violet said it was the best way all round. She even drafted the text for me and I was such a coward I just went along with it.”
I look at him crossly. “It was a despicable thing to do. Patty was devastated and probably still is. What made you do it in the first place?”
Sitting down, Ken sighs heavily. “I don’t know what happened, really. As you know, Patty’s sister came to stay, so I kept away for my own sanity. It’s been a little rocky with Patty anyway because she spends so much time at the farm and is never around to do the things I want to. Well, I decided to try the salsa club and signed up for the lessons on the spot. I was paired with Violet who kind of took my breath away.”
His voice softens and his eyes sparkle as he says gently, “She was like a breath of fresh air. Young, beautiful, funny and can dance like a pro. What’s more, she seemed to really like me and after class we went for a drink and she never left.”
He laughs at the shock on my face and grins. “I know, mad isn’t it? Anyway, I’ve never been a believer in love at first sight, until now. I can’t get enough of Violet and she moved in with me straight away. One thing led to another, and we started planning our future. She told me I could be earning lots more money than I do and drew up an impressive business plan. As a reward, I told her I’d make her an equal partner with me and we would make our dreams come true together. So, you see, Nelly, it’s nothing personal but Violet is so much better at this than me. We decided to marry because I’ve discovered life’s too short. I love her and she loves me, so why wait? Obviously, she’s a lot younger and wants to start a family and given my age we need to get a move on if that dream stands a chance at becoming a reality. I feel bad about Patty but when something’s so right, how can it be wrong?”
The phrase ‘stupid old fool’ is screaming to be let out of my mouth but I hold it in. There will be no point whatsoever in saying what I really think because it’s obvious Ken’s been brainwashed completely by this professional gold digger. So, instead, I just smile and say warmly, “I’m happy for you Ken.”
He looks surprised and then a quick glance at his watch has him jumping to his feet, “Thanks, Nelly, it means a lot. Now, I should be going because Violet doesn’t want me coming down here. She says she needs to establish her position as the landlady and our friendship could get in the way of that. I think she’s right of course, so it’s nothing personal but I must stay away – for now, anyway.”
As he turns to leave, I say after him, “I think you should call Patty though. It’s the least she deserves.”
He shakes his head sadly. “I don’t think I’m strong enough to do that yet. Call me a coward and a fool but I just can’t. Maybe she needs to hate me for what I’ve done to get over the situation quicker. It’s for the best all round, really.”
As he leaves the shop, I feel the frustration burning a hole deep inside me. This is bad, very bad. Ken has been brainwashed in a matter of hours by a very clever adversary. I don’t believe for one-minute Violet is his soul mate. She’s just a young woman ticking all the right boxes leading a very gullible man down the garden path. Maybe it’s time to step up my game because I am not going to let her win.
30
The next few days pass quite uneventfully. Jack had his visit from Violet but had nothing to report back. Apparently, Emma took an instant dislike to her and spilt some coffee on Violet’s new silk clutch bag which made for an interesting spectacle. Despite the fact Emma tried to break up our fake relationship, I think I forgive her for that one act alone.
As I cash up at the end of yet another quiet day, I feel quite excited for the evening ahead. Another night of Salsa and now we have everything to play for because Jack and I have decided to go all out for the competition. Not for the money, although I could certainly use a cash injection, no, it’s because we want to annoy Violet by beating her to the prize. It was after Ken’s visit that a plan began to take shape in my mind. It’s a little far-fetched and relies on a chain of events to all work out perfectly but it’s worth a shot at least. If I have my way, by the end of the competition, Violet will be history.
However, just when you think things can’t get any worse – they do.
As soon as we arrive, I see a couple of familiar faces and my heart sinks. Nudging Jack, I whisper, “Don’t look now but my parents are over there.”
Jack follows my gaze and it may be my imagination but he stands a little straighter and says seriously, “So they are. We should go over and say hello.”
My heart sinks as I follow him and my mother looks up and beams with excitement. “There you are. We had a spare evening, so we thought we would come and join you.”
She then says anxiously, “You don’t mind, do you?”
We shake our heads dutifully, as my father says loudly, “Of course they mind. What kid wants their parents gate crashing their fun? I told you it wouldn’t go down well.”
Then we hear, “What won’t go down well?”
I cringe as Amanda and James reach us and look at my parents with interest. Clearing his throat nervously, Jack says, “Mum, dad, this is Nelly’s parents, um… Tom and Bettina.”
My mother
holds out her hand politely and shakes Amanda’s hand and it strikes me how different they are. One, poised, elegant and chic and yet so cold she could freeze ice with just one sharp stare. The other, plain, dowdy and insignificant, yet the warmest person you could ever meet and the funniest. Chalk and cheese and fire and ice on a collision course I can’t do a thing about.
Amanda raises a well-shaped eyebrow and says politely, “I’m pleased to meet you both. I’m Amanda, Jack’s mother and this is my husband James, his father.”
I watch as they all shake hands politely and then Cilla rescues the situation and says happily, “More new people, how amazing. Have you danced before?”
My parents share an excited look and my mother nods. “Yes, we were regional champions about twenty years ago. We’re a little rusty now though, and that was for ballroom as a whole, not salsa.”
Cilla looks as if the gods have answered her prayers and gushes. “How amazing. You are most welcome to our humble classes… um… your majesties.”
Jack snorts and I feel myself turning very red as Amanda and James look on in shock. My parents just laugh and mum says awkwardly. “We’re not that good, like I said it was a long time ago.”
I catch sight of Ken and Violet in the corner and feel the irritation stir at the sight of her possessive hand on his arm as she scans the room. I watch her sizing up the competition and I’d like to think it was purely for dance purposes, however, I can tell it’s the men she’s scanning for and it makes me so mad to think she’s already planning Ken’s replacement should a better option present itself.
Suddenly, my mother nudges my father and says in surprise, “Good god, is that Soraya?”
I follow her gaze and notice with a start she’s talking about Violet. Amanda also hears and says with interest, “What, Violet over there, do you know her?”
