Returning to the table, four sets of eyes stared at me.
I shrugged. “I didn’t get any lunch, did I?”
As I tucked into my second dinner, I noticed that Mabel, who’d sat at my left-hand side had a large white carrier bag on her lap. I’d thought it was a napkin until I’d given it a closer inspection.
She saw me notice it and whispered, “No one wants to see puke in a restaurant, love. So it’s just in case you’re,” she coughs, “poorly again.”
I smiled at her. “That’s very kind of you to think of that. I need to be better prepared.” I whispered back.
“I’ve got your back, love.” She said. “Just until you’re a bit further on.”
My eyes began to swim with tears.
“Oh, love.” She passed me a napkin. “That’ll be the hormones. They’ll be whooshing around at the min.”
But as I dabbed at my eyes, I wanted to tell her she was wrong. It was just a virtual stranger had looked after me more than my own mother ever had.
“What’s up with you?” Rebecca noticed me wiping my eyes.
“Bit my tongue.” I lied.
“Could do with doing that a bit more often.” She quipped.
I smiled at her and she looked at me disconcerted.
Yes, though it would kill me, Rebecca was going to be amazing at her job. So amazing she was on a one-way trip out of Withernsea.
Jessica
That night I startled awake and watched as a breeze gusted through and blew my curtains into my room.
“What the…?”
I switched on the light so I could see more clearly and realised my window had been broken. There was a brick on the bedroom floor.
A banging at my door almost finished me off. I felt a cardiac arrest was imminent. Careful to not tread on any glass, I grabbed and slipped on my robe and checking through the spy hole, I opened the door to Max.
“What was that noise? Did you hear it? It sounded like a bomb. Do we need to evacuate?”
“Someone threw a brick through my window. It was probably kids messing around.”
“At 2am? Won’t they be in bed ready for school in the morning?”
I shrugged. “Well that’s what it was anyway. A brick. I’d better find the number of a repair company.”
“I’ve phoned the police.”
I groaned. “Oh, Max. It’s a broken window, not a murder. They won’t care.”
“Aren’t you worried someone’s like trying to threaten or hurt you or something?”
I yawned. I was too tired to give a shit. “It’d be far more likely that they’d want to get you, wouldn’t it? Maybe they got the wrong flat and it’s someone you matchmade in the past who has a grudge?”
His eyes went wide.
“Someone is trying to kill me, Jessica.”
“Oh my god, Max. I’m winding you up. It’s just kids.” I held my hand up. “The kids who did this probably aren’t planning on going to school tomorrow.”
Yet another knock came. This time from the door at the bottom of the stairs. “I’ll get it. It’ll be the police.” Max said and he disappeared from the room.
I just wanted to sleep. But now I had fresh air whirling through the curtains, cooling my room to what felt like a Siberian temperature. It couldn’t happen in summer. Oh no. It was 2:15am on the 3 December. I realised I’d now be facing the police in my pyjamas and robe and wished I had chance to get back dressed before they arrived. Walking through to the living room, I switched the central heating back on and put my gas fire on full. Then I filled the kettle because even if my guests didn’t want a drink, I sure did.
The door pushed open and Max came through. “Are you decent, darling? It was the police.”
“Sure, sweetie.” I took the piss out of his greeting. “You can come in, I’m covered up.”
Max walked through, turning to a man in the hallway. “So, like I said it was a brick that came through this gorgeous one’s window. I must know that her life is not in danger, she’s so very precious to me.”
Dear God, get the man an Oscar for dramatic performance of the year.
I was about to tell him to calm down when the man behind him revealed himself.
Dark blonde hair, piercing blue eyes that seemed to speak to your soul, and lips that promised paradise.
“What are you doing here?” I addressed my ex-husband, pulling my robe tighter around myself.
“I transferred. I’m the new Sergeant in Withernsea.” He told me. “More to the point, what are you doing here? It’s rather a coincidence that we’re in the same town.”
“Your bloody father.” I hissed. “I’m going to do him bodily harm.”
Lachlan’s eyes pierced through me. I watched as they appraised me, running over every inch of my skin. But though his gaze wasn’t professional, he was.
“Well, I’ll need to take a statement from you and look at the scene.”
Max stood there agog for a moment before finding his voice. “Do you two know each other? You said about his father…”
He walked about like he was a detective.
“Oh my god, are you Jess’ ex-husband?”
Lachlan nodded, though his gaze never left me.
“And you’re working here in Withernsea? Oh my.” He began to pace. “And it’s too late to call Samara with this amazing gossip. I shan’t sleep. I shan’t.” He walked back to Lachlan and held out his hand. “I’m Max. From tomorrow I work with your ex-wife at Cupid Inc. My job is to match the undateables. Your wife will assist if they need to talk issues through. I love your wife by the way. Ooops, I don’t think you’re supposed to tell a man you love their wife.”
“Ex-wife.” Lachlan enunciated slowly as if he wanted to punish me with each syllable as he shook Max’s hand. “She divorced me.”
Okay this was becoming even more awkward. “Max, it’s way past your bedtime and we’re up early tomorrow. Let me see you out.”
Max pouted. “Just when it was getting good. Oh yeah, you’ll keep me around while you’re in potential danger, but ex-hubby turns up and it’s bye, Max. Off you go.”
I rolled my eyes and walked him to the door. “I’ll tell you everything tomorrow okay? But only if you go straight to bed.”
“Okay, honey bunny.” He leaned over and kissed my cheek. “Love you bunches.”
I closed the door and taking a deep inhale that I hoped might calm my racing heart a fraction, I walked back through to my apartment.
Lachlan was in my bedroom looking at the window and the brick. “I’ve called someone to come put a board up temporarily until you can get the window repaired tomorrow. They’ll be here in thirty minutes.”
“Do you want a drink? A coffee, maybe?”
“Why did you leave me, Jess?”
I stood stock still and then I turned. “Yes, I’ll make some coffee.” I walked out of the bedroom.
“I want a divorce. I’m leaving you.” I told him.
Lachlan’s face drained of all colour.
“Don’t be crazy. I know I’ve been busy lately with work, but this promotion-”
“I don’t care anymore, Lachlan. While you’ve been out there working on your career, I’ve been here realising that I’ve spent so much time without you that I don’t need you anymore.”
“You can’t mean that.”
“But I do. You have no idea what’s happening in my life. In my world. None. You eat, sleep, and breathe that job and I may as well be a pillow on the bed. You make me feel like a ghost in my own home. Insubstantial. Like you can sense me, but you don’t see me.”
“It was just until this promotion was in the bag. You know this, we talked about it.”
“You talked about it. I’ve tried to tell you over and over that I didn’t care. I just wanted you, us. But it’s too late. My bags are packed. I’ve got a studio apartment near to college.”
“Don’t do this, Jess. Please.”
“I’ve already done it. We’re over.”
&nb
sp; I realised I’d stirred the coffee about ten times while lost in my thoughts. I’d not seen my husband in almost eight years, but he hadn’t really changed. There was a worn look to his once youthful skin, but that was the only difference. He still wore his dark blonde hair short and the way his shirt and trousers hugged his body showed me he still probably trained at the gym.
Picking up the mugs, I walked back out to find him sitting on the sofa.
“So how come a Sergeant is handling something as simple as a broken window?” I asked.
“Withernsea and the surrounding areas have a severe shortage of policemen. It’s all hands on deck here. No airs and graces or quoting rank.”
“When did you start here?”
“Last week.”
“I thought your father had finally given up. It’s been eight years.”
“In my father’s life, eight years is no time at all, is it? When you’re immortal, it must be the blink of an eye.”
I sighed, taking a seat at the side of him. “I guess not.”
“It’s good to see you, Jess. You look really well. Looks like psychology was the right choice for you.”
I nod. “It was. I love my work and I’m looking forward to this new venture.”
“Me too. I guess we just have to get used to the fact we might bump into each other. Withernsea’s not the largest of places.”
“Yes, well, if you could tell your father to butt out.” I told my ex.
“Oh, I intend to have a few words with the old man. Don’t you worry. I can’t believe we’re both here by accident.”
A yawn took over my mouth despite the coffee. “Well, he has Fate herself on speed dial. She’s been very busy with my friend, but maybe she’s decided to pick on me now.”
“So being in my company is you being bullied?”
I sighed. “You know what I mean. It’s a shock isn’t it? It’s a shock to me seeing you again. Almost as much as a shock as having my window broken.”
Lachlan stood. “Well, I’m sure that was just someone who’s had a few too many, but obviously if you see or hear anyone else hanging around the place, just call us.” He handed me a card. “That’s my mobile number in case you need it.”
I took it but didn’t say anything further.
The buzzer sounded indicating the repair man was here. “I’ll stay until the window is done.”
I shook my head. “There’s no need. I’m perfectly capable of looking after myself.”
All the fight left him. His shoulders slumped and he turned to me. “Yes, that’s something you’ve made perfectly clear.” He didn’t say goodnight. He just walked out, the door banging behind him. I heard him acknowledge the man at the bottom of the stairs. Then I put a smile on my face as I welcomed the man in.
Once the board was up and I was back left alone in my apartment, I sat down on my sofa and cried. For what I wasn’t sure, but I fell asleep once I’d exhausted myself.
Jessica
I woke to the sound of my alarm going off in the bedroom. Of course, I was still on the sofa, my face crumpled into the arm. As I sat up, I rubbed at my neck. I’d fallen asleep in the worst position, which meant moving my neck caused pain, and my eyes felt like I’d been punched in them. Dragging myself into the bedroom, I switched off the alarm and then I padded back into the kitchen to make a fresh pot of coffee. My eyes flicked to the coffee table where two mugs sat and I recalled Lachlan being on the sofa, then the look on his face before he left.
I wondered if he’d moved on at all. I guessed not if his father had engineered his move to Withernsea, and I knew I certainly hadn’t. No matter how much I’d tried to ‘get back on the horse’ and date, there was no one who’d kept my interest, who I’d loved as much as I’d loved my husband. It was just a shame he’d loved his job more.
After my coffee and a slice of toast and butter, I enjoyed a shower. Finally feeling more awake, I dressed in a white shirt and a pair of black slacks, applied light make-up and then I made my way through to Cupid Inc. Mabel was vacuuming the carpet when I arrived.
“What happened to your window?” She asked me.
“They think someone messing around, probably drunk. Early hours of this morning it happened.” I shrugged my shoulders.
“Scummy bastards. Should be in bed at that time, not drinking. No respect for the place.”
“Am I the first here?” I asked, looking at the clock on the wall. It was five past eight.
“You are, lovely. Go on through to your office and I’ll make you a nice hot drink. What do you like?”
“A latte please. Jax’s blend.”
“Right, you go and get comfy ready for your first day and I’ll bring you that drink shortly. It’s strange not knowing what to expect isn’t it? Whether we’ll be busy or dead quiet.” She paused. “Well, we’ll not be dead quiet because Max works here, but you know what I mean.”
“Morrrnnniiinggg beaaauuuttifffullll laaddiieeeees.” Max sang as he walked through the door. He was wearing black jeans that looked sprayed on, and a silver shirt, plus a cowboy hat.
“Would you like a drink, Max, sweetie?” Mabel asked him.
“No thank you, darling. I already had three because I couldn’t sleep after the whole window breaking debacle. Do you know who came to investigate? Jess’ ex-husband.”
Mabel swung around to look at me. “Really? Your ex?”
I rolled my eyes. “It appears he has a job here in Withernsea. It’s my ex-father-in-law interfering.”
“Cupid himself.” Max filled Mabel in.
“Wow, I’ve certainly started work somewhere a lot more interesting than my last job at the Aldi. Hey, can I play some Christmas music in the reception if I keep it low?”
“Absolutely, and when Samara gets here, if she says otherwise, she’s outvoted, okay, darling?” Max looked around. The front of Cupid Inc housed the reception desk at one side and then at the other there were another two desks. Samara and Max would take it in turns to work from behind reception while the other one took a desk. The other desk was for Rebecca’s use. In front of the reception desk was a red comfy seating area and then a door at the back led through to a kitchen with a dining table; the bathroom; and my office with its own washroom facilities, there for any teary clients.
“Right, it’s my turn to be on reception. I’m ready for my close-up.” Max walked around and sat behind the desk. He picked up the silent phone making his own ringing sound. “Cupid Inc Dating Services. How may I help you?” He practiced. “You want me to help you get a date? You say you’re undateable.” He paused as Rebecca walked through the door. “Well as long as your name isn’t Rebecca Wilkins you’ve called the right place.”
I raised a brow.
“Impossible.” He pointed to her. “Wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy.”
“Morning everyone but my brother.” Rebecca said, walking over to one of the desks, and dropping her bag off on the seat. “Well, what a surprise, Samara is the last to arrive. She’s probably still in bed.”
Mabel shook her head. “No, she’s got a doctor’s appointment. She’ll be in around ten.”
She looked at me. “Sorry, I was supposed to tell you when you arrived, but I got distracted by my excitement of our first day.”
Rebecca put her hands on her hips. “Seriously, she’s booked a GP appointment on our very first day? I don’t know why they let her get away with all her crap.”
“It’s the first day, she’s not done anything.” I stuck up for my friend.
“Exactly. The lazy Cupid has not done, and probably won’t, do anything; except try to make me look stupid. I know full well she’s going to trawl through my past matches until she can dredge up some way of making me look bad.”
“I think maybe we should try for at least one full working day before we start casting aspersions on colleagues.” I said, trying to keep my temper.
“Now do you see what I was saying about trying to matchmake her up with anyone?” Max said. “Worse
than being put on the rack. We should hire her out as a torture device.”
“I can hear you.” Rebecca said.
“You’re meant to.” Max shot back.
I rubbed at my forehead. “I’ll be in my office if anyone needs me.”
“I’ll be cleaning the kitchen.” Mabel added.
We walked through the back door.
“Do you think they’ll both still be alive when we surface?” I asked Mabel.
“They’re siblings, they’ll be absolutely fine.”
“You sound like you have lots of experience in that department.”
“I have five children and twelve grandchildren.”
“Jesus. That must make for an expensive Christmas.”
“It does, but it also makes for fantastic family get-togethers, so it’s worth it. Do you have a big family?”
I shook my head. “Not really. My parents were only children. My grandma on my mother’s side is still alive, but that’s about it for family.”
“Well there’s time yet for your own family.” She squeezed my arm.
“I don’t know. The clock’s ticking and I’m extremely single. Maybe I’ll just become a cat lady and live with about twenty felines.”
Later I’d experience Maisie again and change my mind vehemently.
I took a seat behind my new desk. My office smelled divine with that new carpet smell. I powered up my laptop and checked my emails. There were a few queries from my old job so while I drank a nice hot drink, I dealt with those. I realised that I’d better bring a book or magazine for the first few days as while Max and Samara started on their new caseloads, I was unlikely to have a lot to do. Sitting back and sighing, I wondered if I had made a huge mistake in coming here. I’d wanted a fresh start and instead my fetid decomposed past had reared its head. It was time for my ex-father-in-law to be held to account. I called him direct.
Cupid and Psych (Cupid Inc Book 2) Page 4
