Kitabı oku: «Wildflower Park – Part Three», sayfa 2
Hudson strode into the room, overtook a few meanderers and slotted into the seat next to Anna. ‘D Day has arrived,’ he said, exuding enthusiasm as always.
‘Here,’ she said, handing Hudson her phone. ‘This is a picture of Liam doing ballet aged eight.’
Hudson held the phone and immediately his shoulders started to bob up and down as he took in the photograph of a small boy in a very tight orange leotard displaying a very obvious lump. ‘Where did you get this?’
‘I remembered his mum sent me a load of old photos for his birthday last year and I thought it might help if we had this to look at while he delivers our fate.’
Karl took the seat next to Hudson and immediately clocked the photo. ‘Someone’s excited about ballet. Who’s this?’
‘Liam,’ said Hudson, through splutters of laughter. Liam glanced over and they huddled around the phone and reduced their volume.
‘Bloody hell, remind me not dump you,’ said Karl to Anna. She tried to snatch her phone back but Karl was already passing it along their row.
‘I think everyone’s here,’ said Roberta, stepping up onto the platform. Liam started fiddling with his laptop and looking anxiously at the projector screen behind him and back to the laptop.
‘Is he trying to get something up?’ asked Karl, and they all began sniggering. There was something infectious about trying not to laugh in serious situations.
The presentation that followed could have told them they were closing the company down at lunchtime and they would have still had smiles on their faces. As it was, the main focus was on a total process overhaul, with the application of Lean methodologies at both the UK offices and in New York. There was a restructure but as everyone scanned it quickly to find their name, they were reassured nobody was missing from their team. Basically Liam had seized the merger as an opportunity to improve the current processes, which delayed things a bit but made ultimate sense. However, there were predicted reductions in the call centre and processing areas following the implementation of the suggested changes. The big impact for Anna was their programme was getting bigger but Anna saw this as a positive. Liam had taken the approach of ‘while we’ve got the bonnet up, let’s see what other improvements we can make’. Yes, there would be plenty of rework but this would definitely be a sizeable deliverable on her CV and excellent experience too.
Roberta gave what was probably meant to be a rousing speech and ended with a quote in large letters on the big screen that read – The only way to get what you want in this world is through hard work. ‘And do you know who said that?’ she asked.
‘Minnie Mouse?’ whispered Karl.
‘Tiana from The Princess and the Frog,’ said Roberta solemnly.
‘So close,’ said Karl with feeling.
Anna caught Liam looking at her and he gave a tentative smile before explaining the timescales.
‘Timescales are tight,’ whispered Anna to Hudson.
‘Not as tight as his ballet leotard,’ chipped in Karl. Anna was starting to feel bad about sharing the photograph and she snatched back her phone. Liam hadn’t stitched her up, which was what she had feared he would do. He had done a good job. In fact he could have recommended a separate project for these changes and left Anna and Hudson to finish the merger but what he’d actually done was give them a significant programme of work and enhanced their current project. He’d also stuck to his word and not said anything about her and Hudson because if he had that would have spread as quickly as only office gossip can. She almost felt like she should thank him.
‘Scope now includes New York,’ said Hudson, with a broad smile. He’d said he was missing New York – was this his opportunity to go home? There was a natural split for the two of them with Hudson managing the changes in New York and her managing the UK project. In one simple slide she could see logically how things should be managed and it meant them going their separate ways. It would no longer be shared responsibilities; there would be clear deliverables for both of them, which was exactly what she’d wanted from the very beginning, but now it didn’t seem such an issue.
Chapter Twenty-Three
‘Who do these belong to?’ said a grinning Sophie, waving aloft a pair of men’s Spider-Man underpants as Anna dashed into the kitchen to avoid the downpour outside.
‘What?’ said Anna, glancing at the swinging underwear. She kicked off her heels and sighed with relief. It had been a very long day. She gave her toes a wriggle. Maurice was lying in the hall stretched out like a furry road bump.
‘Who is Mr …’ Sophie paused to study the label ‘… large?’ asked Sophie.
‘Who’s who?’ asked Anna, starting to feel a tiny bit irritated by the silly conversation and the stupid pants.
‘The owner of these.’ Sophie waved the pants dangerously close.
Anna pulled her head out of the way. ‘I don’t know what you’re on about,’ she said, an unpleasant thought dawning on her. ‘Unless you’re trying to tell me you’ve had a man in here. Have you hooked up with someone?’ asked Anna, now paying full attention to the swinging undies.
‘What? No,’ said Sophie. ‘Do you really think I’d do that?’ Sophie lowered the pants to hang limply at her side.
‘I hope not. Why are you waving them at me then?’ Anna arched an eyebrow as confusion reigned.
‘Fine. Don’t tell me. I thought we didn’t keep secrets,’ said Sophie, throwing the offending undies at Anna’s feet and stomping off to the spare bedroom. Anna shook her head. She was totally bewildered by what had gone on. It was looking increasingly like Sophie was losing the plot. Anna took the tongs from the drawer, picked up the pants with them and dropped them unceremoniously into the non-recycling bin.
Maurice wound himself around Anna’s legs. ‘Hiya, Maurice,’ she said, giving him a stroke. ‘I bet you wonder what’s going on too, don’t you.’ Maurice did one more rub round her legs and slunk off.
Anna thumbed through her post. A large envelope intrigued her and she ripped it open first. Her whole body jolted. She stared wide-eyed at the contents. There was a covering letter thanking her for her interest and a glossy brochure for her old university. Her hands began to tremble and she dropped the brochure on the countertop. Why would the university send her a prospectus? She speed-read the letter again. It had all her details printed on it; it hadn’t been misdelivered. It was definitely meant for her. But she hadn’t requested it. There must be some mistake.
Her stomach lurched at the familiar buildings on the brochure’s cover. She reached out a finger to trace the lines of the main hall and unwelcome memories rushed back. Her mind was reeling. Anna tried so hard to not think about her time at university but in an instant she felt herself being sucked back there. She pulled her hand away. It had been a place that had held so much promise and opportunity but it had all been shattered abruptly, spinning her off plan. It seemed like every time she was moving on with her life the past had a way of rearing up and catching her off-guard.
Why had the university sent this to her? Was someone trying to freak her out? Or more specifically was Liam trying to freak her out? If it was him it was a very odd way to go about trying to win her over. Unless he hoped she’d turn to him in crisis. Her mind was a muddle of questions and an uncomfortable sensation was bubbling in her gut. She scooped up the brochure and dropped it into the recycling bin. It would be some silly computer error, she told herself. Those sorts of things happened all the time. It didn’t mean anything. The brochure images swam in her mind. She just needed to forget about it. She could do that. She had to.
Anna was distracted by Sophie shouting but by the time she got to the bedroom Sophie had already thrown her phone down in disgust.
‘He’s gone and got steaming drunk,’ said Sophie, folding her arms tightly across her ample chest. ‘I leave him and he gets the beer out to celebrate.’
‘I’m sure it’s not exactly like that,’ said Anna. She couldn’t imagine Dave was celebrating.
‘He’s rung me to ask me to come home. Is that all he thinks it takes? I’m so desperate a drunk phone call will have me running ba …’ She couldn’t finish the sentence before the tears came. Anna sat on the bed, wrapped her in a hug and rocked her gently. Dave was thoughtless. Anna was sure he had no idea how much he hurt Sophie sometimes. When Sophie’s tears had dried, Anna went and made her a decaf coffee.
‘You drink this and settle yourself down with some reality TV and I’m going to have a word with your feckless husband.’ It was time for some home truths.
Sophie looked surprised. ‘Do you think you should?’
‘Yes, because I’m his friend too. And when your friend is acting like a prize knob then you call them on it.’ Anna smiled and Sophie gave a weak version in return.
It took ages for Dave to answer the door. When the door did finally open the disappointment on Dave’s face told her a lot. ‘I thought you were Sophie,’ he said, a faint slur in his voice and a heavy scent of beer wafting off his breath.
‘How many have you had?’ Anna followed him inside and shut the door.
He held up one finger. ‘One …’
‘One? Was it served in a bucket?’
‘Let me finish.’ He stifled a burp. ‘One too many.’ He nodded wisely and stumbled as he tried to climb over a pile of overflowing supermarket bags in the hall.
‘Shall I put these away?’ asked Anna, already picking up one of the heavy bags and looking inside. ‘Blimey that’s a lot of carrots,’ she said, seeing all the bags were full of carrots.
‘Online shopping.’ Dave shook his head gravely. ‘It took me two hours to place my order and I swear I only ordered twelve carrots.’
‘Ah,’ said Anna. ‘Looks like twelve kilos of carrots. You need to watch that.’
‘Sophie usually does it. I’ve not got a clue.’
This was borne out as they both surveyed the pizza-box-strewn living room. ‘Come on, Dave, you need to get yourself sorted. Sophie won’t want to come home to this.’
‘I’ll tidy up,’ he said, before slumping back onto the sofa.
‘Fine but what else, Dave? What else are you going to do?’
Dave shrugged and then without warning burst into tears. Anna instinctively sat down next to him, put her arms round him and hugged him. His body shook with sobs. This was becoming a habit this evening. Anna held him until he’d got the tears under control. He pulled away and rubbed at his eyes.
‘I’m sorry, Anna. I can’t believe she’s left me and the kids.’
‘But it’s not permanent, Dave, she will come home. You two just need to sort out your differences.’
‘I don’t think it’s that easy.’
‘Yes, it is,’ insisted Anna. Although she was keen to have her flat back, she wasn’t being selfish – she wanted the best for her friends. It bothered her that Dave and Sophie were doing this. Anyone could see they were made for each other and if they couldn’t make it work, there was very little hope for her. Yes, they annoyed the crap out of each other but it didn’t mean they didn’t make each other happy too. They’d just forgotten how.
Dave hiccupped. ‘Did she tell you how I found her last week?’ Anna shook her head. ‘She had a mini roll in one hand, a slice of ham in the other and a jar of Marmite on her lap,’ said Dave, shaking his head.
‘Maybe neither of you have been at your best lately but the bottom line is – you love each other. That’s got to be worth making some changes for. Maybe start with sorting the house out? A bit of decorating, maybe?’
Dave gave a wince. ‘It all costs money.’
‘Then spend some money. Do what she wants, Dave. Give her the Hollywood house makeover if it’ll make her happy.’
‘Sophie knows the stuff in magazines is all fantasy; it’s not real. We’re on a tight budget. She understands we can’t live our lives like that.’ He glanced at Anna but her expression didn’t say she agreed. ‘Come on, we’re not the Kardashians!’
‘You’re both working, you must be doing all right.’
‘Have you any idea how much the mortgage on this place is?’
‘Your mortgage will still be here in twenty years’ time but your wife might not be.’
Dave’s eyes widened but his pupils didn’t. ‘You are aware that statement doesn’t contain anything positive?’
‘Uh-huh,’ said Anna, with a head bob. ‘You need to woo her back, Dave. Make her feel special.’ He opened his mouth but she carried on. ‘It doesn’t have to cost loads – she just needs to know you care. That you see her as more than free childcare, cook and cleaner.’
He leaned back against the sofa and Anna pulled her arm free just in time.
‘You know I love you, Anna?’ said Dave, with a hint of a slur in his words.
She knew it was the beer talking fluent bollocks. ‘Really?’
‘Yes. Absolutely. But in a completely asexual way. You understand? You’re lovely and everything but you’re just not my type. I don’t find you at all attractive.’
‘Right,’ said Anna, starting to feel a little insulted. ‘Is there anything specific?’ she asked. Life in business had always taught her to embrace feedback as a positive thing.
Dave closed his eyes, deep in thought. ‘You’re very up and down figure-wise,’ he said, waving his arm in her general direction.
Anna could live with that. She wasn’t ever going to be curvy like Sophie.
‘And you wear a lot of make-up. Makes me wonder what you’re hiding under it.’
‘I just like make-up.’ She was starting to feel self-conscious.
‘And …’ Great, thought Anna, there’s more. ‘You have a weird pursing your lips thing like you’ve just put lipstick on. And your hair is a bit …’
‘Okay, thanks, Dave. I think I get the picture. Do you talk to Sophie like this?’
‘Why?’ His head angled towards her but stayed resting against the sofa.
‘Because I’m starting to see why she might be feeling a bit cheesed off.’
‘But I love the way Sophie looks. I’ve fancied her from the moment I saw her and she’s funny too. We used to laugh a lot, you know?’
‘Yeah, I remember. But neither of you are happy like this.’
‘I don’t mean to upset her but somehow I constantly say and do the wrong thing. She gets her knickers in a twist over the tiniest thing.’
‘And those are mighty big maternity knickers she’s wearing at the moment,’ said Anna.
Dave grinned. ‘They’re frigging huge.’
‘And don’t you think it makes her feel a bit less than alluring?’
‘It shouldn’t. She’s carrying my baby, and that makes her the sexiest woman on the planet to me.’ Dave started to tear up again.
‘Then you should tell her exactly that,’ said Anna. Dave sat forward as if about to spring into action. ‘Not now. But maybe once you’ve had some sleep, a shower and a shave.’
Dave nodded. ‘Thanks, Anna.’
‘You’re welcome,’ she said, giving him a pat like you would a trusted Labrador.
Even though it was August it was chilly outside and Anna was grateful to get back into the warm of the flat.
‘Hiya,’ she said, kicking off her trainers. She could hear sobbing and she followed the sound until she found Sophie curled up on the sofa seemingly trying for the world record attempt of how many tissues can be extracted from a box in five seconds.
‘Hey, what’s up?’ asked Anna, trying to give her a hug but Sophie pushed her away and blew her nose loudly.
‘Pants!’ was all Sophie said before she went all blotchy and started crying again. Anna was momentarily stunned. She’d spent a whole hour talking to Dave, in an attempt to get them back together. What had happened now?
‘What’s the matter?’ she said, wondering what hormone had now popped into Sophie’s bloodstream.
‘Those pants you said you knew nothing about,’ said Sophie, blinking as more tears tumbled down her cheeks. ‘Where are they?’
‘In the bin. Have you suddenly realised you’re a Marvel fan?’
Sophie ignored the joke and pulled out another tree’s worth of tissues. Maurice tried to help and pulled a few more out for her.
‘Sophe, I don’t know what you’re going on about. Do you want to know how I got on with Dave?’ The fact Sophie hadn’t asked didn’t bode well for an early reconciliation.
‘I know how you got on with my husband: a million times better than me!’
‘Have you been drinking?’
‘When were you going to tell me you were having an affair with Dave?’
Anna laughed involuntarily but then saw Sophie’s pained expression and clenched jaw – she was serious.
‘Come on, Sophie. You’re joking, right?’ Although everything about Sophie’s body language said she wasn’t. ‘How on earth have you leaped to such a ridiculous conclusion?’
‘I think this text from Dave makes it pretty clear how he feels about you. And I don’t blame him. You’re so much nicer than me. I’m a horrible person.’ She passed her phone to Anna, but Anna was concentrating on her distraught friend.
‘Sophie. Don’t be like this. I shouldn’t have to say it but nothing’s going on between me and Dave.’
‘Read the message,’ instructed Sophie, her voice so choked up it was barely audible.
Anna fumbled with the phone before scrolling backwards through the text conversation, past a number of abusive replies from Sophie and finally she read Dave’s message.
Talking to Anna has helped me see things clearly. I wish you were her
Anna blinked then she reread it. ‘It’s a typo, you pair of goons. It should say I wish you were here.’
‘What?’ said Sophie, sniffing back the tears and snatching her phone from Anna.
‘Bloody hell,’ said Anna. ‘Forget the coffee. I might be forced back to alcohol.’
Sophie scrolled through her phone. ‘Hairy potholes. What have I done?’
Anna gave her friend a hug. ‘You’ve made your make-up run and you’ve probably single-handedly increased the Kleenex share price. But otherwise nothing we can’t sort out.’
Sophie put down her phone, hugged Anna back and started to cry again but this time it was interspersed with giggles. ‘I bloody love you, Strickland,’ she said.
‘Are you sure you’re not pissed?’ asked Anna, as they both began to laugh.
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