Law of Attraction (3 page)

“Oh, you’re talking about the move. I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you about it. I needed to be sure I’d signed the lease on the premises before I said anything. I didn’t want people thinking they were moving then being told they couldn’t. I had to be certain. It’s a shame you’re not coming with me, Kay.” Once again Michael took her hand and looked her in the eye. She was mesmerised by those blue eyes. “I had thought that we’d be working even more closely together in the future and it wouldn’t be long before you knew almost as much as I do about the business. I’m devastated.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Please convince your parents, Kay. It’s a wonderful opportunity for you and there’s so much going on in Blayton.”

Kay wondered just how large the pay rise might be and whether it would enable her to make the most of the opportunities available in the county town. “I’ll talk to
them again this evening. They aren’t against me going, but they do have a few worries about me moving there and so do I.”

“Tell them I’ll make sure you’re all right. I promise them that.”

* * *

“Will you water the beans now, love? That shower we had this morning wasn’t enough to soak through to the roots.

“Dad, isn’t it a lovely evening?” Kay refilled the watering can at the water butt. “I love these warm evenings. Listen to those birds. Don’t they sound happy?”

“They do, but what about you? Are you happy?”

“I did want to go to Blayton. It’s a wonderful opportunity to move to a large town and be the boss’s secretary.”

“And you’re still so young. I always said you’re as bright as a button. Still there’ll be other jobs and we like having you here. We’d have missed you if you’d gone.”

Kay sat down and patted the bench beside her. “Come and sit down, Dad. Michael really wants me to go and he told me today he’s giving us all a pay rise. I think I could manage quite comfortably. I’d like to go, but only with the blessing of both of you.”

“I’ll go and talk to your mother now whilst you finish the watering.”

* * *

“So what’s the verdict?”

“It isn’t quite as straightforward as it seems is it, Kay? It isn’t just the money, we’re also a bit worried about you working so closely with Michael. He’s a lovely man. You seem very fond of him and we don’t want you to get hurt again.” Mrs Watson took her daughter’s hand. “When you talk about him you have a sort of wistful look.”

“I do like him, he’s an excellent boss, but I also know that he wouldn’t give me a second glance. He’s out of my league, I told you. And what’s that saying? Once bitten, twice shy.”

“And you can deal with your feelings?” Her mother looked anxious.

“Of course I can. I like him, that’s all.” Kay didn’t want to lie to her parents, but she wasn’t quite sure what her feelings for Michael were
, so felt she was telling the truth. All she knew was that she desperately wanted to carry on working for him.

“In that case your father and I think it will be a wonderful new start for you after what happened…”

Chapter Three

“What a perfect end to an eventful week,” burst out Michael when Kay rushed to tell him the news she would be moving to Blayton after all. He bent his head towards her and planted a kiss on her cheek. “I’m not going to apologise,” he grinned, “I couldn’t help myself. Kay, you have no idea how much this means to me.”

Kay didn’t know what to say so she kept quiet, but returned Michael’s smile.

“I think we should celebrate,” he continued. “Will you have dinner with me tonight?” With shining eyes, Kay nodded. “I’ll pick you up at seven thirty, if that’s all right.”

The day seemed interminably long to Kay even though she was in and out of Michael’s office taking dictation, on the telephone answering calls from clients and showing Betty how to work the duplicating machine.

“You’re being awfully kind, Kay,” said Betty. “I expect you’ll be going to Blayton with Mr Michael, won’t you?”

“Yes, Betty, I will,” replied Kay trying to keep the excitement out of her voice. “I’m sure you’ll have no difficulty in getting a new job locally once this office closes. Everyone here likes you and you pick things up quickly.”

“Because you’re patient with me. I’ll miss you, Kay.”

* * *

On the dot of seven thirty that evening Mrs Watson checked her hair in the hall mirror before answering the door to Michael. “Good evening. How nice to see you again. Come in, please.”

Kay was in the hallway with her jacket on ready to go, but Michael seemed to be in no rush to leave. He followed Mrs Watson through to the sitting room and shook hands with Mr Watson.

“I know Kay will be in safe hands with you, Michael,” he said, “but she’s still our daughter and I’d like you to get her home in good time this evening.”

Kay could feel her stomach contracting as she listened to her father issuing orders to her boss.

“I was planning on driving to Blayton for our meal, sir,” replied Michael not looking put out in the least. “In which case, I can’t promise what time we’ll be back, but I can assure you I will look after Kay. She means a lot to me as well.”

Glancing quickly at her mother, Kay could see a worried look pass over her face. The sooner she was working in Blayton the better, she decided.

* * *

It was wonderful to be beside Michael in his very modern Austin sports car. The evening was a little chilly, but Kay had agreed that it would be fun to drive with the top down and had tied a scarf around her hair so that she didn’t look like the wreck of the Hesperus when they arrived at the restaurant.

“I like your car. It’s a lovely colour,” Kay said touching the paintwork on the inside of the door.

“The colour’s speedwell blue,” Michael said turning briefly to look at her.

She couldn’t help comparing the colour of the car with his eyes which were a much stronger colour, deeper and more intense. “We don’t have a car, but we’ve borrowed one from a friend a few times to go on holiday. Dad can drive, but I think he prefers his bike.”

“It’s a bit of an indulgence having a car like this, but it’s fun, don’t you think?”

“I love it.”

From time to time Michael took one hand from the steering wheel and lightly touched Kay’s hand. She felt that she wouldn’t have minded going without a meal and continuing to drive along with him all night long.

“We could go dancing after we’ve eaten if you like,” he shouted over the engine noise. Kay stiffened and withdrew her hand from his. Michael looked at her and pulled the car over to the side of the road and stopped. “What is it? What did I say wrong?”

Kay took a deep breath. “Just to clear the air,” she began, “let me explain. I had an understanding with a man I used to dance with. We were quite good in fact and won several competitions. I don’t like to mention things like that at work because it’s not appropriate. Anyway, I thought George and I had a future together, but he waltzed off with someone else he met at a competition and didn’t even have the courage to tell me to my face. Just posted a letter to me.” Even after all these months, Kay could feel the humiliation she’d felt at the time. She looked across at Michael and realised that perhaps George had done her a favour; if it hadn’t been for him, she wouldn’t be here with Michael now. “However, that’s in the past,” she said firmly. “I’ve got a lot to look forward to.”

Michael took her hand and raised it to his lips. “So have I, Kay. I feel privileged to be in your company.” He started the engine and they sped off again towards Blayton.

Kay was glad she’d protected her hair from being blown about as the restaurant was very stylish. She accepted a small sherry and the waiter handed her the menu. It had never been Kay’s habit to dine out often so she felt a bit at sea. It was as if Michael sensed this and he leaned over and said, “I’m having prawn cocktail, steak and a lovely messy pudding. How about you?”

“That sounds delicious. Can I have the same, but I’ll wait to see if I’ve got room for the pudding.”

With the meal decided and the order given, Kay sipped her sherry. She glanced towards the window and blinked hard. “Isn’t that Charlie over there?” she said. “Fancy him being here. Doesn’t he look smart? I never understood why he left in such a hurry. Should we go over, do you think?”

“No!” said Michael sharply. Then he softened his tone. “I don’t want to share you, Kay. That’s one reason I brought you out here so that we wouldn’t see anyone we knew.”

“You’re not ashamed of me, are you?” she teased.

“Quite the contrary,” he assured her, picking up his glass and holding it in a toast. “To the best companion anyone could wish to have.”

* * *

“That was tasty,” Kay said, having finished the last scrap of her prawn cocktail.

“Good, you looked as though you were enjoying it. Apart from enjoying eating out what else do you like to do?”

“It is lovely being waited on in a restaurant. It’s quite a treat. We have fish and chips once a week from the chip shop, but this type of place is for out of the ordinary occasions.”

“One of the things I like about you, Kay, is you don’t put on any airs and graces, you’re comfortable being you. Some of the women at the tennis club pretend they’re something they’re not. I don’t like it. But you still haven’t told me about your hobbies.”

“I like going to the pictures. As I said I used to dance. All the time. I started when I was quite little. Mum and Dad managed to pay for classes and I got quite good. And…”

“And…”

“I needed a partner so my dance teacher introduced me to George. We got on really well and he was a good dancer. I’ve got trophies from when we were together. Well, you know the rest.”

“But why have you stopped dancing just because George left? Surely there are other men who could be your partner?”

“I don’t know. I gave up. It was an awful time.” It seemed strange to Kay that she was telling him all about her break up with George. She hadn’t talked much about it at the time even though she’d been devastated. It felt quite good getting it off her chest to Michael.

“I’d quite like to learn to dance.” Michael smiled.

“I thought you must be able to when you suggested we go dancing after our meal.”

“I thought we’d have fun even with my two left feet. I have had to dance at functions, but I’m pretty useless. I usually end up treading on my partner’s fancy shoes.”

“Maybe… no, that’s a silly idea.”

“Go on.”

“I was going to say maybe I could teach you.”

“I’d like that, Kay, very much. Once the move is over and we’re less busy let’s do it.” Their conversation was interrupted by the waiter bringing the steaks. Michael poured them each a glass of red wine. They both tucked in. Kay remembered that Charlie was in the restaurant, but when she looked over he’d gone.

Through the rest of the meal, Michael enthused about the new office, the town and the plans he had for the company when he would be in charge. Kay watched as his face lit up as he talked. “I’m so pleased things are working well for you,” she said.

“And what about you? Are you feeling happier now you can see your future changing?”

“The main difficulty will be finding somewhere to live,” confessed Kay. “I’m used to being at home and I like my creature comforts. I wouldn’t like to share facilities and anything else would be much more expensive, although the pay rise is welcome.”

“I could help if you’d let me,” invited Michael.

“In what way?”

“Putting out enquiries, making a few calls to contacts, that sort of thing.”

“That wouldn’t be fair on the others, would it? I don’t want any sort of favouritism, Michael.”

“No use offering you a loan of money, then?” he said.

“Certainly not.” Kay was appalled. That wasn’t what she wanted at all. “I’m not after your money, you know. I like working for you and… well, I enjoy your company, but please don’t…”

“I didn’t mean to offend you,” replied Michael. “Let’s change the subject. I’ll tell you about the tennis club. You might consider joining the one in Blayton. I’m a member there. I could introduce you to a few people.”

Kay thought she might be out of her depth there after what he’d said about some of the women, but he was so excited about her joining she didn’t like to dent his enthusiasm.

“There are some nice people there too, as well as those tiresome women. And I need a partner. I’m always being asked to play doubles.”

“I’m not sure.” The only time Kay had played tennis was at school and most of that time she’d spent gossiping with her friends when the teacher was coaching some of the better players. “I’ve never been good at sport. I did go over to the park with my friends where we hit a ball against the big shed with an old racquet. You know the sort of thing. See who could do it the most times before losing control of the ball.”

“Let’s agree. I’ll teach you to play tennis and you’ll teach me to dance. What do you say?”

“I say we each have quite a challenge!”

The meal eventually ended after a creamy dessert, and coffee in small cups.

Michael signalled for the bill and helped Kay on with her jacket. As they passed the place where Kay had seen Charlie, she said, “It was rude of us not to speak to Charlie.” His face grim, Michael didn’t say anything as he held the door open for her.

Back in the car Kay laid a hand on Michael’s arm. She wanted to get things back to normal before he drove her home. There was something bothering him and she felt as though she’d spoilt the evening by mentioning Charlie again. If only she’d kept her mouth shut. “I just want to say I’ve had a marvellous evening. Thank you.”

“It was my pleasure, the most enjoyable evening I’ve had in a long time. Thank
you
,” he paused. “I hope we can do it again sometime soon.”

Kay’s heart gave a little skip then she remembered the promise she’d made herself after receiving George’s letter. To try and let her head rule her heart. “Maybe,” she said.

Michael sat still for a moment. “I’m sorry about back there in the restaurant. It’s just that there’s something you don’t know about Charlie,” he said, his face tense once more.

* * *

Michael hadn’t been forthcoming about Charlie, and Kay hadn’t liked to force the issue. She hoped that the evening hadn’t been spoiled by Charlie’s presence at the restaurant. Maybe it was her fault. If she hadn’t pointed him out things would have been all right. Neither of them spoke on the drive home.

Kay wasn’t surprised to see the lights on downstairs. She knew her parents would be waiting up to make sure she got home safely.

“Here we are.” Michael leapt out of the car and held the door open before walking her to the front door. “Thank you again.” He leant forward as if he was going to kiss her, but appeared to think better of it and gave her shoulder a quick pat. “Good night, Kay.”

“’Night, Michael. I’ll see you on Monday.”

The front door opened as Michael made his way back down the path. He turned and gave her a wave.

“Nice evening, love?” her mum asked.

“Lovely. It was really posh. We had prawn cocktail and steak.”

“Come on into the kitchen. Your dad’s just made some hot chocolate. You need bringing back down to earth!” Her mum chuckled. “You should hear her, Harry, with her prawn cocktails and steaks.”

“I’m ever so tired. I think I’ll take my drink upstairs. I’m going to take the bus to Blayton tomorrow and have a look for somewhere to live.”

* * *

Kay had cut sandwiches for her lunch and packed a bag with a notebook and pencil. She intended finding a place to live before she returned home later in the afternoon. In a way she was excited at the prospect of being independent of her parents, but she was also a bit apprehensive.

Walking along the High Street, she passed a couple of estate agents and looked in their windows. There were a few advertisements which seemed promising and she went in and told them what she required.

“If you want something self-contained,” said the first one, sucking his teeth, “you’ll not find it cheaply.” He named a figure which made Kay sit up. There was no way she could afford that sort of money on a weekly basis, with or without a pay rise.