Law of Attraction (9 page)

Kay knew she hadn’t managed to disguise her antagonistic feelings for Alastair. “How thoughtful you are.”

* * *

On Friday morning Michael made an announcement. “I know that several of you weren’t employees at the old office, but I’d like to invite everybody to my father’s retirement party this afternoon. I’ve arranged for a mini bus to take everyone. It’ll be ready to leave at two o’clock.” He walked over to Kay’s desk. “Kay, will you come with me in my car? I need to go a bit earlier to check that everything’s just right and you always spot things that haven’t been thought of.”

“Yes, of course.” She noticed Vanessa glaring at her so assumed she’d overheard. Kay had tried very hard to be friendly with her, but it was hard work and she was beginning to feel it wasn’t worth it.

“Mike,” Vanessa called.

“Yes, what is it?”

“Could I have a word? It’s just that I get sick in mini buses and I’d really like to go to this party. It’s such an important occasion and I feel so loyal to this firm and your family.”

“The trouble is my car’s a two seater and I’ve already asked Kay to come with me.”

Vanessa gave him a woeful look.

“All right. I’m sure Kay won’t mind going with the others.” He turned to her. “Is that all right if I take Vanessa in the car?”

Kay tried to suppress her feelings. “Fine,” she said banging away at her typewriter. So much for Michael saying that he wanted her help. He’d have to rely on Vanessa now.

Chapter Nine

It was great fun in the bus. Susan started singing and soon everyone was joining in. Even the new partners had decided to leave their cars in Blayton and travel with the office staff. They were all still laughing and giggling as they wandered into the old office which had been decorated with streamers and balloons. As expected the table was laden with plates piled high with delicious looking food. Michael was opening champagne and pouring it into the glasses Vanessa held out for him.

Betty bounced over. “What do you think, Kay?” she asked indicating the food.

“Mrs Harris has done us proud as usual,” Kay replied.

Betty beamed. “It wasn’t Mrs Harris. She was too busy organising some charity event at the golf club.”

“Who sorted all this lot out then? Mr Harris’s secretary has left already.”

“I did!”

“That’s wonderful. You should be really pleased with yourself,” beamed Kay. Yet another achievement for Betty; she was doing remarkably well.

“Mr Harris is delighted. He’s such a dear.”

“What was it you wanted to tell me about Charlie?”

“I don’t know what you’ll make of this.”

Kay’s heart sank.

“I met Charlie as I was leaving the office one evening. I think maybe he’d been hanging around waiting for me. He told me how pretty I looked and how he’d always had a soft spot for me. I remembered that time he’d upset me, but we seemed to have put that behind us. You never mentioned it again and everyone makes mistakes so I forgave him. He asked if he could walk me home and we chatted about this and that. It was nice having his attention. When we got to my house he said how good it was to see me again and that he’d like to take me out and would I consider having dinner with him at that posh restaurant in Blayton. I never imagined going there and I’ve never had a boyfriend so it all seemed like a wonderful dream. He was ever so charming. He’s not good looking, not like Mr Michael, but there’s something about him. I told him I’d like to go out with him very much and that I’d ask my mum.”

“What did she say?”

“I didn’t ask Mum in the end. When I got to the door I turned round and looked at him. There was something about him that told me he couldn’t care less about me, I can’t explain it really. I called after him and told him my answer was ‘No’. What do you think he was up to?” Betty rearranged some sausage rolls on a plate.

“I’m not sure. He’s done some bad things, Betty. Maybe he was hoping to get some information from you about the business.”

“But why? He’s got a good job at Twigge and Moore. He told me.”

“Let’s forget Charlie. We don’t want him to spoil this afternoon. You did the right thing. And don’t worry, one day you’ll have a lovely boyfriend.” Kay wondered how she could be so confident in her prediction for Betty. She thought that she herself would have had a steady boyfriend by now, but apart from George there had been no one.

“I’m glad I refused him. Here, have this plate and help yourself.”

Kay wasn’t quite sure where to start. There was an amazing array of small eats including sandwiches, cheese and pineapple on sticks and mushroom and salmon vol-au-vents. Then she remembered the cake. If Michael had forgotten to bring it someone would have to go back to Blayton to fetch it. How on earth had she managed not to think of that? She supposed it was because her thoughts had been on other things, namely Vanessa and Michael. At least she’d remembered the gift. Now all she had to do was get the last few people to sign the card. But first she needed to find out about the cake. She made her way over to Michael.

“Here Kay, have some champagne. Wasn’t it generous of Dad to buy this for us? It’s a good one.” He studied the label of the bottle he was holding.

“I’m sure it is good and it was generous of you too to make such a large donation for his gift. We’d never have been able to buy such expensive binoculars otherwise. Did you remember the cake?”

“Of course! Actually
I
didn’t, but Vanessa reminded me.”

“She does have her uses then.” As soon as she saw Michael’s face she wished the words back in her mouth.

He took her hand. “Now listen to me. I don’t know why you and she don’t get on, but there’s no need for all this. I want my office to be a happy one where everyone works together and supports each other. So, tell me, what’s the problem?”

“She takes advantage of her friendship with you. Her time-keeping’s dreadful, she doesn’t pull her weight when she’s in so she’s creating tension with the rest of us. But you just don’t seem able to see it because she’s your friend.”

“So there’s nothing else then?”

There was certainly nothing else that
Kay was going to tell him. She wasn’t going to say she was fighting with a feeling of falling in love with him and he seemed more interested in Vanessa. She pulled her hand out of his grip. “There are a few more people who need to sign the card.” As she walked away from Michael she bumped into his dad and swiftly hid the card behind her back.

“Kay, how lovely to see you. I hear from Michael that everything is running smoothly in Blayton and it’s all down to you
, according to him. I always knew you’d make it to the top. It sounds as though you get on well. He barely stops singing your praises. Apparently he feels more confident moving the business forward with you helping him. And now I’ve said too much and you’re blushing. I was saying to Mrs H the other day that we must have you round for Sunday lunch. What do you say?”

“That would be lovely,” was all she could say. She could hardly tell him that Michael would probably prefer Vanessa to be invited. But then she remembered that he had been praising her to his parents.

Mr Harris squeezed her arm. “I’m very grateful for your involvement.”

Olive’s cake was delicious and everyone had second helpings except for Vanessa who, after forking a small piece into her mouth, declared herself to be full. Mr Harris
was delighted with his binoculars and he stood at the window staring out through them. As Kay watched, Mrs Harris edged her way over to her husband. In a reflex action he put his arm around her shoulders and she relaxed against him. Kay had never seen this side of him before and found it delightful. She just wished she’d find that sort of happiness. Would it be with Michael? She had no way of knowing what the future would hold.

Kay moved away to talk to people and then she glanced at the clock on the wall. Not wanting to interrupt Michael as he chatted, she waited for an opportune moment. He seemed to sense her closeness and turned to her with an easy smile. “Did you want me, Kay?”

“I don’t want to appear rude, but do you think it would be possible for me to slip away for a half an hour. I’d like to drop in on my parents now that I’m here.”

“Of course. Hang on, I’ll give you a lift. It’ll be good to see them again.”

Mr and Mrs Watson were delighted to see Kay who’d brought them a piece of Olive’s cake.

“This looks nice,” remarked Kay’s mother. “If her cooking’s like this, I’m sure you’re in good hands. Oh Kay, we do miss you, but your letters keep us up to date. And Dad says we might be able to have a telephone installed so you can
speak to us.”

Michael sipped tea while Kay nattered with her parents. Then she said her goodbyes and climbed into the car beside Michael to go back to the office where the minibus would take her back to Blayton. As Michael opened the car door for her, he said, “We could go for a walk this evening when we get back if you like. You deserve to take things easy and relax for a while after all the effort you’ve put in on the firm’s behalf lately.”

The offer was tempting, but Kay replied, “I’m sorry, Michael, I’ve plans for this evening.”

“I’m pleased for you although I have to admit I’m disappointed.” He hesitated before asking, “Doing something with Olive, are you?”

“I’m going dancing,” said Kay, smiling at the thought of the evening ahead.

“Not with George, I hope.”

Kay wasn’t sure what to make of Michael’s remark or the frown which puckered his forehead. “I don’t see what that’s got to do with you,” she said. Sorry that she’d snapped at Michael, she sought him out later to apologise, but he was amongst a group of people and it didn’t seem appropriate. Quite why she’d behaved like that, she wasn’t sure. He didn’t always bring out the best in her. It must be because she was unsure of her relationship with him.

* * *

“Hello, Kay,” greeted the others as she hurried into the dance hall. “We thought you might not be coming.”

“There was an office party I couldn’t miss,” she explained. “I’ll have to dance off the huge amount I ate.”

“I was just about to announce the competition,” said Len. It’s going to take place at the Guildhall here in Blayton. We’ll need to practise. During the tea break we’ll discuss what we’re going to do and who’s interested. If no one minds, I think I’d like to have a go myself.”

Kay felt herself unwinding as she moved to the music, enjoying the different rhythms from the valeta waltz to the quickstep. In the break, she chatted to the others about the forthcoming competition and resolved to enlist Olive’s help as a partner to go over her steps and moves.

“What about costumes?” Kay asked.

“We’ve built up a bit of wardrobe over the time we’ve been together,” said Len, “but if you’ve anything suitable, please use it. I’m sure you’ll look enchanting.”

The second half of the evening was very lively with Len assuring everyone that jiving was the latest thing. There was much laughter as they all tried to master the moves he put them through. It was a fun time and Kay enjoyed herself thoroughly. She realised she’d given Michael no thought. But now she wondered if he’d extended his invitation to Vanessa since she had turned him down. Still, she was determined not to spoil a lovely day with negative thoughts.

* * *

Kay discussed the garden with Olive and showed her the drawings she’d made.

“Looks like a lot of hard work, but as it’s not me who’s going to be doing it, I don’t think I’ll complain,” giggled Olive, studying the paper Kay put in front of her. “Are you sure you can manage all of this?”

“I can try,” she said, hoping she wasn’t going to be taking on too much. She was pleased at the way her life was turning out now with the new job, dancing classes and the garden and was determined to make a success of it. “Shall we go out and look at the plot and see where I hope to grow the different vegetables? It’s a beautiful day, it seems criminal to stay indoors.”

Olive headed for the back door. “You’re good for me,” she said. “I like to be on the move and have things going on.”

After they’d decided what could go where, Kay went upstairs to change into old clothes and then went to Olive’s shed at the bottom of the garden where she found some ancient-looking tools which would have to do the job. Perhaps the next time she went home she would be able to bring some of her dad’s smaller implements which would make the work a bit easier. The ground was hard since there hadn’t been much rain and it took a great deal of effort to turn the soil. She was surprised to see Olive beckoning to her.

Hoping for a cup of something hot or cold, she was even more surprised to see Michael making himself at home in the kitchen.

“Is everything all right?” asked Kay, wondering what could have brought him here on a Saturday.

“I wanted to thank Olive for the smashing cake she made for
my father. He had a wonderful time at the party and I wouldn’t have been surprised if he’d gone to bed with his binoculars still around his neck.”

Olive chuckled. “I’m glad everything went off all right. Kay’s a good organiser, isn’t she?” she said, ignoring Kay’s protestations. “I’ll leave you two to chat while I go to the shop for a few things.”

“It was good of you to come to thank Olive,” said Kay. “Would you like me to make a cup of tea?”

“No thanks, I was on my way to the tennis club. That’s another reason why I called in. I wanted to invite you to play tomorrow afternoon. What do you say?”

“I’d like to very much, thank you.”

Michael moved towards her and gently wiped her cheek with his hand. “Your face is muddy.”

As he dabbed at her face, Kay gazed into his beautiful eyes hoping the moment would last for a very long time. All too soon he dropped his hand, grinned and told her what time he’d booked the court for the next day.

It was only after the arrangements had been made and Michael had gone that Kay felt she had probably made a mistake accepting his invitation. He’d already told her that some of the tennis club members were rather shallow and then there was Vanessa. She wasn’t sure she wanted to spend an afternoon watching their receptionist flirt with the boss. No doubt she’d end up being the ball boy for the two of them.

* * *

At least there was no problem with what to wear.
Kay chose a light pair of shorts and a loose white short sleeved blouse. Having put on her plimsolls she swung a cardigan round her shoulders and was ready.

“Do you think I look the part, Olive?”

Olive nodded admiringly. “You look very pretty, Kay. Michael will be totally distracted from his game. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the afternoon.”

“I’m hopeless at tennis,” Kay said with a sigh.