The Bow Wow Club (3 page)

– Chapter Eight –

Ruby tapped on Margaret’s window. She peered through to see the old lady was engrossed in
Deal or No Deal
.

Opening the door hurriedly, Margaret ushered her in and bade her sit down.

‘Let me just see what he’s got in his box, dear, then I’m all yours.’ She leaned further towards the television. ‘See? He should have dealt. There’s too much greed in this world, my girl, that’s the problem. Now, how about a sherry, duck?’ Margaret offered, slurping the remnants of her schooner.

‘It’s only five o’ clock.’

‘And? What’s that got to do with the price of fish? Now come on, warm your cockles, you’ve got lots to tell your old neighbour, I’m sure.’

‘Not really, just I’ve made my mind up to see Michael again. In fact, we are meeting again this week.’

‘That’s lovely news. He sounds such a decent man and it’s about time you had a bit of happiness, darling.’

Margaret plonked a large glass of sherry in front of Ruby and then went scurrying back to the kitchen. She shuffled back through to the lounge with a leaflet.

‘I picked this up today. Think it may do you good, love. I know you’re busy making bits and pieces with your dressmaking, but I think you need to do more with your time. There’s still too much dark stuff going on in that noggin of yours.’ She handed Ruby a leaflet.

Screwing up her face, Ruby read aloud: ‘
The Bow Wow Club – new year, new volunteers required
. Margaret? What on earth are you getting me into here?’

– Chapter Nine –

There were carol singers in Covent Garden and their rendition of
We Wish You A Merry Christmas
brought a tingle to Ruby’s arms. She had always adored Christmas.

She arrived at Piaf’s early to be greeted by a massive hug from Daphne du Mont. At seventy something (a lady never tells), Daphne still looked like she was in her fifties, with her long dyed-black wavy hair, false eyelashes and bright red lipstick. She was wearing her trademark black lacy knee-length dress and pointy boots. Norbert, her German actor toy boy, waved, then carried on serving customers with steaming tea and exquisite pastries. Since working here, Ruby’s friendship with the couple had remained strong.

‘Darling, darling, how are you? How wondrous to see you and looking so well too,’ Daphne chimed.

‘I’m not so bad actually, having a good week. In fact, I’m meeting a man.’

‘A
man
? Well, there’s a thing. I hope he’s gorgeous.’

‘It’s nothing like that. I just owe him a cup of tea really. He was the one who helped me when I got mugged.’

‘Well, even if it is “like that”, that’s just fine, my little darling. You deserve to put a smile back on that face of yours.’

‘Oh shit, here he is.’

Michael was much better-looking than Ruby remembered and also much taller. His glasses accentuated his hazel eyes and he had crinkly laughter lines. She didn’t even know how old he was. In fact, all she knew was his name and that he was an author.

‘She’s a marvellous woman, isn’t she?’ Michael commented when Daphne had seated them in Ruby’s favourite window seat.

‘Yes, she really is. I used to work here years ago and she’s remained a really good friend.’

‘So…’ Ruby felt like he was looking right into the back of her green eyes. ‘It’s really nice to see you not looking so distressed.’

Ruby’s nervous blurt appeared. ‘It was so awful that day, and I really want to thank you for helping me. If I’d had my way I’d have been hotfooting it down the tube after them - and goodness knows what would have happened.’

‘It was nothing, eh.’ He detected her angst and put his strong hand on her forearm and smiled. ‘I have my uses.’ Ruby noticed how white his teeth were.

‘So, I guess no luck with getting anything back from the police then?’ he went on.

‘No, nothing. It’s losing the ring that hurt me the most.’ Ruby felt herself well up.

‘I know. I’m so sorry about that, Ruby. I can’t even imagine how you have coped with everything, at such a young age too.’

‘Anyway…’ Ruby immediately changed the subject.‘What have you written? I Googled you but couldn’t seem to find anything about you.’

‘Did you indeed? I’m not sitting in front of some crazed stalker, now am I?’

Ruby went as red as her hair. ‘I was just… er… interested.’

‘I write short stories and stuff for fun, and freelance articles for some magazines and newspapers to earn a crust.’

‘So you’re just showing off then, putting “author” on your business card?’

‘I guess.’ Michael laughed. ‘Sounds better than
I will write for food
and who knows, maybe I have a pseudonym?’

Ruby laughed. ‘A man of mystery. I quite like that.’

‘So, what do you do then?’

‘When I’m not wallowing in my own self-pity, I’m a clothes designer. Actually that reminds me.’ She pulled out a neatly wrapped present from her bag. ‘I made Daphne a dress for Christmas.’

‘That’s brilliant, Rubes - two creative types together then. Decision-making could be an issue.’

‘I am just having a cup of tea with you.’ The cakes arrived. ‘Ooh, now which one should I have?’

‘See I told you decision-making was an issue.’

Ruby laughed.

‘You’re almost as beautiful when you laugh as when you cry, do you know that?’

‘Oh, shut up.’ Ruby blushed. ‘But, I’m glad you noticed.’ She cocked her head to one side and began fiddling with her hair. Shit, she was flirting. She was actually flirting with this near-on stranger and she didn’t want to stop.

‘How old are you anyway, Michael Bell?’

‘I’m thirty-seven - you?’

‘Thirty-five.’

‘You’re looking good on it.’

‘Why thank you. It must be down to the tubs of expensive wrinkle creams I plaster on at night as I certainly haven’t been looking after myself for the past fifteen months.’

‘Do you want to talk about what happened?’

‘Not really, Michael. It’s nice to be in a different place for a while. Grief is such an insurmountable emotion. If you can bury it even for a second it’s like a massive weight being lifted from your mind. And I haven’t had many of those seconds before.’

‘Here, smell this éclair - I’m not sure if it’s fresh.’

Ruby bent forward and Michael pushed the creamy end right onto her nose. She squealed and Daphne beamed knowingly behind the glass counter.

‘You sod! I can’t believe I fell for that.’

‘Here.’ Michael gently wiped her face with a serviette. She looked at him as he did it and felt a feeling she had not felt for a long time.

By the time the cakes had been devoured and Daphne had been given her gift, two hours had flown by. Michael looked at this watch. ‘I have to go soon, Ruby. I’m meeting an editor in Dean Street at six.’

‘OK, no problem.’ She felt slightly disappointed.

‘Before I go I have got something to give you, but you mustn’t open it until Christmas Day.’

‘A present! How exciting. I feel bad now. I haven’t even got you a card.’

‘It’s fine. Let’s just say I think I have found something I knew you would like.’

Michael looked down at her as they stepped out on to the pavement and held both her hands loosely. ‘So, shall we do this again?’

‘Yes, we shall, definitely. Have a lovely Christmas.’ She looked up to him and had a massive urge to kiss him. He felt the same way too. Just as their lips were about to touch it started to snow - big soft flakes that floated aimlessly and gently settled on their hair. Ruby pulled away suddenly.

‘I’m sorry, Michael, I just… I just can’t.’ She turned on her heels and started to run down the street.

‘Ruby, wait!’ He tried to catch her but she was soon lost amongst the throng of shoppers.

– Chapter Ten –

‘Ruby, what on earth’s the matter, my pet?’

She was sobbing against Margaret’s ample breast. A fire was roaring in the grate. Bert, the old lady’s partner, was snoring in the armchair. ‘Wankers!’ he suddenly shouted and twitched. ‘Shut it, you silly old sod.’ Margaret whacked him with a folded newspaper.

Ruby didn’t even flinch. She had actually first met Bert when he was a tramp. He was, in fact, a very clever professor who had lost himself and taken to the streets. Margaret had kindly taken him in, initially for hot tea and the occasional bath, but over the tannin and bubbles, love had blossomed.

‘I met that man - you know the one who helped me when my bag was stolen. And he was really nice and we got on really well and I actually think I fancy him. But then it started snowing.’

‘Ruby, you’re not making any sense, darling. Why has the snow upset you?’

‘Because the night George realised he was in love with me and drove all the way to the Lake District to tell me - the same night he called his wedding off to Candice - it was snowing. And it reminded me so much of when I kissed him and I just couldn’t do it.’ She started to sob again.

‘There, there, duck. It’s all right. You won’t ever forget George, none of us will. And you are going to have so many moments like this.’

‘I know. Poor Michael. He’d done nothing wrong. He’s going to think I’m completely mad.’

‘No, he’s not. If he cares for you, he will understand. And if you are going to take things further it will be a long hard road for you both. But, if it’s meant to be, love will conquer all, darling.’

‘I will always love George.’

‘I know, but you’ve got to start loving yourself a bit more too now.’

***

Ruby walked across the road from Margaret’s. It was a relief that the snow had subsided. She cranked the heating up and ran herself a hot deep bubble bath in order to have a good soak and think about the day’s events.

She really must text Michael and explain. By the time she had dried herself, he had already texted.

You OK Ruby? Here for you if you need a chat x

Bless him, he really was so nice. She really couldn’t face explaining everything to him right now; she needed to wallow.

I’m so sorry Michael, it was me, not you. I’ll call you tomorrow x

She climbed into bed and turned on the television to find that Love Actually was on. It was the bit where the adulterous one was buying the necklace for his young lover.

Ruby leaped out of bed and rushed to find her handbag. She never could wait when it came to presents. She pulled the gift bag out hurriedly and a tiny red jewellery box fell to the floor. She snapped it open and couldn’t believe her eyes. For there, sitting proudly on the black velvet, was a platinum wedding band engraved inside with the words
Rubes & George forever
.

He had missed the kiss off the end but Ruby would never ever tell dear sweet Michael that.

Feeling happy, sad, guilty and confused all at the same time, she sat back in bed and grasped her knees.

– Chapter Eleven –

Slightly perturbed by Ruby’s behaviour, Michael snapped open his laptop.

My first novel –by Michael Bell - TITLE - TBD

Chapter 4:
It was Christmas Day, and Michael knew that Ruby would have opened her gift by now. He had trawled the streets near where she had been mugged looking for it, but to no avail. He knew how happy it would make her if he found it so he did the next best thing, bought one and got it engraved just as she had told him. His feelings for her had already intensified; meeting her earlier had made him realise she really was a special lady. He wasn’t quite sure why she had rushed off from him, but knew he would have to try and understand her quirks if he was to be with her. In the New Year he would research bereavement further. It would enhance his book too, he was sure.

He had been checking his phone every hour: she would text and say thank you, he just knew it. After all, he had already sent a Happy Christmas text first thing this morning. Just as he was about to check his phone again, he heard footsteps coming up the stairs. He hurriedly put his phone into his jeans pocket.

‘So, darling hubby…’ The pretty blonde pulled him towards her.‘It’s surely time for my Christmas present by now?’

– Chapter Twelve –

‘Happy Christmas, sis,’ Sam greeted Ruby at the door of their mother’s house in Reading. ‘You smell nice. Now, let me guess… Prada of some sort?’

‘Damn, I didn’t think you’d guess as it’s a new one on the market.’

Ben, Sam’s guide dog, nuzzled against her legs, his tail wagging furiously.

‘Wow, dinner smells good, where’s Mum?’ Ruby dumped her bag at the bottom of the stairs.

‘I’m here, darling, slogging over a hot stove for you all as usual.’

Ruby went through to the kitchen as Sam plonked himself down in the living room to listen to the TV.

Graham, her mother Laura’s partner, was stirring the gravy. He gave Ruby a kiss on the cheek.

‘How you doing, sweetheart?’ asked her mum.

‘Better this year than last that’s for sure,’ Ruby said, giving her a big hug. ‘God, I’m starving.’

‘Well, that’s a good sign, darling.’

‘Yes. Being really skinny doesn’t suit you, Rubes,’ Sam piped up, sticking his head round the door. Ruby smiled. Even though her brother had been blind from birth he didn’t miss a trick. His sense of touch, smell and taste had always been heightened, and despite being nine years her junior, he had been a massive support when George had died.

‘Where’s Beth anyway?’

‘She’s with her parents today in Oxford - she’s coming over tomorrow.’

‘Isn’t it time you made an honest woman out of her?’

‘Ruby, shut up.’ Adulthood had not altered their sibling banter or spats.

Laura Matthews piped up, ‘Ooh it would be lovely to have a wedding to look forward to. Imagine it - my number one son walking down the aisle.’

‘Leave him alone,’ Graham chipped in. ‘He’s got plenty of time to get serious.’

‘Thanks, Graham, a voice of bloody reason at last. Now come on, Mother, where’s my turkey? There’s a good film starting at three.’

‘Queen’s Speech first, Sam, you know that.’

‘Really?’ Sam looked to the sky as Ben grunted and put his head on his master’s feet.

Beep!
Back in the sitting room, Ruby scrabbled in her bag for her phone as she heard the unmistakable sound of a text message.

Happy Christmas Rubes. Hope you liked the present

Ruby gulped. George always called her Rubes and she wasn’t sure if she wanted anyone else to do so.

She had been overwhelmed by the fact that Michael had taken it on himself to replace her wedding ring. It had only been in her purse the day that she got mugged as she was taking it to the jeweller’s to get it made smaller. She had lost so much weight since George had died, and ironically she was terrified of it falling off and losing it.

She took a deep breath.

‘All right, sis?’ Sam picked up on her anguish.

‘I think so.’

‘What is it? Tell me.’

‘Look, Sam, don’t tell Mum ‘cos I know she’ll probably give me a lecture, but I’ve met someone and I actually really like him.’

‘So, what exactly is the problem? George isn’t coming back, as much as we all want him to, and you have to move on, you know that.’

‘He - Michael, his name’s Michael - bought me another wedding ring, sort of pretending he’d found the original.’

‘What a decent bloke, I say - how bloody thoughtful. I wouldn’t think to do that. Go with it, Rubes, he obviously likes you. You don’t have to rush anything.’

‘But I still love George.’

‘Why would you not still love him? I expect you always will. He was a fucking great bloke, we all loved him, but he’d be kicking your arse if he knew you were still moping.’

‘Thanks, Sam’ She kissed her brother on the forehead and started to text.

Cannot believe you found it, thanks so much! Have a lovely Christmas

Within seconds she got a reply.

Seek & ye shall find. Call you after the festivities. Have fun xx