A Secret Schemer (10 page)

I didn’t see Tim until I was in
bed, in fact not so much saw him as felt him as he slipped under my
duvet. We made love…and I remember falling asleep in his arms. When
I woke up this morning, I was on my own…this guy is such an elusive
character, mystifying even. I daresay his ways will eventually fall
into place.

When Kate arrived for work she
certainly didn’t look a happy bunny, so my immediate reaction was
things had not gone well with Jodie. ‘I’m gathering by your look
Kate that Jodie’s response wasn’t good.’

‘My ears are still ringing from
the verbal Lucy, her vocabulary includes words even I haven’t heard
before.’

‘Well teens seems to have their
own language anyway, shortened syllables I believe.’ This was my
attempt to lighten the mood.

‘Lucy I wouldn’t even repeat
them apart from informing you I’m a fatherless snoop, or words to
that effect.’

‘She didn’t believe the story I
take it?’

‘Totally incredulous.’ Kate
adds grimly.

‘So now you’re going to try
plan B?’

‘Jodie has declared if I speak
to Archie she’ll do a runner.’

‘I’d take that with a pinch of
salt Hun, as how would she survive without food, clothes, mobile,
money, shall I go on?’

‘That’s as maybe Lucy but I
can’t take any chances, the media is full of horrific stories about
teens these day. God forbid I’d never forgive myself.’ Kate added
tearfully.

‘Ok Hun leave it with me, there
has to be a way of overcoming this without you being involved.’ I
assure.

‘Tread carefully please Lucy;
because she’ll know I’ve told you.’

‘Mum’s the word.’ I add as I
tap my nose. Truthfully I hope I can deal with this, at the moment
I probably sound a lot more positive than I’m feeling. Leaving Jena
in the kitchen with Kate and Grace I go in search of Archie.

With Jayne already behind the
bar made it easy for me to call Archie to one side without
interruptions.

‘Archie there’s an issue I feel
I should make you aware of, however I would be grateful if you kept
the information purely between the two of us.’

‘I’m intrigued, what’s wrong
Lucy.’ He replied curiously.

‘Nothing wrong as such, in fact
as I relay the story I’m sure you’ll understand.’ So as tactfully
as possible I conveyed the story to date. As I was talking I was
also watching his facial reactions, which were very expressive. I
was trying to define if he was aware of Jodie’s interest, as the
thought had crossed my mind that he could be. Jodie may only be
sixteen years old; nevertheless she’s an exceptionally pretty girl
with an hour glass figure. At the end of my account I was somewhat
baffled by his reaction, as his expressions had changed
throughout.

‘Well Lucy I don’t really know
what to say, of course I know Jodie and I get on well with Kate. I
mean the girl is sixteen so my theory is she’s old enough to have a
boyfriend if she wanted to. Maybe Kate should let go of the apron
strings a tad or she could lose her.’

‘So are you saying you’re aware
of her crush on you?’ I ask cautiously.

‘No that’s not what I’m saying
Lucy I’m looking at the bigger picture.’

‘Ok I see where you’re coming
from and believe me I had no intention of prying on your social
life Archie. Although I don’t have kids I can imagine Kate’s
concern.’

‘That’s fine Lucy, don’t worry
I’ll keep this conversation between us.’

Walking away I had reservations
about the whole dispute, had I been right to approach Archie? I
mean he’s a grown man; my main concern was to help Kate. The
verdict on my chat today is confusing, is he aware? In fact perhaps
he knows her better than Kate could even have anticipated, I’ll
keep my eye on them both, purely because I’m curious and Kate is a
dear friend. Venturing back into the kitchen to speak to Kate, I
decide not to reveal all of my thoughts, as I have no wish to worry
her more than necessary. As Archie said she is sixteen and let’s
face it youngsters have a far different outlook on life at that
age….how does it go? Mm yes they know it all.

‘I’ve had a word with Archie;
he won’t mention it to Jodie.’

‘But did he know about it, what
did he say?’ Kate urges as she wipes her floury hands round her
face.

‘He didn’t say much at all Kate
it was me who did most of the talking, try not to worry love. Your
little girl is growing up fast.’ I smile, trying desperately to
lift the mood.

‘So he didn’t say he knew about
her crush Lucy?’

‘No Hun he didn’t.’ I replied
honestly as he’d actually rather evaded the issue.

‘Thanks Hun I’d better get on
with this pastry or it’ll never be ready.’

‘If I were you I’d wipe your
face first it’s covered in flour, by the way any idea where Jena
is?’

‘She’s in the restaurant with
the frozen food rep.’

‘Ok then, time I done some
work, catch you later.’ Phew glad that’s over for now.

Chapter 14

‘I can’t help it Andy, like
I’ve said before there’s something about the guy.’ Jena remarked
dryly.

‘Yeah I agree he’s a bit odd,
but he seems to treat Lucy alright.’ Andy chipped in.

‘But does he? Since he moved in
she’s hardly seen him, she has no idea where he eats, where he
goes, when he finishes work. He as good as bribed her to let him
move in and presented her with that cheap little silver necklace to
honour the day. I mean he’s got motive written all over him.’

‘Maybe she doesn’t mind, the
way I see Lucy is she’s very independent.’ Andy adds.

‘I know Lucy Ross better than
anyone Andy, she’s impulsive, independent and caring, however she’s
also vulnerable. I get the feeling Tim has a strategy, a plan of
action.’ Jena said looking straight at Andy. ‘I can’t shake the
feeling off.

‘You have to leave them to it
babe, perhaps he’s just a bit of a loner. I must admit he isn’t
someone I’d go for a few pints with, though you only have to look
at the difference in our jobs. He’s a clever bloke working at a
desk, where my work is manual.’ Andy described.

‘Don’t put yourself down Andy I
bet you know as much as he does about technology.’ Jena
insisted.

‘You only think that because
you love me girl.’ He grins.

‘If that’s the case time you
showed me how much you love me then.’ Jena leans over to give Andy
a hug.

‘Good job we’re in bed then
babe.’ Andy leaned over to kiss Jena and within seconds passion had
taken over and all thoughts of Tim Carter had flown out of the
door. They made love eagerly, hungry for each others
bodies….longing to fulfil their desires…as they climaxed
together….sated and breathless, still wrapped in each others arms
they drifted into a restful sleep.

I received a surprise text
message from Tim inviting me out for a meal tonight; I hadn’t seen
him for a couple of days which makes me, question the fact do we
actually reside in the same building now? It will make a change to
have a Thursday night off, Jena will be around, so I quickly sent a
message back saying I would love to meet him. I’m sure Jena, Andy
and even Lucas think it’s rather strange that Tim rarely uses the
bar and never eats in the restaurant. I allay any misgivings I
have, by remembering the guy has lived alone for a long time. Plus
he may not frequent pubs on a regular basis. Putting these thoughts
to one side I delve into my wardrobe to select an outfit, something
warm as there’s a definite chill in the air. Feeling a flush of
excitement I dash downstairs to let Jena know I’m going out.

‘So where’s he taking you then
Hun.’ Jena inquired.

‘I’ve no idea I’m waiting for
another message.’

‘He’s like the elusive
pimpernel that guy.’ Jena giggles.

I can understand her feeling
that way as he certainly isn’t run of the mill, maybe that’s what I
find so attractive though.

‘I guess he is a tad secretive,
still maybe he intends to amaze me.’ I reply heartily.

‘Let’s hope so Lucy, by the way
Archie has asked if he can have a Friday night off, I said I’d
check with you first.’

‘Yeah that’s fine love we can
get Jayne in for the night, she’s always reminding me she’ll do
evenings any time.’

‘Ok I’ll see if I can set it up
for tomorrow.’

‘Then you could go out on
Saturday Jena, I’m sure Andy would be chuffed.’

‘Mm sounds good, another movie
I’m thinking, nothing like the back row Lucy you should try it
sometime.’ She laughs.

I’ll take your word for it
love.’

Tim came back to the pub to
collect me and we walked around the corner to Pizza Express. Don’t
get me wrong this is a nice pizza place, however when Tim had asked
me out for a meal this wasn’t exactly what I had in mind, as at
least once a week me Jena and Lucas order one in as a takeaway,
nevertheless I didn’t utter a word, I mean we were actually out of
the pub and spending time together. Our little jaunt took just over
an hour when we got back to the bar Tim excused himself as he had
urgent work to do. To say I was a tad discouraged could be classed
as a trivial statement, however this is my job and his appears to
be spending time on a computer. Jena gave me a strange look as I
walked back in the bar and who could blame her; once she knows
where we’ve been I can imagine her reaction. Since tonight was my
time off I told Jena I’d be in my flat if I was wanted. So taking
the stairs two at a time I was relieved to be able to spend time
alone and not have to answer any awkward questions tonight. Tears
could have come easily, however I realised I had to accept Tim the
way he was. I mean he certainly wasn’t addicted to drugs or drink,
plus he didn’t seem to go out much. So could spending countless
hours on a computer be classed as dependence? I must admit I’m
perplexed, anyway I’m captivated by the guy and maybe, just maybe,
I’m over thinking the whole situation. I have to give it more time
and try discussing my concerns with Tim before I presume there are
issues that don’t exist. My sensible head is telling me that you
have to live with someone to get to know all their little
idiosyncrasies. Where as my silly girly head keeps barging in with
‘hey you should be spending time with me what the hell’s going on
you tosser’….

Drifting away from my romance,
my mind wanders back to Kate and how she’s coping with Jodie and
her crush. Headstrong teenagers I’d far rather her than me,
fortunately her son appears to be more into guitars than girls.
Because Archie is now aware of Jodie’s crush, I’m relying on him to
subtly influence her in the right direction. At sixteen she should
be mingling with lads of her own age and just having fun in
general, not hankering after hunks that are looking for their next
lay. My mobile burst into action, stopping my dreamy thoughts, a
text from Tim (who is only in the next room) asking if I’d like
some company between the sheets later…Mm I rest my case for
tonight.

It was Sunday after lunches had
finished before me and Jena had time for a lengthy catch up. ‘At
last, I’ve hardly seen you to chat to for days.’ I declared.
‘Where’s Andy?’

‘Oh he’s gone up for a kip; he
had a few pints before lunch. What about Tim?’

‘The usual, swamped with
technology.’ I grin. ‘I’m getting used to his ways now.’

‘You’re a very patient girl
Lucy Ross. Anyway there’s something I must share with you. Friday
night when Andy was walking back to the pub after work, he saw
Archie in a café and he believes he was sitting with Kate’s
daughter Jodie.’

‘OMG that’s awful, how sure was
he?’ I press.

‘In Andy’s words about ninety
percent, don’t worry I haven’t mentioned anything to Kate.’

‘Now my mind’s gone into
overdrive, maybe they were just chatting, he could have been
telling her he’s in a relationship.’ I add anxiously. ‘Surely he
wouldn’t take advantage of her teenage craving.’

‘Lucy he’s a man that’s full of
testosterone and Jodie is one fit young lady, don’t take much to
work that one out.’ Jena exclaimed.

‘Holy crap it’s my entire
fault, I was the one who told him.’

‘No Lucy’ Jena interrupted
sternly. ‘It would have happened without your input, don’t you
think he was aware she’d taken photos of him. Plus he certainly
didn’t deny knowing about her when you spoke to him, you said he
was evasive.’

‘What the hell am I going to
tell Kate?’

‘If you want my opinion I’d say
nothing at this stage, just let things take their course for a few
days. There is still a chance it wasn’t Jodie.’

‘Mm and pigs might fly.’

We both sat across the table in
silence for a while, with neither me nor Jena having kids of our
own made it more difficult to grasp.

After a long pause Jena added,
‘If you tell Kate now it will blow up out of all proportion, and we
could end up losing Archie. Best leave it Hun as it could turn out
to be a flash in the pan.’

‘I guess you’re right,
nevertheless I’ll keep my eyes pealed, as I know you will too.’

‘That goes without saying, so
changing the subject are you going to tell me where you went for a
meal on Thursday?’

‘The Pizza Express.’ I
laugh.

‘I’ll say that for Tim he sure
knows how to show you a good time.’

‘I must admit I was a tad
deflated at the time, although he did come in and keep me warm
later.’

‘You are far too generous and
considerate Lucy, I only hope he realises what a lucky guy he is
that you even looked his way.’