Scandal (7 page)

   “Yes, okay.”

   “I’ll get the first round in then.  What would you like?”

   “Shall I have lager?”  Agreeing this was a good idea, Simone bought two half pints of lager.  “What time are you meeting Neil?”

   “He said he’d be here at eight thirty.”

   “Are you sure I won’t be in the way?”

   “Positive, now stop worrying.  Where do you want to sit?” 

   Ashleigh searched for free seats away from the bar.  She wasn’t too keen on the high stools.

   “How about that corner over there?” she asked.

   “Perfect.  Come on before someone else gets them.”

   Simone and Ashleigh sat talking.  Their conversation ran freely, both comfortable in one another’s company.  Relieved that Ashleigh seemed to have calmed down a little, Simone glanced over to the door just in time to see Neil walking in.  Ashleigh followed her gaze.  The two handsome men heading in their direction made Ashleigh feel panicked.

   “Who are they?” she asked through clenched teeth, after spotting Simone smiling at them.

   “The one with the blonde hair is Neil.  The dark haired one is his friend, Finn.”    

   Time had run out for Ashleigh to ask another question.  Neil said hello, gave Simone a kiss on her cheek, before introducing Finn to Ashleigh.  She was relieved he didn’t try to kiss her.

   “Can I get you two ladies a drink?” Finn asked.

   “Yes please,” said Simone.  “I’ll have lager please.”

   “Ashleigh?”  Although very nervous and unsure how the night was going to turn out, she answered Finn by saying she’d have the same.  He sat fairly close to Ashleigh on his return and began conversation straight away.  “You look nice Ashleigh.”

   “Thank you.”

   “Do you go around Leeds often?”

   “No.  This is the first time.”

   “Right.  Where do you normally go out?”

   “I don’t.” 

   His brow furrowed a little.  “That’s a joke right?”

   “No it’s not.”  Even though she’d only been talking to Finn for ten minutes and was already finding herself in a sticky situation, she felt calm and in control.  Remembering Simone’s words earlier about not having to tell all straight away, she decided to see how it worked.  “I worked in a café for a while, working until quite late in the evening a lot.  Most of the time I just wanted to relax when I got home.”

   “What do you do now?”

   “I do admin work for a temping agency.”

   “Do you like it?”

   “It’s alright I suppose.  It pays good money, a lot more than the café.  What do you do?”

   “My dad has a finance company.  I work for him as his accountant.”

   “Do you get on with your dad?”

   “I do yes.  It was good of him to set me on really.  I went to university for four years but found it hard to get a job.  He suggested I went to work for him, just for a bit of experience.  I’ve been there two years now.”  He paused to take a drink.  “Would you like to go to another pub or are you alright here?” he asked, his mouth now very close to her ear.

   Simone and Neil were engaged in deep conversation, kissing each other occasionally.  For the first time in her life, Ashleigh was beginning to feel confident.  Finn sat close to her.  Occasionally their eyes would hold a gaze.  Even though the lights were low, she could tell he had very dark brown eyes.  His hair was also very dark brown, cut short.  The couple of glasses of lager had started to take effect, so when he moved even closer, Ashleigh didn’t mind.

   “I like it here.  I don’t mind if we stay.  What about you?”

   “I do also.  Some of the music in the other pubs is too loud.  It’s hard to tell what you’re saying.”

   Ashleigh asked Simone if she’d help her carry some more drinks.  At the bar, Simone turned to her. 

   “I’m sorry for not telling you Finn was going to be here.  I didn’t think you’d come if I mentioned it.”

   “I wouldn’t have but I’m glad I did.”

   “Do you like him?”

   “I really do.  He’s so lovely.”  Both girls laughed as Ashleigh fumbled with her change.

   “He’s been dying to meet you for a while now,” Simone dared to admit.

   “What have you been saying to him Simone?”

   “Nothing.  Neil just asked if I had any friends who were single, and I thought of you?”

   “Thank you Simone.  I feel like I’m dreaming.”

   “Well you’re not.  Come on.  They’ll be wondering where we’ve gone?”

   Simone and Neil left the wine bar at ten o’clock, leaving Ashleigh and Finn alone.

   “Will you promise you’ll see her home in a taxi Finn?” Simone asked before leaving.

   “I promise.  Don’t worry.”

   The girls hugged.  “Are you sure you don’t mind Neil and I going?”

   “Honest.  I’ll be fine.  Have a good night.  I’ll see you at home.” 

   Neil and Finn said their goodbyes, confirming their arrangements for the football match the next day.

   If Ashleigh had have been told she was going to be left all alone with a man, she wouldn’t have gone out.  They talked all night, right up until last orders were called.  Ashleigh learned so much about him.  He was older than her at twenty four and worked for his father.  He rented a flat on the outskirts of Leeds and had two older sisters.  His mum owned her own florists, also in Leeds, and his father owned the finance company where Finn worked.  He was allergic to all animals with fur, supported Leeds United and had been best friends with Neil since the age of ten.

   Ashleigh hadn’t given much away about herself, feeling that what she had said had been enough for now.  They were the last to leave the wine bar, taking the hint it was high time they left when one of the bar staff came to collect their empty glasses.

   “Where do you need a taxi to Ash?”  

   She’d never been called Ash before but he made it sound nice the way it rolled off his tongue; his voice wrapping her name in velvet.  She gave the address to the driver and Finn got in the back of the taxi with her.

   “You don’t have to come all this way with me Finn.”

   “I want to.  Besides, what would Simone say if I left you to go home on your own?”

   “Thank you.”

   “You’re welcome.”  Finn sat closely to Ashleigh on the way home.  Disappointment flooded her as they pulled up outside her house, not wanting the night to end.  It had truly been the best night of her life.  As she went to get her purse from her bag, Finn stopped her, resting his hand on hers.  “I’ll pay for the taxi.”

   “I couldn’t possibly let you Finn.”

   “Shush.  It’s fine.”  He asked the driver if he could wait a couple of minutes.  At the door, Finn took Ashleigh in his arms and kissed her.  It was her very first kiss, not that Finn would have guessed it to be.  She melted in his arms, responding to his touch.  “Can I see you again Ashleigh,” he asked once the kiss was broken.

   “I’d like that.”

   “What about Monday?  Are you free?”

   “Yes.”  She was always free, always waiting around for someone to walk into her life.

   “Would you like to go to the cinemas?” he suggested, glancing at the taxi to make sure it was still parked up.

   “I’d love to.”

   “Okay then.  Shall I pick you up here at seven o’clock?”

   “You won’t have to get a taxi will you?”

   “No.  I have a car.”  He laughed a little.  She sounded so sweet.

   “Okay.  Monday at seven then,” Ashleigh confirmed. 

   He gave her another kiss before turning round to leave.  The car door slammed shut, his face still visible from the back window.  He smiled before waving.  The taxi pulled away slowly and then he was gone.

   Ashleigh felt like Cinderella returning from the ball.  Tomorrow was Sunday, no need to get up for work.  Just as well really, she thought, because there was no way she would be going to bed tonight.  The pit of her stomach felt like jelly.  Never before had she experienced such feelings.  He’d treated her like a real woman.  Now she understood how people fell in love.  If this was just a taste of things to come, Ashleigh was looking forward to welcoming more.

   The front door closing an hour later indicated Simone was back.  Ashleigh couldn’t wait to tell her how things had gone and to thank her.  Admittedly, she’d gone about things a little sneakily.  The truth was, deep down, Ashleigh was grateful.

   “Simone.  Hi,” Ashleigh said, meeting her in the hallway.

   “Hello you.  You look like you’ve had a good night.”

   “The best ever.”

   “So.  Come on.  Spill the beans.”  The girls went into the lounge, both giddy from their night out.

   “He wants to see me again on Monday.  We’re going to the cinemas.”

   “I’m so pleased for you.  I honestly thought you were going to walk out when he came in with Neil.”

   Ashleigh laughed.  “To be honest, I felt really panicked when I thought I’d been set up but once we got talking, my nerves just went.”

   “That’s good,” Simone added.

   “Why is it?” asked Ashleigh, wondering just exactly what she meant.

   “Because, it means the chemistry is right between you and you get on.”  Simone felt really happy for Ashleigh.  It was the first time since she’d known her that she seemed genuinely happy about life.  “Is he a good kisser?” 

   Ashleigh felt a little embarrassed at being asked such a personal question.

   “Awesome.  I thought I was going to melt.”

   “I once went out with someone and he kissed me that fast, our teeth used to bang together,” Simone admitted.

   “How long did you see him for?”

   “Oh, for about two hours.  I said I needed the toilet, then simply walked straight out of the front door of the pub we were in.”

   “You wicked woman you,” Ashleigh joked.  After wiping tears away from her eyes from laughing so much, she eventually composed herself before she carried on.  “I just want to say Simone how eternally grateful I am to have you as a friend and for letting me stay here; and for introducing me to Finn.”

   Touched by her words Simone put a hand on Ashleigh’s shoulder.

   “The pleasure has been all mine.  Friendship is a wonderful thing and it’s no more than you deserve.  Your luck needed to change and I think it did the day you walked into the store.”

   “Isn’t life weird how it can just change?” Ashleigh said.

   “It is yes.”

   “One minute, I had a life of living hell and now I have all this,” she said sweeping an arm out in front of her.  “I also have a gorgeous boyfriend.”    

   Simone guessed it was the first time a male had shown her any kind of attention at all.

   “Shall we have one last glass of wine to toast a good night?”

   “Why not,” Ashleigh agreed.  She hadn’t had much to drink, hadn’t had time really once she’d started getting into the flow of conversation with Finn.

   “To you and Finn. Neil and I.”

   “To us.  May it last for an eternity.” 

   The girls chinked their glasses, before tasting the sweetness of the wine.

It was the very early hours before they finally went to bed.  Ashleigh only went upstairs out of habit.  She could have stayed up all night re-living the evening.  It truly did feel as though her life had started to change.  How she’d get through Sunday and the biggest part of Monday she didn’t know.  The excitement of seeing Finn was too much to bear.  If her friends from school could see her now, she knew they’d be shocked.

   Ashleigh said a silent prayer thanking God for guidance.  He wasn’t always around but when she’d been at her lowest in life, she’d asked for guidance.  Slowly, new people and opportunities had come her way.  She was convinced it was God’s doing.  Tomorrow was Sunday so she’d visit church again and donate something towards the massive debt she felt she owed.  It was the least she could do considering what He’d given her.

Chapter Six

The intercom in Finn’s office beeped.  After hearing the sound of his secretary telling him his eleven o’clock appointment had arrived, he ordered her to send her in.

   Finn looked magnificent behind the big, oak desk which had once belonged to his father Jack Watson.  Smartly dressed in a well tailored suit and expensive shoes, he was a son to be proud of.  Ashleigh entered his office after hearing his call for her to come in.  It was the first time since they’d met almost a year ago, he’d asked her to come and visit.  She was also dressed smartly as today, Ashleigh was attending an interview.  If she was successful, which Finn had no doubt she would be, she’d take over from Miss Taylor who’d been appointed as personal assistant to Jack Watson.  Jack’s own p.a. was currently on maternity leave.

   At the age of twenty two, Ashleigh felt ready to commit herself to such an important role.  The temping agency had always been good to her, but when Finn heard of a vacancy coming up, he knew he had to ask his dad if Ashleigh could apply.  The time she’d been with Finn had so far been wonderful.  He always treated her well, showing he never felt embarrassed to express his love for her.  She still shared a house with Simone; the girls were virtually inseparable and when he visited on an evening, he was usually holding a bouquet of flowers.

   Finn’s parents, Jack and Madeline adored Ashleigh.  She’d visited their home on many occasions for dinner, always making her feel part of the family.  Once or twice there’d been questions about her own parents to which Ashleigh would always reply they lived in Canada.  She hated lying to these good people but who knew how they’d react if the truth was ever discovered?

   Nerves jangled around in her stomach as she sat directly opposite Finn.  Question after question he threw at her.  The replies came easily.  She felt it was the best interview she’d had, even if it was the most nerve wracking one.  If Ashleigh was offered the position, she felt it was because she deserved it.

   “Right Miss Sloane.  Would you like to ask any questions?”

   “Would there be an opportunity for me to have a look around the company?” she asked with confidence oozing from her.

   “Absolutely.  Anything else you’d like to know?”

   “No thank you.”

   “Good.”  Finn scribbled down some notes, straightened his papers before setting them aside.  With fingers locked together, hands resting on the table, he looked at Ashleigh intently.  “I am very pleased to offer you the job Miss Sloane.”

   “Really?”  He wasn’t quite sure why she sounded so shocked.

   “I think you’d be great for the job and we’d make a good team.  Do you need time to think it over before you make a decision?”

   “No, no.  I’d love to accept.  Thank you so much.”

   “Excellent.  I’ll fill in the necessary paperwork, then get the ball rolling.  Would next Monday be a suitable time to start?”

   “Yes.  That would be fine.”

   “Excellent,” he said again, holding out his right hand.  “Welcome on board Watson and Son Finance Company.  Congratulations.”

   “Thank you so much Finn,” she gushed before pausing, suddenly looking horrified.  “Should I call you Mr Watson?”

   He laughed at her innocence.  “Only when we have a client with us.  It’s all first name terms here normally.”

   “Oh, okay.” 

   Once the interview was over, Finn walked around to the swivel chair where Ashleigh sat.  When he knelt down in front of her, taking her hand in his, she wondered what he was doing.  The look in his eyes was a look she’d never experienced before.

   “Ashleigh,” he began, sighing deeply.  “I know it’s been just less than a year since we met, but I feel like it’s been much longer.”  He paused to swallow before proceeding.  “Would you do me the honour of becoming my wife?”  Ashleigh couldn’t speak.  Totally shocked, her free hand went to her mouth, trembling as her fingers touched her lips.  He didn’t seemed phased she hadn’t replied immediately as he could tell it was an emotional question.  His hand felt inside his jacket pocket, finding the box he’d been carrying for several weeks.  “Open it,” he said gently. 

   Letting go of his hand, Ashleigh opened the small box.  A small but beautiful solitaire winked at her.  It was the daintiest of diamonds she’d ever seen.  There were tears flowing freely down her face now.  Convinced she was going to wake up any minute, she found a voice somehow from within.

   “Yes,” she said.  “I will become your wife.” 

   The little creases Ashleigh had become accustomed to seeing at the corners of his eyes appeared as he heard her words.  His smile never failed to melt her heart.  Taking her small hand in his, Finn placed the ring on her finger.  It was a touch too big but it could easily be altered.  Guiding her to her feet, Finn held Ashleigh in his arms and kissed her with all the passion he could muster.

   “I love you so much Ashleigh.”

   “I love you more,” she teased. 

   Taking her by the hand, he waltzed her quickly from his office into his father’s.  As Jack looked up from his desk, he could tell there was good news to be heard.

   “Dad,” Finn began.  “This beautiful lady has not only accepted a job working for us, she’s agreed to become my wife.”

   “Congratulations,” he replied, getting up from his seat.  “Are you sure it’s not too soon?”

   “Dad!  Don’t burst our bubble.  Course it’s not.”

   “Sorry, that was un-called for.”  Clapping his hands together he said, “I think this calls for a celebration.  What say you two?”

   “Absolutely,” Finn answered for them both.

   “I’ll ring your mother.  You two order a bottle of the finest champagne from the wine bar not far from here and I’ll meet you there in ten minutes.  Tell the bar man I’ll pay the bill when I get there.”

   “Thanks dad.  Come on Ashleigh.  There’s a glass of champagne waiting for us with our name on.”

   The wine bar Jack had mentioned was a good choice.  It was lunch time by the time Finn and Ashleigh arrived, so there were already a few crowds of people in there.  He indicated for Ashleigh to find a table, which she did, one tucked away in a corner.  As her heart pounded rhythmically from all of the excitement, she took a moment to glance down at her engagement ring.  It was still there.  Finn joined her at that moment, holding a bucket with a bottle of champagne sticking out.  One of the bar staff brought over four glasses.  Whilst they waited for Jack and Madeline, Finn turned to Ashleigh.

   “Are you happy?”

   “More than you’ll ever know.” 

   He kissed her then, just a short one as their guests had arrived.  Madeline was all smiles as she hugged Ashleigh and then Finn.

   “Congratulations both of you.  I couldn’t believe it when your dad told me.”

   “I couldn’t either,” Ashleigh admitted.

   “Right everyone.  A Toast,” Jack began, tapping the side of his glass with a pen he’d had hidden in the inside of his jacket.  “To Finn and Ashleigh.  To a long and happy life together.” 

   Others in the bar caught on to what was happening and began to clap and cheer.  Ashleigh felt like a celebrity.

   Jack gave permission for Finn to take the rest of the afternoon off.  “But,” he proceeded to say, “I want you back in at eight thirty sharp on Monday morning.  And, I’ll see you on your first day with us Ashleigh.”  Despite his firm voice, his eyes were all smiles.

   “Thanks for the champagne dad.”

   “You’re welcome son.  You take care of her.  You’ve got a good one in Ashleigh.”    

   Her cheeks coloured, unsure of how many more compliments she could take in one day.

   “I know,” Finn replied with eyes on her.  “I will, I promise.”

   His parents left a little while later, leaving Ashleigh and Finn on their own.  They ordered a light lunch, enjoying each other’s company some more.

   “I could get used to this,” Ashleigh admitted.

   “Well, when I earn enough money to have people working for me, we can.”

   “I still can’t believe what’s happened today.  Just wait until I tell Simone.”  She paused for a moment.  “Did Neil know you were going to propose?”

   “No, only me.  We’ve been mates for years but I thought that if he let anything slip and Simone told you, it would be spoiled.”

   “Who will you have as your best man?”

   “Neil of course.  What about you for your maid of honour?”

   “I hope Simone will say yes.”

   “Do you think your mum and dad will come over from Canada for the wedding?” 

   Ashleigh suddenly went cold, putting down her glass.  The lie she’d told about her parents living in Canada was back to haunt her already.  Never in a million years had she thought things would have led to marriage.  Although Finn hadn’t made many enquiries about her parents during the year they’d been together, she’d managed to carry on the lie.  Hating herself for lying to the one man who’d shown her nothing but love and respect, she knew the lie must continue.  Soon to be his wife, it could spoil everything if she confessed now.

   “I’ll ring them later.”

   “Good.  It’s about time I met the in-laws.” 

   Ashleigh forced herself to eat the rest of her food, suddenly thinking about what she was doing.  Next to her was a man she loved and was going to spend the rest of her life with, but yet, she’d hidden the truth about her past from him.  Knowing the right thing to do would be to come clean, confessing to the life she’d once had, she hated to face the impact this might have on their relationship.  Everything they had together could be ruined.  What if he didn’t want to marry her once he knew the truth about her parents?  Then there was the fact she’d lied and it was a big lie, getting bigger by the minute.  He glanced her way after he’d eaten his meal, concern etching his face.

  “Are you alright?” he asked.  “You look a bit pale.”

   “Yes, I’m fine.  I think I just need a little air.”

   “Too much champagne aye?  Would you like me to take you home now?”

   “Yes please, if you don’t mind.”

   “I’ll just pay for the food and then we’ll go.”

   Finn drove in silence, sensing Ashleigh wanted to be quiet.  He was hoping it was just the excitement of the day that had washed her out.

   The television booming out loudly dissolved the peace and quiet Ashleigh had been enjoying on the drive home.  Simone and Neil were watching a film.  They’d both booked the day off work, making the most of being lazy.  Feeling excited once again for being able to share her news, Ashleigh was all smiles by the time she saw Simone.  Stopping the film when Ashleigh came into the room, Simone couldn’t wait to see her friend, certain she’d have got the job.

   “Did you get the job then?” Simone asked

   “I did.  I got something else as well.”

   Looking puzzled Simone said, “Like what?”

   “A fiancé.”

   “Oh, my, God!  You’ve got to be kidding me?” Simone shrieked.

   Neil was up on his feet shaking Finn’s hand.  “Congratulations mate.  You don’t mess about do you?”

   Putting an arm around Ashleigh he said, “No way.  Not with this girl.” 

   Ashleigh showed Simone her ring, which she admired.  Knowing how Ashleigh’s life was virtually a total reverse of how it used to be when Simone had first met her, it made her want to shed a tear.  Ashleigh had been plucked from a life of Hell and self loathing to a life where people loved her and treated her like a human being.

   “I’m so pleased for you Ashleigh,” Simone said as they hugged.

   “Thank you.  There is something I’d like to ask you actually Simone.”

   “Go on,” Simone replied with caution.

   “Would you be my maid of honour?”  Simone gasped as her hand went to her mouth in total shock.  There were tears now in her eyes as she answered the question.

   “It would be an absolute honour.  Of course I will.”

   “That brings me on to my question Neil,” Finn added.

   “I’m all ears.”

   “Will you be my best man?”

   “Course I will.” 

   Ashleigh and Simone laughed in disbelief.

   “Is that it?  Is that all you can say to your best mate who’s given you probably the most responsible job a mate can give?” Simone asked Neil.

   “What more do you want me to do?  Go down and kiss his feet?”

   “Tut, tut.  You blokes haven’t any romance,” Simone added.

   Pulling her close Neil said, “Come here and give me a kiss you cheeky mare.” 

   Whilst Simone and Neil enjoyed friendly banter, Finn joined Ashleigh in the kitchen to help with drinks.  He took her in his arms, rubbing his nose on hers.

   “You do know that if I have another drink I won’t be able to drive.”