I do not own Rookie Blue or any of the characters.
Thanks to all who review, read, fav and follow. Your feedback is so very much appreciated. Let me know what you think of this chapter. I love to hear from readers.
I'm posting earlier than usual (and the chapter is slightly shorter) but my plan, if I have time, is to post the next chapter for Christmas.
Anyway hope you enjoy. Apologies for any of the mistakes.
…..
Holly looked up as the brown sandwich bag hit her desk with a little thud.
'Lunch nerd,' Gail said, 'you need to eat. I thought you would have learnt that at nerd school.'
Holly gave a half-hearted laugh. She was so engrossed in the autopsy report she hadn't heard Gail come into the office. Then again Gail had this ability to move so stealthily you could be excused for not noticing her appear. Holly had once called her a ninja which had made Gail laugh and laugh until she finally spluttered 'oh god you are such a nerd. I bet you grew up watching the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,' and when Holly nodded Gail had laughed even harder.
'Donatello, Leonardo, Michelangelo and Raphael,' Holly had recited.
'See when I hear those names it doesn't conjure up weird little green turtle superheroes,' Gail teased.
'Yeah, well not all of us spent our wayward youth visiting art galleries in Italy.'
'Oh no that happened earlier. That was during my family's grand tour of Europe better known as the Elaine Peck School for wayward girls. The idea was to inculcate me in the finer arts, including the Old Masters so I could snag a husband from one Toronto's blue chip families.'
'And instead you ended up with a philistine like me,' Holly said.
'Yeah, well I always preferred weird,' Gail said and Holly swatted her playfully on the arm.
'Ow,' Gail complained.
'You know for a police officer you are somewhat of a wuss,' Holly said.
'Yeah?' Gail smiled so sweetly Holly didn't anticipate what came next. They were sitting side by side on the sofa and in an instant Gail had pinned Holly to the cushions, her expression both impish and triumphant.
'What was that again?' Gail dipped down to kiss Holly, slowly, sensuously, expertly, leaving Holly in no doubt who was in control of this particular kiss. Gail pulled on Holly's bottom lip and then scraped it with her teeth before pushing her tongue into Holly's mouth in a move both gentle and decisive. Holly moaned, reveling in the kiss and the delightful dominance on display. Delightful because it wasn't in the least bit aggressive rather Gail was being playful and provocative and somehow still so sweet.
Holly must have said that last word out loud, breathed it as the kiss came to an end.
'I'm not sweet,' Gail said, feigning offence, 'and I'm not a weakling.'
'I said wuss not weakling,' Holly laughed, pulling Gail back down to resume the kiss and feeling Gail smile against her.
Now here in her office, Holly became aware Gail was speaking.
'Bodies piling up huh,' she said.
'Yep, there seems no end to it,' Holly sighed.
A week after O'Leary's arrest for Fielding's murder the carnage began. Just as Gail predicted. O'Leary left a vacuum which Lee Chou was happy to fill. First though he was systematically murdering O'Leary's lieutenants and anyone else of significance in the gang.
Elaine was right. O'Leary wouldn't bother the Pecks anymore. What Gail didn't get was how Elaine seemed to regard it as a rather efficient way to clear the streets of at least one gang. 'Well if they want to kill each other, what can we do,' she'd overheard her mother say to Oliver. What indeed. Though Gail suspected in the long run Chou might give them more grief than O'Leary ever did.
Holly and the staff at the morgue were putting in a lot of overtime to cope with the sheer number of autopsies. Most of the killings had happened on 27's patch and then Traci, Dov and Frankie had worked the one gang murder picked up by 15, which meant Gail hadn't seen a lot of Holly for the last five days. Holly looked tired. Dark circles under her eyes and a slight stoop to her shoulders.
'Will you be home for dinner tonight,' Gail asked.
'Yes, no, maybe,' Holly sighed and rubbed her eyes. She reached for her glasses and put them on, 'I'm hoping to be out of here by 9pm. That is if no more bodies turn up.'
'Okay. How 'bout I have dinner waiting for whenever you get home.'
'You are the best girlfriend. Has anyone ever told you that?' Holly smiled up at Gail a little goofily.
'Ah,' Gail narrowed her eyes as if in concentration, 'aside from you exactly no one.'
'Well, they are idiots,' Holly waved her hand dismissively.
Gail smiled and came around the desk to where Holly sat.
'And you are biased,' Gail said as she leant down to give Holly a quickly kiss.
Before Gail could straighten up, Holly grabbed the lapels on her jacket and pulled her back in for a longer kiss.
'No, I'm smart and I know a good thing when I see it.' Holly said as they both drew back.
'Yeah, yeah' Gail flapped her hand about as she stood, 'and now I have to go. The Superintendent has summonsed me.'
'You're speaking to her again?'
'It would appear so,' Gail made a face.
'Oh,' Holly said, as if something had just occurred to her, 'that reminds me. My parents will be in Toronto this Thursday.'
'In two days?' Gail tried not to sound disconcerted.
Holly nodded.
'When did you find this out?'
'Mom called this morning,' Holly said, 'you know how my parents have decided to semi-retire. Well, they've both just accepted jobs at the university here. It will mean less hours and less teaching, and they can sill do their research. They talked about coming back to Toronto but I thought they meant in another year or two and then apparently it all happened really fast. The university wants them here just after New Year in time for the start of the winter semester. So they're coming over to look for a place to live.'
'Oh,' Gail said, 'so back here in Toronto permanently.'
'Yeah, I can't believe we'll be living in the same city again,' Holly said excitedly, 'and I can't wait for them to meet you.'
'Uh Holly, you know parents don't like me,' Gail said, and then laughed a little bitterly, 'not even my own.'
'You know that's not true,' Holly smiled, her head tilted to one side.
'The fact Nick was an orphan was the main reason I dated him. In fact it may have been the only good thing about dating him.'
Holly laughed. 'Honey, my parents are going to love you.'
'Uh Holly we're talking about me. I'm weird. I'm snarky, I'm bratty, I hate people and I'm quite possibly a psychopath and I'm guessing your hippy parents think the police are tools of state oppression.'
'Well,' Holly began teasingly, 'I haven't heard them say that about the police for a very long time.'
'See, I haven't got a chance.'
Holly stood up and looped her arms around Gail's waist.
'Firstly you are not a brat, and secondly your snark is entertainingly perceptive, well, most of the time. You are not a psychopath, you don't hate all people because well you like me at least, and I love you and that in itself will be enough for my parents.'
'Okay,' Gail drew out the word, not sounding in the least convinced.
'Of course they're going to like you,' Holly reassured, 'they even adore Lisa.'
'Now that is not the least bit comforting,' Gail huffed, 'and wait are you comparing me to Lisa?'
'Never,' Holly said, pulling Gail closer and kissing her on the lips, 'now I better get back to work f I have any hope of making it home for dinner with you. I need to finish this report, then I've got another gang banger to autopsy.'
…
Gail hated the big building. Postmodern. That's how it had been described, although some officers referred to it derisively as the pink place. Twelve stories of glass and pink granite cubes, which from some angles looked as if they were stacked haphazardly one on top of the other. Police headquarters had none of the bustle or camaraderie of 15. Here a kind of dull hush permeated the corridors, and hierarchy was strictly observed. There was a sterility about it Gail knew was intended to intimidate outsiders, including police officers like herself who didn't work there.
As the elevator reached her mother's floor and the doors opened, Gail thought either her eyes were playing tricks or she'd entered some sort of parallel universe. Standing there was not just Elaine but Lisa and a Staff Sergeant called Fiona Vincent, who worked under Elaine's command. They were speaking quite animatedly, apparently about a café Elaine was recommending Lisa and Fiona try for lunch.
Gail regarded the scene with annoyance. Then, because she'd promised her therapist she wouldn't just dismiss people as stupid but actually try and figure out why she found them annoying, Gail did just that. Processing, that's what the therapist called it. Elaine was all smiles and charm and seemed to regard the other two women with what seemed a cross between maternal indulgence and pride. Okay, Gail admitted to herself a little grudgingly, maybe she was resentful.
Nothing she ever did elicited this sort of response from Elaine, and while her mother had indicated she liked Holly, Gail suspected it was only because, one, Holly had a medical degree and earned good money and, two, she had made Gail finally settle down. But she and Holly had never basked in Elaine's approval in the way Lisa and Fiona appeared to. Oh god, surely she wasn't envious. Great. Something else she was going to have to examine at length with her therapist. Just great.
'Gail,' Elaine said somewhat merrily.
First name basis, Gail noted, so clearly they were supposed to be all chummy. At work Elaine normally insisted on full titles.
'Superintendent,' she said churlishly.
'Oh how funny,' Lisa said, 'calling your mother by her rank.'
'I presume if you worked with your father at the hospital, you'd address him as doctor,' Gail said stiffly.
Before Lisa could reply, Elaine cut in. 'Oh Gail, sometimes you take things far too seriously. Now I best not delay you two lovely ladies any longer. Enjoy your lunch.'
While they were speaking, Fiona had pressed the button for the elevator again, and there was a ding as the car arrived. Just as the doors began to slide across, Fiona called out.
'Gail, I'm looking forward to working with you on the LGBT Liaison Committee,' she said.
Before Gail could respond the elevator doors shut with a decided clank.
'What the hell, mother?' Gail said more aggressively than intended. Her vehemence surprised even herself. Having the liaison committee sprung on her was annoying but not enough to make her feel this angry. Okay, so maybe Elaine's behavior wasn't just making her resentful, maybe she was hurt by it too.
'That's why I wanted to speak to you,' Elaine said, seemingly unfazed, 'my office.' With that she set off briskly down the corridor with Gail trailing.
'And what's the deal with Vincent and Lisa,' Gail screwed up her face.
'Staff Sergeant Vincent,' Elaine corrected, 'I introduced them. It seems they have hit it off nicely. I believe this is their second date.'
'Wait. You organized a blind date for Lisa? With a cop?'
'Fiona Vincent is a well-respected officer. Attractive. Smart. She's going places on the force. If things hadn't worked out with Holly, I had plans for you and Fiona. You two could have made quite the power couple, but now that's not going to happen I thought why not introduce her to Lisa.'
'Why not?' Gail echoed. By this time they had reached Elaine's office.
'I thought you'd be happy,' Elaine sighed, 'it was clear Lisa needed a distraction so she'd stop interfering in your relationship with Holly.'
'Oh,' Gail said. Had her mother just admitted to doing something helpful for a change? 'Well Lisa's a serial monogamist. None of her relationships last so I wouldn't be planning the wedding just yet.'
'I know plenty of other single gay women I can set her up with,' Elaine said airily, 'although I have a feeling there is a definite spark there between those two. Did you pick up on it?'
'Uh,' Gail said, still catching up with the idea her mother had a list of eligible women to call on for blind date set-ups. But then why should she be surprised. Elaine had cultivated a whole catalogue of eligible bachelors for Gail.
'Anyway, it would be a delicious irony if Lisa Gordon married a police officer, don't you agree,' Elaine smiled at Gail, that conspiratorial smile which drew you in and made you feel as if you were firmly on team Elaine regardless of whether you wanted to be or not, and in return Elaine was looking out just for you. Except there was also something mischievous in her expression that made Gail believe her mother was actually on her side this time.
Was she looking out for her, Gail mused? Elaine might criticize her from sun up to sundown, but watch out anyone who dared say a bad word about a Peck. Had her mother somehow discovered Lisa made those remarks about Gail being no more than a beat cop?
'You should have set her up with a rookie or better still a cadet.'
Elaine laughed which made Gail certain she knew about Lisa's remarks.
'Anyway Holly's not talking to Lisa,' Gail said.
Elaine arched an eyebrow in surprise. 'I see some of your more adolescent qualities are rubbing off on Holly. I had hoped the influence would be working in the opposite direction. Let me guess, the falling out was over you'
'More or less. Actually, I'm trying to convince Holly to speak to Lisa,' Gail said, deciding to ignore her mother's barbs, 'and before you judge Holly there is a long history of Lisa behaving very very badly. I think Holly just needs some time before she's ready to forgive her.'
Elaine nodded as she sat down behind her desk and indicated Gail take a seat opposite.
'A space has opened up on the LGBT Liaison Committee. I recommended you,' she said without further preamble.
'Superintendent, I have a huge amount of respect and admiration for the work the committee does in the community,' Gail said, choosing her words carefully, 'but you know I'm not good with people.'
'Well this is your chance to develop those skills. You could learn a lot from Fiona Vincent. Being on the committee will be a good career move. It will get you noticed and for the right reasons.'
'I'm going to decline. I haven't been a detective long. I feel like I'm still learning how to do that job. Being on the committee would mean a lot less time on cases.'
'You're quite determined,' Elaine stated rather than asked. She pursed her lips. 'I can't say I'm not disappointed but perhaps you'll reconsider next time there is an opening.'
'Yeah, I guess,' Gail shrugged, in truth relieved and a little surprised Elaine wasn't pushing it.
Elaine didn't immediately speak again. Rather she seemed to be considering something.
'Well,' Gail said awkwardly, half rising from her chair, 'this has been fun but I need to get back to work.'
'Um, no sit for a minute longer,' Elaine said and Gail did as asked. 'It's Steve. He wants to move back to Toronto. I don't think it's safe for him. Not just yet. Perhaps you can use your influence…' Elaine trailed off.
'Of course,' Gail nodded.
'Give it another six months and there won't be anything left of O'Leary's gang.'
'A happy outcome,' Gail said sarcastically.
'I know you blame me for Fielding's death,' Elaine said heavily, 'believe me I've gone over my actions again and again but it was a line of inquiry we had to pursue. Fielding was a pedophile and he admitted speaking to Caitlin just before she disappeared.'
'Maybe if O'Leary had trusted us, actually believed we would concentrate on finding Caitlin rather than target him, he wouldn't have gone after Fielding.'
'Perhaps, but he's a thug so he may have killed Fielding regardless. And no matter what reassurances we gave him, O'Leary was always going to be suspicious of the police.'
Which Gail had to concede was true. She gave a brief nod and this time she did stand.
'Oh by the way, I believe Holly's parents are visiting. I trust I'll have an opportunity to meet them,' Elaine said casually.
Gail couldn't help it. Her eyes went wide. She was completely annoyed with herself. Elaine had taught her how to keep her expression neutral, to betray nothing and here she was as transparent as a pane of glass. Was there anything Elaine didn't know?
'Lisa told you,' Gail said, feeling like she'd scored a small victory when the minutest flicker in her mother's eyes indicated she was right.
'Well, am I to meet them? You and Holly are living together now. Essentially she is my daughter-in-law, although it might be better all round if that were formalized.'
'Uh,' Gail said, realizing Elaine had just suggested, well no, actually made it clear she wanted Holly and Gail to get married, and not sure how to respond to any of what Elaine was saying.
'Perhaps I could join you when you meet Holly's parents. I imagine it will be dinner. Make it a family affair.'
'No. That's going to happen Mom. When I meet Holly's parents for the first time it will be on my own,' Gail said with finality, wondering how much of a family affair it could be with two of the Pecks conspicuously absent. And just how did Elaine plan on explaining Steve and Bill's non-attendance?
'Oh very well,' Elaine huffed, 'I can see I'm not going to get my way today.'
As Gail reached the door, she turned around, unable to resist scoring one last point.
'Just so you know mother, Fiona Vincent's not my type.'
'Type? Before Holly returned you didn't exactly seem to have a type. And I believe we're talking quite a number.'
Geez, Gail thought, what didn't Elaine know. Not that Gail had slept with that many women. Sure she'd done a bit of experimentation between Holly leaving and the six-month relationship with Olivia, and after that it was just the occasional fuck with Frankie, but that stopped when Frankie got too clingy. Actually, come to think about it, she had slept with more women than men. But who was counting. And who was feeding Elaine this information anyway? It couldn't be Frankie. Then it hit her.
'You shouldn't believe everything Jen Luck tells you.'
Elaine's lips twitched into a half smile, it was a little supercilious like she'd been caught out but wasn't going to admit it.
…
After Gail left her office, Holly did a mental face palm. She was a complete idiot. She was so thrilled about her parents plan to return to Toronto she hadn't stopped to consider how Gail might react. Of course Gail would be apprehensive. Holly should have anticipated that.
Holly realized she was doing it again. It was just like when she introduced Gail to Lisa and Rachel. She'd been so excited for her two best friends to meet the woman she'd fallen for so hard she assumed they'd immediately see all the things which made Gail so wonderful. And look how well that had gone. She knew Lisa could be difficult but it hadn't crossed her mind she would be such an and out bitch that night.
Back then it hadn't occurred to Holly anything would go wrong. Well, that wasn't entirely true. She'd actually been more concerned Gail wouldn't like Lisa and Rachel because, yes, they were practically like family, even Lisa, and so for Holly it meant a great deal that Gail get along with her friends.
Holly sighed. She needed to remember she and Gail had come a long way since then. They were more secure and settled in their relationship just as Gail was much less wary and more secure within herself. They trusted one another, which Holly realized was a huge step for Gail. Holly had never given Gail any reason not to trust her except that night at the Penny when she decided it was easier just to humour Lisa rather than stand up for Gail. As she thought about that disastrous night, Holly realized what she needed to do. She had to reassure Gail they were in this together, and no matter what Holly would stand by her.
…..
After leaving Elaine's office, Gail wished she could go talk to Holly. Interacting with her mother was exhausting. Elaine seemed to approach every conversation with Gail as a contest. Even though she had grown up with it, Gail had never really got used to Elaine's combativeness. She hated that she couldn't completely relax around her mother because more than anything Elaine appeared determined to disconcert her, to catch her out. And then Gail hated that she couldn't help but be drawn into the game Elaine was playing, couldn't resist trying to one up her mother.
Gail sighed. Holly was too busy for distractions. Meantime she had Kurt and Becca's visit to consider. They'd be here in two days. In fact in less than 48 hours. She owed it to Holly and she owed it to herself not to screw up the meeting.
Back at 15, Oliver motioned her into his office.
'Come in, come in my not so petulant Peck,' he said, 'Celery is here and is desirous to exchange greetings and I need to see you are in one piece after your visit to the dark side.'
'Ha,' Gail rolled her eyes, 'still breathing. Hi Celery.'
'You looked stressed, Gail' Celery said with concern.
Oliver narrowed his eyes. 'What did your mother do?'
'Nothing. It's not that, it's,' Gail stopped.
'It's?' Oliver prompted.
'You can tell us,' Celery said, her expression sympathetic, 'it's something to do with Holly isn't it.'
Gail sighed and nodded. How did Celery do that, know exactly what was troubling her. Could Celery read minds or was Gail's aura telegraphing it or something.
'I'm meeting Holly's parents on Thursday night and it's really important to Holly they like me but no parents have ever liked me and I don't trust myself not to say or do something really stupid so I'm kind of freaking out a little I think,' Gail said in a rush, surprising even herself at her candor. Oliver and Celery just seemed to have this uncanny ability to make her talk.
'Well, I'm a parent and hypothetically speaking if my offspring were older, I'd be more than happy for you to date one of them,' Oliver said, 'though of course that is a moot point because the esteemed Doctor Stewart has stolen your heart.'
Gail rolled her eyes again.
'Ah,' said Celery, who had been searching through her bag, 'here it is.' She held up a little brown bottle with a dropper.
'Here what is?' Gail screwed up her face.
'Rescue remedy. Made from Bach flowers. It's homeopathic. Alleviates stress and helps you become calm and centered,' Celery held out the bottle to Gail, 'six drops on your tongue. Take it just before you meet Holly's parents.'
Gail looked at Celery skeptically but took the bottle and held it gingerly between her thumb and forefinger.
'It works. I guarantee,' Celery said.
'And there's no need to fret, my petulant Peck. They're going to like you,' Oliver held out his hands in a wide gesture, 'what's not to love.'
Now Gail looked at Oliver skeptically.
….
'Really, your mother set Lisa up with a cop,' Holly said, 'that is hilarious. Sometimes your mother is kind of awesome.'
'Awesome. That's probably going too far but, okay, occasionally Elaine does use her powers for good,' Gail replied drily.
Holly spooned some more dahl onto her plate.
'Mmm this food is amazing, Gail,' she said, moaning in appreciation.
True to her word Gail had made dinner. Chicken tikka and dahl with riata and rice and papadums because Indian food was one of Holly's favorites and Holly had had a grueling day. Very few people were aware of this domesticated side of Gail. She kept it well hidden.
Dov didn't even know she could cook until he came round for dinner one night. All those years at the frat house and apparently she hadn't once cooked a meal. Gail shrugged and said if the boys had found out they would have expected a hot meal every night. Dov's expression was dubious to say the least. 'Lazy' he had mouthed to Holly, who had laughed, but not before Gail had clipped the back of his head.
'They are sounding a lot like sex noises Stewart,' Gail now teased.
'Oh really,' Holly raised an eyebrow, 'sorry but good as your food is it can't compete with your.'
Holly stopped suddenly.
'Lost for words nerd?' Gail asked amused, 'sexual prowess, my magic in the bedroom, my Sapphic agility, my superhuman ability to give you multiple orgasms, my awesome.'
Before Gail could finish Holly said in a rush, 'Hi Chloe. Hi Dov.'
Gail swiveled around in her chair and saw the two of them standing in the doorway behind her.
'Ugh,' she said. She just hoped Chloe and Dov realized she was being deliberately cheesy.
…..
'My mother wants to meet your parents,' Gail said as she and Holly got into bed.
'Oh,' Holly said, turning so she was facing Gail, 'I guess I shouldn't be surprised.'
'I put her off. For now. But Elaine did refer to you as essentially her daughter-in-law so I'm not sure how long I can stall her.'
'She did,' Holly smiled, 'that's kind of touching. It's very inclusive of her.'
'Don't get too excited. Membership of the Peck family comes with a price,' Gail said, 'what's that Groucho Marx quote, I wouldn't want to belong to any club that accepts me as a member. Kind of sums up how I feel about the Pecks.'
'Ha, well seeing as I'm huge fan of Gail Peck, I won't be cancelling my membership,' Holly smiled and Gail made a face at her, 'but honey about my parents.'
'Do you want them to stay here,' Gail said abruptly, 'I know they usually stay with you when they visit so they could, you know, stay here.'
'They've booked an Airbnb place round the corner. It's sweet of you to offer but I don't expect that. Not when you haven't met them.'
'Sweet,' Gail mouthed and made a face, which made Holly laugh.
'I don't want you to feel uncomfortable or worried about the visit. I guess what I'm saying is I've got your back, not like, you know,' Holly trailed off.
'Not like when you introduced me to Lisa and Rachel,' Gail finished for her, 'it's okay Holly. I'm a big girl now. I can handle parents without running away. I promise.'
With that Gail leaned over and kissed Holly, but Holly couldn't shake the slight uneasiness that had overtaken her. If she'd been keen for Lisa and Rachel to like Gail and visa versa, she was even more eager for Gail and her parents to get along.
…..
On Thursday evening Gail stood outside a restaurant in downtown Toronto feeling as nervous as hell. Holly had been delayed by an autopsy – yet another of O'Leary's lieutenants. She'd phoned from the morgue sounding apologetic and anxious all at once and offering to cancel but it was really too last minute and Gail assured her she could go ahead without her as long as Kurt and Becca didn't mind.
'I'm sure they'll appreciate some time just with you,' Holly said, 'and I should be there within an hour.'
What Gail hadn't revealed to Holly in their hurried phone call was she had spent at least the last hour deciding what to wear. She'd googled the restaurant. It was nice, funky even. Jeans and combat boots would be too casual. Dress and high heels too formal. She didn't know what Holly's parents were expecting. Gail realized she'd forgotten to ask Holly if they'd met any of her other girlfriends. Well, of course they had. It wasn't like Holly had just come out. She'd known she was gay since College. Actually she'd known before that. It was only in College she acted on it. Gail wondered how those other meetings had gone. Maybe there was an ex girlfriend Becca and Kurt adored and secretly wished was still with Holly. The one who was a human right's lawyer. No better still, the one who became an academic. Ugh, she knew she working herself up into a state.
'Seriously, get a grip Peck,' Gail told her reflection in the mirror and then grimaced. Maybe a couple of shots of tequila might steady her nerves. No, that was definitely not a good idea. The old Gail, the less secure Gail, the Gail before Holly would have done that.
Geez, she was thirty years old. She was a police officer who didn't flinch at having to interrogate even the most hardened of criminals. She could cuff a man more than twice her body weight. She'd lost count of the number of cases she'd help solve. In fact she knew she was fairly smart – she didn't have an IQ in the stratosphere like Holly but she could keep up with her. So meeting Holly's parents shouldn't freak her out this much.
Then Gail remembered the rescue remedy Celery had given her. Really, she thought to herself, really, you're going to take some hippy potion. Holly would laugh if she found out. Gail took it anyway. Six drops under the tongue. Then she returned to her wardrobe and settled on a pair of tailored black trousers. She'd bought them when she made Detective, thinking the job might sometimes call for a more corporate look, and so far had never worn them. She paired this with a smoky grey linen shirt and suede ankle boots with a small heel. The shoes brought her up to Holly's height.
Then there was the question of make-up. Gail applied too much and immediately scrubbed it off, contemplated no make-up and then opted for subtle eyeliner and a red lipstick, which was neither bold nor insipid but somewhere in-between. This would have to do, she decided. There really wasn't any time to change again.
Gail checked her watch. Holly was due home half an hour ago. The phone rang then and it was Holly, and Gail had reassured her it was okay. She could go ahead and meet Becca and Kurt, and Holly could join them later.
Now here she was standing on the sidewalk outside the restaurant and looking through the plate glass window. Inside was low lit but diffused by a golden glow making the space both intimate and inviting. Clearly a popular place, it looked to be full to capacity and there were even people lined up at the bar hoping to be seated. Wait staff in starched white waist aprons moved seamlessly between tables and two barmen dressed in black made a show of mixing cocktails, silhouetted against the backlit bottles arrayed behind them.
Gail hesitated. She hadn't expected Becca and Kurt to choose a restaurant like this. She had imagined they'd prefer something more homely. Holly said they were still hippies at heart and this place, well it was upmarket and kind of chic. God she wished she'd let Holly cancel. Gail felt the panic beginning. It started as a tightness in her chest, then moved to her stomach so she felt slightly nauseous, and finally back up to her head, filling it with white noise. Her palms were sweaty and she felt hot all over, which was weird because it was a cold night and really her leather jacket was barely enough to keep her warm
No, Gail said to herself, don't let this happen. These are Holly's parents. They are good people. After all they raised an awesome daughter. Besides she had promised Holly she wouldn't run away this time. With that Gail pushed through the door to the restaurant.
She spotted Holly's parents immediately. Holly had Kurt's coloring, but Becca's smile and the way she tilted her head to one side was pure Holly. In that instant Gail noticed Lisa sitting across from the couple. She was holding forth and Holly's parents were listening with rapt attention. Now Gail really wanted to turn and run, but she'd promised. She'd promised. As Gail drew up behind Lisa there was no mistaking it, the boob job doctor was talking about her.
The noise of the restaurant fell away and it was as if everyone stopped mid action – a waiter flicking open a napkin, a diner with a fork half way to his open mouth, the bartender upending a cocktail shaker. Everything was suspended except the three before her. In the absence of any other sound, their conversation seemed animated and loud and made Lisa's words crystal clear.
'Gail was the biggest mistake Holly ever made,' Lisa said.
Then it was like everything started moving again and the sounds of the restaurant, the clink of glasses, the jangle of cutlery, the repetitive beat of the mood music, the door to the kitchen swinging open, the murmur of voices all came at Gail with a roar.
Gail took another step towards the table and Kurt and Becca looked up expectantly.
'Hi. I'm Gail,' she said, 'I see Lisa has been singing my praises.'
…
So Gail didn't quite get to meet the parents but she will in the next chapter. And no case this time round.
