Aisles

by lisahill

All our favourite characters from Bad Girls, but set in a fictional Supermarket. Some of the relationships depicted are between women, so if that's not to your taste, don't read. Hope you enjoy!

2. Chapter 2

Chapters 11-20

CHAPTER ELEVEN

"Nikki? I'm home!" Frances dropped her briefcase at the front door and walked through the flat clutching a bottle of red wine and a bunch of flowers. Joss Stone was playing on the stereo and there was an interesting smell emanating from the kitchen. Nikki was bent over a cookbook, her brow furrowed. She turned back to the saucepan and stirred the mystery contents vigorously, she was so engrossed in what she was doing she hadn't heard Frances shout and was oblivious to her watching her.

"Bollocks, bollocks, bollocks!" Frances laughed,

"What are you doing?"

"Shit what are you doing here? You're really early this was all meant to be finished." Nikki bit her lip nervously and smiled, "You ok?"

"Yes. These are for you." Frances handed Nikki the bunch of flowers and placed the red wine on the table.

"What for?"

"Because I've been a bitch to you and you didn't deserve it. I love you." Nikk grinned broadly and pulled Frances close to her, kissing her softly on the lips,

"Good because I love you too." Their kiss deepened and would have continued for much longer had the mystery substance in the saucepan not bubbled over with a loud hiss.

"Bloody hell Nik what is it?"

"Hollandaise sauce." Nikki stirred it dubiously, "at least it was meant to be."

"You're very sweet darling, and I do have faith in you but should I dig out the takeaway menus?" Nikki nodded sadly,

"I think that's for the best, shall I open the wine then and let it breath?"

"Good idea, Thai or Chinese?"

"Thai." The cork popped loudly as Nikki pulled it out of the bottle, she placed the bottle on the side and stood behind Frances as she read the menu resting her hands on her girlfriend's hips. Frances covered Nikki's hands with her own and leant back,

"I hate it when we argue." She turned around to look at Nikki, "I was thinking do you fancy a weekend in Weymouth?"

"Weymouth as in where your sister lives?"

"Yes. Amanda's always moaning that I don't visit her and it's about time you met her." Nikki raised her eyebrows, the unspoken sentence being 'meet her as what?'.

"I mean as my girlfriend Nik. Look I still don't think I can cope with telling Mum but I want Amanda to know, well I think she suspects anyway." Nikki looked up as she poured the wine,

"How would she know?" Frances gratefully accepted the glass and took a welcome sip,

"Because you're the only person I talk about."

"Oh really and what do you say?"

"Just that you're very kind."

"Mmm," Nikki took Frances in her arms and began to kiss her neck, "go on."

"That you're funny and caring and understanding." Nikki was slowly kissing her way along Frances' collarbone,

"I'm still listening." Frances closed her eyes as Nikki started to undo the buttons on her blouse and continued her journey,

"And I've told her how you are very, very, very," Nikki looked up with a mischievous glint in her eye, "bad at cooking!"

"Oi!" Frances laughed and pulled off her blouse throwing it at Nikki,

"I suppose I'll have to pay for that won't I?"

"Too bloody right!" Nikki grabbed her and picked her up carrying her towards their bedroom, the takeaway menu and wine sat in the kitchen forgotten.

Helen came to the end of the story book and peeked through the bars of the cot, Olivia wasn't quite asleep but her eyes were drooping and her breathing had slowed down. She was about to drift off, Helen would have given anything to be Olivia. Drifting off into dreamland, not a care in the world, safe in the knowledge she was loved and cared for. She placed the book back carefully on the bookcase and slowly pulled the door closed, leaving a gap which threw a chink of light across the nursery. Carrying the baby monitor with her she walked through the quiet house and reaching the kitchen began to make herself a hot chocolate. She had convinced Duncan to go out with colleagues from work. He hadn't wanted to go but she'd insisted, she'd had a night out why shouldn't he. Armed with a steaming mug of chocolate Helen settled herself in the lounge with the days paper and a new paperback book. She hoped if she got herself back into a routine of reading for pleasure the desire to write would return. As she smoothed out the Guardian on her lap a picture caught her eye, Duncan must have found it while she was at work and put it in a frame. It was a picture of her with Cerys, taken in Scotland after the birth of Olivia. They had taken time off work and had travelled up to Stirling so that Helen and Duncan's parents could have some quality time with their new grandchild. A sob caught in Helen's throat as she picked up the picture and drew it close to her chest. She knew it wasn't just grief she was feeling, it was guilt too. If Duncan had known about the events of the day when the photo was taken he definitely would not have picked it out to put it on show.

"I'll stay with Helen D, I'm all walked out. You take Livvy with your parents to the village."

"Are you both sure?" Helen looked up from gingerly rubbing her right ankle,

"I'm sure, this ankle's killing me. You don't have to stay Cerys I'll be ok."

"No." Cerys replied firmly, "You'll be bored on your own, I'll help you think of ideas for your new novel."

"Ok you ladies behave yourselves then." Helen watched Duncan and her parents walk down the driveway, her Dad pushing Olivia's pram.

"Tea babe?" Cerys shouted from the kitchen, "Or coffee?"

"Tea please."

"Honestly what's my dopey husband like, behave yourselves? What exactly are we going to get up to?"

"Mmm" Helen cleared her throat, all of a sudden feeling uncomfortable standing next to Cerys, she sat at the table in the kitchen and began to look at the paper without actually reading any of the words.

"There you go darling." Cerys placed the mug in-front of Helen squeezing her shoulder affectionately as she did so, Helen unconsciously jumped at the contact. "For god sake Helen, this is doing my head in now!"

"What?"

"You're on pins whenever I'm near you. God forbid I touch you because you leap out of your skin."

"You're exaggerating." Helen got up to leave the room, but Cerys stood in front of her blocking her way out,

"No. We're going to sort this out Helen because I can't cope. Sit down."

"Look, I've got things to do."

"Sit in that chair!" Helen knew there was no arguing when Cerys was in this mood, she had a vile Welsh temper. "Do you remember when we went out for a drink after we'd been shopping at Touchwood, we got absolutely smashed and I had to ring Duncan and he came to get us." Helen smiled and nodded,

"He wasn't amused."

"No he wasn't, pair of drunken fools he called us, but we'd had a great afternoon. You told me something that afternoon and then you've never mentioned it since. Even though I've tried to give you a chance to talk about it again." Helen shifted uncomfortably in her chair, "You told me you found women attractive, and that you'd had a fling with a woman at Uni. Coming back to you now?"

"No need to be sarcastic Cerys, of course I remember, the fact I haven't mentioned it means I don't want to talk about it."

"Tough. Helen look at me." Helen dragged her eyes away from the mesmerising pattern on the mug of her swiftly cooling tea, Cerys gently lifted her chin so that their eyes were level. "Do you have feelings for me Helen?" Helen's stomach knotted, and she pulled her face away from Cerys' soft fingers and looked out of the window.

"Yes." Cerys sighed,

"I thought so, it's ok."

"No it's not ok is it!" Helen whipped around anger rising in her rapidly, "You're married and married to my bloody brother. God Duncan! You haven't…"

"Of course I haven't! What do you take me for?" Helen put her face in her hands.

"I can't cope with this." She got up and practically ran upstairs. This was what she had worried about happening. Her feelings for Cerys had always been strong, from the moment she had met her she'd liked her. She had been so pleased her brother had found someone like her. Over recent months though Helen's feelings for Cerys had changed, she loved spending time with her she always had, but it seemed all of a sudden she felt much more. She had hoped that the feelings would disappear but they hadn't and it was making her life hell. She wanted to spend every minute of every day with Cerys but when she did she felt guilty. The bedroom door slowly opened and Cerys popped her head around,

"You left your tea, I warmed it in the microwave for you." She sat down next to Helen and handed her the newly warm tea, Helen took a comforting sip and sat the mug down in the window sill taking the opportunity to look out at the beautiful scenery she missed so much. She felt Cery's hand slip into her own,

"It really is ok you know, I kind of knew."

"Obvious was it?"

"No. Well to me sometimes."

"I'm sorry Cerys I really am. If I could change how I feel I would. I've tried."

"I don't want you to just switch your feelings off, you don't know how I feel about you."

"Yes I do. You love me like a sister and a best friend."

"Yes. Helen you mean the world to me. When I met Duncan I felt so lucky to have met such a great guy. When I met his family, when I met you, I felt lucky all over again. You all accepted me without question and made me feel like part of the family straight away. With you I had a best friend, someone to shop with, someone I clicked with. Do you know what I mean or am I rambling Hel?"

"You are rambling a bit but I know what you mean."

"Part of me wishes I felt the same, we'd make a great couple!" Helen laughed shortly,

"But you don't."

"No I don't, you are beautiful, caring and one of the most important people in my life and I'd hate for things to change between us. I love Duncan though Helen I always have and I always will." Helen nodded,

"I'm so sorry." Cerys smiled and drew Helen to her in a close hug,

"Shhh. You've got nothing to be sorry for, this will stay between us ok?" Cerys lifted Helen's head up and used her thumbs to wipe away the rogue tears which despite Helen's best efforts had managed to escape from her eyes. She kissed Helen gently on the cheek, and then kissed her again this time dangerously close to Helen's lips.

"Cerys. What are you doing?" Cerys placed a finger on Helen's lips,

"Call it a goodbye kiss, to something that might have been, given different circumstances." Helen closed her eyes as their lips met, Cerys tentatively ran her tongue along Helen's bottom lip unsure whether she would be granted access. Helen matched Cerys' actions letting her know that it was very much ok, and the two women fell back onto the bed, Helen let Cerys lead she didn't know what was going to happen next but she was too busy being caught up in the most passionate kiss of her life. She had her hands in the relatively safe area of Cerys' back and was taken by surprise when she felt Cerys' hands slip under her T shirt, and she gasped when Cerys' thumb grazed her left nipple through the cotton of her bra. She opened her eyes briefly and her green eyes locked into Cerys' brown eyes and she knew there was no going back. They sat up, Cerys in Helen's lap and began to pull their clothes off.

"Cerys, Helen!"

"Shit!" Cerys looked around wildly, and grabbed her thin blue sweater off the floor. She pulled it on over her head, throwing Helen's T shirt at her. Whatever spell had come over them was now shattered.

"What are you doing back babe." Cerys straightened her top and glanced briefly in the mirror running a hand through her dishevelled hair, she ran down the stairs. Helen followed a few moments later, Duncan had his arms wrapped around his petite wife and she had her head on his chest. It made Helen feel sick, not because she wanted Cerys for herself there and then, but because they looked so right together.

"Where's Mum and Dad?"

"With Livvy, they kept bumping into people from the church and the golf club, I felt somewhat surplus to requirements. I missed my beautiful wife, and my annoying sister of course." Helen had smiled weakly and went in search of her laptop, thinking that some writing would help. She settled in front of the screen and half-heartedly tapped away, deleting more than she added.

"Hel, are you ok?" Cerys knelt next to her and placed her hand across the keyboard so Helen couldn't type anymore.

"I'm fine."

"Really? Look upstairs it got a bit, out of hand, that wasn't what I intended."

"I know, and it's fine." Cerys nodded and left Helen to it. It was ok. Helen hadn't lied to Cerys she knew nothing could really happen between them, the only thing that bothered Helen was lying to her brother and kissing Cerys behind his back. She felt horribly guilty about that, her and Cerys would be fine. They were too close for this to come between them, Helen was just struggling with the fact she was clearly gay. She had thought it might have been a one off at Uni but the way she had felt upstairs with Cerys had confirmed the niggling thoughts at the back of her mind that it was in her attraction to women her true self lay.

Their parents had returned an hour later, full of gossip about many people Helen had never heard of. They'd all then sat around the large dining table and eaten a wonderful Sunday lunch, the general consensus afterwards had been they all needed to walk it off. They had set off into the rolling countryside the Stewart family home backed onto, it was during this walk Duncan had taken the photo of Cerys and Helen. It was a lovely picture with the imposing Scottish scenery behind and their hands linked they had looked incredibly happy. During the walk Helen and Cerys spent a lot of time talking, Helen got her own feelings organised and Cerys had let her know that she would be there for her if and when she decided to tell the family. Helen still felt extremely guilty every time she looked at Duncan but she also felt like a large weight had been lifted from her shoulder. Two months after the trip to Scotland Cerys had been killed, and Helen had felt herself fall into a dark hole which she still didn't know how to get out of.

CHAPTER TWELVE

"Grey suit or black suit?"

"Definitely the grey, you look stunning in the grey one. Wear your turquoise shirt." Frances picked out her grey suit and flicked through her many hangers of shirts searching for the right one. Nikki sat at the mirror one eye watching as she teased her hair using fingertips of gel, the other eye watching Frances as she changed. Frances sensed she was being watched,

"What?"

"You're nervous."

"No I'm not."

"You are, you do loads of these visits and you're never usually bothered about what you wear and how you look."

"You're not usually there though!" Frances finished buttoning her shirt and pulled on her suit jacket. Nikki smiled and seemingly happy with her hair turned around,

"You'll be great, I promise not to put you off."

"Just being in the same room as you will probably put me off! Right do you want tea or coffee?"

"Tea babe please."

"Ok." Frances kissed Nikki and went to the kitchen to put the kettle on. Nikki had to admit she felt nervous, she didn't know how she was going to be able to be in the same room as Frances without her feelings betraying her. Yvonne and Selena were bound to sense something, they knew her so well.

"It's not fair though."

"What's that?" Frances handed her a mug and waited for her to explain,

"You get to look gorgeous in that suit and I have to wear this." Nikki motioned towards her uniform,

"You look lovely in elf green! Another reason for you to get a move on and apply for other management positions." Frances quickly finished off her tea, "Right makeup and then I'm ready to go."

When Nikki walked into the store the tension was palpable, Kris ran past her carrying a pallet of strawberries, piled dangerously high and balanced precariously.

"Alright Kris?"

"Don't fucking ask Nik." Nikki winced at Kris' harsh language at such an early hour. She made her way up the store swiping in and then picked up the safe keys from where they hung in a wall safe in the manager's office. Kris had probably been up since 5am, so her mood could be excused. Nikki unlocked the cash office door and walked over to the safe. She knelt down spinning the lock of the safe rapidly to the right combination and then using the key pulled the heavy safe door open. She was pleased to see that the cashing up from the previous evening had been done, she cast her eye over the figures Selena had placed in the bag with the cash. A good night by the looks of it, and the lottery balanced as well! Nikki liked starting the day positively, there was nothing worse than having to chase errors from the day before. She left the paperwork out ready for Crystal, the store's very efficient cash office supervisor. She relocked the safe and then pushed the trolley of tills out of the cash office into the corridor. Nikki quite liked this part of her morning, it was a full hour before the store opened and she could get the front end ready without the hassle and noise of a working day. She rapidly worked her way down the bank of tills putting each till in, double checking the numbers to ensure the tills went in the right places. Her next stop was the kiosk, she unlocked the shutters and the drawers. The phone cards and stamps needed counting, and the lottery machine had to be put online.

"How are we doing down here Wade?" Jim sauntered down the aisle swinging his keys, for a manager whose store was about to be inspected he looked very calm.

"Fine Jim, in-fact no need for you to be down here at all." Jim laughed and leaned on the kiosk watching Nikki as she tapped buttons on the lottery machine,

"You really ought to do something about that attitude of yours Wade." Nikki paused briefly looking at Jim,

"While it annoys you so much Fenner I think I'll hang onto it if it's all the same to you. Now if you'll excuse me I want to get the front end ready." Nikki watched from under her eyelashes as Jim stalked off, no doubt to find somebody else to wind up. She couldn't understand it, it was in his best interests that staff got on well and enjoyed their job; he seemed to like making it awkward though.

"Morning." Cassie sour mood was very clear, courtesy of Selena Nikki knew what the problem was but she wasn't going to say anything, she'd let Cassie come to her as she undoubtedly would eventually.

"Hi Cass, I'll finish off on here. Could you make a start on the desk please. Messages need checking and the green electric tape needs to go out."

"Yeah fine." Today was going to be a long day if the usually cheery Cassie was in a black mood.

Frances stepped out of her car, brushing a stray piece of cotton off her jacket. Regional manager, Neil Grayling walked around the front of the car to join her.

"Let's make this short and sweet Frances, all we want from today is to get a general idea of how the store is running so we know what to focus on when we inspect." They walked side by side into the store, two people in suits, briefcases at their sides.

"Shouldn't we have rang ahead?"

"What? Give them time to quickly have some excruciating welcome committee ready? No, no Frances arrive unannounced, that's the way. We'll see now how we are greeted by the customer service personnel." Frances swallowed trying to lubricate her dry throat, she hoped for Nikki's sake that her staff had been briefed. Neil and Frances approached the customer service desk, the woman behind it had striking red hair, Frances assumed from what Nikki had said that it must be Selena Geeson. She smiled openly as they approached,

"Good morning, how can I help?" Neil was seemingly impressed by their friendly greeting, he extended a hand,

"Neil Grayling, regional manager. This is my colleague Frances Myers, area manager." Selena shook hands with both of them and smiled warmly,

"Who would you like me to contact? The store manager?" Frances was about to say yes and thank Selena when Neil jumped in.

"Actually is your supervisor around? As we are on the front end I'd like to have a quick look around the trenches!" Neil laughed quietly at his own small joke. Selena seemed slightly bemused,

"Oh right ok. She's on the supervisor's desk at the moment I'll nip down and tell her you're here." Selena dashed off, and Neil took the opportunity to refresh his memory on the members of staff.

"Nicola Wade."

"Nikki." Frances corrected before thinking, "I've met her briefly at a conference, she's known as Nikki."

"Ok then. Good Frances. Interpersonal skills – I like it! Nikki I presume? I'm Neil Grayling." Neil once again offered his hand as Nikki appeared, she shook it quickly and cleared her throat before speaking,

"Yes, nice to meet you."

"I believe you two have met, Nikki, Frances Myers." The two women faced each other,

"We met briefly about a year ago Nikki at a conference." Nikki smiled showing her white teeth,

"I remember. Nice to see you again Frances." Selena stood watching at the desk as the three of them chatted once the introductions had been dealt with. There was something going on, she had no idea what, but there was something happening in-front of her eyes and she couldn't put her finger on what it was.

"I think it's about time we had a chat with the other managers, thank you Nikki, most enlightening."

"I'll take you up to the office." Nikki led Frances and Neil through the store, she could feel Frances' eyes on her the whole way and rubbed her warm neck with her hand. Jim and Karen were in the training room, oblivious to the fact that Frances and Neil had arrived. Nikki pushed the door open,

"Karen." Jim looked up sharply, annoyed to see his least favourite person interrupting him when he'd managed to be alone with Karen.

"What do you want Wade?" Nikki smiled sweetly, happy that true to form Jim was already digging himself into a big hole.

"Just some people here to see you Jim."

"Who?" Neil moved in front of Nikki his face showing his displeasure,

"Neil Grayling, regional manager. Common courtesy Jim, always time for common courtesy in my stores."

"Neil, sorry I didn't get a message from the front end to say you were on the way." Jim pointedly glared at Nikki, who merely folded her arms and smiled, safe in the knowledge she was in the right on this occasion. Frances fought hard to not jump immediately to Nikki's defence, instead she smiled coldly and stepped forward.

"Frances Myers, area manager. We didn't ring ahead Jim but your front end staff were very welcoming, particularly your front end manager." Frances looked at Nikki, who couldn't stop the flush that spread from her neck to her cheeks.

"One of our best is Nikki." Karen introduced herself, "Karen Betts, stock manager. Lovely to meet you both. Would you like to have a cup of tea or coffee and discuss your plans?"

"Excellent idea Karen!" Neil enthused, "well Nikki lovely to meet you, we'll let you get back to your troops!" Nikki closed the door with a huge sigh of relief, how on earth was she meant to spend time in such close proximity to Frances and not show her feelings. She knew Frances could, she was extremely adept at concealing her feelings when she felt it was necessary. Nikki was not so adept, often her face and manner would reveal her feelings before she was even sure what they were. As she walked down to the front end the announcements came across the store, Karen's cultured tones unmistakable.

"Attention please for a staff announcement, Mark Waddle to the training room please, Yvonne Atkins to the training room, Crystal Gordan and Kris Yates to the training room please. Thank you." The inspection had begun. Nikki couldn't help wondering what lay in store for all of them.

"Do I have to beat it out of you, or are you going to tell me?" Nikki was quickly losing her temper with Cassie, she was perfectly willing to give people the benefit of the doubt and space when there was a problem, but it infuriated her when people like Cassie would say there was nothing wrong when there was clearly something very wrong.

"You obviously already know." Cassie spat bitterly, "Selena's probably told you, god knows who else she has enlightened."

"Selena has told me and nobody else. She hasn't even told me exactly what happened but I think I can guess."

"Really, you can guess?"

"Something happened between you and Roisin, and now she's panicked."

"Selena did tell you!"

"No, I've had affairs with straight women." Nikki shrugged matter-of-factly, "very low success rate."

"Zero success rate you mean."

"No, low. Sometimes they do work, I'm sure of that."

"Well, whatever. She went mental Nik, practically accused me of jumping on her."

"I take it she was just as enthusiastic at one point?"

"Definitely."

"Look Cass, you've got to remember this is Roisin we're talking about, she doesn't do anything without thinking about it first. She's obviously surprised herself by what she's done. Give her some space she'll come round." Nikki left Cassie with her thought at the desk and walked along the bank of tills, chatting to the cashiers. She went to the supervisor's desk and began to work out who was due for a break.

"You do look good in green you know." Frances appeared behind her, as if from nowhere her hand imperceptibly brushing Nikki's back.

"Where the hell did you appear from?"

"Sorry, I couldn't resist. I volunteered to come down to the front end to see how things down here are going, oh and I need to see your scanning times and errors, I've heard rumours they are the best for miles!"

"Be careful Myers that sounded like a compliment, and I've heard you don't give them out often."

"Ah but you're so persuasive Miss Wade." Nikki and Frances stood staring at each other, anyone close to them would have felt the sexual tension.

"Nikki! Nikki!" The two women looked up quickly, Denny it seemed was having a few problems.

"I'll let you get on shall I?"

"I think you better had before one or both of us does something we shouldn't." Nikki smiled and turned towards Denny. "Ok Den what's the problem."

"Card problem, supervisor code 01." The women being served by Denny was clearly agitated, her face was getting redder and redder by the second.

"What exactly does that mean? I just want my shopping, honestly I've never had problems like this at Tesco!" Nikki plastered a sickeningly pleasant smile on her face, as she tapped some buttons and re-swiped the card.

"I'll try again for you madam but I'm afraid it's unlikely to work. Do you have an alternative method of payment? Another card, or cash maybe?"

"I want to use this card." The till beeped its indignation at being asked to do something it had already refused.

"I'm sorry madam that won't be possible." Frances watched with interest from the supervisor desk, it was intriguing her watching Nikki at work, this customer looked like trouble.

"Why isn't it possible?"

"I'm afraid the till doesn't tell me that information, it won't accept this card."

"Are you suggesting I can't pay for my shopping?"

"Of course not Madam, I'm afraid that your card will not work in this store today. Do you have an alternative card?"

"I've got my credit card I suppose."

"Ideal Madam. Now if I just swipe that, there we go, we can get you all sorted." The woman looked like she wanted to comment some more about the deficiencies of Supersavers in comparison to Tesco but Nikki's supreme calmness and efficiency took the wind from her sails. With only the merest mumblings about taking it further and complaining to management the woman was gone. Denny breathed a huge say of relief,

"Cheers Nik." Nikki made her apologies to the customers who had been kept waiting and went back to the supervisor desk.

"That was impressive."

"That's what I do every day Frances."

"You're bloody good, wasted here you know Nik, they need management skills like yours higher up the chain."

"Mmm but strong management and leadership is important at store level too. Store's can't run themselves Frances."

"Don't worry Nikki, Jim's card is marked. This inspection will focus on management and communications within and between departments and I expect you to breeze through."

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Cassie had her back to the doors when Roisin arrived, meaning she didn't even have a brief moment to collect her thoughts. One of the young cashiers had phoned in sick and Nikki had given Cassie the task of finding a replacement. She was flicking through the telex, and was lingering around the area of 'm' and 'n' and when something told her she should turn around. Roisin was at the desk quickly writing her arrival time in the signing in book, no doubt hoping Cassie wouldn't turn around, Cassie thought.

"Hi Cass."

"Hi." Cassie traced her finger along the desk, following the scratches that had been made over the years. Roisin similarly awkward, twisted the pen chain around her finger.

"Look, Cassie…" Cassie held her hand up to prevent Roisin from saying anymore.

"Not the time or the place Roisin, clearly we need to speak about this but do you think this is really appropriate." She cast her hand over the desk and towards the tills and the rest of the store, which was very busy.

"No I suppose not, but you should know that I am very sorry." Roisin looked at Cassie earnestly hoping that her feelings would somehow leap from her and reach the bitterly hurt looking woman opposite. Cassie nodded faintly, accepting the obviously well-meant apology, it wasn't enough though to destroy the knot of bitterness which was still lodged in her stomach. Roisin knew that she had a lot of bridge building to do; Cassie hadn't smiled since she'd walked in. Her beautiful blue eyes were cold, they seemed to have lost their sparkle.

"I've got to get back to this Roisin," Cassie pointed to the telex and phone, "ok?"

"Ok." Roisin turned to walk away, "I know an apology isn't enough Cass, I'm not that naïve." Roisin walked off towards the back of the store, Selena approached the desk.

"Everything ok?" Cassie shrugged,

"I've got no idea Selena, no idea at all."

Frances felt that their half day in the Harbourne store had gone well, it was easy to see why it was one of company's most successful stores. The staff were efficient and friendly, the front end in particular ran very smoothly, Frances was pleased to see. The only question lay in the senior management team. Individually they were all clearly talented but as a group Frances had her doubts. She understood Nikki's misgivings over Jim Fenner but he had been with Supersavers for 22 years, you don't work in a company for that long without knowing what you are doing. His problems lay in his refusal to modernise and maybe something more worrying, his attitude towards women in authority. Though she tried to remain objective she was immensely proud of Nikki. It was clear she was popular within the store and she was obviously very very good at her job, however Nikki's propensity to leap to her own or an injured party's defence could and probably one day would get her into trouble. She could be hot-headed and saying what was on your mind without thinking wasn't necessarily the greatest character trait, Frances smiled as she walked through the store. Nikki was Nikki though and she wouldn't want her to change, but she may have to adapt if she wanted to remain successful in the company. Mark Waddle appeared to be a pleasant guy, perhaps too pleasant though. Frances had quickly decided that he needed to toughen up and stand up for himself more. It seemed that he had been relegated to being a mouth-piece for Jim Fenner which was a terrible waste of a talented manager. Frances liked Karen Betts, she was good at her job and Frances could identify easily with her. You knew where you stood with Karen and Frances sensed that much of the smoothing over between the managers who made up the senior team was done by Karen. Yvonne was harder to quantify, Frances of course had the advantage of Nikki at home who regularly filled her in on the characters she worked with but she still wasn't sure about Yvonne. Her harsh, abrasive surface was exactly that, a surface, Frances knew that. Again like Nikki she was a popular manager in the store, she was fair and worked hard, what lay under that surface though Frances had no idea and that made her nervous. She liked to know what was going on behind the eyes of people she met. She was generally excellent at working out what made people tick, she usually had the measure of others within hours of meeting and talking to them. When she had met Nikki she had instantly warmed to her, she was a match for her, intellectually and otherwise. Despite her recent engagement at the time Frances' eye was still roving, her success with men was something she had grown to take for granted there were very few men who could resist the combination of her looks, charming conversation, and dash of arrogance. With Nikki she had met someone who sexually was just as attractive and successful. Frances had not met a man who she couldn't have but here was a woman who for some reason she was drawn too. After spending much of the conference talking and getting to know Nikki, Frances felt she knew what made Nikki tick. Nikki had strong opinions and a strong moral code. She felt the need to stand up for those who could not stand up for themselves, crucially though Nikki wanted to be loved.

Frances was completely engrossed in her thoughts and nearly broke her neck on a box of vodka as she rapidly turned a corner into the wine and spirits department. A strong pair of arms caught her as she toppled dangerously,

"Woah, got you." Her shock lasted only for seconds before she quickly straightened herself and regained her composure.

"Er thanks." Frances looked up to see who had caught her, the name badge said 'Colin'. Colin shrugged sheepishly, his shirt sleeves were rolled up to his elbows revealing firm forearms. Frances looked away quickly.

"It's ok, can't have an area manager falling over in my department can I? I'd look like a bit of a prat."

"Well no more than me! How do you know who I am?"

"We don't get that many suits from area wandering around. We were warned you were coming."

"Right."

"What do you think so far?" Frances was surprised at his blunt question, he didn't seem over-awed by her which Frances found unusual. Colin continued to unpack bottles of spirits, picking up what must have been very heavy boxes without seemingly trying. He looked up clearly waiting for an answer to his question.

"The store seems to be ticking over quite nicely, no great problems."

"Good, we've got an excellent team here."

"Include yourself in that do you?" Frances raised an eyebrow and smirked, she was dangerously close to flirting territory. She hadn't flirted with a man for months, since she'd been with Nikki, she couldn't deny that she was quite excited by the prospect. Colin wiped his brow with the back of his hand, and took a moment to collect his thoughts. The woman in front of him was gorgeous that was undeniable, she was also a senior member of management, but Colin knew flirting when he saw it.

"Well you're going to be here for a couple of weeks during the inspection aren't you? Perhaps you should spend some time on this department and see what you think, see whether I measure up or not?"

"Oh I'm sure you do measure up Mr Hedges." Frances placed emphasis on the word measure and looked Colin up and down, she knew she had confused him and made him feel uncomfortable but that was how she liked it, she was now firmly in control. "I'll see you soon." She walked off safe in the knowledge her exit was being watched, she didn't need to turn around, she knew. She also didn't want to give him the satisfaction of thinking she was bothered.

Jim was bored, Neil had been in his office for over 40 minutes wanting to see 'this' file or 'that' folder. He had said very little merely umming or saying non-committal phrases like "I see" or "right". What did 'I see' mean anyway? He'd started counting the number of tiles on the ceiling when he became suddenly aware that Neil was talking to him,

"Sorry Neil?"

"Teamwork Jim."

"What about it?"

"It's key, crucial, the glue if you like that holds us all together." Jim didn't like the earnest look on Neil's face, he actually seemed to believe the things he said, he tried to place an equally earnest look on his own face but succeeded only in looking confused.

"The reason I raise the issue Jim is because all of this," he dismissively waved a hand over the files and folders strewn across Jim's desk, Jim's eyes followed Neil's hand as though they were attached by a piece of string, the man had manicured finger nails! "All of this Jim, " Neil reiterated, "Is fine, hunky-dory, not a problem. I'm concerned with the team as a whole." Neil made a circle with his hands, what was the man going on about?

"The team?"

"Yes Jim." Neil got up and paced up and down, "It's a full-circle thing, manager to manager, up and down, backwards and forwards. Are you with me?" Jim nodded mutely, he had no idea what Neil was talking about but he felt it would be over more quickly if he pretended he did. "Frances and I have concerns about senior management communication. Managers must pull together and in the same direction or the whole thing can fall apart." Jim nodded in what he hoped was a serious way, "the inspection will begin on Monday the 2nd of August, it will last for at least one week, maybe two. The team will be led by Frances Myers and I will pop in regularly to see how things are going. Ok?" Jim jumped up realising that Neil was wrapping up, he walked around the desk and held his hand out for Neil to shake. Neil shook his hand briefly, as the office door opened. Jim scowled, he hated people not knocking, no bloody respect in this place. Frances sauntered in,

"Ready Neil? Everything ok Jim, you look stressed?" Frances smiled sweetly and perched herself on the edge of the desk, Neil began placing papers and folders in his briefcase.

"I was just telling Jim, Frances, that you'll be leading the inspection team." He snapped the locks on his briefcase shut and picked it up, "I'm sure you'll all get on famously." He looked from Frances to Jim smiling. Frances hopped down from the desk and picked up her own briefcase,

"I agree Neil, in fact I'm rather looking forward to it." She held her hand out for Jim to shake, he gritted his teeth and tried to smile as he thought how much he would like to break the slender fingers he could feel beneath his own. He knew why Frances was looking forward to it, so she could find someway to get rid of him. Well he'd show her!

Roisin had made more mistakes in the shift than she had made in the whole time she had been at Harbourne. She was mis-scanning, forgetting cashback, pressing the wrong buttons. Selena and Nikki were becoming quite concerned, after forgetting a third time to give a customer cashback Nikki took a till closed sign and walked over. She closed Roisin's till without her even realising and touched Roisin gently on the shoulder.

"Are you ok?" Roisin jumped at the contact,

"Sorry Nikki, what did you say?"

"Do you still feel ill? You shouldn't have come back to work if you didn't feel up to it. I'm not that much of an ogre am I?" Roisin laughed,

"No. I'm sorry my mind must be some where else today. I think I'm a bit of a liability!" She laughed weakly. Nikki glanced at the clock, Monica had just arrived which mean that it must be time for Cassie to go. The store had calmed down and Nikki thought that she could afford to lose one cashier, if she could convince Roisin to go there was a chance that she would catch Cassie in the locker room.

"You are not a liability Roisin but I do think you should go home."

"I'm ok", Roisin hated feeling like she had let someone down and she hated feeling useless. Nikki sensed that she was close to offending Roisin so she thought carefully before choosing her next words.

"Look the truth is I over-staffed today because of area being in, but the place is dead and our esteemed colleagues have gone. You're only going an hour early Roisin. I could send someone else home I suppose but I thought you were more deserving. I know you're good at your job, you're just having a bad day. Take advantage of my good mood and go." Roisin realised that there was little point arguing and was grateful for the slight ego-massaging Nikki had somehow managed to fit in. Roisin gratefully nodded and gathered her belongings, "Roisin."

"Yes Nikki?"

"Don't swipe out. I'll pay you your full shift, I'll put it in on the T and A tomorrow." Roisin's brow furrowed,

"The what?"

"Time and attendance database. Don't argue or stall anymore Roisin, go home." Nikki's final words were said with the strictness of a teacher but she smiled warmly. Roisin gratefully walked through the store to the locker room, she'd have a whole hour to herself before she picked up the children. She walked into the locker room quickly realising someone was getting changed, she politely averted her eyes and turned to her own locker. She got out her small compact mirror and critically assessed the reflection which looked back at her. No wonder Nikki had sent her home, she looked tired and drawn, she adjusted a few strands of her dark hair and suddenly realised the other woman in the room was Cassie. She'd either not heard Roisin come in or she was ignoring her, she was getting changed nonetheless. Roisin knew she should put the mirror away but her eyes were drawn to the slender figure behind her. Cassie had changed into some hip-hugging blue jeans and was now fishing around her locker for a top. Roisin stared at Cassie's back, it was beautiful. She didn't have many points of reference, Aiden's wasn't anything special, she followed the line of Cassie's spine up and down, she watched as her shoulder blades tensed and relaxed as she stretched to reach into her locker, her skin was sun-kissed and she had a mole on her right shoulder. Cassie found her top and rapidly pulled it over her head, spinning round without notice to check in the long mirror what she looked like.

"Roisin!" In her panic Roisin dropped her compact, the small mirror inside cracked and then shattered as it hit the floor.

"Oh." She knelt down, her cheeks flushed at the thought of what she had been doing with the mirror, that was her punishment!

"Careful you'll cut yourself." Cassie dashed into the toilet to get some tissue, returning with a big pile, "I didn't mean to make you jump, mind was elsewhere."

"That makes two of us then." Roisin made good use of her long finger nails and placed shards of glass into the tissue, they were creating distorted reflections of herself and Cassie, she didn't like it.

"Two of us?" Cassie sat back and rocked on her heels.

"Nikki's sent me home. My mind is not on the job today and I keep making stupid mistakes." Cassie swatted Roisin's hands away and gathered up the pile of tissue and glass popping out of the locker room to put it into an industrial bin in the warehouse.

"I put Jim's wife through to Mark Waddle and gave someone a refund for something they hadn't even bought! I know how you feel."

"A right pair aren't we?" Roisin laughed and picked her bag up out of her locker.

"Was it expensive?"

"The compact? No not really." Cassie shut her own locker and pretended to fiddle with the strap on her own bag as she waited for Roisin to sort herself out.

"Do you want to go and get a coffee or something?" Roisin looked up surprised,

"Well…"

"Just a thought." Cassie made to leave the room but Roisin grabbed her arm,

"Cass I'd love to, it's just I'll have to pick the kids up at 3.15."

"I can work with that."

"But I'm in my uniform."

"We could just go to yours? I seem to remember an offer along those lines." Roisin smiled her agreement and the two women made their way out of the store side by side pausing only to sign and say goodbye to Monica at the desk. Selena and Nikki walked up as they left,

"Well, well, well." Selena giggled,

"What?" Monica looked up,

"Just call me Cilla!" Nikki laughed flippantly.

"What!" Monica interjected, the trace of annoyance now clear. The two younger women put their arms around her,

"All will be revealed Mon." Said Nikki, "In good time all will be revealed."

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Cassie followed Roisin to her house, she tried to forget the unpleasant parts of their evening out as they drove through the street they had kissed in. Cassie immediately recognised it and the tree, every bit of that perfect moment was imprinted indelibly upon her memory. In the car in front Roisin was having a similar battle within her own mind, as they passed the tree Roisin had such a vivid flashback that she thought she might have to pull over. Blood rushed through her veins, awakening feelings in her that she thought she had managed to control. She was relieved when she saw her house appear, and also concerned as a great portion of the journey had passed by without her even realising. She pulled into the drive and indicated to Cassie that she should pull in behind her.

"Nice house." Cassie pushed her sunglasses onto her head, shut her car door, and pressed a button. The car lights flashed and the doors clicked as they locked centrally.

"Nice car." Roisin returned.

"Oh Mum and Dad. I might embarrass them with my choice of career but at least I arrive and depart in style."

"Sounds intriguing." Roisin pushed a key in the lock and Cassie followed her into the house.

"It really isn't that interesting. Families are a nightmare. You can choose your friends but those relatives eh? Can't bloody get rid of them!" Roisin sensed they had opened up a potential can of worms and decided a change of topic was a good idea.

"Right, well, would you like tea or coffee or a cold drink?"

"A cold drink please Roche." Internally Roisin smiled and her stomach did a small flip as Cassie shortened her name. They walked through to the kitchen and Roisin set about finding a jug and some long glasses. Moments later they were sitting in the back garden on Roisin and Aiden's old patio furniture. Cassie had replaced her sunglasses and turned her face towards the warm July sunshine. She looked so contented.

"You like the sun don't you?" Cassie turned her face away from the sun and towards Roisin, she lifted her glasses up a fraction so she could make eye contact.

"Doesn't everyone?"

"I don't"

"But you're outside now and you haven't exploded!"

"Ha ha, I don't hate the sun it's just I like Autumn and Winter months more."

"Yuk! All that rain, and mouldy leaves. I just want to hibernate, when I die I want to come back as a tortoise or something like that that sleeps during those horrible months."

"Oh it's not that bad, crisp mornings, frost that makes everything it lands on look expensive, snow, Christmas, bonfires and fireworks." Roisin ran out of steam and looked away, seemingly embarrassed by her sudden outburst in favour of the colder part of the year. Cassie giggled and touched Roisin on the arm.

"That was lovely, poetic and lovely."

"You're laughing at me." Cassie stopped laughing and looked at Roisin who had turned to face her,

"You make me smile, make me happy. You're so earnest about things, I wish I could be more like that."

"Oh no, I wish I could be more like you, so enthusiastic about life, carefree. That's the difference in our ages and our lives Cass, so different."

"We haven't actually done what we were meant to yet have we?" Roisin nodded and looked at her watch.

"Bloody hell, the time. I need to go and get the kids, and dinner I haven't even thought, though Aiden is away tonight." Roisin wasn't talking to Cassie anymore, Cassie could tell this was something she did often, talking through what she needed to do and factors involved. Cassie thought it was terribly endearing.

"Where's Aiden tonight then?" Cassie tried to ask the question as innocently as possible, but the hope in her voice was probably very apparent.

"He's on a course. I've got to go Cass."

"Well if you don't mind, I could come with you."

"With me? To get my children from school? With me?"

"Yes with you. Look we haven't talked about anything we need to, I'd like to meet your children and Aiden is away tonight. Seems to me the perfect opportunity for us to spend some time together." Roisin looked up swiftly, "to talk Roche, to talk." Roisin was aware of time slipping away, she had never been late for her children and she didn't intend to start now.

"Ok, let's go. You better drive because you've blocked me in my own drive."

"Yes Maam!"

As they approached Chessington Primary School Cassie became suddenly very nervous, what if Roisin's children hated her, what should she say? Roisin looked over, she put a hand on Cassie's left hand which was resting on the gear stick, "They'll love you, they don't bite." Cassie smiled at Roisin's encouraging words and marvelled at how the amazing woman next to her seemed to know exactly what was going on in her head. Cassie found somewhere to park and waited as Roisin hopped out of the car and went to collect them, she fiddled with the radio, where was Busted and Mcfly when you wanted them? Cassie wanted to come across as cool, but she was failing miserably, she could only find classic fm, and the cd in the car was a jazz one. She looked up and saw Roisin approaching with two children, the car door opened and the girl jumped in first.

"Hello Cassie." Cassie twisted herself around in the car seat to look at the blonde child sitting in the back.

"Hello Niamh."

"Wow you know my name, how did you do that?"

"Well you knew mine."

"Mummy told me."

"She told me yours." Niamh nodded, seemingly satisfied with Cassie's explanation, she clutched a pink lunchbox and looked out of the window. The door opened again and Michael plonked himself on the seat next to Niamh. Cassie turned around again,

"Hi Michael." Michael scowled,

"It's Mike." Niamh tried and failed to suppress a giggle, and received another scowl for her trouble. The passenger door slammed as Roisin got in, she spun around.

"You can wipe that ridiculous scowl of your face now Michael Connor, don't start with me. Your name has always been Michael, what your friends call you at school is one thing but you are my child and I will call you Michael and more than that you will come out of school when the teacher calls your name!" Roisin was clearly riled, Cassie started the car and drove slowly away from the school, "embarrassing me like that in front of all those parents!" Cassie glanced at Michael in the rear view mirror, what a stubborn little boy! She liked him! Roisin it seemed had finished her rant and now crossed her arms, it amused Cassie to see that she pouted in the same way as Michael. She gently touched Roisin's arm, and whispered,

"Where to Roche?" Roisin angrily turned to look at Cassie, her anger immediately disappeared. Cassie smiled and turned her eyes back to the road, Roisin watched her concentrating, took in every detail of her profile, "stop staring at me and tell me where I'm going, I'm lost you see!" Roisin laughed,

"Ok, well I was going to say the park." The two children in the back responded in unison,

"Yes, yes!"

"Michael?"

"Yes Mummy?"

"That's better, do you think we should go to the park?"

"Yeah!" Cassie looked at Roisin and nodded,

"Ok then, but I'm still lost!"

They found the park without too much more trouble and half an hour later Cassie and Roisin were installed on a bench watching Michael and Niamh as they climbed and ran.

"I'm sorry you had to see me like that, that isn't typical."

"Roche don't worry about it! I'm not a parent I'm hardly going to judge you am I?"

"I guess not." They sat in companionable silence for a while, Roisin turned towards Cassie, her arm lay across the back of the bench behind Cassie's shoulders. "I'm sorry about how I reacted, I didn't mean any of those horrible hurtful things I said. I panicked and I wish I could take them back." Cassie nodded,

"Ok. Do you regret it?"

"No. I don't at all. Yes I had trouble dealing with it but no I don't regret it." Cassie hadn't even realised she was holding her breath until she exhaled loudly.

"Where does that leave us now?"

"I don't really know Cass. I love my children,"

"What about Aiden?"

"Aiden is a good man, but does he excite me? No. Do I enjoy his company? Sometimes. Do I love him? Certainly not in the way I used to." Cassie knew Roisin was finding it difficult to open up to her,

"None of this makes you a bad person Roche."

"You're not Catholic are you Cass?"

"No."

"It has been a great comfort to me over the years but it can be quite unforgiving at times."

"Are you talking about marriage and divorce?"

"Mmm."

"Is it a crime to want to be happy, to crave something new?"

"Are you suggesting I crave you Cassie Tyler?" Cassie heard the playfulness in Roisin's voice, the hint of flirting,

"Do you?"

"Sometimes I think I do yes." Roisin dragged her eyes away from Cassie's and looked towards her children, "I wouldn't want to do anything to hurt them."

"Neither would I."

"I know." Roisin let her arm fall off the bench and draped it across Cassie's shoulders, her thumb caressed the mole she had seen earlier, Cassie allowed herself to melt into Roisin and laid her head briefly on her shoulder. Michael and Niamh it seemed had had enough of the park and were wandering slowly back towards their bench. Cassie stood and held her hand out to Roisin pulling her up off the bench,

"I better get you three home."

"You'll stay for dinner though?"

"If you're sure?"

"Of course we're sure, Cassie's staying for dinner kids." Niamh smiled,

"Good, I'll show you my Barbie dolls if you like?"

"Niamh sweetie, Cassie might not want to see them."

"It's ok." Cassie took Niamh's hand, "I'd like to see them."

Roisin loved sharing her kitchen with Cassie, Aiden hardly ever set foot in the kitchen and if he did it was only to find out how long dinner was going to be. It was refreshing to have someone to talk to, to have someone else's opinion and help. They had decided on a simple pasta dish that would be easy and quick to make, Roisin was busy chopping up some herbs and Cassie had been charged with stirring the sauce.

"Do you like cooking Cass?" Cassie looked up from her pan,

"I don't really get a chance to do much, living at home."

"You haven't thought of moving out?"

"Every day but it's not that easy. My job doesn't really pay enough, I'm not on a full time contract so it's hard to get money together."

"Wouldn't your parents help you?"

"If I was in a job more befitting to my station, probably, they gave me the car, but helping me to move out is a different matter. I'm the youngest daughter, my sister Danielle is married to a doctor and lives in a big house that's what I'm meant to do as well."

"But don't they know that you're…"

"Gay? Ha! No, absolutely not. My parents are Mr and Mrs middle England. Don't get me wrong they are good parents and they love us but they have very particular ideas about what is expected. My Dad is a lecturer on accountancy; he plays golf at the weekends. My Mum is a piano teacher and she organises charity dinner parties. They sent me to University with the expectation I would come back with a suitable fiancée, and a good career in mind. I do not fit into their mould." Cassie turned back to her sauce, "I think this is done Roche." An hour later dinner had been consumed, the children were safely installed in bed and Cassie and Roisin were in the garden once more with cups of coffee. Cassie looked up to see Roisin looking at her tenderly,

"Go on."

"Go on what?"

"You want to ask me more about me and my family, I don't mind."

"Why Supersavers?" Cassie shrugged,

"At first it was a rebellious thing. I wanted to show my parents I could do whatever job I wanted to. I fully intended to use my degree."

"Which was?"

"Chemistry." Roisin almost choked on her coffee, and Cassie smiled wryly, "I know, I don't look the sort do I? I don't know, I was always quite good at science, I never really had to try very hard at it. My Dad has friends at the university and he arranged for me to go for an interview at the lab in the genetics department. I'd have got it as well, research coordinator."

"You didn't even go for the interview?" Cassie looked up at the stars, trying to see how many she could count, she shook her head.

"No. I was all ready to go but then I thought, no! What part of this job, interview, life even, is me? I realised I had been far too happy to let others decide things for me I didn't go to the interview and applied for the first job I saw in the paper that didn't need a chemistry degree."

"Supersavers?"

"Yep, and I love it, I don't know why but I do."

"Do your parents not wonder why you haven't brought home a lovely young man?" Cassie laughed, silently thanking Roisin for her change of subject and the light flippancy in her voice. Cassie waved her hand dismissively,

"If they do they haven't said anything." Cassie looked at her watch, "Perhaps I should go, won't Aiden be home soon?"

"He's in Cambridge, all night, he won't be home until tomorrow." Cassie shuddered, it could have been the fact that the early evening air was cooling rapidly but she knew that it was the look on Roisin's face as she had said Aiden was away for the night. "Let's go inside, it's getting a bit chilly out here."

Cassie looked at the photos in the lounge as she waited for Roisin to come downstairs after checking on the children. She picked up the wedding photograph, Roisin looked very young and very happy.

"Seems like a hundred years ago." Cassie hadn't heard Roisin come downstairs and she was now behind her peering over her shoulder to see what Cassie was looking at. Roisin gently took the photo out of Cassie's hands and placed it back on the mantelpiece. "I'm married Cass, that's a fact that isn't going to go away."

"I know." Roisin took Cassie's hand and gently led her to the sofa. "Roche I don't want you to do something that you'll regret, I don't want to be that in your life. You have children you have a husband, I'm not stupid enough to think that you can just discard them." For a moment Cassie thought that Roisin was going to shout at her, instead Roisin grabbed her face and pulled it towards her. Their lips met passionately, and Cassie was surprised that it was her who pulled away first. "You're not going to shout at me then?"

"Cassie Tyler!" Roisin ran her fingertips over Cassie's lips and kissed them again quickly, "This won't be easy, but I'm not going to shout at you." Roisin smiled and kissed Cassie tenderly on the end of her nose, "I wouldn't want to do anything to upset you sweetheart." Cassie pulled Roisin tightly to her,

"I could listen to you forever calling me that, in that gorgeous accent of yours." The two women lay in each others arms on the sofa, talking quietly, breaking only to kiss gently. Roisin slipped her hand under Cassie's top softly stroking her back, Cassie pulled away and grinned,

"After looking at my back again are you?" Roisin's cheeks reddened rapidly, she put her hands to them in the hope she could hide their incriminating colour, Cassie started giggling uncontrollably, "I knew it! That's what you were doing with that mirror! Well well Mrs Connor."

"Oh Cass don't I'm so embarrassed." Roisin smiled through the fingers that were hiding her face, "I tried not to but I couldn't resist."

"You've had a free look, what makes you think you'll get another one?"

"Fine, be like that!" Roisin stood and with mock indignation made as if to walk off towards the kitchen, but Cassie was too quick for her,

"Oh no you don't!" She wrapped her arms around Roisin and the two women toppled over back onto the sofa, laughing. Their joy was cut short by the unmistakable sound of a key in the lock of the front door, and Aiden's voice following that loudly.

"Roisin! Surprise! Whose car is that in our drive? I had to park on the road!" Roisin and Cassie leapt apart, seating themselves as far apart on the sofa as possible. They both tried vainly to control their breathing and straighten their slightly dishevelled clothing.

"Aiden!" Roisin rose as her husband walked into the lounge, "You were meant to be away tonight."

"I know." Aiden looked curiously at Cassie, "Hello."

"Hi, I'm Cassie." Roisin didn't know what to do or where to look, she had never felt so uncomfortable in all her life.

"Cassie works at Supersavers with me, she kindly offered to keep me company for a few hours this evening." Cassie herself rose from her seated position and picked up her car keys and sunglasses from the table in front of her,

"Yes and I do believe my time is up, so if you'll excuse me I'll be going. Nice to meet you Aiden." Aiden merely nodded as he walked into the kitchen in search of leftovers. Roisin followed Cassie to the front door standing on the step and pulling it closed behind them both.

"I'm so sorry, he was mean to be staying in Cambridge tonight." Cassie put her fingers to Roisin's lips,

"Shhh. It's ok we'll have other times."

"Soon?"

"Soon Roche, see you at work." They stole a precious kiss from each other and Roisin watched as Cassie got into her car and drove away, away from her. She sighed as she walked back into the house.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

The days between Neil and Frances' initial visit and the beginning of the inspection passed quickly. Nikki and Frances tried to maintain a semblance of normality within their life but both felt a silent pressure. Neither of them were looking forward to the week Frances was going to have to spend in the store. Nikki wasn't sure how she was going to be able to control her feeling, Selena had been asking some rather pertinent questions and Nikki didn't want to lie, but revealing their relationship while the store underwent an inspection would put them both in very difficult positions. Frances too was concerned about their feelings betraying them, but her thoughts also kept wandering to Colin Hedges. Their brief meeting in the wines and spirits aisle had imprinted itself onto her mind, why she didn't know, but she was certainly looking forward to their next round of flirting. Of course she'd never cheat on Nikki. Frances looked at herself closely in the mirror and cast a critical eye over her reflection. It was only over the last couple of years that wrinkles had appeared under her eyes, her complexion was as good as it had always been, her hair was still dark and glossy. She could probably have whoever she wanted still, and part of her needed that challenge. She loved being with Nikki, it had certainly been an experience, but she had jumped from a lengthy relationship straight into another one, was it healthy? Frances wasn't sure. She didn't know whether she was meant to be with only one person. She wanted to be like Nikki, able to tell the world about her feelings, plan for the future, but the truth was she wanted an escape route. Not telling people about her relationship kept her life tidy, should anything happen the fallout would be reduced by less people knowing. It sounded heartless, and probably was, but it was practical. Even with David she had done little future planning, he hadn't noticed, he'd been so caught up in new houses and wedding plans and children. Frances had merely nodded, smiled and gone along with whatever he said. When they had split up he had furiously demanded to know why she had made so many plans with him. Frances had coolly pointed out that she hadn't planned anything, he had. Nikki was beginning to make similar noises, their own place, telling people. Frances was feeling claustrophobic and ever so slightly irritated by it. However much she wanted to be like that she couldn't bring herself to do it.

"Mirror mirror." Frances jumped,

"What?" Nikki laughed,

"Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the sexiest of them all!" Nikki stepped over and kissed Frances on the shoulder before sitting on the bed to pull her shoes on, "Babe, you've been staring into that mirror for about fifteen minutes! I know you're gorgeous but it's starting to look a bit narcissistic!"

"Nikki!"

"Joke! Chill out Fran, come on we'll be late."

"We? I'm going to work, you're going to work. Separate, we are not a single entity when it comes to work."

"Ok, you clearly got out of bed the wrong side today. I'm going, I'll see you around the store at some point probably. Don't worry I'll pretend I don't know you." Frances exhaled slowly, she shouldn't have spoken to Nikki like that,

"Nik!" The slam of the front door indicated her apologetic tone hadn't been heard or received. "Shit!" Frances threw her mascara wand at the mirror, ugly black streaks obscuring her reflection. If the day had started like this, what on earth would happen at Harbourne?

"Brad or Jude?" Helen looked up confused as Selena flung the latest edition of Heat across the desk towards her,

"What?"

"Brad or Jude? In my opinion you are one or the other, both clean cut but very different."

"Neither."

"Ok something rougher round the edges then?"

"I don't know Selena, not my type really."

"What isn't, rougher round the edges or men in general?"

"Why the third degree? What's your type anyway?" Helen was very adept at changing subjects, or turning the emphasis from her onto someone else. Selena twisted a strand of vibrant hair around her finger, and smiled wistfully.

"Tall, fair, broad, rugby type." Helen laughed, Selena had just described her brother.

"Sounds familiar."

"Really?"

"Selena you are terrible! If you fancy my brother you should just say so!"

"Brother?"

"Stop it! I know you and Nikki are close so she will have told you Duncan is my brother. Do you fancy him?"

"Do you mind?"

"No, there are some things you probably need to know though." They were interrupted by the arrival of Nikki.

"Ladies." Nikki swept by and made her way straight to the supervisor desk. Helen and Selena looked at each other, she wasn't in a good mood. Selena picked up her magazine and looked at her watch,

"Well Helen, she's all yours for the time being. It's time for my break, and frankly I don't think I've got the strength for Miss Wade yet this morning. We'll have to make some time to have a chat about that delectable brother of yours!" Helen watched Selena walk through the store, she was lovely, attractive, funny, intelligent, in-fact pretty much everything that Duncan would look for in a woman. She wasn't Cerys though, but then again no one would measure up to Cerys, in Duncan's eyes or her own. They needed to make an attempt to move on with their lives, maybe it wouldn't do any harm introducing the two of them. Helen picked up the time and attendance sheets and walked towards Nikki, her brows were furrowed making her dark eyes look even darker. She was chewing the end of her biro as she organised the break plan for the day.

"T and A Nikki." Nikki jerked her head towards the desk, indicating where she wanted them putting. Helen was about to put them down and head back to the desk but something about Nikki's expression stopped her. Though she was clearly busy she also looked troubled.

"Are you ok?"

"Fine."

"Look I only asked. If that's your attitude I won't bother again." Helen turned around but Nikki's hand on her shoulder stopped her.

"Helen wait. I'm sorry, I can be a miserable cow sometimes I know. I shouldn't take it out on you."

"It's ok. You look pre-occupied." Nikki sighed and surveyed the queues and her staff dealing with them.

"I could do without this inspection."

"You shouldn't worry, you're really good at your job Nikki even I can see that."

"Even you?"

"You know being new and all."

"I value your opinion Helen thank you. It doesn't matter how good you are though, these inspections can turn up all sorts."

"Only if you've got something to hide!" Helen winked, "Really Nikki if it's the inspection playing on your mind it's not worth it."

"And if it's not?"

"Then meet me after work for a drink." Helen had no idea why she had said that, the words had popped out of her mouth seemingly bypassing her brain.

"Ok you're on." Nikki smiled she never would have expected Helen to ask her something like that but she was glad she had. She felt comfortable in Helen's company and a drink would help her get to know her better. The past year with Frances had been great but Nikki felt she had neglected her staff somewhat, it was about time she put more effort in. The queues had started to build up again and there was a customer waiting at the desk, prompting Helen to return to the desk, and Nikki to turn her attention to the tills. Helen dealt swiftly with the problem on the desk and added some notes to the diary. She really didn't know why she had asked Nikki for a drink, she felt nervous now, or was it excited? She couldn't place the feeling that fluttered in her stomach.

Karen drummed her manicured fingernails on the desk, Frances had a reputation for being meticulous and she was living up to it. She had asked to see Karen's stock management paperwork for the previous two months and seemed to be going through it with a fine tooth comb. They had been in the training room for almost an hour already.

"This is excellent Karen." Karen looked up surprised, Frances hadn't said anything the whole time they had been in the room together until that point.

"Really?"

"You're not surprised surely? These records are detailed and from what I can see extremely accurate, you must know you are wasted in stock management. I understand you turned down the assistant manager's position?"

"It wasn't what I wanted."

"Too much paperwork and less shop floor?" Frances' perceptiveness took Karen by surprise, this woman knew what she was talking about.

"Pretty much. I enjoy the shop level work, bureaucracy and paperwork isn't my thing."

"Not to sound too much like Neil Grayling but it's the oil that keeps the company running. We need competent people behind the scenes too Karen. I'd like you to consider your position in the company while I'm here. I'm aware of a number of openings coming up in the area which you would be perfect for."

"I'll think about it Frances but I'm not promising anything. I have to say I enjoy working here, we've got a good team."

"Even with Jim?" Frances had turned back to her paperwork, her biro moving rapidly over the page in front of her, but Karen wasn't fooled for a minute. Frances was still obviously listening and any response Karen made would be noted. She fully intended to make her feelings known but only when it was right for her, and certainly not on the first day of the inspection.

"We have a lot of strong personalities here, and we all have strong opinions." Frances threw her head back and laughed long and hard,

"Oh Karen, a more diplomatic answer if you please!" Karen smiled ruefully, and shrugged,

"Give me time!"

"Fair enough. I'll come back to you with that question at a later date then!" Karen nodded and they both made their way to the canteen,

"Don't you feel awkward on these things?" Karen murmured as the canteen went quiet as they walked in. Frances looked around noting who was in there, particularly the presence of Nikki in the smoking area.

"I'm used to it. One of things you have to accept, the higher up you go, the less friends you have. You know that Karen." Frances smiled at the two women behind the counter,

"A black coffee and one of those croissants please."

"No problem love, find yourself a seat and I'll bring them over to you." Nikki watched silently as Frances found herself a seat slightly removed from all the other staff and opened her folder of paperwork. Seeing her at work like this was an eye-opener. Inspecting stores was a lonely and thankless job, no wonder she wanted that promotion so badly. Sod it! Why shouldn't she go and talk to her, they were all colleagues weren't they? She vigorously stubbed out her cigarette and picked up her chipped mug of cooling tea. Nikki silently made her way over to Frances' table and slid gracefully into the chair opposite.

"How's it all going?" Frances looked up,

"As it's the first day, not too bad." She looked back at her paperwork, her next words were inaudible to all other than Nikki, "I'm sorry, about this morning." Nikki looked around the room and leant her head back staring at the ceiling,

"It's ok."

"Is it?" Nikki pulled her eyes down and looked at Frances who had lifted her own eyes up from her paperwork.

"Yes Frances it's ok. I think we do too much of this though. Apologising, accepting, apologising, accepting, it's getting tedious frankly." Julie J appeared with Frances' coffee and croissant.

"Here you go love, are you sure you don't want anything else? Won't keep you going all day that you know."

"That's just fine thank you." Julie nodded and went back to her position behind the servery. Frances took a sip of her coffee, "They take their work seriously don't they?"

"They look after us, yes." Nikki looked at the clock, "My break's finished I've got to go."

"Ok. Later?"

"I've got plans, I guess I could cancel them."

"No, don't be silly. I'll have a pile of evaluations to do tonight anyway so you wouldn't get much sense out of me." Nikki left Frances with her paperwork and put her mug on the servery, turning to leave she bumped into Yvonne,

"Hi Yvonne, how long have you been in here?"

"Long enough love." Nikki's raised her eyebrows,

"What?"

"You and Myers looked cosy."

"Cosy? Interesting turn of phrase Yvonne, I was drinking my tea making conversation, does that count as cosy?"

"You and me need to talk."

"Fine Yvonne, but I've to get back to the front end." Yvonne watched Nikki leave, she'd stood watching Nikki and Frances for almost ten minutes, she knew there was something going on, of that she was sure. Exactly what that something was, well she'd find out.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

"Excuse me." Nikki looked up to find an elderly lady in front of her, she looked like a grandmother who would have polo mints in her hand bag. Nikki recognised her as being one of their regular customers.

"Yes madam, how can I help?"

"I'm sorry dear, I don't want to be a nuisance, I don't usually complain."

"It's ok! If there's a problem I'm the person to talk to, I'm the front end manager."

"It's just I found the girl who served me rather rude. Usually the girls here are lovely, very polite and chatty, better than the miserable lot in the Coop down the road." Nikki smiled and encouraged her to continue, "She barely looked at me, no hello and no goodbye, she didn't help me pack anything. It's just usually I enjoy shopping here and today I didn't."

"I see, I do apologise. Could I have a look at your receipt please?" The customer began to rummage around in her handbag, amongst tissues, mints and glasses cases she found the receipt.

"Here you go love, mint?"

"Oh no thank you." Nikki scanned the receipt, at the top was all the information she needed, 'Today you were served by Michelle.' Nikki handed the receipt back, "Well I have all the information I need madam. I am very sorry about the service you received today. I'll be speaking to the cashier involved."

"Well I don't want to get anyone into trouble it's just I think common courtesy is very important."

"Our regional manager would agree with you, as would I. Again I'm very sorry."

"Thanks for your time, dear, goodbye." Nikki watched the woman make her way out. It infuriated her when her staff slipped up with their customer service. Being polite took nothing but paid back so much. People came back if they were treated well, the older regulars made up the majority of the store's customer base, if they deserted Supersavers the place would quickly get into trouble.

"Hey Nik." Selena swept her hair up and tied it back, "What's up, you look like you just swallowed a wasp."

"What are you talking about, you mad woman!"

"Oh, something my Nan used to say. Translated into young person's vernacular it means you look pissed off. I prefer my Nan's version."

"I've just had a complaint from one of the regulars, Shell being rude."

"Nothing new then."

"No, but I'm going to have to take this further. I only gave her a verbal warning the other week. I won't have bad-mannered people on the front end Selena. We've got plenty of young people here and they all manage to be polite. I know Denny and Shaz can be annoying at times but most of the time they remember their hellos and goodbyes. Shell doesn't have the excuse of being young."

"Ok Nik. Do you want to do this or shall I?"

"Well I'll do it."

"Fine but you need to be calm and objective."

"I am!"

"Yes, you're right, you are. In all cases except Shell that is." Nikki was about to respond but Selena ploughed on preventing her from defending herself. "When it comes to Shell you have a mental block Nikki. Yes she's annoying at times, she can be and regularly is difficult and rude, but you also have low expectations of her. If you expect little people will deliver little. You expect great things from everyone else, not of her though, and she knows that."

"Yeah well, I didn't take her on did I?" Nikki grumbled,

"Bloody hell, not that again Nikki please. You didn't take Helen on and look what a success story she looks like being."

"Luck of the draw."

"Whatever! All I'm saying is please keep that temper of yours, stay professional."

"Sometimes I wonder who is the boss here! Selena would you be ok if I shot off a bit early?"

"I guess so, erm Dominic and Sylvia are in soon so we'll be fine. Helen finishes in an hour, I'll ask her to cover the breaks so we're up to date."

"I'll ask her, where is she?"

"Talking to Myers."

"What?"

"Talking to Frances Myers, she's down there Nik, near the videos and dvds."

"Why is Frances down here talking to my staff?"

"I don't think she was, she was in the wines and spirits department and Helen was checking some prices, she's not here giving us the third degree. She seems ok actually."

Nikki strode down the front end with real purpose, she didn't want Frances to talk to Helen; if someone had asked her why she wouldn't have been able to give a satisfactory reason. To her Frances and Helen belonged in separate boxes. Seeing them talking was bizarre it was the clashing of two parts of Nikki's life, and it made her feel uncomfortable. As she drew closer she could see the two women were laughing, this made her move with more urgency, what were they laughing about? Was it her? Nikki knew her thoughts were ridiculous, verging on hysterical even.

"Sorry to interrupt." Frances looked up and smiled warmly,

"That's ok Nikki, sorry, I've been monopolising your customer service staff."

"Helen would you mind popping to the desk please, Selena's sorting out the break planner for the next hour or so and she'll need your help to cover some of them."

"Ok, nice to meet you Frances."

"And you Helen." Frances turned to look at her girlfriend, she looked uneasy, "What's up?"

"What were you two talking about?"

"Something, nothing, I was introducing myself. She seems nice."

"Yes she is."

"Considering she was taken on by Jim, maybe he's not that bad Nikki."

"Or maybe he is, I've got things to do, staff to discipline." Frances grabbed Nikki's wrist to stop her from walking away, she spoke harshly but under her breath.

"Whatever problems we might have, don't bring them here. Drop the attitude Nik. Whether you like it or not at work I call the shots, that's how it works. If people see you speak to me like that and walk off what will they think?"

"I don't care."

"Well I do, and you should too, this cavalier attitude will not do you any favours."

"Stop talking to me like I'm a child."

"Stop acting like one." Frances turned on her expensive heel and walked off up the store. Nikki stood fuming, she was probably in the wrong but she really didn't care. No part of her wanted to be in the store at that moment. Helen had taken Roisin off her till for her break and Nikki walked over to help the customers coming through her till with their packing. A lull in customers gave them a brief chance to talk.

"I'm finishing early today, same time as you so we can go straight from work for a drink, or something to eat if you'd prefer?"

"Ok, I'll have to go home and get changed. Check with Duncan that he doesn't need me to baby-sit." Nikki nodded, pulling bags from the end of the till as she did, readying them for the next customer.

"Right well come and find me before you head off." Nikki left Helen to it and walked over to the supervisors desk. Using the mobile, she tapped 88 and made an announcement. "Staff announcement, Yvonne Atkins contact line 255 please, that's Yvonne Atkins 255." The mobile rang moments later.

"Ok darlin' what's up? Ready to chat now?"

"Not exactly, I need your agreement to something." Yvonne groaned,

"What's going on?"

"Shell Dockley…"

"Nikki!"

"Yvonne hear me out. She's had a verbal warning within the last two weeks for persistent lateness, today I had a complaint from one of our regular customers about her rudeness."

"What do you want to do about it?"

"I think it's about time we had a formal discussion."

"Nikki you're management, you don't actually need my agreement to this, which suggests to me that you're not actually sure and you're using me to help you feel like you're making the right decision for the right reasons."

"Damn it Yvonne, I ring to ask you something and I get a character bashing. I've had enough of that today already thank you. I'll speak to Shell, tell her I want a formal discussion about her temperament tomorrow, ok?"

"Your staff, your call Nikki. You know where I am if you want to talk about it." Nikki ended the call and replaced the mobile in the cradle. Shell's behaviour wasn't acceptable, maybe she was being more harsh on her than she would be on other members of staff but it was about time she stamped her authority down. Shell would start taking advantage if she didn't. Shell was on till 6, directly opposite Nikki.

"Shell close your till please, I need a word." Shell threw a closed sign down and tapped some buttons.

"Yes Nikki?"

"Tomorrow we are going to have a meeting."

"You and me?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because your attitude is unacceptable and we need to talk about it."

"Bollocks."

"Language please on the shop floor, this is non-negotiable Shell." Nikki consulted her diary, "You're in at 2 tomorrow, we'll have a meeting at 3, ok?"

"Don't look like I have a choice."

"Excellent, you can go for your 15 minute break now."

Jim jumped as the door to his office was flung open, Shell stood before him, a woman possessed. He suddenly felt nervous, she was not happy and whenever she was not happy it spelt trouble for him. He stood and closed the door behind her,

"Shell as pleasant as this undoubtedly will be, while Myers is around it's probably not a good idea to barge into my office, it doesn't look good love."

"Don't 'love' me Fenner."

"Problem?" Jim asked as innocently as possible, obviously something had kicked off on the front end and Shell was going to expect him, as usual, to sort things out.

"Too right there's a friggin' problem. Wade!"

"How many times Shell, I can't bloody do anything about it. She's the manager down there and for some reason Myers likes her!"

"I don't care, she going to discipline me, again."

"Why?"

"Some old biddy. Says I was rude, Wade said we've got to have an official meeting tomorrow about my behaviour. Tell her Jim, tell her she can't." Jim knew the line he was treading was becoming ever thinner.

"Listen Shell, I can't tell Nikki how to run her department, you are a member of her staff. She can choose to discipline who she likes when she likes, I'm only involved should she want to dismiss someone."

"So as usual you can do sod all. I've got to sit in a room with Wade tomorrow like a naughty school girl and get a telling off and probably a written warning."

"Yes, you might not get a warning."

"I bloody will she hates me."

"Then it's about time you made her like you isn't it."

"No Jim not this again, I'm not going to come on to Wade, I'm not that desperate." She looked Jim up and down, "Well then again."

"Now now Shell, listen to me. You'll be in a room on your own with Wade tomorrow, right?"

"Yes."

"No one but you and her, no one to say what did and didn't happen."

"I'm not following."

"What if she came on to you."

"I aint' her type."

"What if she came on to you. Perhaps a few 'favours' in exchange for not disciplining you."

"She wouldn't!" Jim grabbed Shell's shoulders willing her to catch on to his thoughts quicker,

"Of course she wouldn't, she's a bloody goody two shoes, along with Atkins and Waddle. The point is Shell no one else in the room no one would know what happened."

"You mean lie?"

"Lie is a strong word."

"Who'd believe me?"

"Doesn't really matter, area being here, they'd have to investigate anyway. You could always retract your statement later saying you got the wrong end of the stick."

"And what do I get from all of this? At the moment Jim it doesn't sound like I come out looking that great." Jim was sat on his desk facing Shell, his hands began to wander up and down the backs of her legs edging up her skirt.

"Well my gratitude mainly, and Nikki would probably have to transfer because of the scandal, her perfect record destroyed." Shell's hands began to deftly deal with the belt around Jim's trousers,

"So what?" Jim lifted his head from between her breasts.

"So no more Wade, my choice of front end manager and no doubt a little promotion for you to help you get over the stress."

"Less of the little."

"Well love." Jim paused as he guided Shell's head down, "That depends entirely on you."

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

"All set?" Helen glanced in the mirror,

"Yes. Are you sure you don't mind driving me home, I can walk, it won't take long."

"Of course not." Nikki knelt down and zipped up her boot, "I always keep a change of clothes here in case I go out after work, so I don't need to go home. It won't take you long to nip and get changed will it?"

"No."

"Ok then, let's make a move." Nikki and Helen walked out of the locker room and made their way out of the store, Frances watched thoughtfully from the door of the training room.

"Nikki." Nikki turned around, impatience stamped across her face,

"Yes Frances?"

"Just a quick word before you go if you don't mind." Nikki sighed,

"Helen would you mind waiting in the car for me?" She handed the keys over, "It's the silver polo."

"Ok." Nikki walked up to Frances following her into the training room, Frances shut the door behind them. The room was in darkness and Nikki's hand automatically reached for the light switch, but Frances' hand caught her wrist and held it firmly.

"No lights." Before Nikki knew what was happened Frances had pinned her against the desk and her tongue had snaked it's way into Nikki's mouth. Frances slipped her hands into Nikki's shirt, her finger nails scraping the skin in her haste. Nikki's body responded to Frances as it usually did, though her mind was awash with confusion. As quickly as she taken Nikki by surprise Frances released her hold and stepped away. Nikki stood up and buttoned her shirt up,

"That was unexpected."

"Thought I'd send you off with a little reminder of what you have waiting at home. Will you be late?"

"I doubt it, I'm just going to get something to eat, grab a coffee." Frances switched the light on and sat down at the desk, which moments before had been the scene of their passion.

"Just you and Helen?"

"Yes. I thought it was about time we got to know each other."

"Take all your staff out do you, for these little personal get to know you meetings?"

"Just the prettiest ones." Frances slapped her pen down on the desk, infuriated by Nikki's flippancy.

"Surely you can't blame me for asking?"

"No I can't, surely you're not jealous?" Nikki placed her hands either side of her girlfriend. Frances smirked at their closeness, she was coming round. Nikki whispered into her ear, "I thought I was the one acting like a child." She stood and walked out, turning to wink, "See you later babe." Frances threw her folder at the closed door, why did Nikki end up with the upper hand? She thought that their little session on the desk would have had Nikki eating out of her hand again. She had felt Nikki's body respond to the contact, her own body had leapt at the thought of touching and feeling Nikki's body against her own. Physically their attraction was undeniable but psychologically their minds were always fighting for superiority.

"Sorry about that." Nikki threw her bag and folder on the back seat and got into the car.

"It's ok. Not in trouble are you?"

"Me?" Nikki popped her sunglasses on and turned to look at Helen, "I'm always in trouble! Let's go then." The car journey passed quickly and mainly in silence, not an awkward silence, a perfectly comfortable silence. Helen was nervous, it had been a long time since she had been out socially, other than the night out at Barratts. She found Nikki's company pleasant, but more than that she found Nikki attractive. From the moment she had met her she had known there was something about her. The dark eyes, the complex personality that lay behind them, the slender figure, it was an intriguing combination and Helen wanted to know more. Nikki's mind was mainly on Frances, just when she thought she had the measure of her something would happen that made her question everything. Working in such close proximity was not good for them, Nikki didn't think she particularly liked Frances at work. The events in the training room had confused her, they'd argued on the shop floor and Nikki had been perfectly prepared to leave accepting that an apology would be necessary at a later time. What she had not been prepared for was for Frances to grab her and stick her tongue down her throat, not that it hadn't been enjoyable, it most definitely had been. What she didn't know now was whether they had made up or not. Another case of Frances using her ample charms to try and resolve a problem; it made Nikki smile to know she was jealous though.

"You're smiling about something?" Nikki started,

"Sorry! Well it's a nice day and I finished work early, two good things to smile about. Oakland Gardens right? Which number?"

"18, on the right, here on the corner." Nikki pulled over and the two women got out. "Come in and I'll fix you a drink while you wait." Helen turned the key in the lock and stepped inside, Nikki followed and pushed her sunglasses onto her head as she did.

"Your brother out?"

"Mmm." Helen mumbled she walked into the kitchen and picked up a piece of notepaper off the table. "He's taken Livvy to the park and gone shopping. Water, juice?"

"Water's just fine." At Helen's bidding Nikki settled herself down in the conservatory with her drink and waited. After a couple of minutes she was beginning to feel like a cherry tomato so she wandered through the kitchen into the lounge. The house was very stylishly decorated, very neutral colours but warming and welcoming at the same time. Nikki headed straight for the numerous photos which adorned the character fireplace, photos could be such personal things yet they provided a window for strangers to use to look into a family. There were lots of pictures of a very beautiful baby which Nikki assumed must be Olivia, amongst them was a wedding photo set in a, clearly antique, silver frame. Nikki recognised Helen's brother as the groom, she picked up the photo to get a closer look at the bride. She was petite, and extremely pretty, Helen was standing to the side of her in what Nikki supposed was a bridesmaids dress.

"My sister-in-law."

"Jesus!" Nikki jumped and replaced the photo carefully, "Sorry I didn't mean to intrude, I'm terribly curious, one of my faults." Helen laughed quietly,

"It's not a fault."

"She's not around anymore then?"

"No." Helen replied shortly, "Shall we go then?"

They settled on a quiet pub, half an hour out from the city. It wasn't quite set in rolling countryside, but it did sit next to a nice part of the canal. Not a part that had shopping trolleys fighting for space with industrial waste. With the food ordered they'd armed themselves with drinks, (Nikki a diet coke, and Helen a white wine and soda), and found a table by the canal, shaded by an old but not unpleasant umbrella.

"This is nice." Nikki stretched and turned her face to the sun. The weather forecasters had, with typical British foreboding, been predicting a break in the gorgeous weather but as yet it hadn't happened. The sun it seemed was sticking two fingers up to the Met Office. Nikki reminded Helen of a cat, she had the same grace about her, and the same attraction to the warmth obviously. Nikki sensed she was being watched and turned to look at Helen. "So, you and your brother must be close. I couldn't live with mine."

"Circumstances. We've always got on though."

"So how come you're in Birmingham then? Clearly you're not brummie born and bred by your accent!"

"It is a give away isn't it! Duncan went to university here, I went to university in Nottingham but I liked it here. When he got married to Cerys I moved here to be near to them."

"Cerys? Welsh? It's a beautiful name."

"Yes it is, she was." Nikki immediately picked up on Helen's use of the past tense, but they were interrupted momentarily by a waitress bringing their food. They began eating in silence, the only noise being the lapping of the water against the concrete sides of the canal.

"You said 'she was'?" Helen sipped her drink thoughtfully before answering. Getting into a conversation about Cerys was dangerous, she hadn't spoken to anyone about her, other than Duncan. Nikki's eyes looked at her earnestly, she felt she could trust her.

"She died."

"I'm sorry." Helen laughed slightly,

"People always say that! What does it mean?"

"Sorry for your loss, your grief. People need to feel they can say something."

"It doesn't help." Nikki decided to ask further questions, something told her that Helen needed to talk about it, but that the words would not come out unless prompted.

"What happened?"

"She was killed by a drunk driver, five months ago."

"That's terrible Helen." Nikki shook her head in disbelief, "I'll never understand what goes through people's minds when they get into a car after drinking. I hope they locked them up and threw away the key."

"Find out next month I suppose. That's when the trial starts." Nikki put down her fork and impulsively reached over to touch Helen's hand.

"I'm sorry if this sounds like another clichéd, pointless thing to say, but if there is anything I can do let me know." Helen appreciated Nikki's obviously well meant, comments. A waitress appeared and after exchanging pleasantries whisked their plates away and took a drink order from them. Nikki rummaged in her bag and pulled out a packet of cigarettes.

"Do you mind?" Helen shook her head,

"No, not at all." Nikki blew smoke high into the air, squinting as beams of sunlight managed to sneak under the rim of her sunglasses.

"How is your brother coping?"

"He's amazing really. Having Olivia meant he had to get on with things, I moved in after Cerys died to help him with Olivia and the house and stuff." Nikki nodded,

"That was good of you." Helen shrugged, she wasn't about to say that guilt played a part in her decision. She looked away from Nikki watching as a barge glided serenely by,

"Do you mind if we change the subject?" Helen looked back at Nikki, her eyes glistened with the threat of tears.

"Of course not, I'm pleased you shared that with me though. Does that sound weird?"

"No. I'm glad I did too, at least I know now that there is someone else I can talk to about it if I want to." Their new drinks arrived and the two women settled into easier conversation, books, film, current affairs were all tackled. Nikki was enjoying herself immensely, they had very similar interests in things, particularly books. Frances had never shared Nikki's enthusiasm for the written word, she read often enough but a book never seemed to fire Frances' enthusiasm. Nikki on the other hand could talk about books for hours, it seemed however she had met her match. Helen was incredibly knowledgeable about literature.

"I have to say Helen I've never met anyone who was as keen on books as me."

"Well a degree in English Literature helps I think!"

"A ha! I guess it would."

"You didn't want to go to university?" Nikki shifted in her seat,

"It wasn't really an option, I would have loved to, I probably would have done a degree similar to yours."

"Not an option?"

"I left home at quite an early age, my parents and I had something of a disagreement about life style choice." Helen nodded, she knew Nikki was gay, it wasn't a secret within the store. "Obviously you know I'm gay then! It's ok, I've never hidden the fact. My parents were not impressed, that's phrasing it mildly actually! They were horrified."

"They threw you out!"

"Oh no, they would have never done that. They were adamant that I was going through 'a phase' they just wouldn't accept it. I left of my own accord, so I had to work from 16, which meant that university was something that went out of the window. I've got my A Levels, I did them at night school."

"What about you and your parents now?"

"Well I wouldn't say we have a great relationship but we patched things up I see them now and again. My sexuality and any relationship I may or may not be having is a subject never broached."

"Do you see your brother?"

"When I go to see Mum and Dad, yes. He still lives down there, Andew, he's a policeman."

"Down there?"

"Sorry! Guildford."

"I thought there was something Home Counties about you!"

"There's very little Home Counties about me darlin'." The two women laughed, though the conversation had at times been uncomfortable and painful they were both glad to have spoken about the things they had. A chilly breeze had begun to drift across the table area, and a glance at her watch revealed to Helen they had been at the pub for two hours. Reading her mind Nikki stood, removing her sunglasses,

"About time we went really, I'll drop you home, Duncan's probably wondering where you are."

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Frances rubbed her temples and stretched her arms above her head, she looked at the clock. Nearly 5, it was about time she left, she'd completed everything she needed to for the day. She wanted to go home, but the thought of an empty flat was not appealing. Nikki was probably still out with Helen, so there would be no one to rub her feet for her, or run a bath, or more importantly to share a bath. Frances' mind wandered slightly, a knock on the door shook her from her reverie.

"Come." Colin Hedges edged his way into the room.

"Sorry to disturb you."

"No no, I was just about to finish anyway."

"Right well, here are the figures for you." Colin placed a clear wallet on the desk in front of Frances containing half-yearly results for the wine and spirits department.

"I'm impressed Mr Hedges." Colin sat on the edge of the desk,

"It's Colin, and why impressed?"

"I distinctly remember saying by the end of tomorrow for these figures, yet here you are a full 24 hours early."

"Well, I wanted to show you just how efficient I can be, show you I can measure up."

"I'll be the judge of that Colin." Frances once again looked him up and down, she picked up the figures, placed them in her briefcase and snapped the locks shut. Colin stood up,

"I've nearly finished, if you'd like we could…"

"Not tonight Colin. I've got a lot of work to do, remember I'm your boss." Frances picked her jacket up off the back of the chair and slipped it on.

"Yes, sorry I just thought."

"Don't apologise Colin." Frances picked up her briefcase and walked out of the training room, she looked over her shoulder at Colin as she walked away, "You never know the next time you ask the answer might be different." Frances had a smile on her face as she walked out of the store and as she unlocked her beloved Audi TT. What a welcome diversion Colin Hedges was proving to be, even if she couldn't get Nikki eating out of the palm of her hand, here was proof that she hadn't lost her knack completely. He was a good looking guy, endearingly unsure of her intentions, which was just how Frances liked it.

"So there I am naked as a baby except for a clown's nose, and around the corner comes my graphics lecturer. He looks me up and down and says, 'Mr Stewart, I expect to see you in my 3pm lecture, hopefully not quite as much of you, good day', oh the embarrassment!" Duncan covered his face with his hands. Nikki couldn't remember the last time she had laughed so much, tears were streaming down her face and her ribs were aching from the exertion. Helen was in a similar state, and her laugh was so infectious Nikki didn't know how either of them would be able to stop. Duncan had been in when Nikki had dropped Helen off and had insisted she stay for a drink, a drink had turned into dinner, and now the three of them were happily ensconced in the garden after eating a chicken salad. Duncan had made up a jug of Pimms for himself and Helen and Nikki had been provided with a jug of vimto packed with ice cubes. They had happily wiled away the hours chatting and joking, and Duncan had been regaling them with highly amusing anecdotes from his university days. Olivia had gone down an hour earlier and the baby monitor stood in the middle of the table ready to alert them should she make a murmur. Nikki had to admit that as babies went she was lovely, a beautiful, alert baby who was clearly doted upon by her father and aunt.

"I'm sorry Nikki, you barely know me and here I am telling you stories that will probably give you nightmares!"

"That's ok, it's been highly entertaining!" Nikki had to admit Duncan was one of the most charming men she had ever met. He was funny and was one of those people who could put others at ease, effortlessly with witty conversation. Sitting together the similarities between Helen and Duncan were apparent. Apart from their statures, him being broad and tall, and she petite, they looked alike. Both fair with summer freckled skin, both had clear green eyes which Nikki thought was unusual, true green eyes were a rarity she was sure. Their mouths were the same, full lips and white teeth, which combined to produce a dazzling smile when the owner decided to produce one. Duncan stood up and stretched,

"I'm going to check on her majesty. Hel I've got some work I need to do so I'm going to shut myself away in the study upstairs and get it done. Nikki it was a pleasure to meet you, hopefully see you again soon." He flashed a stunning smile at Nikki and bent down to kiss Helen on the forehead. Helen shook her head as her brother disappeared into the house,

"I'm sorry about him, he's a goon!" Nikki laughed,

"Please don't start me off again by saying ridiculous words like that! He's great, you two are very lucky to get along like that." Helen felt much more confident, after spending the afternoon with Nikki and consuming a few glasses of Pimms.

"So, tell me about your other half."

"Ah well, I think that might have to be a story for another time because if I don't make a move I may not have another half for much longer!"

"Nikki! What's her name?"

"I can't tell you."

"Why?"

"Because I just can't Helen."

"Oh." Helen felt stupid all of a sudden. She thought that they had built up a rapport and that Nikki trusted her as a friend, clearly not. "Right, well I'd better start clearing these dishes away." Nikki knew she had offended her new friend greatly, had the roles been reversed Nikki knew she would have felt the same. Helen walked into the kitchen and began scraping the dishes. Nikki waited a few minutes and then followed.

"Helen."

"Are you in work tomorrow?"

"Helen."

"I think I'm in at 2 but I'll have to check my diary."

"Helen will you stop talking crap and look at me, put the damn dishes down!" Helen did as Nikki asked but didn't turn around to look at her, instead she stood with her arms folded looking out into the garden. Just as she thought she was making a connection with someone she was being pushed away, again. Nikki stood behind Helen, she made no attempt to turn her around instead she placed her hands on Helen's shoulders and spoke very gently. "Please don't think I'm pushing you away, because I'm not. Today has been great, I've really enjoyed myself and I'm so pleased we did it. No one knows about my girlfriend, not Selena, or Cassie not even Yvonne, no one. There's a very good reason for this and when I do explain you'll understand why I had to keep it this way, and I will explain to you Helen I promise." Helen turned around,

"You don't have to make excuses you know."

"Oh bloody hell listen to you. I'd say you've had a pretty good insight into my personality today don't you think that if I didn't want to tell you I'd just say so?"

"I suppose so."

"Helen?"

"Ok, I'm sorry. It's just Cerys was my best friend and since she's been gone I've missed having someone to lean on, someone to talk to." Nikki nodded and drew Helen close to her wrapping her arms protectively around her.

"You've got me now Helen, whatever you need, whatever I can do. I mean I've listened to your brother tell some very disturbing stories tonight, did I run away?" Helen looked up and laughed,

"No!"

"There you go then. Ok I'm going to go." Helen walked Nikki to the door,

"Bye Duncan!" Nikki waved at Duncan who had appeared at the top of the stairs, he waved before disappearing into the nursery.

"See you tomorrow Nikki."

"Are you ok?"

"Of course I am! Thanks for today it's been great." Helen spontaneously flung her arms around Nikki's neck, she hugged her warmly and kissed her lightly on the cheek. "Bye."

"Hel!"

"What?" Helen closed the door and stood with her back to it, Duncan appeared at the top of the stairs with Livvy in his arms, she was in her Tigger pyjamas, her cheeks were rosy and she was furiously chewing on her dummy.

"She won't settle." Helen jogged up the stairs and gathered her up, "It's just I've got this proposal and…."

"It's ok Duncan I'll deal with her." Helen carried Livvy into the nursery stopping to turn on some music and some lights. "What's the matter sweetheart? Is it those nasty teeth of yours again?" Helen sat down on the padded window sill and pulled the blinds up so that she could look out at the lights, "Let's count the stars Livvy, how many can you see?" Livvy had laid her head again Helen's chest and her breathing had slowed down, her chewing had become less vigorous. As she cradled Livvy, rubbing her back gently Helen felt a wave of calmness wash over her. Chatting to Nikki had definitely helped her, she hadn't felt this peaceful for a long time. Duncan tiptoed back into the room, Helen placed her finger on her lip.

"Shhh, she's nearly asleep." He nodded and carefully picked Olivia up, placing her gently into her cot.

"Thanks Hel." He whispered, "I think she could tell I was stressed, you however are an ocean of calmness!"

"Just her teeth I think, she got herself into a bit of a state." Duncan sat down next to Helen, peering out at the night sky, which winked and twinkled back at him.

"Do you think she watches us?"

"Yes."

"Really?"

"Of course, how could she not? She was always too nosy for her own good." Duncan laughed quietly,

"She was wasn't she! It's just a wonder whether she thinks I, no we, are doing a good job."

"Livvy's happy Duncan. One day you're going to have to explain to her what happened to her Mum, but for now all you can do is love her. Cerys would be proud of you."

"Not just me, you too. Without you I would have fallen apart."

"Oh you'd have been alright. I'm happy to be here, with you two, you're my family." Duncan nodded, briefly squeezed Helen's hand and stood to look at Olivia as she slept.

"I like Nikki."

"Do you?"

"Yes, it's nice to see you getting on with someone like that again. I know since Cerys has been gone you've been missing having someone in your life to chat and confide in."

"I'm ok."

"No Hel, you're not. I know you're not, stop hiding it from me. You can be upset too you know." Helen stood up abruptly,

"I'm knackered. I'm going to turn in, work tomorrow." Duncan watched Helen leave the room, followed shortly by her bedroom door closing. He sighed, in the company of Nikki that afternoon the old Helen had returned. Laughter had made her eyes sparkle again, he hadn't realised how much he had missed her infectious giggle until he'd heard it again. He thought she'd maybe open up more to him, which she had to an extent, but there was still so much she had bottled up. He turned the light off, carrying the baby monitor with him. He settled himself down in front of his computer, maybe she just needed a bit more time. Nikki had been a breath of fresh air though, her influence could be just what Helen needed.

Frances sipped her red wine and turned over the page, she really couldn't understand why Nikki loved this book so much, it was dull. She thought it was meant to be a romance but it was set so many years ago it was depressing. She closed it and looked at the front page, 'Pieces' it was called, she tossed it aside.

"Fran." Nikki clattered into the lounge, dropping her bag and folder as she did. "Pour me a glass would you babe." She kicked her shoes off and collapsed next to Frances on the sofa, she gratefully accepted the glass Frances passed to her.

"Good afternoon?" Her tone clearly implied 'and evening' as did her eyes which glanced at the clock on the wall.

"Lovely thanks, had lunch in a nice pub and then dinner at Helen's."

"How cosy." Nikki refused to be riled by Frances' tone, instead putting her feet up on the coffee table and laying her head back. Her eyes rested on her book which was laying on the floor.

"How did that get there?" She stood and picked it up, returning it to its home on the book shelf.

"I thought I'd have a flick through, seeing as you were engrossed in it for so many days."

"Oh right what did you think?" Nikki had been enthused by her conversation with Helen earlier in the day about books, she was pleased that Frances was taking an interest.

"It was a bit dull."

"Oh. How much did you read?"

"First two or three chapters." Frances put her feet up on the sofa.

"You have to give books a chance you know, did you read it properly?"

"Excuse me? I can read you know!"

"No, what I mean is, you didn't skim read like you do with those free books you get from Cosmo did you?"

"Well did you ever consider that reading for pleasure for me means not having to think too hard? I spend all day reading reports and writing evaluations, reading is meant to be for pleasure, so that's what I look for – pleasure." Frances ran her tongue over her lips and stared at Nikki, it was a look that Nikki knew well. 'I dare you to resist me'. Nikki turned back to the book shelf and ran her fingers over the spines,

"So you hated it then?"

"Oh Nikki you're so protective over your bloody books. If it means so much to you then I'll try and read it again, properly." Frances reached around Nikki to pick the book up off the shelf.

"No."

"Sorry? No? What I'm not allowed to read one of your precious books now?"

"What I mean is you shouldn't have to try and read something you don't really want to just because I like it." Frances shrugged and resumed her position on the sofa, picking up her wine glass as she did.

"I just though you'd appreciate me trying." There was a hint of petulance in her voice. Nikki sat down next to her,

"I know, and I do appreciate it darling. You don't have to though, we're different, it's not a bad thing." Frances inched closer to Nikki and traced the outline of her cheekbone with her nail,

"We're not so different though are we Nik?" Nikki grabbed Frances' hand with her own and kissed the palm.

"No babe, not so different." Frances folded herself into Nikki's embrace, and Nikki rested her chin on her head, "I suppose." She whispered,

"What?"

"Talking to myself Fran, just talking to myself."

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Shell applied another layer of lipstick and smoothed out her shorter than average skirt. Her heels clicked on the cold tile floor as she walked out of the locker room past the offices, as predictable as ever the manager's office door opened as she approached.

"In." Jim indicated with his head and swiftly checked that no one was around. Shell sat down on a chair in the office crossing her legs. "So?"

"So what?"

"Don't mess me about Shell, do you know what you're going to do?" Shell stared at an unspecific point on the plain wall in front of her.

"I suppose so."

"You bloody suppose so! Not good enough Shell, there's a lot riding on this."

"For you."

"More for you I'd say."

"What are you threatening Jim?"

"Oh I'm not threatening you Michelle, just reminding you that we both need today to go well." Shell looked at her nails and fingered a contraband gold chain, which lay mostly obscured by her shirt, around her neck. Jim was worried, she looked nervous and there was none of her usual bolshiness. "Shell?"

"Oh stop worrying Fenner, I'll manage."

"So your plan?"

"I'll flatter her, turn on some water works, the usual." Jim nodded,

"Right well, this better be your best performance to date." Shell stood displaying a healthy amount of leg,

"Oscar nominations for this Jim, you better start thinking about my rewards."

"Stop it!"

"What!"

"Cassie you are putting me off, I've got to find this price." Roisin was scanning the hundreds of wine bottles, looking for a particular one. Cassie was stood next to her pretending to help.

"If I tell you where it is what will you give me?"

"Cass! Tell me now!"

"And later?" Roisin smiled and leant over to whisper into Cassie's ear,

"You'll have me all to yourself, the kids are round their friends houses tonight." Cassie's eyes sparkled and she secretly squeezed Roisin's hand.

"Music to my ears babe, third shelf from the top, in the middle." Cassie pointed, "Just there." She dashed back to the front end before Roisin could say anything a smile playing on her lips. She fell into step beside Nikki,

"You Cassandra Tyler are looking far too cheerful for my liking!"

"Rather I was miserable Nik?"

"Well I was getting used to the pining Cass, the one enveloped by unrequited love and desire! Not so unrequited anymore then?" Nikki's eyebrows waggled, and Cassie blushed a shade close to crimson. The two women reached the customer service desk where Helen was busy talking to a customer on the phone. Nikki handed Cassie the break plan, "Be careful Cassie, won't you?" Cassie nodded,

"I will Nik, it would be good if we could get together for a chat soon. There are so many things going round my head at the moment."

"Are you happy?"

"As long as I'm near her then yes."

"And when she goes home?" Cassie shook her head fiercely.

"I don't think about that, I can't." Nikki glanced at the clock, it was nearly time for her meeting with Shell.

"I've got to go mate, listen we'll go out this week. The two of us and have a bit of a chat. Ok?" Cassie nodded,

"I'd appreciate that."

"That's settled then, right well I'm going to go and set up ready for my meeting with 'you know who', could you send her through to me when it's time?"

"Will do. Helen and I will keep things down here running smoothly, won't we Helen?" Helen looked up from the phone,

"Yes, as long as I get to have a break from that bloody thing! It's not stopped all morning, stupid call after stupid call!" Nikki laughed at Helen's sheer disgust directed at an inanimate object.

"Woah! Well as fun as it looks like being down here I'm off, wish me luck." Nikki strode off towards the offices. Cassie pulled the diary towards her checking there was nothing crucial she needed to know.

"I wouldn't want to be Nikki. Would you Helen?" Helen looked up from the telex,

"Spending time shut away with Shell Dockley? No thanks." Cassie grinned.

"Now there's a reason not to be a supervisor. I better go and get Shell actually." Cassie swung her keys at her side and walked the length of the bank of tills, pausing only to smile warmly at Roisin and say hello to Barbara. Shell was leaning back on her chair to talk to a male member of the stock team, he rushed off when he saw Cassie approaching, Shell turned around but continued to chew defiantly.

"Do you want to get sacked Shell?" There were very few people Cassie had come across while working at Harbourne who seemed to want to get on the wrong side of Nikki. Shell just didn't care, the hole she was digging was getting bigger and bigger, soon there would be no way out. Nikki would eventually get what she wanted; Shell walking out of the door, never to return.

"Who mentioned getting the sack?"

"Just get a move on, Nikki's waiting for you in the training room."

"Fine." Shell threw a closed sign up and waltzed off towards the back of the shop, her indecent skirt drawing more than its fair share of glances.

Nikki glanced over the paperwork once again, she knew everyone thought she had a prejudiced view of Shell. She probably had, but she was right on this occasion. Shell was bad at her job, rude and ignorant to customers and staff, and she just didn't care. Nikki didn't want her on her staff anymore, but she was going to do this by the book, no way was anyone going to say that Shell got sacked just because Nikki didn't like her. Nikki heard the clicking of Shell's shoes as she approached, a sharp rap on the door indicated her arrival.

"Come in." Shell sauntered into the room, "Take a seat."

"Bloody hell, swallow a plum didya' Nik?"

"This is a formal meeting Shell, ok?" Shell shrugged and slumped into the nearest chair, crossing her legs, making her skirt ride up even further. "Ok then." Nikki cleared her throat and referred to her notes, she wanted to make sure that everything she said was very clear so that there was no confusion. "The first thing I want to talk about today is your customer service. As front end and customer service manager I'm responsible for the service received by customers at our store, at the moment Shell your performance is unacceptable."

"Why?" Nikki stared at Shell, she had her arms crossed and her eyes blazed defiantly. Nikki took a deep breath, so many sarcastic comments had flashed through her brain but she managed to keep them at bay.

"In a recent cashier assessment you scored," Nikki took a quick look at her papers, "two." Shell sniggered,

"Could be worse."

"Out of 20 Shell. It's an appalling score and frankly I'm embarrassed that one of my cashiers should score at such a low level."

"Maybe I was ill that day."

"It was done three times, over a period of two weeks, in-fact on one occasion you scored one. These were done by myself Selena and Monica, they are the most accurate form of assessment." Shell shrugged and looked at her nails, "Have you honestly got nothing else to say?" Shell looked up and Nikki was shocked to see that she looked upset all of a sudden.

"Why should I say anything? You've already made up your mind about me, you could have done this meeting without me."

"That's not true Shell."

"Yes it is, I know it you know it. The fact is you don't know the first thing about me, and you're going to sack me for not saying hello and goodbye quickly enough to a few oldies." Tears began form at the edges of Shell's eyes, Nikki was beginning to feel uneasy. She had been in plenty of meetings where someone had got upset, she never thought that Shell would get emotional.

"Shell this is not just about you saying hello and goodbye, by the way it's rather ignorant to call our elderly customers oldies, your manner is abrupt and you are perceived often as being rude. You must appreciate that I cannot have that on my department." Shell suddenly put her face in her hands, her shoulders began to shake and tears began to escape through her fingers.

"You're going to sack me!" Nikki was in shock, Shell Dockley was in front of her crying like a baby this was something she had not prepared for.

"Look Shell…"

"You're going to sack me! What about my kids, how will I buy them stuff?"

"Kids? Shell, I didn't know you had kids." Shell looked up, her face smeared with mascara she sniffed.

"Would that have made any difference to you?" Nikki shook her hand slightly,

"Not really Shell your performance just isn't up to scratch." Shell's tears restarted,

"I find the job so hard!" Nikki couldn't stand this, she stood up and walked over to Shell. Even though she disliked Shell passionately she wasn't heartless enough to sit and watch as she sobbed. She lightly placed her hand on Shell's shoulder,

"It's ok, don't get yourself upset." Nikki drew up a chair so that she was sitting opposite Shell. "Why is the job hard?" Shell bit her wobbling bottom lip,

"So many things to remember, and customers are always so rude, but I'm meant to be nice to them!"

"That's our job Shell, if you were finding it hard you should have said so instead of struggling along."

"Can't you give me another chance?"

"I don't know Shell."

"Please Nikki!" Shell grabbed Nikki's hands between her own, fresh tears made her face glisten. "I need this job, more than you could possibly know!" Nikki rolled her eyes, bloody hell, she always came across as a tough no nonsense manager, but she knew and her close friends knew that underneath the façade was a heart of gold.

"Ok Shell. Ok." Nikki smiled wanly. Shell's mind was working overtime, it would seem that she had convinced Nikki with her sob story, now it was time to move in for the kill. Shell looked up, doing her best to look upset and wounded, she used her fingers to wipe tears away from under her eyes.

"Thanks Nikki, you're a good boss. I probably look a right state now." Nikki was growing increasingly suspicious, this wasn't Shell in front of her. It was some kind of evil doppelganger, and she couldn't help but think she was being taken for a ride.

"Yeah well, I'll give you a few minutes to freshen up, I hope you have taken notice of what I've said Shell because this is it you know. Last chance, no more after this." Shell nodded vigorously and recaptured Nikki's hands,

"I won't let you down." Nikki was getting seriously jittery and Shell sensed that she had to make her move and she had to make it now. Nikki had no idea how it happened, all of a sudden Shell had pounced, her heavily lip-sticked lips met Nikki's and her surprisingly strong hands gripped Nikki's shoulders. Nikki's mind was awash with confusion, what the hell was going on? She took hold of Shell's wrists and forced her away, driving Shell back into her chair. She stood and stumbled backwards.

"What the hell are you doing?"

"I'm sorry, it's just I thought…."

"What?"

"You were interested."

"Why the hell would I be interested? Look you're upset, you're relieved you got confused. Let's just forget it shall we?"

"Ok." Shell looked down at her hands, no going back now. "I'll go and get myself sorted, get back on a till yeah?"

"Yeah." Nikki nodded and watched Shell leave, that was the most bizarre thing that had ever happened to her. She slouched into a chair, for a few moments before sitting up again. It was just dawning on her, she'd been in the office, with Shell, on her own. She needed to let someone else know what had happened, right now.

Shell made her way to Jim's office, part of her felt proud for carrying out the plan, but there was a niggling in the back of her mind. It wasn't an emotion she felt often, but she recognised it as being guilt. Jim's door was ajar and Shell pushed it open,

"Can I come in?" Jim looked up from his computer screen,

"As long as you've got good news love." Shell edged inside shutting the door behind her.

Where were all the bloody managers! Nikki was beginning to panic, she wanted to speak to Frances, failing that she needed Yvonne or Karen. She could have made an announcement but she felt that would be drawing attention to her situation. She turned a corner in the warehouse and finally spotted Frances. Thank god!

"Frances." Frances held up her hand to stop Nikki talking and pointed to the tiny mobile phone attached to her ear. She covered the mouthpiece momentarily,

"It's Neil."

"Sorry, but I really really need to speak to you. It's important."

"2 minutes." Nikki stepped back as Frances continued to talk into the phone, should she wait or carry on looking? Frances snapped her phone shut,

"Right darling what's the matter? You're all a flutter!" Nikki opened her mouth to begin to tell Frances what had happened but nothing came out as Jim's voice boomed out over the store.

"Staff announcement Frances Myers to the manager's office please, that's Frances Myers to the manager's office. Thank you." Frances groaned and rolled her eyes,

"What does that bloody idiot want now! This will have to wait babe."

"No it can't." Desperately Nikki grabbed Frances' arm, Frances looked down at Nikki's fingers confusedly.

"Nik let go. I don't like being called to Jim's office anymore than you do but I'm not going to give him a reason for being more awkward than he's already being by ignoring him." Nikki dropped Frances' sleeve and nodded,

"Sorry." Frances smiled and turned to walk to the office, "Fran."

"Yeah?"

"You know me better than anyone else you know that don't you?"

"What are you like!" As Nikki watched France walk away everything became clear, Shell had gone straight to Jim. Shit! Yvonne was her best bet now. Nikki grabbed the phone off the wall and tapped 88.

"Staff announcement, Yvonne Atkins contact line 219 please." Moments later the phone rang.

"Yvonne?"

"Yes darlin' what's up?"

"Where the hell are you?' Nikki hissed,

"I'm on the shop floor, could ask you the same, I'm babysitting the front end! What's wrong Nikki?"

"I'm in deep shit Yvonne." Nikki swiftly filled Yvonne in on the details. Yvonne was a woman of few words and didn't interrupt, instead letting Nikki give her all the information.

"You'll be called to the manager's office Nik, stay calm I'm on my way up there. I'll let Karen know what's going on. Don't panic." Nikki replaced the handset and ran the back of her hand across her forehead, where a cold sweat had broken out. Nikki heard the announcement system kick in and she could have predicted what was coming.

"Nikki Wade to the manager's office please, that's Nikki Wade. Thank you." Nikki smoothed out her shirt and walked slowly and determinedly towards the office, she noticed as she reached out for door handle that her hand was shaking.

CHAPTER TWENTY

"What's up Yvonne, you look white as a sheet." Yvonne ended the call on her mobile unhearing of Cassie's words. "Von!"

"What? Oh sorry love. Will you and Helen be ok down here there are some things I need to sort out the back."

"Well not really to be honest, look it's mad. Helen's on a till and I can't run the front end and the customer service desk."

"Who's in later?"

"Selena and Dominic."

"Ring one of them and get them in early, double time, ok?"

"Ok. Yvonne what's going on, you're worrying me now."

"Don't worry darlin' nothing that can't be sorted, but I need to get out the back and speak to Karen. Cass can you handle it down here?"

"Sure I can I'll ring Selena she always needs cash!" Yvonne smiled and raced out towards the warehouse, Karen was preparing for the stock take so would be hiding out the back under piles of paperwork. Yvonne nodded briefly at staff as she rushed through the warehouse, she knew Shell and Nikki had locked horns a number of times but this was something else. Jim must be involved somewhere, but did he hate Nikki enough to try and ruin her? Yvonne was moving at such a high speed and was so preoccupied in her thoughts that she didn't see Karen kneeling on the floor, papers spread in front of her.

"Bloody hell!" Yvonne tripped and fell over Karen, landing in a heap amongst her files and folders.

"Jesus Yvonne! Pleased to see you too!" Yvonne sat on the floor opposite Karen and gingerly rubbed her wrist which had taken the brunt of her fall. "Give me your hand."

"I'm ok."

"Yvonne I used to be a nurse and I'm the first aider remember. Let me have a look." Yvonne held her wrist out and winced as Karen gently took it and turned it over. "Well it's not broken, you've sprained it though. We ought to put an ice-pack on it stop it from swelling."

"Haven't got time darlin' look I need to speak to you."

"Ok, come on let's walk as we talk. We look like a right pair sitting on the floor." Yvonne nodded and put out her one good hand to help Karen up.

"You've heard the announcements?" Karen brushed off the dust from her uniform,

"Yes, I was praying I wasn't called."

"It's Nikki." Yvonne filled Karen in on all the details. They reached the canteen which fortunately was empty and sat down heavily on two chairs.

"Jesus this is a mess, should we interrupt the meeting?"

"Better not Karen, we should stay out of it until we need to get involved."

"Nikki shouldn't have had a meeting on her own with that loony." Yvonne shrugged and lit two cigarettes handing one to Karen,

"Why not? She wouldn't have been expecting anything like this to happen, it was just meant to be a quick meeting letting Shell know she was on her last chance." Karen blew smoke high into the air and laughed wryly.

"Last chance? Again. That bloody woman has been trouble from the moment she stepped into this store, and you know what Yvonne I'd put money on her and Jim having an affair." Yvonne nodded vigorously and forcefully stubbed out her cigarette.

"Of course he is. He knows Nikki suspects and he knows Nikki thinks Shell is a waste of space. He's always had a thing about Nikki for some reason."

"She's too honest for him, and she says what she thinks when she thinks it, he can't cope with that."

"Well I hope for Nikki's sake that she keeps some of her thoughts to herself, she needs to stay calm in that room, whatever is being said."

The metal of the door handle felt cool underneath Nikki's hand, she slowly pushed the door open and stepped into the office. Jim was sitting behind his desk, and Frances was stood opposite the door her arms folded and her expression stern.

"What's going on?" Inside Nikki might have been panicking but there was no way she was going to show it.

"You should sit down Nikki."

"I'll stand if it's all the same to you Jim."

"Fine, an allegation has been made by a member of your staff."

"About?"

"You Nikki." Frances stepped forward, her eyes Nikki noticed were cold, "An allegation about you. Improper behaviour." Nikki turned to face Frances, at the moment both of them felt like they were the only people in the room.

"Improper behaviour? You'll have to be more specific because I honestly don't know what you're talking about." Jim was being to feel like his presence wasn't necessary, he wasn't going to have Myers spoil his moment, he'd been waiting for this.

"I'll enlighten you Nikki. Michelle Dockley has alleged that you made sexual advances towards her."

"You must be joking."

"I'm afraid not Nikki." Frances' cool tones cut in, "She was most distressed, perhaps you'd like to sit down now and tell us your side of the story?"

"Oh right! You're going to grace me with that chance are you?" Frances looked at Nikki trying to will her to calm down, she wasn't given an opportunity to say anything as Jim jumped in.

"Carry on like that Wade and no, you won't have an opportunity to defend yourself." Nikki flung herself into the chair opposite Jim, her blood was boiling and her eyes were blazing. Jim shifted awkwardly in his chair, Nikki was enraged and he was quite happy that there was a desk between them.

"Nikki." Nikki spun her head round and stared at Frances, "Please just explain what happened."

"She bloody kissed me!" Jim laughed, "Something funny Fenner?"

"Nobody is finding this at all amusing Nikki believe me." Frances shot Jim a look that could have frozen a desert, Jim coughed and picked up his mug of coffee. It could not hide the utter look of joy on his face, looking at him was making Nikki even more annoyed. France sat down in the chair next to Nikki, "Tell us what happened Nikki from the beginning please."

"Fine. I arranged to have a meeting with Shell, to discuss her cashier performance and customer service assessments. We were talking about these issues and then she got very upset."

"Why?"

"She thought I was going to sack her."

"Did you give her reason to believe she would be sacked?" Nikki was starting to feel incredibly pressured, in her mind she knew exactly what had happened but all these questions were making the events blurry in her memory. Verbally and intellectually she was more than a match for Jim, and he knew it. It wasn't him however firing questions at her, it was Frances. Nikki knew this was part of her job but surely this constituted a clash of interests.

"Shell knew that I was not happy with her performance, I made that much very clear. She was aware that she was using up her chances very quickly I also made that very clear." Jim cleared his throat indicating he would like to ask a question of his own.

"Did you imply that arrangements could be made where by nothing official would be noted on her record?"

"Such as?"

"Personal favours maybe?" Nikki stood pushing the chair away with such force it fell over.

"I don't believe this! She's saying I was the one who came on to her!" Frances herself stood and laid a calming hand on Nikki's arm.

"No one's saying anything Nikki, we can't tell you what Shell said." Nikki shook her arm free,

"Listen Fenner. Shell kissed me, she forced herself on me, she turned on the water works and I like a fool believed her. When I showed her some sympathy she jumped on me. Why the hell would I sexually harass Shell Dockley?"

"Now now Nikki calm down, your personal preferences are well known."

"That I'm gay! Jesus Jim, it's the 21st Century. Yes I am gay that does not mean however that I can't control myself and I feel the need to leap on female members of my staff. Besides." Nikki fired a dangerous glare at Frances, "I'm in a relationship and have been for months." Jim was loving every second and was about to get stuck into delving for details of Nikki's seedy love life when Frances jumped in, ruining his fun.

"We're not getting anywhere fast here. Let's take a break, Nikki come with me and we'll get a drink."

"Hang on Frances, Nikki is my member of staff."

"I know that Jim, and I'm your area manager. Lucky I'm here to take the pressure off you isn't it." With that Frances placed a firm hand in the small of Nikki's back and effectively pushed her out of the room, she whispered harshly, "Training room, now!" Nikki wasn't about to disagree, she was grateful to Frances for taking her away from Jim she wasn't sure for how many more minutes she could have coped without blowing her top.

Karen and Yvonne looked up from their respective mugs as they heard the unmistakable click of Frances' expensive shoes on the floor outside the canteen. Frances and Nikki whipped by and the training room door was opened and slammed shut.

"Shit!" Karen nodded her agreement to Yvonne's vocalisation of her frustration.

"Doesn't look good does it? I'm sure that door was locked as well."

"Myers obviously doesn't want to be interrupted, I'm going to have to take over down the front end, it'll be mad down there. Karen find out what's going on."

"How? And more importantly why me?"

"Fenner fancies you, he'll tell you whatever you want him to. Karen if I go in there we'll end up having a huge slanging match and I'll probably get suspended!"

"I suppose so."

"Thanks babe." Yvonne squeezed Karen's shoulder and rushed out, "Karen don't look so worried Nikki's tough, and she's got us behind her."

"Why Nik?" Nikki was pacing up and down the training room, trying and failing to bring her blood pressure down. Frances was sat on a chair, her head in her hands. "The week I'm here doing an inspection, why?"

"Oh I'm sorry for being so bloody awkward! Don't make this about you Frances, it's about me and that good for nothing Shell. I told you about her, I told everyone but would you all listen, no!"

"Nik."

"No, just stupid Nikki going on, just Nikki with a bee in her bonnet."

"Nikki!" Frances grabbed Nikki by the shoulders, stopping her from moving, she pushed her into a chair and knelt in front of her. "Sweetheart calm down."

"Where's Shell?"

"She's here still, she was in a state Nikki I saw her. Crying, shaking, Nikki her shirt was ripped."

"What?" Nikki whispered through her fingers, "I didn't, I couldn't."

"I know." Frances took Nikki's hands in her own, "You're no more capable of that than you are of cheating on me." Nikki had forgotten in all the stress that what Frances was dealing with was not only a member of staff filing a complaint about another member but also the fact that her girlfriend may have cheated on her. "This has got to be handled properly, there can be no suggestion that you are being treated preferentially."

"I'm faced with something that could ruin my reputation and career, and all you're bothered about is people finding out we're going out." Frances released Nikki's hands and considered her next words carefully.

"It's for your own good. If we tell people I'll be shipped off to another store and another area manager who doesn't know you will take over. At least if I'm here I can look out for you."

"What about if I get more questions about my private life and my partner." Frances shrugged,

"No one's business. Area management haven't got the right to demand information about your private life you know."

"It has a bearing though, if they knew I was in a long term relationship then surely they would be more inclined to believe that I wouldn't risk it to do something ridiculous like trying it on with Shell Dockley."

"My name doesn't get mentioned." Frances looked Nikki in the eye, "I mean it. If you want to come out of this unscathed Nikki you do it my way."

"I can't believe you're talking to me like this."

"You're annoyed, you're not thinking straight trust me and I'll sort everything."

"As long as our relationship remains a secret." Frances nodded she took Nikki's face in her hands and kissed her hard.

"I love you. You have to remember that Nikki whatever happens." Nikki nodded mutely.

"What happens now?"

"You take time off."

"I'm suspended!"

"No, absolutely not, and I'll make that clear. You just take the rest of the week off, give you some breathing space. I'll formally interview Shell and see what I can get out of her. If she sticks to her story though I'll have to file a report to Neil Grayling and then he'll make a recommendation."

"What will that be?"

"That you are both suspended while there is an enquiry."

"Jesus."

"I will sort this darling I promise."

"I'm not at liberty to say Karen."

"Oh pull the other one Jim, since when have you ever been discreet. What's going on I have a right to know."

"Actually you don't, if you had taken the position of deputy manager then you would have a right to know. As stock manager I don't really have to tell you. Anything you need to know will be passed on in the staff meeting."

"You smug….."

"Don't finish that sentence Karen. Listen to me, for far too long you Wade and Atkins have swanned about this store like you all own it. I'm the manager I run this place how I want to."

"Like a prat!" Jim laughed,

"Think what you like Karen but that's how it is. A member of staff has filed a complaint and it's being dealt with, that really is all you need to know."

"If I, no sorry, we, find out you had anything to do with Shell and her nasty whisperings and accusations about Nikki we'll hang you out to dry." Jim jumped up and walked around the desk, placing himself between Karen and the door.

"So you already know." His tone was menacing and Karen was beginning to feel decidedly uncomfortable. "Now why come here Karen if you already know what's going on, it never ceases to amaze me how you lot manage it. Did little Nikki send out a distress call to you all, did the pink ladies all come running?" Jim leant against the door frame and crossed his arms, laughing loudly at his own comments.

"Move Jim."

"Say please."
"You must be joking! Get out of my way."

"You haven't said please yet."

"And hell will freeze over before I do, so move!" Jim stopped laughing and moved slightly so that Karen could open the door, as she did so he shot out a hand and slammed the door shut again. He bent down and whispered into her ear.

"I'll have you all you know, eventually. Nikki's just the first. But you Karen I've got something special planned for you."

"Bastard." Karen hissed, and she tore out of the office desperate to be away from Jim Fenner.

Nikki and Frances walked down aisle 3 towards the front end, Nikki had picked up her bag and had now resigned herself to the fact that she was going to have to bite the bullet and go home.

"You're coping very well Nik." Frances whispered out of the corner of her mouth, her words were spoken to soon however. As they turned the corner, Nikki saw Shell. She was standing near the cds with Denny and she certainly didn't look distraught.

"The little bitch."

"Nik, no!" Frances trying to stop Nikki but it was too late, Nikki broke free of her grasp and ran through the tills sliding to a halt in front of Shell.

"Alright man?"

"Not now Den, give us a minute please."

"Sure mate."

"Come on then Shell, what are you getting for this?"

"I don't know what you mean."

"You could ruin me with your spiteful lies."

"Just tellin' it like it is Nik."

"Like it is in your tiny warped brain." Nikki grabbed Shell's wrist, "Why?"

"Let go of me." Customers and staff were beginning to look up and Frances had managed to negotiate the throngs of customers to reach them. Helen had closed her till and was lingering at a safe distance she didn't know what was going on but Nikki looked distressed and she felt she needed to be near by.

"Ladies, let's not on the shop floor shall we?"

"Get her off me!" Shell was shaking her arm trying to detach Nikki who was hanging on with all the determination of a rottweiler.

"Why Shell, why?"

"Nikki, let her go. Now!" Nikki's anger and desperation for an answer was making her stronger than both Frances and Shell and there was very little either one of them could do. Helen had watched everything unfold and even though she felt it was a bad idea to get involved she felt her body move towards the three women. She stood behind Nikki,

"Nikki, why don't you come with me?" Helen's voice was like oil being poured on troubled waters. Nikki felt the anger in her disappear and the red mist lifted, she released her hold on Shell and Frances took the opportunity to place herself firmly between the two women.

"Yeah that's right you get off me, nutter!"

"That's enough!" Frances' voice cut through the air like a sharpened knife, "Helen please will you take Nikki out of the store. Shell you're coming with me, you had explicit instructions to remain in the board room until someone came for you."

"I was bored."

"I don't care. Move it!" Frances propelled Shell forward and turned to Helen and Nikki, "Helen you have my permission to leave whatever your shift is please take Nikki out, take her home if you have to." Frances looked at Nikki, "Please Nikki." Frances and Shell disappeared into the crowds of shoppers, Helen looked at Nikki, she was ashen and she looked like she was about to cry. It shocked Helen, Nikki was not the sort of person to cry, something serious must have happened. Yvonne ran down from the customer service desk.

"I'm sorry Nik, I was on the phone and dealing with customers I couldn't get down here in time." Nikki remained silent, it was as though she was in shock.

"Frances told me to take her home."

"Right ok, well I'd do it but I can't leave the front end if Nikki's going. Nikki love, Helen's taking you home ok?" Nikki remained unresponsive. "We'll sort it Nik, don't worry. Thanks Helen, I'll sort your pay out."

"Oh I'm not worried about that Yvonne."

"I know you're not which is exactly why I'll sort it out. I'll call you later Nikki." Nikki nodded and allowed Helen to guide her out of the store.