CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT
To Nikki's relief Saturday dawned bright and clear, the clock showed that it was only 8am but she practically leapt out of bed. Frances threw her arms over her head as Nikki flung the blinds up opening the window even wider to let the summer breeze through.
"Nik!"
"Come on sleepy head, it's a beautiful day!"
"It's 8 bloody am on a Saturday I have no intention of moving beautiful day or otherwise." Frances burrowed further under the covers, Nikki looked at her affectionately she could be bloody miserable in the mornings but Nikki always found it quite endearing and amusing. The last couple of days had been strange, though Nikki hadn't liked being suspended the time away from work had been nice. She had felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders, no one depending on her, no rotas to finish, no holidays to cover. Because they were in a flat they had no actual garden of their own, merely a share of one. Nikki had spoken to the landlord and other residents to see what was what and had then rolled her sleeves up and gone outside. She'd planted, pruned, trimmed, and potted and she had to admit not only did it look good but it was immensely satisfying looking out and seeing her own work. Her relationship with Frances had mended itself somewhat because Nikki was not at work, it seemed like a pressure had lifted off that too. Frances had been a bit distant which Nikki put down to the investigation and inspection but she had been very thoughtful. She'd taken Nikki to her favourite restaurant, bought her flowers, generally spoilt her. Nikki had jokingly asked what she'd done but Frances had been very upset, 'it's because I love you,' she'd responded and Nikki had felt guilty for joking about it with her, and for having the thoughts she'd had about Helen. She had resolved to throw her efforts into making the relationship work again. Nikki hopped back onto the bed and peered under the covers,
"Are you asleep?" Frances lay on her back, her eyes closed. Nikki slipped her hand under Frances' nightie and placed her hand flat on her stomach. Frances' eyes shot open,
"Ahh your hand's cold." She squirmed but Nikki held her fast to the bed moving her cold hands around Frances' body.
"Well you better warm them up quickly because I could go on like this all day!" Frances suddenly stopped moving and took hold of Nikki's right hand she brought it up to her mouth and kissed the palm. She then took the other hand and kissed that in the same way, she took both hands and placed them on her breasts holding them there firmly.
"Warm now?"
"Very, well they could be warmer I think, they need some exercise." Nikki bent her head down and kissed Frances gently. They hadn't been this intimate for a few days and had had some monumental rows in the between time, Nikki wanted her to know she was sorry and that she was back with her. Frances returned Nikki's kiss in a similarly gentle way, enjoying the feel of Nikki's body against hers again. Frances hadn't felt exactly guilty about her liaison, no liaisons, with Colin Hedges. After the training room incident there had been another one in a darkened part of the warehouse, not her finest hour she had to admit. She had reasoned with herself afterwards that Nikki had backed her into a corner, any guilt that might materialise would go straight into a locked box deep inside her mind somewhere no one could get at it. All that mattered now was that Nikki's lips and hands were on her and only her, she stretched her arms above her head making it easier for Nikki to slip her night wear off. They continued their kiss, Nikki moved her lips to Frances' jawline and neck and then moved to her ear.
"I've missed you." Frances pulled back slightly to look at Nikki,
"I know. I'm here now."
"Are you?" Frances bit her lip slightly to stop the tears that were threatening to spring forth, she nodded,
"I love you Nik." She helped Nikki shed her shorts and t-shirt, and Nikki kicked away the covers and duvet. Frances raised an eyebrow,
"I don't want anything to get in the way, unless you're cold that is." Frances grinned wickedly,
"I'm not cold at all, in-fact I'm very very hot."
"Really!" The bright summer morning light streamed through the window as the two women reminded each other of why they were together.
"Happy birthday dear Helen, happy birthday to yoooooooooou!" Duncan wiggled his one free hand in jazz style and dropped Olivia on top of Helen.
"God is it even morning yet?" Helen pulled herself up and arranged herself into a sitting position, she sat Olivia in her lap kissing the top of her baby hair covered head.
"Liv says happy birthday she just can't find the words at this moment in time."
"Might be because she's got her foot in her mouth!" Duncan rubbed his chin which had a spattering of early morning stubble covering it.
"Yeah we should speak about that, not nice in polite company Olivia." Olivia merely looked from Helen to Duncan and continued to chew. "Right well as that's sorted, happy birthday sis." Duncan pecked Helen on the cheek and disappeared into the hall outside the bedroom reappearing a moment later with a tray of breakfast food and a beautifully wrapped box.
"Oh Duncan, thank you."
"I didn't wrap it, lady in shop did." Duncan mumbled through a mouthful of marmalade covered toast. Helen slapped him playfully on the arm,
"Oi! Do you have to destroy the illusion so quickly?"
"Sorry Hel, open the present open the present!" He was such a big kid, there was very little about the Duncan in front of her, apart from his size, that was different from the 10 year old Duncan who used to torment her mercilessly all those years before. She shook her head and began to unwrap the exquisitely wrapped box, inside the cardboard box there was a leather box which Helen pulled out carefully. She opened it, inside finding two silver pens.
"I know you use your laptop but you make notes in that thing too." Duncan motioned towards the bulging notepad on Helen's bedside table, "there's an inscription on the fountain pen." Helen nodded and turned the pen over in her hands,
For all the words you have yet to write, D&O x
"It's lovely Duncan thank you." Helen didn't know why but part of her had expected to see Cerys' name on the gift too.
"She's not here anymore Hel." Helen met Duncan's eye sadly, she'd almost forgotten how adept he was at reading her thoughts.
"I know."
"Just you and me now kid. She'll be watching today though you know that don't you?" Helen nodded, and pulled Olivia closer to her, "shall I run a bath for you?"
"Yes please."
"You'll need this then." Duncan leant down and picked up a basket full of small, very badly, wrapped gifts.
"You wrapped these ones!"
"That obvious is it, I really tried this year as well, look that tag even matches the paper!"
"Thank you Duncan."
"No prob, right you ok with missy here? Yes? I'll get the bath started then." Helen began pulling the paper off the presents, no mean feat with the amount of sellotape he'd used! Olivia helped to make a mess by throwing the discarded paper and tags around the bed, shrieking when some pieces landed on her head. Helen's phone bleeped, with a text message.
Happy birthday Helen, have a lovely
day. Maybe see you later, no
writing to day have a rest!
Nik x
Maybe! Helen's face took on the expression of a petulant child. Seeing Nikki today had been something she had taken for granted.
"All done! What's up with you? Excitement gone already?" Duncan pulled Olivia off the bed, who came willingly enough but brought most of the paper off with her.
"I think Nikki might be busy today."
"Well you hadn't organised anything had you? She only knew it was your birthday because I told her when she rang the other day."
"So."
"So you can't expect people to not be busy on a sunny Saturday in August just because it's your birthday."
"Duncan!"
"Oh come on, misery. Go and shrivel in the bath for a couple of hours that always makes you feel better." Helen reluctantly left her bed and once in the bathroom submerged herself in the bath, she tested as many of the products as she thought was safe and felt suitably decadent drinking a glass of chilled champagne that Duncan had thoughtfully left next to the bath for her. She knew she was being silly, but seeing Nikki on her birthday was for some reason important to Helen. Downstairs Duncan tidied the kitchen and mixed up Olivia's breakfast she was happy in her high chair banging her plastic spoon to a rhythm known only to herself. The phone rang shrilly, knowing who it was likely to be he snatched the receiver quickly to prevent it disturbing Helen anymore than necessary.
"Hello?"
"Duncan, it's Nikki."
"Hi, you've pissed her off with your message already and it's not even 10 yet!"
"I thought that would do the trick, everything ok your end?"
"Yep, well I haven't got much to do, you?"
"All's fine."
"Great well see you later, have you got my mobile number?"
"Yes I'll get hold of you on that if there's any problem."
Nikki pressed end call on her mobile and set it down.
"Who were you chatting to?" Nikki looked up as Frances appeared from the bathroom in a damp robe, towelling her equally damp hair.
"Just finalising arrangements for tonight."
"Oh." Frances sat in front of the mirror and began to run a brush through her wet hair. Nikki fell backwards onto the bed, resting her head on her arms. Even after the amazing morning they had spent in each others arms the thought of Helen still could come between them and create friction. Nikki swung her long legs off the bed and moved around it standing behind Frances, she moved her wet hair away and kissed her shoulder.
"You could come you know."
"I'm not even going to answer that because you know what I'll say. Hardly the place for us to 'come out' is it? Helen Stewart's birthday party."
"I suppose so."
"She's lucky to have a friend like you Nik."
"Yeah well." Nikki shrugged, discarding the compliment.
"No really you treat people so well, you look out for others. It's not very common you know."
"Fran are you ok?" Nikki looked at Frances with concern, this wasn't like her at all.
"Yes, it's just…" Nikki's mobile rang, and Nikki threw an exasperated look at it.
"Go on." Frances had turned back to the mirror, whatever she had been about to say had disappeared.
"No get the phone Nik." Nikki continued to stare at Frances with confusion as she picked up the phone and flicked it open.
"Selena, how are you mate? Tonight? Yeah, ok.." Nikki wandered out with the phone chatting animatedly with Selena about the plans for the evening. Frances stared at her reflection in the mirror, get a grip, she thought. Spilling her guts to Nikki was not a good idea, it was just the morning they'd had. Frances felt like she had at the beginning of her relationship with Nikki. She looked out of the window, Nikki was still on the phone she'd perched herself on a wall in the garden, her tanned legs swung beneath her as she laughed at something Selena said, she really was quite stunning.
"Helen will introduce you, of course she will just remember what I told you about his wife, go easy Selena."
"What do you take me for? A man eater?"
"Pretty much! The taxi's picking me up at 5, I'll collect you on the way. Roisin and Cassie are meeting us there and we need to decorate."
"When's Duncan bringing Helen back?"
"7.30, so that should be plenty of time." Nikki said her goodbyes to Selena and flipped her phone shut. She looked up at the bedroom window and saw Frances looking out, she grinned, today was going to be a good day not only was it Helen's birthday but it seemed as though her and Frances had turned a corner.
"Roche, babe, hurry up!" Cassie paced up and down in the lounge in Roisin's house. Today was the first day they had spent together, she'd arrived at 11 and they'd had lunch and spent a gloriously lazy day together in the garden. Aiden and the children had left for Ireland early that morning and had rang to say they were there and were already having a wonderful time. "Roche, 10 minutes, I mean it we've got to get over to Helen's and I'm not entirely sure how to get there."
"I'm coming! Bloody hell, do you want me to go looking like a bag lady?"
"You always look fab to me."
"Cassie not the time for flattery, two ticks." Cassie sighed and slumped into the settee. She'd always been good at getting changed quickly, she'd never really understood the need to take long about it. It was boring! She'd gone for a simple combination, a short denim skirt and a silky red top. Her hair had been cut that morning so all she'd done was flick the ends out slightly. Her summer tanned skin only needed the merest hint of make-up.
"R…..oh, you're done." Cassie stared opened mouthed.
"Does the catching flies look mean good or bad?" Roisin nervously fiddled with the edges of her dress. In a nod to the lovely weather she had chosen to wear a summer dress that stopped just above the knee, a pastel pink dress that had a rather daring neckline. "I can change if I look terrible."
"Don't you dare!" Cassie stood and wrapped her arms around Roisin's waist, "you look gorgeous babe, absolutely gorgeous." Cassie sealed the compliment with a kiss.
"Not mutton dressed as lamb then?" Cassie laughed,
"No just perfect. Can we go now?"
"Yes we can go." Roisin beamed, she wanted to look faultless for Cassie that evening, they weren't exactly a couple but she wanted Cassie to be proud of the fact they were arriving together.
"Nik!"
"What?"
"Why aren't you balancing on a stool? Hold it steady!"
"I'm not dressed for it!" Selena bit her tongue, she knew Nikki was winding her up, thank god she'd taken off her stilettos before climbing to put the fairy lights up. After much deliberation she'd decided to stick with her favourite short black dress, not very summery admittedly but she always felt good in it. Nikki's wolf whistle when she'd picked her up made her think she'd pitched it right. The neck swept across her collar bone in a Grecian style, the killer part however was the slit at the side which showed all her right thigh. A dash of subtle silver jewellery finished off the outfit perfectly.
"Ok, I think we're good to go." Holding on to Nikki's hand Selena clambered down as gracefully as possible and waited as Nikki walked to the power point to flick the switch. "Perfect!" Selena clapped, the true effect would not be seen until darkness fell but it would be great. The lights covered the back of the house and then helped by a trellis that Duncan had managed to put up they were draped across the decked area, which Selena had christened cocktail corner. Bottle upon bottle of indecipherable liqueurs in every colour of the rainbow were lined up on the table. Inside Roisin was busy organising nibbles and Cassie was pretending to help whilst actually looking through the cds available.
"Tyler, none of that garage crap!"
"Nik! I thought you were young and cool like me!"
"You're sorely mistaken, I'm neither young nor cool! I think this evening should start with a bit of jazz. After 11pm you can put what you want on." Cassie pouted, "don't start, how are people going to chat with.." Nikki picked up a cd, "best garage hits ever, volume 3 blaring out?"
"Oh alright, volumes 1 and 2 are better anyway." Roisin looked up from cutting carrot batons,
"You're actually serious aren't you?" Cassie nodded,
"Yep, sorry babe!" Selena and Nikki exchanged knowing looks, though Cassie and Roisin were doing their best to not act like a couple they were failing miserably. They were clearly completely comfortable with each other, they even looked colour coordinated with Roisin pretty in pink and Cassie radiant in red. A knock on the door, prompted Nikki to stop musing over the newest couple at Supersavers. She opened the door to find Yvonne and Karen on the doorstep,
"Party can start now darlin', I'm here!"
"Good to see you Von."
"You ok mate?" Nikki threw her hands up,
"As good as can be expected, who's holding the fort then?" Karen ran her hand through her hair and leant over to kiss Nikki on the cheek.
"Jim's on the close but Mark's still going to be there until 9. Sylvia's running the front end, Dominic's there until about 9 as well, he says he'll pop in afterwards."
"Good, I know Helen likes Dom, right shall I give you two a hand with all this booze then?"
"Helen come on."
"Ok, I don't understand why Mum and Dad are staying at a hotel?" Duncan glanced at his watch as he propelled Helen towards the car.
"You heard them they wanted to have a proper mini-break, the Hadlington is a great place to stay, Liv will have a great time swimming and stuff."
"I guess." Helen peered out of the window as Duncan texted someone and then accelerated out of the car park, she glanced at her phone. No message from Nikki, she knew Duncan had planned something he was rubbish at keeping secrets. She wasn't sure what was going to happen but whatever it was without Nikki involved she didn't know how excited she was going to be able to be.
CHAPTER TWENTY NINE
"Ok everyone that was Duncan." Nikki flipped her phone shut, "they're on the way, probably about 10 minutes." A general buzz went around the room and the message was passed to the people outside who had congregated for a cigarette. Karen stubbed out her cigarette and cast her eyes around, there were a good amount of people at the house. Nikki had done her bit with people from Supersavers, Duncan had obviously worked hard to get hold of Helen's friends from university at short notice. Karen and Yvonne had mingled, diplomatically introducing themselves before seeking solace in the fresh air.
"Helen's friends seem nice." Karen continued to stare into space, "Karen." Yvonne gently shook Karen by the shoulder. Karen suddenly realised Yvonne was staring at her.
"Sorry, I was somewhere else then."
"Somewhere nice?"
"I don't know to be honest." The two women began to walk slowly around the garden. "We really should talk." Karen decided to take the plunge.
"I know. I don't really know what to say though." Karen realised that Yvonne was finding the situation even more difficult than she was and it would have to be her doing most of the talking. Maybe it would be for the best if they forgot what happened, put it behind them.
"Look Von, what happened, I was upset and you were there perhaps we should just forget it." Yvonne's heart sank if she was honest she didn't know what she wanted to hear from Karen but those words were not it.
"If that's what you want."
"Well I don't know!" Karen stalked off towards the end of the garden, there was no way she was going to decide what was for the best, Yvonne had to take some responsibility too. Yvonne was by her side in seconds, Karen felt Yvonne take her hand but refused to meet her eye.
"The last thing I want is for you to think I want to forget it Karen. I'd be lying if I said I did know what I want but upsetting you, losing you, that's not something I can cope with."
"Who said anything about losing me!" Karen looked at Yvonne incredulously, "did you think I'd bugger off just because we kissed?"
"Oh I don't know, this isn't something I've done before."
"Me neither, so that makes two of us!" Karen looked down at their hands which were still interlinked, it looked right. "How about we don't do anything, just see what happens. Maybe go out for a drink?" The relief on Yvonne's face was clear and she smiled at Karen, squeezing her hand as she did.
"That sounds like a great idea to me babe." Murmurings from the house caught their attention, "sounds like the birthday girl is here, come on." Yvonne dragged Karen back towards the house by the hand. The two women stumbled through the back door straight into Selena.
"Jesus you two, shut up!"
"Is she here?"
"No we thought we'd all cram into the kitchen in the dark for a bit of a laugh! Yes Karen she's here."
Helen knew something was going on as soon as she stepped into the house, it didn't feel right at all. Her fears were confirmed moments later as from the kitchen it seemed leapt every person she knew.
"Surprise!"
"Oh my god!" Helen's hand flew to her face, she knew that Duncan had been hiding something but this surpassed all her ideas. "Duncan I can't believe you've done this." Duncan held his hands up in mock defence.
"I wish I could take the credit but it's Nikki you've got to blame for this." Helen looked up as Nikki stepped out from the kitchen where most of the partygoers seemed to be crammed. She was resplendent in a slim knee length black skirt and a deep purple strapless top, she was holding a beautifully put together bouquet of flowers.
"These are from everyone at work, happy birthday Helen." Nikki handed the flowers over and bent down to kiss Helen on the cheek. Helen didn't know what was more exquisite the fragrance from the flowers or the one from Nikki's own perfume.
"Thank you, you shouldn't have. I mean I haven't been with you long." Monica stepped forward.
"You're like one of the family already my love, happy birthday." Nikki turned around beaming.
"Well now the birthday girl has arrived I think the party can begin, drinks are all outside." Duncan was grinning from ear to ear as he tapped Nikki on the shoulder.
"You're a genius Nikki, this is great."
"Well you've done well with the guest list, I think it's just what was needed."
"Yeah I guess, some people are arriving a bit later hopefully, some others from Helen's university. Someone called Mel I know she was close to and a few more."
Nikki stepped back and watched with satisfaction as Helen gasped with shock at the people who kept appearing, she looked really happy. Her cheeks were pink with the excitement and she was flinging her arms around everyone she saw. A success, thought Nikki, a real success.
Hours passed happily as wine and spirits flowed and gifts were exchanged. Helen was dazzling, she skipped from person to person and group to group, chatting and catching up. Stepping away from the hubbub of the general party Nikki stood in the hall passing a gift from hand to hand,
"You know it's standard practice to give the gift to the birthday person." Nikki looked up with surprise, she hadn't noticed Karen sitting on the stairs taking a breather. She sat down next to her,
"I know, just finding the right time I guess. Did Selena make that?" Nikki nodded towards the lurid blue cocktail that Karen was holding in her hand, "looks like toilet duck." Karen gingerly took a sip,
"Tastes like it as well! Oh well. So when will the right time be?"
"I don't know."
"Worried she won't like it?"
"A bit."
"It's from you Nik, she'll love it. You think a lot of Helen, the feeling is mutual you know." A knock at the door interrupted them, no one in the house would have heard the knock because of the music, (Cassie had recently taken over the sounds). Nikki rolled her eyes,
"I best get that, no one else will hear, bloody garage crap! It's probably Dom." Karen nodded in agreement and began to tackle the dangerous cocktail she'd been holding on to. Nikki opened the door and tried and failed to conceal the surprise on her face, it wasn't Dominic, it was a woman she didn't recognise.
"Hello?"
"Hi, I'm Mel." The tall blonde women smiled warmly and held out her hand, her accent was Irish Nikki thought and for some reason she could feel her hackles rise. The woman laughed at Nikki's confusion, "I'm a friend of Helen's from University, jesus please tell me I've got the right house!" Karen seeing Nikki had momentarily lost the power of speech hopped off the stairs and opened the front door wider.
"Yes, you've got the right place, come on through." Nikki stepped backwards letting Karen lead Mel through to the house. Helen had her back to the front door as she stood in the lounge chatting to Monica and Roisin. Karen sidled up to her and whispered something in her ear. Helen whipped around and the joy on her face for some reason caused pain to shoot through Nikki. Mel grinned and flung her arms around Helen enveloping her in a hug that suggested closeness,
"Happy birthday babe! Miss me?"
"Of course! It's so good to see you!" Nikki watched from the doorframe as Helen laced her fingers through Mel's never taking her eyes from her and began to introduce her to people. The way their hands fitted together, the way they moved together, the way Helen's eyes sparkled when she looked at her, Nikki had her answer to the question of Helen's feelings towards women. This was a woman she had a history with and if their body language was anything to go by whatever they'd had was in danger of being rekindled. Nikki stepped back into the hall and put the present back into her bag which was hanging on one of the coat pegs, now was definitely not the time to give Helen her present, now was a time to have a drink, whatever colour it might turn out to be.
Duncan watched with interest as Selena created yet another ridiculous cocktail, Midori, Vodka, Archers, as she hovered with a bottle of Bombay Sapphire he felt he had to step in.
"Please don't do that!"
"Why?" Selena paused the bottle hovering menacingly.
"Because." Duncan took the bottle out of her hands and put it back on the table, "It would be a crime against cocktails, are you even following any recipes?" Selena giggled,
"Nope!"
"Mmm you can tell. Look you pick a cocktail and I'll make it for you, then you create a concoction and we'll test it on people and see who wins, what do you say?"
"I say, what's the prize?"
"The winner decides."
"Fair enough, stand back!" Selena squinted and tried to make out the labels on all of the bottles, she knew she shouldn't have tested so many of the drinks she'd made for others. Nikki appeared in front of the cocktail table,
"Anything available?" Selena pushed her Midori creation towards her,
"Only that, sorry Nik we're in the middle of an experiment here." Nikki picked up the glass looking at it with a picture of revulsion and curiosity, what the hell, it was alcohol and she felt that she needed it, she could see Helen making her way through partygoers making a beeline for her holding Mel's hand. Nikki downed her drink in preparation, truly disgusting but it did the trick. It scorched her throat and made her feel as though her brain was slightly detached from the rest of her body.
"Nikki!"
"Hey birthday girl, having fun?" Nikki smiled tightly.
"It's great thank you so much. There's someone I want you to meet." Mel pushed her hand towards Nikki for the second time that evening and framed with the fairy lights Nikki got her first proper look at her. Damn it she was gorgeous. She was about the same height as Nikki but her look was more willowy, her blonde hair stopped just above her shoulders golden highlights through it made it shimmer. Her eyes were piercingly blue and a smattering of light freckles across her nose and cheeks completed her very Irish 'look'.
"We met briefly on the door step. Melanie O'Regan."
"Nikki Wade."
"Me and Mel were at uni together." Helen enthused, the frostiness of Nikki seemingly passing her by.
"Close were you?"
"We were very close." Mel wrapped her arm around Helen's shoulders as though to confirm her words. Nikki continued to smile, she was aware now that she was using the smile she usually only turned on at work. Please! Mel might as well have peed around Helen. Nikki knew when someone was claiming their territory and she was definitely getting that vibe from Mel.
"So." Nikki leant over to the cocktail table and picked up another creation, "how long are you planning on staying around Mel?" Mel's arm fell from around Helen's shoulders and settled around her waist.
"That depends on Hel I guess, I'll hang around for a bit. Don't want to outstay my welcome though."
"You're staying here?"
"I thought it was silly for Mel to get a hotel when we've got all this space. Give us more of a chance to catch up. Look I'm going to leave you two here for a minute, all those bloody cocktails Selena is creating. Going straight through me!" Helen giggled and dashed off leaving Mel and Nikki standing next to each other somewhat awkwardly.
"You're Helen's boss I hear?"
"Kind of, one of them I suppose, you know Helen how exactly?"
"We lived together at uni." The two women were saved at that point to equal measures of relief from both as Selena lurched towards them with glasses containing her latest mixture.
"Ladies! Have a generous sip and tell me what you think." Duncan appeared carrying two glasses of his own cocktail mixed following a recipe.
"Then you have to taste this one and honest opinions please." Nikki and Mel took a gulp of both. Mel was the first to venture an opinion,
"Well I have to say I do prefer this one." She held onto the glass Duncan had offered, "infact I think I shall finish it." Selena looked to Nikki drunkenly imploring her to pick her cocktail.
"I'm sorry Selena as much as I would like to say yours is the best, it's actually pretty vile! Sorry!"
"Nikki!" Duncan grinned,
"Well I win clearly my drink was the best." Selena pouted and sat down on a green patio chair,
"Fine what do you win then?"
"Mmm tell you what I'll get back to you." Duncan sauntered off leaving Selena confused. She looked to Nikki,
"What was that about?"
"I don't think he wanted to take advantage mate! Perhaps you should have a few glasses of water between your ludicrous cocktails! Nikki held her hand out to Selena and dragged her off towards the kitchen, passing Helen on the way,
"Is she ok?"
"Nothing a bit of water won't fix."
"Maybe we could have a chat Nikki afterwards, we haven't had a chance have we?"
"Yeah maybe Helen." Nikki smiled wanly and rushed past leaving Helen somewhat baffled.
The party continued into the small hours, groups of people leaving as and when the mood took them. Soon enough there was only a handful left. Selena had rapidly sobered up and now made her way out into the garden to help Duncan collect the empties. He was dragging a large black bin bag around haphazardly throwing bottles and cans into it.
"Is everything going in there or are you separating stuff?"
"Chuck it all in here. Feeling better?" Duncan raised an eyebrow, "no one could accuse you of not trying your own products could they!" Selena's cheeks began to match her hair.
"Well I'm not much of a drinker, of spirits anyway. I usually stick to wine!" They sat down on a bench situated at the bottom of the garden,
"Never mind you seemed to be having fun!"
"Come on then, what do you win?" Duncan cleared his throat nervously he suddenly felt as though he was fifteen again.
"You must know about my wife?"
"Helen has explained yes."
"It's been really hard, I mean really really hard. We've coped well though the three of us and I think we're starting to move on with our lives, slowly."
"I think you've coped amazingly well."
"Selena I think you're great and I was wondering whether you'd like to go for a drink?"
"Are you sure? That sounded awful I mean I'd love to, I think you're great fun Duncan but I'm not sure what we'd be getting into?" Duncan nodded,
"I know, just as friends to start with, I've had so much fun tonight, I'd just like to see you again."
"Yes I'd like that, and I promise not to drink cocktails!" They laughed unaware that they were being observed. Helen stood at the conservatory window watching, Nikki gently placed her hand on her shoulder.
"Are you ok?"
"Yes I think Selena could be good for him."
"She will be Helen she's great, look I'm going to make a move. Karen and Yvonne have got a taxi on the way and I'm going to jump into that with them."
"Fine."
"Helen?"
"What? Well Nikki what do you expect? You've avoided me all night, since you gave me the flowers I've hardly spoken to you."
"You've had a lot of people to speak to, I didn't want to intrude." Helen whipped around, her arms were crossed and her eyes blazed. She felt emboldened by a reasonable amount of alcohol, she wanted to know what was going on because undoubtedly something was.
"Is that all it is Nikki? Are you sure it's got nothing to do with Mel?"
"What are you talking about?" Nikki shifted her gaze to an unspecific point behind Helen, surely her inexplicable jealousy hadn't been that obvious. She couldn't even explain it to herself fully so there was no way she could make sense of it to a drunk Helen.
"Are you jealous?"
"No."
"So it doesn't bother you that she's staying here?"
"What you do with you own time and life is your business Helen, I have a girlfriend in case you had forgotten and things are going very well actually. Look I'm going. " Helen's mind flashed up a picture of Frances and Colin emerging from the training room, whatever words you wanted to use about Nikki and Frances' relationship, 'going well', were not fitting.
"Nikki. You need to know something."
"What Helen? What do I need to know?" Nikki was feeling the need to escape or her true feelings would soon betray her. She'd decided to make a go of it with Frances and now Mel was on the scene it would not be fair on Helen to ask of her something she might not be able to give.
"It's just that…" Helen faltered, she couldn't do it. It would utterly destroy Nikki and while Nikki was going through the investigation she needed Frances whether Helen liked it or not. "It's just that, just because Mel is staying doesn't mean anything has to happen." Nikki looked at Helen, she'd clearly changed what she was going to say, she didn't know what Helen wanted her to say to that. Did she want her to tell her not to sleep with Mel, was she looking for a get out clause? Nikki didn't have the strength for that responsibility when she couldn't guarantee Helen anything.
"Helen you do what you want, you don't have to ask me anything or tell me what you're doing. It's nothing to do with me." Nikki gently detached Helen's fingers and said her goodbyes before jumping into a taxi with Karen and Yvonne. Helen had basically given Nikki a chance to tell her how she felt. Nikki felt stupid and cowardly, she was insanely jealous and the sooner she dealt with her feelings for Helen the better. The fact was after tonight she might not get another chance.
CHAPTER THIRTY
The final stragglers had left and Duncan had gone to bed leaving Helen and Mel downstairs. Mel had managed to find her way around the kitchen and appeared in the lounge with two mugs of steaming coffee. Helen groaned,
"I know I'm drunk and the place still looks a mess! It's going to look horrific tomorrow."
"Me and Duncan will sort it. Least I can do if I'm staying. You sure you don't mind?"
"Of course not." Helen moved closer to Mel on the sofa, laying her head on her shoulder, "I'm really glad you're here."
"I should have come before now Helen after what you've both been through."
"You were abroad, I didn't expect you to dash back from Adelaide."
"Still, I'm sorry. Perhaps you should show me where I'm sleeping, I bet you have a lovely guest room."
"We do have a lovely guest room yes, I've got a very big double bed though."
"Helen Stewart! Are you propositioning me?" Helen shifted so she could look Mel in the eye,
"Maybe, but also the guest room isn't made up and you're too big for Olivia's cot! It just makes sense Mel if you stay with me tonight." Mel bent her head down and kissed Helen gently on the forehead,
"Makes perfect sense to me Helen."
Nikki sat on the sofa in the lounge, she knew that the tears coursing down her face were partly to do with the alcohol she'd consumed but she did nothing to stop them. Helen's words kept repeating in her head. What if she's said yes? Yes I am jealous don't sleep with her, I want you for myself. What would have happened? The bedroom door opened, and Nikki rapidly wiped her face.
"Nik?" Frances' words were muffled with sleep.
"Yes babe?"
"Are you coming to bed?" France yawned and stretched,
"Yeah I'm just drinking some water, you don't want me disturbing you in the night getting up because I'm dehydrated."
"Ok." The door closed again and Nikki looked into the bottom of the glass, no answers there.
Cassie paced up and down in the kitchen, she'd dashed downstairs in the pretence of getting a drink. That had been easily 10 minutes ago, Roisin would come and look for her soon, to find out what she was up to. Cassie opened the back door and sat on the step, she felt so nervous. She'd come to terms with and had accepted her sexuality at a very early age, she had a few girlfriends at university but nothing very serious. She'd slept with her fair share but this was different. No one had ever made her feel like Roisin, no one. The burden of the responsibility of being the 'experienced' one was weighing heavily on her shoulders. It had to be right it had to be perfect and if it wasn't it would be her fault.
"Cass?" Roisin appeared behind her, she was ready for bed clad in a simple nightie to Cassie she looked, as always, beautiful. "Are you ok, you're not ill are you?" Cassie shook her head,
"No I'm fine, just getting air."
"Budge up then, I was getting lonely." Cassie moved up and Roisin sat next to her on the step. "What's the matter sweetheart?" Cassie shrugged and looked at her hands in her lap, twisting them and playing with the rings she had yet to take off. "I'm nervous too."
"How did you know?"
"You forget how well we know each other already!" Roisin opened her arms and Cassie snuggled into her embrace.
"I just wanted tonight to be perfect, I want every night we have together to be perfect."
"Each second I spend with you is perfect Cass, why put so much pressure on yourself?"
"I'm the one who went after you I seduced you!"
"I don't think I did much to put you off though, I know I got scared the first time you kissed me but after that did I put up much resistance?" Cassie shook her head, "well then, I look at you and I know when we make love it will be perfect, because it's you. If that's tonight then ok, if it's not then that's ok too." Cassie cupped Roisin face with her hands and kissed her softly.
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For being you I guess, and for saying the most beautiful things anyone has ever said to me."
"You're very welcome." Roisin leaned in and kissed Cassie, gently detaching her lips from Cassie's lips she moved to lavish kisses on Cassie's neck. She moved back up and recaptured the mouth she was beginning to know as well as her own. They moved apart more for the need for air than anything else. "Shall we go to bed now?" Cassie grinned and nodded,
"I think that would be a good idea!" Roisin stood and held her hand out to Cassie, with their fingers intertwined she led the way upstairs.
The taxi pulled up outside an imposing three story red brick building,
"Jesus Yvonne, this place is amazing."
"Too much space really for me, why don't you come in and have a look."
"I don't know it's late and…."
"And neither of us has to get up. Go on, I promise I won't jump on you!" Karen laughed and nodded. They paid the taxi and Yvonne led the way up the steps to the front door. Yvonne shut the door behind them and led the way into the lounge, flicking a lamp on as she went. The house was just as big inside as it looked from the outside, the ceilings were high. The bay window was huge incorporating sash windows, and the décor was a perfect meeting of traditional and contemporary.
"Yvonne your house is beautiful."
"Thank you, but you haven't seen it all yet! Gin and tonic?" Karen nodded,
"Mmm yes please." She gratefully accepted the condensation covered glass and took a sip of the refreshing drink. "Just you?"
"Living here? Mostly, Lauren and Ritchie pop in now and then but essentially yes it's just me. I got the house you see."
"In the divorce?"
"Yes, not amicable at all, Charlie was a nasty piece of work if I'm honest." They sat on the settee, Yvonne with her legs curled up underneath her. It was intriguing Karen seeing Yvonne at home, she was nothing like she was at work. "Charlie was a business man."
"The way you say business suggests to me his business wasn't necessarily good business." Yvonne laughed,
"You could say that! Charlie had his fingers in many pies, he had a lot of legitimate businesses, but they were a cover for his other sidelines."
"Sidelines?"
"Bit of this bit of that, he was very careful and he's never been charged. I didn't have a clue for years, and then when I did find out it took me another few years to get round to leaving him." Yvonne looked down, "even when I did it wasn't because of his crimes it was because he was having an affair. I should be grateful I guess that he never involved me or the kids in his shady deals. Anyway, we're well provided for and I'm well shot of him." Karen placed her hand on Yvonne's arm,
"Men eh?"
"They're not all bad but he was. Come on I'll show you around the rest of the house." Karen happily followed Yvonne as she led her through the numerous rooms, she forgot how late it was and how tired she had been. Yvonne's obvious pride in her home swept Karen along and it was with true surprise that she noticed the time was almost 3am.
"Yvonne I really need to get going! Have you seen the time?"
"Time flies doesn't it! You don't need to go." Karen raised her eyebrows,
"Really!"
"Look, it's ridiculously late, I have a big house with lots of space and I rattle around here. I still promise not to jump on you!"
"Even if I ask you to?" For a moment Yvonne though that Karen was deadly serious however Karen as hard as she tried was unable to keep a straight face and collapsed in fits of giggles. "Oh your face Von, it's a picture!"
"Yeah, yeah alright, try and breath love. Is that a yes then?"
"Yes Yvonne I'd appreciate that." Half an hour later saw Karen safely settled in one of the many guest rooms, clad in one of Yvonne's nighties with a very large glass of water by her.
"I'm just down the hall if you need anything."
"What, in the west wing?"
"Oh you just get funnier! Night Karen."
"Night Yvonne." Karen sighed as her head hit the pillow and she felt the tension of the day seep out of her bones, the bed was ridiculously comfy and she didn't have to wait long before she was overcome by the contented feeling of sleep.
Sunday morning dawned, not as bright as previous days. The weather seemingly matching the feelings of the party goers, slightly grey and oppressive. Helen tentatively opened an eye, and then rapidly closed it again. She didn't want to be awake, her head hurt too much. There was someone next to her as well! Her brain was struggling, the answer was there somewhere.
"Morning birthday girl." Irish accent? Birthday? Mel, it had to be Mel.
"Morning."
"Feeling rough?" Helen finally accepted that her eyes needed to be open, Mel was lying on her side propping herself up on her elbow. "Do you want some breakfast. or coffee?" Helen shook her head as vigorously as the throbbing would allow.
"I think it's best I stick to water, did you sleep?"
"Very well, I'm so glad Duncan called me."
"Mmm, well I had no idea what was going on, it was all Duncan and Nikki."
"Would you rather he hadn't asked me?" Helen slowly pulled herself up the bed and put pillows behind her, sitting up.
"How can you say that? You saw how happy I was to see you last night."
"I know I know but well we didn't really sort things out between us properly did we, I mean from the last time we saw each other?"
"No but if I had a problem with it do you think I would have asked you to stay with me?"
"I suppose not." Helen didn't know where the next words came from or where she found the nerve to say them, but say them she did.
"Mel, stop supposing and dithering and kiss me would you!" If Mel was shocked she hid it well and their passionate embrace was only curtailed by Duncan's bellowing.
"Am I the only one up? I'm a man I don't know how to tidy properly I'll only put things in the wrong place." Helen reluctantly disentangled herself from Mel and slid gingerly out of bed as her brain protested.
"We better had help him he is actually crap! Don't look so surprised, I've been thinking about doing that since you showed up last night."
"Don't get me wrong that was very pleasant!" Mel leant down and kissed Helen again gently on the lips, "very very pleasant. It's just.."
"Just what?"
"I thought there was someone else on your mind, I might be imagining things."
"You're not imagining things, there was someone else but nothing is going to happen. She's with someone else and we're best off just as friends."
"And she's your boss?"
"Is it that obvious?"
"Maybe to me because I know you quite well, not to everyone, don't worry. I just don't want to come in and confuse you." Helen reached up and wrapped her arms around Mel's neck.
"If anything you've clarified things for me. Come on." Sealing her words with another kiss Helen led the way out towards the cleaning.