CORAL (A Romance Trilogy, Book 1) (26 page)

I clear my throat and stare at my
salad. “Rob, what’s wrong?” I look up at him he shakes his head at me. Still
not ready to talk then? I sigh heavily. Isn’t that what friends are for, to
always be there for each other, in their times of need?

“You’ll tell me though, when
you’re ready?” I add. I get nothing so I try a different tack. “Look whatever
it is, we can sort it I know we can. I’ll always be here for you, whenever you
need me.” I tell him softly.

“It’s not really something you
can help me with.” He croaks, his eyes glistening over -
Oh no!

“Oh Rob, won’t you tell me?” I
beg. He silently shakes his head. I squeeze his hand again, trying to make him
see I’ll always be here, he’s always got me.

“I can't believe Gladys is
leaving you,” he whispers, I frown at him.

“Well, she’s not really’ – “I
mean, I get that she’s getting married, not wanting to be on her own and all
that. But why move away, why leave you?” He bellows.

I turn and look at the people
walking by us, who stop and stare at Rob’s little outburst. “Rob! It’s ok. I
talked it all out with George last night.” He doesn’t look convinced. “Really,
it’s ok. She wants to move away, have a new life with Malcolm and it’s not like
I’m a kid anymore, she doesn’t need to stick around for me.” Rob clenches his
jaw and stares blankly ahead –
Why’s he getting so worked up about Gladys?
It doesn’t make sense?

I decide to get off this subject.
“Hey, I was going to ask you...I’ve been thinking about doing something
regularly, but I need a partner for it.”

“What is it?” He asks his voice
flat.

“Salsa dancing,” I say. I know
Rob loves dancing, I’m confident he’ll say yes.

“I can't commit to…anything at
the moment Coral.” He stares out into the distance again.

“Oh, ok.” I look down at my
salad.

“I don’t want to hurt you or let
you down.” He adds.

I nod silently. The rest of the
meal continues in awkward silence. I want to ask him if it’s me, if I’ve done
something wrong. But deep down inside I have a feeling this is all about
Carlos, and nothing at all to do with me.

WE WALK IN SILENCE BACK TO THE GALLERY,
and I pick up the painting for Tristan. Rob carries it back to the
car for me. As we drive out of the car park, Rob finally speak to me.

“How are you going to get all of this
home?” he asks.

“I’ll get a taxi.” I mumble.

“Want me to drop it off at your
place for you?”

I turn and smile at him. “Really,
you wouldn’t mind?”

He rolls his eyes at me. “No, I
don’t mind and I’ll drop the other presents off too.”

I frown at him. “The other
presents?”

Rob stares ahead, his face blank.
“Yeah…something’s come up, I won’t make it Saturday.” He looks sad again.

“Oh...ok.” I don’t really know
what else to say, not if he won’t talk to me.

“Tell Lily I’m sorry.” He adds. I
nod silently again.

Rob pulls up outside work. “See
you soon then?” I whisper.

“Sure…” He stares straight ahead,
still deep in thought. I lean across and peck him on the cheek. “Here for you,
always.” His eyes glisten over again –
Crap!

He turns slightly and gives me a
weak smile. “Love you.” I whisper and step out the car with the dress I
purchased for Joyce. I wave at Rob as he quickly pulls away, he half waves back
to me with a stony face, and I’m left standing on the street feeling totally
gutted, and sad – sad for my best friend. He’s going through something and I
don’t know what to do about it, but if he won’t talk to me, there’s not much I
can do about it.

I HEAD BACK TO THE OFFICE
feeling somber. What a change from this morning. I actually felt like I was
dealing with everything, and now I just feel lost. Back at my desk, I check to
see if Joyce is on the phone, the line is clear so I knock on her door.

“Come.” I plaster a fake smile
across my face and buoyantly walk in.

“Joyce, I got a lovely dress.” I
say handing it over with her card. She pulls it out of the plastic bag and
smiles. “Lovely choice Coral, Lily will look so sweet in this.” I nod in agreement.
“Thank you for doing that. With everything that’s gone on…I completely forgot
to get her something.”

“Joyce, it was my pleasure, and
like you say you have enough going on.” Joyce stands from her desk, walks
around it and hugs me, kissing me lightly on the cheek, so as not to smudge her
perfect lipstick.

“Your eyes look better.” She
softly says –
Oh yeah, forgot about that!

I feel even more melancholy now, because
I know Rob must be feeling really, really bad, because he’d have drilled it out
of me as to why I’d been crying. “I know,” I say making my lips smile. “I’ll
definitely use that trick in the future.” I add.

I go to walk out, then I remember
there was a question I wanted to ask her. I stop and turn around. Joyce is
already back in her seat; typing at full speed. “Um...Joyce.” I stare down at
the floor.

“Yes dear?” She looks up at me.

“Can I ask you something? It’s
not work related.”

“Of course you can.” She smiles.

“Well...I wanted to ask, you’ve met
Malcolm?” I question.

“Yes.”

“Do you think...um...I don’t know
how to put this?” I bite my lip.”Is he…do you think Gladys will be happy with
him, do you think he’s a good man?” I blurt.

“Yes,” she clearly states. “I
do.”

“Ok.” I go to walk out.

“Coral, you’re worried?”

I stop and turn around. “Yes.”

“Malcolm
is
a good man.
And don’t forget they’re not love struck teenagers. It’s different when you get
to our age. Most people are very sure of themselves, of who they are and what
they want. I think they’ll make each other very happy.” I feel better hearing
that and decide to really give Malcolm his chance tonight, but above all to be
happy for them both.

“Thanks Joyce I’ll get back to my
work. Can I get you anything first though?”

“No, I’m fine thank you.” I smile
back at her and skip out of her office, feeling a little lighter than before,
but when I sit back at my desk and begin going through my in-box, my mind
wanders back to Rob and that sinking feeling in my stomach reappears.
Don’t
think the worst Coral!

Then I panic. How am I supposed
to get to Worthing for Lily’s party? I was supposed to be going with Rob and
Carlos. I sigh inwardly; guess I’ll have to get a lift with Gladys.
Oh god!
I hope they’re not all mushy over each other in the car!

JUST AS I’M FINISHING
off
for the day, I get a call from Gladys.

“Darling, what time shall we pick
you up?”

“I don’t mind.” I answer.

“Shall we say seven?”

“Sure.”
Great two hours of
hanging around not doing anything!

“Lovely, we’ll see you then.”
Gladys sounds giddy with excitement.

“Ok.” I almost hang up when I
hear Gladys call me. “Coral, dress smart darling. We’re going to the Hilton.” I
raise my eyebrows in surprise.

“Oh, ok.”
Wow, dining in style
.
Funny how things change, Gladys always used to like The Katarina Harvester at
the Marina. “I’ll meet you by the Gym.” I tell her.

“Ok sweetheart, see you soon.” I
frown deeply wondering why Gladys has changed from her usual restaurant, then
shrug it off. Maybe Malcolm prefers fine dining…?

I AM STANDING OUTSIDE THE GYM,
waiting impatiently for them to collect me. Although I shouldn’t be
as I’m fifteen minutes early. I don’t understand why I feel so nervous? My foot
won’t stop tapping and I’m chewing my tips again.
Ugh! Stop it Coral! –
I
yank my finger out of my mouth and scan the road for them again, no sign. I
take a deep breath and try, for the millionth time today to clear my mind of
all things Tristan.

I have wondered far too often
about him today. His eyes, his lips, his chiseled cheekbones, his shiny dark
hair, and whether he’s thinking of me like I’m thinking of him – It’s
ridiculous!

I knew the moment I got back to
the studio I had to do something. I wasn’t going to give myself anymore spare
time to daydream about him, and I couldn’t sit in the studio waiting around,
twiddling my thumbs, so I grabbed my gym bag and spent an hour in the pool. My
shoulders feel sore for it, but the water was so cool and inviting – I didn’t
want to leave.

Reluctantly I did, and took a
long lazy shower, then dressed in my best. Actually I feel like I’m going to
work because my best consists of my dark-blue pin-stripe work trousers, and my
short-sleeved, light blue blouse – I wish I were in a dress, a really
beautiful, long, fitted, summery dress. I shake my head at myself –
Get a
grip Coral!

I take a deep breath and try to
calm my anxious mind. As I look up again, I finally see them. Malcolm is
waiting for the traffic to clear so he can turn right into the gym car park. I’m
surprised by his choice of car, I thought he would be in an executive car, you
know, a flashy Merc or a BMW, but no – he’s in a silver Toyota Land Cruiser.
Gladys is waving at me with a wide smile stretched across her face. I lift up
my hand, plaster a smile on my face, and wave back.
Why am I nervous?

Malcolm pulls up beside me, then
leaving the engine running he exits the car. I raise my eyebrows in surprise.
He’s impeccably dressed in a smart, light beige suit and a crisp white shirt,
he scrubs up good. He smiles broadly at me, with kind, gentle eyes.

I can already feel myself warming
to him and relaxing –
Maybe this won’t be so bad?

“Good evening Coral.” He smiles
deeply and leans in to kiss my cheek. I’m surprised that I don’t feel weird
about it.

“Hello Malcolm, nice ride.” I
smile, but I quickly notice he looks just as nervous as I feel. No doubt still
embarrassed about the last time we met. Malcolm opens the rear door for me. I’m
impressed, the guy has manners. I slip inside the sumptuous beige leather
seating, and lean forward to kiss Gladys.

“Hello darling.” She smiles
warmly at me.

“Hi.” I lean back in my seat and
put my seatbelt on.

Malcolm gets back in and we’re
soon heading west on the A259. No-one is talking, but surprisingly enough the
atmosphere in the car feels really calm and relaxing. I’m trying not to notice
the loving glances they keep giving each other, or the fact that Malcolm has
been holding Gladys’s hand above the centre console, squeezing it every now and
then, at least I don’t have to endure the loved up couple for too long.

Ten minutes later we are parked
at the Hilton Metropole. I instantly think of Tristan – I wonder if he’s up
there? Then I remember he said he was going back to Leeds. I wonder if that’s
where he’s permanently based? I shake my head at myself –
Forget him,
tonight’s important, concentrate Coral.

Right, concentrate, I look up at
the building, last time I was here was for Debbie’s wedding. I start getting
flashbacks, all the preparations, Debs walking down the aisle, Scott’s face
when he saw her in her dress, the meal, the after party.

“Coral?” I hadn’t even noticed
Malcolm had opened my door for me again, and is standing there with his hand
held out to me.

“Sorry Malcolm, miles away.” I
say and place my hand in his. As Gladys reaches me she wraps her arm around my
waist, squeezes me and then winks playfully at me.

“Shall we ladies?” Malcolm
gestures for us to go before him and we head inside.

I AM COMPLETELY WON OVER.
Malcolm is charming, warm, witty, sweet, and seems to think the world of
Gladys. I finally relax knowing that Joyce was right; they really do seem like
a perfect match for one another. Inside I’m gushing with happiness, I have
never seen Gladys so happy and buoyant, it’s like she’s got this fire lit
inside her. I can see it clearly, the glow and twinkle in her eyes gives it all
away. How strange it feels though, I always thought she was really happy
anyway, Gladys has always been a fun, positive person to be around but now she
just seems so, so – alive?

After an hour of drinking,
chatting and laughing we have finished our starters, which were delicious, and
the wine is going down a treat. In-fact, I think Gladys is getting a little
tipsy, she seems nervous. As the waiter clears our plates, Gladys turns to me
and squeezes my free hand.

“So darling, we have something
very important to ask you.” She says.
Uh-Oh!

My stomach flips. “Ok.” I whisper
and take a gulp of wine –
Please don’t ask me to be a bridesmaid!

“Well, it’s about the wedding.”
She says glancing at Malcolm. I try not to frown.

“We’d like to do it sooner rather
than later.” Malcolm says, seeing that Gladys is struggling a little.

“Ok.” I shrug nonchalantly.

“We’ve got a date in August,”
Malcolm adds. My eyebrows rise, I stare back at him feeling a little surprised
–
Christ that is soon!

“And we’d like to have it here,”
Gladys adds. “Debbie’s wedding was such a lovely day.” I nod in agreement.

“But the only date they have
left’ – Malcolm says – ‘Is the 8th August.” He takes another swig of wine and
looks across the table to Gladys.
My Birthday!

Gladys pipes up. “We’re only
asking darling, we don’t want to spoil your day, if you don’t want it then’ –
“Stop.” I tell her. “Let me think.” I quickly run it over in my head and
instantly relax. I wasn’t going to be asked about bridesmaids after all. I
can’t help smiling at that one. I can see Malcolm and Gladys visibly relax
before me.

Then I think about their request.
Am I really that bothered? My birthday is a Thursday this year and I wasn’t
planning on doing anything on the actual day, I was going to ask for a barbeque
the following Saturday. So what difference does it make?
Decision made!

“Ok, well first off, no I don’t
mind at all, but it’s a Thursday? Don’t you want your wedding to be on a
Saturday? Isn’t that when people traditionally get married?” They both chuckle.

“No darling, we’re not worried
about all of that. We were just going to go to the registry office and have a
little party back at the house, but then we came here for a meal a few weeks
ago, and I was telling Malcolm all about Debbie’s wonderful day here’ – “And I
insisted we book it.” Malcolm interrupts beaming at Gladys again, then taking
her hand in his, he raises it to his lips and tenderly kisses it - Gladys melts
and goes all gooey-eyed.

“Well I think it’s a fabulous
idea.” I say excitedly. Then I frown, Joyce will be gone by then, what if I
can't get the time off?

“What’s wrong darling?” I’m
surprised it’s Malcolm asking me and not Gladys.

I already feel like I’ve known
him a very long time –
Huh! Who’d have thought it, maybe I’ll get a father
figure after all.

“Joyce will have sold by then. I
just hope my new boss gives me the time off?” I say.

“Tristan…” Gladys beams, blinking
rapidly. “Of course he will darling.” She adds flippantly, as though it’s a
no-brainer. Anyone would think she’s a close and personal friend of his the way
she’s acting!

I roll my eyes at her. “Gladys,
you don’t know him, so I don’t know how you can say that?”

“I know more than you think.” She
says winking at me.
What? What does that mean?

I blink several times trying to
get my brain to work again. I really want to ask her what she knows, but if I
do, she’ll get suspicious and I can't handle her questioning – I’m not even
sure how I feel about him yet. I guess Joyce must have told her a lot about
him.
God damn it, I really want to know!

I sigh inwardly. “So, you think
he will give me the time off? I just think with the take-over, it might not be
such a good time.” I foolishly add.

“Nonsense, I’m sure it will be
fine.” Gladys soothes patting my hand. “So you really don’t mind?” She queries.

“No,” I chortle. “It will be a
lovely day.” I add feeling all warm and buzzy inside.

“Thank you Coral.” Malcolm says,
smiling warmly at me.

I shrug, it’s no big deal. “Are you
planning on having a big wedding?”

“Oh no!” They both answer. Then
smile at one another –
Ok, the lovey-dovey looks are actually starting to
gross me out a little bit!

“Just family and a few close
friends,” Malcolm clarifies.

I nod and drink some more wine.

“Now,” Gladys says in a very
business-like manner. “Bridesmaids.” My face falls and my heart sinks. They
both start sniggering.
Oh great, make fun of me why don’t you, yep lap it
up!

“We’re not having any,” Malcolm
chuckles, Gladys bursts out laughing – Oh I get it, they knew I’d be freaking
out about it, so decided to wind me up! I instantly relax then see the funny
side of it.

“Oh! Very funny you two,” I
chortle. –
Phew! Off the hook!

“Sorry darling, we just couldn’t
resist.” Gladys chuckles.

“Evidently!” I snort and shake my
head at them both.

AS WE DRINK MORE WINE
and
browse the menus for our mains, my mind keeps rushing forward to their wedding,
my birthday – I still don’t know if I can get the time off, and I like things
to be set in stone. I mean, I’m pretty sure Tristan will say yes, but I just
want to be sure. In that very moment, I feel his card glow red inside my purse.
It’s as though it’s pulsing at me to call him. In fairness I’ve been waiting
for an excuse to hear his voice since he walked out my door yesterday
afternoon. So much seems to have happened since then.

I debate for a good five minutes
about calling him, yes –no, yes-no; until I just can’t take it anymore. I pick
up my handbag and excuse myself from the table. Once I’m inside the restroom, I
get myself into a stall, lock the door, put the toilet lid down and sit. My leg
instantly starts jigging up and down – I’m so god damn nervous.

Taking a deep breath, I open my
purse and pull out his card, running my fingers over his name. I feel my
stomach flip over then start fluttering madly. The card in my hand is rapidly
shaking, giving away my nerves –
God damn it!

Trying to ignore all my body’s
reactions, I take a deep breath, fish my mobile out and punch in his mobile
number. I take another deep breath and press dial, it starts ringing. My leg
goes into full scale jigging mode, and I am biting my bottom lip in nervous
anticipation.

It only rings three times.

“Coral.” He sounds relieved. I
frown deeply, he knew it was me!

“H-hi,” I stutter a little
astonished. “You knew it was me?” I gush, all the air leaving my lungs.

“Yes.” I can tell he’s smiling.
“It’s good to hear your voice,” he adds sleepily.

“Did I wake you?” I gasp.

“No,” he chuckles. “I was
relaxing on the sofa, reading.”

“Oh!” I answer breathlessly -
Come
on Coral, you can do better than that!

“To what do I owe the pleasure?”
Tristan’s voice is husky and soft and sexy all at the same time –
Is that
even possible, or legal?

“Um...I was,” I stop for a
moment.
Where do I start, so much has happened? –
“So Gladys is getting
married,” I say. “You know my adoptive mother?” I add.