Law of Attraction (4 page)

The second agent said much the same thing, adding helpfully, “If you go along towards the park, you might see a notice in a window saying there’s accommodation to let.”

Feeling more hopeful, Kay set off again, glancing down the side streets in search of an elusive notice. Then she saw a very different notice in front of her. On a hoarding outside a brand new office block there was written in large fancy script: Harris & Partners, Solicitors. So this was where the new office would be. It was very central and a lot of the Saturday shoppers were taking an interest.

Peering in through the window, she was delighted and surprised to see Michael inside. He mustn’t catch her prying, she thought edging away. A window opened and he called to her. “Kay? What are you doing here? ” His smile was broad.

“I’m flat-hunting,” she informed him.

He smiled. “Let me know how you get on.”

A couple of turnings along there was the notice Kay was looking for. It must be fate, she decided, striding up to the front door and banging on it.

The room she was shown into was appalling; it was dirty and smelt of cabbage. She was told there was a bathroom upstairs she could share with three of the other tenants and a kettle and mini oven was provided in the room. Kay couldn’t possibly see herself living there and made her exit as quickly as possible, the smell still clinging to her nostrils.

Determined not to be put off and with the thought of Michael wanting to know how she got on, she renewed her search. After two more unsuccessful attempts, she was on the verge of giving up. She decided to sit in the park and take stock.

It was a beautiful park with children playing, and the birds were singing as if willing her to be positive.

Taking a different gate which she hoped would get her back to the High Street, Kay spotted another notice advertising accommodation. She might as well give it a go, there was nothing to lose.

“Come in and see for yourself,” invited the woman who answered her knock. Kay followed her inside. “We’ll go upstairs first and I’ll show you the bedroom that’s to let.”

The house was clean and smelt of furniture polish. Kay dared not get her hopes up too much. The room she was shown into was a large one at the back of the house. It overlooked an unkempt garden. The room itself was simply furnished with a single bed along one wall covered with a colourful patchwork quilt. The wardrobe was large and more than adequate to hold Kay’s clothes. A comfortable chair and a dressing table with a stool completed the furnishings. Everything looked so cosy Kay felt she could be very happy here. There was even a tiny wash basin tucked away in a small cupboard. The curtains were a buttercup yellow and the carpet on the floor was emblazoned with flowers.

“The bathroom’s next door and you’d be free to have as many baths as you wished,” smiled the woman. “I don’t charge extra for heating and lighting. The rent is all-inclusive; you’ll find no hungry meters here.” She laughed as she spoke. “I sleep at the front of the house, just along the landing. You’d only be sharing with me.”

They went downstairs again and into a cosy kitchen. “Do you enjoy cooking?”

Kay thought about it. “I’m not very good, Mum takes care of the household chores. I help Dad in the garden.”

“There’s a garden, too. I’m not very clever with that side of things, but it’s nice to potter in the sunshine. Come and have a look in the sitting room.”

After her tour of the comfortable house with this very pleasant woman, Kay felt there must be a catch and it would probably be the rent. “How much are you asking?” she said, crossing her fingers that she’d be in luck and able to afford it.

The amount quoted was very reasonable. “I don’t charge a lot, but I’m particular who I agree to let to. I like you and if you can see yourself living here with me, please take as long as you need to decide.”

“I’d like the room, please,” blurted out Kay, sure she’d done the right thing.

The woman nodded. “My name’s Olive,” she said holding out her hand.

“And I’m Kay, Kay Watson. I’m going to be working for the solicitors in the High Street,” she added.

“Oh, I see,” said Olive, with a guarded look.

“Harris and Partners,” added Kay, hoping to give the firm a bit of publicity.

Olive beamed. “The new ones? I thought you might have meant Twigge and Moore.”

“I work for Michael Harris at the moment and will be moving here when the new office opens.”

“I’ll have to take up references,” said Olive. “Can you give me your details and I’ll let you know when I’ve heard back.”

When Kay left Elm Close she felt like skipping along the road and singing. She knew her references would be all right and the house was so lovely. Her feet instinctively took her back to Michael’s new office where she knocked at the door. He looked out of the window and beckoned her inside.

“You look happy,” he said.
“Any luck?”

“The best. I’ve found somewhere to live.” Kay delved into her bag and brought out her packet of sandwiches. “Not quite as posh as last night, but would you like to share my lunch? Ham or cheese?”

“Mmm, these are good,” Michael said before taking another bite.

“Glad you like them. If you’ve got a knife I’ll cut the apple in half.”

“All mod cons here, you know. I’ll fetch a knife
, and boil some water.”

As they sat with their mugs of tea Kay told him all about Olive and the room. “She seems really lovely, but she would like a reference if you wouldn’t mind.”

“Of course not.”

“Lovely, thanks. I forgot to tell you Olive mentioned our rivals, Twigge and Moore, she didn’t seem too impressed with them.”

“I think they’re having a spot of bother. They
had
a good name, but are so busy I imagine it’s very hard for Mr Twigge to keep an eye on everything. They’ve expanded and taken on new staff. There have been a few rumours going round the town. Nothing for us to worry about though.”

But Kay noticed the same tenseness in his face she’d seen when they’d been talking about Charlie.

* * *

Kay enjoyed
a little longer in Michael’s company, but eventually said, “I’ve got to go or I’ll miss my bus. See you Monday.”

“As Kay left the office she was aware of someone peering down the side alley. “Charlie! You gave me a fright.”

“Kay, lovely to see you. How’s tricks?”

“Good. The move is going really well. It’s such a shame you left when you did.”

“Not really, Kay. I’m not sure I should tell you this, with you being a secretary in the firm. Are you catching the bus back? Let me walk with you and I’ll tell you something which might be to your advantage.” Charlie was looking very smart in some expensive looking new clothes.

“You’re doing all right for yourself, Charlie?”

“Oh, yes, better than all right. I work for Twigge and Moore. They’re much bigger than Harris and Son so there are a lot of opportunities for anyone with a bit of ambition. I’m doing really well there. Mr Harris was sorry when I left. Gave me an excellent reference of course. Practically begged me to reconsider. No chance.”

“I’m glad you’re doing all right, but sorry you didn’t tell us you were leaving, you should have had a bit of a do.”

“It’s all right. Mr Twigge wanted me to start with them straight away so I decided not to tell the others.”

Kay tripped on an uneven pavement and Charlie caught her arm. “Here,” he said tucking her arm through his, “I’ll make sure you don’t fall.”

Kay felt uncomfortable as she had never really taken to Charlie. She’d been aware that some of his comments at work were inappropriate and not long before he’d left she’d found Betty in tears after he’d said something suggestive to her. They’d kept it to themselves not wanting to make a fuss, but Kay had said if it happened again Betty was to tell her and they’d report Charlie to Mr Michael.

“So what was it you wanted to tell me?”

“I’m not sure I should.”

“You said you would.”

“If you’re sure you want to know. Reacher and Good have taken their business away from Harris and Son because they learned of some dubious goings on.”

“What sort of goings on?” Kay fished for information, hoping to be able to relay it to Michael.

“Now that
would
be telling. Here we are, Kay.” He patted her hand before releasing her. “If you decide you want to work for Twigge and Moore I’ll put in a good word for you. And for anyone else who wants to join me. Spread the word.” He winked at her before disappearing into the crowd of shoppers returning home.

Maybe there was something she didn’t know. Michael and his father had managed to keep the move quiet so what else were they capable of keeping from their staff? How she wished she hadn’t bumped into Charlie. She’d had such a good day finding the lovely room at Olive’s house then spending
time
with Michael. She wondered whether or not she should tell Michael about her meeting with Charlie, but from past experience knew it wouldn’t be a subject he’d want to discuss. From his reaction
whenever she’d mentioned Charlie he was obviously quite distressed that his accounts clerk had left the firm.

Chapter Four

“Are those letters ready for signing yet, Kay?” Michael asked just before lunch.

“Sorry, Michael, I haven’t finished them. I’ll work through and get them done.”

“No need for that. Actually I was hoping you’d join me in my office. I’ve got some cheese and pickle sandwiches, a scotch egg and a couple of cold sausages.”

“Quite a feast. I didn’t have time to make my sandwiches this morning so that’s perfect. I’ll fetch us some tea, shall I?”

Michael was sitting waiting, the food spread out on his desk. “Come on, tuck in.”

“I’m sorry about the letters.”

“It’s not like you. You’ve been very quiet and thoughtful this morning. I hope you aren’t having second thoughts about leaving your parents to come and work for me in Blayton.”

“No, not at all. It’s something else I feel uneasy about, but I don’t like to mention it because I think I might upset you.”

“Oh, Kay, it takes a lot to upset me.”

“But I’m pretty sure this will. I wasn’t going to say anything, but I met Charlie after I left you on Saturday. He was lurking outside your new offices and told me all about how he’d left us for his new job at Twigge and Moore. And how much you wanted to keep him.”

“That’s not true,” burst out Michael. He opened his mouth as if to say more, but seemed to change his mind.

“I expect I’m being silly,” said Kay sipping at her tea, “but has this anything at all to do with Reacher and Good?”

“You’re very intuitive, Kay. What makes you think that?”

“You have the same agonised look whenever they or Charlie are mentioned. Can’t you tell me what’s going on, Michael? I’d like to help you if I can. I am connected to the firm after all and we are friends, aren’t we?”

Michael took the cup from Kay and put it on the desk. Holding her hand he assured her they were indeed friends.

“If you don’t mind, Kay, I’d like to keep things a bit close to my chest for a little longer as I’m not sure of the facts. Dad has heard from Tom Reacher and he wants to go over things with me.”

Having attempted to eat something and finish her tea, Kay left Michael’s office and returned to her desk determined to erase everything else from her mind at least until she’d got her work up to date. She used to be efficient and she didn’t want to blot her copybook before she’d even got to be the boss’s secretary.

* * *

After dinner, Kay went up to her room to sort through her belongings. She wanted time to herself. It was going to be such an adventure to be living on her own in Blayton. Her parents had been quietly happy when she’d described Olive and her nice house to them. Of course, her mother wanted to make sure they were both as good as she said, but Kay decided that when she went to Blayton she would go on her own. However, having looked at the things she’d amassed on her bedroom floor to take with her, she knew the trunk would have to be brought down from the attic and she’d need help transferring everything.

Her thoughts wandered to the new office she’d be working in
. It was all very exciting, but she hoped she wouldn’t be running into Charlie too often.

* * *

Michael was absent from the office for the next couple of days. Kay knew he was busy with out of town clients who preferred a home visit from him. He had a nice way with him and accommodated people as much as he could whilst still remaining in charge. By Thursday he was back in the office.

Betty pounced immediately she saw him. “Tea, Mr Michael?” she asked, being a bit pushy.

He looked surprised. “I’ll wait until everyone else has theirs thanks, Betty,” he said, going through to his office.

“Only I wanted a word,” she insisted.

Kay looked up wondering what was going on.

“Come on in,” invited Michael, holding the door open for Betty.

When they emerged a good ten minutes later Betty’s face was pink and her eyes moist. Kay took over after a pleading look from Michael. “Come on, Betty, we can’t have you around the office looking sad.” She took her to the kitchen area where they could be more private. “Whatever’s upset you? You didn’t say anything to me.”

“Mum said I was to ask if I could leave at once and not wait for Mr Harris to retire. She said I could go and work in the bakery because there’s a vacancy there now. I don’t want to, but she said I had to do what I was told.”

“Why doesn’t your mum want you to stay here?” asked Kay not understanding why Betty should give up her job, particularly when she was doing so well and, given the chance, could easily progress further in an office situation.

“I told her about Mr Harris retiring and Mr Michael moving and she said where did that leave me? She said I’d be better off out of it and if that was all the thanks I got from Harris and Son I shouldn’t give them the time of day.”

Deciding not to wade through the whole story, Kay said, “You are learning new skills here, I’m sure you’d get an office job which would be better paid than the one at the bakery. Your work is highly thought of by all of us.”

Betty shot her a look and her face went the colour of the post box on the corner. “What did Mr Michael say?” Kay asked.

Betty shrugged her shoulders. “He said it was up to me what I did, but he did offer to come and see Mum.”

Kay wondered how many employers would be bothered to do that. Perhaps she could help instead of involving Michael. “I’ll have a word with Mr Michael, shall I?”

“I’m sorry, Kay. I’m being a nuisance.”

Kay was already knocking on Michael’s door. “It’s such a shame Betty’s mother wants her to work in the bakery. All she’d be doing is the cleaning, mopping floors and things like that. She’s doing so well here.”

Michael looked worried. “Sometimes it makes me regret our decision to move to Blayton when I hear the difficulties we are causing some of our loyal staff. She only has a short time left here, but I’ll go and speak to her mother and suggest she helps her find another office job.”

“I told Betty she could progress further. She’s a bright girl; she wouldn’t be a junior for ever.”

“I’m very sorry for her, but I do understand her mother’s wish to keep her in employment. I’ll have to go and see her and explain the situation. I suppose there’s no way she could move to the new office.”

“Hardly. Even with the pay rise she wouldn’t be able to afford anything except something shabby. Let
me
go and see her mother. I’ll tell her Betty will get a very good reference from you and that she has a good future ahead.”

“Would you, Kay? I don’t feel I can face Betty’s angry mother. I’m sure it will be better if you speak to her, a woman’s touch. Would you like to go now?”

“No, I’ve got a lot to do. I’ll call on her in my lunch hour.”

* * *

Kay was very happy with the way her meeting with Betty’s mother had gone. She wasn’t the ogre Betty had made out and was just trying to do the best for her daughter. Kay had even suggested that when she was settled in Blayton Betty might visit her. Permission had been granted as Betty’s mother had deemed Kay to be a sensible young woman.

After Kay had finished telling Michael about her visit to Betty’s home, he leaned back in his chair and grinned. “Quite the diplomat, aren’t you? Is there no end to your skills?”

Kay smiled back. “I’m glad I could help.”

“I’ve been busy too. I made a few calls and one of my acquaintances at the tennis club has a vacancy for a junior at his office just down the road. He will be very happy to take Betty on after she’s finished here. He’d like to interview her, of course, but I’m sure Betty will charm him.”

* * *

“Now that we’ve got Betty sorted out and her mum’s happy with her staying on here for the foreseeable future, I’ve a bit of good news for you, Kay,” smiled Michael the next day.

She raised her eyebrows and he gestured for her to sit down.

“I’ve had a telephone call from a Miss Olive Carter,” he stated.

Kay couldn’t remember a client with that name and then it came to her. “You mean my landlady? Well, hopefully she will be.”

“The very same. I gave you a glowing reference and she said she’s happy to let you have the room and you can move in as soon as you like.”

“That’s wonderful. Thank you. All I’ll need to do then is take my stuff over somehow.” Kay didn’t know how she’d be able to get all her things moved.

“I’ll help with that. My car’s not much use for transporting luggage, but Dad will lend me his. If ever I get married and have a family I’ll have to trade mine in for something more practical.”

Kay didn’t want to think about Michael as a family man, but she didn’t want to fall in love with him either. She gave herself a little shake. Whatever was she thinking? There was no way she would fall in love with her boss. “I’m sure I’ll manage.”

“It’s all right, Kay, I’d like to help you. Now about this evening.”

“This evening? What about it?”

“You promised to teach me to dance and I thought if you’re free tonight I could have my first lesson. How about going to the Orchid Ballroom in Blayton?”

* * *

Kay sighed as she surveyed the pile of discarded clothes on her bed. She didn’t have many outfits, but they were nearly all now in an untidy heap. She checked her watch. She had just fifteen minutes before Michael arrived to whisk her off.

“Can I come in, love?” Her mum walked in and sat on the edge of the bed. “I thought you might be having trouble finding something to wear. I wonder if this might do. I bought it for you as a present for when you left, but maybe you’d like it now.” She held up a bright cotton floral dress in greens and pinks. Kay fingered the ric rac trim and admired the oversize buttons on the shoulders.

“It’s lovely, Mum, thank you.” After giving her mum a tight squeeze, she hurriedly put the dress on before spinning round and enjoying the feel of the fullness of the tiered and ruffled skirt.

She flung open the wardrobe to look at her reflection in the mirror on the inside of the door. A slim young woman with flowing wavy chestnut hair, milk chocolate brown eyes and a pretty smile stared back at her. She fingered the material of the dress and pulled it down over her hips a little bit. Her smile broadened as she turned to her mother. “What do you think?”

“It fits perfectly. Slip your shoes on and show your dad.”

Kay felt like a princess and couldn’t wait for Michael to arrive. As soon as she heard his tap on the front door she rushed to open it. She gasped as she took in his appearance. He didn’t look as formal as he did in the office, but he was dressed impeccably in a light tan suit with a conker coloured shirt which complemented his looks amazingly. Kay felt a rush of happiness as she contemplated an evening ahead with Michael. Then she looked down at his feet.

“You’re not wearing those, are you?”

They both stood looking at the suede shoes on Michael’s feet. “What’s wrong with them?”

Kay was stuck as to how she could point out tactfully that they were totally unsuited to ballroom dancing. George had always worn highly polished smart black shoes. But this wasn’t George, this was Michael. She smiled. “Nothing,” she said, “absolutely nothing. They’re very fashionable.”

“You look gorgeous, Kay,” Michael said as he looked her up and down.

She felt like bouncing down the path to the car, but walked sedately knowing that it wouldn’t be long before she and Michael were dancing to the sound of the big bands. She realised she was quite happily going to the ballroom without George, something she never thought she’d bring herself to do. Perhaps, at last, she was getting over him. Glancing at the man beside her she could see he didn’t have the looks of a film star, but to her he was incredibly attractive: the way his eyes crinkled when he smiled and the quirk of his eyebrows when something puzzled him. No, she told herself, don’t be silly, there is no way Michael would be attracted to her, in spite of his kind words and those brief moments of intimacy. He was simply being kind taking her out to introduce her to the night life of Blayton, but he was from a different background with a completely different past and he would never see her as anything other than a friend. Yes, she should be satisfied that they were friends and accept that was all they’d ever be.

* * *

“Two left feet? You’re a much better dancer than you said,” Kay said as they twirled around the floor.

“It must be because I have such a good partner. You make it so easy. Ready for the next one?” he asked when the music stopped.

“Goodness, I suppose it’s the tennis that keeps you fit. I have to say I’m a bit out of puff as I haven’t been doing much recently.”

“Would you like to sit the next one out?”

“No, I want to dance all night long. Ready?”

With the light reflecting from the glitter ball and the music pounding across the hall Kay felt as though she was in heaven. She really felt alive when she was dancing, and being with Michael seemed to heighten all her senses. At the end of the next foxtrot they collapsed in each other’s arms laughing.

“May I have the next dance please, Kay?”

Kay couldn’t believe that George was standing next to her gripping her elbow.