Take a Chance on Me (26 page)

Jake's face changed. He stretched out a hand and placed it on top of hers. ‘I'm so sorry, Charlie. That's dreadful. When Toby went to live with his mum, it tore me apart. I hated the fact she sent him to boarding school. I could've looked after him and been there for him. I can only guess what it's been like for you. I'm truly sorry.'

His tenderness touched her. This was a man who had a deep caring nature. From what she had seen tonight, he loved being a father. It was unfair that he'd been denied the chance to be the father he wanted to be. Life was like that. It was unfair.

Changing the subject, Charlie asked, ‘Are you going to tell me more about your book?'

‘You'll laugh when I tell you. It's about a man, passionate about cooking, who attempts to woo a woman with his recipes.'

‘You surprise me. I hadn't got you down as the romantic type.'

‘I think I told you once before, you've got me wrong. Fiona got me wrong too. She thought I'd be more adventurous than I am. She spent years trying to encourage me to get involved in more masculine pursuits. It didn't work. I don't even like football. I enjoy writing, cookery and the simplicity of nature. She got bored in the end. Simon is much more ambitious than I ever was.

‘Fiona forced me to into journalism, too. She complained that I had a degree in English and yet preferred to spend my days cooking at the local restaurant. She thought I had more talent than that and was underusing my potential. She badgered one of her clients who was in the industry and they took me on. I turned freelance and covered stories from all over the country and abroad on occasions. I became disillusioned with it all. I asked for more local assignments and began to write good news stories. The world has so many problems that sometimes it's good to read about positive stuff.

‘Writing articles for magazines and newspapers paid bills but it's not what I want to do. I only do it today because I'm not likely to be employed for my chef skills. I've not cooked commercially for years. Even now, I'd rather cook a meal for friends or work in my vegetable plot than write some article about the local council charging for emptying recycle dustbins. At least the good news stories are more interesting. The problem is that most people enjoy sensationalistic news or rubbish about so-called celebrities. But I'm afraid my heart's not in it and if it weren't for Fiona who knows where I'd be. Her and Simon are much better suited for each other. They both work incredibly hard. I wish they had more time for Toby. I fear he's going to be a carbon copy of his mother and burn out by the time he's forty. I'm going to take him on a walking holiday in Derbyshire this summer. See if I can get him to appreciate the simpler things in life. He's surrounded by wealth at home. I thought we'd do some camping and rough it. Have a go at some outdoor cooking. Maybe do some birdwatching and fishing.'

Charlie was flabbergasted. This was not the Jake she thought she knew.

‘I'm rubbish at some of the stuff that dads are expected to be good at. Going on the roller coaster was as adventurous as I'd been in a long while. That was until you cajoled me into that flaming zorb thing. Toby was astounded when I told him I'd been zorbing. He texted all his friends at school and bragged about it.'

‘You went diving. I remember you telling me about the nurse sharks.'

‘Actually, I made that up,' he said, looking bashful. ‘You looked so anxious. I thought it would help you relax. The only sharks I've seen were at the aquarium.' He paused. ‘I'm glad I went zorbing with you. I felt pretty horrible afterwards when you left me throwing up, but now I'm glad. It was an experience I shan't forget.'

The wine was making her bold. She needed clarification. ‘Is that why you sent me the poem?'

‘What poem?'

‘The one I found on my doormat in a hand-delivered envelope. It was two lines long. And went something like: “It doesn't matter what you do. I'll always be there for you.”'

Jake looked puzzled. ‘I hardly think so. I didn't send it. It's not very good, is it? It's hardly a Shakespearean sonnet. Besides, I don't even know where you live.'

‘Of course you do!' exclaimed Charlie. ‘You came to my house the morning you gave that talk at the café. My neighbour spoke to you. She thought you were a burglar until you told her you were a journalist.'

‘Charlie, I can assure you that I did not come to your house or speak to your neighbour. Honestly. I've no idea where you live.'

Charlie was not convinced. She harrumphed.

‘I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. Do you think I'm some sort of lunatic? That I'm so sad and lonely that I'd write a drippy thing like that? One minute you're accusing me of being aggressive, the next, some sad sop!'

‘Don't play the injured party here. You have got an aggressive streak. Look what you did to Rob.'

Jake sighed. ‘Charlie, you keep going on about this. What is it I'm supposed to have done to Rob that is so bad it warrants your anger?'

‘One, you hit him. Two, you stripped him naked and wrote a cruel message on his chest in my new lipstick. And three, you tied him up to a street lamp and left him almost unconscious.'

‘Hit him? Never. I don't like violence. I detest it, in fact. I've seen some horrible things as a journalist that I prefer to forget. I won't even let my son play a violent video game or watch a film with a modicum of violence in it. It's not the way to deal with things. As for stripping him and tying him up. There's no way I'd have done that. What sort of sicko do you think I am?'

Charlie was stunned. ‘So what happened between you and Rob?'

‘After you went to the toilets to clean your blouse, Rob got nasty. He insisted it was my fault that you'd gone off. I explained you'd be back, but he was so drunk I don't think he understood. I suggested we went outside because he was shouting too much. He didn't want to go and started lashing out. Another guy came to my aid and helped me walk him outside. Between us we got him into the car park. I told Rob that I thought he was an idiot for being so drunk. I suggested he sit down on the steps at the pub for a few minutes, take in some air and go back and apologise to you. I told him if I'd been on a date with you, I wouldn't have been so stupid as to blow it by getting wasted. The last I saw of Rob, he was sitting with his head in his hands, looking sorry for himself. He was fine when I left. I cannot enlighten you any further as to what happened. I assumed he would wander back in and apologise. I came home and watched television.'

‘It really wasn't you?'

‘Charlie, look at me. Do I look like the sort of man who would go ballistic and attack another? I'm more the sort to roll over in a battle. Words have always been my weapon of preference. If Rob said I attacked him, then I'm afraid he's lying.'

Jake looked directly at Charlie. He was telling the truth. From what she had seen and heard tonight, she knew in her heart, he could not have performed such a heinous act.

‘I can't prove my innocence with regards to Rob, but I can with your neighbour. Look, take me to her. She'll tell you I'm not the man she saw.'

‘If it wasn't you?' Charlie stared at the ceiling. Her head buzzed and suddenly the realisation of who it was that had attacked Rob hit her. ‘The man who helped you remove Rob from the pub. Describe him.'

‘Tall, youngish. Going a bit bald. Looked geeky. I didn't pay too much attention to him. Rob was trying to deck me at the time. The bloke grabbed Rob's arm and led him outside. I took the other arm.'

Charlie shook her head. ‘I'm so, so sorry. I've made a dreadful mistake. He set you up. It was Harrison. Harrison's back and he's behind all of this.'

‘What's going on, Charlie? Who's Harrison?'

Charlie filled Jake in. He said nothing until she had finished.

‘Is he dangerous?'

‘I don't think so. He's just weird. He was hung up on me at one point. Sounds like he still might be if he attacked Rob because he was out with me. Oh God, I hope he hasn't been following me. I'm guessing you didn't buy the onesie at the auction either,' she added

Jake gave a concerned shake of the head.

‘No, of course you didn't. You didn't see another man at the back of the room, did you?'

Jake thought for a while. ‘Now you mention it, there was a bloke. He was old though and had a moustache and grey hair. He didn't look like the same man in the pub.'

Charlie rubbed her face and sighed.

‘Jake, I can't apologise enough. I was convinced you were to blame for Rob. I feel dreadful about it. I think I should be going.'

Jake took her hand again. ‘No, don't go. I have a horrible feeling if you leave now, we'll never recapture this moment. We've reached some understanding. We've crossed that bridge finally. I've been hoping ever since I saw you at Jasmine's that I'd be able to spend some time with you. Well, more than that. I have made my feelings quite clear. I'd love to see you again. Stay here tonight. No strings. We'll just enjoy what's left of the evening and this bottle of wine. Besides, Toby went to a lot of trouble to get you here.'

She smiled. His face was earnest. Now she no longer doubted him, the attraction that had lurked inside her came to the forefront. She leaned in, drawn by his eyes. He stroked her hair from her face. She could feel his warm breath. She brushed her lips against his. It felt natural and exciting at the same time. They kissed. He was gentle and tentative in his response. Heat flooded her body.

‘I'll stay the night but I'd better take the spare room… this time,' she said.

B
reakfast at Jake's
was a cheerful affair. Jake played his kazoo loudly as he prepared scrambled eggs for everyone. Toby, delighted that his father seemed to have a new girlfriend, insisted on finding out as much as possible about Charlie. He questioned her about films she had seen, music she liked, television she watched, and books she read until she felt exhausted. Jake put an end to the inquisition by insisting Toby get ready for school.

‘I don't want your housemaster telling me off again. Even if it is almost the end of term, I'll get a black mark if I make you late for chapel.

‘I really enjoyed myself last night,' said Charlie, finishing her orange juice.

‘So did I. It was…' he hesitated, searching for an appropriate word, ‘special. Very special. Like you.'

She moved swiftly across the kitchen floor. ‘You're pretty special yourself,' she responded, moving into his arms.

‘I'll phone you, later,' said Jake after a passionate embrace.

‘I'll be waiting. I'll let you decide where we go on Saturday. It's a shame Toby can't join us. Still, his mum would be upset if he weren't at her birthday party.'

‘We'll have time over the holidays to take him out. Together,' he added.

‘Better go. Busy day. I'll talk to you later.' She needed to get back home because Bert was coming around for the day and a sleepover.

He kissed her again.

Charlie shouted goodbye to Toby who was still upstairs, kissed Jake once more and left, oblivious to the motorbike that was parked several spaces behind her car or the man in leathers who was standing by a post box.

A
t the house
, Charlie checked there was a good supply of grapes and draped her sofa and chairs in covers. Peggy assured her Bert was very good and kept mess to the area surrounding his perch but Charlie was taking no chances.

Peggy came to the back door that led directly into the kitchen, Bert on her bent forearm and Gordon behind, laden down with Bert's equipment. Gordon was short, barely an inch taller than Peggy and slim built. He looked younger than his seventy-five years. He had maintained a full head of thick silver hair and clearly had not succumbed to dyeing it in spite of earlier considerations. His face bore little trace of lines and his periwinkle blue eyes were full of life and energy. His demeanour matched Peggy's perfectly.

‘Just put the stand there, Gordon, next to the shelves by the radio. That's super.'

‘Where shall I put his food, my love?'

Peggy flushed. ‘On the top.'

Gordon did as asked then scratched Bert's head with affection. Bert made kissing noises. He put an arm around Peggy. ‘No fretting. He'll be fine here. It's bright and cheerful. Home from home. Don't worry.'

‘I'm not worried. It just feels odd. I'm not used to leaving him anywhere.'

‘He couldn't be with anyone better,' Gordon assured her and winked at Charlie.

‘Off you go, Bert. Say hello to Charlie,' said Peggy, shaking her arm gently.

Bert flew straight to Charlie's shoulder. ‘Hola' he said. ‘Good moaning. Grrr!'

Charlie chuckled. ‘Very good Bert. You'll make an excellent watchdog.'

Bert made himself at home by exploring thoroughly. First he flew about the kitchen then into the lounge, onto.the window ledge and back onto the door connecting the lounge and the kitchen. Seemingly content with his new surroundings, he whistled loudly, and then took off again for another circuit before settling back on his perch, where he marched up and down, head bobbing. Peggy explained his routine. Charlie had arranged to spend the morning and some of the afternoon with Bert, then would leave him to his own devices while she presented her radio show. He would most likely doze while she was out. She would leave the radio on quietly for him so he did not feel lonely, as well as a few toys and treats.

Peggy and Gordon left them to it. ‘Behave, Bert. Be good for Charlie,' said Peggy. Bert cocked his head to one side and whistled.

The moment they went, Bert burst into song, ‘How much is the doggie in the window,' he sang then cackled. Charlie sang with him. After a while, he was happy to watch her potter about the house and sat on his perch making a variety of noises.

Charlie caught up with some baking, gave Bert some grapes and thought a great deal about Jake. He was incredible. She squirmed in pleasure as she recalled the evening before. Toby had returned to the room and announced he was going to bed. She and Jake had sat talking for ages then the inevitable happened. They were drawn together by an invisible magnetic pull. It seemed so natural. Although she was aching with desire, she pulled back from him. ‘It doesn't seem appropriate to carry on here.'

‘No, you're right. We should go upstairs,' he said, kissing her neck and making her knees go weak.

‘I can't, Jake. Not with Toby in bed. It's not right. I'd hate him to hear us.'

Jake nudged up her neck and under her ear. Then pulled himself away. ‘I agree. I think you know how much I like you,' he laughed. ‘The evidence speaks for itself.' He continued as he adjusted his trousers.

She giggled and kissed him. ‘I feel really mean now. I'll make up for it. Promise. Tomorrow. Well, tonight now.'

‘That sounds like an invitation I won't want to pass on.'

‘It's a date. Could you come to my house?'

‘Certainly.'

‘Oh hang on. Blast! I forgot, I can't do tonight. I can definitely do Saturday. I'm free all day. I'll leave you my address so you can come around and then we'll decide how we want to spend it. Now, I'd better tear myself away before my resolve weakens and I throw myself into your arms again.'

‘I suppose so,' he replied with reluctance. ‘I'll fetch us more wine. That'll give me a chance to calm down.'

When he returned, he wrapped his arms around her and they lay on the sofa together. He asked her about Amy, and Charlie found herself speaking about her daughter without sobbing.

They laughed about the events leading up to the evening and recapped on how they had met. Jake revealed he had fancied her from the beginning, when he saw her in Archipelago restaurant, not dreaming he would see her again.

‘I couldn't believe my luck when you ran into my feet, squealing.'

‘Oh please, no! That was horrendous, I was so embarrassed. What were you doing at Jasmine's anyway? I could never work out why you were there.'

‘I was following up a piece for the
Gazette
. Jasmine was part of a troupe of dancers performing in Birmingham at the Rep. I interviewed her. That was the piece that got me the permanent job at the
Evening Gazette
. I can't tell you how glad I am that I got it. It meant I could be nearer to Toby's school and see him at weekends if he fancied time away from school. I never imagined it would lead me to you.' He stroked her face. ‘Fate, karma, call it what you will, I was obviously destined to meet you.'

Charlie felt herself falling for him. Somehow he completed her. He was sensitive, kind and honest. She would never doubt him again.

They parted company in the early hours of the morning, sleeping in separate rooms. Although Charlie did not sleep much. She wriggled about in delight for the few hours before sunrise, realising that, at last, life was looking much brighter. She hadn't even given Harrison a second thought.

Having been active all day, Bert decided it was time to nap. He sat quietly on his perch and before long Charlie noticed he had put his head under his wings. He was fast asleep. She tiptoed out of the kitchen, pulling the door to. It would soon be time for her to go to City Hospital. She could not wait to tell Mercedes about her new beau.

As she climbed the stairs to get changed for the hospital, she heard a soft knock at the door. Thinking it was Peggy coming to check on Bert she opened it fully, a smile on her face. The smile disappeared in an instant.

‘Harrison,' she gasped.