Two-Hundred Steps Home Volume Six Read online

  “You didn’t tell me what venue you managed to book for the wedding.”

  “Wilderhope Manor, in Shropshire. It’s not too far from Mum and Dad, and the building looks amazing. We’re having to accept a sub from Jeff’s parents, as it isn’t dirt cheap, but even they must approve of the building, if not the bunk beds. Have you been?”

  “No. Milton Keynes was the furthest south I managed to get to, and look how well that turned out.”

  Kim pouted. “Oh, I was hoping you might be able to have a word with the manager, make sure everything is perfect.”

  Claire’s laughter rang loud in Kim’s kitchen. “Kim, none of the YHA managers in the hostels I’ve visited even know I’m doing the assignment. The more places I stay, the more I know Carl is making the whole thing up. I haven’t had anything to do with Coca Cola either.”

  Kim’s expression made Claire snort with laughter again.

  “What are you laughing at?”

  “You. You look so shocked.”

  Kim shook her head. “Well, I am. I can’t imagine a boss lying to me on that kind of scale.” She gave her friend an accusing stare. “I can’t believe you’re okay with it, either. It’s not like you.”

  Claire took a sip of coffee, then put her mug back on the table, while words churned through her mind. “I’m not okay with it.” She looked up at Kim. “I’m spitting mad, if you want to know the truth.”

  Kim’s face became serious. “Then why do you put up with it? I hate to see you being taken advantage of.”

  “Being taken for a fool, you mean? No, don’t apologise: you’re right. It must look like that from the outside.”

  “But..?”

  “But, I don’t think I’m doing this assignment for Carl anymore.” Claire sat back in the chair and laced her fingers, careful not to pull at her sprained wrist. “Can I tell you a secret?”

  Kim nodded, sitting forward to give Claire her full focus.

  “I had no intention of sticking it out. I was going to travel for a couple of weeks and then use my holiday and the salary they’re still paying me to jet off to Maldives. I’m not sure what I planned to do then, I never thought that far ahead. Send Carl a rude email, probably.”

  “What stopped you?”

  Claire sighed again, and ran her fingers through her hair. A scent of daffodils wafted in through the open window and somewhere a blackbird was singing.

  “Josh, I guess. To begin with. He made travelling fun. Then it all went wrong, and I got mugged. I wanted to leave at that point.”

  “I’ll bet!”

  “But, somehow, there was always something stopping me. I had to look after Sky, and now, with Ruth sick…” She stopped, but Kim’s face showed her understanding. Claire couldn’t leave the country not knowing whether Sky might need her again.

  “What will you do, then? Will you finish the assignment?”

  Claire gazed out the window at the clouds scudding past, foretelling the arrival of another rain shower.

  “I don’t know, Kim, I really don’t. I’m only on hostel number thirty or thirty-one. That leaves so many still to do. Plus the stupid activities Julia keep sending me. Did I tell you, she emailed me to suggest I learn to windsurf? She has no idea. Stuff like that isn’t for an idle afternoon. It takes time and commitment. It’s all very well trying to make the blog interesting – not to mention humiliate me – but it does hurt.” She looked at her wrist as if the pain was entirely Julia’s fault.

  “Maybe you could sell your story to a newspaper, have them sponsor your blog. It’s a great adventure. I can’t be the only one loving it.”

  Claire was going to dismiss the idea as foolish, but something stopped her. That’s actually not entirely crazy. What if I approach the YHA myself? Or a paper could work. Get a travel column. Claire looked over at her friend and wondered when she suddenly had all the answers.

  ***

  FIVE

  “Will you have a hen night, do you think?”

  Claire looked over at Kim with one eye-brow raised, a forkful of pasta halfway to her mouth.

  Kim shook her head, her mouth full of Carbonara. When she could speak, she said, “No, what’s the point? You’re the only real friend I have. If I go out with the theatre crew they’ll expect me to get wrecked, and I can’t exactly tell them why it’s orange juice all the way.”

  “You haven’t told them you’re pregnant?” Claire’s voice rose in surprise.

  Kim shook her head again, more emphatically. “Lord, no. Remember what I said, about the Director being less than impressed? He’s already made some smart comments about me laying off the cakes. If I tell him I’m pregnant he’ll give the role to the understudy.”

  Kim’s face twisted, as if her pasta was suddenly soaked in lemon juice. “Silly, jumped-up cow, she’d just love that.”

  The girls laughed, but Claire felt heat rising from her stomach. “I think it’s outrageous. If Carl tried to sack me because I fell pregnant, I could take him to court.”

  “So, it’s okay to try and force you to resign by making your life miserable, but sacking you unfairly would be illegal?”

  Claire gave a wry smile. “Trying to make me resign is illegal too. It’s called Constructive Dismissal.” At Kim’s searching look, Claire nodded. “Yes, I spoke to an employment lawyer. I wanted to know where I stood. I do have a case against him, but it comes at a cost.”

  Kim tipped her head to one side in mute question, her mouth too full to talk.

  “You get a reputation, if you rock the boat like that. And it’s an incestuous industry. Oh, no one would ever say anything, but it might make it harder to get another job, if word got out.”

  “Really? Now, that’s outrageous.”

  Both girls chewed their food and sat considering the difficulties of their separate careers.

  “Makes you think our grannies had it right, when they stayed home to raise the kids.” Kim’s face was thoughtful, and Claire wasn’t sure if she was serious or not.

  She has to be joking. Spending all day with nothing but a couple of ungrateful brats for company and no money to call my own? Reliant on a man to feed and clothe us all. No, thank you.

  “What will you do, once you’re on maternity leave? I’m guessing you don’t get maternity pay?”

  “I’m self-employed, so I get statutory. Which actually works out not far off the pittance I’m being paid currently. It will be tough, though. I wonder if I could make some money as a live model?” She struck a pose, and they both giggled. “Or maybe the baby will be cute, and I’ll get her registered with a model agency.”

  “Her?” Somehow giving the baby a gender made it all too real.

  “Hopefully. I have this strange feeling it’s a girl. We find out in a couple of weeks. I can’t wait.” Her face lit with excitement, and Claire had a strange sensation that her friend was slipping away from her.

  We’ve lived completely separate lives; different schools, different careers. This isn’t going to change our friendship. It’s just another alternative life choice, that’s all. She’ll still be Kim, even when she’s a mother.

  The words rang clear in Claire’s mind, but there was something about the look on her friend’s face that gave rise to doubt. Motherhood was such a definite thing. A school could be changed, a career-path altered. But, once you became a mother, that was something you were forever.

  A shiver ran down Claire’s neck, and she put her fork down on her plate, no longer hungry.

  ***

  SIX

  Claire looked at her friend and swallowed the hard lump in her throat. Don’t cry, that’s too much of a cliché. She reached into her bag for her phone to take a photograph, blinking hard.

  “You’re not going to put a picture on the blog, are you?” Kim’s voice was low with concern.

  Claire shook her head. “Don’t be silly, of course not. I might post pictures from the day, if that’s okay? But more of the venue than you and Jeff. It’ll be a great advert for the YHA.”

  Kim twirled in her floaty frock and beamed. “You can fill the entire blog with pictures once Jeff has seen it. I want it to be a surprise, that’s all.” She smoothed the bodice over her bump. “I hope this doesn’t get any bigger in a fortnight.”

  “I’m sure you’ll be fine. Are you going to buy it then?” Claire looked round the charity shop, sure everyone must be watching Kim’s performance. They had the room to themselves, however. I guess closing time on a Saturday isn’t their busy period.

  “I can’t believe you managed to find the perfect dress in a charity shop. You’re so jammy.”

  “Research, my dear. People on my salary learn to be frugal. I get most of my clothes from these shops. If you visit the right town then other people’s cast-offs are as good as new. Good labels, too. My coat is Boden and those jeans are from Marks & Spencer. Besides, you don’t get an item of clothing that’s less worn than a wedding dress.”

  She gave one last twirl then reached round to try and free herself from the dress. “Can you unhook me, I think I’m going to pull a muscle if I try.”

  Claire walked over and helped Kim take off the ivory dress. It was beautiful. I can’t imagine being that lucky, to find the perfect dress in a charity shop. Never mind one that doesn’t even need altering. She sighed. Kim gets all the luck. Fun job, gorgeous fiancé, understanding mother and now the perfect budget wedding.

  “What are you going to wear?” Kim’s voice shook Claire from her reverie.

  “You want me to get something from here?” Claire didn’t quite manage to keep the horror from her voice. Realising how rude that was, her eyes raised to Kim’s, concerned that she might have offended her friend.

  Kim was smiling, but there was a faint line between her brows. “Of cou
rse not. If you can afford to buy something that costs more than I earn in a month, then that’s your prerogative.”

  Claire bristled at the sarcasm laced through her friend’s words. It was unlike Kim to care about the difference in their salaries. It had been that way for so long, it was more a joke between them than a cause for bitterness.

  I’ve never flouted my money. Have I? Sudden concern that she had been insensitive hit Claire, and she felt tears prick at her eyes. Bugger. Have I? Have I made her feel bad for earning less than I do? Her job is just as hard, it’s not my fault it isn’t as well paid.

  With a glance around the charity shop, and another back at her friend, Claire made a decision.

  “If it’s good enough for the bride, it’s good enough for her maid of honour. Show me the frocks!”

  Kim shimmied out of the wedding dress and pulled her jeans back on. Carefully arranging the dress back on its hanger, she laid it over the counter and then took Claire’s hand, leading her to the rail of gowns sparkling at the back of the shop.

  ***

  SEVEN

  “Where are we going?”

  Kim looked over at Claire, who had her eyes on the road. “You could at least let me drive. The doctor told you to rest your wrist for 48 hours. I can drive, you know. Just because we can't afford a second car.”

  Claire bit back a sigh. When did Kim start worrying so much about money? I'm driving a Skoda, not a jag. She kept the words unspoken. Who knew what hormone-induced turmoil was churning in her friend's mind. Maybe all the stuff with the wedding and the baby has made her realise that money is important. I doubt Jeff earns a fortune working for a charity and I know the acting doesn't pay. Well, at least there's one thing I can do without hurting her sensitivities.

  “So, where are we going?”

  “You'll find out when we get there.”

  “You sound like my mother.”

  Claire laughed. “You sound like Sky.”

  Kim tilted her head to one side and said in a sing-song voice, “Are we there yet?”

  Claire turned the car into a side street and killed the engine.

  “Yes.”

  Kim looked around the residential street, perplexed.

  “And where are we, exactly? I thought you said this was exciting.” She pouted. “I don't call visiting someone at 10am on a Sunday morning exciting. I could be reading the paper over coffee and croissants. Or toast at least.”

  “Well, seeing as you've given me no notice of your impending nuptials, time is of the essence. Sharon was free to see us. Remember it's early on a Sunday for her too.”

  “But who is she?”

  Someone I used to work with. Well, she headed up Compliance, but we got on well.”

  “I don't need a Pre-nup you know.” Kim went pale. “Jeff would kill me. Besides, neither of us owns anything. If I ever make my fortune on the big screen I'll be happy to share.”

  “She's not in Compliance anymore, silly,” Claire said, as she led the way along a path of nodding daffodils to ring the bell.

  “Well, what does she do?”

  “You'll see.”

  “You're being horribly cryptic.”

  “I know.” Claire giggled. “I'm getting my own back for your little bombshell.”

  “You fiend. I didn't mean to keep it from you.”

  “Well, you're about to be put out of your misery.”

  Footsteps could be heard approaching the door, which was opened by a fresh-faced woman with short dark hair. She was wearing an apron.

  “Claire! Lovely to see you, you look marvellous. I've been following the blog, travelling suits you. And this must be the bride. Come in. Only two weeks to the big day? You must be excited. I do love a whirlwind romance.”

  Kim raised her eyebrows at Claire, before following the chatty woman down a corridor. “Actually, I've been engaged for ages. Call it a shot-gun wedding.”

  “Oh.” The lady turned to face her, eyebrows raised, and her eyes twinkled. “Do you need a christening cake too?”

  “Cake?”

  “I assume that's why you're here. I don't do flowers.” She laughed at her own joke, while Kim scowled at Claire.

  “What?” Her voice was a whip.

  “You said yesterday you were going to buy a cake from Tesco.”

  “What’s wrong with that?” Kim hissed at her friend. “They do three-tier iced cakes for thirty quid. I can't afford anything else.”

  “You don't have to, this is my gift. Look, come and see Sharon’s scrap book. If you don't like anything, you can have your supermarket cake. And I'm sure it will be lovely,” she added hurriedly, seeing Kim’s expression. “I'm not saying Sharon’s cakes are better, only more personal. I thought you could have something incorporating the theatre and birds, you know, unique to you and Jeff.”

  Sharon, who had discreetly left the girls to their muted discussion, now came back in with a tray, laden with coffee, tea and pastries.

  “At least have your Sunday brunch.” Claire smiled and Kim shrugged in defeat.

  All through coffee she maintained a polite flow of conversation but Claire could tell she was itching to open the scrapbooks on the table. At last, Sharon passed them over, and Kim grabbed at them like a child reaching for a Christmas gift.

  Sharon caught Claire's gaze and winked.

  ***

  EIGHT

  “Oh, Kim, it looks gorgeous.”

  Claire flicked through the pictures on her iPad, as the two girls pored over details of Wilderhope Manor. Jealousy twisted in her chest as she took in the traditional beams, the four-poster bed, the wooden floorboards and immaculate bathrooms of the refurbished hostel.

  “I can’t believe this fell into your lap at short notice. Just goes to show, one person’s heartache is another person’s lucky break.”

  Kim beamed. Then her face fell. “I hope it isn’t a bad omen, that the groom got cold feet and ran off overseas. It feels wrong, somehow. What if some of their guests turn up to our wedding by mistake?”

  Claire giggled, “That could be quite funny. It would be ages before they figured it out – you don’t see the bride and groom for hours at a wedding.”

  “Don’t! I’d be mortified. I don’t know that I would recognise all of Jeff’s friends without their rugby kit on. What if I welcome them in, only to discover we didn’t invite them?”

  Realising that Kim was serious, Claire stopped laughing and turned to face her friend. “Kim, you just need to put a big sign out front, declaring it to be the wedding of Kim and Jeff. Two signs, three if it makes you feel better. Send out special passes with your invites, that people have to present on arrival. Don’t worry! It’ll be fine.”

  Kim ran her hands through her two-tone hair and tried to smile. “I’m sorry. There are so many details to think about and mostly I just want to sleep. I’m growing bones inside here, you know.” She stroked her belly, and her face changed imperceptibly. Claire felt a chill, as her friend disappeared into a world containing only her and the baby growing inside her.

  “Did you know the baby can already hear? Isn’t that amazing?” Kim looked up, eyes alight with joy.

  Claire wasn’t sure how she felt about it. I guess it is incredible, to think there’s a little person growing in there. She hadn’t really talked about the pregnancy with Kim during her stay. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to, it was just hard to find anything to say. The wedding was a neutral ground they could both have opinions on.

  I might never get married, but what little girl hasn’t scribbled a design of her wedding dress in a school book, or draped a net curtain over her head. One of Sky’s apps came to mind. Of course, these days, little girls can create it in colour animation with a few taps of a screen. It’s a different world. By the time Sky gets married, they’ll be able to 3D-print her dress to her exact specification.

  “What else can I do to help with the wedding preparations?” Ouch. That wasn’t the most subtle change of subject. If Kim noticed, she didn’t comment. She sat forward and reached for her camomile tea.