Chapter Seven
June 2015
Mallory was really enjoying working at the pub. She had made several new friends and had mastered the art of pint pulling in the two weeks since she had begun perfecting the skill. Greg had been great and they had laughed a lot during their shifts together. The chalkboard had made an appearance when Greg had played his second gig, which had been surprisingly busy.
It was a week until her birthday, but she hadn’t heard anything from Josie about when her and Brad were coming up, which was more than a little disappointing. But knowing her friends of old she felt sure they would be in touch soon to make the necessary arrangements; after all they knew how important it was to her for them to be with her on her first birthday since Sam’s death.
She stood behind the bar on the night of Greg’s third gig and he was, as always, dressed for the occasion. Tonight, he wore a white linen shirt and he had married it with khaki combats. Very smart, Mallory smiled. Although, why he felt he had to look different on the other side of the bar befuddled her.
‘You look terrified,’ she commented as he stood drinking a glass of cola. ‘What’s up?’
‘Ah, nothing. I always get like this before I go on. Goodness knows why. I’m a grown man.’
‘Age has nothing to do with it. We all get nervous, Greg. You’ll be fine.’
He checked the clock and so did she. Eight, time to go on and the bar had filled up nicely. People enjoyed coming to hear him sing and Mallory enjoyed it too.
He took his position at the mic and lifted his guitar onto his lap. ‘Evening all, anyone would think something was going on with all of yous turning up tonight,’ he joked. ‘As always, I’ll steer clear of my own stuff but be warned, one of these days I’m going to sneak one in when you’re not looking.’ A low mumble of laughter ran around the pub. ‘Don’t forget, no singing along, it puts me off and yous lot can’t sing anyway.’ The usual jovial boos and light-hearted heckles came.
‘Right, this first song is a wee bit obscure, but I love it, so tough if you don’t.’ He smiled. ‘It’s by a band called Nirvana who take me back to my younger days. I’d like to dedicate this to someone who I think I can now class as a good mate. Mallory, this is for you. It’s called “About a Girl”.’
He began to strum his guitar and his eyes closed as they always did when he first started to play. Mallory was touched by his gesture and when he opened his eyes and looked her way she smiled her approval as she bobbed around to the music. He nodded and winked at her with a cheeky grin. The song felt quite appropriate too given their long chats about their lost loves.
Greg’s set was very well received and he even had a swarm of young women around him by the end of the night. They had been in last time, but hadn’t dared approach him. This time they had obviously acquired a little Dutch courage. They giggled and played with their hair as they chatted to him and he seemed a little embarrassed but also appeared to be enjoying the attention.
Mallory chuckled at how the girls flirted and batted their eyes. ‘Get you with your groupies,’ she joked when he came over to the bar, finally rid of the mini harem.
‘Aye, they cannae resist.’ He blushed. ‘What did you think tonight, matey?’ he asked. She smiled at the new term of endearment she seemed to have been allocated.
She scrunched her face. ‘I thought it was a bit rubbish really.’ She carried on emptying the dishwasher under the bar. He looked hurt. ‘God, for someone who doesn’t get offended easily, you get offended… easily!’ She threw a bar towel at him. ‘You were fab as always, you numpty.’
Greg frowned. ‘Great choice of words. Remind me to get you to critique my first album, eh?’ He threw the towel back at her.
‘I especially liked the Nirvana track you opened with.’
‘Aye well, that’ll be before your time, eh? You being such a kid,’ he teased.
‘Oy! I remember Nirvana very well thank you.’ Mallory went through to the back to get her coat.
‘Are you finished up here? I’ll walk you home if you like?’
‘Why? Scared some of your groupies will be waiting outside?’ Her turn to tease him now.
‘Funny.’ He made a face at her. ‘Actually, I could murder a coffee and I’ve none left at home.’ He grinned.
‘Cheeky sod.’ She laughed.
They walked back to Mallory’s and were greeted by a very giddy little black dog who sniffed at Greg and followed him around, scenting her new canine friend. Mallory went to put the kettle on.
‘Your answering machine light is flashing,’ Greg hollered into the kitchen.
‘Oh right, thanks.’ She made the coffee and carried it through to the lounge, placing it on the tree stump table.
She hit ‘play’ on the answering machine. ‘Oh hi, Mally. It’s Josie… look I’m really sorry, but we can’t make it up for your birthday. Brad has a lot on with his latest job and we just won’t get the time to come up. I’m sure you understand, babe. I’ll ring you later. Love you! Bye, bye.’
Devastated, Mallory slumped onto the sofa. Josie and Brad hadn’t been up since the funeral and she missed them like mad. How could they miss her birthday? They promised they’d be here.
Greg came and sat beside her and rested an arm loosely around her shoulder.
‘Hey, don’t worry. We’ll still have a laugh. I’ll keep you entertained.’
She tried to smile but was so disappointed she was on the verge of tears.
He nudged her. ‘Look, we’ll have drinks at the pub and then take a bucket barbie onto the beach and I’ll cook a steak, eh?’ He was being very kind, but it just wasn’t going to be the same.
She nodded. ‘Yes, thanks, Greg, I appreciate it.’
‘My pleasure, you’re only thirty once, eh? I’ll expect the same, mind you, for my fortieth.’
*
Saturday, June thirteenth came around very quickly. And as Stella had insisted she take the day off work for her birthday, Mallory had a lazy day. She had received cards through the post from friends in Yorkshire including Josie and Brad, from her ‘family’ in Canada and from some of her local friends. She had felt a little depressed and had got the photo album out of her last birthday when Sam had taken her to Edinburgh as a surprise.
They had stayed in the four-poster suite in the stunning Dunstane House Hotel just minutes away from the shops at Princes Street. They’d had the most wonderful time. They visited the Dungeon and had a silly photo taken of Mallory pretending to chop off Sam’s head. The museums were fascinating and the architecture superb. They’d shopped in Jenner’s department store and Sam had bought her the most beautiful dress to wear for dinner on her birthday. It was a deep purple fabric with a chiffon overlay. The bodice fitted her perfectly and made the most of her curves. Sam had been undressing her with his eyes, desperate to get her out of it the whole evening. She loved it. She sighed as she remembered…
*
June 2014
‘My God, you’re just so sexy in that dress, Miss Yorkshire.’ Sam kissed her hand as they sat side by side in the cab on the way back to the hotel.
‘Why thank you, Mr Canada,’ she giggled. She loved the way he looked at her.
He leaned towards her. ‘I’ve been imagining you naked all night,’ he whispered.
Mallory checked to make sure the driver couldn’t hear their conversation. ‘I’ve been imagining you getting me naked all night too,’ she whispered back.
They arrived back at the hotel and, having no patience to wait for the elevator, they almost ran up the stairs to their suite.
Once inside the door, Sam grabbed Mallory by the waist and removed the clip which pulled some of her hair back from her face. He devoured her mouth with his own and explored with his tongue. He set her body on fire with his passionate kisses and she grabbed at his hair pressing her tongue into his mouth.
He stopped kissing her and turned her around to slide the zipper down to where it finished just above her bottom. She had dressed in the bathroom and so he had no idea what lay beneath the jewel-coloured fabric. He slid the dress down over her hips and gasped when he saw the basque and stockings. He turned her round and gently caressed the flesh at the top of her breasts where the basque had pushed them up into creamy white mounds. Then he kissed where he had just touched.
She loosened his tie and unfastened his shirt, sliding it off at the same time as his jacket. They gazed longingly at each other and were unable to wait any longer. Sam kicked off his shoes, tugged off his socks and unfastened his trousers, sliding them off quickly. She loved the heat in his eyes as they tumbled on to the four-poster bed, and within seconds he was making love to her.
*
June 2015
Mallory was snapped back to the present by a knock on the door. She answered to a rather giddy-looking Greg who stood holding a bunch of helium balloons with ‘Thirty Today!’ emblazoned on them. She giggled when he began to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ purposefully out of tune and far too loudly.
She grabbed the front of his jacket and yanked him into the house. ‘Come in, you nutter.’ She felt she ought to save the poor neighbours’ ears.
He had a little gift bag which he handed over when she had shut the door. She opened the bag to find a wrapped parcel inside.
‘Oh, I get it, it gets smaller the more layers I take off it, eh?’ she teased.
‘Na. That’s it. Last layer,’ he assured her.
She ripped off the paper and took out the box. It was a set of new craft pens. ‘Oh, Greg, that’s lovely. Thanks ever so much.’
His cheeks flushed. ‘There’s something else in there too.’ He pointed at the bag so she delved back inside.
She took out a little black velvet box. ‘Oh.’ Her voice was almost a whisper as she held on to the box. Her eyes darted nervously between it and Greg who had a small smile curving at the corners of his mouth. She opened it and gasped. Inside was a silver chain with a silver pendant hanging from it.
‘It’s a Celtic knot,’ Greg informed her. ‘It’s the symbol for friendship.’ He smiled.
Her eyes welled up with tears. ‘Oh, Greg, it’s beautiful.’ She threw her arms around him and hugged him. A sudden unwelcomed heat surged through her body at the contact and she gulped, pulling away and stepping back immediately.
Greg ran his hand through his hair, his eyes looking anywhere but hers.
Ignoring what had happened, she held out the necklace. ‘Here put it on me.’
He pulled her hair around to one side and placed the chain around her neck. He fastened the clasp and then let her hair fall back over her shoulders. She turned to face him.
‘Gorgeous.’ He smiled.
She walked over to the little porthole mirror near the front door. ‘Oh, I love it, Greg. Thank you so much.’
‘Well, I figured you’re the closest thing I have to a best friend around here, so…’
‘Well, I’m honoured to be your friend. It’s such a thoughtful gift. They both are.’
Greg cleared his throat and ran his hand through his hair again. ‘Anyway, it’s all arranged, I’ll pick you up at half seven. We’ll go over for a couple of drinks and then we’ll go down to the beach for that steak, okay?’
‘Wow, you have it all organised.’ She appreciated how kind he was being and how much of an effort he was making to ensure her thirtieth birthday went with a bang and not a fizzle.
‘Aye, I have. Make sure you wear something very smart; the beach is an exclusive place to dine, you know.’ He put on his best ‘posh’ accent and winked. ‘And it’s quite warm out,’ he added. He opened the front door and turned to her. ‘I know it’s not the same as you’d wanted, but I hope you still enjoy your birthday celebrations, Mallory.’ He smiled.
‘Oh, I’m sure I will. So far so good.’ She gestured to her necklace and he walked away towards the bridge without a backwards glance.
She ran herself a bath and added some relaxing essential oils, poured a glass of her favourite red wine, and climbed in. The warm water was soothing and she began to relax whilst the heady aroma of jasmine filled her senses. She couldn’t help still feeling a little disappointed with her so-called friends. This was a milestone birthday. Plus, it was her first birthday since Sam had passed; he always made such a fuss of her.
Tears stung the back of her eyes but she fought them. No, you’re not going to do this Mallory Westerman! she chastised herself. This is your birthday and you will bloody well smile and enjoy yourself.
Once the water had gone cold, and she resembled a shrivelled-up prune, she climbed out of the bath and wrapped herself in a huge, soft bath sheet. She surveyed her miniscule wardrobe of clothes that had now been promoted from the suitcase under the bed. She found a long floaty skirt in shades of turquoise and black and slipped it on, feeling unsure as to whether she would end up freezing at the beach. Oh sod it; I’ll take a blanket just in case, she decided. She accompanied the skirt with a pale turquoise fitted T-shirt and slid on her favourite flat, jewelled flip flops and her short denim jacket.
Greg called, as promised, right on time at half seven.
She opened the door and did a twirl. ‘Will I do for the posh dining experience?’ she asked with a smirk.
‘You look… great.’ Greg seemed a little taken aback, but Mallory presumed she had misread his response. ‘Come on; let’s go get a birthday drink.’ He held out his elbow to her and she linked her arm around his.
They wandered over to the pub and as they got to the door Greg opened it and gestured for her to go inside before him.
‘Why thank you, such a gentleman,’ she kidded as she walked through the door.
‘SURPRISE!’ the pub full of people all shouted in unison.
Mallory stood there frozen, open-mouthed, as she was bombarded by party poppers, camera flashes and cheers all at once. She turned to Greg who was leaning against the door with his arms folded and a smile playing on his lips. He looked quite pleased with himself for his part in the deception.
She gasped and pointed to him, narrowing her eyes. ‘You knew?’
He held up his thumb and finger. ‘Little bit,’ he chuckled as he gestured.
All at once Mallory was surrounded by people hugging her. As she spotted Josie and Brad she burst into a flood of happy tears. Brad lifted her and spun her around and Josie was crying too.
Mallory sobbed, ‘But… but you rang! You weren’t coming!’
Josie hugged her friend tightly. ‘You daft cow. Do you think I’d miss this? Not a chance. We were always going to be here, but we were the first people Greg rang when he decided to plan this thing.’
Mallory froze. ‘Greg did all this?’ She covered her mouth with her hand in total shock.
‘He sure did. Look who else is here.’ Josie stepped aside and Mallory was swept into a group hug by Renee, Ryan and Cara. Cara was holding a cute little blonde baby boy.
‘Dylan?’ she cried. ‘Oh, he’s gorgeous Cara.’ She dabbed her eyes with a hanky someone had handed her. ‘It’s so good to see you all.’
Mallory was hugged from all sides by neighbours and friends. Colin and Christine from the shop, Ron, Aileen, Stella, and a group of friends she had made since working in the pub – they were all there. The only one missing was Sam.
Mallory heard Greg’s familiar voice over the pubs PA system. ‘Evening party people!’ he shouted as if he was some famous radio DJ hosting ‘Party in The Park’ or something similar. It made Mallory giggle. ‘Well, we’re all here tonight to celebrate the fact that Mallory is and I quote “getting old”.’
Everyone laughed and turned to look at her. She felt her cheeks heat and decided she’d get him for that.
Greg continued, ‘I reckon the first number tonight requires a bit of audience participation. Which as you may know is not something I usually encourage. You all know the words and this time you can sing along!’
The crowd cheered and everyone broke into a loud rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ and then the pub erupted into applause and whistles. Mallory’s face could have split in two with the grin.
When the ruckus had died down, Greg smiled over at her. She mouthed the words ‘Thank you’ at him. And with a nod he mouthed back, ‘You’re welcome.’
‘Right, that’s enough of you lot singing! It’s my turn now and you know what I always say?’
Everyone shouted in unison, ‘DON’T BLOODY SING ALONG!’
Mallory threw her head back with laughter.
‘Aye, that’s right and don’t you forget it.’ He put his plectrum in his mouth whilst he adjusted the guitar on his lap. He took hold of the plectrum and spoke again, ‘Okay, now as we know, Mallory is the big three oh today.’ Someone whooped. ‘Aye and so this night is dedicated to her. I’ll play loads of her favourite songs, that’s if her friends have told me the right ones and I’m not going to get into trouble later.’ A rumble of laughter rolled around the pub. ‘This first one is a song I dedicated to my good friend once before.’ He played the opening bars of ‘About a Girl’. He sang the song so well and with such feeling and Mallory realised she was grateful for Greg’s friendship and how he had helped her to settle in to her new life.
Throughout the night, the audience was delighted with some fantastic music. Greg had clearly been speaking to Josie as she had pretty much given him a soundtrack to their history:
‘This next one is by a band who you may have heard of. Foo Fighters.’ The audience cheered. ‘You’ve never heard of them?’ he joked. ‘Oh well, at least that means no singing! This is a little song they did a few years back, it’s called “Learn to fly”.’
‘Apparently, I’m told this next one will take Mallory back to her shoe-gazing days. It’s called, “Wonderwall” by Oasis…’
‘A little insight into Mallory’s teenage years next. I’m told this one reminds her of her first love. A long-haired lout from the next village to hers. It’s called “Runaway Train” and it was done by a bunch of long-haired louts called Soul Asylum.’
‘Now everyone will probably remember this next song being done by a band called the Commodores, but I have to say my favourite version was by an alternative rock band called Faith No More, it’s called “Easy”.’
The audience totally disobeyed Greg at this point and all joined in on the choruses, singing loudly and mostly out of tune. Greg could hardly sing for laughing.
‘This next one is a beautiful song that I’m going to throw in just because I love it. So there. And you can’t stop me ’cause I have a mic and you don’t! It’s by a local fella called Dougie McLean.’ A loud applause ensued. ‘It’s called “Caledonia”.’
‘Now there can’t be a single person in this place who has never heard of Neil Diamond?’ Again, there was loud applause and cheers. ‘Aye, everybody loves Neil Diamond. It’s one his best loved songs, “I am, I said”. I’m told it was Mallory’s folks’ favourite song, so this is for them, God bless them. No bloody singing along!’ Once again, his demands were ignored and the audience erupted into song.
‘Now I’m personally going to dedicate this song to the birthday girl. It’s by one of her favourite bands and mine too, but the message is loud and clear, do you hear me, Mallory? Fleetwood Mac “Don’t Stop”.’
Mallory gasped at the touching gesture. She smiled and Greg’s smile beamed back in return.
He sang with such conviction and Mallory loved the sentiment behind the words. Renee gave her shoulders an affirming squeeze and a little wink as they swayed to the music.
The party had been wonderful. Greg had played so many of her favourite songs and had even danced with her to the jukebox when he had taken a break, twirling her around rather like a rag doll and making her howl with laughter. The night was drawing to a close and Mallory had enjoyed every single minute. She had been presented with flowers and cards. Colin had made her birthday cake; it was his wonderful specialty carrot cake complete with candles, but thankfully not thirty of them.
Greg began to speak again. ‘Well, I’m hoping the birthday girl has had as wonderful night as the rest of us, eh? It’s been great to have you all here. But I have to say, when it comes to singing, don’t go giving up your day jobs. Leave it to the professionals. Know what I’m saying?’ The audience booed and heckled in fun. He shrugged at them as if to say, What? You know I’m right! ‘I’ll finish tonight with another of Mally’s favourites and I have to say that it’s grown on me this week whilst I’ve been practising it. It’s one from a while past and it’s by a bloke with an interesting name, if nothing else. He’s a mighty talented guitarist, not unlike myself.’ A groan rumbled around the room. ‘Okay, okay. It’s by Newton Faulkner and is a beautiful song for a beautiful… ah… friend and it goes like this.’ He used the guitar as a multitude of instruments, just like the songs composer. Mallory’s eyes glistened and after the musical intro, Greg began to sing ‘Dream Catch Me’.
His eyes were closed whilst he sang, but suddenly he opened them and made direct eye contact with Mallory at a very poignant line in the song. Oh my word! Mallory’s breath caught in her throat, looking behind her to check if he was looking at someone else, but he wasn’t. His gaze remained fixed on Mallory’s for the rest of the song, a sweet smile playing on his lips. Mallory shivered.
She loved that song so much, but she felt strange when he sang the words, especially when they were directed at her. It didn’t seem right.
Josie hugged her friend, singing along and a little tipsy. ‘Oh, Mally, this takes me back. And I think maybe Greg is a tiny bit taken with you, don’t you?’ Hearing Josie say the words made her cringe. She and Greg were just friends. They both knew it.
At the end of the evening, gradually, everyone filtered out of the pub. Renee and her family had rented a cottage and would be around for a week. Josie and Brad had stayed at the pub the night before, but were going to crash with Mallory and travel home Monday.
Greg came over to say goodnight as she had said the last farewell to Ron who hugged and kissed her cheek. He waited patiently for Ron to leave. ‘Och shit, Mallory, you’re looking old now you know,’ he teased. She hit him on the arm and he pretended to fall over. ‘Have you had a good time?’ he asked.
‘The best. Thanks so much for doing this for me, Greg. It was so sweet of you.’
‘No bother. That’s what friends do. And like I said, it’s my fortieth in a wee while.’ He wiggled his eyebrows.
She rolled her eyes. ‘Well, I’m guessing you won’t let me forget that.’
‘Am I allowed to hug you?’ he asked, opening his arms. ‘I think I made a total balls up of the last time I hugged you. You know? The incident I now like to call “Chalkboard-gate”. I cringe whenever I think about it. What a complete tube.’ He laughed, shaking his head.
She walked into his open arms for a hug and he embraced her briefly but strongly.
‘Thanks again, Greg. You are a really good friend,’ she told him, looking directly in his eyes as she said it.
‘Aye, you’re not so bad yourself, matey.’
She reached up and kissed his cheek. His sandalwood cologne filled her nostrils and her heart did a strange skip as she shivered again. What the heck is wrong with me? She was immediately angry with herself for even noticing his cologne, let alone allowing it to have any kind of effect on her.
She pulled away and said goodnight before grabbing Josie so they could make their way home. Mallory walked so fast that Josie’s little legs could only just keep up. Brad managed quite easily, but did ask what the rush was about. Mallory didn’t answer.
When they got inside, Josie whispered something to Brad who went out to the van, which he had moved to Mallory’s house at some point during the evening. He collected their bags and took them straight up to the guest room that they had claimed as theirs last time they were there.
Josie stood arms folded as Mallory removed her denim jacket and hung it up on the coat pegs by the door. ‘Right, missy, spill the beans will you.’
‘What are you on about?’ Mallory knew exactly what she was getting at, but didn’t want to talk about it.
Josie tapped her foot like she did when she was annoyed. ‘You know very well what I mean. Something’s up with you and I want to know what it is.’
‘Josie, if you have something to say, just say it.’ Mallory didn’t want to be the first.
‘You’ve been a bit distant ever since Greg sang that last song,’ she pointed out accusingly.
‘Yeah? So? It was weird; he was looking at me as he sang that line.’
‘What line?’
Tears began to sting Mallory’s eyes and she raised her voice. ‘You know what line!’
‘Why don’t you remind me?’ Josie demanded.
Mallory sighed, running her shaking hands through her hair. ‘The line that talks about falling in love. That bloody line! All right?’ Tears escaped her eyes and slid, unwelcomed, down her face.
Josie threw her hands up in exasperation. ‘I knew it. I bloody knew it. And now you’re worrying you’ve led him on, or what people will think if they notice he has feelings for you, and what Sam’s family will think if they notice? Am I right?’
Mallory nodded and a sob escaped her lips as she slumped onto the sofa.
‘Mallory, you are not…’ she tilted Mallory’s chin so that she looked at her. ‘Hey, listen to me, you are not responsible for other people falling for you. Well… you are a bit because you’re so lovely… but that’s not what I mean… what I mean is people can’t help who they fall in love with or when it happens. It’s not your fault. It doesn’t mean you have to reciprocate. And it doesn’t mean you’re betraying Sam in any way. Do you understand?’
Mallory wiped her eyes and nodded. ‘I do understand, but I really like Greg and I don’t want to hurt him. I may be totally missing the mark here anyway. Maybe it was just a coincidence that he looked at me? Maybe I’m wrong. He does keep saying I’m his best friend and he keeps calling me “matey” so I could be imagining it?’
Josie sat beside her friend and put her arm around her shoulders. Mallory had always been guilty of putting other’s feelings before her own.
‘Mally, honeybun, Brad and I saw him looking at you on more than one occasion tonight. He threw the party for you; he arranged everyone to come. He somehow managed to get people here from Canada for goodness’ sake; he arranged the food; he learned all your favourite songs. He bought that beautiful necklace. I’m sorry to be the one to pass on the news, babe, but he’s smitten.’
The undesired words hit Mallory like a ton of bricks and she burst into tears again. She was sure that this was the end of their friendship. After all, she didn’t feel the same. She couldn’t.