Chapter Thirty-Seven
Chrissie left the hair salon at two minutes to two, hurrying back to work as fast as her stilettoes would permit. The morning had passed in a blur. She’d typed so quickly her keyboard had practically had smoke tendrils spiralling out of it.
As her heels clicked along the pavement, her mind fragmented into a kaleidoscope of thoughts. She was so grateful to Dee for working through her own lunch hour to assist with the work overflow. It had enabled Chrissie to keep her hair appointment. She shook her head. It felt strange having silky hair billowing out behind her as she scurried along. From now on, ponytails were a thing of the past.
Chrissie caught sight of her reflection in the glass panel of a bus stop shelter. Who was that young woman with the glorious swishy mane? And striding along so confidently too! She felt empowered. Liberated. Born again. It was amazing what a hair-do did for the self-esteem. A young lad walking in the opposite direction wolf-whistled. Chrissie beamed with delight. Seconds later the grin faded as she thought about Amber, alone at home, oblivious to the treachery of Matthew. The horrible man had obviously been using Amber. Matthew and that devious witch had been carrying on together for months. And to think Cougar Kate had smiled in Amber’s face when she’d invited her into her house for a reading with Madam Rosa. It all made sense now. Cougar Kate had wanted to know whether Matthew would ever leave Amber and move in with her and, even worse, whether there would be wedding bells. Chrissie sincerely hoped the two of them didn’t wed, or it would add insult to injury for Amber.
Chrissie thought back to last Saturday’s reading with Madam Rosa. The clairvoyant had told Amber there was a love triangle. Boy, she’d been right about that. She hadn’t revealed the other woman’s name, insisting Spirit wouldn’t tell her. Instead, Madam Rosa had assured Amber she’d find out soon enough. Chrissie sighed. Little was Amber to know how soon that was to be. Madam Rosa had also warned Amber to remain calm and composed. “Serenity is your weapon in this instance,” she’d said. Maybe it was just as well Steve Hood was the messenger in this case. Chrissie rather thought Amber wouldn’t be so quick to go berserk with Steve by her side. If Chrissie and Dee had been the bearers of bad news, Amber might have insisted they all dress in camouflage and paintball Cougar Kate’s house and Matthew’s testicles.
Bugger men, and bugger love. Why was it all such hard work? Her thoughts swerved to Jack. Now that was a man she’d lurve to love. Chrissie was under no illusion that the guy was completely out of her league. But she was quite happy to sit by that cosy wood burning stove again in The Beagle and Bugle, sipping her drink and discreetly watching the most beautiful man God had ever created as he went about his work.
The double doors of Hood, Man & Derek loomed. Chrissie was about to push them open when she felt herself being pulled back.
‘Chrissie?’
If it were possible to identify somebody on voice alone, then Chrissie would have picked this one out in a police line-up. She found herself looking at the astonished face of Andrew.
‘Bloody ’ell,’ he said, gawping, ‘it is you. What’ve yer done to yerself? Yer look a right babe.’
‘What are you doing here?’
‘I’ve come t’see yer.’
She glanced at her watch. It was nearly five past two. ‘I’m late.’
Andrew’s expression changed to one of pleading. ‘Babe, jus’ give me a minute. I’m sorry. I made a terrible mistake. Please, come ’ome.’
‘No way.’
‘Give me another chance, babe. Take the afternoon off sick. Come ’ome with me. Let me make things up to yer. I love yer. Let me show you ’ow much, eh?’ He gave her his most disarming grin. ‘I’ve bin a fool. What d’ya say, babe?’
‘No thanks.’
‘C’mon,’ Andrew cajoled. ‘Remember ’ow much fun we used to ’ave?’
‘Actually, no.’
‘Course we did! Let me pick yer up later, an’ take yer out for a slap up meal.’
‘McDonalds with all the trimmings, eh?’ Chrissie gave a thin smile.
‘If yer like.’
‘No.’
‘Please?’
‘No.’
‘I’m beggin’ yer.’
‘I don’t want to.’
‘Why?’
‘Because we’re finished. Now please, Andrew, let me get back to work. I’m late and we’re short staffed.’
‘But I’m desperate, babe. I need yer.’
‘You really don’t.’
‘I really do.’ Andrew was starting to look frantic. ‘I really, really need yer.’
Chrissie suddenly put two and two together. ‘Why?’
Andrew suddenly looked shifty. ‘Could you sub me five hundred quid?’
‘Ah, I understand.’
‘Nah, it’s not jus’ for the money, babe. Honest.’
‘Oh that’s good to know,’ said Chrissie sarcastically.
‘It’s jus’ that Big Mick and his mates are asking for an instalment on the money I owe. I really do need yer, babe.’
Chrissie stared at Andrew and was amazed she felt…nothing. How odd. And wonderful. ‘The trouble is, Andrew–’
‘Yes, babe?’ His voice was full of hope.
‘Unfortunately, I don’t need you – babe.’
And with that Chrissie turned her back on her ex-boyfriend and disappeared through the doors of Hood, Man & Derek.