A Secret Schemer (6 page)

‘Well you’ll be able to rectify
that Tim when you make your million.’ Jena laughs.

‘So Lucy’s been spilling my
secrets.’ He jests.

‘What’s all this then?’ Andy
chips in. ‘Million quid eh?’

‘Don’t get too excited Andy,
Tim has a dream that he’s going to be a millionaire by the time
he’s forty.’ Lucy laughs. ‘Left it a bit late though as he’s
already thirty nine.’

More laughter from us all as we
decide to move into the bar for drinks. Lucas and Archie are both
behind the bar and the atmosphere is buzzing. Tonight I feel happy
and as Tim clasps my hand, I can feel those butterflies once again
in my tummy and I hope they will stay there forever….

Chapter 9

As I slowly open my eyes, I can
feel I’m still entwined within Tim’s arms, the memories of last
night drifting through my thoughts like gossamer….what an enjoyable
night it had been, and so long since I had felt the intimate warmth
of affection. Carefully I slipped out of bed hoping I hadn’t woken
Tim, and made my way into the shower room, standing under the flow
of warm water my body felt tingly and refreshed. Wrapping a towel
loosely about me I went back into the bedroom, Tim was still
sleeping so I dressed hastily and crept out of the room.

Mary was busy cleaning so I put
the kettle on, and for the second morning this week I had to catch
up with last night’s paperwork in the office. Only me and Jena know
where cash is kept in the building, and being Saturday there’s no
bank trip to do today..

A little later I made Mary her
usual cuppa and then two mugs of coffee which I took up to my
bedroom; Tim was just beginning to stir, so I placed the coffee on
the bedside table.

‘Hey you’re an early bird.’ He
said sleepily, taking my hand.

‘Mm there’s always something to
do in this trade, I hope I didn’t wake you earlier.’

‘No not at all, can I do
anything to help?’ He asks.

‘Thanks, however luckily for me
I have a great team of helpers.’

‘Last night was amazing Lucy.’
He gently pulled me back onto the bed. ‘Can you stay for a
while?’

‘Mm how can I refuse?’

Within seconds we were in a
passionate embrace, making love sensually…..until we’d both
fulfilled our desires….as our breathing slowed Tim kissed me
tenderly. ‘Lucy Ross you are a ravishing woman.’

‘Why thank you kind sir, you’re
rather irresistible yourself.’ I tease. ‘Sadly I have to depart and
work through another day though.’

‘You haven’t forgotten about
our walk on Sunday afternoon?’ Tim ensures.

‘Never, three o’clock by
Chelsea Bridge if that will suit.’ I laugh.

‘Perfect, is it OK if I take a
quick shower before I leave?’

‘Of course help yourself.’ As I
leave the room I turn and blow him a kiss.

Just after lunch Jena came into
the kitchen to find me. ‘Lucy you have to come and see this, we’ve
not only been blessed with the unbearable bitch she’s now brought
her mate in.’ Jena declares.

I follow her into the bar and
we behave as though we’re in deep conversation with Lucas who is
working. I sit so I can get a birds eye view of what could be Vie
Butlers only friend. They are both drinking pints of bitter and her
buxom chum has the scruffy mutt sitting on her lap. Nice… Lucas
informs us they’re now on their third pint of bitter.

‘I’ll stay in here Lucy just in
case anything kicks off, I can start making out the next
rotas.’

‘OK Hun I’ve got a few jobs to
do in the office so shout if you need me.’

Personally I think Vie Butler
is making a stand, letting me know she’s going to be around. Next
time I see Harry Miles I’ll ask him about the buxom chum. I fully
intend to ring Charles Emerson on Monday morning first thing, until
then there’s little we can do but let it take its course. While
working in the office I give the events of last night some thought,
the meal was enjoyable as were the drinks in the bar. I’m surprised
that I slept with Tim so soon, he is such a charmer and I succumbed
to those charms so readily, what a loose woman. I find my thoughts
wander to Archie and Lucas. Archie is certainly a hit with all the
youngsters in the bar, he’s a natural flirt and is loved by girls
and guys alike. Where as Lucas is a hit with all the ‘cougars’ (and
believe me we have a few in this area). Nevertheless he doesn’t
appear to have submitted to any of the offers, unless of course I’m
missing something. He is an enigma, I believe he’s been badly hurt
by someone or something and just wants to work it out of his
system; he spends most of his time here and is always willing to
help. I’m sure eventually we’ll find out, however I would never ask
as he’s entitled to his own privacy. I’m so pleased that Jena is
happy with Andy. I know it’s far too soon for them to move in
together, but when she’s ready she’ll tell me and let’s face it
there’s plenty of room for them here.

‘Lucy do you fancy a cuppa?’
Kate pokes her head in the office door.

‘Please Kate; I’ve been a bit
carried away in a dream world here.’

‘Come on then, I’ll explain
Sunday lunch menu, and I can show you a picture of my next
date.’

‘The one you’re meeting in here
tomorrow?’

‘That’s the one, I expect he’ll
turn out to be another bad boy, I’m a sucker for them.’ Kate
laughs. ‘Anyway Lucy, how are things going with Tim?’

‘Wow didn’t I mention we took
it to another level last night?’

‘OMG well that’s you and Jena
sorted, my turn next, in fact I’m feeling more positive now you’ve
told me that.’

‘To be honest Kate I really
surprised myself as it’s been a while.’ I laugh.

‘So what do you think of the
picture and his profile.’ Kate asks eagerly.

I scan through his profile.
‘Looking good his profile seems OK and he’s a local guy, which is
all in your favour Hun.’

‘Well you’ll see him tomorrow
night, unless you’re going out.’

‘No I’ll be here Kate; I’m not
seeing Tim until Sunday afternoon, although I’ve had three text
messages already today.’

‘He’s eager Lucy, how does that
make you feel?’

‘Actually quite excited, he
seems to know all the right buttons to press.’

Grace brings Kate another food
order so I slip back into the office, this time to arrange the
payment of wages. My mobile signals another message, and once again
it’s from Tim, asking if I’d mind if he called in for a quick pint
this evening as he was missing me already. How sweet, I assured him
it would be OK although I’d be working behind the bar….

Me and Jena were running the
bar this evening, Archie had the night off, however Lucas said he
was happy to sit in the bar so long as I didn’t mind, which I
reassured him he could stay whenever he pleased. Andy and Tim came
in and sat with Lucas, as we were busy there wasn’t much time for
us to chat. Thankfully the Butler woman didn’t show her face.

Sunday lunch was extremely busy
and having Jodie as waitress helped a lot, the girl is definitely a
natural and you could tell by her radiant smile that she was
enjoying herself. I managed to get away from the pub just before
three o’clock and had to drive to Chelsea or I would have been
late. Fortunately you can park on a Sunday in certain places; my
parking permit only covers the Westminster area. I could see Tim
sitting on a seat on the embankment, so I crept up behind him and
placed my hands over his eyes.

‘Hello gorgeous lady.’ He
declared and then planted a kiss on the end of my nose.

‘We were so busy I had to drive
here.’

‘We’d better not walk too far
then.’ He said as he took my hand.

‘Oh it’s OK I have three hours
off, so a walk in the air will be great.’ I respond.

‘I’ve bought my camera with me
as I’d love to have a couple of photos to cheer my desk up.’ He
grins. ‘That’s if you don’t mind.’

‘As long as I don’t have to
pose, please snap when I’m not looking, I tend to grimace if I’m
expected to smile.’

‘I’m sure you’re very
photogenic.’ He insists.

‘Whatever.’ I laugh.

About two hours later we
decided to try and find my car; we’d laughed loads and taken heaps
of silly photos, including some of us sitting together. I’d
forgotten how invigorating it was to hold hands and share time and
laughter with someone you care about.

Sometime later in the bar I
noticed Kate sitting with her latest date, so I sent two glasses of
bubbly over to them and she beckoned me over.

‘Hi Lucy, this is Mark.’

‘Pleased to meet you Mark, is
this your first time in the new pub?’

‘Yeah and what a good job
you’ve made of it, did you see it before the change?’ He asked.

‘I did although it was actually
closed at the time, I’m glad you like it. Anyway you two enjoy
yourselves and I’ll see you Tuesday Kate.’

‘Good to meet you Lucy and
thanks for the drink.’

‘It’s my pleasure.’ As I walk
back towards the bar I notice Andy and Jena ordering a drink from
Archie. ‘Why don’t you two go off out for a while, both of the guys
are working tonight so we’re well covered.’ I add.

‘Are you sure Hun?’ Jena
responds.

‘I’m positive, have a night off
while you can.’

‘Do you fancy a movie?’ Andy
asks.

‘Why not, come on then Mr Wood
what are you waiting for.’ Jena laughs as she starts to stride out
of the bar.

I’m glad they’ve gone out; at
least they’ll get to spend some quality time together. Lucas is on
his break so I join him at the bar.

‘Are you on your own tonight
Lucy?’

‘Yeah I thought it would be
good for Jena and Andy to have some time away from the pub, I think
they’re going to the movies.’

‘Have you heard any more about
Emma’s aunt?’

‘Not to date, however like I
mentioned I’ll be ringing the brewery in the morning. I expect
you’ve met other unsavoury customers in the past?’

‘I think she tops the most
undesirable customer, although I’ve had to work with some
objectionable staff before.’ Lucas declares.

‘I guess I can second that, so
how are you finding the Frog and Toad?’ I ask with a grin.

‘Refreshing Lucy, you all seem
a happy bunch.’

‘That’s good, although I have
to sort the Emma situation out.’

‘She doesn’t have much to say,
I expect by now she’s realised we all know who her aunt is, nothing
seems to faze her.’ Lucas adds.

‘Mm I feel she’s a pretty tough
cookie, from an equally tough family background.’

‘It’s time I gave Archie a
break, talk to you later Lucy.’

My chat with Lucas was fairly
serious, I’m sure in time he’ll loosen up and we’ll be able to have
a laugh. There’s something holding him back which is making me all
the more curious about him (or is it me being a typical snoop)? I
haven’t arranged to see Tim on a particular day, I feel he’s just
going to call in at odd times, which is fine, as in this trade it’s
virtually impossible to lead a normal life. He’s already sent me a
couple of amusing photos via my mobile, and he mentioned that he
had work to prepare for next week, so no doubt he’s glued to his
laptop.

Monday morning and my first
thought was to ring the brewery. Although I know the office staff
start work at eight thirty, Jeremy won’t be available until nine.
After a refreshing cuppa with Mary I slip into the office to make
my call. Jeremy hadn’t been in the least dispirited by my account
of Vie Butler’s behaviour, in fact he’d said it had been expected.
The family are well known even to the brewery, through notable
events in the past; however he did advise me to be cautious in the
way I handled the woman as she has violent tendencies, and to keep
him informed, although he was already prepared for her complaints.
I felt somewhat better when I’d briefed him about the incidents so
far… As its Kate’s day off I’d made my mind up to make a large pan
of spaghetti bolognaise in readiness for customers wanting a
‘special’, plus I’m sure the rest of us will soon scoff the spare.
So with my hair tied back in the smallest possible bun I began my
chore.

‘Wow look at you Nigella,
what’s all this about?’ Jena giggles as she watches my attempts at
cooking. ‘Are you following a recipe?’

‘Oh ye of little faith, it’s my
speciality.’ I grin back at her.

‘Yes maybe but that would be
for two people, you seem to be slicing enough onions to have the
whole pub in tears.’

‘Well I thought all I needed to
do was increase the ingredients, what do you think.’ I ask
cautiously.

‘Good luck with that then…..the
proof of the pudding and all that.’ Jena is finding this
hysterically funny, as I’m not known for my cookery, any more than
she is, I hasten to add.

At that moment Mary walked into
the kitchen with a beaming smile on her face.

‘Doesn’t anyone trust my
cooking?’ We all laugh at that.

At the end of the day, the
spaghetti bolognaise had been edible though not moorish, thank
goodness there had been no requests for specials. I’m sure by next
week Kate will have heard of my endeavour and left something ready
for a Monday special. Such little faith in my cuisine skills….

Chapter 10

The next few days passed
without incident, however on Thursday evening I decided a doorman
would be a safe bet for Friday night as we had a popular local band
booked to play. I rang a couple of agencies and there was no one
available at such short notice, I mentioned this to Jena and she
came up with a superb solution, so long as the person was
willing.