Queen of the Road (5 page)

A strange buzzing disturbed Angela’s sleep. She rolled over and opened her eyes. Soft light was ebbing in around the curtains. She sat up, then clutched her head as she regretted the sudden movement. She’d drunk way too much champagne but that, she now realised, wasn’t the worst of it.

While many of the wedding party had taken rooms at the hotel, Angela’s plan had always been to get a taxi home. But then she’d gone to one of the hotel bars, partied on and decided to stay. Only problem was, this wasn’t her room.

Carefully, she turned. There beside her was the sprawled shape of Eddie. She edged away from him and grabbed the side of the bed for support. Last night’s events slowly seeped back into her foggy brain. They were both still dressed – well, partly. She was in her underwear. The zip of her dress had finally given way under the strain of the kissing and groping that had taken place once they’d
made it back to Eddie’s room. He was wearing boxer shorts and his shirt was open and twisted around him.

The buzzing started up again and she glanced from Eddie to his mobile phone, which was glowing and vibrating on the bedside table. Her bare feet made no sound on the carpet as she scrambled to switch it off. She held her breath. His soft snoring continued without pause.

In the dull light of day Eddie didn’t look so appealing. She glanced from his ragged face to the hairs on his chest that dwindled down inside his boxers to … She shuddered. Whatever was in there, she hadn’t found out. Thankfully. Nothing more had happened than a few sloppy kisses before the alcohol had set him snoring and her to sleep soon after. Now all she wanted to do was get out of here before he woke up.

The harsh fluorescent light of the bathroom drew a groan from her lips. She peered through slitted eyelids at the remains of the makeup she’d so admired yesterday. Now it was smeared around her eyes and down her cheeks. The soft curls had become clumps of straw and the strands on top of her head poked out in all directions, completing the scarecrow appearance.

Angela jumped as someone banged on the door of Eddie’s room, then listened in horror as she heard Carmela’s voice calling his name. She looked around the tiny bathroom. There was nowhere to hide.

Carmela thumped the door and called out again, until Angela heard Eddie mumbling and stumbling his way to the door. Suddenly Carmela’s voice was inside the hotel room.

‘Eddie, why aren’t you answering your phone?’

‘I didn’t hear it.’ His voice was a low mutter. ‘What are you doing here?’

‘Carla’s been trying to call you. She’s having the baby.’

‘What?!’ Eddie’s voice was louder now. ‘When?’

Angela pressed her fingers to her temples. Joe’s wife was having the baby. Why would she be ringing Eddie?

‘Eddie!’ Carmela’s voice was sharp. ‘What’s been going on?’

‘Nothing.’

‘Nothing! What is Angela’s dress doing here?’

Angela’s hand went to her mouth.

‘Carmela, don’t get hysterical. It was just a bit of fun.’

‘Just a bit of fun? You sicken me. Your wife is at home having your child and you’re having a
bit of fun
!’

Angela cringed. If Carmela’s voice rose any higher, the whole hotel would hear the story.

‘Just forget it. It meant nothing. Nothing happened.’

‘Where is she?’

Angela grabbed a towel and wrapped it around herself. None of this made any sense. Carmela said Joe was the married one. The thump on the bathroom door made her jump.

‘Come out of there, Angela.’

She opened the door a crack. Carmela’s angry face loomed in front of her.

‘I can’t believe you,’ Carmela hissed. ‘I warned you about Eddie.’ ‘You said …’

Carmela thrust the green dress through the gap in the door. ‘I don’t want to hear it. Get dressed.’

‘I can’t.’

‘What do you mean, you can’t?’

‘The zip’s broken. I can’t even hold it together.’

‘It seems that’s not all you can’t hold together.’

Angela glared. ‘Now look, Carmela–’

‘Stay there.’ Carmela slammed the door shut.

From inside the bathroom, Angela could hear her ordering Eddie to get dressed and go up to her room for a shower, to just tell Tony that the shower down here wasn’t working. Angela sat
on the toilet clutching her dress. How had she got herself into this mess?

The door flung open again and Carmela snapped at her before she had the chance to speak. ‘I’ll get Kate to bring you something to wear.’

Angela groaned. She didn’t want any more people involved. ‘Can’t you lend me something?’

‘Nothing of mine would fit you. Kate’s your only hope. Unless you want me to stitch you back into that dress?’

Angela sighed. Carmela was right. She was about a size eight. Kate had a bit more meat on her bones.

‘Stay here until Kate comes, then I want you dressed and gone.’

‘Nothing happened, Carmela. Anyway, you said Joe was the sleaze.’ Angela hated the pleading she heard in her voice, but she had to make Carmela understand. ‘You said …’

‘I don’t want to hear it.’ Carmela spun on her heel and strode to the door. ‘I thought I could trust you.’

The door slammed and Angela slumped onto a chair. ‘Trust me,’ she muttered. ‘What about bloody cousin Eddie?’ Her head sank into her hands as she recalled how much fun Eddie had been on the dance floor after her run-in with Nigel. She vaguely remembered Carmela giving her a stern look at the end of the night when the bride and groom were being applauded from the reception. Angela thought it was to do with the number of drinks she’d had. A group of them had gone on to the bar until it was only her and Eddie left. One thing led to another until … Well, until nothing, really. That was the sum of it. They’d shared a bed, briefly, that was all.

‘Angela?’ Kate’s voice accompanied a soft tap on the door.

Angela opened the door.

‘You really are here.’ Kate stepped into the room carrying a bundle of clothes. ‘I was hoping that Carmela was dreaming and had it all wrong. You know how melodramatic she is.’

‘This is a bloody nightmare, not a dream. And Carmela has got it wrong. We slept
beside
each other.’ Angela waved her hands straight up and down in front of her. ‘Not together. It takes two to tango, you know, and by the time we got here, Eddie wasn’t up to a soft-shoe shuffle let alone a tango. Nothing happened.’

Kate looked at her. ‘I’m not judging you, Angela. I want you to have a man in your life, but why pick the married one? Why didn’t you stick with Joe? He seemed nice enough.’

Angela pulled the t-shirt Kate offered over her head. ‘Joe’s the married one.’

‘No he isn’t. Eddie’s married. Carmela explained it all the other day. Joe broke up with his girlfriend a couple of months back. He was pretty devastated and hasn’t been out with anyone since.’

None of this was making any sense to Angela. She shook her head carefully. ‘Carmela told me to watch out for Joe.’

‘Yes, because he’s still feeling fragile.’

‘Oh no.’ Angela put her hands to her mouth as understanding sank in. ‘I was with the wrong cousin. Why didn’t you stop me?’

‘When John and I left, you were only dancing. You looked like you were having fun. We all decided there wasn’t any harm in it.’

‘All?’

Kate paused. ‘Sarah was worried.’

‘Why didn’t she talk to me?’

‘I told her to leave you alone,’ she grimaced. ‘Besides, there were still other people there.’

Angela made one last attempt to put things straight. ‘But Carmela said she was sorry to pair me up with Joe, that she thought I would be able to manage him.’

‘Manage him as in
em-pa-thy.’
Kate wiggled her index fingers up and down as she said the syllables. ‘She thought you would understand how he’d be feeling.’

‘Oh, I get it.’ Angela shoved her legs into Kate’s jeans. ‘Two bleeding hearts together. The losers can partner up.’

‘Carmela did what she thought was best. He was never meant to be your partner anyway, remember? You were standing in for Christie.’

‘Oh, this is such a mess!’ Angela wailed. She sat on a chair to roll up the extra length of Kate’s jeans. ‘I just want to get out of here.’

‘Why don’t you come down to breakfast with John and me?’

‘No thanks, Kate. I look a wreck and these are obviously not my clothes. I just want to go home.’

‘I can drive you.’

‘No, you go back to John. I’ll get a taxi.’

Angela grabbed her bag and shoes, wishing she’d got the taxi last night instead of staying on with the traitorous Eddie.

‘What about the dress?’

‘Burn it,’ Angela called over her shoulder. She hurried down the corridor and jabbed at the lift button. She tugged on her strappy shoes while she waited, then staggered into the elevator.

‘Hey, it’s Angela,’ a chirpy male voice called from the corner of the lift. ‘Or is it Ms Green now?’

She focused on the voice without turning around. It was Ian, from her work. He’d been in the bar till the early hours as well. Normally she steered clear of him. He was always making suggestive comments and thought he was God’s gift to women. She really must have had way too much to drink. Last night even Ian had seemed good fun.

‘You had a good night then?’ He laughed and nudged the guy next to him.

Angela tried to smooth her hair with one hand. ‘It was a lovely wedding,’ she mumbled.

‘You end up with that Eddie fella?’ Ian persisted. ‘He was the life of the party.’

‘I stayed with a friend,’ Angela said. She gave him a feeble smile then turned away, but not before she saw Ian nudge the guy next to him again and lewd grins spread across their faces. Soon the whole office would be hearing Ian’s version of the night’s events.

On her other side, a middle-aged couple were inspecting her down the lengths of their noses. Elevators were such confronting places.

Then she noticed the man in the corner behind them, and a sour taste filled her mouth. Nigel lifted an eyebrow as their eyes met. Angela’s head snapped back to face the front of the lift. The doors opened and she shot through them like a cork from a bottle, her hand clapped to her mouth. She felt sick and anxious and seedy. Not only was her life a mess right now, but so many people were witness to the debacle it had become.

Angela lurched to a sitting position on the couch and nausea churned in her stomach. Somewhere a banging noise echoed the thumping in her head. She clutched her brow as the pain deepened and the pounding at her front door intensified.

‘Angela, are you in there?’ Janice’s high-pitched demand was quickly followed by another voice.

‘Mummy, open the door. Let me in.’ Claudia’s voice mimicked Janice’s irritation.

Angela staggered to her feet, rubbed at her face and tried to run her fingers through her hair but they jagged in the knots, causing even more pain. She pushed her tongue around her mouth in an attempt to create some moisture, then opened the door. Claudia rushed through and flung her little arms around Angela’s legs.

Janice pushed through the door behind her. ‘For goodness’ sake, Angela, look at you.’

‘Are you sick, Mummy?’

‘I’m just tired, pumpkin. I had a very late night.’

There was a snort from Janice.

Claudia dropped her arms and looked up. ‘Your hair looks funny and your eyes are black.’

‘Remember I told you I was going to Carmela’s wedding and that there was going to be a big party?’

‘Was it a dress-up party?’

‘Kind of.’ Angela squatted carefully down to Claudia’s level. ‘Did you have fun at Grandpa’s?’

‘I rode in Big Red but Grandpa wasn’t there much. Janice got me this.’ Claudia stooped to tug a doll from her backpack. Angela frowned, realising the little jacket her daughter was wearing was also new. ‘See, Mummy,’ Claudia said, pushing the doll at her. It wasn’t a baby doll, but one with makeup and jewels. Angela knew from the toy catalogues it wasn’t cheap. ‘Her name’s Bebe. She’s got some extra clothes.’

‘Grandpa is busy with so many drivers out of action.’ Janice looked down at Angela. ‘So we went shopping.’

‘I didn’t realise,’ Angela said, torn between her concern for her father and her annoyance at Janice lavishing money on Claudia.

‘He’d planned to take the day off, but he’s had to do a run to Adelaide,’ Janice continued. ‘I kept her as long as I could, but I’m meeting friends for an early dinner and a movie. You do realise it’s four o’clock?’

Angela peered at the clock on the wall and clicked her tongue. It couldn’t be. She’d only sunk onto the couch for a quick sleep after the taxi dropped her home.

‘Do you like my doll, Mummy?’ Claudia waggled the new toy in Angela’s face.

‘She’s very nice.’ Angela rose delicately to her feet, clutching the back of a chair for support. ‘Take your things into your room. I’ll help you unpack in a minute. Say goodbye to Janice.’

Janice bent down and they gave each other a hug and air kissed each cheek.

‘Thanks for having her,’ Angela said as they watched Claudia skip to her room. ‘I wouldn’t have left her if I’d known Dad wasn’t going to be there.’

‘I can look after her. She’s really no trouble.’

‘Well, thank you …’

‘I would have been happy to keep her longer, but I made this arrangement weeks ago with the girls. I tried ringing but your mobile keeps going to message bank and your home phone rang out.’

Angela glanced around for the handset. Surely she would have heard it. She licked her dry lips. What she needed was a big glass of water.

‘Are you sure you’re well enough?’ Janice said. It was more of an accusation than a question.

‘I’m fine. The last few weeks must have caught up with me, that’s all.’

Janice gave another snort. ‘Or just last night perhaps? Several people rang our number looking for you. I was getting worried.’

‘They could have left a message.’ Angela grabbed her bag and tugged out her mobile. It was flat.

‘Perhaps they did. I’m sure whatever Carmela said wouldn’t have been pleasant, judging from my conversation with her.’

Angela dropped her phone on the couch. ‘What do you mean?’

‘You know I don’t interfere in your love life, but really, Angela, why would you target a married man with a pregnant wife for a one-night stand?’

Angela glared at Janice. Her mouth was open but nothing came out as a jumble of thoughts and emotions boiled inside her.

‘Carmela rang to warn you,’ Janice continued. ‘She was hoping
to keep it quiet, but one of your colleagues has been spreading the story far and wide.’

‘What?’

‘Something about having pictures of you dancing in a bar, pictures on his mobile phone.’

Angela pressed a hand to her forehead.
Bloody Ian and his bloody phone
. This couldn’t get any worse.

‘Kate rang looking for you too, then Nigel rang. He wants to organise some time with Claudia.’

The mere mention of Nigel brought Angela out of her tailspin. ‘He’s got a bloody nerve!’

‘Don’t shout, Angela. You don’t want to upset Claudia any more than she is.’

‘What do you mean, any more than she is?’ Angela spat the words, struggling to maintain her composure.

‘Seeing you like this.’ Janice waved her manicured hand up and down.

‘I’m her mother. She’s seen me tired before, I hardly think she’ll be traumatised.’

‘As long as she doesn’t hear about your … activities.’

Angela clamped her fists at her side. ‘Janice, that’s enough. I appreciate you having Claudia while Dad’s busy, but I am not going to have you tell me how to be a parent.’

‘Well, someone has to. Your father’s too soft. And Nigel is worried.’

‘I don’t give a damn!’

‘Lower your voice,’ Janice hissed. ‘And don’t get angry with me. I’m not the one who can’t be discreet about her affairs.’

Angela yanked open the front door. ‘Leave now.’

Janice stepped through the door then turned back. ‘Think seriously about that job interstate. It might be best if you left Melbourne for a while.’

Angela slammed the door, then winced and leaned against it. Her heart was pounding in her chest. She had never wanted to be a part of Carmela’s wedding in the first place, now her life was a mess because of it. All the expenses had blown her credit cards. Then there was Eddie, and she hadn’t even liked him that much. She slumped to the floor and held her head in her hands. Why didn’t she just say no to people?

‘Are you still tired, Mummy?’

Angela looked up into the worried face of her daughter. ‘Just a bit. But I’m feeling better now that you’re home.’ Angela opened her arms and Claudia leaped into them.

‘I missed you, Mummy.’

Angela kissed the top of Claudia’s head. She smelled like Janice’s perfume. ‘I missed you too.’

Claudia sat back and looked up. ‘Janice took me to lots of shops.’

‘So I see.’ Angela tugged at the new jacket. She had to admit it was rather cute, with its mix of polka-dot pinks and greens.

‘She said I could bring this one home and just wear the others when I’m at Grandpa’s.’

‘What others?’

‘I’ve got a special wardrobe at Grandpa’s. When Janice buys me clothes we put them in it.’

‘Do you?’ Angela tried to keep the anger from her voice.

‘And the toys.’

‘What toys?’

Claudia put her little head to one side. ‘The ones she buys me when I stay, of course.’

Angela stood her daughter up. Alarm bells were ringing. She looked carefully at Claudia. ‘Have you got many toys and clothes in the special wardrobe?’

The little girl’s eyes looked from side to side as she put one chubby finger to her lips. ‘It’s a secret,’ she whispered.

‘You can tell me, Claud. I’m your mummy. We don’t keep secrets from each other, remember?’

Claudia shrugged. ‘Are you going away?’

‘No, why would you think that?’

‘Janice said if you went away I could stay at Grandpa’s and have all the things in my special wardrobe.’

‘Did she?’ Angela struggled to her feet.

Claudia’s eyes brimmed with tears and she flung her arms around Angela’s legs. ‘I don’t want you to go away.’

A burning sensation rose in Angela’s chest. She hugged her daughter close. ‘I’m not going anywhere, Claud.’ She bent down and wiped away the tears smeared across the little girl’s cheeks. ‘How about you and I have a bubble bath?’

‘Yes!’ Claudia squealed. ‘Can I bathe Bebe?’

Angela nodded. She didn’t think the doll was one that would do well in water, but she didn’t care. Claudia skipped off to her bedroom and Angela picked up her mobile from the couch before beginning her search for the cordless.

Why was Janice suddenly showing so much interest in her daughter? It was Angela’s dad who usually entertained Claudia at family get-togethers, and when he called in for a visit, Janice was rarely with him. Angela thought back. Over the last month or so Janice had offered to collect Claudia from pre-school and look after her if Angela had something on, like the wedding. Angela had assumed her father was the driving force for this. What was Janice up to?

She found the handset in the jumble of clothes on her bed. It was flat. She decided to leave it that way a little longer.

Back in the kitchen she downed a large glass of water and plugged in her mobile. As soon as she did it began to beep with messages. She started working her way through them. Carmela’s snappy voice
asking her to call back. Kate’s carefully worded message asking how she was. Janice’s curt request to call back urgently.

Angela sucked in a breath as Nigel’s voice asked how she was feeling and suggested they really needed to talk. Another message from Kate, this one from this morning and with urgency in her voice, asking her to call. No doubt to warn her about Ian and his happy snaps. The final one was from her father just saying hello and hoping she’d had a good weekend. He sent a sloppy kiss for Claudia. Angela could hear the weariness in his voice.

She collapsed into a chair, staring at her phone. Everything was a bit off centre. Her dad was under pressure, she was in damage control mode, and Janice was up to something. Why would she be making a cosy place for Claudia? Angela sat up straight.
The truck job
. When Janice had urged her to take it she obviously thought Claudia would be left behind.

‘Mummy, you said we could have a bath.’

Angela looked up. Claudia had stripped off her clothes and was clutching her new doll to her bare chest. Her big brown eyes, the only part of her that reminded Angela of Nigel, were full of trust. The mobile beeped again with a text and the turmoil in Angela’s brain ceased long enough for her to make a decision.

‘We are.’ Angela dropped the phone on the chair and bounced up as best she could in her current state. ‘A deep bath with lots of bubbles. And after that we’re going to pack.’

‘Why?’

Angela scooped up her daughter and kissed her soft cheek. ‘Because we’re going on a little adventure, Claud. Just you and me.’