Miranda's Story

By Colette Caple

This story compares the lives of two women:Miranda who is attractive, independent, work driven and Annie, the dependable friend who is married with children. What will make them both contented, and what will either of them trade in love to be like the other?
When Miranda falls madly in love with Zac why will she not commit to the relationship and follow her heart, whilst Annie treads a fine line when she becomes emotionally involved with another man. Can she get back in control of her life?
Annie discovers too late that her feelings have brought her much more than she bargained for and the events that follow test all their relationships as friends and lovers.
Ultimately what does any woman want from her life, only Annie and Miranda can decide what path to take and whether their choices have hidden complications.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Colette Caple
• Release date: Mar 5, 2011
• ISBN: 9781458192936

Colette Caple

I am a tennis coach who has always had a passion for writing,when I use to travel competing in tennis tournaments I regulary wrote articles for the local paper about sporting events. I now work at David Lloyd teaching tennis to adults.

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Miranda’s Story:

By

Colette Caple

SMASHWORDS EDITION

* * * * *

PUBLISHED BY:

Colette Caple Smashwords

Miranda’s Story:

Copyright © 2011 by Colette Caple

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Miranda's Story

Chapter 1

The drone of a distant plane faded into the background as Miranda watched from the park bench as happy couples wandered past; holding hands and smiling joyfully at one another. Why am I always the one alone she pondered after a string of useless boyfriends lay in her wake? Surely one of them must have been The One!

She'd tried rich, poor, handsome and pretty damn scruffy but every time she found something wrong with them. To her friends she pretended it didn't matter that she was thirty something and still didn't had a permanent date but home alone she knew it did. It wasn't as if she wanted the dream wedding, or any wedding, to be honest. As for kids they'd never really featured in her plans. All her friends who had children only moaned about all the things they couldn't do any more. All the sex they were no longer having with their husbands. They all said they envied Miranda, different man ever few months, holidays all over Europe and no one to hold her back with her career dreams. Why then did she wake up feeling so empty with only a pretty pink pillow to cuddle in to?

This is the first day of my new life she thought to herself, I will answer Mike's message when I get home; and I will go out on a proper date.

Mike was a friend of a friend, her best friend Annie had tried to set them up numerous times but something always went wrong. This time it would be different.

The warm breeze beckoned summer forward and teased Miranda's hair about her face as she sat pondering. A boy skated past on Rollerblades with his father jogging beside to keep up, his face was red from the exertion. Miranda stood up leaving the busy park, suddenly feeling enthused, and she had had her free therapy and headed home for a shower.

Two hours later, four dresses and three pairs of shoes lay tossed on the bed...

Nothing really matches she thought to herself but I guess we could pull it all together with my new scarf. There's some red in that, now for the underwear. Will I let him see any of it she thought with a mischievous grin? Surely not on a first date, well there was that one time with handsome Dave; her eyes twinkled at the memory. Yes underwear should be matching and fairly sexy she thought grabbing up a little lace number. Better to wear the good stuff than be caught off guard if we get frisky.

Another hour and she was ready.

They had arranged to meet in the local Mexican restaurant at 8 o'clock. The taxi dropped her off at five past hoping he would be already there.

Yes, there he was looking as nervous as hell twitching his tie about. Oh no not a tie, men in ties oh so formal. It wasn't quite the look she'd been hoping for but she must try to stay positive. They moved toward each other on the pavement neither wanting to appear too keen. He brushed a kiss across her cheek, he smelled faintly of soap and a sweet aftershave, nothing she recognised and they moved into the restaurant and promptly ordered drinks.

So pleased to finally take you out, you're a very difficult girl to get hold off, he smiled pleasantly and sipped his drink.

Well I've been away a lot and you know how it is, weeks just run away from you.

I wonder if he actually believed that load of rubbish, she thought. I never believed I'd get so desperate I'd go out with someone who wears a tie on a first date, one good thing though I don't think I've ever been on a date with anyone called Mike before so that's a good start.

Miranda held his gaze wondering what was going through his mind.

Cheers, to happy beginnings, he muttered to fill the silence.

Shall we take a seat at our table, the food's supposed to be great here. Have you eaten here before?

No never, well maybe once but I got pretty drunk and I think the owner threw me out, just joking! Miranda laughed hoping Mike would too but he just nodded moving his napkin around in an uncomfortable fashion.

Their food arrived and they both made small talk, mainly about their friends and work stuff. Miranda tried to imagine herself alone with Mike. He seemed pretty uptight, I'm sure I could loosen him up she thought letting out a small snigger and having to mask it as a small choking fit from the hot pepper. They ordered more drinks and it all seemed very civilised, unlike most of her usual dates. Maybe this was how it was supposed to be. Proper grown up conversations, no grabbing knees under the table or drunkenness. How dull she pondered as the evening came to a close. Mike got the bill and insisted on paying, not that Miranda minded. Now for the fun bit she thought the goodbye, how will he be? Passionate kiss, light my fire baby she hoped. The evening needed some surprises.

Can I see you again, it's been lovely?

'Oh my god who says that in this day and age. Just grab me for heavens sake.' thought Miranda hopefully. They stood close together and Miranda reached out to touch his face but Mike moved away.

Yes give me a call. I'm pretty busy over the next couple of weeks but it would be good to do this again.

Well done Miranda good answer.

Mike stared down at her kissing her meekly goodbye.

Well that never made the earth move, how disappointing. I guess I knew the evening would end as limply as it began. That's why I'm always attracted to bad boys; at least they have something about them! Guess I'll just have to hope he doesn't call again.

Miranda flipped open her mobile to call a cab but upon doing so noticed a text from her best friend ' Over the road in pub pop in to tell us all the news'.

Decision made pub it is she thought, relieved that she once again didn't have to go home to an empty house and a half drunk bottle of white wine.

The girls would cheer her up, I'm sure they would find something positive from the disastrous date.

Annie, Mel and Claire watched her walk across the road, not good they all shook their heads disbelievingly. He was our last hope. The one who could do no wrong.

Miranda searched inside the busy pub soon locating their table. Their glasses all full of wine and their cheeks glowing from the warmth and alcohol they had consumed over the past few hours. Miranda pulled a face and they all laughed.

What's the matter with this one? Annie asked cautiously, waiting for the onslaught.

Let's see shall we, um...he wore a tie, never touched me for the whole date. Didn't kiss me goodbye properly, bored me senseless. There's just no chemistry, nice try girls but you'll have to do better. I think I'd have died of boredom within a week. Best end it now before his broken heart lies in the pile with all the other hopeful suitors!

Um...that well huh! Men are parasites anyway; just drink more wine that will help. Then we can go into town or something we can have a lie in tomorrow Mel quickly retorted.

Yes! they all chorused Cheers.

Two bottles of wine later the girls all found themselves giggling but in town. Claire strode out in front appearing to be the most sober but then disappointed the crowd by clinging hopelessly to a lamp post for support before tumbling to the ground in a crumpled mess. The others dragged her to the nearest pub where the bouncer eyed them suspiciously, Mel flashed a smile and he beckoned for them to go inside. Miranda ordered more drinks, a cola for Claire and waited by the noisy bar for her drinks.

She glanced around for any talent, she needn't look far. Two guys down on the left was a stunning gentleman. Tanned, gorgeous face, dressed in a cool leather jacket and tight denim jeans. I think I'll make your acquaintance Miranda thought as she quickly returned the drinks to her friends before pretending to need the loo.

As she approached him she quickly glanced down to see if he had a wedding ring. Just my luck probably married she thought but there was no ring.

Game on...go Miranda put in some effort.

As she drew closer she accidentally tripped almost knocking him over. Not such a good start.

Oh dear, had a few too many have we?

No, no just tripped I'm fine honestly. Miranda clung to his hand as he pulled her to her feet. Eyes gazing into his as her alcoholic confidence kicked in.

I'm Miranda, nice to have met you, must just pop to the bathroom, maybe I'll see you around. she flashed him one of her amazing smiles and turned on her heel.

He'll follow me I can feel it, come on call me back. You know you want to take me home tonight. She slowed her walk just slightly, nothing. Bastard must be gay. What a time waster.

Miranda huffed back to her friends. They were all practically comatose and her story fell on deaf ears. The bar was still packed even though it was after midnight, the music played out for the energetic dancers who swayed about holding drinks as they did so. Miranda's head began to ache from the alcohol and noise and she collapsed onto the soft chair.

Half an hour later they all agreed to head for home, two of her friends had husbands who would worry and children who'd need them in the morning. Annie mumbled for her to come back and stay the night but Miranda decided the quiet of her own flat was probably the safest option.

As they stood to leave Miranda felt someone brush her shoulder.

By the way my name's Zac, here's my card it's got my number on the back, give me a call when you sober up, we can do lunch maybe.

She went to take a breath and as she turned he was gone.

WOW!

Her friends even with their dodgy drunken vision all agreed he was hot; the taxi ride home was filled with Miranda's imaginings.

Chapter 2

Two days later Miranda sat at her coffee table flicking Zac McKensie's card between her fingers. I can't call him she thought to herself, he's too good-looking. Never be able to trust him, he's bound to cheat. I won't be able to cope if that happens best not to call him she decided hurling the card towards the bin.

God I'm stupid. She sipped her tea and peeled the wrapper off her kitkat, what's wrong with me she puzzled as she stared at the card on the floor. She twisted the cup in her hand trying to imagine what the future would hold but her mind remained empty.

In a moment of madness she snatched up his number and headed for her mobile phone.

As she dialled the number nervousness took over, 'hope he doesn't answer. I'm not leaving a message; you always make a fool of yourself on answer messages especially if you can't delete it.'

Hello Zac's phone

Silence...

Hello is anyone there.

Can I speak to Zac please? Miranda spat out the words like a teenager all over again.

He's driving, can I take a message?

Um.. No just say Miranda called, bye

Oh what an idiot, I couldn't even manage a sensible message.

Monday morning and the train jolted along as Miranda sat looking despairingly out of the rainy window. Droplets trickled down accelerated by the fierce wind. Miranda sipped on her coffee thoughtfully as the tube descended underground. The last of the daylight faded behind them as the tube headed towards central London.

She hated Mondays as it was back to work as usual, the crammed train with it's already heavy scent of body odour.

She stared down at her mobile hoping it would ring. She fiddled with the buttons checking for a missed call, but nothing! It had been a whole day and still Zac hadn't called.

'Why give me your card if you don't really want to meet up. Strange...'

Admittedly she hadn't really left a proper message, in fact no message at all. He would only have her mobile number if he checked call register. He probably had a string of girls.

Why hadn't she just called again and actually spoken to him, that would be the mature thing to do. But oh no, not Miranda Chapel, she never called twice. She had spent all her teenage years having the pick of the bunch at college. The boys were queuing up to take her out. Her first proper boyfriend had been when she was seventeen. She still remembered his cute smile and freckles, the way he had hung on her every word. Sitting in the park on a Friday night drinking cider then cuddling up close to keep out the cold. That feeling of exhilaration as he touched her naked skin. Those were the days she mused as the train arrived at her stop. She struggled past the morning commuters onto the busy platform where she was swept into the fray of people heading for the escalators.

It was only a short walk to her office block. The street already filled with elaborate umbrellas protecting the expensive suits that hurried underneath them.

She sauntered in, hair swaying to the speed of her step.

Morning Miranda, the security guard called out.

Oh hi Steve, good weekend? but she was gone before he had a chance to reply.

Miranda worked on the fifth floor in Event Management. A glorified party organiser, although occasionally they did win a contract for a celebrity bash. More often than not it was weddings and catering deals that Miranda dealt with. It had started off as a challenge but now she really felt she needed more! Coloured icing and numbered balloons were starting to get her down!

The open plan office spread out before her, dull cream walls occasionally decorated with a modern painting or photograph. Pot plants sat in corners like badly treated dogs, desperate for some love and attention. Even with the lights on the office was dim and uninspiring. Miranda logged onto her computer perched on her chair and was instantly confronted by a long list of e-mails that had appeared on the screen. She managed to delete most of them before her phone started ringing.

Hello Miranda Chapel speaking.

Oh hi it's only Annie, just checking you're ok. Did that guy call you?

No, not as yet, Miranda answered optimistically, sorry but I must go have heaps to do this morning, I'll call you later.

Ok bye love.

The phone went dead. Annie, always her best friend also loved to catch up on any gossip. If only she had some to tell, if things carried on like this she'd have to start making some up. A voice suddenly startled her.

Miranda, are you coming we've been waiting for quarter of an hour, you're late for that meeting.

Frankie waved at Miranda, wearing her usual fake smile. Miranda knew she was dying to steal her job, silly cow.

I'm coming Frankie just getting my papers together. Miranda gathered her thoughts as she headed towards the meeting room, eyeing up Mark as she sauntered over. Pity he was happily married, gorgeous bum. 'Must keep my mind focused on the job ' she thought, blocking out sudden images that had appeared in front of her eyes of a naked Mark lying on her bed. Go away think weddings. She smiled at the other managers as she approached the table and remembered to apologise for being just a touch late.

The meeting rolled on for over an hour. Miranda mainly doodled on her notepad, occasionally adding a sensible comment. The deal was finalised and the ice wedding should be able to go ahead. People these days weren't satisfied with a church do, they had to have something else, but ice, please, next they'll want Willy Wonka to make them a chocolate palace!

At least the meeting had eaten up most of the morning and after a few more e-mails Miranda managed to justify herself a lunch break. She loved to go to the local cafe and watch the world go by.

Fortunately the rain had ceased and only damp patches remained on the pavement. The cafe was only a short walk away, only allowing Miranda a few moments thought about her tired career. She really needed to look for a new job, maybe something abroad would do her good, she had only ever worked in England. She decided she would make a decision about her job depending on how her big meeting tomorrow went.

Then pushing open the cafe door she saw him, bloody Zac McKensie walking right towards her. It was impossible for him not to see her. As she looked up their eyes met and a huge smile spread across his face. Miranda grinned back without thinking.

Fancy seeing you here. Zac motioned for her to join him.

I thought you were leaving Miranda answered cautiously.

Well I was but I can catch up with these guys back at the office, I'm sure they'll allow me an extra ten minutes.

Miranda ordered a cappuccino and a ham and cheese panini to take away. She stared at him not knowing quite what to say. Should she be apologising for her strange message or berating him for not calling. Zac hesitated before offering an apology, I'm sorry I haven't called. That sounds so rubbish but I was away yesterday and time just got away from me. he hesitated waiting to hear Miranda's reply before committing himself any further.

Well, yeah you should have called but I didn't exactly leave a proper message. Shall we just start again from today? Do you fancy dinner later; I know a really lovely Italian place?

Oh my god I can't believe I just asked him on a date what is wrong with me! I never lose it like this. Now he's trying to get out of it I can tell. He's thinking up another lie why didn't I just keep my mouth shut.

Miranda watched his hands as they fiddled with his cutlery, Yes I'd love to. he answered casting his green eyes over her.

They chatted for a few more minutes before Zac said he really had to leave, he had meetings all afternoon. Miranda knew she had to go too, so they left together. Outside a light drizzle had started again,

So see you later, 8 o' clock at Alma Portico Zac winked and then surprisingly lent forward to kiss her goodbye. Their lips met in a momentary union.

Then they parted and headed in their separate directions.

Wow Miranda was blown away; the kiss seemed so right and so unexpected. The date for tonight filled her with a renewed enthusiasm for life.

Strangely for once Miranda did not want to share this moment with her friends. There was something about Zac that she wanted to keep a secret. It was fate bumping into him like that. Wearing his suit, not normally something Miranda