Secrets of Silk

By Eleanor David

Nothing could have prepared Stephany for the sudden death of her mother that night at dance class.

At the tender age of fourteen Stephany’s life was thrown into turmoil. In the months and years that followed, her rebellious ways led her to make all the wrong decisions allowing her high school crush to damage her almost beyond repair.

The passion for horses Stephany shared with her mother is the link to the mystery about to unfold in this new chapter of her life. Ember, the horse she inherited from her mother is the only thing that’s keeping her grounded. However her determination to dance again drives her closer to the city.

A decade later, now lodging with her lifelong friend Lizzy, Stephany is determined to put her tragic past behind her and pursue her childhood dream. After a chance encounter, Stephany is strangely drawn to the owner of Sinclair’s casino. Jake Sinclair, notorious for his playboy ways and debauched reputation, awakens the desire in Stephany to live again. But can she handle his reputation and accept that he too has a past that’s been buried deep?

How long will Stephany be able to keep her sordid past from Jake? Will he fight to keep her when he learns of those secrets? Stephany must decide if she is brave enough to take that risk in allowing him to claim her delicate heart. Can she bring down the protective walls she has spent the past five years building? More importantly, will Jake’s desire prevail when he discovers the truth about her ugly past?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eleanor David
• Release date: May 5, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310368806

Eleanor David

When her husband suggested that she write her own book instead of spending all her spare time reading other peoples books, she brushed the notion to one side and filed it under ‘ridiculous idea’. However, with the seed firmly planted in her mind she pondered for days over whether she could actually write a book of her own. In the following weeks, with a hectic home life (two sons, a husband, two dogs and a cat!), a busy and demanding full time job in a high street bank, her own horse and smallholding with more dogs, another cat and a few chickens thrown in for good luck, an idea began to form in her mind. A few months later, after spending countless hours whilst travelling to and from her full time job, between cooking meals for the family and running a busy household and during her down time at her smallholding tending to her horses, she came up with an idea for a story. With nothing to lose and the support of her husband she began to write, something that she had never done before. Six months later, Christmas 2013 her first book was finished. The first part of the Silk Trilogy had been written. Unsure of where this new found talent and passion for writing had come from she decided to create a pseudonym in memory of her grandmother, who played a huge part in her upbringing and to recognise the inspiration and support of her husband, her childhood sweetheart of thirty years. Eleanor David was created and in January this year the Silk Trilogy was completed. Part 1 published this week through KDP with Parts 2 and 3 to follow very shortly.

Book preview

SECRETS OF SILK

BY

ELEANOR DAVID

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 your favorite eBook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

COPYRIGHT ELEANOR DAVID 2013

SMASHWORDS EDITION

CONTENTS

Prologue

TEN YEARS LATER - CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

ABOUT ELEANOR DAVID

PROLOGUE

Chalk dust drifted haphazardly in the path of the suns’ rays, as it shone through the classroom window. Its warmth smothering Stephany as she sat gazing out of it, lost in her thoughts. A mixture of thoughts flooding her mind as she went over the dance moves for tonight’s rehearsal. Unwittingly her concentration veered towards Lizzy’s birthday party on Saturday night and whether Ben would be there. As if being pulled from an abyss the shrill sound of the end of day bell brought her swiftly back to reality, having missed all of the homework instructions that Miss Fergusson had just delivered.

Lizzy, did you get that? Tonight’s homework, I missed it!

Yeah yeah, chill! I’ll copy you in after dance class Lizzy said as she shoved the last of her books into her teeny weeny schoolbag.

Stephanie winced as she watched on with gritted teeth, hating the way Lizzy had no pride for her belongings, she couldn’t stand it when her books weren’t all neat and tidy. The two girls chatted and giggled as they walked along the corridor to the main entrance, mingling into the hustle and bustle as dozens of children fled their classrooms. Their minds eager to free themselves from study and indulge in whatever recreation lay ahead. Lizzy’s phone bleeped.

Defo on 4 Saturday. See ya l8tr Ben x

Lizzy looked fondly at Steph, then with a wicked grin said,

That was Ben. He says he’ll defo be at the party Saturday. You are sooo gonna have to make an effort if you’re seriously interested girl!

Stephany blushed at the thought. Ben Jackson was in his last year and just happened to be the hottest boy in the school. Even at sixteen his muscled body was enough to make any girl go weak at the knees and recently he had been flirting ridiculously with her.

Yeah I know. I’m just glad my dad won’t be vetting my outfit. I’m sure he’d have me chaperoned if he thought he could get away with it! and with that they both burst into laughter before saying their farewells.

Outside Stephany’s dad was there to collect her as he was every Wednesday after school, then would drop her at the stables to meet her mum before she went to dance class. Stephany’s parents had divorced almost two years ago when she was just twelve years old. He had been having an affair with Sylvia, the woman who rented a treatment room at the back of his barber shop. He said Kate, Stephany’s mum was too wrapped up in her horses, never having any time for him. Kate had been studying hard, finally getting her qualifications as an equine physiotherapist but had unfortunately paid the ultimate price of losing her husband as she followed her dream of an equine career. The break up however had been pretty civil and worked as well as it could for Steph as she mostly moved between her mums place and her dad’s as and when she pleased. This worked particularly well when she planned to go out as was the case this weekend, she would definitely make sure she was staying with her mum.

A little over a year after the divorce, Stephany’s dad Paul had married Sylvia, but she and Stephany clashed from the start. Her son Gregg didn’t much like her either but at least he was a few years older and away at college. Stephany was just not interested in beauty treatments and false nails, she simply lived to dance and ride, nothing else mattered except Lizzy, her best friend.

Stephany could see her dad parked just across the road as she hugged Lizzy goodbye, catching sight of Ben as he came through the school gates behind them. He was tall and athletic standing already at least six feet. His broad chest and shoulders straining against his school uniform. He was very sporty playing on both the school football and rugby teams, his messy blond curls hanging carelessly over his dark brown eyes. Steph froze as his gaze met hers. His lips curled up at the edges in that sexy way only he knew how. With a slight dip of his head he acknowledged Steph and then was gone, joining a crowd of boys as he walked on up the street.

Hi love. How was school?

Hi Dad, okay I guess, same old same old. How about you? Any famous people been in for a haircut today? Steph asked with a giggle as she leant over to kiss her dad throwing her school bag onto the back seat.

The pair enjoyed their usual banter recounting the day’s activities as they made their way to the stables. It was only a short drive from the school even with traffic so the half hour journey soon passed. As they turned off the road into the entrance of the stables Stephany spotted her mum talking to a client about their horse. Kissing her father and saying goodbye she collected her things watching on as he drove away. Steph wished things could be different between her parents having them back together again, but knew that the reality was that that would never happen. Could never happen. Although deep down, she knew they both cared deeply for each other. Steph knew the drill. She put her things into her mum’s discovery then went and changed in the brew room. When she reached the stable she was surprised to find it empty, Ember was always tacked up and ready to go when she got there. So where was she? Her heart skipped a couple of beats as concern for her mother’s beloved mare overcame her.

Mum!! Where’s Ember? Is she ok? Stephany shouted, breathless as she approached her mother.

She’s in the back paddock and she’s fine. I’m just running a bit behind today that’s all. I’ve not been feeling so good. Go get her and tack her up. You’ll still have time for your lesson.

Kate smiled as she saw the relief pass over her daughters face. She knew how much Stephany loved that horse, had done since the day she brought her home as a two year old. The bond they had developed had been something quite extraordinary. Ember rode like a dream leaving Stephany feeling exhilarated and completely refreshed after her lesson. She sighed as she led the beautiful chestnut mare back to her stable, the familiar smell from the heat of the horse mixed with the leather saddle lingered in her nostrils as she savoured the moment.

It was already five thirty, and as Stephany sat waiting patiently for her mum to finish up her paperwork from today’s clients her mind was busy churning over what to wear on Saturday.

Just one quick call to make Steph then we’ll be on our way. Kate said on a sigh as she rubbed her fingers across her brow. Stephany looked on, a frown of concern forming. Kate was never unwell and her behaviour was starting to worry her. Before long mother and daughter were in the discovery headed back to Kate’s house.

Are you sure you’re ok mum? Steph asked looking at her mother’s now very pale face.

You know you need to take a break sometime, you work so hard and besides, you know dad will always take me to dance class if you’re busy.

Her mother let her head fall back slightly and laughed as she said,

Nobody said that following my dream would be easy, but one day when you’re on your way to opening your very own dance school you will know what I mean.

Anyway I’m fine, really, it’s just a headache and besides you know I love to watch you dance. Everyone who knew Steph’s mum knew she had two left feet, her father saying she got her rhythm from him. As they approached the car park of the dance school, Steph glanced over at her mother, still looking pale and asked again,

Are you sure you’re ok mum? You look very pale. Should I call dad and ask him to come and collect me?

Absolutely not! I’ve told you I’m fine. It’s just a headache. Now you go in there and dance your lovely legs off and STOP worrying about me!!

As they found a space and parked the car the Kate’s mobile rang.

You go on in, I’ll just have to get this. I’ll be in in a minute.

Kissing her mother fondly Steph jumped out of the car making her way to the changing rooms to see if Lizzy was already there.

Hey Steph, what’s up?

Nothing really, I’m good. Just a bit worried about mum, she’s not herself at all. She says it’s just a headache but…… I don’t know, she just doesn’t seem herself you know?

Steph slumped down onto the hard wooden bench and sighed.

Hey, she’ll be ok. She’s as tough as old boots your mum, she’ll be fine you’ll see. Now come on, hurry up and get changed or we’ll be late for warm up. Anyway, did you check whether it would be ok to stay at your mums this weekend? I can’t wait till Saturday. It’s gonna be awesome!

Yeah it’s cool, mum said it was fine so we’re all set. I’m already feeling nervous about seeing Ben though.

Lizzy laughed,

By the time I’ve finished with you he’s not gonna recognise you. You’re going to look too hot to touch!!

And with that both girls linked arms and skipped out to the main hall for warm up laughing as they went.

As Steph began her warm up routine she noticed that her mother had not yet taken her seat in the viewing area, concern again clouding her mind as she continued her stretches. Feeling increasingly uneasy Steph decided to ask Miss Pownall, her dance teacher if she could be excused and go see if her mum was still in the car. As she made her way over to where Miss Pownall was selecting the tracks for tonight’s session, her eyes never left the doorway. Finally, she spotted her mum entering the hall as she sought out a seat. Relief washed over Stephany as she watched her mother take her place, then heading back to the others continued with her warm up.

For the next thirty minutes or so Stephany and the rest of the class worked hard under the military style direction of Miss Pownall. The kids at the school had nick named her little Hitler because she was relentless with her workouts and demanded the highest of standards from anyone who was brave enough to stick at her lessons. Fortunately, Stephany was one of her favourites, she had ‘great potential’ Miss Pownall had said, I can see a lot of myself in you when I was your age which was a huge compliment coming from the iron lady herself. Many of the kids came and went after a relatively short time with only a few original pupils remaining including Stephany and Lizzy. Those that had dropped out had said that she was too strict and lacked in her ability to give constructive criticism. Miss Pownall said things exactly as they were, if you weren’t good enough she simply told you. This, Stephany thought, was precisely the reason why she liked her so much, that and the fact that she had been extremely supportive during her parents’ divorce. All in all Stephany like her. A lot.

Slightly breathless and with sweat starting to bead across her chest and brow Stephany caught sight of her mother getting up from her seat. Their eyes met as her mother mouthed the words ‘bottle of water’ making a gesture with her hands that she was going to get a drink. Stephany continued with an eye repeatedly travelling back towards her mother’s empty seat. The minutes that passed seemed like an eternity as she continued to glance over at the empty space where her mother had been sat just moments before. She looked up at the clock on the wall which read 19:55 wishing she had checked the time when her mother had left the room. After what seemed like an age she could stand it no more and wiping the sweat from her brow, after catching her breath for a moment she ran out of the room leaving her fellow dancers looking on questioningly. Miss Pownall unaware of Stephany’s abrupt exit.

The corridor was empty and eerily quiet as Stephany made her way towards the bathrooms. Her chest ached with the strain on her lungs from her warm up, her heart beating at an uncontrollable pace as panic began to rise from within her. Somewhere in the distance she heard the voice of Miss Pownall asking Lizzie to take over the class.

Mum? Steph called, almost without realising her brain had asked her mouth to speak. But there was no reply.

Mum? she repeated, her voice faltering slightly as she pushed against the cold heavy door to the bathroom, her sweaty palm causing condensation to form against its coolness.

MUM!!! she screamed as she ran over to the body lay slumped on the floor.

Everything was now dreadfully quiet, the only sound in her ears that of her own heart beating, the rush of blood through her veins. Tears streaked her face as she began to feel her body start to shake uncontrollably. She didn’t feel anything as Miss Pownall grabbed her shoulders, pulling her up from the cold tiled floor where she had knelt next to her mother’s body as it lay cool and motionless beside her.

TEN YEARS LATER.

CHAPTER ONE.

It’s May again, the early evening sun shining, warming my skin through my light cotton sweater. The evenings stretching ever longer, giving us lovers of the great outdoors another daytime to enjoy after one has finished. I love this time of year as we move towards summer, watching as the wildlife bursts into action. The smell of the mayflower that covers the hawthorn and the sounds of the swallows as they get ready to nest after their long journey back from South Africa. It always amazes me how they find their way back to exactly the same place they fledged from the previous autumn, even choosing to revamp the old nests with a new layer of straw and twigs. The last of the spring flowers still covering the floor of the woods and along the river side where we ride. Lush grass now sprouting through in the paddocks offering nourishment for the horses and of course the new born foals that frolic with each other under the watchful eye of the brood mares.

Sitting on the fence of the paddock, lost in thought I watched tirelessly as Ember wandered around searching out just the right blades of grass to eat and couldn’t help but think back to that night ten years ago. The devastation and destruction of a young girl as she watched her mother being driven off to hospital in an ambulance, flashing blue lights, sirens screaming, the numbness that followed after learning that my mother had been pronounced dead on arrival. The painful memory of the paramedic’s frantically working to save my mother’s life, the sympathies that followed from the other parents and children alike that were present at the dance school that night. I’d learned to live with the grief now, but still occasionally I felt that pang of guilt. Not just for my mother, but for the pain I caused my father and Sylvia in the years that followed as I rebelled and took every wrong road that was available to take. Still life was different now, I had left that life behind me, righted all my wrongs, hell I even went back to school, passed my exams and finally got into Dance College. Not without the help and determination of Miss Pownall I might add. Then, studying business at night school, I did simple office work through the day. Anyway, here I am now finally sharing a flat with Lizzy after all these years. Lizzy has been my best friend since our primary days and stuck by me through thick and thin, even during my wayward days she was there for me.

‘You’ll find your way eventually’ she’d say, ‘sometimes we need to venture off the beaten track for a while in order to realise that the rough road is not the easy road!’

How right she was and boy did I take the rough road and plenty of wrong turns too, before I finally got a grip turning my life back around, only to have it shattered again a few years later by no other than my high school crush Ben Jackson.

Anyway, I was here now and my dream that had been supported by my mother from such a young age of one day opening my own dance school, now so close I could almost touch it. I worked through college dancing at various clubs saving every penny. That, along with the trust fund my mother had set up for me unbeknown to anyone, which matured after my 21st birthday meant that my move away from home and closer to the city would finally allow me to fulfil that dream. She had always told me to follow my dreams. She’d say, ‘Carpe Diem Stephany my love.’ It was Latin, literally translated it meant ‘pluck the day, trusting as little as possible in the future’ but mum used to prefer to liken it to its more common translation of ‘seize the day’.

Letting out a sigh I jumped from the fence onto the soft grass.

Come on Ember, time to tuck you up for the night old girl

I walked over to the beautiful chestnut mare, stroking her along her smooth muscled neck taking in the scent that is so filled with memories for me I don’t think I could ever live without it. She is the only piece of my mother’s life that is left and although it makes my own life incredibly difficult, both financially and emotionally it would just not be complete without her. She is a way for me to feel close to my mother, to remember everything she taught me about the person I want to be and finally I feel like I’m getting somewhere.

As we walked across the yard towards the stables I felt my phone vibrate against my calf from where it was tucked inside the leg of my riding boots. It was a text from Lizzy.

Don’t wait up. Got a hot date!! See ya in the morning. Oh and by the way give Phil a break he’s really not that bad xxxx Smiling at the first part I wondered which poor sole she’d got her claws into now and if he knew what he’d let himself in for. Lizzy had no morals, love em and leave em that’s her motto. Me, I just don’t seem to be able to connect with anyone these days which is why I winced at the second part of the text. Phil. He’s the son of the owner of the marketing company I work for and after two whole weeks of harassment when I started there I agreed to date him. He is good looking, in a polished sort of way, his hair cut short, a dirty blonde colour with light brown eyes that are warm and friendly. At around five ten his slim physique is more fitting of the athletic type. However, apart from playing five a side football every Thursday evening he doesn’t work out at a gym or run or anything else for that matter. God I missed the gym, craving the release I got when I worked out. It was a way of losing myself and all my dark memories as I pounded the weights or the punch bag. Anyway, it had been nearly a month now since we started dating and instead of me getting to know him better and becoming more attracted to him I found myself moving in the opposite direction. I needed to tell him and soon. Lizzy however saw him as the perfect catch, good looking and quite well off (well he will be when he inherits his father’s business) but for me, well let’s just say, I ain’t feelin the fireworks.

When I reached the stable, there was just a few girls still on the yard. I’ve surpassed myself since I’ve been at Meadow Bank Farm and found it surprisingly easy to fit in. Pat the owner is just adorable and really accommodating helping me juggle looking after Ember around work both at the office and the club where I dance with Lizzy. After I had explained how I came to own Ember she embraced me with tears in her eyes, telling me that her door would always be open if I ever needed to talk. She did however get the edited version of my past and although the offer was sweet I am really not the talking type. Nobody other than Lizzy, Greg, my father and Sylvia know all my sordid secrets and that’s exactly how I planned to keep it.

Hey Steph, are you coming to the Casino on Saturday? shouted Sam as she finishing filling the water buckets.

Err, I’m not sure yet. It’s complicated. You see it’s Lizzy’s birthday Saturday and Phil wants to take me out so I already have a dilemma on my hands and besides I don’t have a membership

That’s easy solved said Sam laughing, why don’t you just celebrate Lizzy’s birthday at the casino, there’s a great club downstairs and invite Phil along too? That way everybody’s happy and you can all get in on Timmy’s membership. I think he can take up to twelve guests in if they know in advance

I smiled back at her, she really should have been a girl-guide leader or something, she’s so practical and ultra-organised.

That my friend sounds like a plan. I’ll have a word and let you know tomorrow.

Oh by the way, can you let me have the number of the farrier you use Sam, I really need to get Embers feet done and I don’t know anyone round here?

Yeah, course I’ll txt you his number later. He’s called Jacob O’Connor. He’s ex-army, from Ireland I think. He’s a real looker too for his age. Shame he isn’t twenty years younger she sighed

But most importantly he is a fantastic farrier. Just explain you’re new to the yard, he won’t mind, he does nearly all the horses here including Pats

Ah thanks Sam that’s great really. Thank you

Squeals and giggling coming from the tack room drew my attention away from our conversation. Turning around I looked over at what all the fuss was about to see Sally rushing out of the door with Timmy hot on her heels. Timmy was Pats son and he was nothing more than a schmooze. In the short time I’d been here I’d heard all sorts of tales and had been told he had pretty much bedded all the girls on the yard, with the exception of Sam. He genuinely thought he was some kind of playboy, his light blonde hair already thinning and his features were small and angular. He was very muscular, but at the same time short and thin. He reminded me of a jockey which was probably very fitting given that he rode horses for a living, having several warm bloods that he jumped to a fairly high standard. No, he wasn’t up there with the Whitakers or the Stockdale’s of the world but he was good and really knew how to ride a horse well. He also gave private lessons to anyone who wanted and I’d been tempted to arrange a few when I first arrived but now I’m glad I hadn’t. Something told me I would have been paying for more than a horse riding lesson and I was definitely not interested in anything like that. Everyone on the yard gossiped about his wealthy female clients that would turn up in their fancy trailers looking oh so Jilly Cooper. I wasn’t sure how old he was but figured he must be at least thirty because some of those women looked positively ancient. I had quickly learned to avoid him at all costs, he was the last thing I needed right now and besides something about him made me nervous. He moved between his women as frequently and openly as he did his horses.

With Ember safely tucked up for the night, fed and watered I made my way over to my clapped out jeep. It’s big, noisy and very expensive to run but she’s never let me down and after all I needed her to pull the trailer about when I need to take Ember anywhere. I climbed in and reached into the glove box for my tobacco. I’d been doing really well lately having stopped buying cigs when I moved in with Lizzy but still had the occasional roll up if I was feeling low or nervous or drunk which I have to say is very rare for me these days. I don’t trust myself around alcohol anymore, now only drinking when I really need to. With nimble fingers I rolled my cigarette, and putting it to my mouth lit it with my lighter and took a long drag inhaling deeply before turning the engine and slowly pulled off the cobbled yard. I pressed the button lowering my window to allow the smoke filled interior to release into the atmosphere beyond. My journey was relatively short, only about twenty minutes from our apartment. I couldn’t believe my luck finding somewhere so close, yet far enough away to allow me to feel completely detached from city life. The riding around here was just amazing with bridleways stretching for miles in each direction without having to touch a single road.

I flicked the radio onto my favourite channel and sang and swayed my way through some classic eighties hits driving as if on auto pilot, as though I could just say where I wanted to go and my car would take me. This route had become etched into my memory along with the songs I listened to. Although my mother had had no rhythm at all she certainly had good taste in music and I loved this era as much as I loved the current R&B dance music. A solitary tear escaped my eye as I sang along to ‘Into the Groove’ by Madonna. This song held so many memories I felt like my heart might jump right out of my chest. It had been her favourite song.

Pulling into the car park at the rear of our building, I cut the engine and let out at deep breath as I sat for a moment, as if to gather some inner strength from somewhere before going into the apartment. The car park was pretty full with only one space allocated per apartment, but we’d been lucky when I moved in as the tenant in the apartment across the way didn’t drive and had kindly given their spot to me. The sun was just beginning to go down on this beautiful day dimming the light on this crowded space casting shadows along the high walls. I loved how long the evenings were in the summertime, how much later it was before it went dark after a glorious sunny day. I tapped in our security number at the entrance door and climbed the small flight of stairs to our apartment with heavy feet. It had been a long and difficult day and all I could think about was relaxing in a deep hot bubble bath. As I unlocked the door and pushed it open I kicked off my boots before I entered the hallway ensuring I didn’t leave muddy footprints on the newly laid light oak wood flooring. Once inside I kicked the door shut with my sock covered foot and made my way directly to my room, flicking on the hall light as I passed. I flopped down onto my soft bed and lay back looking up to the ceiling for a moment.

Come on lady, pull yourself together! I said out loud you need food then rest!

With great effort I pulled myself from my comfy abyss and dragged myself to the kitchen to see what culinary delight I could conjure up to eat. I was greeted as usual by a pile of pots stacked on the drainer and a post it note stuck to the fridge….

Sorry girlfriend didn’t have time to clean up, dishwasher needs emptying. Will make it up to you promise. By the way there’s chicken and bacon pasta inside. Just in case you’re too tired to cook  Love ya. Lizzy xxxx

Yeah Lizzy, that’s cool, thanks for dinner, don’t worry I’ll clean up I said on a sigh with a sarcastic tone as if she were stood right next to me.

I polished off the pasta while sitting at the breakfast bar watching the day’s news on catch up TV. I needed to eat first if I was going to have any energy to tidy up afterwards. After I’d finished tidying the kitchen and ridding the apartment of all Lizzy’s various items of clothing, shoes, bags and… makeup? What the hell was mascara doing on the living room table? Anyway, I finally made it to my deep filled bubble bath in which I soaked until my fingers and toes crinkled. Then fell into bed sinking into a deep and dreamless sleep.

CHAPTER TWO.

I got through the next two days on pro plus and red bull. Thursdays were always hard work what with working at the office, then going to the farm to see to Ember and then onto the club for ten, working usually till about 2am. Then the same again all over on Fridays, but my weekends were my own till the whole sequence started over Monday morning. But not this Monday because I had the week off and I couldn’t wait. I was employed by Mike Spencer the owner of Ace Marketing Ltd and had been taken on on a part time contract, but since I started the company had won a couple of huge contracts which meant I had accrued an enormous amount of lieu time so Mike had agreed for me to take the time owed to me next week. He was a gentle man with true principles, a quality I found rare these days and I had liked him from the first time I’d met him when I was interviewed for the position. It had gone really well, the two of us getting along like a house on fire. I hadn’t however been entirely honest with him regarding my plans for my dance school omitting the fact that I wanted this job to learn all I could about how to effectively market it to ensure its success. But that didn’t really matter, did it? I mean it wasn’t like I’d lied about my qualifications or anything and I was very good at my job, him telling me on more than one occasion that he felt my talents in business were wasted in this position.

Lizzy was buzzing with excitement for tonight’s big night at the casino. She was thrilled at the idea of celebrating her birthday there when I suggested it and Phil had agreed without any hesitation saying the three of us could get in on his company membership. Apparently his father’s company had done all the advertising for this chain of casino’s and added to Lizzy’s excitement when he told us that a number of famous footballers and celebrities often frequented the place. Everyone was happy, even I was looking forward to it now and although I still had reservations about Phil I figured it wouldn’t hurt to put off ending the relationship until after tonight.

My bed dipped as Lizzy landed heavily beside me making me groan,

What time is it?

It’s after ten, now come on lady get up, we’ve got shopping to do!

Argh, I moaned again

Okay, okay. Get me tea birthday girl and I’ll see what we can do

Oi! You should be getting me the tea, it is my birthday after all. Lizzy protested,

Yes Lizzy, but you know I can’t function before I’ve had my brew so if you want me to come shopping I seriously suggest you get that kettle on! Now go while I get up and get your pressies

Lizzy screeched like a school girl skipping off towards the kitchen while I dragged myself up from my bed, slipped on my fluffy towelling bath robe and slippers, before making my way down the hall picking up the post as I passed the door.

Anything interesting in the mail this morning? Lizzy asked as she poured the tea glancing over her shoulder as she did.

Nah, just the usual junk mail and a couple of bills, and one or two birthday cards. I said grinning as I waved three envelopes in the air.

Lizzy took the envelopes tearing them open as I took a drink from my brew shaking my head. One from her mum and dad, another from my dad and Sylvia and another from Greg my stepbrother. Sighing, she set them down on the window sill, I knew secretly she missed being close to her parents and Greg, well he has secretly carried a torch for Lizzy since the two of them worked so closely to get me back on the straight and narrow, but neither of them had ever acknowledged each other openly in that kind of way.

Passing Lizzy her presents I watched as she carelessly removed the packaging.

Wow, thanks Steph I love you she said as she threw her arms around me nearly spilling my tea everywhere.

I had bought her a very large bottle of her favourite Dolce and Gabbanna perfume and a gorgeous pair of large gold hoop earrings.

Well, your only 25 once my friend and besides now you have your own gold hoops, you won’t have to keep borrowing mine!

We hugged for moment before she planted a kiss square on my lips. I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand grimacing at her, she knew I didn’t do girl kisses but she just laughed and stuck her tongue out at me. If ever we get hassled in a bar by a guy trying to hit on us, she pulls this stunt to put them off the scent, however it has back fired just a couple of times with one guy once asking for a threesome instead!!

Both dressed and ready we hit the street and headed down to the bus stop. Neither of us could see the point in driving into town and in any case Lizzy wouldn’t step foot in my jeep even if her life depended on it. There was a couple of people waiting in line at the bus stop and before long the number 19 arrived to take us into town. God I’m glad I don’t have to make this journey every day. I just can’t deal with the overcrowding and the screaming children that hang from their parents arms in protest. Nudging Lizzy in the arm, I leant in and whispered,

We’ll get a cab back I think. I’d rather pay extra than have to endure this journey twice in one day.

Oh yes for sure! she laughed as she nodded her agreement.

Leaving the bus we headed straight to the designer area of town leaving me feeling as though we should have both dressed up for the occasion. The streets filled with immaculately dressed women and men in designer suits. I laughed to myself as a looked at Lizzy and me, both in jeans and baggy tee shirts looking altogether too casual for this side of town. But, Lizzy had birthday money to spend and I’d been persuaded to spend some of my hard earned cash and invest in a new outfit for tonight. As we walked along the high street my phone beeped and pulling it from my bag I found a text from Greg. We really didn’t get along when dad first got together with Sylvia and back then I’d been glad that he was away at college. But now, a few years older than me at twenty eight I have to admit, if it hadn’t been for him and Lizzy I fear I would never have found the road back to normality and then later, after…. well after that night god only knows where I would have ended up. The pits of hell I’m sure.

"Hey sis, hope you’re ok. Just to