herself into the flashy car, mindful not to snag her heels on the carpet.
Resting her hands on the velvety textured steering wheel, she stared out of the low, wide windscreen unseeingly, thinking about a day trip she and Christian had gone on the previous summer.
***
He’d arranged to test drive an Alfa Romeo 8C Spider. He’d loved the look of the long nose and how close to the ground it was and wanted something for sunny weekends. On walking out of their flat wearing the required designer dress and high heels, she’d looked it over with interest.
‘What do you think?’ he’d asked, throwing his arms out, black hair gleaming in the July sunshine.
‘It’s quite pretty,’ she answered, moving around the back and taking in the high red round lights, registration plate dead centre and double exhausts on both sides below. ‘Looks a bit like a face,’ she mused.
He raised an eyebrow. ‘Somehow I don’t think that was what they had in mind when they designed it,’ he said drily.
She smiled, ‘I’m just saying. So what are the double exhausts for?’
Opening the door for himself, he’d gestured for her to get in opposite. ‘Come on, let’s go. We have lunch plans.’
‘We do?’ The change of subject was so obviously a tactic to avoid answering the question. She didn’t call him on it. It wouldn’t be worth the sulky silence that would follow. Besides, she already knew Christian was more interested in how cars looked than what was under the bonnet or how they performed on the road. Maybe it was an apt reflection for his taste in women. They’d been together for three years but she sometimes wondered if he saw her, really saw her, or if he was more interested in how she looked on his arm.
‘Yes. We’re going to Tunbridge Wells.’ He grinned, blue eyes twinkling and a dimple flashing in his cheek. ‘Now come on, woman, get in. I’ll show you a good time.’ He leaned in and kissed her as she settled in the seat, stroking her face before helping her buckle up.
Her fears dissolved at the loving gesture and she shook her head. She didn’t know what was with her at the moment, doubting him, doubting their relationship. They were fine. Everything was fine.
And it was fun, leaving the city and driving down country lanes, whizzing around bends and turns with the roof down, Frankie struggling to control her long black extensions, which kept flipping up around her face.
‘Can I have a go?’ she turned to him as they stopped at a crossroads.
‘I don’t think that’s a good idea.’
‘Why? I’m fully comped on my car, so we’re covered if something happens.’
‘No, you’re okay,’ he answered coolly, pulling away with a quiet roar.
‘But it looks like fun! I want to see what it feels like-’
‘I’ll buy you any car you want to run around in,’ he interjected, ‘but you’re not driving this.’
She laughed, ‘Don’t be silly. It’s not even yours! Come on. Pull over.’ She gave him a playful nudge with her elbow.
‘No.’
‘Come on!’ she giggled.
‘No!’ he said sharply, shooting her a dark look. ‘Leave it alone. This test drive is for me.’
‘Okay, fine.’ She edged away from him, gazing at the passing green, leafy countryside. Sometimes this unpleasant side of him came out. The new money, offered life on a plate, spoilt side. He’d grown up with rich parents who gave him everything without question.
But everyone had strengths and weaknesses, everyone had flaws. There were lots of things she loved about him. He could be fun, he made her smile, he spoiled her rotten – she didn’t want for anything. He gave her a way of life most people would kill for. She didn’t have to work, could have a dream wedding and be a stay-at-home mum when the time came, instead of having to put any children in nursery and trekking out to work all hours, the way her parents had done. They’d always struggled financially, looking worn out and overwhelmed, trying to give Frankie everything she needed. Because she’d been a much wanted baby, they’d treated like a precious gift, wanting the best for her, trying to protect her and keep her safe. She’d always pulled away from that, had been a tomboy more interested in climbing trees and riding her BMX with the boys than chattering with girls and playing with Barbie dolls. Strange that she’d ended up here with Christian, living a life that was like a Barbie and Ken set up.
She glanced over at him, studying his straight nose and tanned skin. He’d get over his sulk sooner or later, and after all, it wasn’t a big deal; there would be other cars, other opportunities. He’d always been there for her when it counted, that’s all that really mattered. Yes, everything was fine. So she squelched down the feeling of disquiet in her stomach.
***
Frankie shook her head, pulling herself from the past, running her hands along the soft steering wheel, taking in the various gadgets and gizmos on the dashboard. She smiled, the corner of her mouth crooking up on one side. This car was about as far away as you could get from the beaten up Fiat Zack had given her a lift home in a month or so before.
***
It’d been pouring with rain as she’d stopped in the front entrance of the department store, checking the Transport for London app on her iPhone for her journey home. ‘Fantastic.’ She groaned at the alert telling her there was a line closure, and looked out at the road. The pavement was glossy with rain and giant oily puddles gleamed under the streetlights.
‘What’s up?’ Zack appeared next to her, peering out into the deluge. ‘Oof, that’s heavy.’
She shivered. ‘Line closure. I’m going to have to take three different tubes to get home. And it’s already seven.’ They stayed open late on Thursday nights and she’d been down on the rota to cover Womenswear.
‘I’ll give you a lift.’ He offered, tossing his keys in the air and catching them easily, open face relaxed and friendly.
‘Are you sure? I thought you lived across the other side of the city.’
‘I do,’ he shrugged, ‘but you’ll get soaked on the other end, there’s no sign of it letting up. It’ll also take you ages. I’ve got no other plans tonight. Let me help.’
She glanced out at the rain again, heavier than before if possible, big fat drops striking the pavement. Switching her gaze back to him, she hesitated. ‘Are you sure you don’t mind?’ The idea of sitting in a heated car was preferable to the idea of traipsing up and down tube station stairs and getting wet on the frigid walk home from the last stop, but she felt edgy, though unsure why. It wasn’t like she was afraid of him. Quite the opposite, he made her feel comfortable, safe.
‘Frankie,’ he shook his head gently, ‘please don’t turn into one of those girls who make easy things complicated. Let’s make this easy. Just say yes.’
‘Well, I wouldn’t want to be one of those girls,’ she flashed back lightly, ‘okay, a lift would be appreciated, thank you. Where’s the car?’ She scanned the street.
‘Ah, yes. The car. I should probably tell you she’s not much to look at. But she does do what I need her to.’
‘Is she mechanically sound?’ Frankie asked.
‘Absolutely,’ Zack said, tucking his keys in his trouser pocket and zipping up his jacket.
‘That’s good enough for me then. Where is your car?’
‘You stay here, I’ll go and get her. No point in both of us getting wet. I won’t be long.’ Without waiting for a reply he dashed off into the rain.
‘Ok-ay then.’ Frankie rolled her eyes and did her coat up as a chilly wind swept into the entranceway. ‘Brrr.’