Behind A Twisted Smile (Dark Minds Book 2) (7 page)

He nodded and placed his empty coffee cup back in its saucer. “Families have some sort of inherent power to make us feel complete pariahs if you don’t go along with their schemes. Don’t feel bad. We all do and say things we shouldn’t.”

He smiled across the table at me, leaning on his elbows. We were sitting in the café I had suggested and were just finishing our coffee. With a red face, I had explained the rudiments of my predicament. I left out all the horrible parts like Martyn helping himself to my flat, and his nasty remarks and innuendoes. I didn’t want Jon to think I was completely neurotic or someone who bore a grudge. As far as he was concerned, I just wanted everyone in my family to believe that I was happy with Evie going out with Martyn and that I had already moved on to the next man.

I felt my racing heart calm down. Mission accomplished.

“It’s really nice of you, and I swear I’ve never done anything like this before. Honest.”

“It’s fine, really, it is.” He looked at his watch and frowned. “Look, I’ve got to go. I’m meeting an old friend who’s flying in to Heathrow and I have to see to my dog first.”

He fished a note from his pocket. “No, I insist I pay for these. It’s been most entertaining,” he said with a wide smile. “It’s not every day I can say I’m the twenty-first-century equivalent of a knight in shining armour! Maybe we can have dinner one evening? Really make it legit. We’ve already exchanged numbers, but I need to check my diary first.”

“That would be lovely.” I felt my face glow with pleasure.

After he had gone and I paid the bill, I jogged home. As I neared my road, I waited on the kerb while a bus trundled past. I glanced through the smeared windows and caught sight of Martyn. There was no mistaking his thin face and high cheek bones as he gazed down at me standing on the path. Our eyes locked, and I felt a shiver run down my spine as I stared into those eyes, which were like shards of ice.

Now, what was
he
doing in this area and on a bus? I remembered he owned a beat-up old Toyota Rav 4; maybe it had finally given out on him. I pondered briefly where he might have been going. Evie wasn’t with him, but then again, I couldn’t see Evie going anywhere on a bus. She had her own car.

After crossing the road, I thought some more about Jon. He had listened to my pathetic dilemma with great understanding, and it made me realise what a nice person he was. I had met some rogues in my short life, and it felt refreshing to find someone whom I sensed was trustworthy.

The thought of a future dinner date made me feel warm inside. It was early days, but I always believed in a glass half full rather than half empty.

***

In the end, our first date wasn’t dinner in a fancy restaurant at all. Jon called two days later and asked whether I enjoyed pub quizzes. It had been ages since I had taken part in one, but I replied that I always enjoyed a challenge.

“The thing is, there’s a pub I go to, which is trying to get a regular weekly quiz off the ground. The landlord’s new and asked whether I’d get some friends together. I realise it might not be what you had in mind, but they do great pub food. If you prefer not to, then we can meet on another evening.”

I laughed. “Well, as I said I’d pay, it sounds like I’m getting off lightly. No, I don’t mind eating in a pub at all, and the quiz sounds fun. Will we be part of a team?”

“We can be if you want. I know some of the regulars who’ll be joining in. We can eat afterwards. The quiz starts at seven.”

***

The quiz was amusing—not your typical fifty questions, more like a blockbuster quiz, which gave most people level footing. We didn’t win but had a lot of laughs.

When it was over, we looked at the menu, as by then, we were both famished. Jon was right about the pub food. The kitchen served pub grub at its best, and within twenty minutes, we were enjoying tasty homemade steak pies with fresh vegetables and crispy sautéed potatoes. The evening flew by. We discovered we shared favourite music bands and liked the same type of literature. Jon told me he was an architect, and I expounded on my own career. I was shocked when I glanced at my watch after the landlord rang the bell.

Outside, we discovered that a light drizzle was falling as we hurried over to Jon’s car. Ten minutes later, we were parked outside my door. I turned my head towards him, suddenly feeling shy as I thanked him for seeing me home. The light from the street lamps shone on his fair hair, turning it gold; a raindrop sparkled near his left ear. He leant towards me, his arm along the back of my seat, and kissed me. One kiss led to another until I drew back to catch my breath.

I smiled. “It’s been a lovely evening. I know you agreed to come out with me to help me with my quandary, but I have enjoyed it. I’d ask you in for coffee, except um…” I faltered as I caught a glimpse of amusement in his eyes.

He chuckled and kissed my cheek gently. “Don’t worry, I wasn’t expecting to come in, and yes, it was a lovely evening.”

“It’s not that I don’t like you, or anything, but—”

“Hush. Let’s leave it, shall we? You can ask me when you’re ready. Now, haven’t you forgotten something? When do you want me to meet your family?”

With a shock, I realised he was right. The evening had flown by, as if we had been on a real date, and we hadn’t even mentioned our arrangement. I hadn’t thought about Martyn or Evie. Jon had filled my mind completely. I felt doubly pleased because he hadn’t pushed to go inside my flat and intimated there would be time enough later.

“I’m seeing them this Friday. I was surprised when Mum rang, actually. She normally gives me some notice…she can be a bit formal like that. Anyway, this was completely out of the blue. Would that be okay with you? I can pick you up.”

“Fine by me.”

Mum hadn’t mentioned on the phone what she planned on giving us to eat that evening but had hinted we would be treated to something special. She was a little coy at the time, and I wondered fleetingly if I had forgotten it was her birthday. No, that was back in March. I had no idea why she had organised a get-together on a Friday, but I wasn’t really bothered. Martyn and Evie would be there, and Mum was quite happy when I suggested bringing Jon, my ‘new boyfriend’, along with me for everyone to meet.

“Lovely, dear. We’re all keen to meet this new man in your life,” she said happily. “I’ll see you Friday then. Please try not to be late!”

Chapter 9

As Jon and I stood side by side on the doorstep, I stole a look at him. He scrubbed up well in hip-hugging new blue jeans and a smart long-sleeved shirt, which I just knew came from one of the designer boutiques in town. Definitely not off the peg from M & S.

He caught my scrutiny, gave my hand a tiny squeeze and smiled. “Don’t look so worried. Relax. Do I pass muster then?” he whispered into my ear, in a deep, sexy voice.

I returned his grin and giggled, knowing I had been rumbled. “I reckon,” I said and tilted my head back to receive his kiss the same moment as the door opened.

In haste, we drew apart. I was now standing nearer to the opening, Jon right behind me, and there were Martyn and Evie, arms draped each other’s shoulders, broad smiles across their faces, smug within their love.

“Moya!” they chorused, and I felt Martyn’s arms go round me, forcing me into a claustrophobic hug, before I had a chance to introduce a bemused-looking Jon. I extricated myself as soon as I could and grabbing hold of Jon’s hand, dragged him forward.

“This is Jon.”

Evie was the first to move. Her gaze swept him from head to toe as she took his hand and then, leaning nearer, lightly kissed his cheek. “John. We’re so pleased to meet you.” I felt relieved Jon was more than passably attractive; in fact, if I were truthful, he was damned good-looking the more I saw of him. I knew everyone at home would scrutinise my latest ‘boyfriend’ and, no doubt, discuss our relationship.

Martyn, his arm now casually slung around Evie’s hips, thrust out his hand. “Likewise. I’m Martyn…I’m sure Moya’s told you all about me. We’re both pleased Moya’s found someone new, although we know nothing about you yet. But then Moya’s a teeny bit secretive. You’ll have to work on that…get her to lighten up more. Anyway, come in. Come in.” I noticed he gave Jon a wink, as if to say:
we’re all mates together
.

He drew his arm back and stepped aside. Martyn looked smart. Far smarter than when he and I were going out with one another. I realised it was the first time I had actually seen him in a suit. Evie wore a bright-red dress made from raw shantung silk. The neckline plunged, exposing a creditable amount of cleavage, which was particularly daring for my elder sister. She looked different. Pretty, sexy. Wanton even. Her smile was natural, complacent almost, as she flicked her stare back to Martyn. He was having some effect on her.

“Jon’s spelt, J-o-n,” I said, although I had no idea why I said it.

“Come through…we’re in the drawing room,” Martyn said with a proprietorial air, as if he were the master there. Jon and I followed them through to the best downstairs room, which we hardly ever used. I felt a spurt of irritation as my eyes rested on his skinny backside in front of me. This was my childhood
home
. What right did he have to insinuate himself in here?

As we entered the formal room, Martyn led us over to where Mum was seated. I noticed there were nibbles of crudités, peanuts and crisps in decorative bowls on the small tables in the room, and the polished mahogany table looked resplendent with silver candelabra and crystal glasses.

“Here they are, Belinda,” Martyn said with a flourish, as if presenting a pair of rabbits from a top hat. I pushed back the urge to slap him and walked over to give Mum a kiss.

“Hello, Mum.” Stepping back, I saw that she too had made the effort. True, she was wearing her favourite Jaeger, black, thigh-length skirt, but her dove-grey blouse was new. I caught a whiff of something undoubtedly Dior, too. The family were pushing the boat out over something.

The others were gathered there as well—even stranger, as Angela and Dale were still usually at work at that time of day. Darcy sat on the carpet, her head level with the window sill, her mobile in her hand, texting busily. She casually waved a hand in greeting while studying Jon at the same time through her heavily mascaraed lashes. Not for the first time, I thought of her as sixteen going on twenty-six. God help the fellas at her school when she really discovered sex. Rewind that. She most probably already had.

Before I could introduce Jon, he had already walked the short distance from the doorway and taken Mum’s hand in his. “I’m Jon, Mrs Waterford. Thank you for inviting me.”

I noticed how Mum did a double-take, glanced over at Dad’s portrait on the wall and then matched Jon’s smile. “You’re very welcome.” She then turned back to me with a flushed look on her face. “You never told me how much Jon resembled your father, Moya.” She placed a trembling hand on her chest as if in shock.

I peered into Jon’s face and frowned for a few seconds. “You’re right. I knew you reminded me of someone. That’s strange.”

Martyn showed disbelief on his face before laughing. “Moya! How can you make a mistake like that? Especially with your own father. Anyone can see the resemblance. I did immediately.”

I sensed my own face pale at his scornful words. I was about to reply when I felt Jon’s reassuring hand on my elbow. “It’s easily done when you’re very close to someone. Often the obvious isn’t as evident as you might imagine. And to give Moya due credit, she’s told me many times I remind her of someone from when she was younger.”

His smile was composed as he glanced from Martyn and then gave me such a look of tenderness, it nearly took my breath away. Not only could this man act, he implied we were close.

Evie, who had been quiet so far, snuggled closer to Martyn and whispered in his ear. He glanced over at us, replacing his annoyed look with a far brighter one.

“Can I have a little hush, everybody? I expect you’re all wondering why we’re gathered here this Friday evening instead of waiting for Belinda’s gorgeous Sunday lunch, eh?” He passed a self-satisfied look round, making sure it lingered on me, I noticed.

Jon and I exchanged looks, and I gave a careless shrug, although I had a strange feeling. Something was up.

I glanced at Mum and saw how keyed up and expectant she looked. For the first time in years, I realised she looked really pleased. Whatever Martyn had planned, if it made my mum happy, I was all for it.

As we waited, I noticed Evie was standing ever so still with her hands clasped in front. She never took her eyes from Martyn.

“So,” he said as he took a measured look round the room. “I’m pleased to announce that,” he paused for effect before carrying on, “Evie has consented to be my wife.” At first, there was a slight pause, and then a few gasps broke out as Martyn continued. My insides somersaulted.

“We wanted you to know before we told our friends. Evie and I visited our favourite restaurant for dinner last night, and I, being as romantic as I am, went down on one knee and asked for her hand in marriage. It created quite a stir and everyone applauded. Even the maître d’ wiped a tear away from his eye, and there was no way she’d have said no, even if I’d had the slightest doubt she might have. Evie, my love, you can show everyone the ring now.”