If the Shoe Fits (22 page)

“Eleanor?” said Max, cutting her off mid-ramble.

“Yes?”

“I have no idea what you're talking about, but I think it means that I got it wrong.”

“Yes! Yes, you did!”

Max leaned forward and brushed her hair from her eyes. Eleanor felt a little bit of hope in the pit of her stomach and blinked up at him. Max's lips twitched, and a chuckle burst forth soon after.

“You're going to drive me crazy, you know that?” he said gently.

“I certainly hope so,” muttered Eleanor, grabbing Max's head and pulling him down for a kiss before he could change his mind.

“Hallelujah! We finally got our fairy tale moment!” cried Muse.

Max jumped back and looked around in confusion.

“Don't just stand there,” said Muse, running around their feet excitedly. “Kiss her again, you idiot!”

“Fuck me,” said Max faintly. “Did that cat just
talk?”

Eleanor giggled.

“That settles it,” said Muse, rolling her eyes. “His language is terrible. You're obviously made for each other.”

• • •

A few months later …

Eleanor looked at the table with satisfaction. The settings looked beautiful, the turkey was browning nicely, and Max was pouring the wine. She checked her watch, a Christmas gift from her husband, and smiled.

“We have about ten minutes before everyone arrives,” said Eleanor, accepting a glass of wine gratefully.

“Happy Christmas, Ellie.”

“Happy Christmas,” she replied happily, kissing Max over her glass.

Two months of marriage had passed by in the blink of an eye, with Eleanor still slightly bemused at the change in her circumstances. She was now modeling a lingerie range exclusively for Cardiff Mode.
Naughty but Nice
, designed by Eleanor herself, was a range of underwear made specifically for women with a larger bust, and was proving to be a hit. Teddy, having gotten over the initial shock of seeing his daughter virtually naked in the national papers every weekend, was extremely proud of her.

Jake was on cloud nine too; after the misunderstanding over the Gretna Green incident, Max had been quick to reassure Eleanor's friend that he was in no danger of losing his job, and Jake was currently riding high on the success of photographing Eleanor's popular lingerie range. Even Christie was no longer a problem, having found herself a willing victim to marry in Gretna Green after all, a local man with pots of money and very little sense.

Life was as close to perfection as it could possibly be. The one thing that marred the picture of complete happiness was Muse, who hadn't uttered more than a “meow” since Eleanor's wedding. Apparently, the powers of a Fairy Godmother/talking cat were only available when there was a lady in need of help, or so Muse had explained shortly before she was reduced to more feline sounds. The cat was still as loving as ever, and often had a fit of hissing whenever she heard someone cursing, but the days of having conversations with a cat that actually talked back were gone.

Eleanor savored her wine and fussed around the table, tweaking the napkins and flower arrangements. There were eight place settings, a perfect number for Christmas lunch as far as Eleanor was concerned. The doorbell rung and she squealed excitedly.

“They're here!”

Max grinned indulgently and smacked her bottom playfully, before grabbing her hand and walking to the front door. They were both greeted with kisses to both cheeks from Jenni and Heather, swiftly followed by slaps on the back from Jake and Danny. Eleanor took their coats and ushered them into the house, closing the door against the cold.

More wine was poured, and the turkey was basted for the last time. Jenni and Heather admired Eleanor's watch enthusiastically, and exclaimed over the bracelet that adorned Eleanor's other wrist.

“Ooh, you were
spoiled
,” said Jenni.

Further conversation was halted by the arrival of Teddy, who came bearing a large bag of gifts and a huge Christmas pudding, courtesy of old Mrs. Halloway. Kisses were exchanged and drinks were toasted, then finally the last guest arrived.

• • •

Rebecca Ross (formerly-and-soon-to-be-again Charming) was led into the kitchen by her brother, and she greeted Eleanor warmly. Rebecca was currently in the middle of a messy divorce, her soon to be ex-husband a rat of the highest order. Rebecca had fled to Max's house on the day of Gerry's retirement party, after having caught her husband in bed with another woman;
two
other women, actually. His sister's messy marriage had been the major cause of Max's terrible mood that night, and had made him think the worst when he saw Eleanor decked out in full wedding regalia.

Thankfully, despite her own problems, Rebecca had kept out of the way when Max had carried Eleanor back into his house that night. She'd even made herself scarce while Max and Eleanor had indulged themselves in the manner of all young couples eager to cement their relationship.

Eleanor smiled fondly at the memory, remembering how thankful she was to be naked by choice for the first time ever in Max's presence. She winked at her husband as she greeted Rebecca, smiling widely at her sister-in-law.

“I'm so glad you could make it,” she said warmly.

“Turkey's ready!” said Danny, who had taken over the kitchen, complete with his naughty apron adorning his toned body.

“Excellent! Dig in, people!”

• • •

Lunch had been a resounding success, and now Eleanor was cuddled up to Max on one of her sofas and stroking Muse, who was curled up contentedly in her lap. Teddy, slumped in the armchair with a paper hat covering his closed eyes, was snoring softly, while Jake and Danny were playing poker with Rebecca in front of the fire.

“That was fab,” said Jenni, patting her stomach happily. “Christmas day is the one time I allow myself to really pig out and not worry about it afterwards.”

“Me too,” said Heather, sipping her fourth glass of wine. “Thanks for inviting us, Ella, it's been wonderful.”

“You're entirely welcome,” said Eleanor. “You guys are my friends, so Christmas wouldn't have been Christmas without you; right, Max?”

“Right,” he agreed.

“Anyone ready for nibbles?” asked Danny, who had just lost his fifth hand of poker.

“Go for it,” said Max.

“No gherkins!” said Jake, earning himself a smack on the head.

“Ha bloody ha.”

Muse sent a half-hearted hiss in Danny's direction, causing a few snorts to escape from Max and Eleanor, and making Danny hold his hands up playfully.

“Grab another bottle of wine, Dan,” said Jake, shuffling the cards for the next hand.

Max moved his hand playfully up Eleanor's back and started nuzzling her neck, causing Eleanor to almost choke on her wine. She leaned back a little more to allow him better access to her neck, and bit back a naughty smile as she “accidentally” wriggled her bottom against her husband's upper leg region. She was rewarded with a nip just behind her ear and she shivered with delight.

“What time are they going?” whispered Max.

“Shut up,” she whispered back, stifling a giggle.

Teddy woke with a jump and sat up sharply, losing his hat in the process. He hiccupped loudly and coughed to cover his embarrassment.

“That was some lunch, Ellie love, best I've had since your mother was with us.”

Eleanor removed herself from Max's arms and scooted the cat from her lap. She gave her father an extra big hug and sat on his lap, just like she used to do as a child.

“Make sure you thank Mrs. H for the pudding,” she said. “That was really nice of her, especially in the circumstances. I wish she'd changed her mind and come to us for Christmas.”

Mrs. Halloway's husband had died a few weeks previously, quite suddenly, but her father's neighbor seemed to be coping rather well with it.

“I've invited her for drinks at New Year,” said Teddy. “She didn't want to stay with her daughter for a full week, so she'll be back in a few days. Lovely woman, Marge Halloway, it would be a shame for her to be alone at New Year.”

Eleanor was suddenly struck by the flush in her father's cheeks, which wasn't wholly to due to his recent nap judging by the twinkle in his eyes. Mrs. Halloway was only a handful of years older than Teddy, and her father was still a handsome man. Eleanor smiled inwardly and mentally crossed her fingers.

“Here we are!” said Danny, coming into the room with a tray full of crackers, cheese, pickles, and off-cuts of turkey. He placed the tray on the table and pulled out the bottle of wine that was anchored under his arm.

“I really shouldn't, but I will,” said Jenni, winking at Heather.

“Brandon will have a fit if you can't fit into that swimming costume next week,” warned Heather.

“Stuff Brandon,” replied Jenni, as she placed a cracker into her mouth.

“Who's Brandon?” asked Eleanor curiously.

“My agent.”

“I thought Harry Roberts represented you?” said Max, frowning.

“He did. Well, he still does, technically. But as from January, I've got Brandon Smug-Arse lording it over me.”

Muse pricked her ears and hissed.

“You don't mean Brandon Denning, by any chance?” asked Max, raising his eyebrows.

“Yeah, do you know him?”

“Only a little. He's a brilliant agent, Jenni, he'll get you the really good contracts. He can be a bit of a stickler, but he'll do right by you.”

“I know that,” agreed Jenni. “I wouldn't have signed with him if he wasn't good. Doesn't change the fact that he's a complete twerp, though.”

Muse growled low in her throat and squinted towards Jenni balefully. Max took a large sip of wine to hide his laughter while Eleanor filled her mouth with a lump of cheese.

“Honestly, he's a nightmare!” continued Jenni, oblivious to her friends' amusement. “I don't think he knows how to smile, and he walks around the place like a bear with a sore head. Do you know, he's never actually
spoken
to me?”

“No, really?” said Eleanor, grabbing another wedge of cheese.

“No!” said Jenni indignantly. “He just sort of grunts at me occasionally. And glares. He glares a
lot
.”

“He does,” agreed Heather solemnly. “I've seen him do it. He's quite menacing, actually. I'm glad he's not
my
agent.”

“He's good at what he does,” said Max soothingly. “You'll soon get used to his ways, I'm sure.”

“He's a complete
monster
,” said Jenni, shaking her head vigorously. “There's no way I'll
ever
get along with him, you mark my words.”

Muse brushed past Eleanor and caught her eye, winking slowly and baring her teeth in a cat-grin. Eleanor picked the cat up and held her against her face, allowing the cat to whisper without anyone else hearing her.

“There's my damsel, right there.”

“You can speak?” whispered Eleanor with delight.

“My voice has returned, so this Fairy Godmother is back in business. I got me a Beauty and a Beast!”

Eleanor put the cat down gently and watched as Muse sauntered over towards her friend.

“Jenni!” she said suddenly. “How do you fancy cat-sitting for a few weeks?”

Amber is from Cardiff, Wales, and lives with her husband, her two children, her cats, and two dragons (yes, dragons). When she's not busy thinking up twisted fairy tale plots, you can find her on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amber-T-Smith/358024857544848
; Twitter
@Amber_T_Smith_
; or at her blog,
http://cardiffellanews.blogspot.co.uk/
.

London — six months ago

It must have hurt. She'd slammed her toe into the metal shelves so hard that they vibrated. He watched her pretty face crumple briefly; then her chest expanded as she inhaled and carefully schooled her features. Undoubtedly she didn't want anyone to notice her clumsy path through the Tesco Market. He kept watching her as she limped very slightly for several more steps, tossing things into her trolley seemingly at random. She kept looking over her left shoulder as if expecting someone to come up behind her. That concerned him oddly enough.

He didn't generally notice particular women out in public unless he was supposed to be looking for a contact. He'd trained himself years ago not to be distracted by long legs, shiny hair, or a great arse. He just couldn't afford to spend his time idly checking out the world's beautiful women. He got plenty of chances to check out the ones he needed to get close to for work. But he was on holiday for the next month. The first one he'd had in nearly a year, and so he'd let his guard down just enough to become fascinated by this slightly awkward blonde making her way through the store trying not to maim herself or damage merchandise.

He continued watching her as she travelled up the canned goods aisle, while he simultaneously skirted the end shelves, casually but efficiently taking items like cereal and tea and placing them in his trolley. He turned into the beverage aisle and headed north, just as she came down the same aisle going south.
Three, two, one
: he flicked his wrist slightly to the right, nicking the edge of her trolley just as they began to pass each other.

“Oh! Shit!” she squeaked just before she slapped her hand over her mouth, her blue eyes growing wide and her round cheeks turning a lovely shade of crimson.

He smoothed on his best “trustworthy guy” smile, the one he often used on female domestic staff when he was trying to gain entry somewhere he wasn't welcome. “Completely my fault, love. Are you all right?”

She kept her hand over her mouth for a moment staring at him and nodding. Then, as if realizing how silly she must look, she pulled her hand down, stood up a little straighter, gave him a tightlipped smile in return and said in the flattest Yank accent he'd heard in ages, “Yes, of course, no worries, really.”