Eighty One – Laura's Story Pt. 10

30

Although the following week was busy at work Laura’s thoughts continually returned to the game and its unexpected benefits. She still had to find the missing pieces but had now realised that she would be steered in the right direction when the time came.

Even interacting with Shaun Cooper on a professional level had proved easier than expected. To his credit he had been discreet about his unexpected bonuses–at least to the best of her knowledge–perhaps in the hope of receiving more of the same in the future. Laura had expected to feel awkwardness and shame when she saw him, instead she felt a strange sort of pride. He knew that others were involved with what happened so she liked to imagine that he thought of her as daring and risqué rather than just sluttish. Either way, what was done was done and she had no problem living with it.

Whilst out to lunch on Thursday Laura and Abbie shared their news and gossip. To be honest it was mostly Laura sharing hers with Abbie. In particular she was fascinated by what really went on during the presentation. “You looked great in the morning,” she said, “but then you always do, and I thought you weren’t quite right in the afternoon. Now I know why. You sly old dog, you could have told me.” A huge smile spread across her face.

“And let you delight in my discomfort,” Laura said, “no thank you. As it was it was distracting enough, without wondering what you thought.”

“Spoilsport. I wish I’d have known. You know,” she said reflecting, “I’ve admired how you’ve handled this whole thing, very impressive. Does it still hurt, you know, down there?” she asked, gesturing toward Laura’s lap.

“I’ll show you if you like.” Laura said in her most serious voice.

“Really! Can I see?”

“Abbie! No you bloody can’t. I was joking. There are still marks but I wouldn’t say it hurts.”

“Promise to tell me the next time you have to do anything, go on. It’ll be quite sexy knowing when you’re actually doing these things.” Laura slowly shook her head in disbelief.

“I was thinking of selling tickets, I’ll give you a couple for free though as you’re so sympathetic to my plight.”

“Plight? Plight implies a difficult situation, you don’t look like you’re struggling to me. Quite the opposite in fact.” Abbie paused, her eyebrows raised. She waited for confirmation or denial but got neither.

“You’re a suspicious little madam aren’t you? I’ve been invited out at the end of the month with Amelia, so nothing will happen for a couple of weeks at least, sorry to disappoint you.”

“That’s OK, I’ll get my porn off the internet until you’re back with more juicy stuff.”

Laura’s phone rang. She hated that in restaurants and café’s. Grabbing it from her bag as quickly as she could she looked at the screen. “It’s Olivia, do you mind if I take it?” She rushed outside.

“She OK?” Abbie asked when Laura returned.

“She’s fine, more than fine actually, full of beans. She’s won a Spa weekend and wants me and Alice to go with her.”

“Phew, lucky you.” After a slight pause she added, “You did warn her that it’ll be a con, didn’t you.”

“Abbie, don’t be so negative,” she mockingly reprimanded, “but yes I did. It’s to stay Friday night, posh meal included, and use of all the facilities on the Saturday. Another posh meal that night then leave on Sunday whenever we like up until midday.”

“It’s a time-share.” Abbie concluded. “You’ll sit through hours of boring crap.”

“No, she checked out the place, looked them up on the web and called that number, which was the same as on her Email. She thinks it’s legit.”

“Meals not included, you’ll get a massive bill for food and drink.”

“No, she checked that too. All inclusive.” Laura looked at her and waited. “You can’t think of anything else can you.”

“Not off hand, but I’ll work on it. So where did she win it?”

“It said she was put into a prize draw when she went to have new tyres put on her parents Range Rover. She said they cost a bloody fortune so they can afford to give away weekend breaks.”

Abbie smiled. “Good old Olivia. So are you going then?”

“I’d like to, obviously, but I’ll have to ask…check with Andrew first.” She tried to cover her faux pas by adding, “we might have something on.” Abbie smiled to herself.

“When is it?”

“A week on Friday.”

“Oh, that fits in well then, you’ll be all healed up for the sauna and it’s a week before your woman does whatever else she’s going to do to you.” Laura tipped her head to one side, eyebrows raised and stared at her. “I don’t mean it,” Abbie continued, “you have a nice time, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy the Spa as well.

“There’s no end to your jocular banter is there. Come on we’ve got work to do.”

31

It took an hour and a half to reach the spa at Bloomhill Manor, hopefully they would be in time to enjoy lunch. The traffic wasn’t bad but Olivia wasn’t a fast driver in the Range Rover. “I’ll drive,” she’d insisted, “might as well try and wear those tyres out and we might get to come back.”

The building looked like many others of its type, set in expansive parkland and approached via a long, sweeping drive flanked with sycamore trees.

The ambiance at the Manor was all Laura had hoped for; she felt she had earned a short break from work and the game. After grabbing their bags from the car they followed the signs to reception.

“Hello, I’m Olivia Barton, we’re booked in for two nights,” she told the pleasant young girl behind the desk. The girl made polite conversation as she filled out the register, asking about their journey and whether they had been to the area before.

“There you are Mrs Barton, you’re in room five, and Mrs Palmer next door in six,” she said handing over keys with big plastic fobs. “You’re in room nine Mrs Miller, just along the corridor.”

“Do I need to leave a card number or anything as a deposit?” Olivia enquired.

“Oh no, it’s all covered. Just order what you want in the bar or from room service and give your room number.” The three women gave each other the wide eyed ‘this is all right’ look. “Before I show you to your rooms I’ll just quickly run through the program for your stay.” She slid a sheet of paper across the desk. “These are the opening times of the pools, sauna, spa, gym and so on. The times of the Yoga classes are here,” she pointed to the sheet, “just turn up for those but if you want a manicure or pedicure you need to book. The times of the evening meal are at the bottom but the kitchens are open for lunches, sandwiches and so on any time really, just ask.”

“Wow this looks great,” Alice said, “thank you.”

The young lady gave her a pleasant smile before glancing around to check that nobody was within earshot. In a quiet voice she then said, “You don’t have to do any of it if you don’t want to. Some people just have the meals and do their own thing.” Then she added, “you might as well get your nails done though, she’s really good.”

“Thanks, but we might as well make the most of it.” Olivia told her.

“Great. In that case I would recommend you take the evening tour round the lake and grounds. That’s something you won’t want to miss, shall I book you in?” They looked at each other before nodding their approval.

“Yes please, what time?”

“I’ll put you down for seven, is that okay? Then you’ll be back in time for dinner.”

As soon as they had been shown to their rooms and the receptionist left they gushed about the place and their luck. Laura lay on the bed, admiring the room. “Olivia, when we leave, can you remind me to thank your tyres.”

Following a light but long lunch the ladies decided to retire to their rooms to read and snooze, arranging to meet in the reception area just before seven for the tour. Laura called Andrew telling him of their good fortune and insisting that some day the two of them must spend a weekend there. They chatted for quite some time. He told her that he was fine and enjoying the peace and quiet even though he was only half way through her list of jobs. They ended the call and Laura lay back on the huge and comfortable bed trying to concentrate on reading her book. After nodding off and dropping it twice she gave up and slept.

Laura awoke to the shrill ring of the bedside phone. “Hello,” she said, still half asleep.

“Hello, Mrs Miller?”

“Yes.”

“Hello, it’s Sandra at reception. Sorry to disturb you but could we move your tour forward to six thirty?” Laura looked at the clock by the bed–just before six.

“Yes, that’s fine by me, are the others okay with that?”

“They’re looking forward to it. See you soon, bye.”

Laura needed to wake herself up. After taking a shower she gazed out of the window. The countryside looked magnificent and she could just see the edge of the lake. It was a warm and pleasant evening, a light dress and cardigan would suffice.

It was only twenty five past as she walked into the reception area to be greeted by the ever smiling Sandra. “Gosh you’re keen, great,” she said.

“Am I too early?”

“No, no, not at all. If you go out of the front doors, you turn left and along the side of the tennis court. Go through the gate in the tall hedge and they’ll be waiting for you.”

“I thought I was first for once, never mind.” Laura thanked her and made her way to the meeting point. Pushing hard she opened the heavy iron gate to be greeted by a stunning view of the lake. Various species of mature trees filled the area, some growing right down on the waters edge. A wide, red cinder path wound its way along the bank for a few yards before disappearing off into the trees. Beautiful, Laura thought, as she paused for a moment to take in the view.

“Mrs Miller?” a voice called from behind her. She turned to see a woman approaching.

“Yes, I’m Mrs Miller.” Laura appraised her. Early fifties, tall and slim. ‘Country set’ she guessed from the tight jeans, tweed jacket and knee high boots.

“Hello, my name’s Anna, shall we get you ready then?”

“Get me ready? I’m waiting for my friends, we’re going on the lake tour.” From past experience Laura began to suspect that she could once again be the subject of some treachery.