Savage sisters, p.8
Savage Sisters, page 8
‘What’s new?’ She smiled. ‘Away you go then.’
Derek’s eyes flicked to Dean. ‘Who’s this?’
‘My cousin, Dean. He’s come to stay for a bit.’
‘Oh, I see.’ He extended his hand across the bar. ‘Nice to meet you.’
‘You too,’ replied Dean politely, shaking his hand.
‘Go to the loo before you pee yourself,’ Carly told her boss when he stood there, jiggling.
‘Aye, I’m off,’ he said before tearing out from behind the bar in the direction of the toilets.
Carly put her bag and coat in the office and took up position behind the bar. ‘Do you want a drink?’ she asked Dean. ‘On the house, seeing how you’re my designated bodyguard for the day.’
‘I’ll have an orange juice, please. That’s all I drink when I’m working.’
‘Working? Wait, is this actually your job?’
‘Sometimes.’
‘You’re a professional bodyguard?’
‘I wouldn’t say professional but it’s no’ the first time I’ve done it.’
‘For who?’
He shrugged. ‘Anyone who needs my help.’
‘You get paid for it?’
‘Aye.’
‘Does Harry do the same thing?’
‘Aye.’
‘Dammit, you’re gonnae make me ask every individual question, aren’t you, rather than just tell me the whole story?’
‘Aye because that’s who I am.’
Carly stared back at him as she formulated her next question. She was finding Dean Savage increasingly fascinating.
‘I think a person could know you for fifty years and never really find out who you are,’ she said.
His response was a smile that she found very seductive.
Carly realised she was staring at him and snapped herself out of it. She had work to do and life was complicated enough without getting involved with her own cousin. ‘I’ve got to start the stock take.’
Carly poured Dean his drink and placed it before him on the bar while avoiding his gaze, not wanting to get caught up in it. His eyes were like nets. Once you looked into them, they captured you.
Derek went down into the cellar to count the stock they had there, leaving Carly alone upstairs with Dean. The doors were kept locked as the pub wasn’t officially open yet, so they didn’t need to worry about anyone walking in.
As she worked, counting the lager bottles behind the bar and making a note of each total, Carly could feel Dean’s gaze boring into her. Twice she made the mistake of glancing in the mirror behind the bar and their eyes met. The third time she looked, she was disappointed to see he had his head down, reading a book. She straightened up and turned to look at him.
‘What are you reading?’ she said. ‘And if you say “a book” I’ll spray you in the face with the post mix.’
He looked up and smiled. ‘War and Peace.’
‘Tolstoy?’ she said sceptically, thinking he was having her on. ‘Seriously?’
‘Aye. How no?’
‘Because…’ She trailed off, embarrassed by her own thoughts.
‘Because you think I’m too thick to read a book like this?’
‘No, course not.’
‘That’s exactly what you were thinking.’
‘I wasn’t, honestly. I’ve no idea if you’re clever or thick.’
‘Well, I’m not thick,’ he replied. ‘I like classic literature, classical music and art.’
‘Really?’
‘Aye, or is a son of Eddie Savage not allowed to enjoy the finer things in life? Would you prefer it if I got into fights at football matches and crushed beer cans against my forehead?’
‘Like your da’?’
He nodded hard. ‘I grew up watching him do things like that and swore I would never be the same.’
Carly smiled when anger flashed in his eyes. ‘Wow, I touched a nerve there.’
‘That’s because I’m sick of people thinking I’m stupid just because I’m a Savage.’
‘Hey, people don’t say that about us.’
‘Because Alec’s your da’. If you had mine it would be different.’
Carly decided a change of tack would be a good idea. Still, it was nice knowing which buttons to push. ‘Is it a good book?’
‘Hard to say. I’ve only just started it. Do you like to read?’
‘Aye, sometimes.’
‘What do you read?’
His eyes had lit up with eagerness. Clearly this was a subject that was close to his heart but she didn’t think he’d like her answer. ‘I like factual stuff, biographies mainly.’
‘Whose biographies?’
‘Famous actors and actresses.’
The pain the disappointment in his eyes caused Carly rather surprised her.
‘We can’t all be intellectuals,’ she added with an impish smile.
She was glad when he returned her smile.
There came the sound of Derek hauling himself up the cellar steps and the spell was broken. Dean returned his attention to his book while Carly got back to her counting.
8
The stock take was completed in time for the pub doors to open at eleven o’clock that morning. Brenda and her two friends were the first customers, in for their usual Sunday bender. They walked in and came to a startled halt when they saw Dean sitting at the bar. Recovering themselves, they immediately strode up to him. As his head was buried in his book, he failed to notice them until they were standing right beside him.
‘And who is this?’ purred Brenda.
‘My cousin Dean,’ replied Carly.
‘Oh.’ Brenda smiled, her two friends standing either side of her cooing over him like pigeons. ‘Are you a Savage too, Dean?’
‘I am,’ he replied. ‘Our da’s are brothers.’
‘I can see the resemblance,’ said Brenda, her eyes running up and down him appreciatively. ‘Alec Savage always was a fine-looking man, so I’m assuming your da’ is the same?’
‘Not really,’ commented Carly.
‘How long are you in the area for, Dean?’ said Brenda.
He gave her another of his shrugs. ‘Dunno. We’re playing it by ear.’
‘We? Are there more of you?’
‘My brother Harry and our da.’
‘There’s three of you?’ said Brenda, her eyes lighting up.
‘Aye.’
‘You hear that, girls?’ Brenda grinned.
‘I think they do,’ said Carly flatly when the women – who were all old enough to be Dean’s mother – began to squawk excitedly.
Derek returned to the bar after another trip to the toilet. ‘Brenda.’ He smiled. ‘Lovely to see you, as always.’
‘Aye, all right, Derek,’ she muttered, waving a hand in his general direction while keeping her gaze on Dean, who was pretending not to notice the attention.
‘I think you have some competition,’ Carly told her boss.
‘How the bloody hell am I supposed to compete with that?’ he replied, nodding at Dean.
‘Just be yourself, you’re fine as you are.’
‘Tell them that,’ he muttered, gesturing to Brenda and her friends, who were still cooing over Dean.
‘So,’ said Derek. ‘Who wants a drink on the house?’ He beamed with satisfaction when the three women finally turned their attention on him.
Dean breathed a sigh of relief and buried himself deeper into his book.
‘Do you want another orange juice?’ Carly asked him.
‘Aye, go on then.’
Just as she placed Dean’s drink before him, the door opened and in walked Cole, who didn’t look very pleased to see Carly serving a very handsome man. He hesitated in the doorway, glaring at Dean. Sensing he was being watched, Dean turned in his seat to regard him and the two men stared at each other.
‘Hello, Cole?’ called Carly.
This snapped him out of it and he stormed up to the bar. ‘Who the hell’s that?’ he demanded.
‘My cousin,’ Carly told him. ‘And there’s no need to be so rude.’
Dean merely regarded the other man disinterestedly before looking back down at his book.
Carly nodded Cole over to the far side of the bar, away from everyone.
‘What are you doing here?’ she hissed at him. ‘If Ross finds out you came anywhere near me…’
‘That’s why I’m here. Maw told me about what he’s been doing. We’ve both had a word and told him to stop bothering you and he’s promised he will.’
‘Aye, right. He never listens to anyone; he just does what he wants.’
‘No, he really will. He even said he wouldnae mind if we got back together.’
‘That’s absolute bollocks. He’s a spiteful bastard who enjoys tormenting people and he’ll use any excuse. Besides, we’re not getting back together.’
Cole’s eyes slipped to Dean. ‘Why, is that your new boyfriend?’
‘Don’t be ridiculous. Like I said, he’s my cousin.’
‘So?’
‘He’s here to keep an eye on me because of your brother and that cow Emma Wilkinson.’
‘There’s really nothing between you and Dean?’
‘No. Don’t be gross; I’ve known him since I was wee.’
‘You’ve never mentioned him before.’
‘Because we haven’t seen each other in years. My da’ asked us to call my uncle Eddie when your brother chucked a brick through his bedroom window.’
‘I heard about that and I’m so sorry,’ Cole said, looking genuinely upset. ‘Is Alec okay?’
‘Aye, thankfully, although he was really shaken up.’
‘That was fucking cowardly. Ross knew that was Alec’s window.’
‘What do you expect? Your brother’s a bully and like all bullies he’s a coward at heart.’
‘You’re probably right. Anyway, I came to ask if you’ll come out with me.’
‘You mean like a date?’
‘Aye. We need to talk properly.’
Carly sighed. ‘I don’t want anything else to happen to my family because of our relationship.’
‘It won’t, I promise. I’ve already run it past Ross and he’s promised to back off and leave you all alone.’
‘And you believed him?’
‘I did. I know what you think about him but he’s really not all bad.’
‘I’m no’ so sure about that,’ she muttered.
‘Please, Carly. We have things to sort out.’
She chewed her lip as she considered her options. She really did want to go out with him; he was right, there was unfinished business between them but she was so afraid of Ross going back on his word. There was her father to consider too but with Jane taking a few days off work, he would be looked after. When she gazed into Cole’s beautiful green eyes, she was decided. ‘All right then.’
‘Great,’ he said, smiling.
‘But on the understanding that it’s nothing romantic. We’re just going out as friends.’
‘Got it.’
‘And we go somewhere away from Haghill. I don’t want to risk bumping into Ross or Emma.’
‘No problem. My maw said I can borrow her car, so can I pick you up tonight?’
‘Aye, all right. My shift ends at four and I’ll need to shower and change first.’
‘I can pick you up here and drive you home.’
‘No,’ she replied, not wanting her father to see him because he’d only worry that they were getting back together. ‘Pick me up at six at the end of the street by the post box.’
‘Why, are you ashamed of me?’ he said, eyes narrowing.
‘I don’t want to do anything to worry my da’. His health’s so precarious right now.’
Cole’s gaze softened. ‘All right, I can understand that. I’ll see you at six then.’
As he left, he glanced at Dean and was reassured when he saw he was paying them no attention.
When Cole had gone, Carly got lost in her own thoughts, wondering if she was doing the right thing.
‘You should stay well away from him,’ said a voice.
Carly looked to Dean and frowned. ‘What did you say?’
Dean raised his head from his book to look at her. ‘I said, you should stay well away from him. He’s nothing but trouble.’
‘You don’t even know him.’
‘I know enough. You’re making a mistake.’
‘We’re only going out as friends.’
‘There are some people that trouble follows everywhere and he is one of them.’
‘How can you say that about a man you’ve not even spoken to?’
‘Remember what I said about my strong instincts? Well, I wasn’t lying.’
‘You know nothing about it,’ she snapped.
‘Oh dear.’
‘Oh dear what?’ She scowled.
‘You have got it bad.’
‘No, I don’t. He’s my ex; we broke up ages ago.’
‘That doesn’t always mean you stop loving someone.’
Carly glanced at Derek but he was too busy chatting up Brenda and her friends to notice. She leaned on the bar to hiss at her cousin.
‘That is absolutely none of your business.’
‘Actually, it is,’ replied Dean. ‘I’ve been brought here to protect you and if that creep…’
‘His name’s Cole.’
‘If Cole is going to put you in danger then I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t warn you.’
‘He won’t put me in danger. He said he’s already spoken to his brother and Ross has said he’ll leave me and my family alone, so you don’t need to hang around any more.’
‘Ross might have told him that but I doubt he meant it. People like that never do.’
‘So you know all about Ross too, do you?’
‘Oh aye. A petty bully boy who wants to get into the criminal big leagues but is too wild and impulsive to make it. Loose cannons like him always end up dead or in prison. He won’t care what his wee brother says.’
‘You have done your research, haven’t you?’
‘Course I have. We never take on a job without looking into a situation first. It’s only sensible to understand what you’re getting into.’
‘Not that it’s any of your business but me and Cole have things to discuss. We need to put our relationship to rest properly so we can both move on.’
‘He’s no intention of moving on. He’s gonnae try and win you back. Don’t give in.’
‘Just keep your nose out of my life.’
‘I’m here to help, Carly. When you’re ready to accept that help, I’ll be waiting.’
To her intense irritation, he returned his attention to his book. He smiled when she grunted with frustration, yanked open the glass washer door and pulled out the tray full of hot, steaming glasses, making them clatter together.
Carly’s shift passed uneventfully, and Dean walked her home in silence. She refused to speak to him as she was still pissed off about what he’d said and she couldn’t decide whether that was because she thought he was unfairly judging Cole or if it was because she knew he was speaking sense.
She only deigned to speak to him when they turned onto her street.
‘Don’t say anything to my da’ about me meeting Cole this evening, will you?’
‘How no?’ replied Dean.
‘Because it’ll upset him and that will impact on his health.’
‘If you don’t want to upset your da’ then don’t go out with Cole.’
‘It’ll just be this once.’
‘Aye, right.’
‘God you’re annoying.’
‘You find me annoying because you know I’m right.’
‘Just promise not to tell my da’, okay?’
‘Fine, I promise but stay safe tonight. Don’t go anywhere isolated with him.’
‘Cole would never hurt me.’
‘Probably not but you can’t trust that his family won’t.’
‘It’s only Ross who’s dangerous.’
‘I looked into the Alexander family. They’re thieves and muggers who’ll do anything for a few quid.’
‘The two older brothers and Brian maybe, but not Cole and Jessica.’
‘Yes, them too, Carly. They’re all as bad as each other.’
‘What do you know about it? You’ve never even met them.’
He gave one of his annoying shrugs. ‘I know enough.’
She sighed with exasperation and shook her head.
‘Where will you tell your da’ you’re going tonight?’ said Dean.
‘I’ll say I’m working an extra shift. Jane will cover for me.’
‘You’re going to tell her the truth?’
‘Yes.’
‘All right but don’t say I didn’t warn you.’
‘I won’t,’ she muttered, eyes flashing as she stalked into the flat.
Rose was already back from school and was doing her homework in her bedroom. As she was constantly aware of the sacrifice her sisters had made so she could get a good education, she was very conscientious about her schoolwork. This gave Carly the opportunity to speak to Jane in private. Eddie and Harry were watching television in the kitchen, so they went into Carly’s bedroom to talk.
‘I need you to do me a favour,’ began Carly, her voice a whisper.
‘What favour and why are you whispering? Da’s asleep.’
‘I don’t want anyone else hearing this. I’m meeting Cole at six o’clock.’
‘Oh no, you’ve not given in to him, have you?’
‘There are things we need to sort out. It will never be over between us until we have this talk.’
‘It’s been over for months. Don’t do this, he’ll only draw you back in.’
‘I need to do this.’
Jane looked into her sister’s eyes and saw the anguish there. If this conversation finally helped Carly lay her relationship with Cole to rest then that could only be for the best but Jane had the horrible feeling it wouldn’t work out that way. ‘Okay, fine, you’re an adult and can do what you like. I’ll make sure Da’ doesn’t hear about it, but please be careful.’
Jane’s eyes were filled with disapproval but Carly had no choice. She had to do this.
Carly was tempted to put on make-up and her best clothes for her date with Cole, but instead she stuck to jumper, jeans and just a dab of eyeshadow. No lipstick. She knew she’d made the right decision when Jane gave her an approving nod on her way out the door.
