The Little Book Café: Tash’s Story. Georgia Hill

       Chapter 1

      ‘Is that really what you’re wearing to this book club thing?’ Adrian frowned at Tash’s reflection in the mirrored door of the wardrobe in their fitted bedroom.

      ‘Yes, what’s wrong with it?’ Tash looked down at her miniskirt and wedge sandals.

      ‘Oh, I don’t know. You wear skirts all the time for work. Why not try those palazzo pants I bought for you last week? And that black sweater?’

      ‘Ade. It’s August.’

      ‘Aren’t you meeting up in that chapel Millie’s converted? Those sorts of places are always freezing.’ He smiled and, lifting her hair out of the way, bit her ear. ‘Or you could always stay home with me.’ He reached around her waist and covered a breast with each hand, finding the nipples and pinching hard. ‘I might have plans for you. Plans that would keep you very warm.’ He nuzzled his mouth into her neck and nipped.

      Tash took his hands off her and stepped away. ‘You know I promised Emma I’d go with her for the first time. It’s only this once, Adrian.’

      He flung himself onto the bed and pouted. ‘Well, if you prefer the company of a load of boring old women instead of a night of hot passion with me…’ He spread his legs and rubbed his crotch, grinning.

      Tash looked away, revolted. Adrian’s sexual appetite was getting wearisome. ‘I’ll change into those trousers and then I’d better get going. I’m late already.’

      ‘You sure you don’t want me to give you a lift?’

      Tash hurried into the next bedroom, the one she used as a dressing room. ‘No, it’s fine. I need the fresh air and exercise.’ She yanked her skirt off and pulled the trousers on. She needed to get out. Fast.

      ‘Plenty of opportunity for exercise here,’ Adrian called from the bed. ‘I’ll get you hot and sweaty.’

      Tash grabbed her bag and ran down the stairs. ‘Won’t be late. Don’t wait up!’ Please don’t wait up, she added silently. The thought of his body grinding over hers yet again was nauseating. How had it come to this? She slammed the door decisively on her way out.

      ‘You okay, Tash?’ Emma asked as they walked along Berecombe’s seaside promenade.

      ‘Yes, I’m fine!’ Tash replied curtly.

      ‘No need to snap my head off.’

      ‘Sorry, Em. Lot on my mind.’

      ‘Yeah, work was manic today. That’s three take-ons this week and it’s only Wednesday. Good, innit?’

      ‘Excellent.’ Tash shoved her bag onto her shoulder as a group of men ambled past.

      ‘Evening girls,’ one cackled. Another wolf-whistled.

      She put an arm through Emma’s and hurried her on. ‘Honestly, why men feel they can just, just—’

      ‘Just what?’

      ‘Oh, I don’t know.’

      ‘Lighten up, Tash. They were only being friendly. If I didn’t know you better, I’d say you were the one who was nervous about this book club, not me.’

      ‘Well, that’s just rubbish, isn’t it? I’m never nervous about anything.’ Tash slowed down as they approached Millie Vanilla’s Cafe. It was brightly lit and still had a few customers sitting outside, enjoying a pot of tea in the golden evening sunshine.

      Emma pointedly took Tash’s arm from out of hers. ‘You never used to be. You used to be fun, Natasha. Until you moved in with Adrian Williams.’

      Tash’s eyes glittered. ‘You’ve gone too far, Emma. Remember I’m your boss.’

      ‘Not at this precise second, you’re not.’ Emma reached out and took hold of her friend’s hand. ‘I’m worried about you, Tash. You seem tense all the time, jumpy.’

      ‘I’m just tired, that’s all. As you pointed out, it’s been a hell of a week. And now, to top it all, instead of drinking a good white, curled up on the sofa in front of the telly, you’ve got me coming along to this.’

      ‘It’ll be fun, you’ll see.’ Emma tugged on Tash’s hand gently. ‘Come on, we hardly ever go out on girly nights any more. And, besides, aren’t you dying to find out what Millie has done with the old chapel?’

      ‘Yeah. Suppose.’ Tash had gone to school with Millie. Although not close friends, they often bumped into each other at events to promote businesses in Berecombe. Tash admired Millie’s work ethic and was a regular at her café. Scuffing her foot on the sandy prom, she noted that the hem of her trousers was already getting frayed. She should have worn her heels but Adrian didn’t like her in them. She was already a good four inches taller than him in bare feet. Something he hated. ‘Lead me on then, girlfriend.’ She shook her finger at Emma. ‘But I warn you, if it’s boring or the wine is undrinkable, I’m out of there.’