Read Spirit for Free Online Page B

the New Year. Okay?”
    “Okay. Okay then, a deal.” It’s only a couple of weeks. I can manage to stay put that long, and it really is very nice here. Very nice indeed.
    Matt nods, his expression one of satisfaction. He takes his jacket from the back of one of the kitchen dining chairs and puts it on. He picks up his keys to the Range Rover and his briefcase. “I need to be off. I’ll see you later.”
    I can only nod, my head still reeling from our conversation and the memories it evokes. The fears, the frustrations, the thwarted aspirations which might, just might be moving back into my field of vision. And all because of this gorgeous, wonderful man.
    Matt moves past me, heading for the door. I turn and grab his arm. He looks down at me in surprise, but stops.
    “Will you be late again? Tonight, I mean?”
    He tilts his chin, his features registering—what? Annoyance that I would see fit to ask about his movements? Or maybe amusement?
    “Did I worry you? Sorry. I went to a club. I shouldn’t be late tonight though.” Neither annoyed nor amused then. If anything, I’d say he was concerned.
    That makes a change. It’s been a long time since anyone was concerned about me.
     
    * * *
     
    During the course of that day, and over several more that follow I turn over the conversation in my head, mulling over Matt’s suggestions, coming up with new ones of my own. He’s right of course. With an address I can do almost anything, apply for anything—jobs, benefits, training opportunities. Matt has given me my own key so I can come and go as I like, and he even lent me his quilted hiking jacket to wear when I go out. It’s not new, but it’s warm and waterproof, and a lot tidier than the tattered old third-hand duffel coat I was wearing when he found me.
    I often make my way down to the shops in the centre of Headingley. It’s a bustling place, and by way of testing these new waters I scour the shop windows for job adverts. There are plenty right now, shops and cafes wanting short term staff over the Christmas period. I decide to talk it over with Matt. Temporary work is not exactly what I had in mind, and the holiday sales will be over in a matter of a couple of weeks at most. But maybe this is somewhere to start. It would be good to be able to make some sort of financial contribution, or at least buy my own clothes and conditioner.
     
    * * *
     
    Matt’s late again so I take myself off to bed at around eleven thirty. I hear him come in about a half hour later, so I climb out of bed to go say hello to him, and goodnight. I open my bedroom door which leads straight into the open plan lounge and kitchen area. The greeting dies in my throat when I see he is not alone.
    The woman with him is everything I am not. Tall, elegant, fashionably dressed and teetering on sexy spiky heels as she twines her arms around Matt’s neck, tipping her face up to be kissed. He obliges her, displaying a degree of enthusiasm for the task as he edges her backwards towards the kitchen worktop. He slips his hands under her tight bottom and lifts her up onto the granite, positioning himself between her spread legs.
    I gasp and take a step backwards, hoping to slip back into my room unnoticed. Matt is facing away from me, but my slight movement attracts his companion’s attention and she turns to look fully at me. She taps Matt on the upper arm.
    “Sir, we have company.”
    Matt looks over his shoulder as I try to shrink away. He straightens, then leans in to murmur something in the woman’s ear. He turns and comes across the room to me.
    “Beth, I thought you were in bed. Are you alright?”
    I nod, frantic now to escape to the sanctuary of my own room. “I heard you come in and I was just coming to say goodnight. I didn’t mean to disturb you…”
    “You didn’t. Let me introduce you to Megan.”
    “No, really, you want to be alone, I can see that. I’ll get out of your way.” I fumble behind me for the door handle and retreat