Free Two Strangers by Beryl Matthews Page B

she said under her breath. ‘I don’t want this frock! You’ve spent too much on me already,’ she added hastily, realizing that she had spoken too sharply.
    ‘All right, my dear. I think we’ve bought enough, anyway. I just wanted you to have something special, but if you don’t like it, then we’ll leave it.’
    Vicki quickly changed, and she was relieved to be away when they left the shop. Flo quickly ushered her into a shoe shop, and finally the shopping was finished.
    As they walked back, loaded with bags, Flo asked, ‘Why did that woman’s remarks upset you so, Vicki?’
    ‘I don’t want men after me! I’m never going to marry and end up like my mum.’
    ‘Not all men are cruel, my dear. Look at Bob. He’s the kindest man you could ever wish to meet. We’ve been married for twenty-three years, and I’ve never regretted one of them. We’re very happy together.’
    ‘I know you are. From what I’ve seen, though, there are more unhappy marriages than happy ones. I’m not going to risk it.
    ‘You’ll change your mind when you fall in love.’
    Vicki shook her head vigorously. ‘Never!’

Eight
    The day they were given the keys to the shop next door was very exciting, and they couldn’t wait to start turning it into the elegant salon they had planned so carefully. They had talked of little else over Christmas, and it had been the happiest one Vicki had ever experienced and she had savoured every moment. There had been so much laughter and joy at the giving of presents, and she had helped Flo prepare and cook a large chicken with roast potatoes and all sorts of vegetables. Then they’d had a Christmas pudding, and at tea time a trifle and Christmas cake. There had been so much food that Vicki had wondered how they were going to get through it, but there were so many people dropping in and nothing went to waste.

    There was an almost permanent smile on her face now as she gazed around the shop. It was in a terrible mess, but they couldn’t wait to get started on the transformation. A local handyman was going to help clear the place of rubbish and put up shelves, and then a plumber would fit two sinks. They had spent a long time deciding on the kind of chairs they wanted and other necessary pieces of furniture. They had chosen peach and white for the towels, and the same shade of peach for smart salon aprons.
    It was hard work, but after only a week they were ready to open.
    Flo sat in one of the chairs and looked around with obvious satisfaction. ‘All we need now are customers. How are we doing with bookings?’
    ‘Quite good.’ Vicki opened the large appointment book. She had been given complete charge of this side of the business, and she was proud and determined to be the most efficient assistant any hairdresser could have. ‘We have twelve for next week, so far, starting from Tuesday, and I’ve asked each of your regulars to spread the word.’
    ‘That was a good idea, and twelve isn’t bad for a start.’ Flo stood up. ‘We’ll give ourselves Monday to finish off the final details, and then open for business on Tuesday. I don’t know what I would have done without you, my dear. You’re a good organizer. Do you know that?’
    ‘I enjoy arranging things.’ Vicki smiled, pleased with the compliment. Christmas and the work to get the salon ready had been a joy, and adding to her joy was the relief of not having to pretend any more. She was also delighted to be wearing feminine clothes again. The Howards had taken her deception with understanding, and for the first time in her life she felt secure and cared for. It was a heady feeling, and, looking back, it seemed worth all the suffering she had gone through, abandoned and hiding in that terrible warehouse.
    When Bob, Sid and Harry walked in to inspect the work they had done, Vicki’s thoughts turned to the two strangers who had reached out to her with kindness. She was happy – but were they? What had happened to Bill? She had often