Free Slur: The Riverhill Trilogy: Book 1 by Heather Burnside Page B

Norma’s support and for the rest of the morning she
carried on with her work. She tried to take her mind off things but the thought
of facing Jacqueline wouldn’t go away. She told herself that perhaps Jacqueline
would understand, and that it wouldn’t be such an ordeal after all, but she
knew that this wasn’t likely.
    The only
time when her thoughts deviated from her dread of facing Jacqueline was when insurance
salesman, Mike Marston cheered her up by putting in an appearance.
    ‘Morning
ladies,’ he greeted them as he strode to the counter.
    Julie’s
face was immediately transformed, the worry lines melting away as she smiled radiantly
at him.
    Mike, aged
28, was a real smoothy. Tall, dark and handsome, he exuded charm, and most of
the women he came into contact with couldn’t fail to be impressed. Julie was
one of those women. They had flirted outrageously during the last few weeks and
Julie had waited for the moment when he would ask her on a date.
    ‘How are
you feeling this morning Julie?’ he asked.
    ‘Fine,’ she
lied, not wishing to put him off by confiding in him about her atrocious
weekend.
    ‘How about
you?’ she asked.
    ‘Great, a
bit worse for wear though,’ he grinned as he suppressed a yawn.
    ‘Really,
what have you been up to then?’
    ‘Oh this
and that, you know; too many late nights, too much rich food and too much to
drink.’
    Julie
laughed and, feeling encouraged, he continued. ‘You know my trouble, I can’t
say no.’
    ‘Really?’
    ‘Yes, if
the company’s right, and there’s fine food and wine on offer, then I’m just a
sucker for a good time.’
    Seeing that
he had hit the right chord with Julie he sidled up to her and whispered. ‘If an
attractive young lady was to ask me for a good time out, then I would be
powerless to refuse.’
    Julie
beamed as she replied, ‘If it’s a lady you’re referring to then shouldn’t it be
you that’s doing the asking?’
    He was
amused at her effrontery. ‘Consider yourself asked,’ he quipped. Then, without
giving her a chance to reply he added, ‘Name the time and place, and I’ll be
there. Give me a ring and let me know.’
    He then
vanished just as slickly as he had appeared.
    ‘He’s a bit
cocksure of himself, isn’t he?’ commented Norma. ‘He didn’t even give you a
chance to say no.’
    ‘That’s
because he knew I’d say yes.’
    ‘So you’re
going to ring him then?’
    ‘Course I
am, I’ve been waiting for him to ask me out for ages.’
    ‘I thought
you had a boyfriend.’
    ‘Jesus
Norma, you’re beginning to sound like Rita. I am seeing Vinny, but it’s just a
bit of fun, that’s all; it’s not like I’ve made my marriage vows or anything.’
    ‘Just be
careful, that’s all Julie. By all accounts he’s a bit of a ladies man, and I
don’t want you getting hurt.’
    This
comment prompted Julie’s curiosity. ‘What’s been said about him?’ she asked.
    ‘Well, you
know he used to work at Leicester branch, and I’ve heard he broke a few hearts
there. He’s ruthless when it comes to business as well. He’s won the top
salesman award for the last two months running, and from what I’ve heard he’s
heading straight to the top and will do anything to make sure he gets there.’
    ‘Well
there’s nothing wrong with having a bit of ambition. I like to see ambition in
a man. And as for breaking hearts, he’s not even been out with anybody at this
branch.’
    ‘He has only
been here two months Julie, give him a chance. You might be his first victim,
that’s aside from anyone he’s been seeing outside the company of course.’
    ‘Most men like
to sow their wild oats. He’s just waiting to meet the right one, that’s all.’
    ‘Well suit
yourself Julie, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. I think you’ve got enough on
your plate at the moment without the likes of Mike Marston adding to your
troubles.’
    Julie
ignored Norma’s comments. She really fancied Mike. He was a man who was