1848453051 Read Online Free PDF Page B

tea and biscuits into the living room, Tony was immediately on his feet, trying to help, dropping the flowers and only succeeding in getting in the way. Ellie silently poured the tea, anxious not to give him any encouragement. She had to admit that she was guilty of flirting with him at the party in the social club in order to make Alan jealous, so she’d brought this unwelcome intrusion on herself.
    Tony cleared his throat, the mug of tea undulating in one trembling hand, the bouquet of flowers now clutched in his other hand. ‘Ellie, you know that I really like you –’
    Ellie’s heart gave a jolt. Through the window behind Tony’s head, she could see Alan’s car turning in at her gateway and heading up the drive, and there was no way she could warn him. Tony was babbling on about how much she meant to him, but she was no longer listening. Her heart was beating wildly at the thought of their affair being uncovered. How ironic to be unmasked after she’d actually left the factory! Ellie was having nightmares at the thought of an unsuspecting Alan entering the house and calling her darling, making some sexual comment or starting to take his clothes off in the hall, as he often did in readiness for their lovemaking.
    As Tony continued to waffle, it occurred to Ellie that if she could get him outside onto the veranda, Alan would have a chance of seeing him before he got out of his car. Although he couldn’t now avoid speaking to Tony, it might give him time to think up some excuse as to why he was there.
    ‘Tony, let’s take our tea outside onto the veranda,’ she said brightly, trying not to let her anxiety spread to her voice, and steering him outside before he had a chance to object. ‘It’s a lovely day, isn’t it? Oh, goodness!’ she added brightly. ‘That looks like Mr Alan’s car! I wonder what he’s doing here?’
    By then, Alan’s car was pulling up outside, and Ellie waited, terrified, to see how things would unfold.
    ‘Oh, hello!’ Alan said pleasantly, as he stepped out of the car. He didn’t look in the slightest bit embarrassed, and he smiled first at Tony, then at Ellie. ‘Great weather today – I hope there’s a heat wave on the way!’ he said, coming up the steps onto the veranda and shaking both their hands.
    If anyone was ill at ease, it was Tony. He looked down at the bouquet of flowers he was still clutching, and his face turned red, since his intentions towards Ellie were now perfectly clear.
    Alan turned to Ellie, took an envelope from his pocket and handed it to her. ‘I brought the balance of your wages, and the holiday pay you’re owed, Ms Beckworth.’
    ‘Oh, thank you, Mr Alan – that’s very kind of you,’ said Ellie, grateful that he’d quickly assessed the situation and slipped into ‘boss’ mode. ‘But, really, there was no need for you to bring it in person.’
    ‘No trouble at all,’ Alan said smoothly. ‘I knew I’d be passing by on my way back from the company solicitors in London, and I thought I could save you the journey to collect it.’
    ‘Would you like some tea?’ Ellie ventured, aware that they were both performing for Tony’s sake, yet sensing that it would sound polite to make the gesture.
    ‘No thanks, Ms Beckworth – I’ve got to get back to the factory for a meeting, so I need to be on my way.’
    ‘Well, thank you once again,’ Ellie said, glancing at Tony to see how he was reacting.
    He was still standing there as though frozen, looking awkward, and still holding the bouquet of flowers.
    ‘Tony, can I give you a lift back to the factory?’ Alan asked, rather pointedly.
    Tony was torn by indecision. He looked from one to the other and, seeing no encouragement on Ellie’s face, he sighed, silently handed her the flowers and nodded to Alan.
    ‘Okay, thanks, Mr Alan,’ he said, defeat written all over his face. He turned to Ellie, with a tortured look. ‘Goodbye, Ellie – maybe I’ll call to see you again?’
    ‘Thank you for