Chapter 11..
Now let go get that job. Marta told herself.
The first temp bureau she visited had a full quota already, she was informed, and the second could only offer part time work at rates that wouldn't even pay the rent , let alone take care of her other needs . But if she'd hoped to walk straight into the perfect job, she was disappointed.
She was climbing the stairs to a third place when her phone rang
'Marta?' Hermes asked. 'Cutie, what in God's name are you doing here?, I couldn't believe my ears when I got your message.
Marta leaned against the wall, aware of the painful knot in her heart.
'Aren't you pleased ?' , she said.
'l'm happy. naturally, he said quickly. ' But a bit stunned too. I mean , we didn't actually discuss this, did we?.
'Maybe I thought it was time for action rather than words. ' when are we seeing?'.
'Well tonight, obviously. He paused. ' How and we meet for a drink when I'm done with work.
' A drink?', she asked. ' But Hermes , we need to talk , make plans.
' Of course we do, and we will okay?. 'But I'm a bit pushed at the moment. Now , there's a bar near liver pool street station called 'Club 19". I'll see you there at seven. Bless you, cutie. Must dash.
Marta switched off her phone and replaced it in her bag. It wasn't really the reaction she'd been expecting , she thought flatly, but at least he wasn't angry and the gaffe at Royal's. And in a few hours she was going to seen him.
She straightened her her shoulders and continued her way up the stairs.
Just hearing Hermes's voice brought her a little luck , because the woman who interviewed her this time around seemed friendly and upbeat about Marta's chances of finding work.
' However, it won't necessarily be in this area,' she explained. 'we have several branches, and clients all over London, and we deal with anything from large multinationals down to one man brands . Can you drive?'
' Yes, but I don't have a car. Travelling doesn't worry me, thought,' she said, mentally Crossing her fingers..
' And you've no ties? No children to be picked up from school?'
'I'm not married.'
The other woman raised her eyebrows. What difference does that make these days? . An application form was handed over to Marta. ' Complete these details for me, please, including a daytime telephone number where you can be contacted, and I'll have a placement for you by the end of the week or earlier, maybe, if someone calls in sick or anything.' Another form was produced . 'And these are the agency's terms and conditions for employment. Go through it and sign at the bottom if you're satisfied.' She paused, and smiled. 'I'm Juliet vitalis . Welcome to service group..
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
Marta allowed herself a modest lunchtime celebration of a hot chicken sandwich and a milkshake, then set out to unravel the mysteries of the London underground system. By the end of the day she was confident enough to launch herself towards the city on the central line.
She found club 19 quite easily, hesitating whether to choose the door straight ahead of her or go downstairs. She opted for street level, pausing just inside the door so that her eyes could readjust to thr subdued lighting. It was a long room with a bar and different sections, a wooden floor, and barrels for tables.
It was already filling up noisily with dark city suits and briefcases , and Marta paused, staring around her, looking for Hermes. She saw him at last, waving at her from the side of the room, where a shelf had been built along the wall, and equiped with stools for customers who preferred to sit.
Marta's heart leapt as she thread het way through the laughing and chattering crowd , but she couldn't help wishing that he'd come to her instead.
' Darling.'. His arms closed around her, hugging het tightly against him. This is amazing. God it's so good to see you. I've missed you so dearly.
' I've missed you, more than words can express. Now the moment of truth had come, She felt oddly shy. That's why I came.
' My love.' His eyes caressing her. ' I wish this wasn't a public place.' His smile was intimate, warming and spoke so many thousands words in a second. He paused. ' I ordered red wine for you. I hope that's all right.' He handed her a glass, then raised his own. ' And there's only one possible toast. To us.'
'To us ,' She echoed, filling her eyes with him. He was wearing a dark blue suit , and his hair had been cut shorter than she'd seen it before. Almost sever. And , She thought fondly, he'd put on a little weight. But she wouldn't tell him that.
'So,' he said. ' Where are you staying and how long are you going to be here?
'How long?' Marta repeated incomprehendindly.
' Well, yes, sweetie. Have you got a week or two weeks?'.
The wine tasted sharp suddenly, leaving bitterness in her throat.
She thred to laugh. ' Hermes... I'm here for good . I thought you realize that.' She took a deep breath. ' I've got a bedsit, and I'm looking for a job . She paused. ' Wait. Didn't Royal walker tell you?'
'No' of course not, He just said you'd been to the house asking for me ,' Hermes said slowly. Marta,let me get this straight. You're telling me you've thrown up everything in home town and moved here ? Without a word to me first?'
Marta sighed. ' I thought you'd be pleased.' Her voice faltered slightly.
'After all , it's what we always wanted.
'Yes I know.' His voice held a touch of impatienxec. ' But not at this particular moment in time. It could cause problems.'
Marta stiffened slightly. ' With Royal?'
' I thought he will be pleased...
TBC.