Page 54 of Sunny Skies and Summer Kisses

‘I’m, er, I’m Gina. I had an appointment to look around the dance studio, only I’m late. Sorry…’ She glanced across at Anoushka, her expression uncertain. ‘I had trouble getting away and then I got a bit lost.’

A feeling of relief was quickly followed by one of dread; with all the drama, Anoushka had forgotten about the meeting and the last thing she needed right now was to play hostess and dance teacher when what she wanted more than anything was to get to the safety of home and have a soothing cup of tea. She couldn’t even face seeing Gabe; she’d have to find another time for that conversation.

‘I’m Anoushka. And I hope you don’t mind, but I think it might be better if we re-arrange it,’ she said, the bright sunshine making her squint. Though she hadn’t bumped her head, a dull ache had crept in, squeezing at her temples.

‘Like I said, I’m really sorry I’m late.’ Gina bit down on her bottom lip.

Just as well you didn’t come sooner and have to witness what had happened not fifteen minutes ago.‘That’s okay, but if you don’t mind, I’ll contact you to rearrange a suitable time; now’s a bit… difficult.’ If Anoushka didn’t know better, she’d think the woman looked awkward, anxious even. She glanced across at the car; there was no sign of the daughter Gina had referred to. Something about this “meeting” didn’t feel quite right.

Gina’s gaze shifted between the three of them. ‘Oh… um, right.’ She hesitated, her expression suddenly changing. ‘Has something happened? You look as though you’ve been involved in an accident.’

‘Yeah, you could say, but we’re fine now, just a bit dazed.’ Anoushka didn’t want to go into detail with a stranger.

‘Actually, if you wouldn’t mind, I think Anoushka needs to get home.’ Zander had clearly picked up on the odd vibe too.

Gina swallowed, her eyes bearing a hint of what looked – if Anoushka wasn’t mistaken – like fear. ‘Listen, I didn’t really come here to look around the studio; I don’t have a daughter who wants lessons. I’m here to warn you about someone.’ She licked her lips nervously, glancing around her. ‘I’d have preferred to talk to you alone, Anoushka, but I understand that you probably wouldn’t feel comfortable doing that. Only, it would be safer if we could go somewhere… private, out of view.’ She glanced around her again, like a frightened animal. ‘I’m just, well, I’m scared someone might hear.’

Anoushka felt fear spiralling inside her. What on earth could she have to say?

‘I’d be happy to stay with you, if that would help, Noushka?’ said Zander.

‘I’m afraid I have to get back, I’ve a client due any minute,’ said Rachel, glancing at her watch. ‘But let me know if you need anything, or if there’s anything I can do, okay?’ She reached out and squeezed Anoushka’s hand.

‘Thanks, Rachel. And thanks for helping me.’

‘No problem.’ She gave a kind smile.

Inside the dance studio, Anoushka led Zander and Gina to the seating area, ensuring the blinds were closed. It appeared to make Gina more relaxed, the tension in her shoulders easing a little.

‘So what is it you wanted to speak to me about?’ Anoushka asked as Zander handed her some painkillers then got busy making tea for the three of them. She took a moment to study Gina’s face, her instinct telling her she was genuine, decent.

Gina sucked in a deep breath. ‘I’ve battled with whether or not I should say anything to you for ages. Ever since I first heard you were linked to…’ She paused, apparently considering her words. ‘My sister, Stevie, was married to someone you know; someone who’s nasty and vindictive…’

Anoushka’s stomach lurched. She had a horrible feeling she knew where this was going.

34

‘He doesn’t happen to be called Damon Swales does he?’ Anoushka asked, her eyes flicking to Zander who was looking troubled as he headed over with the tea. ‘Thanks.’ With a shaking hand, she took the mug he held out to her.

‘Yes, I’m afraid he does,’ said Gina, fear returning to her eyes. ‘But, before I go any further, Damon must never find out I’ve been speaking to you.’ She looked at Anoushka pleadingly. ‘I’ve taken a big risk coming here; I didn’t want to commit anything to a text or a written message for fear of him somehow finding out. And I didn’t want to tell you over the phone. I thought you’d think I was mad; that I was making it up or exaggerating. I needed to tell you face-to-face.’

‘I promise you, I won’t mention a word to Damon,’ Anoushka said earnestly

Gina released a juddery sigh. ‘Good.’

Content with Anoushka’s assurances, Gina began telling how her sister, Stevie, had met Damon when she was seventeen. ‘At the time, she was bright and bubbly – looked quite like you actually – pretty, with long blonde hair,’ she said. Like Anoushka, Damon had been Stevie’s first serious boyfriend, and in the early days, he’d been all charm and romance, sweeping her off her feet with grand gestures. Stevie hadn’t noticed when things had started to change, when his controlling behaviour had begun to creep in like a pernicious weed, infiltrating every part of her life. Before she’d realised what was happening, he’d managed to isolate her from her family and friends and had talked her into giving up her college place in favour of staying at his apartment, looking after him.

Anxiety curdled in Anoushka’s stomach; it all sounded scarily familiar.

Gina went on to say how, at eighteen – despite her family’s warnings – Stevie had married him, with just his brother and sister-in-law in attendance as witnesses. Needless to say, her family had been frantic with worry.

‘Stevie ended up having a breakdown, which was when we managed to get her back; bring her home.’ Tears fell from Gina’s eyes, running in rivulets down her cheeks. She dashed them away with her fingers. ‘She was in a terrible state, but it was such a relief to have her back, away from him. But even then, he wouldn’t leave her alone, kept hounding her. He’d watch the house, wait for us to leave, then start hammering on the door, calling through the letter box. He even had the nerve to start sending huge bouquets of flowers, and letters, telling her how much he loved her, that they belonged together.’ She shook her head at the memory. ‘He had a funny way of showing it. That was three years ago.’

‘How’s Stevie now?’ Anoushka asked, her heart going out to the young woman and her family.

Gina gave a watery smile. ‘She’s much better since the divorce, thanks; she’s finally been able to move on. It’s taken a while for her to be able to trust again, but she’s just started dating someone new. Baby steps…’

‘That’s good to hear.’ Anoushka paused, thoughtful for a moment. ‘So what made him stop hounding her?’

---