Chapter 2
Chapter Two
A nna closed the bathroom door and leaned against it. A fine sheen of clammy sweat had broken out across her walking-dead-hued forehead and her heart skittered all over the place, banging frantically against her ribcage like a frenzied bluebottle against glass. Even though Leo had left the apartment an hour ago to go to Ikea to ‘secure supplies’, the sensation of panic hadn’t subsided.
She took an inordinate amount of time unpacking her shopping and finding homes for everything in the kitchen. Thankfully, Steve, who’d returned to bed-building, hadn’t noticed her distraction.
Huffing out a sigh, she sank onto the toilet lid. Panic had made her pretend she didn’t know Leo. Why hadn’t she gaily greeted him as if he was an old friend? But if she had, there would have been too many explanations required and inevitable questions from Steve. How did she know Leo? Where did they meet? And she couldn’t control Leo’s answers. What if he’d told Steve the truth?
Steve was everything Leo wasn’t – reliable, solid and steady. He wouldn’t let her down, flirt with another woman or make her feel she’d never be enough. Mostly importantly, she knew Steve loved her. With yet another sigh, she rose wearily to her feet, chewing her lip. At least Leo hadn’t given her away. Could she trust him not to say anything in front of Steve before he left on Monday morning?
And when the hell had Leo developed an interest in beer? That was definitely new. And weird, she decided.
‘Hey, Anna. I could do with a hand here,’ called Steve.
‘Coming.’ Scowling at her reflection, she turned on the tap and splashed cold water onto her face. Nothing she could do now. Hopefully Leo would stay out of the way. Crossing her fingers, she uttered a quick prayer and hurried out to help Steve.
She knew he was being helpful and wanted to make sure she was settled before he left, but these days she found him a little overbearing. And now she was being a brat. He’d driven all the way across Europe for her, she reminded herself. When she’d first met him, she’d been so grateful for his attention. The local rugby hero. Everyone at home loved him and she’d been flattered that he’d taken an interest in her.
But, if she was brutally honest with herself, she now realised it had also been politic. Steve had slotted seamlessly in with her adopted family from day one, as if his presence made up for her shortcomings. He conferred upon her a status she hadn’t previously enjoyed, particularly among the rugby-mad male members of the family and her village peers.
Steve was 110 per cent reliable. He would never let her down. She could guarantee if he so much as looked at another woman, she’d be the first to know because he’d tell her. There was a lot to be said for reliability and honesty, especially when the head of your own family was a blatant flirt and philanderer. She shook her head. She was being silly and ungrateful. Maybe they’d both stopped making much effort – but wasn’t that what happened in long-term relationships?
Just as she was about to join Steve in what was to be her new bedroom, the intercom buzzed.
‘Hello,’ she said hesitantly.
‘Hello. Taxi. Ikea.’
‘Sorry?’
‘I have shopping. From Ikea.’
She opened the door and, hearing the rustling of bags coming up the stairwell, stepped forward and peered over the railings in time to see a man depositing several blue Ikea bags through a slim gap in the doorway in the hall at the bottom, right in front of the door.
‘Where’s Leo?’ she called down. The taxi driver looked blankly back at her.
‘The man with the shopping.’ She made gestures as if that might overcome the language barrier.
He shook his head. ‘No room. He go.’ The man indicated walking with his fingers.
The door closed, and then … nothing. She stared down at the blue mini mountain and then back at her apartment door. Presumably these were Leo’s purchases. After waiting a little while, she ventured down the stairs to find a rolled-up mattress along with bags of bedding, towels, a bedside lamp, a mirror, a couple of pillows and two flat-pack boxes. A reluctant smile touched her lips. She could imagine it all too well: Leo getting carried away with his shopping and there being no space left in the taxi for him.
The door to the ground-floor flat opened and a petite, very elegant woman stepped out wearing a glossy fur coat and neat little heels. Anna tried not to stare at her immaculate, soft grey hair, which was piled into a stylish chignon, anchored with a diamante pin.
Her mouth pinched in disapproval at the sight of all the bags dumped in front of the door.
‘Sorry,’ said Anna and moved to grasp one of the bags.
‘These are yours?’ asked the woman in low, radio-voice quality, flawless English, poking at them with a highly polished walking stick.
‘No. Not really. They’re … well, I think they belong to my flatmate, but I don’t know where he is.’
‘They need to be moved,’ said the woman, fluttering the bejewelled fingers of one hand with an imperious wave as if that might remove them from her sight.
While Anna agreed with her, it seemed pretty unfair that she was going to have to take responsibility for Leo’s bloody stuff. But then, wasn’t that so typical of him? He’d probably arranged the delivery and then been diverted by something brighter or shinier elsewhere, because that was what Leo did.
To Anna’s surprise, the woman’s face softened. ‘Let’s ask Jan if he’ll help.’ With surprising agility, despite the stick, the woman trotted up the next flight of stairs to the middle floor and rapped on the door. There was a brief conversation in Czech and then a man about Anna’s age, with a mop of dark curly hair, a closely cropped beard and sharp brown eyes appeared at the top of the stairs.
‘This is Jan, he’s going to help,’ said the woman with a beatific smile as if she’d solved all the problems of the universe.
‘Thank you,’ said Anna, more than a little disconcerted by the turn of events.
Jan came down the stairs. ‘Hi, you must be the new neighbour.’ He held out a hand. ‘Jan.’
‘Anna.’
‘And –’ Jan nodded and mouthed three times, as if he were counting ‘– this is my girlfriend, Michaela.’ And sure enough, a pretty elfin, blonde woman materialised at the top of the stairs behind him. ‘Gorgeous but nosy,’ he whispered, his eyes twinkling with quick, bright humour.
‘Hello, new neighbour,’ said the woman in perfect English, but with a slight American accent. She might have been pint-sized, with a petite, delicate frame, but she exuded energy from her flyaway hair to her sparkling brown eyes. ‘Welcome to the neighbourhood.’
‘Thank you,’ said Anna shifting her weight, conscious that she was nearly a foot taller and twice as broad as the tiny fairy in front of her.
‘Are you settling in?’ Michaela asked. ‘Do you need anything?’
‘She wants to practise her English,’ said Jan, shaking his head, a mournful smile on his long-suffering face. ‘Don’t be fooled.’ Despite his words, it was obvious he doted on the woman next to him.
‘I like meeting new people,’ said Michaela indignantly, elbowing him in the ribs before adding, ‘but improving my English is always good.’
Anna nodded, wishing she could be as bright and breezy as the happy, confident Michaela. It struck her that Leo would have known exactly what to say. He was always good in social situations, with that same easy charm. She tried to think what he might say in this situation but remained tongue-tied.
‘Shall we?’ Michaela picked up one of the bags.
‘Thank you. They’re not mine,’ Anna said hurriedly.
‘Oh, who then?’
‘The other guy that’s going to be living in the flat as well.’
‘Don’t you know him?’ asked Michaela.
Anna opened her mouth and then closed it, pinching her lips tight before her innate honesty could give her away. She shook her head.
‘I told you, Michaela,’ the older woman interrupted. ‘The apartment has been rented by the trade attaché department for people coming here on placements.’
‘You did, Ludmila. I forgot. Ludmila always knows everything,’ whispered Michaela. ‘She owns the flat.’
Ludmila, who was only slightly taller than Michaela, drew herself up, her fine eyebrows arching in haughty disdain. ‘Of course I do. Now I’d like to leave the building. I have a date at the ballet and I shall be late.’
‘Sorry,’ said Anna, grabbing one of the bags blocking the doorway.
‘Have fun,’ said Michaela as the woman slipped out.
Jan went to pick up the mattress, but as it was packaged like an outsized Swiss roll in slippery plastic, he was unable to get much purchase on it.
‘Two men for this job,’ he said.
‘Oh, I’ll get my boyfriend to help. He’s upstairs,’ said Anna.
Michaela had already set off up the first flight of stairs, so Anna followed her.
Steve was less than impressed, ten minutes later, when he and Jan lugged the vacuum-packed mattress up the last flight of stairs.
‘Would have served him right if we’d left it there,’ he grumbled as they dumped it in the other bedroom alongside the blue bags now lined up against the wall.
‘Thank you so much for helping us,’ said Anna to Michaela, who despite her size had cheerfully carried one of the big bags up all three flights of stairs without pausing for breath.
‘It’s not a problem. I wanted an excuse to have a look in here for ages. Can I see the roof terrace?’
‘Michaela.’ Jan nudged her.
‘You don’t mind, do you?’ She beamed at Anna, who found herself smiling back.
‘No, come up.’ Anna hesitated for a moment. She didn’t really do spontaneous invites but on this occasion it sort of felt like the right thing to do. After all, the couple had dropped everything to help. They’d probably say no. ‘Would you … would you like to stay for a drink?’
‘That would be lovely,’ said Michaela. ‘Can we sit outside? It must be great to have that space.’
Anna smiled. ‘I wouldn’t know … yet.’ She turned to lead Michaela up the stairs and caught Steve’s quick glare as he mouthed, ‘What are you doing?’
Ignoring him, she ploughed on up. ‘I’ve only got beer.’
‘And what is wrong with that?’ asked Jan, a lilt of amusement in his voice. ‘It’s our national drink.’
Anna relaxed a little, grateful that she could offer them something suitable. ‘That’s why I’m here. To learn all I can while I’m at the brewery.’
‘Which one?’ Jan sounded genuinely interested.
‘I’m not sure yet. I find out on Monday. There’s an induction meeting where we meet our brewery sponsors.’
‘There’s plenty of choice in Prague, the old traditional brewers and the young craft beer makers.’
‘I know, that’s what makes it so exciting.’ Anna let some of her enthusiasm spill out even though she heard Steve’s barely audible harrumph from the back of their little procession trooping up the stairs. Poor thing, he really didn’t understand her passion for beer, even though she’d tried to explain. It was a last link to her parents, who had died in a car accident when she was fourteen and she’d gone to live with her aunt and uncle. Her father had been the head brewer at Talbot’s – the family-owned brewery set up by her great-great-grandfather. Although she worked there in the office for her Uncle Henry and her cousins who ran the company, she was desperate to make beer. Not that anyone would listen to her.
Michaela rushed to the French doors and beckoned Jan, speaking in rapid-fire Czech.
‘I’ll get the beer,’ said Anna. ‘You go out.’ They stepped out and even though she didn’t speak the language she could tell they were impressed.
‘What did you invite them to stay for?’ Steve hissed, following her into the kitchen.
‘To say thank you for helping,’ she whispered back, suddenly regretting her impulse. It would have been so much easier if Leo were here. He knew what to say to new people. It was his superpower.
‘They didn’t help you, they helped that idiot flatmate of yours.’
Anna acknowledged the truth of this with a nod. ‘They’re also neighbours, and it’s not going to be that easy making friends here. I don’t know anyone apart from the idiot flatmate.’ And she definitely wouldn’t be spending much time with him.
After opening a couple of cupboards, Anna found some glasses and took the beers from the fridge.
‘Do you think you’re going to be okay?’ asked Steve. ‘I don’t like the thought of you being out here on your own, especially not with him.’
‘I’ll be fine,’ said Anna, having already decided that she’d be looking for alternative accommodation first thing on Monday.
‘Bloody cheek expecting us to sort his stuff out. I hope he’s not going to take the piss. He seems like the laid-back type, a bit too cocky and sure of himself. I hope for your sake he’s going to be tidy.’
Anna managed to bite back her snort just in time. The word ‘tidy’ didn’t exist in Leo’s lexicon, let alone his world. He was the messiest, untidiest person she’d ever come across, guaranteed to leave a wake of detritus in his wake.
‘I’m going to have a word with him before I leave.’
‘About what?’ asked Anna, trying to tamp down her alarm. What if Leo said something? She wouldn’t put it past him.
‘You know – being respectful of you and not shagging loads of girls here, or at least being discreet about it. I reckon he’s that type.’
‘Steve! You can’t do that. What he does is his business.’ Behind her back, Anna clenched one fist. Thanks, Steve, for putting the worst-case scenario into her head.
She swallowed hard, stuck now with the image of Leo bringing someone back, but managed to say, ‘Besides, what makes you say that? He might have a girlfriend.’
Her stomach hollowed at the very thought – but then he was bound to have one. He was Leo, after all. Women loved him. He loved them. Everyone loved Leo. He was like a sodding half-grown Labrador puppy.
‘I know the type. Bet you anything he’s a player. He’s got nonstick all over him. The sort that doesn’t do commitment. At least I don’t have to worry about him coming on to you.’
Anna raised a brow, wondering whether to feel insulted or not. ‘And why’s that?’
‘Because you’re probably not his type.’ Steve pulled a face of disbelief as if puzzled that she’d even had to ask, which, to be frank, did sting … a lot.
‘Thanks,’ she said, folding her arms. Steve’s words made her feel like a wilted lettuce well past its sell-by date.
‘I don’t mean that you’re unattractive. You’re gorgeous.’ Steve wrapped an arm around her and kissed her on the mouth, laying a hand on her cheek, smiling down at her. ‘But you’ve got more sense. He’s not your type, far too flaky.’ Steve kissed her again, giving her waist a squeeze. ‘I mean, I guess a lot of girls would find him attractive but he’s … well, he’s too laid-back, a bit free and easy. Off to Ikea in a cab, arriving and starting straight in on the beer. I don’t know, he strikes me as the sort that’s out for a good time.’
‘And you could tell all this from ten minutes’ acquaintance,’ said Anna with a quick smile.
‘You can tell the type. He’s probably chatting someone up as we speak. I’m not that comfortable with you having to put up with someone like him.’
Out on the roof terrace, Michaela and Jan were leaning on the metal rail that ran along two sides, pointing to local landmarks. Beyond them, Anna could see the nearby creamy yellow buildings with terracotta-tiled roofs.
‘This is wonderful,’ said Michaela, taking one of the seats at the bistro table. ‘You have a great view. I would love to have some outdoor space in the city.’
Anna nodded as if she understood but she had no idea. She’d not lived in a city since her parents died. Although Prague was probably one of the most beautiful cities she’d ever visited. Michaela smiled at her and took a sip of beer.
It was one of those awkward and-now-you-ask-a-question moments.
‘Have you lived in the building long?’ asked Anna, thinking it was so obviously an attempt to find something to say. Steve wasn’t helping, he was staring at his beer bottle – but then he’d never been great at small talk.
‘We’ve been here for just over two years.’
‘And the lady downstairs?’
‘Ludmila!’ Michaela’s eyes brightened. ‘She’s a honey. She’s lived here a long time. But she used to live in London, that’s why her English is so good. She was a ballet dancer with the Royal Ballet and then a choreographer here in Prague with the Czech National Ballet.’
‘She’s in charge,’ said Jan with a quick smile. ‘When she tells us to do something, we do it.’
‘But she’s very nice,’ said Michaela with a fond smile. ‘We’re a long way from our homes and family. She is the babi?ka , the grandmother, of the building. She is a baker and brings us treats: váno?ka at Christmas and velikono?ní bochánek at Easter – they’re both types of sweet bread with fruit in them. And she makes the best kolach , doesn’t she, Jan? That’s a typical Czech cake.’
‘Hello! Are we having a party?’ Leo bounced into view. ‘Hi, I’m Leo.’ With the ease of someone who always knew they were welcome everywhere, he strode over to Jan and held out his hand.
‘I’m Jan.’
Michaela bobbed up to introduce herself. ‘We live on the floor below.’
‘Yes, they helped carry your shopping spree up here,’ said Anna, her voice tart.
‘Oh, has it arrived already? Great. I’ll have a bed tonight.’ Leo flipped open the cap of the bottle he carried.
Anna glared at him. Unbelievable.
‘That shagging mattress was bloody heavy,’ said Steve. ‘You’re welcome.’
‘Amazing that they can roll them up like that, though,’ said Leo, clearly impervious to the implied criticism. ‘And the way they pouf –’ he emphasised the word with his spare hand ‘– up when you break the plastic wrapping. Amazing! Thanks, though. You know what it’s like in Ikea. You grab a couple of bits and before you know it, you’re having trouble steering the trolley.’
Michaela laughed as Jan groaned. ‘Every time,’ she said with an empathetic smile.
As the four seats around the little bistro table were taken, Leo sat down on the terrace, his elbows resting loosely on his open knees. ‘So, Michaela and Jan, give us the lowdown. What can you recommend about the neighbourhood? Where’s the best pub? Places to go? I’ve got no sense of where we are.’
‘We’re in Kore. You know the city is divided into districts?’
Leo shook his head.
‘This is Praha 5 and it’s a beautiful suburb, lots of parks and families. Some parts are quite hilly. There is a supermarket on Pod ?kolou and a really good pub. We can take you there. We visit at least once a week, usually on a Monday evening.’
‘Sounds like a great idea to me,’ said Leo with enthusiasm. ‘Get the week off to a good start. I’d love to join you.’
‘We’re busy this week but come knock for us at seven, next Monday,’ said Michaela, the smile highlighting her sweet little dimples.
And just like that, Leo had made friends already. Anna couldn’t help feeling a little nip of jealousy that he found it so easy. It cast light on her inadequacy.
‘This is a cool apartment,’ he said, gesturing with the beer bottle.
‘We’re very jealous of this roof terrace.’
‘Oh, come up any time,’ said Leo with a blithe wave, oblivious to Anna’s quick glare. They didn’t even know these people and he was already inviting them to drop in. ‘It’s a real bonus. In fact, the whole apartment is. Not what I was expecting from the outside.’
‘Yeah, it’s an ugly building,’ said Jan. ‘You find that a lot. Old communist practicality on the outside, Czech love and skill on the inside. We take pride in making our spaces our homes. Musílkova is a great street to live on, there’s a good mix of the old and the new. And it’s very safe.’
‘Very,’ interjected Michaela. ‘The Czech Republic is one of the safest countries in Europe to live.’
Now that Leo had appeared, the conversation ran smoothly, with none of the false starts of trying to get to know someone. He had that ability to befriend people. Anna gritted her teeth. It was so annoying.