After telling the cabbie their destination, Tasha settled back in the seat and Jim’s open arm and began.
“You really won’t like this. I got out of my car and was heading towards the front door when he called behind me. I told him that he shouldn’t be there and he apologised and was very meek, so I gave him five minutes. He wanted to come in, but I said no. He then explained that he had another debt, probably combined with the old one or some scheme to pay the first one with Liam off and asked for money. I thought about it for a minute then he started shouting that I had the money and was just being a bitch, and maybe it could be a final payment for Pippa.”
“I see.” Jim looked slightly irritated now.
“Now, this is where you really won’t like it. He said I was a bitch and that I wanted him to beg and plead. He swore at me and said he wouldn’t beg. He even asked why I’d become such a hard faced bitch. He suggested I should have some lessons in manners and sharing, and thought Liam would be happy to help. Apparently, he misses me.” She shuddered at the notion of it and the memory of her father’s words. “He made unpleasant references to me having been one hell of a fuck and went on to suggest that maybe he should sample some too.”
She could barely look across at Jim who was obviously seething.
“I thought I was going to be sick. He came towards me and ran his hand down my body,” she demonstrated the movement from her neck to her abdomen. She could feel that she was shaking again, like she had when it had happened.
Jim pulled her closer and thumbed her cheek as she continued.
“I really thought I had made a huge mistake and knew I’d be in big trouble with you for not following the rules. I began hitting the intercom buttons to the flats in the block and people answered then he ran off, shouting at me. He called me names and told me to take good care of Pippa for him. I let myself in and was a bit shaken because I just felt that it was too close for comfort and proved that you were right about not trusting me to do as I should.”
She looked up at Jim now and cringed at the expression of absolute fury on his face.
He bent down and kissed her gently. “It wasn’t your fault, even though you didn’t follow the rules, but it’s still not your fault that your dad is such a vile excuse for a human being. He will never do that again, Tasha. I won’t let him come anywhere near you again, not ever. I will look after you and keep you safe. I know I sometimes make you a little crazy with my control freak tendencies, but it’s what I do, take care of the things and people who matter to me and you are top of that list, honey.” He took her hand and squeezed it tightly.
“Thank you for caring,” she said with a wobble to her voice as the cab came to a stop.
Jim stretched forward and paid the fare with a hefty tip then got out first, holding the door open before offering her his hand which she happily accepted and held it tightly as they entered the gallery.
****
“Tasha,” called Simone, Gerry’s agent and the one who had first launched his artistic career.
She propelled herself towards Tasha and Jim. She was a vision in green velvet. Was it a suit? No. A cat suit with white leather thigh high boots. Maybe that’s why Tasha didn’t get art, she didn’t have the vision to combine white boots with green velvet, but then very few people did. Looking beyond Simone, Tasha also took in some of the other outfits on show and decided that she was definitely not of an artistic mind set.
Simone hugged her tightly. “Gez is exhibiting out the back so we get everyone to see the work of my babies.” She signalled to all of the exhibiting areas for her unknown artists.
“And you must be the American that has swept our Tasha off her feet. Angie has told me all about you. She’ll be here later so if you’re here that late you’ll see her.” Simone thrust her hand into Jim’s.
“Simone Turner, Jim Maybury, my boyfriend. Jim, Simone, Gerry’s agent and friend.”
They shook hands and then Tasha asked cautiously, “Is Kara here?”
Simone nodded. “Unfortunately.”
“Kara?” asked Jim.
“Gerry’s girlfriend, they have the child,” explained Tasha,
“Huh,” muttered Simone. “No offence, Jim, I know Tasha is with you now, but Kara is the bitch that screwed her best friend’s boyfriend and deliberately got pregnant because she couldn’t stand to see anybody else happy when she was fucking up her own life.”
Tasha stared at her wide-eyed as Jim replied, “I getcha.”
They were both relieved when Simone was called away.
“You know some very odd people, Miss Winters.” He smiled.
“You haven’t seen the half of it yet.” She laughed as they wandered through the exhibits hand in hand.
“Have you seen anything you like?” asked Jim as they were almost at Gerry’s work.
She turned to face him and straightening his tie smiled up at him, “Well now you come to mention it.”
“You are insatiable,” he chided, placing a hand on her bottom making her wince slightly.
