Dream World by T.G. Haynes Page A

about treating herself to a lie in, but when she glanced at her watch she realised that if she didn’t hurry they would be late for their morning appointment at Dream World. She dashed into the kitchen and found Sylvia sitting there, calmly sipping a cup of tea.
    â€˜Sorry,’ Kate apologised. ‘I’ve only just woken up,’
    â€˜Don’t worry, sleepy head. I’ve called and re-arranged our bookings for this afternoon so that you don’t have to rush.’
    â€˜You’re an angel.’
    â€˜That’s not what you said last night,’ Sylvia replied, cheekily.
    Kate laughed.
    â€˜Now,’ Sylvia said, reaching into the oven and pulling out a baking tray laden with goodies. ‘Would you like butter or jam with your croissants?’
    â€˜How about a bit of both.’
    â€˜Why not.’ Sylvia put the tray down on a cork mat on the table, then grabbed an assortment of jars from the fridge. Unable to wait, Kate had already tucked into the croissants.
    â€˜Mmm,’ she said, between mouthfuls of pastry. ‘Delicious. You know, if you keep spoiling me like this, I’ll end up coming again.’
    â€˜You know you’re always welcome,’ Sylvia told her.
    After breakfast Kate treated herself to a long shower, then the girls killed time by popping into town. Sylvia wanted to treat herself to some new underwear.
    â€˜For the dream trip?’ Kate asked.
    â€˜No, this evening silly. I thought we could pop out for a few drinks afterwards.’
    â€˜Don’t tell me you’re meeting up with Clive again?’
    â€˜Maybe,’ Sylvia answered, coyly.
    â€˜That’ll be a yes then,’ Kate said.
    Sylvia laughed, but avoided replying, focussing instead upon the turquoise and black matching bra and panties that had caught her eye. Removing the items from of the rack she held them against her body. ‘Well, what do you think?’
    â€˜They look great,’ Kate said.
    â€˜Sold.’
    After leaving the shop the girls popped for a quick coffee before heading to Dream World. The car park was so busy Sylvia ended up parking quite a distance from the entrance.
    â€˜Good exercise,’ she quipped.
    Kate didn’t mind in the slightest, although she was anxious to enter the centre as quickly as possible and start dreaming, determined to branch out on her own that afternoon for the first time. Half way across the car park, Sylvia tutted.
    â€˜What’s the matter?’ Kate said.
    â€˜I’ve forgotten my handbag. Don’t worry, you go ahead. I’ll catch you up.’
    As Sylvia doubled back, Kate slowed her pace deliberately and dawdled at the entrance to the car park. Looking across towards the centre she spotted a man wearing a three quarter length black leather jacket, large dark glasses and a baseball cap leaving. No sooner had he done so two security guards burst through the doors behind him. The man in the baseball cap started to run.
    â€˜Hey!’ one of the security guards shouted, ‘Stop.’
    Glancing back to see if Sylvia was aware of the excitement, when Kate turned around she found the guy in the baseball cap virtually on top of her, running at full pelt. Although she stepped aside, he brushed against her arm as he ran past. He was going at such a speed, though the impact was slight, it was enough to dislodge his glasses. As they fell to the floor he half thought about retrieving them, only the security guards were closing in on him fast. Deciding to leave the glasses behind the man happened to glance in Kate’s direction. Kate found herself looking into the bluest pair of eyes she had ever seen. He winked, gave Kate a cheeky smile, then bolted off across the car park.
    Sylvia jogged up and asked Kate if she was alright.
    â€˜Fine,’ she replied. ‘Better than that guy anyway. What do you think that was all about?’
    â€˜Who knows,’ Sylvia said. ‘More importantly, who