The Woman in the Pyjamas Read online

  The Woman in the Pyjamas

  by

  Sarah Pond

  The Woman in the Pyjamas

  by Sarah Pond

  Copyright 2018 Sarah Pond

  This is a work of fiction. All of the characters and events described in this novel are products of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

  This ebook may not be reproduced or used in whole or part without written permission of the author.

  Cover design by Janet Nethercott-Cable

  ~~~~~

  For Janet - I know you were looking forward to this one!

  ~~~~~

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  About Sarah Pond

  Other books by Sarah Pond

  CHAPTER ONE

  When she woke up that morning, she had no idea that today was going to be the day that would change her life.

  Daisy was running late. Usually she was quite organised, but today, the alarm hadn't gone off. Shit. Daisy wasn't one for swearing much, but when it was in her head, she was more lenient with herself. Her daughter was hardly going to hear her thoughts. Having said that, she did wonder sometimes. Jess was nine, going on nineteen sometimes.

  Daisy jumped out of bed, grabbed a pair of jeans and pulled on her Superdry sweatshirt. It had been a gift, and was probably the only sort-of trendy thing she owned. It was very soft and snuggly, and the nearest thing to hand. She would have to have a shower when she got back from the school run. Looking in the mirror briefly, she ran her fingers through her dark blond bob, trying to tidy it up a bit. No, she really didn't have time to sort that out now. Rushing downstairs, Daisy could see that Jess was already eating her breakfast. Thank goodness, that was one less thing to do. 'Morning darling. Have you put your homework in your bag?'

  Jess nodded, as she continued tucking into her cereal. Finishing the last mouthful, she wiped the milk from the corner of her mouth on the back of her hand, and Daisy resisted saying something about getting milk on the cuff of her school jumper.

  Daisy quickly emptied out a sachet of cat food into Nimbus' bowl, calling out to him. 'Here you are boy, chicken this morning.'

  The black and white cat had appeared in the kitchen, purring, at the sound of his breakfast being prepared. Having refreshed Nimbus' water bowl, and stroked his head, Daisy fetched a glass from the cupboard over the kitchen sink, and filled it with water. She guzzled it greedily, her mouth now beginning to feel less dry. She wished she hadn't had that extra glass of wine last night. Late night telly and alcohol, she had never done that when she had been married. Maybe Daisy was reverting to being a teenager. Urgh, she hoped not.

  'Okay, brush your teeth Jess, then we must go.'

  As they were about to go out of the front door, Daisy noticed an old baseball hat on the coat hook. Grabbing it, she pulled it over her unkempt locks, at least it wouldn't notice that she hadn't brushed it, she thought.

  As they left their townhouse in Hove, Daisy stole a quick glance towards the sea. Then, turning the other way, she and Jess made their way up the hill, away from the coast. The walk to school usually took about twenty minutes. Sometimes Jess would take her scooter, but she couldn't find it this morning. Even if she did scoot, she'd have to keep stopping to let Daisy catch her up. Thank goodness Jess had got up on time today. She was getting quite independent, and Daisy thought that she often seemed older than her nine years. This was great on the one hand, it was good that she was learning to look after herself. But Jess was her little girl, and she seemed to be growing up so quickly. She would look at her mum with those beautiful blue eyes, and it took her back to when she held her in her arms as a baby, and Daisy's heart would melt all over again.

  Daisy waved Jess off at the school gates, slightly out of breath as a result of their hurried walk to school. She watched her fondly as she walked across the playground, and thought how like her she was. Jess's hair was a brighter blond, and hung in long waves, whereas Daisy's had gradually darkened as she had got older. When she was a child, Daisy's mum would often comment on how well named she was, saying that her hair shone like a flower in the sunshine. Daisy took a deep breath. She could take the walk home slowly, Friday was her day off.

  Arriving at her front door, Daisy put her hand into the front pocket of her jeans. Then the other one. Then each of the back pockets in turn. Oh no, you must be kidding me. Her heart started to pump faster. Then she remembered. The key was still sitting on the kitchen counter, next to her phone and her purse, she could picture it clearly now. Damn it. Having now had a thorough search of her pockets, she found that all she had was a used tissue, a five pound note and a miniature plastic dinosaur. A Tyrannosaurus rex. Well, that was about as useful as the T Rex's tiny arms were for feeding itself. I really must get a key cut to leave for my neighbour. So, Daisy wouldn't be able to get into the house until this afternoon. So, what was she going to do all day?

  Daisy took a deep breath, reminding herself that today was her day off, she didn't have any arrangements, so what was the harm. Sighing deeply, she began to relax. As she walked into town, she couldn't help smiling to herself. Under her clothes, she was still wearing her pyjamas. She had been in such a rush, that she had just thrown her clothes on over the top of them. It was like a secret that only she knew. It also struck her that it was probably about the most way out thing she had ever done. Daisy sighed. She really had led a rather sheltered life. With the five pound note in her pocket, she would at least be able to get some lunch. Daisy ambled into Brighton, there was certainly no rush now. She noticed how everyone else seemed to be busy, hurrying here and there. It was quite rare to see Brighton quiet on any day of the week, she considered on reflection. Also, she was usually the one rushing around. As Daisy walked by M&S, she decided to pop in to buy some lunch. Five pounds wouldn't go very far in a cafe, and this way she could eat al fresco at the beach.

  Daisy found a sheltered spot on the pebbles, and as she sat looking at the sea, she marvelled at how her day was turning out. After waking that morning feeling stressed and a bit the worse for wear, berating herself for being so disorganised, she had now given into it. Without the distraction of her phone, and with nothing much else to do, Daisy had begun to find her day rather relaxing. Maybe this is just what I needed. I've been running ragged for too long now.

  It was beginning to get rather warm, which was hardly surprising as Daisy had full length pyjamas on under her jeans and sweatshirt. Feeling rather daring, she decided to take her sweatshirt off. With her blue and white striped pyjama top tucked in, hopefully it would look just like a normal shirt. She did feel a bit strange wearing no bra, but the gentle breeze blowing through the gaps between the buttons did feel rather refreshing.

  Without her watch or phone to tell her what the time was, Daisy asked a lady who was walking along the seafront. It was gone two, so it would soon be time to start heading towards the school. If she was a bit early, that would be fine. She might even get a chance to say hello to some of the other parents.

  It was at this point that Daisy realised she could have walked back to school this morning to get Jess' ke
y.

  There were a few other parents waiting outside the gate, but only one who Daisy knew. 'Hi Trish.'

  'Oh, hello Daisy.' She looked Daisy up and down, which she hated. 'You look very... comfortable.'

  Trish pulled her baseball hat down further. Really? Trish had a way of saying things that made Daisy feel, well, not quite enough. Then she remembered her pyjamas under her clothes, and smiling, she said, 'Yes, I am, thanks.'

  Trish didn't quite know what to say to that. Daisy was feeling generous, 'Have you had your hair done?'

  'Why yes, I have.' Trish flicked and swished her long glossy blonde locks, looking like something from a shampoo advert.

  'It looks very nice.' It did look nice. Trish always looked immaculate.

  'Thank you. Look, I must just go and talk to Mary.'

  Trish would talk to someone to make do, until someone more interesting came along. Well, that's how it felt to Daisy. Her best friend, Eve, had commented on it once or twice as well. She had occasionally picked Jess up from school if Daisy got held up at work. Her thoughts were interrupted by Jess running up toward her, giving her a big hug. 'Mum!'

  'Hi darling. Did you have a good day?'

  Jess chatted away excitedly, and they headed towards home.

  That evening, after tucking up Jess in bed and saying goodnight, Daisy headed downstairs. She sunk down into the sofa, feeling the squishy cushions snuggle around her. Nimbus jumped onto her lap, purring. She cuddled him, and he rolled over, exposing his fluffy white tummy. Although he was mostly black, his paws and nose were white, with a little black patch under his chin. As she stroked Nimbus, her mind wandered, and Daisy found herself thinking about her day.

  And that was what had given her the thought. It was time she did a bit more for herself. Jess was her number one priority, without a doubt. Still, she wanted to do something for herself. Over the last seventeen years, being a wife and mum, she felt that she had lost a bit of herself along the way. She was happy with her life, on the whole. She could have done without the divorce, of course. And Jess really was the best thing that had ever happened to her. Maybe it was time for a change though.

  Daisy walked into the foyer at Software Solutions on Monday morning, not really taking in the marble like floor and curved reception desk, which she had walked past nearly every week day for years. She had begun working in Human Resources when Jess was a toddler, and she appreciated the flexibility of working around school hours, and occasionally working from home.

  Seated at her desk, Daisy looked up and smiled as Cheryl walked into her office. Daisy really liked her, she was bubbly and outgoing, and very easy to talk to. Now twenty five, Cheryl had worked at the company for a couple of years. Daisy had been on the interview panel when Cheryl had applied for the job, and she shone out above the other applicants. She was probably the most fun person at the office, and always brightened Daisy's day. She was still in a thoughtful mood from the previous evening. 'Hi boss, how are you? You looked lost in thought there.'

  'Yes, I was a bit. Come and sit down. How are you?' Usually she would say not to call her boss, even as a joke, but she had hardly noticed it on this occasion.

  'Great, thanks.'

  'Cheryl, you always seem so confident. What's your secret?'

  'Oh, do I? Thanks.' Cheryl, blushing slightly, smiled contentedly. 'Um, I don't really know.'

  Cheryl really liked working for Daisy. In fact, Daisy insisted that Cheryl worked with her, not for her. This distinction served to make Cheryl like Daisy even more. She was the kindest, most considerate boss (sorry, colleague) she had ever had.

  Cheryl slowly pulled back the chair opposite Daisy's desk, and sat down, as she pondered the question. 'Well, a couple of years ago, I went to see a personal stylist, and she helped me find the clothes that suited me. It was great, and ended up saving me quite a lot of money, too. Once I knew which colours and styles suited me, it made shopping so much easier, and I didn't waste a load of money buying stuff that didn't suit me. She also helped me to be more confident about my size, finding the clothes that would be the most flattering. Now, I dress for me. When I get up in the morning, I choose to wear what I feel drawn to. Obviously for work, I go for something smarter than I would for the weekend, but I want to feel good in what I'm wearing.'

  Daisy considered this for a moment, 'That makes a lot of sense.'

  'Actually, I think it helped me to get the job here! I was feeling confident, having just seen Helen, and that probably came across at the interview.'

  Daisy smiled to herself, remembering when she first met Cheryl. Even at the time, she thought that Cheryl seemed so sure of herself, and wondered whether she should have been the one interviewing Daisy instead.

  Daisy thought about her clothing choices. For work, she was presented with a wardrobe of mainly black and navy outfits, sensible office clothes, along with some boring neutral blouses. Clothes that she imagined Cheryl would never be seen dead in.

  Daisy leaned back in her chair, 'I like the sound of that. I feel it's time for a change. I could do with a re-fresh.' She paused for a moment, 'You know, on Friday I locked myself out of the house, and had to wait until I picked up Jess from school. In the past that would have stressed me no end, but I really enjoyed myself. I had no phone to distract me, and once I got used to the idea, it was great.'

  'I don't think I could go all day without my phone.' Daisy laughed at the pained expression on Cheryl's face, her phone was never very far from her side.

  'Do you know the thing that really made the difference, though? I was in such a rush that I put my clothes on over my pyjamas, and spent all day like it!'

  Cheryl was surprised, 'Oh my god, really?'

  'I would never have realised how much fun it felt. You know, that's about the most outrageous thing I've done in years. See, I told you I need a re-fresh!'

  'You know, if you want to let your hair down, we could go clubbing.'

  Now it was Cheryl's turn to laugh at the expression on Daisy's face. 'Or not. Okay, I'll find Helen's number, and you can give her a call. Small steps, maybe!'

  'Thanks, that'll be great.'

  That afternoon in the office kitchen, Daisy was happily humming to herself, waiting for the kettle to boil for her cup of tea. Then she was aware of Ryan walking in. Ryan had rather an effect on Daisy. His wide hazel eyes looked out from under a light brown floppy fringe, which had soft curls at the edges. She always imagined that if he grew his hair longer, he would look like a surfer, with long flowing curls, his hair bleached by the sun, muscles rippling as the sun shone off the droplets of water on his skin... Stop it, for goodness sake. Daisy berated herself for her childish fantasy. She was actually a bit embarrassed about the fact that she had a crush on someone at work. She hadn't told anyone, though, not even Cheryl.

  'Hi. Is there enough water for another cup?' Ryan seemed so at ease with himself.

  Daisy nodded, and smiled. She found that when Ryan spoke to her, she would blush and not know what to say. For goodness sake, I'm a forty year old woman, not a teenager. He's probably only about twenty six anyway.

  He was thirty two. What Daisy didn't know, was that Ryan really liked her. He found the fact that she didn't realise how attractive she was rather disarming, and made him like her even more. She was so much more mature than women he had dated, and at the same time less self-conscious. He didn't even know whether she was single, although he had noticed that she didn't wear a wedding ring.

  'I was ready for a break, it's been a really busy day.' Ryan smiled at Daisy, and the heat in her cheeks wasn’t just the result of the steam emanating from the now boiled kettle.

  Daisy realised that she hadn't actually spoken yet, and gave herself a mental prod. 'Yes, me too. It's good to get out of my office.'

  Ryan poured water into the mugs for both of them. 'Milk and sugar?'

  'Yes, please. One sugar, thanks.'

  After handing Daisy her mug, Ryan leaned back against the counter, looking relaxed wi
th one ankle crossed over the other. 'Cheers!' He raised his mug, taking a sip from it.

  Daisy smiled back at him, 'Thank you.'

  Ryan loved Daisy's smile. Her lips curved in a sexy way that made him want to kiss her. He wasn't going to do anything about it, though. It would be so awkward if he asked her out and she turned him down. He had seen office romances end badly, and didn't want to put himself in that position. 'Did you have a good weekend?'

  Daisy smiled again, 'Yes, thanks. Pretty quiet, really. I'm loving the hot weather. How about you?' The weather. Really? Surely I can think of something more interesting to say. I wonder how soft his hair is, I'd love to run my fingers through it.

  'I spent it on the beach with friends. We had a barbecue, it was good fun.'

  Daisy's mind filled with images of Ryan in shorts, his tanned skin speckled with drops of water and grains of sand. She had a feeling of longing, and also a pang of jealousy. He's probably got some gorgeous beach babe girlfriend, barely wearing a bikini. Oh, will you just let go of the fantasy. Suddenly she was aware that Ryan was talking to her.

  'Daisy?'

  'What, sorry?' Oh, god, I hope I wasn't staring.

  'Hey, you looked a bit zoned out there!'

  Daisy blushed. 'Sorry, I was lost in thought for a moment.'

  Ryan was smiling at her, 'From the look on your face, it looked like a fun thought!'

  Daisy cleared her throat, blushing profusely. 'Um, it was nothing. Well, I'd better get back to work. Thanks for the tea. Bye.'

  Ryan had an amused look on his face as he watched Daisy scuttle out of the kitchen.

  Daisy decided to give Helen a call. 'Cheryl said that you really helped her with her styles and wardrobe. I wondered what I needed to do.'