Contracts
“But the point is Jenny, where has my money gone if Daisy is gone?” Carla sat in the living room at the back of the Rovers, her coffee for the large part forgotten as she stared Jenny down.
“Carla the money is still all here, in the pub. Daisy left on her own accord!” The blonde look frazzled as Carla stared at her unwaveringly.
“But you see, the thing is Jenny, Daisy had nothing. And now you just want me to accept that she’s disappeared off her own back?” The factory owner’s temper had begun to fray.
“Carla, I know what we did was wrong but I promise you nothing more has been taken. Everything we took is still invested right here in the Rovers!” Jenny took a shaky sip from her tea struggling to meet the brunette’s eye.
“You have to understand Jenny. It’s hard for me to believe a word that comes out of your mouth! You both took from me. Took from the factory. And now she’s disappeared again, like a thief in the night. I need the money, how can I trust either of you?” Carla was incensed.
“How much? I can try to pull together some money for you”.
Carla rolled her eyes.
“No seriously Carla, how much? I can help”. Jenny sounded desperate.
“I’m not begging for small change here Jenny! I never wanted to invest anything in this damned pub anyway!” She ran a hand through her hair exasperated.
Jenny continued to stare into her tea.
“I need the money for my transplant, and things at the factory…I just need to focus my efforts there before I could even consider anything else”. Carla twisted her rings on her fingers.
Jenny made a half effort to reach a hand out to Carla but quickly retracted it thinking better of her efforts to comfort her. Carla’s eyes flickered to the movement but chose not to draw attention to the other woman’s nervousness.
“I can start pulling together some money - anything will go to you Carla I promise. Daisy left some stuff here I can definitely get rid of that” Jenny attempted a feeble smile.
Carla was unconvinced.
“Carla, I’m already directing the majority of the profits to you already. Just keeping what I need to keep the pub running!” Carla scoffed at her.
“It’s my bloody money that’s why Jenny! And are you sure you’ve not been treating yourself to anything nice lately! Honestly - the cheek of it - I should have reported you both to Lisa!”
“I know! Don’t I know that. I’m so grateful that you didn’t. But you have to think as well Carla, we got the pub back! It’s so important for everyone here” Jenny nodded to herself which Carla deduced was an attempt to make herself feel better for the mess she had caused.
“You want the pub! Then you need to buy it!” Carla had begun to stand gathering her things.
“What do you mean?” Jenny looked completely panic stricken.
“You! You buy me out”
“What?”
Jenny sat at the kitchen table, her hands clasping around her mug.
“Carla, the pub means so much to the community”
“If that’s so then the community can buy it off me”. Carla slung her handbag over her shoulder.
“We both know that is not going to happen” her shoulders dropped with worry.
“Well maybe Jenny if you hadn’t have stolen from me in the first place I might have been more willing to help you out!”
“We need the pub Carla, we saw how much people donated for Bethany…couldn’t we do the same for you?” Jenny should have been grateful that she wasn’t looking at Carla at the moment for the death stare she was giving her would have ended her in an instant.
“Do I look like some charity case?”
The silence was palpable.
“I just meant…what if the pub can help the factory?” Carla had already begun to walk out of the door. She paused.
“It can, when you buy me out or it goes to the highest bidder”. The door slammed behind her leaving Jenny in a daunting silence.
A: Barlow having money trouble could be an option.
For how much of their conversation Alex had been leaning over the bannister listening she couldn’t have told you but she had heard the crux of it all. Jenny owed Carla, Carla needed money and desperately at that. Unfortunately for Carla, well perhaps fortunately this was Alex’s new home and therefore she could not just let the pub go quite so easily.
Carla had flown through the doors of the factory like a whirlwind much to the amusement of Sean and co.
Her fury was only increased when she saw a man sat in her office awaiting her. Sally appeared at her shoulder.
“It’s the man from the distribution company Ms Connor”
“Right, thanks Sal. Did you get his name?” Sally blinked at her vacantly. “Brilliant, did we offer him tea or coffee?” Must I do absolutely everything around here.
“Shall I ask him now, Ms Connor?” Carla was more concerned that Sally was looking at her earnestly.
“No. Not to worry Sal, I’ve got it from here” she flashed her a dry smile before entering the office.
The man turned his head over his shoulder as Carla entered the office but didn’t bother to stand. Carla kept her face straight despite her misgivings.
“Good morning, I do apologise, I was at a meeting regarding…an external contract. I didn’t realise you had made an appointment to see me”. Carla rounded the desk stretching her hand out to the man.
He shook it rather gingerly.
“That’s okay missus Connor. It was more of a drop in”
“May I get you a brew? A coffee? Er-”
“Neil” she nodded at him. “No you’re alright I’m just here to check on how you’re getting on with the contract?”
“Well, I’ve only just got back from sick leave myself but I have seen the new proposal that your company has tried to make” Carla had slowly sat herself down at her desk.
“D’ya think you can get us an answer by the end of today?”
Carla wanted to tell him right where she’d shove his van.
“You’re asking for almost double the pay per delivery?” The man nodded. “And are there any improvements to the service you’ll be providing?”
“Well you see Ms Connor, considering the changing prices, tax and that” Neil’s facial expression didn’t change.
“And you don’t think any of those changes affect me and my business as well?” She tried to remain composed but she recognised that her all too famous ‘are you taking the mick’ face may have been making an appearance.
“I’ll send you a draft of a contract that I think is well suited to our arrangement by five this evening and you can get back to me” she forced a smile realising that she would probably be without a distributor by the end of the week.
Neil exited the factory rather rapidly, Sally appeared at the office door with a nervous smile on her face.
“Did he not fancy a brew then Ms Connor?”
“Close the door Sal, only emergencies can be communicated to me today”.
Alex emerged into the pub, the Monday afternoon crowd being very limited, she sidled up to Jenny.
“Afternoon Alex” the older woman smiled at her warmly.
“How has your morning been?” Unbeknownst to Jenny Alex had heard the entire conversation with Carla earlier.
“A little stressful but nothing I can’t figure out”. Jenny watched Alex as she attempted to hide her thoughts of reflection.
Alex very quickly realised that Jenny probably wasn’t some dithering older woman she could pull the wool over her eyes of.
“I heard a little bit of a heated discussion this morning Jenny, I can’t lie to you”.
“You did?” the woman grimaced a little.
“Yeah, sounded like you might need a lawyer if I’m completely honest” Alex forced out a laugh.
“A lawyer?” a young black woman stood at the bar. Jenny’s cheeks began to flush a little in embarrassment. “Sorry, Dee-Dee Bailey. I don’t think we’ve met?”
“Alex. Nice to meet you. I only arrived at Weatherfield a few days ago”. Alex looked at her politely, the Bailey name in Weatherfield was vaguely familiar to her.
“That’s my dad, Ed and my Uncle Ronnie” both men nodded at her from the booth.
Ed Bailey. Just a few debt collections from him before Alex had moved out of Weatherfield.
“I was only joking Dee-Dee, nothing our Jenny can’t handle”. Alex smiled at both women hoping to ease any developing tensions. “What may I get for you all?”
Lisa returned to the station with Kit hot on her heels.
“Any particular reason that you’re ignoring me Lisa?”
“It’s Sarge to you”
“Right, sorry. Is there any particular reason why you’re ignoring me, Sarge?” His tone was biting.
“Look DC Green, you’ll have to forgive me for not quite forgiving you for trying to get me sent down for murder”. Lisa glared up at him.
“I was just following the evidence, Sarge. You know how it can be”. Lisa could not really pass by his facade of a smile. “Nothing personal. I told you that during the investigation. We still have to work together”.
“Yes, work together. I don’t think the polite chit chat in between is necessary”. She folded her arms haughtily.
“Look Sarge, we both have a job to do. I don’t understand why you would want to make this any harder for either of us”. His smile was unsettling to Lisa.
“Because DC Green. I do not trust you.”
“DS Swain, didn’t mean to interrupt but there’s a woman wanting to speak to you in the interview room”. She was rarely thankful for PC Tinker’s interjections but at this moment she was.
What money problems? Sort it.
“Carla, I didn’t expect to see you in the pub for a long while” Jenny smiled at her stiffly.
“Well you sell things other than alcohol don’t you Jen?” The brunette’s tone was biting despite the length of time before her and Jenny’s previous conversation. Alex politely tapped Jenny on the arm willing her to let her deal with the awkward customer.
Thankfully Jenny stepped aside allowing Alex to finally greet Carla.
“What can I get for you?” Carla’s eyebrow raised at the introduction of a new woman on the street.
“Orange juice please”
“Neat?” Alex raised an eyebrow.
Carla half laughed. “No on the rocks if you don’t mind-”
“Alex”
“Carla”.
“Penny for your thoughts then Carla?” the older woman briefly raised her eyebrow at her. “They say the best person to talk to is the bartender”.
“That probably explains why my ex was so drawn to the bar” her humour was dry. Alex tilted her head in curiosity. “I’d probably need a real drink to spill”. She sipped her orange juice.
“I guess we can pretend that there’s vodka in that?”
“With Jenny’s stingy measurements there may as well be”
Alex cocked an eyebrow at her.
“You wouldn’t be referring to my new boss now would you” Jenny’s interest peaked glancing over Alex’s shoulder. Carla once again forced a smile in the landlord's direction. “I think I have heard through the grapevine that you own the factory?”
“Oh the grapevine have ya?” Carla’s tone was teasing. “I do as it happens” Carla’s face dropped slightly which was immediately noted by Alex.
“That the cause of your problems?” She leant against the bar hoping her probing wouldn’t rub Carla up the wrong way.
“You’re quite nosey aren’t you - got rid of one Daisy and immediately gained another” Carla was a little defensive.
“I didn’t mean to pry Carla, it’s just I’ve run a few of my own businesses back home. I meant asking as one business owner to another” Alex flashed her a reassuring smile. “If you’d rather sit with your own thoughts you’re more than welcome to tell me to shove off”.
It appeared that Alex’s forthright approach had begun to sway Carla’s opinion of her. That was until the young blonde from Friday night sauntered into the bar.
“Alright Carla, not drinking are ya?” The brunette’s attention immediately swung towards the young girl.
“No Bets, just an orange juice. You want anything?”
Before the younger woman could open her mouth Alex replied;
“A lemonade?” Carla chuckled knowingly. Betsy looked less impressed but nodded.
“What’s going on then Carla, with the vans and that?” The little blonde couldn’t be more popular with Alex right now who tried to keep a straight face.
“Nothing to worry your pretty little head with Betsy” Carla was rather tight lipped as she looked at her. “Nina’s over there, why don’t you join her?”
“Maybe she’ll give me some alcohol and all rather than you boring lot” as she sauntered off.
“Young charmer she is” Alex smirked at Carla “no offence of course”.
“Don’t we just know it” Carla drank some more of her orange juice.
“So, do you want me to ignore what the young Betsy said then?” Alex’s gaze lingered trying to ascertain how much the older woman was willing to share.
“Well I guess as a fellow business woman you’ve cottoned on to what she was saying” she was again defensive.
“I used to help run a clothing company out of Stockport, may still have some ‘van men’ in my repertoire” Alex felt settled in her offer to Carla. “If that’s of any use to you of course, not assuming anything”.
They were interrupted by the arrival of Lisa.
“Betsy said you were both here, not intruding am I?” she stroked her hand lovingly along Carla’s spine. Carla glanced at her with fondness. “What we drinking?”
“Just an orange juice love”
Alex didn’t mean to stare but she had begun to piece together the story unfolding before her.
“Do you mind if I?” Lisa looked at her with uncertainty.
“No go ahead, I would if I felt up to it”. Her smile was genuine. “Large red wine for my detective here”.
“Of course” Alex replied “Carla about the…”
“Yeah, can you come find me tomorrow?” Lisa looked between the two women curiously “fancy sitting in the booth love?”.
Lisa paid and the women departed leaving Alex alone at the bar.
Before Lisa could even ask the question Carla was onto her.
“Alex, new bartender” Lisa hummed in response. “She might be able to help with the factory”.
“Free drinks on a lunchtime for staff?” Lisa smiled to herself.
“Her draining money from the pub wouldn’t exactly help” Lisa raised an eyebrow in response “she might be able to help with the distribution side of things, I’m not too sure we need to have a more in depth chat about it”.
“Don’t let me hold you back” Lisa held up her hands in mock defensiveness.
Alex was currently serving Ed another drink looking over his shoulder at the two women. She wasn’t all too sure what they were saying but Carla did not look particularly impressed with Lisa.
“What brings you to Weatherfield then?” Ed’s voice interrupted her thought train.
“Needed a change I guess, things started to feel a little stale down in the Midlands” Alex’s answer was honest in that respect but she started to realise that she needed to figure out a somewhat of a straight story to start telling people.
“You got family up here then?” Carla reappeared at the bar.
“Just a few friends is all, just trying to get settled and see if here is for me”.
Ed nodded at her knowingly.
“Well if you ever need a handy-man I’m your man” Alex laughed slightly nodding at the older man.
“I’ll keep you in mind but I’ve been told that I’m pretty good with my hands”. Ed’s laugh was a little stiff but still genuine.
“What can I do you for, Carla?”
“Small glass of red please before I lose my temper, thanks”.
“Sure”
Carla returned to the booth with her red much to the displeasure of Lisa.
“Are you sure you want that?”
“It’s just a small glass after a hard few days, all within the guidelines”. Carla was a little snippy. “Lisa, I really don’t need an argument right now”.
“I wasn’t trying to argue with you Carla”. Her frown was one of more concern than anything else.
“I have enough to deal with about the factory and the - let alone you and your jealousy”.
They both shared a steely glare sipping from their respective wine glasses.
Lisa took a deep breath willing her frustrations surrounding the word jealousy to be pushed aside. It wasn’t the first time the brunette had accused her of being jealous, and it probably would not be the last time. But it irked Lisa, her jealousy stemmed from her feeling that she was undeserving, whereas most people understood the word to mean that she felt a sense of entitlement.
“How can Alex help with the factory then?” Lisa’s voice remained level despite the thoughts running through her mind.
“She might be able to find me a different distributor”
Lisa’s finger trailed the rim of her wine glass.
“I didn’t think she was from round here?” Carla shrugged.
“Alex said she used to be part of a clothing distribution company out of Stockport, I don’t know the fine details we were cut short when you arrived”.
Lisa forgave Carla’s bitchiness hoping that she would also forget the jealous streak that had begun to reappear within Lisa.
“Do you want me to check it out?”
“Check what out?” Carla punched each word as it left her mouth. Clearly the wrong thing to ask Lisa.
“I just meant that I can look any new distributor up on the system, make sure-”
“Lisa! Not everyone is a criminal. It’s not even for definite anyway, they might accept the contract offer that I’ve sent them”.
Betsy had begun to turn her attention away from Nina to keep an eye on her mum and Carla.
“I’m just trying to look out for us Carla, sorry”.
Carla took another sip of her wine, allowing herself to take a few moments before composing her response.
“I - I know Lisa. It’s just that I've been so out of control of life recently. Then I come back to the factory and find out that nothing is going right anymore. So I just want to focus on getting everything back in order. Everything back in control. And then I love you, I really do. But, I need to be able to control this situation, not you. So, I really do appreciate you and everything that you’re trying to do. But please Lisa, let me do this”.
A comfortable silence washed over the both of them, content in drinking their wine.
Lisa watched as Betsy craned her neck around from her seat trying to see around the booth. She could only smile at her teenage daughter.
Their wines were almost finished, Carla continued to watch Lisa her eyes full of emotion.
“You ready to go love?”
Lisa looked across from Betsy to her tipping the rest of her wine back.
“Of course, I love you too”. Carla felt the grin creeping on her face as it did everytime that Lisa told her that she loved her. She stood up from the booth signalling Betsy to follow them. I love you too?
A: Pushing Barlow for a contract.