One Door Closes Another Opens

I knocked once and the door was flung open by a girl about my age. She was lovely looking with dark long hair, almond shaped eyes, a beautiful grin and wore a white blouse and pencil pleat olive skirt.

"Oh Miss Nicholls I presume! We have been expecting you. I hope your trip was pleasant? My names Freda by the ways- general roustabout! " Freda rattled off her greetings with a large smile.

"Please, please come in we'll get you settled nice and quick, perhaps some afternoon tea too" Freda led me down a long wide hall, it was full of lovely sideboards, paintings and some fresh blooms in vases, were on a large table on my right. There were a couple of doors off the hall but all were closed, although I could hear a phone ringing behind the first door, maybe a reception area perhaps?

I stopped at the bottom of a staircase at the end of the hall, Freda who was already up a few steps in front of me turned to see what I was hesitating for, her eyes questioning and large. I'm sure she could see my indecision and many questions circling my head as she stepped back down and spoke gently.

"Oh, Miss Nicholls I'm sure your wondering what all this is" she waved a hand around ".. but I assure you It's all quite aboveboard Mr. Ep. Arrr my boss is a lovely man, never hurt a fly. I'm sure as your settled and he speaks with you, your questions will be answered. Please.. we have a lovely room just waiting for you to collect your thoughts. Perhaps a freshen up too after your long trip" A 100-watt smile lit up her face.

A fellow Liverpool lass, like me, her voice was a welcome sound in my ears and she was so genuine and likeable I let her lead me up the staircase.

We got to the next level of the building and Freda opened the first door that we saw. I stepped inside and took in the opulence of the room. Comfy lounges and sitting chairs, a sideboard topped with an overflowing vase covered in heady blooms of pink, yellow and red. A large bay window looked out over the tree lined street, curtains fluttered in the breeze. I followed Freda around like a lost lamb.

The first door led to a bathroom full of toiletries and fluffy towels. Freda then beckoned me into the next room which contained a large bed, the comforter of which was a soft lace, I think my mother called the patterns and cutouts on it 'broderie anglaise' it was all so beautiful. Freda grinned like a school girl when she grabbed my shoulders and turned me around. I was immediately speechless, the closet she presented me before was open wide and full to the brim. Piles of clothes, racks of assorted dresses and even drawers partly open showing undergarments, this was all very weird but heaven sent too.

"Miss Nicholls please make yourself at home, a relaxing bath perhaps, the clothes are all here for you, a few different sizes just in case! I will pop down and get you some refreshments" Freda hurried to the door.

"Your boss? .... And my names Roxan..." I called after her.

"Yes, of course. I'll let him know you're here and settling in. Perhaps I give you say 1 hour to refresh. Yes?" I nodded but she was gone, the door closing and I still didn't know what to think.

****Rest Up

I conceded to a shower and it was heaven; after using nothing but a bowl of tepid, almost cold water for the last 12 months to clean in, the spray of warm water and the smell of the shampoos and soaps was divine. I think I ran the buildings hot water dry! Grabbing a huge fluffy soft towel, I wrapped it around myself, bliss...it was so soft.

I hesitated a split second at the closet door pondering the 'boss' person's intentions, then gave in and reached for the fresh clothing that lay at my disposal. A full skirt of grey material with tiny soft pink flowers scattered along the hem and a blouse in the same pretty pink. Such a girly look after being in men's too big trousers and shirt for all of the previous years' incarceration! I then tended my hair fixing it back in a high pony tail, it was now shoulder length and a bit blonder than when I was a teenager.

I strolled out to the main area and spotted a tray of tea and tiny cakes just inside the door on the table. Freda must have placed them there when I was showering. I took a tea and stood at the window waiting and just watching the world go by, cars passing and people wandering home or taking a stroll.

I realised I can do that now!

A light tap on the door made me jump in equal parts fright and nervousness. I turned so to face the person and, although anxious, I spoke calmly "Who is it?"

A genteel man's voice greeted me from behind the door "Miss Nicholls, arr My name is Brian Epstein may I have a moment of your time, if you are ready of course"

"Yes, please come in. I'm more than ready to meet you" I spoke to the door. Not stepping closer though.

The door opened slightly and a youngish man's head popped into view, gazing questioningly at me then, seeing I was across the room anyway, opened the door wider and stepped in.

I assessed my subject: Brian Epstein was tallish, about 5 to 10 years older than myself, a familiar Liverpool accent, dark hair, open face, a slight smile but seemingly shy to me at this stage. He was dressed in a very smart well tailored dark suit.

"Miss Nicholls" Epstein walked across the room his hand extended to shake mine. "Roxan" I interject "don't like being called that unless absolutely necessary thank you"

"Oh yes of course, lovely" "Please let's sit and I can let you know what today has been all about! You must have many questions"

I took the armchair so I didn't have to sit beside Mr. Epstein.

"Miss.... Sorry, Roxan isn't it. Firstly, I have arranged for your brother to meet you here for dinner around half seven. I hope that is satisfactory, I thought your journey would have been quiet draining. Next.. yes.. My name's Brian, please call me Brian. I would be honoured if you would take up my invite to stay here whilst you settle into London" Brian paused to check his watch looking at the door.

I took his pause and interjected "Sir thank-you for the clothes, I will of course pay for them as soon as I have funds. I'm more than ready to see James perhaps he can vouch for you BUT you should understand that I am highly uncomfortable with how today has panned out. You seem nice but I know nothing about you..."

"Yes of course my dear all above board of course. A little about myself then first" Brian hands me a gold gilt edged business card.

BRIAN ESPTEIN, Managing Director       NEMS Enterprises 

I immediately recognised the name 'NEMS'.

He continued his bio "I manage a number of up and coming music bands, control NEMS music and furniture stores, which is a family business- you would know the name from Liverpool perhaps? With the musicians I organise tours- everything and anything that a band needs to attain heights in the industry. Miss Nicholls, I am a very busy man often travelling overseas and all over Britain, a few of the bands have reached a place where I am in need of a full time legal counsel for contracts, negotiations and the like. Hence why I have brought you here today"

"You're offering me a job?!" I reply quickly, stunned completely by the offer out of the blue. "all of this to offer me a job. May I ask just how do you know me? And to throw a really big spanner in the works for the whole matter- I have no license"

Brian again glances at the watch and waves his hands "Details, minor details. I really must go now. It's been a pleasure to finally meet you. Tomorrow, I can show you around the office and we can discuss employment. I do hope that is acceptable for you. As I said, James will be round at 7 for you two to have a reunion and I have a wonderful menu planned for you"

With that he stood, shook my hand lightly and rushed out the door. Leaving me alone again with my thoughts.