The Train Party

What on earth was Jess doing, boarding a train for a night out with so many people she barely knew?

A heart-warming story

Jess hurried onto the platform, glancing up at the station clock. Its moon face glowed brightly against the backdrop of night sky, its hands pointing her towards the train.

Quarter to nine. She’d just made it. Gazing at the polished red steam engine, which matched her nails, she took a moment to catch her breath. The past few weeks had hurtled by; so much had changed in Jess’ life. She just hoped the move to a new place and a new job wouldn’t turn out to be a terrible mistake.

Overhead, white fairy lights lit up the platform’s gothic canopy and pilasters, twinkling like magic.

“Excuse me.” She craned her head in the direction of a passing group of people brushing past in high spirits, but her whispered words dissipated in the cold air.

Partygoers weaved around Jess, stepping aboard the vintage carriages trailing beaded hems and feather boas. Jess felt she’d just stumbled onto a film set; everything looked so enchanting.

Laughter and champagne spilled from the open carriage windows, a popped cork bouncing towards her heels. It was the most unusual work winter party Jess had ever been invited to. The fact she had only been with the company two weeks, and knew almost no one, was doing nothing to quell the bubbles of nerves in her tummy.

Despite being surrounded by people, Jess had never felt more alone. Taking a deep breath, she followed the crowd.

Nearing the carriages her eyes scanned the windows for anyone she recognised. It proved difficult; everyone was dressed up in 1920s costumes.

Jess had thrown together a few of her own pieces; a favourite black and gold bead necklace, a faux fur stole, and a black fringed, sequinned dress. She’d procured some velvet ribbon and a couple of black feathers from the craft shop on the high street, fashioning a small Twenties-style headpiece to complete the look.

“Jess! Over here. I’ve saved you a seat.” Her gaze homed in on the voice. A bright young face appeared, stretching up to an open carriage window. It was Laura.

Laura headed up the small pool of secretaries at work, of which Jess was now a part. It was only because of the warm welcome Jess had received from her new team that she’d summoned the confidence to even turn up to this event alone.

She’d forgotten how daunting starting somewhere new could be. Making new connections, forging new friendships. These things took time. Jess had moved in to her new flat and started the job less than three weeks ago.

She raised her hand in greeting. A smile ran across her face with relief as she hurried to the train door where the guard, in full vintage costume, helped her aboard.

“Have a good evening, miss.”

Jess’s nerves alternated between anxiety and excitement for the party ahead, and the new journey her life was about to embark upon. Change was a good thing, she told herself firmly, raising a glass of champagne with her colleagues to toast the past, the present and the future.

Seated at a table of four in a carriage of people who clearly knew each other well, felt a little awkward at first. Bursts of conversations about things or people Jess knew nothing about. Work-related jokes which skimmed her head.

She’d smiled and laughed with everyone else. Tried to nod along.

Laura made the effort to include her, which was almost worse. Suddenly Jess was the centre of focus. Something that had never sat well with her.

But as the train settled into a comfortable rhythm, beating along in the night-cloaked countryside, Jess found herself easing into the party spirit. Telling colleagues a little about herself. Re-telling an anecdote from her old work’s winter party, making them all laugh.

“Another drink?” asked Laura.

“I’ll get yours,” offered Jess immediately. The bar was in the next carriage; Jess had already noted the sign over the vestibule door. Things were going OK, but she’d welcome a little time away from the noise.

The bar carriage was reminiscent of the Art Deco era, luxurious and elegant. The barman stood behind the polished counter, carefully drying some vintage champagne glasses. He wore a white shirt and sharp waistcoat. From his side profile Jess guessed he must be just a few years older than herself.

Sensing her presence he looked up. He was disarmingly handsome, with a smile that could melt ice.

Jess immediately felt her neck blotch pink. She hated that that happened every time she got nervous. Hopefully he’d think it was just to do with the alcohol and laughter wafting through from the carriages behind them.

“Hey there,” he said, putting the glass and towel down. “What can I get you? We have cocktails on the rocks, champagne…”

Jess hesitated.

He tilted his head. “Or something stronger?” That smile again.

Jess laughed, shaking her head. “A white wine for my colleague. And actually, I think maybe just an orange juice for me, thanks.”

He nodded, reaching behind him for some glasses.“You must be the new girl.”

“How do you know?” She touched her headband self-consciously. Did she really look so out of keeping with her colleagues? The barman grinned.

“I’ve worked lots of company parties before. You can always tell the people who are new – they never over-indulge at the bar. Limit the chances of embarrassing themselves in front of the bosses.”

Jess laughed, perching opposite him on

The barman grinned. “You can always tell the people who are new – they never overindulge at the bar”

a bar stool. She watched as he scooped some ice cubes into her glass and added a bright paper umbrella.

“So, how long?” He slid the tumbler towards her, his gaze interested. “Two weeks.” “Oh. Literally in at the deep end tonight, then.” He gave a mock aghast look as he poured the wine.

Jess chuckled. “I won’t lie. I nearly jumped back in the car when the cab driver dropped me at the station. I’ve left everything I know to move to a job in a town where I know nobody.”

His expression changed, a softness appearing through the barman banter.

“That’s really brave of you. What prompted the big change?” Jess stared into her drink. “I’d been in my old job for years, and this one is a promotion of sorts.” She swilled the ice cubes around the glass. “But mainly because my marriage ended.”

He frowned. “I’m sorry, it sounds as if things haven’t been easy for you.”

Jess batted the sympathy away. She’d felt enough sadness to last a lifetime already. “It hasn’t, but it was a mutual decision. Things hadn’t been right for a long time. It’s just that, starting again… well, it’s slightly terrifying.”

His face relaxed into a smile again. “What is that old saying? Nothing good ever happens easily.” He pointed to the carriage behind them; a burble of voices and laughter. “But this lot sound like a friendly bunch to me. I think maybe you’re doing better than you think you are. Don’t doubt yourself – just go for it.”

Jess laughed, shaking her head.

“Thank you. And sorry. Strangers telling you their troubles across the bar must be a peril of your job.”

“That, and trying not to spill the drinks when serving on a rickety moving train.” He gave a wry smile.

“Have you always been a barman?” “Barman, waiter, counsellor, events organiser.” He grinned. “I own the events company which organised tonight’s train party. Which means I also have to own many hats. I even dressed up as a tree once, serving drinks on a golf course.”

Jess burst out laughing. “That’s amazing. You must have a busy life.”

“I do. Though that can have its downsides. I meet lots of people, but never actually get the chance to meet someone special.” His cheeks faintly spotted pink. He picked up his cloth again, and another glass, as though he’d shared too much.

A couple of waiters passed through carrying trays of piping hot food.

Jess broke the silence.

“I’d better get back; don’t want to miss out on dinner. It smells delicious.” He looked up, grinning.

“It is. Be sure to give us a good review.” Jess walked away, pausing by the vestibule. She glanced over her shoulder.

He was still looking at her. Their eyes met for a second.

“My name’s Jess, by the way,” she said, shyly. “You know, in case you’re looking out for my review.”

“I’m Tom. And I will be.” His smile stretched up to his eyes. “I hope you have a great evening Jess.”

As it happened, the meal was spectacular. Jess felt a little lighter when she returned to her seat. Conversation with her new colleagues seemed to flow more easily. Jazz music filled the carriages, and at one point Jess even joined in with a little dancing in the aisles. As the vintage train trundled along the winding tracks, its steam evaporating into the night air, so did her worries.

Beneath the flickering lamps of the train compartments, Jess felt a flicker of hope for her journey ahead.

The train creaked slowly into the station, quietly pulling to a stop as if to avoid waking the sleeping neighbourhood. The clock still glowed above the platform, its hands pointing up to a fairytale starlit sky; midnight.

Jess and her colleagues scooped up shoes and party bags from the carriage floor, misty-eyed and happily tired. It had been a wonderfully merry evening.

It felt nice to be part of something again, thought Jess. To belong.

It would take time to settle in to her new home, to adjust to her surroundings, and build new friendships. But ascending the train this evening she’d taken the first few steps, and for that she could feel proud of herself.

“We’ll share a taxi home,” said Laura, as their table of four stood up.

Jess smiled gratefully at her new friends, and nodded.

After exchanging goodbyes and well-wishes with colleagues in their carriage they descended to the busy platform. The wintry air pinched Jess’ cheeks, the tip of her nose catching the breeze. She scanned the crowds, hoping to glimpse Tom, but he was nowhere to be seen. She hurried after Laura towards the station gates.

“Jess!”

Their heads spun round as Tom quickly threaded through the knots of people towards their group.

Laura touched Jess’s arm, giving her a knowing smile. Word apparently had got round about the charming barman.

“We’ll be waiting for you at the taxi rank. For all the gossip.”

Jess blushed, but before she could reply her friends had slipped through the gates and Tom was standing in front of her.

“I thought I’d missed you,” he said, catching his breath.

“A few more steps and you would.” He nodded, his eyes crinkling into smiling crescent moons.

“Luck must be on my side tonight. I just wanted to tell you, I really enjoyed chatting with you at the bar. And I wondered if, maybe, we could talk again some time?”

Jess felt her heart dance.

“I’d really like that.”

As they exchanged numbers beneath the starlit sky, Jess felt that sparkle of hope finally returning to her heart and eyes.