by Jacqui Penn
‘Okay, thanks.’ She rearranged her clothing, took a last look in the mirror and hurried down the stairs to find Angela chatting on the doorstep with the most handsome man she had ever seen. He had thick, blond, wavy hair down to his shoulders and as he looked past Angela towards her, his deep blue eyes sparked something inside her.
Angela smiled. ‘This is Tristan, and this is Sophia.’ Tristan took Sophia’s hand and bent to kiss it whilst looking up into her eyes. ‘None of that Tristan, she’s much too nice for you, and far too young.’
Tristan’s gaze didn’t leave Sophia and in the end, made her feel embarrassed. ‘I intend to teach her everything I know. See you soon.’ His voice sounded seductive and Sophia hoped she could keep her attention on the driving lesson. She felt nervous enough and didn’t need the added diversion. ‘Shall we begin?’ He gestured with an upward facing palm towards the small, white car.
Sophia looked at Angela and then down at Lawrence. ‘Wish me luck.’
‘We do.’ She ruffled her son’s hair. ‘Tell her good luck, Lawrence.’
‘Good luck,’ he said dutifully. Sophia gave him a wave and followed Tristan to the car. He stood at the driver’s door and motioned her inside.
‘I can’t drive away from here, I’ve never driven before.’
‘Don’t worry. I’m going to teach you, that’s what I’m here for.’ His tone was low and suggestive. Sophia took a deep breath and climbed into the car. Tristan slammed the door shut and skipped around the car.
‘Right, seatbelts on and we shall begin.’ He talked her through the foot pedals, the indicators, gears and a hundred other things Sophia thought she would never understand.
The car lurched forward and stopped. ‘That’s fine, have another go with a little more throttle this time. Remember you’re listening for the change in engine sound as the clutch and accelerator work together.’ The car jumped forward twice before rudely coming to a halt.
‘I know what happened there, I let my foot off too soon.’ She started the engine again and the car slowly moved forward giving a couple of judders which she corrected.
‘See, you’re a natural. Now stop the car engaging the clutch as you brake. Easy. You’ve done it.’
Sophia laughed. ‘I don’t know about that, I think it was beginners luck.’
‘Don’t even think it. There was no luck involved, only skill.’ Now she knew he was taking the proverbial.
The lesson proceeded well, and after two hours, Sophia felt as though she was getting the hang of driving; although by the following week she assumed she would probably have to start over again. She stopped the car and switched off the engine. She reached for her bag and pulled out her purse.
Tristan shook his head. ‘It’s all paid for. So do we have a date for the same time and place next week?’
‘If you think you can put yourself through all that again.’
He picked up a board with papers held on with an enormous paper clip. ‘Most definitely. Any excuse to see you again.’
Sophia’s cheeks reddened. She wished they wouldn’t do that. ‘Bye then and thanks.’ She quickly climbed out of the car and made for the house. Angela must have been watching through the window. She met her in the hallway.
‘How did it go? You certainly pulled up professionally, no hitting the curb. It took me ages before I could do that.’
‘I loved it. I can’t wait for next week. Thanks for paying.’
‘You’re welcome. I’m glad you liked it, it’ll be handy having another driver around.’
‘You can drive a car, I saw you,’ Lawrence said.
Sophia smiled. ‘Not yet I can’t, but I’m going to keep trying.’
Sophia pulled up outside the house on her third driving lesson and stopped the car.
Tristan turned to face her. ‘You are doing so well. One of the quick learners... I wondered if you’d be interested in seeing a band I like tonight. They’re playing in Whitstable at a friend’s party, there’s a DJ as well, so it’ll be a variety of music.’
Sophia thought for a moment, then took a breath to try and calm herself. Was this a date? ‘Yes. Yes, I’d like that.’
‘I’ll pick you up at eight. It’s casual, so wear whatever, you’ll look beautiful.’ She looked at his face for mockery, but he looked serious; the few freckles dotted around on his nose made him look quite cute.
‘Great and thanks for the lesson.’
‘I’ve got lots more to teach you yet.’ Was he being rude? She opened the car door.
‘See you tonight. Bye.’ She calmly walked up to the house feeling inside as though she were about to burst. A date. Tristan had asked her out, and with his friends; he must be serious. Oh, my God, I’ve got nothing to wear. She’d got the afternoon off, so enough time to buy something.
‘How did it go? Angela asked, as soon as she stepped through the door.
‘The driving went well, only a few little misdemeanours. Tristan asked me to go to a party with him tonight—’
‘You’re not going are you?’
‘You hadn’t said you needed a sitter so I said I would.’
Angela frowned. ‘He’s not exactly what you could describe as reliable where the ladies are concerned. You need to be careful.’
‘It’s only a party, there’ll be lots of people around. I’ll be fine. I need to buy something to wear.’
‘Ru’s home in about half-an-hour. Would you like some company? I haven’t mooched around the town for ages.’
‘I’d like some help. I haven’t really got a clue where clothes are concerned.’
‘That’s settled then. I’ll ask Sarah to knock up an early lunch and off we go.’
A while later, Sophia heard Ru and Angela arguing and Ru’s voice was loud. ‘You’re encouraging it. I don’t believe how irresponsible you are being. He’s too old for her and you know what he’s like. You should have told her she couldn’t have the night off.’
‘I am not irresponsible. She’s old enough to know what she wants to do and I told her to be careful.’
‘Be careful! This fiasco is entirely down to you. I told you not to start the damn driving lessons.’
‘I don’t know why you’re getting so het up. She’s an adult and what’s it got to do with you anyway?’
‘To do with me! I’d say it’s everything to do with me! If anything happens to her I hold you entirely responsible.’
‘You’re being ridiculous. She’s not your daughter; you hardly know her.’ A door slammed and the shouting stopped. Sophia felt guilty for causing a row. Ru was certainly a bit weird. What was it to him if Tristan wanted to take her out? His hatred must run so deep he didn’t even want her near his friends.
The playroom door, which had been ajar, suddenly flew open and an outraged Ru stood in the doorway.
‘Can I have a word, Sophia?’
She felt her stomach tighten. ‘Of course.’
‘In private.’ She stood and followed him to his study. ‘Sophia, you are employed by this family to look after the children and whether I think you are suitable to hold that position has no bearing on what I am about to say. It is simply unorthodox for an employee of mine to fraternise with my associates. Do I make myself clear?’
‘Yes.’
‘Well then, we shall hear no more on the subject. You may go.’ Sophia turned and left the room.
Angela was at the foot of the stairs. ‘There you are. Lunch is ready and then we’ll get out of here.’ She lowered her voice. ‘Ru doesn’t like the idea of you going out with Tristan, but I think you should go to show him he can’t bully you. I don’t understand him; he’s acting really strange.’
‘He might sack me if I go.’
‘He most certainly will not. You have a contract and are entitled to time off. Anyway, let’s eat and be on our way.’
Sophia now felt in the middle of something she wasn’t at all sure of. Ru had dampened all the excitement she felt and she didn’t even feel like going and choosing something to wear. Mayb
e she shouldn’t go. There again, Angela was right. Who was Ru to say what she could do when she wasn’t working? The whole situation felt uncomfortable and she had so been looking forward to her first ever date.
Sophia had three dresses to try on. One by one she put them on and walked out for Angela to see. The third dress was her favourite
‘It has to be that one. You look stunning; I don’t know why I’m saying that when you’re spending the evening with a cad.’
‘I do like this one best. You don’t think it shows a bit too much up here,’ she said, hitching up the bodice.
‘No, it’s beautiful. You have a lovely figure.’ No one had ever been as kind to her.
Sophia proudly walked out of the shop clutching her carrier. Angela smiled at her. ‘Now shoes and bag. I have some jewellery you can borrow, if you like.’
‘Thank you. Can you keep a secret?’
‘Yes, are you sure you want to tell me? It won’t be a secret anymore.’
‘Tonight is my first date.’
‘Ever?’ Angela looked surprised as Sophia nodded. ‘Well don’t be swept away on the crest of a wave. Remember to keep your sensible head on.’
‘I will. I don’t want you getting in any more trouble.’
Angela heaved out a sigh. ‘Quite. Shoe shop. Here we are.’
Sophia paced around her room wishing she had a room at the front so she could watch out of the window for Tristan’s car. He was half-an-hour late. She didn’t dare go downstairs for fear of bumping into Ru and starting him off again. Had Tristan changed his mind? Perhaps he was totally unreliable as she’d been told. Maybe he was a cad, whatever that was?
The doorbell rang making Sophia jump although she had been expecting it for ages. A quick glance in the mirror, a flick of her hair, and she tried to walk down the stairs as though she were in no hurry whatsoever.
Ru stepped out of the lounge. ‘You’re insistent on going then?’ His surly tone made her jump for the second time in a minute.
‘Ru, leave her alone. Doesn’t she look wonderful? Have a lovely time. You’ve got your keys, have you?’
Sophia touched her bag and nodded. She couldn’t stop smiling. Angela opened the door.
‘Hi, Tristan. You take care of her now,’ Angela chortled.
‘You’d better,’ Ru growled and walked away.
Tristan didn’t pay him any attention, instead, his eyes focused on Sophia. ‘The girl of my dreams in red. You look beautiful. This way malady.’
Sophia brought her shoulders up and giggled at Angela. ‘Bye. See you in the morning.’
Tristan took her arm and led her to the car. ‘I thought we might go for a drink first. I know a lovely little pub not far out of the way.’
He drove his black Mercedes fast and expertly along the main roads and then turned into a country lane. In what seemed like the middle of nowhere, an illuminated pub sign shone out. The car swung into a parking space and Tristan jumped out and ran around to undo Sophia’s door. The perfect gentleman.
The pub had a homely feeling and a few men sat at the bar. They turned as the couple walked in and then chatted about the latest topics on the news.
The barman looked at them and smiled. ‘Hello there. A lovely evening for a drive in the countryside. What can I get you?’
Sophia realised all eyes were on her. She’d never been in a pub and had an alcoholic drink. She couldn’t ask for a coke which she normally drank. ‘Um. You choose.’
‘You’ll have to give me a clue,’ Tristan said.
The barman pointed to a shelf of small bottles. ‘How about something sweet, like a Bacardi Breezer. Pineapple, orange…’
‘Pineapple please.’
‘And a Coke for me.’
‘You drink Coke?’
‘I’m driving.’
‘I would have joined you if I’d realised.’
She took a sip of the Bacardi Breezer and smiled. ‘This is good. I’ve missed out.’
‘Come on, we’ll sit by the window.’ Subtle lighting illuminated a few leaves swirling about around the tables and chairs outside.
Sophia took in the tranquil view with awe. ‘How long have you been a driving instructor?’
‘About ten years, but it’s a side-line. I dabble in stocks and shares. My father wanted me to get a proper job, so I bought a small car and learned how to be an instructor just to piss him off really.’
‘Why did you want to do that?’
‘It’s all down to tactics. He didn’t want me having the family money without having understood about earning it. What he didn’t know was that I was making a fortune of my own anyway. He would have frowned on my dabbling and taking unnecessary risks, as he would have considered it. So here I am, rich little driving instructor.’
Sophia smiled. ‘But do you enjoy it?’
‘I have to say, actually I do. Someone trying to kill me now and again is quite challenging. I like to live on the dangerous side of life. How about you? Do you like working for Ru and Angela?’
‘Angela is lovely, but I find Ru a bit strange.’
‘I have to admit he seemed a bit off when I collected you. Probably jealous I’m taking out the most beautiful girl in town. What about your father? What does he do?’
Sophia cut the question short. ‘I don’t have anything to do with him. So this friend whose party we’re going to, have you known him long?’
‘Gio. We met at primary school and then went our separate ways when I went into private education at around eleven. Met up again about five years ago at a property auction of all places. He’s turned out to be a good friend.’
‘Gio? What’s that short for?’
‘Giovanni. Giovanni Moretti, to give him his full name. His father is Italian and his mother English.’ Tristan pulled back his shirt cuff to reveal an expensive looking watch. ‘We’d better get going.’
Sophia thought that Tristan drove his car in a way that matched his personality; focused and fast. He deftly handled the lanes until pulling back onto the dual carriageway where he put his foot down, ignoring the speed limits. He pulled into a parking slot around the back of the pub, leaped out and opened her door.
‘That was a bit scary. Do you always drive so fast?’
‘Only when I know where the cameras are. Can’t be doing with points on the licence.’ He led the way to the door and opened it for her to walk into the large pub. He clutched a bottle box in one hand and held her hand with the other as they made their way through the crowded room.
‘Gio! My man.’ They shook hands and then put an arm around each other’s shoulders and patted. He handed his friend the bottle box. ‘There you go, something vintage, a bit like you.’
‘Not so much of the vintage, I’m two months younger than you don’t forget. And who is this delightful lady? You are far too beautiful to be wasting your time on this scoundrel.’
Tristan gestured with the palm of his hand. ‘Sorry. This is Sophia. Sophia, Gio.’
Sophia smiled as Gio bent to kiss her cheeks. ‘Pleased to meet you. I’ll come and steal you away for a dance later…’ Someone tapped him on the shoulder, he turned, greeted some other guests and turned back towards Sophia and Tristan. ‘Excuse me, I must mingle.’
‘Catch you later,’ Tristan said, catching Sophia’s hand again and pulling her towards the bar. ‘Bacardi Breezer for you again?’
Sophia nodded. ‘Pineapple please.’
Once the band began to play, conversation stopped due to the noise, and the dancing started. Tristan dragged her onto the dance area, oblivious to her protests. She’d only ever danced at the school disco, held once a year at the end of the summer term when you knew you wouldn’t see anyone for the next six weeks. She and Anna used to move their feet around and sway a bit trying to make it look like they were in control and having a good time. ‘I can’t. My feet don’t go where I want them to.’ She almost gave up and then in a louder voice she shouted, ‘Tristan, I can’t dance.’
Tristan, o
blivious to her objections, smiled and began to throw his arms in all directions in time to the music, which made her smile. Sophia laughed and suddenly wasn’t self-conscious anymore. She copied him and together they gyrated with the beat, moving every part of their bodies. After three songs and exhausted, they went back to their drinks.
The band slowed the pace and Tristan swung her onto the floor for a slow dance. How warm and safe she felt in his arms as she melted onto his shoulder with their cheeks touching. She wanted to stay locked in the moment forever. Tonight had been something special. She had enjoyed herself beyond all her expectations and dreams. She felt his warm breath on her ear and felt his tongue touch the lobe. A shiver rippled through her like lightning and she felt a tingling sensation between her legs.
She had to regain control. A deep breath should do the trick. She gulped in some air which only made her shudder as it remained trapped in her throat.
All too soon the band stopped playing and announced a break for half-an-hour. ‘How do you fancy a walk along the beach? It’s lovely in the evenings.’
‘Sounds nice.’ The word romantic went through her mind, but she kept the thought to herself. Her evening just got even better.
Chapter 4
The full moon lit the beach and the waves slowly rippled up onto the pebbly beach. Sophia looked at the vast expanse of water. ‘Shall we paddle?’
‘You’re joking; it’d be freezing.’
Sophia sat on the edge of an upturned boat and begun to take off her shoes. ‘I’ll go alone then if you’re too afraid of a bit of chilly water.’
‘I’m not afraid… Hey, wait!’ He hopped around on one leg trying to loosen his shoe. ‘I’m coming with you, wait.’
Sophia raced barefoot across the pebbles ignoring how much they hurt her feet. Tristan was right; the sea almost froze her toes. She gave a little squeal as the first wave rose to her ankles. ‘It’s freezing.’
Tristan came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. ‘I told you it would be and now I’m keeping you in here.’
Sophia struggled and then giggled as she tried to break free from his grasp. A wave came up to her knees making her jump, and Tristan somehow lost his grip. Sophia fell into the water and went under, spluttering as Tristan pulled her out.
