Where the River Ends

by Jacqui Penn

  An hour later, Sophia laughed when the dessert menu arrived. Tristan scanned the choices. ‘They do a wonderful chocolate mousse and the peach flambé is delicious.’

  Sophia patted her tummy. ‘I don’t think I could eat another morsel.’

  ‘How about one mousse and two spoons?’

  She felt as though she would be spoiling the fun if she said no. ‘Okay. Sounds good.’

  The mousse sat between them on the table. Sophia picked up her spoon.

  Tristan shook his head. ‘We’ll try the romantic method. You feed me and I’ll feed you.’

  Sophia dipped her teaspoon into the smooth chocolate. She lifted the spoon towards Tristan’s mouth. He puckered his lips and let them slide over the spoon seductively as he kept his eyes focused on hers. He savoured the moment and then brought out the tip of his tongue to lick his lips.

  He gathered some dessert onto his spoon and held it towards Sophia. As she leaned forward to take it he moved it back slightly.

  ‘Hey. That’s not fair.’

  ‘You have to pucker your lips and come closer.’ He held his chin slightly down so he looked at her with raised eyes. God! He was sexy.

  She puckered and leaned forwards. Before he had a chance to remove the spoon from her reach she darted forward and devoured the mousse, almost making herself choke.

  ‘That serves you right,’ Tristan chortled. ‘There’s me trying to be all romantic and you leap forward and grab it.’

  Sophia wiped a tear from her eye and held her serviette to her mouth as she coughed. ‘You have to admit it was funny though. The look on your face was something special.’

  ‘I think we’ll forget romantic and eat the mousse normally.’ He shook his head at her and dug his spoon deep into the glass dish. ‘Mmm. This is good. We might have to order another.’

  They left the restaurant and walked arm in arm towards Tristan’s flat. Sophia looked up at the stars. ‘What a lovely clear night.’

  ‘Yes, it is, and no you can’t go for a dip in the river.’

  ‘Ha, ha, very funny.’

  Back at the flat, Tristan motioned her towards the sofa. ‘How rude of me. Do you fancy a nightcap before I call you a cab?’

  ‘Sounds like a brilliant idea. I don’t think I’ll have brandy again though, it knocked me out last time.’

  ‘I bought you some Breezers. Pineapple, orange, watermelon or blueberry.’

  ‘Blueberry sounds a bit different.’

  ‘With ice?’

  ‘Please.’

  Tristan joined her on the sofa and bent to kiss her. His tongue searched her mouth, while his hand went up her top. He found the clasp for her bra and deftly clicked it open. His hand fondled her breasts as his tongue probed deeper into her mouth with a yearning desire.

  Something inside her melted and she gave herself to his embrace. He undid his belt and trousers, swiftly moving her hand onto his erection.

  As he lifted her through to the bedroom and gently lowered her onto the bed, Deja vu flashed through her mind. The thought washed over her as his lips went down to her nipples sending a sensation right down between her legs. He gradually undressed her and lowered himself onto her.

  She sighed as he entered and felt a hunger inside. She brought herself up towards his thrusts and melted as he collapsed onto her a few minutes later.

  She nuzzled into his neck and kissed him. ‘Do you love me?’

  ‘Of course. God that was quick.’ He rolled off her and stared up at the ceiling. ‘This is the one time I wish I still smoked.’ He swung his legs off the edge of the bed. ‘We’d better get you a cab booked.’

  ‘There’s no rush. I only have to get back in time for breakfast.’

  ‘I’ll make us another drink then.’ He disappeared out of the door.

  She brought the pillow up to either side of her head and shook her head with excitement. He loved her. She knew he did.

  ‘Shall we sit in the lounge?’

  She had been hoping to have snuggled up in bed with him for a bit longer. She flicked her legs out of the bed and started to pick her discarded clothes up from the floor.

  She went through to the lounge, now fully clothed. Tristan sat in the armchair glued to the television. ‘There’s your drink?’ He pointed to a small table. ‘I love these crime things. I sometimes guess it right. How about you?’

  ‘I don’t think I’ve ever watched one.’

  ‘If you don’t have to rush away, stay and watch it. The girl in the red dress has found a body, but she doesn’t seem that upset.’

  Sophia’s mind whirled out of control as she sat in front of the super-size television. She’d had sex with the best man she knew, and her virginity had gone forever. If she intended to make this a regular thing she’d have to sort out some contraception.

  Tristan looked so handsome, sipping his brandy and concentrating on the programme.

  ‘That’s the…’

  Tristan frowned. ‘Shhh. Listen.’

  ‘Sorry,’ she whispered. She’d have to wait until the interval to ring a taxi. Why wasn’t he sitting on the sofa next to her?

  Sex wasn’t as she’d thought it would be. It didn’t hurt and there was no blood. Lucky her.

  She had to wait until the end of the programme as there were no adverts. Tristan got excited near the end. ‘It’s the husband, I know it is.’ He stared at the screen mesmerised for a few more minutes. ‘Told you, did you guess who it was?’

  ‘No, I couldn’t really concentrate.’

  ‘That’s a shame. Right, we’d better call you a cab.’

  At the door, Tristan kissed her tenderly and told her he’d see her the following Saturday for the driving lesson.

  She sat in the back of the cab feeling disappointed. If they were going out together wouldn’t he want to see her more than once a week? He felt differently about her, he wouldn’t let her down as everyone expected him to. He was the perfect gent and he loved her.

  The driver turned into the road where she lived. ‘Is this it, love?’

  ‘Yes, thanks. Just a couple more along. That’s great.’ She pulled her purse out of her bag.

  ‘The chap paid already.’

  ‘Oh, okay, thanks.’

  The key turned quietly in the lock and she pushed the door closed behind her. As she crept along the hall, Ru startled her as he walked out of the sitting room.

  ‘So are you determined to ignore our advice? I hear Angela has tried to warn you. It’s not only me.’

  ‘We’re friends. Nothing more.’

  ‘At two o’clock in the morning, I’d say it’s a lot more. Please listen to us.’

  Sophia took a deep breath. ‘It’s not like that. He treats me really well.’

  ‘Yes and half the other girls in town who fall for his charms.’

  ‘I need to go to bed, I’m tired. Good night.’

  ‘Good night. Please take notice of me. I’m only trying to help you.’

  Sophia snuggled down into her bed and watched the shadows bouncing around on the walls and ceiling. They didn’t understand. He was different with her. Tristan cared about her and was the first person since her sister who had shown her any love. He wouldn’t hurt her. She knew she’d be safe with him.

  Chapter 6

  The following week, Sophia’s head was in the clouds. She loved her job, she loved Tristan, Tristan loved her, and she loved her life for the first time she could remember. Saturday’s driving lesson couldn’t come quick enough. Maybe he’d take her to another restaurant, a trip to the cinema would be good followed by a late meal somewhere. She’d suggest it, if he gave her the opportunity. It didn’t matter what they did or where they went, they always had a good time.

  She’d just finished a three-point turn and straightened the car again. There were only about ten minutes of the lesson left.

  ‘Sophia, do you ever have a whole weekend off?’

  ‘Funny you should ask. Angela is going to her mum’s next weekend, so I have Sat
urday and Sunday to myself.’

  ‘Would you like to come to my parents’ place in the country? They have horses and dogs, so you could bring your little chap. I could take you out somewhere around where they live, for a lesson in my car.’

  ‘What in the Merc? You’re kidding.’

  ‘Turn right at the next turning. No, I’m not kidding, I’m deadly serious.’

  ‘You really would let me drive your car?’

  ‘Yes, and I wouldn’t worry. I told you, you’re doing really well. Would you like to come?’

  ‘Yes, I would love to.’

  She pulled up at home and went to switch off the engine. ‘Leave it running I have another appointment to go to. I’ll pick you up next Saturday, usual time. Don’t forget your weekend bag.’

  ‘Okay. I’ll see you next week then.’ He didn’t attempt to kiss her goodbye. Sophia felt drained as she walked up to the house. What would he be doing tonight then, without her?

  She turned her key in the lock, pleased Angela would still be swimming with the children. She’d know straight away Sophia wasn’t happy.

  Ru looked up from his paper as she walked past the sitting room. ‘Hello, Sophia. How are the lessons going?’

  ‘They’re good. Tristan seems pleased.’

  ‘Good. Next weekend when Angela and the children are at her mother’s, I thought I might try and look at some puppies. I want to get Lawrence one for his birthday. Would you be interested in helping me choose?’

  ‘I can’t. Tristan wants to introduce me to his family, so I’ve agreed to go with him to their house for the weekend.’

  Ru scowled and looked uncomfortable. ‘He’s going to introduce you to his parents? My God! That’ll be a first.’ He raised his eyebrows. ‘At least Lady Ashley will have you and her son at the opposite ends of the estate for the night.’

  Sophia felt a bit guilty knowing she’d already done the deed with Tristan. Lady Ashley? ‘We could go and look at some puppies this afternoon. I’m not going out tonight, so I don’t have anything else to do.’

  ‘Great. I’ll make a few phone calls and let them know we’re coming and we’ll get some lunch while we’re out. I don’t want Lawrence returning and kicking up a fuss about coming with us.’

  ‘Doesn’t Angela want to help choose?’

  ‘No, it’s a secret, so mum’s the word. It’ll be a nice surprise for them both.’

  Sophia felt relaxed sitting in the passenger seat as Ru drove to the first lot of puppies.

  ‘So are they small dogs we’re looking at or a particular breed?’

  ‘Definitely small. They’re easier to handle. Here we are.’ He pulled up outside a large detached house. ‘This one was easy to find.’

  A plaque with the house number and a picture of a golden retriever hung on the wall next to the front door. Ru rang the bell.

  ‘They sound like pretty large dogs to me,’ Sophia jested.

  ‘The ad said miniature Jack Russell. Maybe she has a few breeds.’

  The door opened and a woman in jogging bottoms and a black jumper, smothered with dog hair, stood trying to hold on to a retriever. ‘Randy, take it easy. Do come in. He gets a bit excited when we have visitors. Randy! I’m Jenny Colbert. Come this way.’

  They followed her through to a large room. At the far end were the newly born miniature Jack Russell pups snuggled up asleep next to their mother. In the nearest partition, retriever puppies bounced about, wagging their tails and pawing the enclosure wire trying to get closer to the visitors.

  Sophia looked in awe. ‘Oh look! They are so beautiful. Just like the toilet paper advert on the TV.’

  Jenny put her hand over the bars and patted their heads. ‘They’re ready to go now. One boy and one girl still to find a home.’

  Ru sauntered up to the far end and peered into the enclosure with the Jack Russell puppies.

  Sophia joined him. ‘They’re not so sweet at this age, are they? I’d have to have one of the retrievers if it were up to me, but they’re not exactly small like you wanted.’

  Ru didn’t answer. He turned and walked back to the retrievers. Sophia followed.

  He peered into the enclosure. ‘You think we should take one of these then?’

  ‘It’s not my decision. They are really cute and lovely, but they will grow.’

  The woman had let go of Randy’s collar and he sniffed around their ankles wagging his tail. ‘You won’t find a gentler breed. They’re good with children. The smaller breeds can be a bit temperamental.’

  ‘Okay, we’ll take one. Sophia, boy or girl?’

  ‘What will Angela say? It’s going to be a big dog.’

  ‘Blue is getting on a bit now and I don’t want to be having to find a replacement. It’s far better to get one now. So, boy or girl?’

  ‘A girl.’

  ‘A girl it is.’

  Ru signed some papers and paid a considerable amount of money for the dog. Sophia sat in the front of the car with the pup curled up on her lap. They stopped off at a garden centre and purchased feeding bowls, a collar and lead, and some toys, with the pup staying close to Sophia’s ankles as they walked around.

  ‘She is so good. I can’t believe a dog of this age would walk like this.’

  ‘She must be a bit nervous out in the big world for the first time, she probably thinks you’re her safest bet.’

  They drove home, Sophia stroking the sleeping puppy and Ru deep in thought. ‘Damn. I nearly forgot about lunch. You must be starving.’

  ‘I’m fine. I’d forgotten too.’

  ‘I know a nice little pub. We can take her in with us. Have you thought about what you want to call her?’

  ‘Me? No, I should think Lawrence will want to name her himself.’

  ‘He might need a few suggestions, so you might as well start thinking of a few now.’

  Sophia kept looking at the sleeping bundle throughout lunch. ‘Dot would suit her. She has such a small, black button nose, it almost looks like it’s been painted on.’

  ‘Dot. Yes, I like that. How’s the lasagne?’

  ‘Lovely thanks. How’s the pizza?’

  ‘Great. One of the things I rarely get the chance to eat. Angela insists on healthy eating and if we go out to eat it’s never to a pizza house for some reason.’ He smiled.

  Sophia couldn’t imagine Angela ever wanting to eat pizza. ‘I like pizza now, but we used to have them as a treat every Friday night at the home. They were like cardboard.’

  ‘I’m sorry about the rough time you’ve had. It must have been so difficult for you.’

  ‘Not really. I had to get on with it, so that’s what I did.’ She needed to change the subject. The back of her neck had begun to tingle. ‘So what do you think the family will say?’ She motioned down towards the dog.

  ‘If they’ve any sense they’ll fall in love straight away like we did. With the dog I mean.’ He cleared his throat and rubbed the back of his head. ‘Would you like some dessert or coffee, perhaps?’

  ‘No, I’m fine, thank you. I think we should let her have a run around before we get back in the car.’

  ‘Good idea. I’ll go and pay.’

  Across the road from the bar was a green. They walked to the middle and Sophia put the puppy on the grass.

  Ru watched as the little dog squatted. ‘Wow! Straight away. She’s not going to need much house training.’ Sophia scooped the little dog up and they walked back to the car.

  ‘Something else for you to love.’ Ru said, and stroked the pup’s head. ‘You know we all think a lot of you, Sophia. You have a new family now. If ever there’s anything—’

  ‘Thanks. I’m fine. I’m really happy.’ The conversation suddenly hit dangerous levels which could have brought on the tears which were never far away when family issues were mentioned.

  Ru rubbed her arm. ‘Seriously, I would always help you.’ He unlocked the car and they climbed in. Sophia hoped that was an end to a conversation she didn’t really understand.
>
  Sophia looked at Ru as they pulled up outside the house. ‘I don’t think we’re going to be able to hide this until Lawrence’s birthday, it’s another ten days.’

  ‘I’ll find something else for him. This can just be a surprise.’

  They walked into the hall and the children came running to greet them. ‘Daddy.’ Lawrence stopped dead and looked at Sophia. ‘Sophia’s got a puppy.’

  Ru stroked the puppy’s head. ‘Her name is Dot. What do you think of her?’

  Sophia was taken aback by the name she had suggested being given to the pup with no input from anyone else. She bent to the floor so the children could reach to stroke their new pet.

  Angela appeared in the hall. ‘A puppy! Ru, we agreed we didn’t need another dog.’

  ‘Isn’t she sweet, darling? I knew you’d love her.’

  Angela’s face turned to stone. ‘So you’re going to be doing all the clearing up are you? This is out of order. You are so inconsiderate. I’m not even here all day, so you’ve burdened Sophia with this. It’d better not chew the furniture.’

  ‘Sophia said Dot can sleep in her room with Mutley. Isn’t that right?’ He turned to face Sophia with a pleading look on his face.

  Sophia wasn’t in the habit of taking sides or lying. ‘She can sleep in my room. I don’t mind.’

  Angela stormed off along the hall and went into the kitchen. ‘Thanks,’ Ru said, ‘she’ll come around.’ He went off to find his wife, leaving Sophia, Blue, Mutley, Dot and the children in sudden chaos in the hall. There were legs, tails, screeching, and excitement from all except Sophia, who could hear raised voices coming from the kitchen.

  Sophia had a sleepless night with Dot obviously missing her previous life. She whined and cried continuously until Sophia lifted her onto the bed where she curled up in a ball and fell asleep.

  ‘We can’t make a habit of this, you’ll get me in trouble letting you sleep on the bed. It’s only for tonight, right.’ The puppy breathed steadily and was at last content. What a day. Ru and Angela weren’t talking, the children were hyperactive, and Ru had disappeared off to the pub.