A Life Worth Living

by Louise Guy

  There was no sign of Ben's Mercedes. She peered at the house in front of her, number thirteen, according to the broken letterbox propped up with rocks against a small concrete pillar.

  Roof tiles were missing, the paint was peeling, and the small garden was completely overgrown. The two properties to the right looked the same. Either side of the three rundown blocks, stood new terrace houses. If this was the development Peter had mentioned, where were the other nine properties?

  Eve shivered. It really was freezing. She turned to wait in the warmth of her car, when a sleek silver vehicle parked behind her. A lightness spread within her as Ben stepped out.

  He stopped, their eyes meeting, his grin highlighting his dimpled cheeks. His jet-black hair had been cut short, and his aqua-marine shirt brought out the brilliant blue of his eyes.

  Her breath quickened as he approached her. His black Armani suit and gleaming black shoes completed his trademark look.

  Ben’s eyes swept up and down the street. He didn’t embrace her, or even touch her. ‘Hey, beautiful lady.’

  ‘Hey, yourself.’ Eve forced her eyes away from his to the rundown house. ‘What’s with the dump? It’s hardly the Sofitel.’

  He laughed. ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover.’ He pushed open the old iron gate, half hanging off its hinges. ‘Come in. I want to show you something.’

  She followed along the uneven path to the front door. The three steps leading to the door were broken in parts, and the door itself was scraped and cracked. ‘Nice,’ she said.

  Ben laughed. ‘Glad you can see past its rustic charm.’ He pushed a key into the lock and opened the door.

  The hallway was dark but at least it didn’t smell. Eve had expected the dank, mouldy smell she was often met with in old places, but was pleasantly surprised. ‘How long has this been empty?’

  They moved down the hallway into a bright kitchen. The room was old but spotless. The outside of the property had been let go, but it appeared the inside had been looked after.

  ‘A month or two,’ Ben replied. ‘The owner died a few weeks before the lease was due to be renewed. The family chose to evict the tenant, and eleven others, so they could look at selling it.’

  ‘Eleven others? So, this is the project you contacted Peter about?’

  Ben nodded. He stepped closer and took her in his arms. ‘God, I’ve missed you.’ His lips met hers with urgency.

  Eve found herself responding but her mind wasn’t allowing her to surrender. She still didn’t understand why he’d brought her here today.

  Today was about them, not about work.

  He drew back. ‘What’s wrong?’

  Heat rushed to her face. ‘Sorry, I’m trying to work out why we’re here, and not at the Sofitel. This is hardly comfortable.’

  Ben grinned and took her hand. ‘You haven’t seen it all yet.’ He led her to another small hallway off the kitchen. He pushed open the first door to reveal a large, empty room.

  ‘Gorgeous fireplace.’

  ‘It’s at least a hundred years old,’ he said. ‘A bit of work to restore it, and it’ll be an amazing selling point for the house.’ He continued down the hall and pushed open a second door.

  They were faced with a similar room. This one however housed several old chairs, and a broken bed frame.

  Frustration was growing in Eve. The afternoon of escapism she’d been longing for seemed to be slipping through her fingers. Appraising a rundown house had not been her plan.

  Ben must’ve sensed her irritation. ‘Be patient,’ he murmured and kissed her again.

  This time his tongue lingered in her mouth and he ran his hands down the sides of her body, his hands cupping her bottom.

  She felt his hardness through his suit pants.

  He pulled away and led her to a third door. ‘Last one.’ His voice was deep and husky. Ben stood back and signalled for her to open the door.

  She pushed it open and stopped. ‘Wow.’ The word was out before she had time to think.

  The room was beautiful. The floor boards had been polished and the fireplace restored. Kindling and sticks for a fire were piled with some scrunched up newspapers ready to light. The walls had been stripped of wallpaper and painted cream. The main feature was the bed in the middle of the room.

  Ben’s arms circled her waist from behind while his mouth nuzzled at her neck. ‘What do you think?’

  Eve swallowed. The bed in front of her was nothing short of glamorous. It was round, with a rolled fabric finish and at least a dozen plump cushions strewn around it. She faced Ben. No longer needing to question why he’d brought her here today. ‘Did you do this all for me?’

  He nodded. ‘For us. I’ll tell you more about the South Melbourne project later. For different reasons, we’ll be renovating this house last. For the next six-to-nine months, this room is ours and, while we’re working on the project together, it makes sense that you’ll need to meet me here on a regular basis.’

  She grinned. ‘You’ve really thought this through, haven’t you?’

  ‘I organised for this room to be done last week. I wanted to surprise you. Don’t worry. The contractors I used aren’t the ones working on the development. No one except us will be aware that this room even exists.’

  ‘You’ve thought of everything.’

  Ben kissed her again. This time he removed her coat and started on the buttons of her shirt. ‘Hold on, I forgot something.’ He moved across the room to the fireplace and lit the newspaper. Very quickly the thin sticks on the bottom of the stick pile began to burn. He leaned to blow on them and stopped.

  Eve stood before him completely naked.

  Ben rolled onto his back, sweat beading on his brow. ‘Wow!’

  Eve smiled, curling her spent body around his. ‘That was amazing.’

  He dragged the soft duvet over them.

  The room was warm with the fire crackling in the hearth.

  He stroked her thigh. ‘You’re the one that’s amazing. How lucky are we?’

  They were lucky, extremely lucky to have found each other. If they’d met before they’d both been married would their life together seem so exciting?

  ‘Don’t think,’ Ben said, allowing his fingers to travel over her body. ‘You do too much of that.’

  Eve sighed. ‘Guilty.’

  ‘We’re perfect as we are, Eve, you know that.’

  He appeared to be able to read her mind.

  ‘It’s part of the excitement. It gives us a break from everyday life. Reminds us we’re desired. Full-time wouldn’t be the same.’

  She didn’t respond. She agreed. There were times, particularly, after amazing sex, that part of her wanted this life, not her regular one.

  She snuggled closer, closing her eyes as the combination of his body heat and the warmth of the fire enveloped her.

  The ringing of her phone instantly killed her post-sex glow.

  Ben tugged her back when she pushed off the covers. ‘Leave it. It’ll only be work.’

  Eve hesitated then fell back against him. ‘Good idea.’ Her mind briefly flickered to the girls. They were with Leah. She didn’t need to worry about them.

  Her lover pinned her under him as the phone stopped ringing. ‘You have other things to worry about right now.’ He moved beneath the covers, his tongue trailing down her body.

  She tensed in anticipation.

  While he continued his explorations, her phone rang again.

  ‘Shit!’ Eve pushed off the covers. ‘I’d better at least check who it is.’

  Ben sighed and rolled off her.

  She slid from the bed and reached for her bag and phone. The caller I.D. showed Sean’s name. ‘Shit,’ she repeated. She hesitated. She’d never spoken to her husband while she was with Ben.

  Guilt stabbed at her.

  She looked across to Ben, mouthed sorry, then pressed the receive button and put the phone to her ear.

  ‘Just checking if you want me to pick the girls up from afte
r school care?’ Sean asked.

  ‘You’re on your way home already?’ Eve checked the time; it wasn’t even five.

  ‘Court was cancelled. I thought I should check in with you guys. I’ve been working late so many nights I’m worried I might not recognise the twins.’ He gave a soft laugh. ‘Luckily, I only have to remember what one of them looks like.’

  ‘Leah picked them up earlier.’ Eve cringed. She hated that this discussion was in front of Ben. Keeping her two lives separate was what made them work. ‘The school called. Ava was unwell. I thought you were in court, and I couldn’t get away.’

  ‘What’s wrong with Ava?’

  ‘A temperature, not feeling great. Nothing serious.’

  ‘And you really couldn’t cancel your day to collect her?’

  ‘No,’ she said. ‘And Leah was in Hampton at a property, so it wasn’t out of her way.’

  ‘Finishing work during school hours might have been,’ Sean said. ‘You should’ve cancelled your afternoon and gone to her. She’s sick, she needs one of us.’

  Eve sighed. ‘Don’t be so dramatic. Leah’s with her. She adores Leah. She’s probably loving every minute of it.’

  ‘What time will you be finished up?’

  Ben was propped up on one elbow watching her.

  Her heart skipped a beat. ‘I’m not sure. I’ve been brought in on a major development project in South Melbourne, and they want me involved in the planning stages.’

  ‘Fine,’ Sean said. ‘I’ll go home now and look after her.’

  ‘You don’t need to,’ she said. ‘Leah will manage fine.’

  ‘That’s not the point. I don’t want our daughter at home feeling miserable and not having one of us there. I feel guilty, and it amazes me you don’t. So, you can relax and enjoy whatever it is you’re doing and not worry at all.’

  ‘That’s not fair,’ Eve said. Although looking around, he couldn’t have been more accurate if he’d tried. She crossed her fingers. ‘I’ve got a huge opportunity here, and I can’t afford for it to go to another agency. So if you’re happy to play Father of the Year, and race home then I’ll stay until the meetings are done. I’m not sure if they’ll be finishing with a dinner or drinks but if they are, I’ll text you.’

  ‘Don’t bother.’

  She glanced at her phone.

  Sean had hung up.

  ‘Trouble?’ Ben asked.

  ‘Nothing we need to discuss.’ She slipped the phone back into her bag.

  ‘You look so sexy on the phone naked,’ he said. ‘Maybe you should consider that your new office look.’

  She rolled her eyes ‘That sounds appropriate.’

  Ben pushed himself up and got out of bed.

  Eve took in the beauty of his full nakedness and swallowed.

  He held out a hand. ‘Back to bed with you. You told your husband you’re working on a major development and we’ve got some planning to do.’

  She raised an eyebrow as Ben hardened in front of her. ‘I take it that’s the major development?’

  He nodded. ‘It’s definitely in need of your expert handling.’

  Eve took his hand and moved back onto the bed with him. She wouldn’t wish illness on either of her girls, but today it’d turned into a bonus.

  Leah was rummaging through the fridge to see what she could put together for dinner when Harriet came into the kitchen.

  ‘I put the card on the tray,’ she said. ‘Avie was still asleep.’

  ‘Good girl. Now,’ she pointed to the table, ‘I’ve made you a little plate of afternoon tea. Why don’t you have that while I work out something for dinner.’

  Her niece’s eyes widened as she moved to the kitchen table. ‘Chocolate biscuits? Where did you get them?’

  She laughed. She’d found an open packet of Tim Tams pushed to the back of the pantry. Leah remembered how much her sister loved Tim Tams and assumed she’d uncovered a secret stash. ‘I magic’d them here. So the deal is, you must eat the fruit on your plate and the cheese and then you can have the treat.’

  Harriet looked around the kitchen. ‘What if Mummy comes? She won’t let me eat them.’

  ‘This one time she will. Don’t you worry, you enjoy them.’

  Her niece reached for the fruit, but her eyes were glued to the chocolate biscuits.

  Leah continued her search for ingredients for a meal. She’d found mince and plenty of garlic, basil and tomatoes. She’d found pasta and the other items in the pantry she’d need to make her bolognaise.

  The girls loved spaghetti, so it was an easy choice. She could also make a salad. As she started preparing the ingredients, the sounds of the garage door caught her attention.

  ‘Oh no,’ Harriet said. ‘Mummy’s home.’ She pushed the plate of afternoon tea away from her. ‘I didn’t eat the biscuits, so it’s okay.’

  Leah’s heart contracted. Her niece was scared about eating chocolate biscuits? She mentally kicked herself. She should never have given them to her.

  They both turned hearing the internal garage door open and shut. Footsteps approached the kitchen.

  Expecting to see Eve, Leah was surprised when her brother-in-law’s broad figure filled the doorway.

  ‘Daddy!’ Harriet leapt from the kitchen chair and rushed over to Sean, flinging herself at him.

  He dropped his briefcase and scooped her up, swinging her around. ‘Hello, my beautiful poppet, how was your day?’

  ‘Great, but Ava’s sick. I made her afternoon tea and a card.’ Her face clouded over. ‘But she’s fast asleep, so she doesn’t even know yet. Aunty Leah has been looking after me.’

  Gratitude filled Sean’s warm chestnut eyes. ‘Thanks so much. I only just heard from Eve that Ava was sick. If I’d known earlier, I could’ve picked the girls up myself. Court was cancelled.’

  She smiled as Sean put Harriet down and loosened his tie. ‘No need to worry. Ava needs to rest, and Harriet and I are having a great time. Actually, I was getting some dinner organised. I’d be happy to stay longer if you’d like me to.’

  ‘You have to,’ her niece said. ‘You promised to run my bath and read my stories. Remember?’

  ‘Of course I did. But Daddy might have other plans?’

  ‘None at all,’ he said. ‘We’d love you to stay. Unless Grant’s expecting you?’

  At the mention of her now ex’s name, a lump immediately formed in Leah’s throat. She took a deep breath, and hoped her face didn’t give away how rattled she was. Sean wasn’t the right person to confide in. ‘No, nothing planned for tonight.’ She leaned closer and lowered her voice. ‘Well, I did have one plan but I might need your help.’

  ‘Sure. Doing what?’

  She winked at Harriet. ‘I magic’d up a packet of chocolate biscuits you see, and for being such a good helper I added two to Harriet's afternoon tea. She’s eaten her fruit and her cheese, but she was worried she might get in trouble if she ate the biscuits. So, I need you to help convince her she’s earned a lovely treat.’

  His eyes widened, as he looked at Harriet. ‘A treat? A chocolate biscuit treat?’

  The little girl nodded.

  ‘And you said no?’

  Harriet nodded again.

  Sean held her out from him and started to examine her. ‘You have toes that look like mine. Legs that look like mine.’ He turned her around. ‘Even your hair looks like mine. But, saying no to chocolate biscuits, that confirms it, you can’t belong to me. It isn’t possible.’

  Harriet giggled. ‘Yes I do, Daddy.’

  ‘Then we’d better examine these biscuits, because if you don’t like them, then you definitely don’t belong to me. I can see from here they’re one of my favourites.’ He took his daughter across to the table, sat her down and pushed the plate with the two biscuits in front of her. ‘Take your time and enjoy them, sweetheart.’

  Harriet reached for a biscuit, her face crinkling in delight. She took a tiny bite. ‘Mmm. Yum.’

  He laughed. ‘Phew, turns
out you do belong to me, after all. Now I’d better have a chat with your aunt and help her get some dinner ready.’

  Her brother-in-law moved back to the kitchen counter.

  Leah opened the fridge and held a bottle out to him. ‘Beer?’

  He grinned and sat down at the counter. ‘Thanks. We could get used to this. Chocolate biscuits and beers on a Monday. Whatever would Eve say?’

  She raised an eyebrow. ‘Really? She won’t let you have a beer?’

  He twisted the top off his drink and took a swig. ‘She’d prefer I didn’t. That doesn’t mean I don’t. I just have to put up with her tut-tutting the whole time.’

  ‘And the kids aren’t allowed any treats?’

  ‘Not on her watch. She’s crazy strict about it. Convinced they’ll end up overweight, pimply teens.’

  ‘They’re seven,’ Leah said. ‘That’s not exactly healthy for their body image or self-esteem.’

  ‘I agree,’ Sean said. ‘I take them for secret treats. Don’t I, Harry?’

  The little girl’s mouth was coated in chocolate. ‘And we don’t tell Mummy.’

  She smiled. ‘I’d better get on with this sauce. Hopefully Eve won’t object to pasta and salad.’

  ‘Grab yourself a beer too,’ her brother-in-law said. ‘Or a glass of wine? I’ll make the salad.’ He moved from the stool, washed his hands and started to prepare the ingredients.

  Leah took a frosty bottle for herself and enjoyed the first sip as the cool liquid trickled down her throat.

  They worked in comfortable silence for a few minutes. She fried the garlic and onion before browning the mince for the sauce. She hadn’t seen Sean since the girls’ birthday party, which must’ve been at least three months ago, and certainly hadn’t spent time with him alone in years.

  Not that they were alone. Harriet was still licking chocolate off the second biscuit. Did her brother-in-law ever think back to the months before he and Eve had got together?

  The months where he’d flirted with Leah. Where her heart had soared every time she’d seen him.