by Karen Clow
Kevin grinned as he approached and said, “Don’t know what you said Billy, but it seems to have done the trick. That bloke has just sent that girl away, now he’s heading towards us. Billy introduced Warren to the others as they stood watching the group of blokes. His instinct had been right about them, within minutes a fight had broken out between two of the blokes. The four of them quickly and calmly walked towards the group. Kevin grabbed one of the pair that was fighting while Billy grabbed the other one and led them out to the main doors. Jacky Boy and Warren talked to the others in the group making it clear that their friends would be thrown out, so if any of them intended to continue causing trouble they would be joining them. One of the lads looked at Jack boy and said, “We don’t want any trouble, it’s always the same when they’ve had a drink.” Jacky Boy smiled and replied, “If I was you lads, I’d choose my drinking company more carefully. That pair will get your heads punched! Now enjoy yourselves and keep out of trouble.” Outside the two scrappers were giving Billy and the others a load of mouth, but Jamie and Justin quickly defused the situation by escorting the pair away from the club.
With the time approaching two, Billy, George and the others made their way to the main doors. Jamie and his brother were having trouble with a group of girls who were pissed and arguing over some bloke. Shaun tried to help as some blokes joined in the row. Keeping his cool, Shaun went up to the bloke who was having the most mouth and calmly said, “Go home mate, you can sort your girlfriend out tomorrow, now just get off home, there’s a good lad.” Acting like the big man in front of his friends the bloke laughed at him and said, “Fuck off granddad!” Billy immediately intervened and said, “Have you got a fucking death wish mate? If I was you I’d be getting myself off home before you upset someone!” Unfortunately the bloke didn’t take any notice; instead he took a swing at Billy. Within minutes Billy had him face down on the pavement with his knee in his back, shouting at the bloke, “Stop acting like a fucking dickhead! Now are you fucking going home, or am I calling the Old Bill and having you arrested, the fucking choice is yours you wanker!” Screaming for Billy to let him up, the bloke said, “Ok you fucking psycho, we’re going!” Dragging him up to his feet, Billy grinned and said, “Think yourself lucky I’m not a fucking psycho!” Then pointing at Shaun he grinned and said, “But he is, even I wouldn’t be fucking stupid enough to take him on you fucking idiot!”
Jamie was having more trouble from another couple that were obviously the worse for drink.
By three o’clock everything was calming down with just a handful of revellers hanging around outside the club. It was just after three fifteen when the doors were finally locked and everyone was sitting down having a well earned drink. Jamie thanked Billy for helping them but quickly added that he would have dealt with it. Billy and the others knew that Jamie didn’t want them to feel that he needed any help, so Shaun piped up and said, “Don’t let it bother you Jamie, he can’t help himself, once a bouncer always a bouncer, hey Billy!” Everyone laughed. Then Mickey interrupted and said, “Is it like that every Saturday?” Jamie replied, “Things have got worse in the last year, but it’s not just here, everywhere’s the same. Trouble with the kids today it’s all fucking drugs and drink; they seem to take everything to excess. Woody was a good bloke to work for, but I think even he took the opportunity to get out. Problem is there’s no fucking deterrent. If we call the police, nine times out of ten they release them either that night or the next day. You can’t even lump the little fuckers one because they press charges against us. I’ll tell you something else, the girls are worse than the blokes they’re like fucking dogs on heat, they cause half the trouble!” Kevin and Jacky Boy nodded in agreement. Mickey looked at Jamie and said, “Do you think we’d be better off having a couple more blokes on the door. Don’t get me wrong, I was pleased with the way you boys dealt with things; I’m simply referring to numbers. If three fights broke out at closing time, it would mean taking Ricky and Warren from inside the club.” Justin piped in and said, “We could do with some help some Fridays and Saturdays, other times it’s not too bad. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are normally pretty quiet, Thursdays can be busy, but it’s hard to tell.” Mickey looked at George and Billy and said, “Might be an idea to look into taking a couple of blokes on just for those nights.” Billy grinned and said, “Fuck paying someone, we’ll do it!” Then he looked at George and said, “That’s if it’s ok with you?” George nodded his head in agreement. Mickey then said, “I could always give you two a night off, if need be, but I think Billy’s right, why spend money you don’t have to.” He noticed that Maria didn’t seem too happy with his offer, but he knew she would come round, especially as it wouldn’t be a permanent arrangement; once the club was making good money they would take on more doormen.
It was after four when everyone finally went home. Maria said to Shaun, “You’d be welcome to stay the night with Ann.” “Aye I know that, but our boy is running the pub tonight he’s got an early start in the morning so he left after closing and I don’t like the idea of no one being there all night.” “I understand.” Maria and Monica kissed him and the others as they left. Mickey and the men thanked them as they shook hands. Den had cashed up while they had been talking, he was impressed with the final figure but he never said anything in front of the others; he would wait and tell the three of them when they were on their own.
Maria was relieved when at twenty to five that morning they pulled into their driveway; she was absolutely knackered. Quietly entering the house, she told everyone if they wanted anything to eat and drink just to help themselves. Then she made her way up the stairs, checking in on the twins before going to her room. The triplets were sound asleep; so she simply removed her clothes and got into bed. Within minutes she was fast asleep, she didn’t hear Mickey come up, even when he got in beside her and kissed her head, she didn’t stir.
The triplets woke her just after seven; she took them downstairs so they didn’t wake Mickey. Jess, Mary and Ann were already up. Within five minutes of them greeting her, they were feeding the triplets while she had a cup of tea. Monica and the boys joined them at quarter to eight. Sitting down she looked at Maria and said, “I don’t know about you Maria but I’m definitely getting too old for this clubbing lark. I don’t even feel as though I’ve been to bed!” Yawning Maria nodded and replied, “Its alright for the men, they don’t have to get up to see to the kids. I’ve only had a couple of hours sleep” No sooner had she spoken when the twins appeared.
After breakfast, Jess offered to take the twins and the boys over to the ponies. Mary told her to leave Rebecca with them as she would have her hands full with the other four. With the older children out of the house and the triplets and Becky secured in the playpen, the ladies sat down for a cuppa. Mary said, “How did it go last night then?” Maria smiled and replied, “Good I think mum, there was a bit of trouble especially at the end but nothing serious. I was pleased to see Shaun and the others, I know they won’t say anything but I’m sure Billy and Mickey were chuffed that they came down.” “I expect they were, dad said Tony turned up as well.” Sarcastically Maria replied, “Yes he did, poor Isabella I don’t know how she puts up with his womanising!” Monica piped in, “Some blokes are like that and Tony’s always been the same. Isabella’s not stupid, she knows he sleeps around, but she loves him.” “I love Mickey, but there’s no way I would put up with it,” said Maria. “Mickey’s different. He’s like George, they’re happy with their lot, anyway we didn’t do too bad last night; we must have been chatted up at least half a dozen times,” joked Monica. Although Maria laughed, Mary could tell by her face that she still had insecurities over Mickey being back in the club game, so looking at her she said, “Monica’s right love, my boy is happy here with his family and what’s all this about you being chatted up?” “Oh mum it was funny really. A couple of them were only about eighteen. Still it was quite flattering to think that someone else fancies you!” “Of course it is love, you’r
e both good looking girls, maybe it’s your husbands who should be worrying and not you two.” Before Monica had a chance to say anything, Maria said, “Mickey will never have to worry about me mum, because I’m so in love with him, I’ll never want anyone else!” Suddenly a voice behind her said, “Good babe, coz I’m in love with you too!” None of them had heard Mickey come down the stairs and enter the kitchen. Walking straight over to Maria he kissed her cheek and said, “Am I the only one up, where’s George and the others and where are the twins?” “Jess has taken them and the boys to see the ponies, the other men haven’t surfaced yet.” “I’ll give them a shout in a minute; tell them its lunch time that should get Billy up!”
Twenty minutes later, at half twelve everyone was in the kitchen. Jess had returned from the stables just in time for lunch, the ladies brought the babies in from the play room and occupied them while Maria dished up the food.
After they’d eaten, Mary and Ann played with the kids while the men stayed in the kitchen talking about the previous evening. Maria and Monica used the computer to look for properties in the area; they were desperate to find somewhere because their buyer was keen to sign contracts.
Ann left just after three; Maria and Monica thanked her and then, along with all the kids, waved her off.
It was almost four when the men finished discussing club business. Maria was relieved to get back in the kitchen to prepare the veg for dinner. Monica talked to George and said, “We’ve seen several properties that I like, all we need to do is arrange to view them. Maybe we could drive down during the week while Harry’s at school and Georgie’s at nursery?” George nodded his approval.
It was seven that evening when George and his family left for London. All the way home he talked about the club and that he was looking forward to moving to Kent.
Back at Mickey’s house all the adults were enjoying a drink in the lounge, all the kids were in bed asleep. It was as they chatted about the club, Billy looked at Jess and said, “So when are you coming to the club with me then?” Slightly taken back by his offer, she nervously replied, “Well I’d have to make it a night when Maria or Mary could watch Becky and at the moment they’re busy with the triplets. Probably best if we leave it for a while.” Billy knew she was having second thoughts about going, so jokingly he replied, “In that case we’ll just have to take Becky with us, because I’m not letting you get out of your promise!” Maria interrupted and said, “I don’t think that will be necessary, after all Becky is a bit young for clubbing! Just let us know when you want to go Jess; I’m sure it won’t be a problem. Becky’s never any trouble; I wish the triplets were as good.” “Thanks Maria, maybe in a couple of weeks then. Hopefully the cottage will be finished this week so we won’t be so busy.” “Ok babe, what if we make it one night next week,” said Billy. The others noticed that Jess looked worried as she nodded her head at him. Just as he was about to say something his mobile rang, it was Hilary’s number. “Alright babe what’s up” said Billy as he answered the call. “I was just wondering when I might see you Billy, only you haven’t been round for a couple of weeks.” “I’ve been busy, in fact I’ll have to ring you back; I’m right in the middle of something.” “Promise you will Billy, how long will it be?” “Probably about an hour ok.” “I’ll expect you to keep to that; I’ll speak to you then.” As Billy closed his phone he noticed that everyone was looking at him. “Don’t tell me one of your women is giving you ear ache,” laughed Den. Had Jess not been there Billy would have laughed it off, instead he replied, “Yeah it’s that one from the stables, she’s a nice enough girl, but I’ve been trying to get her to back off a bit. I keep thinking maybe you lot are right and I should be thinking about finding myself a nice girl to settle down with.” Den said, “Steady on Billy or we’ll be getting the doc to check you over!” “Very funny Den, seriously, since I’ve been here it’s made me realise that family is a good thing to have.” “You could be right at that, just look at Mickey since the twins were born.” Mickey piped in, “Marrying Maria is the best thing that’s ever happened to me and I really wouldn’t want to be single again. My only regret is that I did it twice before, but I was young and impulsive back then; still one good thing to come out of my first marriage is Charlie.” “I think you’d make a good husband Billy, I can picture you with loads of kids,” said Maria. “Yeah, never thought I’d say it but I think you’re right, who knows the right women may be right here in Kent.” As he said that he glanced across at Jess who instantly blushed and said, “Does anyone want another drink?”
Once she’d left the room to make a drink Mickey said to Billy, “She likes you; did you notice how she coloured up when you looked at her?” Now it was Billy’s turn to feel embarrassed. Without giving him eye contact he replied, “I like her too, but I don’t think she’d be interested in me.” “Nonsense Billy, she’s just shy that’s all. One things for sure she’s a decent girl, not like that old tart from the stables and she’s a very good mum, you could do worse than ask her out,” said Mary.
Just as Mary finished speaking Jess appeared carrying a tray of tea and coffee. As she placed it down on the table Maria said, “We were just talking about you Jess, have you decided what night you’re going to the club with Billy?” Looking embarrassed she shook her head. “What about next Thursday or Friday, it’ll do you good to have a night out, Becky will be fine here with us.” “Well I suppose that would be ok, but I don’t think I’ve got anything to wear.” “Oh that’s no problem I’m sure I’ve got something you could borrow. Perhaps one day in the week when the girls are at school we can go through my wardrobes?” “Ok if you’re sure Maria, but maybe Billy’s girlfriend will want to go with him?” “What girlfriend? He hasn’t got one, he wants to take you.” Billy knew Jess was referring to Hilary so he quickly said, “She’s right babe I haven’t got a girlfriend and it’ll be nice for us to go out. Maybe we could go out for something to eat first if you like?” “Ok but can we go on Friday because I don’t get my money till then.” “You won’t need any money if I’m taking you out, but we can go whenever you like.” Jess was grateful when Mickey’s phone rang because they stopped talking about going out.
Despite having Becky, Jess had never been on a date, or taken out for dinner by a man. Mickey answered his phone, “Alright Tony what’s up?” “Nothing’s up Mick just thought I might pop down and see you tomorrow afternoon. Only I’ve got a bit of business down your way so thought I’d call in.” “No problem Tony do you want to stay over?” “No thanks mate, I’ll be driving back tomorrow night. Just one thing, if Maria speaks to Belle can you say I’m helping out at the club?” “Oh it’s that sort of business, yeah that’ll be ok, see you tomorrow.” When he closed his phone Maria was staring at him. “That was Tony babe. He’s going to pop in tomorrow afternoon, he’s got something to do down this way tomorrow night he’s going to call in at the club, some business I think?” Looking unconvinced she replied, “So why aren’t you meeting him there then? What business has he got that involves your club?” “Don’t know babe, probably just wants to talk to someone there.” He could tell that she was suspicious so he changed the subject and said, “I’m knackered, I might turn in early are you coming babe?” She nodded her head. They left the others talking as they made their way upstairs.
As usual Mickey was in bed before her, the triplets were all sound asleep. Ten minutes passed before she came out of the en-suite. Making her way to the bed she was still thinking about the conversation her husband had earlier with Tony. When she got in bed he leaned up on his elbow and put his arm across her. Then looking down at her he said, “How tired are you babe?” Grinning she replied, “I’m always tired, why what did you have in mind?” Slipping his hand down her leg he replied, “Well for starters this!” Leaning over he kissed her passionately as he ran his hand up the inside of her thigh. Pulling her nightie up, she lifted her head and slipped it off. Feeling her naked body as he kissed her neck before making his way down to her breasts,
he could tell from her responses that she wanted him. A few minutes later he was kissing and licking her tummy, the further he moved down the more excited she became. Moving her legs apart to accommodate him, she waited with anticipation for his tongue to find her. One of the triplets stirred when she cried out his name as his tongue brought her to orgasm. Moments later he was thrusting himself into her, desperate for him she wrapped her legs around his back. Despite her tiredness she enjoyed the passion they shared. Lying there in his arms after making love she surprised him by saying, “Don’t ever stop wanting to make love to me Mickey.” “No chance babe, what made you say that?” “I know why Tony is coming down tomorrow he’s seeing that girl from the club isn’t he?” “If he is, it’s nothing to do with us babe and why would that have anything to do with me wanting you?” She didn’t answer. Mickey pulled her closer and said, “Tell me babe, I know something’s bothering you.” “It’s just that now you’ve got the club, girls like her will be,” without finishing what she was saying she snuggled her head into his chest. Gently he stroked her hair and finished her sentence by saying, “Girls will be offering it to me on a plate babe, why would I want some old tart when I’ve got you. I’ve told you my days of shagging old dogs ended when we got together; I just wish we didn’t have to keep having this conversation.” “I’m sorry; if I’d married you first I wouldn’t be having these negative thoughts, but I would hate to be Isabella. Why does she put up with it?” “Because she loves him babe and Tony knows it.” “He makes me so angry; it’s disgusting that girl was so young!” “Like I say babe it’s his business, he probably won’t see her after tomorrow night. On the subject of romance what do you reckon to Billy’s chances with Jess?” Maria knew he had only asked so as to change the subject of Tony, maybe he was right, Tony was never going to change no matter what she thought. Replying to his question she said, “I think she really likes him, but she always telling me she doesn’t want a boyfriend and as much as I like Billy I wouldn’t want to see her get hurt, because he likes the women.” They talked about Billy and Jess for almost thirty minutes, before Maria suggested them getting some sleep.