by Karen Clow
After the youngsters had a snack, Carlo suggested them leaving. “What time do you want us back for dinner mum,” he said as they reached the front door. “Would seven be ok, is that enough time to bowl,” replied Isabella. Laughing he said, “That gives us three hours mum, I’m pretty sure we’ll have enough time.”
When they left the atmosphere between her and Tony was heavy. Well aware that she was unhappy about him going out he said, “I’m sorry Carlo upset you.” “Why didn’t you tell me you were going out Tony, surely you could have stayed in with us just for one night. I never ask anything of you and you know I wanted us to spend time with him.” “Something came up babe, I’ll try and get back early ok.” She didn’t reply she just nodded because she knew he wouldn’t be back till the following morning. She was right; the text had been from Lydia saying that she was driving Cole up to Gatwick airport at nine o’clock and she could meet Tony before she drove back.
CHAPTER 21
Billy had just returned with Jess. George was the first one to ask her how the first night in her own place had gone. Smiling she replied, “It took me ages to get off to sleep, and this morning seemed strange because I’m so used to all the kids and eating with everyone. It seemed funny with just me and Becky.” “You’ll soon get used to it, give it a couple of weeks and it’ll feel like you’ve lived there forever.” “It already feels like home, I love it there. I can’t thank Mickey and Maria enough.” Mary piped in and said, “We all missed you this morning love, I even laid the table with a place for you.” Den joked and said, “That’s old age Mary!” Poking her tongue out at him she replied, “Cheeky devil, take no notice Jess I missed you.” “We all did,” said Maria “so did you enjoy your party last night?” “It was wonderful and thank you so much for the beautiful present you gave Becky, it’s a bit big at the moment but she’ll soon grow into it. I couldn’t believe all the things I had; I’ve never had so many presents. I was a bit embarrassed though when Isabella and Tony gave me all that money. ” “How much did they give you then,” asked Den. “Fifty pounds, even my mum has never given me that much! I was wondering if I ought to give it back because I hardly know them and I really didn’t expect them to come.” “Keep it Jess they can afford it, if they didn’t want you to have it they wouldn’t have given it.” Maria muttered under her breath to Monica, “I’m surprised Tony didn’t ask her to have sex with him.” Her friend smirked and nodded in agreement, but Mickey had overheard what she’d said and threw her a look. “Can I ask you something Maria?” “Of course Jess what is it?” “Would I still be able to come to church with you on Sundays?” “Of course that would be lovely; I’ll pick you up on the way.” She could sense that Jess wanted to say something else, so with a smile she said, “Father Benico will be very happy he has another parishioner in his care. I’m flattered that you want to come, because we know you’re not Catholic. I thought you only came because you were living here.” “At first I did, then I looked forward to going; can people change their religion?” Looking lovingly at her she replied, “Yes they can, all churches welcome new people, that’s how it should be, why do you ask?” “I think I would like to become a Catholic.” “That’s wonderful Jess, why don’t we have a chat with Father Benico next week, but can I ask you why?” Jess looked a bit embarrassed as she replied, “My life has changed so much Maria since I met you, you’re the kindest person I’ve ever known.” Mickey piped in and said, “Its got nothing to do with being Catholic Jess, hasn’t anyone told you she’s on a mission to save the world!” Everyone laughed, including Maria before replying, “Mickey’s right it’s not about religion, it’s about trying to be a good person. Ironically everyone who’s helped me with the exception of Shaun and Ann haven’t been Catholics. Why don’t you just keep coming to church with me and see how you feel later.” Jess smiled and nodded. Mary suggested starting the vegetables for dinner. “I’ll do it mum. You sit and have a chat to Monica; the men can watch the kids.” Jess said, “Becky’s asleep so I could help you.” Leaving the others in the lounge playing with the kids, the two women headed for the kitchen.
Once they were alone Maria said, “So how are things going with Billy then?” “Brilliant, but like I said before, it won’t last because I’m not like the girls that Billy dates.” “Has it occurred to you that’s why he wants to be with you?” Blushing Jess shook her head. Maria added, “I know lots of men like Billy, they like to play the field and let’s face it there’s never any shortage of loose women, but when it comes to settling down they want decent girls like you. I don’t want to worry you, but I think he’s really falling for you Jess, how are you with that?” Maria was shocked when Jess replied, “I think I’m in love with him and I want to sleep with him, but I’m terrified.” “Well that’s an improvement; last time we talked about him you were positive that you wouldn’t want sex.” “I know, now I’m worried if I do he won’t want to carry on seeing me afterwards.” “Believe me; I don’t think you’ll have that problem.” “Honestly, you really think that?” “Honestly, he’s smitten; can I ask you a personal question?” “If you can’t, who else can?” They both giggled as Maria continued, “I just want you to be sure Jess that’s all. When I met Jimmy I was convinced I was truly in love with him, and don’t get me wrong I did love him. It was when I started dating Mickey I realised I was never really in love with Jimmy because with Mickey it was so different. Billy is a lot older and experienced like Jimmy was, and he’s very kind and loving towards you.” Before she could continue Jess said, “And you think that’s why I feel the way I do?” “I’m just saying it could be, you’ve had a rough time sweetheart and he’s good for you, and there’s no doubt about it he would be an excellent father for Becky, but” Jess interrupted before her friend could finish, “There is no but Maria, when I’m with him I feel alive. I honestly never thought I would enjoy or want any man touching me, yet when he kisses me I get strange feelings. It’s when he tries to go further I freeze, I don’t want to feel like that, I hate it.” “Just take your time Jess; I’m sure everything will just fall into place.” “I was going to ask you if perhaps one night you could have Becky overnight for me. I promise I won’t make a habit of it, only I would rather she wasn’t there that night just in case I can’t do it and we end up arguing.” Grinning because she knew Billy had already thought the same and that was why she was having Becky on Thursday, she replied, “Anytime, just let me know when, and I’m sure you’ll be fine.” Excitedly Jess moved across the kitchen and hugged Maria as she said, “Thank you, but can I ask you not to say anything to him, I want it to be a surprise.” Maria knew that they were ready for sex, because they were thinking the same way and she knew Billy wouldn’t force himself on her.
When they rejoined the others in the lounge, Monica said, “We’ve been talking about the prospect of you having a brother Maria. Maybe you’ll hear something tomorrow, are you nervous?” “Terrified, I want to know everything, like who my parents were, if they’re still alive, if I have other siblings. My biggest fear is that if we ever get to meet will he like me?” “What’s not to like, he’ll soon realise how lucky he is.” “Thanks Monica, I hope you’re right. Who knows, he may decide not to contact me.” “Bullshit, he wouldn’t have gone to all this trouble if he wasn’t serious!”
Monica and George were getting ready to drive back to London. They had arranged for George to drive back down midweek after Billy had assured him that the club could manage with the staff they had for the next couple of nights. Monica was looking forward to having him home, although he had only been away a week they had missed him, especially Harry. Hugging Maria she said, “Are you sure about us moving in?” “Of course, I’m looking forward to it.” “Great, then while George is home he can sort everything out with our buyer. Hopefully we can move down within the next ten days if I can sort out furniture storage and the boys’ schools.” “Have a safe journey back; I’ll call you in a couple of days.”
Jess asked Billy if he would mind
taking her home, because Becky was tired. “No problem babe, get everything ready and we’ll go.” Mickey heard the house phone ring. Looking at Maria he said, “I’ll get it, you help Jess get Becky in the car.” Picking up the phone a woman’s voice said, “Sorry to trouble you but could I speak to Billy please?” Knowing that since being there Billy rarely got a house call he replied, “Can I ask who’s calling please?” “It’s Hilary from the stables and please don’t tell me he’s not there, because I know he is. I only need to ask him something, I’ve left numerous messages for him, but he hasn’t got back to me.” Tactfully he replied, “Hang on a minute Hilary; I’m not actually sure if he’s still here, I’ve only just walked in.” Leaving the phone off the hook he went to find Billy, fortunately he was on his own in the kitchen. Jess was outside with Maria putting Becky in the car. “Phone call for you Billy, it’s that Hilary from the stables, I thought you’d blown her out?” “Fuck me, what does she want? I told her weeks ago it was over, but she keeps fucking calling me. I just fucking ignore her messages now; can’t she take the fucking hint?” “Obviously not, you’ll have to speak to her at some point; the last thing you want is her turning up here. I’ll keep Jess busy, go and talk to her.” “Cheers Mick, fucking talk to her, quite frankly I could fucking strangle her!” Making his way to the phone he felt angry, he’d tried to tell her nicely that he’d met someone, but she just wouldn’t let go. Picking up the phone he said, “Alright Hilary, what do you want?” “Thank you for speaking to me, as for what I want Billy I want you!” “Its not going to happen Hilary, I’ve told you I’m with someone now. We both knew what we had was just a bit of fun but now it’s over, so don’t keep calling me, I’ve got to go now!” “Don’t you dare put the phone down on me, if you do I’ll!” She stopped mid sentence. Billy said, “You’ll do what Hilary, whatever you were going to say won’t make any difference just accept that it’s over. It was good while it lasted, but we both knew it wasn’t permanent, so let’s just stay friends and say goodbye!” He could hear her crying as she replied, “Please Billy I miss you so much, it’s killing me. I’ll leave Edward; he can have everything, it’s you I want.” “Stop it Hilary, it’s over its not me you want it’s the sex.” “Yes I miss what we had but I love you, please give us a chance.” “Its over, I’m with someone!” Her tone changed to one of nastiness as she replied, “Well if you think that little tart of a school girl is going to satisfy you, she’s fucking welcome to you!” Billy’s temper flared as she turned nasty, arrogantly he said, “Fuck off, you’re just a bitter evil bitch, don’t call me again!” With that he slammed the phone down and hoped it would be the last he’d hear from her.
Still angry he made his way outside. Jess took one look at him and knew something was wrong, looking concerned she said, “Is everything alright Billy, if you can’t take me home I’ll call a cab.” Instantly he smiled and replied, “Don’t be daft, of course I’m taking you home, are we ready to go?” “Yes, Becky’s actually fallen asleep in the car, she’s exhausted.” “Let’s get her home then babe.” They said their goodbyes to everyone as they got in the car.
On the drive to the cottage Billy couldn’t get out of his mind what Hilary had said about Jess being a school girl. It was as though she knew who he was seeing, which worried him. His thoughts being how would she have that information?
CHAPTER 22
Isabella was still upset over the row between Tony and Carlo, despite Tony’s attempt to tell her it was just a storm in a tea cup. What Carlo had said was true; his dad hadn’t wanted her to go bowling with them. To make it worse Tony didn’t actually go out during the afternoon, which convinced her that he simply didn’t want to go out with Carlo. When she mentioned it he was quick to say the person he had business with had called to cancel. She knew he was lying.
It was almost five o’clock when he finally managed to contact Lydia; he’d waited till Isabella started cooking before going into his home office to call her. “Hello sexy got your text,” said Tony. “I was beginning to think you couldn’t contact me,” said Lydia. “Its difficult babe, all my family are here today, are you still going to the airport tonight?” “Yes, I’m just waiting to hear from Cole, he managed to get a last minute flight, he’s flying out to Holland to meet Christian.” “I can meet you for a drink babe.” “Great, where?” “There’s a pub about two miles before you get to the airport, it’s called the Squire I’ll give you directions.” “No need I know it, we’ve stopped there when I’ve driven to Gatwick before.” “What time are you dropping him off?” “About seven I think.” “I’ll get there for half seven, see you later sexy.” As he closed his phone he asked himself the same question that was always on his mind, why was he meeting her. What was the attraction about her, if he wanted extra sex he could get it at the club, so why was he taking the risk of getting involved? Sitting there in his office he heard the family return from bowling.
