by Karen Clow
While he was driving home for dinner, his mobile rang. Glancing briefly at the caller ID, it was Lydia, answering it and before she had time to speak he said, “Hang on a minute babe I’m just pulling in. After stopping his car at his gates, he took the call, “Alright babe?” “Yes, I’m sorry about texting you, but I sent you about seven texts and you didn’t reply, so I just assumed you didn’t want us to continue.” “Well you were wrong, I’ve had a lot on. I’m going away this weekend on business.” “So where are you now?” “Outside my driveway, I’m just going home for dinner before I have to go out again. So what are you up to then?” “Actually I’m just getting ready to go out myself, I was just going to take a shower, but I thought I’d call you first.” She noticed there was a pause before he replied, “You never mentioned going out tonight.” Lydia could detect a hint of mistrust in his voice so she replied, “That’s because I wasn’t sure, a couple of the girls from work asked me last week, but at the time I wasn’t sure if I’d see you tonight, so they left the offer open.” “So where are you going then?” “Just for a drink then onto a club as far as I know.” She could sense he didn’t like the idea of her going, especially when it took him several seconds again before replying, “What club the M4?” “No I don’t think so; I know the girls normally go to ‘Mr Cherry’s’.” “What sort of club is that then?” he asked curiously. Knowing he was fishing as to what sort of blokes she might meet there she casually replied, “Oh nothing spectacular; just a disco for over twenty ones.” Sarcastically he said, “Lots of young lads hoping to get laid then best make sure you behave yourself.” Although he’d tried to make it sound as though he was joking, she was well aware he was implying that she may be tempted. Feeling angry she sarcastically said, “Well I’ll try, but you never know it could be my lucky night!” For a split second he felt jealous and aggressive but before he could say anything she jokingly added, “Only kidding, why would I want anyone else when I’ve got you?” “I’m glad you said that Lydia because I don’t want you seeing anyone else, I want you all to myself.” Knowing that if the conversation continued on the subject they would end up arguing, she changed the topic by saying, “So will I get to see you next week?” “Yeah, I’m not sure when though; I’ve got a lot on. I’ll try and come down late one afternoon and take you out for dinner, what days are you off next week?” “Monday and Thursday, I’ve got to work the weekend.” “It’ll probably be Thursday because I’m at a meeting on Monday.” “Will you be able to stay over night?” “Not this time babe, I’ve got to be careful if you want me to take you on that holiday.” Sounding disappointed she replied, “That’s ok, it’ll be worth it. I’m really looking forward to us going away together. Now I must go and shower because my friends will be here soon, will you call me tomorrow?” “I’ll try babe, remember, be good tonight, I’ll see you soon.” After blowing him a kiss down the phone, she hung up.
Inside the house Isabella was on the phone, she didn’t hear him come in. Silently he stood behind the door and listened to what she was saying. It didn’t take him long to work out it was Carlo she was chatting to. As he eavesdropped he heard her giggle and say, “I’m sure you’re wrong Carlo, he’s years younger than me.” Then she was obviously finding whatever was being said funny, because she giggled again and said, “Well I’m very flattered, but despite what you think about your dad, I still love him.” Then there was another pause while Carlo spoke. It was what she said next that made Tony think about his marriage and what he had. “Yes I know that Carlo, but even if he doesn’t love me, I still love him.” Another pause while she listened, then replied, “Do you think I don’t know that one day he will leave me for a younger model, but until he does I’m here for him.” Then she joked and added, “After that, maybe I will let you find me another husband, even a young one!” Not wanting to hear another word, Tony made his presence known by walking into the room. Immediately Isabella said, “I’ve got to go darling your dad’s just come home for his dinner. I’ll call you midweek, take care, I love you.” Then she ended the call.
Hoping that he hadn’t heard any of the conversation she smiled and said, “Sorry Tony that was Carlo, I’ll get your dinner it’s ready.” When she went to walk past him he touched her hand and said, “Where is everyone?” Smiling she replied, “The boys are upstairs playing computer games, Sophia is taking a bath. Your dinner won’t take a minute, how long before you go out again?” Feeling curious as to the conversation he’d overheard, he replied, “No hurry, so what did Carlo have to say then?” Unable to give him eye contact she replied, “Nothing really, just how much he and James enjoyed themselves here.” Fully aware that James fancied his wife and unable to suppress his feelings on the matter, he arrogantly said, “Well we both know why James liked it here, don’t we Belle?” Quickly realising what he was implying and not wanting to get into an argument she replied, “I have no idea what you’re talking about Tony, I thought he was very pleasant.” Grabbing her arm he looked menacing as he snapped, “Don’t take me for a prick Belle, I’m not fucking blind!” Trying to pull away from him she shouted, “Let go of me Tony, what’s got into you? If you’re implying that James was anything other than nice to me, then you’re wrong! Considering you stayed out all night with God only knows who, he probably feels sorry for me!” Momentarily shocked by her outburst he just stood there glaring at her, before he said, “Let me put it another way Belle, I don’t want James in my house again and if he thinks for one minute I’m going to let him hit on my wife, he’s very fucking mistaken!” Almost at the point of tears because he was trying to make her feel guilty for something she hadn’t done, she had a rare burst of courage and snapped, “Unlike you Tony I’m not in the habit of sleeping around!” Without thinking he slapped her face. Neither of them had noticed Vito standing just a few feet away from them, until he shouted, “Dad leave her alone!” As always Isabella quickly regained her composure and said, “Vito go and tell the others dinner is ready.” “But mum.” Before he could continue his dad interrupted and said, “You heard your mother Vito, now go and tell them!” Clearly concerned for his mum he looked at her and said, “Are you ok mum?” Fighting back her tears she smiled and replied, “I’m fine, it’s just a misunderstanding between me and your dad; now off you go.” In the hope that would be an end to it she turned and walked off towards the kitchen as Vito disappeared up the stairs, but Tony followed her. As she moved towards the cooker he reached out and gently grabbed her arm. Turning to face him she looked tearful as she said, “Go and sit down Tony, I’ll bring the dinner through.”
Knowing he had been wrong to suggest she had in any way given him cause to mistrust her and actually feeling guilty he looked lovingly at her and said, “I didn’t mean to hit you Belle.” Still hurting, not only over the slap but what he’d said to her, she could barely look at him as she replied, “The children will be down in a moment please don’t humiliate me in front of them Tony.” Just as she finished speaking Sophia appeared; it was obvious that Vito had told her what he’d seen because she ignored her dad and asked her mum if she was alright. At that moment Tony felt that he’d done his wife a terrible injustice, it wasn’t just because she’d said about him staying out all night, or because he’d slapped her, it was knowing what his children thought of him, especially Carlo who had obviously said to his mother that his dad didn’t love her. Then there was the way she just accepted he would be going back out after dinner, but the worst thing was when she’d asked him not to humiliate her.
As they sat eating he looked at her across the table and realised that no matter what he’d done over the years, she had never stopped loving or caring for him. His stomach knotted as he wondered if she would ever leave him, he had always been so certain she wouldn’t, but now he felt an element of doubt. The atmosphere throughout dinner was heavy, despite Isabella trying to make conversation. Tony was unusually quiet; all he could think about was her meeting someone else. He knew what he’d said about her and James was nothing more than a flimsy atte
mpt to make him feel better about his own infidelity, but the more he thought about his situation the more he knew that he should end it with Lydia, finally convincing himself that he would.
In an effort to try and make it up to Isabella he said, “We should go out next weekend Belle.” Still angry with him she politely replied, “No that’s ok, I never feel comfortable at your clubs, but thanks for asking.” Totally shocked by her reply; never before had she refused to go out with him, even though on many occasions he knew she hadn’t really wanted to. In an attempt to salvage his pride he said, “Perhaps we could all go out together; we don’t have to go to my clubs. We could all go to the pictures or something, then eat out at one of my restaurants, what do you think?” Sophia was the first one to say, “Dad you haven’t taken me to the pictures since I was about ten! Anyway I’ve already arranged to stay over at Trudy’s, her dad is taking us paint balling.” Suddenly the realisation that he wasn’t the great father he’d always believed himself to be hit him like a ton of bricks. “Wouldn’t you rather come out with us Sophia,” he asked. Without thinking whether or not his feelings would be hurt, she replied, “No, Trudy’s dad is well cool; I just hope I’m on his team.” Isabella could feel the tension growing the more Sophia said. Despite what had happened earlier she actually felt a bit sorry for her husband. In the hope of improving the situation, she smiled at the two boys and said, “What about you two is there anything you’d really like to do?” To her horror Vito replied, “Sorry mum, but like Soph we’ve already made plans.” “Couldn’t you change them; it would be nice if we could all go somewhere together.” “No sorry, it’s all arranged mum, I’m taking Anthony to football practice, they’re picking next season’s team, he can’t miss the trials and they’re on over Saturday and Sunday.” Tony interrupted and said, “Why didn’t you tell me about the trials Anthony?” Before the boy could reply his brother said, “What difference would that make dad, you’ve never gone with him, he asked me weeks ago, Carlo would have gone if he could.” Feeling ashamed Tony didn’t reply he just nodded before standing up and walking away from the table. Isabella tried to make him feel better by saying, “Can’t we all go to the trials I’d like to watch you play.” Tony could sense that neither boy really cared whether they went with them or not, especially when Anthony said, “If you really want to mum, I suppose it would be ok!”
Forty five minutes later Tony was leaving the house to go to Sweet Cheeks and as always, Isabella was there to wave him off. She was surprised when he kissed her properly on the lips before going, normally he would peck her on the cheek at best. “I won’t be late Belle; I’ll try and get back by midnight,” he said as he got into his car. She simply nodded.
CHAPTER 32
Billy had taken Jess home later than expected after Maria had invited her to stay for dinner. When he returned to the house, Den was talking to Mickey and George while the ladies were bathing the older kids; the triplets were already down for the night. As he entered the lounge Den grinned and said, “I hope you behaved yourself last night Billy!” Laughing he replied, “Yeah, once I finally got her in bed it was fine.” Looking surprised Den said, “Did she play hard to get then?” Taking on a serious face Billy shook his head and said, “Tell you the truth Den; I wasn’t sure it would happen at all. Keep it to yourselves but she told me something, I didn’t really know what to say.” Seeing that whatever she’d said was having an effect on him Mickey asked, “What was it then?” Biting his lip through anger he replied, “She was raped!” “Fuck me, I knew there was something not quite right about her, I reckon it’s her fucking stepdad!” George could see Billy was thinking about what had just been implied. Interrupting them he said, “We don’t know that, it could have been anyone, why didn’t you ask her Billy?” “I wanted to but she was crying and I didn’t want to upset her anymore. If it was her fucking stepdad I’ll make him wish he’d never gone near her the dirty bastard!” Knowing what Billy was likely to do, Mickey said, “George is right Billy, it might not have anything to do with him. Maybe you should ask her, she might just tell you, best not to go jumping to conclusions.” Billy nodded and said, “I reckon she’s told Maria.” Quickly Mickey replied, “Well she certainly hasn’t said anything to me, what makes you think that?” “It’s just the way Maria’s said a couple of things, like take things slowly, Jess has had a bad time, that sort a thing.” “If Jess doesn’t say anything Billy, I’ll ask Maria, but best it comes from her really.” Despite knowing who Becky’s father was, he had given Maria his word that he wouldn’t say anything and he hoped that in time Jess would actually tell Billy the truth.
The four men talked until the ladies returned downstairs. Maria walked over and sat on Mickey’s lap before sarcastically saying, “Oh thank you darling, yes we’d love a nice cup of tea.” Squeezing her he laughed and said, “I take it you would like a cuppa?” She smiled and nodded before kissing him on the cheek and replying, “That would be lovely, I didn’t think the kids were ever going to settle.”
A few minutes later he was making the tea, leaving the others chatting. “Maria said your house is lovely Monica,” said Mary. “Yes we like it. I’ve got some photos I took today on my camera, if Maria puts them on her computer later you can have a better look at them.” “Oh I’d love to.” Den grinned over at George and Billy and said, “You two don’t know how lucky you are going to work tonight!” Mary sarcastically said, “We know you men aren’t interested in houses, why don’t you go with them dear?” “Go where,” asked Mickey as he walked in carrying a tray of tea. “I’ve just said to dad he should go for a drink at the club.” “Sounds like a good offer to me dad, if my lovely wife doesn’t mind I’ll join you.” Maria grinned and said, “Oh I suppose I could manage without you for a few hours!”
Just over an hour later the four men were heading for the club in Billy’s car. It was just after half eight when they arrived. Ricky and Warren were on the door. “Alright lads,” said George as they approached them. Smiling and nodding Rickey replied, “Yeah it was quiet earlier, but now it’s filling up in there.” Then he looked at Billy and grinned as he said, “Some bird’s been looking for you, I told her you’d be here about nine.” Looking curious he replied, “What did she want?” “Fucked if I know, ask her yourself, she’s inside.” “What did she look like?” “Tall, slim, blonde I think, talked posh.” Den interrupted and jokingly said, “What have you been up to Billy?” Shrugging his shoulders he replied “Sounds like Hilary what the fuck does she want?” Den joked and said, “Your body Billy!” “Very funny Den, she’s proving to be a fucking pain in the arse. I’ve tried to tell her politely its over, but it looks like I’ll have to fucking spell it out for her!”
Inside the club they were greeted by Jamie and his brother Justin. “Some birds been asking about you Billy,” said Jamie. “Yeah, so I hear.” “Haven’t seen her in here before, she asked a lot of fucking questions.” “What sort of questions?” “What time do you get here, if you’re seeing anyone serious that sort of thing. Don’t worry, I didn’t tell her anything, one thing this job has taught me, never know anything, especially when a woman is asking.” They all laughed. As they stood talking, Jamie was keeping his eye on the punters and looking at Billy he said, “That bird’s heading over here.” Billy looked behind him, his assumption had been right, it was Hilary.” Acting impartial as she approached he smiled and said, “Alright Hilary what brings you down here?” Mickey and Den nodded at her to acknowledge her, but she completely ignored them and said, “Can we go somewhere private Billy?” Knowing she would try and talk him into seeing her again he replied, “Sorry, I’m working, can I get you a drink though?” Looking angry she snapped, “I don’t want a drink, I need to talk to you and I don’t think you’ll want me saying anything in front of your friends!” Mickey could sense that she was going to make a scene, so he reluctantly said, “Billy why don’t you take Hilary into the office, we can spare you for a few minutes then we need to go over the books with dad.”
Billy knew Mickey had given him an excuse not to be too long. Nodding his head he replied, “I’ll be back in five minutes.” Then he headed for the office with her following close behind.
Once inside he said, “What’s on your mind then?” Walking right up to him she ran her hand over his crotch but instantly he said, “Pack it in Hilary, I told you it’s over!” Like a desperate sex-starved animal, she pressed her body against him and tried to fondle him again as she said, “It’s not over Billy we’re meant to be together. I told you I’ll leave Edward and the kids; we can start a new life.” Grabbing her wrists and pushing her away, he held her at arms length and in a determined voice said, “I told you its over, now you’re trying my fucking patience! Go home to your husband and kids. What we had was nothing but a bit of fun but now it’s over!” Suddenly she became hysterical as she tried to hit him, screaming at him, “I love you Billy, it’s not over, you want us to be together!” Restraining her he shouted, “No I fucking don’t, I’ve moved on! Now fucking go home, or I’ll have you thrown out!” As she ranted at him, he couldn’t help but wonder if she was mentally unstable. The more he tried to reason with her the worse she became, and then she said something that really made him angry. Hysterically she screamed, “Do you think that little whore you’re fucking is going to satisfy you? Men like you Billy need a real woman, how long do you think she’s going to last! We’d be together for ever and if I can’t have you, she sure as hell isn’t going to!” Still restraining her he snapped back and said, “There is nothing for us, why can’t you understand I don’t fucking want you. Now you’re leaving Hilary and I don’t want to see you here again, do you understand?” Almost instantly she stopped ranting and when Billy released her, she straightened her clothes and hair before saying, “You’re making a big mistake Billy if you think you can just use me and then toss me away for some little tart!” With that she walked out, slamming the office door behind her.
