by Anita Notaro
“Poor little rich girl.” He pulled her close and stroked her hair. “I know that feeling. My family gave me everything but never stayed with me long enough to share any of it with me. I grew up calling my nanny Mummy.”
“Had you brothers or sisters?”
“Two brothers, but they’re much older. I think I was … unplanned. At that stage my parents were both into their careers, she was a top litigation lawyer and he was a judge. I’d say I was quite a surprise.”
They sat for a while, her head on his shoulder, sipping their drinks and watching nighttime Dublin unfold before their eyes. She liked the feel of him near her. They were very similar, in many ways. And his manner was not unlike her father’s.
“You’re almost asleep.” He kissed the top of her head. “I’ll have Tom drop you home. Let him know what time you need him in the morning and he’ll bring you to collect your car.”
She smiled and stretched. “Thanks.” There was something about him. He was brash and over the top and not really her type, yet she was definitely attracted to him. He seemed so alive. And she liked his smile.
Toni yawned. The brandy was definitely going to her head, she was beginning to think of reasons to stay. “I am tired. It’s been a long week.” She stood up quickly and saw him watching and knew he wanted her. She was used to it with men, but oddly enough, for the first time in ages she wanted someone back.
He walked her to the lift, pressed the button and as the doors opened he waved her in.
“Off you go and get some beauty sleep.”
“I had a good time.”
“Me too. You off tomorrow?”
“Yep. And Sunday. Unusual, two weekends in a row, but I’ve a few swaps owing to me and I’ve decided to call them in. I must be getting old, because I’m wrecked all the time at the moment.”
“You don’t look it. You look beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
“Good night.” He leaned in and took her hands in his and kissed her gently on both cheeks.
He was treating her like a china doll and it made her feel oddly vulnerable. He had nice manners. “Good night then.”
He stepped back and grinned at her. “No going clubbing now. Tom is too old.”
She laughed and he let the doors close and she didn’t want him to.
Maggie was wide awake. She listened to Doug snoring beside her and felt the tiniest bit detached. The evening had been lovely, though—he’d insisted on collecting her after all and when she’d arrived at his apartment it was homely and comfortable in a “boy making an effort” sort of way. Dinner was tasty even if it was helped along by St. Michael, the patron saint of would-be gourmets everywhere. Afterward they’d had strawberries and cream in front of the fire and watched The Late Late Show. When it was over he’d kissed her gently on the lips and asked, “Ready for bed?”
It wasn’t what she’d envisaged happening, but she knew he was nervous and trying to make it easy for her, so she nodded.
He took her hand and led her toward the bedroom. There were candles flickering and the stereo was playing something easy. “There’s an en suite through there,” he gestured, “and I left your bag here.” He picked it up and passed it to her. “Take your time. I’ll use the other one.”
When she came out in her nightdress, with her underwear underneath, he was already in bed. She’d agonized over what to wear, even bought a silky slip thing. But it looked like she was trying too hard so she settled on her new fleecy, comfortable one and she left her underwear on because she wanted him to see it. Anyway, she didn’t want to appear too brazen, she had a feeling Doug wouldn’t like that.
He pulled back the duvet and she slipped in beside him. It felt like they’d been married for twenty years, she almost expected him to hand her a cup of cocoa and a Rich Tea biscuit. Instead he leaned over and took her in his arms and kissed her very gently. Usually first sexual encounters with a new partner were all about rough and tumble, both carried away with the moment. This was a new experience for her and she wasn’t sure how to handle it. But she loved that he wanted to make it special. It took a while but they got there in the end.
Their lovemaking was warm and tender but not red hot and passionate. She told herself now that she’d been expecting too much. She really liked Doug, but she’d envisaged being carried away on a tide of desire the way Mills and Boon had promised all those years ago. Instead it felt more like putting on a comfortable cardigan.
Maggie lay there thinking about the last guy she’d had sex with. That had been red hot all right, but Martin Downes had been a shit. She had known he was trouble the first day he’d started work in her firm. It lasted six weeks and she only found out it was over when one of the girls in Accounts told her she’d seen him in the Montrose Hotel, looking very smoochy with an actress from Fair City. She still couldn’t look him in the eye without feeling like a twit, but she’d learned a lesson: great sex means nothing if the guy is an asshole.
Doug was a dote and the sex had been good. He’d been very patient and loving and overall it had been a great night. So what if there were no fireworks? They’d come later. She curled up to him and he pulled her arm around to his chest and held it there and she kissed his back and was content.
Twenty-four
“Are we on for brunch?”
“As long as it’s healthy.”
“There’s a new place open in Temple Bar. Italian. It’s supposed to be fab. Great salads,” Pam added as an afterthought.
“Count me in.” Maggie was unusually cheerful. “Have you spoken to the others?”
“They’re both on answering machines. I’ll text them now. See you there about twelve?” Pam gave directions and hung up. She was glad they were meeting. She needed to talk.
Tom the driver had told Toni he’d be waiting outside any time she wanted him. “But I’ve no plans, really, don’t worry. I can grab a cab.”
“I have my orders. I’ll be waiting from nine thirty. Is that early enough?”
“I won’t even open my eyes till ten. See you at eleven.”
“Fine, Miss Toni.” He decided not even to try to pronounce her surname. “Here’s my mobile number. Call me any time if your plans change.”
“Tom, it’s two a.m. My plans are not going to change. And don’t call me Miss Toni, please,” she begged. “It makes me feel like I’m in the deep southern states of America. It’s just Toni, OK?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He grinned at her and she thanked him again and went inside.
It took her ages to get to sleep and now it was ten thirty and she still felt tired. As soon as she switched on her mobile she got Pam’s message. Damn, she’d have to hurry if she was to collect her car first.
She came outside at eleven fifteen and Tom was in the same spot, as if he’d been there all night. A huge bouquet of roses was resting on the passenger seat. He hopped out, opened the back door and handed them to her with a note.
Please keep Tom all day, you seemed tired last night. Just come over for a drink at some stage this evening. Don’t worry if it’s late. I’ll be working there from about four.
“He says I’m to keep you all day. That’s ridiculous.”
“I’m all yours, Miss … eh, Toni. Might as well enjoy it.”
“But I can’t just … swan around in his car all day.” She could very easily, actually, and they both knew it.
“Where to first?”
“Well, I’m meeting people for lunch, but not until twelve.”
“Anyone you’d like to pick up en route?”
“What a great idea.”
She rang Ellie, who’d just been woken by the phone and was not a happy camper.
“Are you ready for lunch?”
“No.” Ellie’s mouth was furry.
“I’ll collect you. Be there in ten. Get into the shower now.” She hung up and tried Maggie.
“Where are you?”
“I’m in Doug’s house, why?”
“Aren’t you c
oming to lunch?”
“Yes, he’s dropping me in, we’re leaving now.”
“I’ll collect you in five. Give me the address. Ellie’s still in bed, so it’ll be half an hour at least before she comes to.”
“There’s no need, really, I—”
“I’ve a car and a driver at my disposal, so shout.” Maggie did and Toni clicked off.
“Right, we have a plan,” she told Tom.
Maggie was excited to be picked up by a car and driver, although Doug said he was looking forward to dropping her into town. Ellie wasn’t quite so keen, afraid she’d throw up all over the leather seats.
“Have a good day, ladies.” Tom tipped an imaginary hat as they all trooped into the restaurant.
Pam was waiting for them impatiently. “Hurry up, I’m starving.” It was her usual Saturday greeting. “What took you so long and how come you all arrived together?”
“I tried ringing you but you’d just left. I have a car and a driver so I’m on driving duty.” Toni smiled and Pam’s mouth dropped open.
Only Toni, she thought, feeling slightly miffed.
“OK, now that Tom’s stopped groveling, tell us all. What exactly are you doing in a silver Jag with a driver?” Ellie had kept her head out the window for the journey into town and was feeling slightly more human. She filled her water glass and buttered some bread, anything to take the taste off her mouth and help her swallow two painkillers.
Toni talked and they all listened, wondering why it only ever happened to her.
“So, you decided to go for it, then?” Pam asked.
Toni nodded. “I like him,” she said simply. “He’s great fun.”
“He’s still married, though.” Maggie was suddenly feeling jealous, it looked like Toni’s night had been way more exciting than any of the others’ and she’d been looking forward to being the center of things for once.
“So? Since when did you join the Legion of Mary?” Pam was pouring wine despite Ellie’s protestations. Her glass was filled through her fingers before she could argue and soon they were all toasting Tom the driver and Gordon the millionaire and anyone else they could think of, and that was before they’d heard Maggie’s news or Ellie’s adventures.
“What does he do, anyway?” Ellie was interested.
“Property developer. He told me they’re developing that huge site near Tallaght Hospital. I remember reading somewhere a couple of months ago that it had been bought for seventy million by an Irish company.”
Pam whistled. “That’s big.”
The waiter came to take their order and the discussion turned to why Ellie was feeling so fragile.
“I think it was nice of them to include you, shame you had to make a show of yourself,” Toni teased when Ellie explained the reason for her hangover.
“I didn’t, honestly. I was fine when I left. I felt quite happy, actually, it’s ages since I’ve done any sort of family things. My lot are not exactly renowned for tea parties, as you all know. And I went home about ten, and left them to it. I swear I only had two glasses of champers and a couple of glasses of wine. It must have been something I ate.”
“So, what are they like when they relax?”
“Good fun. Kate’s husband is a hoot. They all seemed really interested in our club.”
“You told them we meet once a week in someone’s house to guzzle tap water and nibble rice cakes and swap tips and flail around on the floor?” Toni was mortified.
“Guzzle Merlot and nibble prawn crackers and swap sex lives would be a slightly more accurate description of us so far, don’t you think?” Ellie raised her eyebrows. “Anyway, stop looking as if you take no part in any of the debauchery and tell us exactly how you’ve become Driving Miss Daisy overnight.”
“There’s nothing to tell, really. I just decided to have dinner with him last night. I quite fancy him, to be honest.”
“You slept with him?”
“Absolutely not, what do you think I am, a slut?” Toni grinned. “But I wanted to.” She winked.
They lost interest, slightly, and Maggie decided to take advantage.
“Well, some of us got some action last night.” Her face was pink.
Brilliant, something juicy at last. “Tell all.” Pam slurped her wine. “Sorry, Toni, we do want to hear how you didn’t have sex, but only after we hear how she did.”
Maggie gave them the edited highlights, enjoying being the center of attention.
“So, how was it?” Ellie cut to the chase.
“It was fine, you know what first times can be like sometimes. Actually it was good, great even.” Maggie wasn’t sure she could keep embroidering.
“They’re words to describe your mammy’s Victoria sponge,darling.” Pam was all ears. “What we want to know is, was it sensational? Is he a monster in the sack? Has he a ten-inch todger? That sort of thing.” They fell about. Typical Pam to say it like it was.
“Leave her alone, at least she has a sex life, which is more than the rest of us,” Ellie said eventually, seeing Maggie look slightly uncomfortable.
“Speak for yourself. I can have one any time I like at the moment.” Toni twirled her pasta around and managed to look like she was performing a striptease. “I’m just trying to decide if it’s what I want, that’s all.” It was and they all knew it. The loan of his driver for the day had just swung it for Mr. G & T.
“Well, be careful.” Ellie was still playing with her food. The smells were beginning to make her nauseous again.
“Listen, girls, can you think of anyone who needs our advice less than Toni the torturer?” Pam couldn’t. “Remember the last guy she toyed with for a while? What was his name again?”
“Moustache.” Maggie tried to think of his name.
“Oh yeah, Ronnie. I remember. Dr. Ronald Bergin. What was our code name for him again?” Nobody could remember. He’d been short-lived.
“Anyway, he was like a lap dog. Followed you around for weeks after you dumped him.”
“I didn’t dump him. We were never an item, really. It was just a quick shag, to be honest.”
“Yeah, well, you forgot to tell him that. The poor bastard kept half the florists in Dublin busy for months.”
“Don’t mind her, Toni, she’s just jealous. He was gorgeous. And Doug is great too,” Maggie said. She wanted to get the subject back round to her and Doug, just so she could convince them that the sex had indeed been mind-blowing.
“Was CJH’S column in today?” Toni asked just as Maggie was telling them how cute it had been when Doug had pulled back the duvet for her. “Sorry, Maggie, I am interested, I promise.”
“Nope, he’s still away.” Ellie filled her in. “Go on, Mags, was he wearing socks?”
“No.” It was indignant.
“Were his Y-fronts bulging?” They all burst out laughing.
The four girls were supposed to be going shopping for the afternoon and then on to an early movie, followed by supper if anyone felt like it, then home by midnight, although the chances of them ending up in some club in Temple Bar was a distinct possibility.
Toni sent Tom off and arranged for him to pick her up at the Fitzwilliam at six thirty. The girls weren’t in the least surprised to hear she had no interest in Mr. & Mrs. Smith, despite the gorgeous Brad. She was starring in her very own Mr. & Mrs., they reckoned.
After slipping home to change and have a soak, Toni asked Tom to drop her back to the apartment.
“Hi there. How was your day?” Gordon was waiting at the lift and kissed her demurely on both cheeks, just as he had twenty-four hours before. They both knew what was going to happen.
“Great, I was out all day. Thanks for the loan of Tom, it was terrific not having to carry all those BT bags.”
“Pleasure, I’m sure all that flimsy stuff you wear weighs a ton.” He smiled at her. “You look sensational by the way, that’s quite a change from the nurse’s uniform.” Last night she’d dressed demurely. Tonight she’d gone for it big time. She wa
s wearing a long silk-and-chiffon skirt in deep-pink with a fitted, strapless bustier hand-embroidered with roses. It was very glamorous. To dress it down she wore a soft cashmere shrug and pale pink, very expensive flip-flops. Even her toenails matched.
He handed her a slender, ice-cold flute.
“How was your day?” She walked over to admire the view, giving him a chance to admire her.
“Busy. I worked, mostly. Got a lot done.” He came to stand close to her and she only knew he’d arrived because she could feel his breath on her neck. “I’m glad you came over.”
She didn’t turn around. “You’re marginally more interesting than Maggie’s boyfriend, who was angling for an invitation to our soirée this evening when I collected her earlier.” She smiled and turned to face him. “Still, I might join the girls later if they hit a club, so you’re not safe yet. I’m making no promises.”
“I’d say I’m never going to be safe where you’re concerned.”
He sipped his drink and kept his eyes on her face. “Shall I order dinner? Are you feeling peckish at all?”
“Oh, I’m ravenous.” It was the most overused cliché in the book and she was aware that she’d made the first move, but what the heck, he was attractive, fit and very rich and she fancied him rotten. She also knew the sex would be mind-blowing. It was.
Twenty-five
“So, you stayed over, then? What time did you get home?” Maggie was sleepy and it was barely ten thirty on Sunday night. Toni had rung her to exchange sex stories, seeing as they were both getting some.
“About four this afternoon. I read the papers and had a bath and I’m ready for some sleep, I can tell you.”
“Didn’t get much last night, then?”
“Not really, no.” For some reason she suddenly wanted to keep it to herself, so she changed the subject quickly. “How about you, did you see Doug?”
“Yep, we went for a walk on the seafront, then he cooked me steak and kidney pie and we watched some TV. I’m only just home.”
“Sounds great.” It sounded worse than an evening playing Scrabble with an elderly aunt, actually. “When are you seeing him again?”
