by RJ Hunter
They both sat quietly for a few moments, none really prepared to take the plunge.
"You shouldn't mix business with pleasure, you know!"
"Very true, Jane, but it depends which way you look at it. I say you should never mix pleasure with business. That's why, we're taking the rest of the day off."
"So that's the reason you said to put the necklace in the safe on Monday?"
"It is indeed, Jane - now let's go and have some lunch, I'm famished."
At Last, the first signs of day break began to filter into William's room. Shafts of light shone through the cracks in the thick curtains, willing him to get up and face another day. It had been a bad night, tossing and turning, putting his bedside lamp on to read, then turning it off, only to put it back on, and wander downstairs to strum on his guitar. It had gone painfully wrong with Sally, and he mulled over in his mind, if he could have said or done anymore to have made things better. Frank's court case was put on the backburner, as the very real thought of losing Sally and never seeing her again filled his mind with the utmost despair. He wondered if she had already left the campus, and was now at home, back to her everyday life, back to her old routines. It hurt him to think of her being sad, and not blessing the world with her beautiful, radiant smile. He thought about getting in his van and going over to Lloyd-Evans Hall and trying once more to win back her heart. The thought spurred him on, and he drew back the curtains and gazed out over the vast orchard below. It had the makings of a pleasant, sunny Saturday in early April, and he thought about making himself a cup of coffee and sitting out at the same bench, under the same apple tree, where David used to sit. He quickly dismissed the thought from his mind, recalling seeing Sally, kissing his brother there. It was just an innocent kiss, as she had so rightly pointed out, and he simply had to accept it.
Pulling on his jeans, jumper and hiking boots, he went downstairs. He sighed at the disgusting mess that greeted him, dirty plates, cups, old newspapers and beer bottles were strewn everywhere, the very sight of it depressed him greatly. He decided to put his boat on the trailer, and attach it to the van. If Sally wasn't there, or if she rejected him again, he would go to the lake, fishing. He couldn't bear the thought of coming back to the desolate house and being lonely again. Not only that, the house now harboured memories of Sally from the Christmas they had spent together. The kitchen where she had cooked them all such a wonderful lunch, the dining room, where they pulled crackers and opened their gifts. William even managed a hint of a smile as he recalled Sally's surprised face as she opened her gift from Jenny that contained the cheap, bright red lipstick! Then there was the living room, where they held the impromptu party on Christmas eve. Where Sally had shown them all up with her dancing skills, and had beaten everyone fair and square in that silly contest they had held. She belonged there, in his house, with him, it was meant to be. He looked in the mirror in the hallway, and combed his unruly, long hair. As he gazed at his morose reflection, he tried to will himself to find her and win her back. He can't give up.
The boat wasn't particularly heavy, just awkward, and he soon managed to get it rigged up in the trailer, which he now attached to the van. It was when he was bringing out his nets and tackle, that he thought he heard the sound of someone around at the front of the house. He put his keep net down and went to the front door. Opening it, he glanced around but couldn't see anyone. As he went to close the door, he inhaled her perfume, it was electrifying, and he felt the hairs on his neck stand on end.
That same morning, Sally, had searched through her wardrobe, looking for something suitable to put on. She wanted to look good, possibly even sexy, but she didn't want it to look as if she'd dressed up on purpose to go and see him. Eventually, she opted for a dark purple, tweed skirt, her black, high-neck sweater and black high-heeled shoes. She decided to wear her hair down for a change, then applied her make-up, before setting off on the familiar route to Orchard Lane. Although, she did feel a little nervous, she tried to go over in her mind what she would say to William, if she got the chance to see him.
It was pleasantly warm, and Sally stopped to browse in the windows of one or two of the shops as she made her way along the busy street. She swapped pleasantries with several of the townsfolk, she was even getting to know a few of them now. She then walked past the Black Lion pub, but had to step out into the road as they were having a rather substantial beer delivery. She came to Pedro's and stopped, reading the sign in the window;
SATURDAY NIGHT IS PAELLA NIGHT! 8PM - MIDNIGHT. PRICE INCLUDES THREE COURSES, PLUS A FREE BOTTLE OF HOUSE WINE!
Already the notice was getting plenty of attention, and Sally guessed there would be many takers that evening. She recalled how William had once mentioned the paella at Pedro's.
She slowed her pace as she neared his house, remembering that Nancy would often clean there at weekends. She waited a few moments, and sensing no-one was around, she raised the heavy brass knocker and tapped hesitantly on the front door. Getting no reply, she knocked again, but still no answer. She peered through a downstairs window, the place looked a mess, but there didn't seem to be any sign of life. After knocking a third time without success, she walked around to the rear of the house. She heard some activity and noticed William's van, with a boat on a trailer attached to it. The back door was open, so she knew either William or David had to be there. The ground was uneven, and she realised that wearing high heels in rural Wales probably wasn't such a good idea. As she neared the door, she saw William.
"Sally, is that you?" He called out, feeling his heart racing. He couldn't quite believe it, here she was, standing before him, her beautiful hair catching the sun's rays so exquisitely, as it gently blew in the light breeze.
"Yes, William, it's me," she replied, noticing his unshaven face light up.
"I didn't think I'd ever see you again, Sally. In fact, I was about to call by on my way fishing, to see if you were alright."
"Thank-you William, I'm here for the same reason. I was worried about you as well, and didn't sleep very well."
"That makes two of us," he smiled back. "So when's your father coming to collect you?"
"I don't really know, I still haven't told him yet."
"I see," said William, sensing that she might not be going today after all. "Do you want some coffee? I've just made some, it's the real stuff, I got it from the deli."
"Yes, that would be nice," she replied, returning his smile. "I didn't know you had a boat?"
"It's not really much of a boat. My father used to go fishing in it as well."
"I would like to meet your father one day, and your mother."
"Would you Sally, really?" He beamed back.
She nodded and went over to look at the boat.
"William, will you take me fishing with you?"
He looked surprised, "I thought you'd never ask!"
"We'll have to stop off at Lloyd-Evans first though, I'll have to change."
"It's a deal, I can't wait!"
"Come on, I'm still waiting for my coffee."
William led her into the living room. The mess was appalling and he felt embarrassed.
"I've been neglecting it a bit."
"You've been neglecting yourself too," she replied, looking him up down. "I noticed that you've lost quite a bit of weight. How long have you been living like this?"
He put his head down, feeling ashamed; "About three weeks."
"Oh, William, what shall we do with you?"
He glanced up at her with his hazel eyes. "You've lost weight as well, Sally. Have you been sad like me?"
She looked down at herself, and nodded.
"William. I want to explain."
"There's no need," he interrupted, "I do understand. I know what David's like."
"He needed someone there with him."
"I realise that now. I wanted to tell you, but I just got it in my head that you preferred him to me."
"No, William, that's not true. I've been living and breathin
g you since we first met, I've missed you so much."
"I've missed you too, Sally."
"We need to give it some time, William. We both did stupid things, and we need to forgive each other."
"I would forgive you for anything."
"Thank-you." She took her coffee and sat at the table. "You said, you were here on your own, so where's David?"
"He's gone. Went about two weeks ago. He just took off and didn't say a word." He replied, joining her at the table.
"I'm so sorry, it's all my fault."
"No, it isn't. It's typical David, that's what he does, he's very unpredictable."
"But, where's he gone?"
"I don't know for sure, but he may have gone to the states. We've got some family and friends over there."
"I feel so awful that he's given up on his degree," sighed Sally, putting her cup down.
"He hasn't, he saw Meredith and managed to get a sabbatical."
She looked relieved, and reached out to touch his arm.
"You must have been so lonely here?"
"Yes, I was a bit," he replied, grasping her hand, "I kept thinking of you, and what you were doing, all alone too, at Lloyd-Evans Hall."
"Well, at least I had Lizzie for company, when she wasn't with Ken that is."
"You could have come back?" He whispered.
She avoided his question and got up to take her cup over to the sink.
"What about that Nancy woman, doesn't she clean here at the weekends?"
"No, not at the moment. She was getting far too nosey and was moaning all the time, so I gave her a sabbatical!"
"That's terrible, William - jobs are hard to come by."
"Don't worry, she'll be back next week."
"Finish your coffee. I'm going to help you clean this place up. It wont take long, then we'll go out on your boat."
Sally had never been on a boat before, and for that matter, she had never been fishing either. As they headed out towards the centre of the lake, she marvelled in its tranquillity, and immediately understood why William spent so much time here. They had the lake to themselves, apart from a few anglers much further away, on the bank. She watched, as he reached for a rod, and methodically began to check the line, before attaching the weights. He then used an oar to turn the boat so that they weren't directly facing the sun.
"How do you steer it, William, does it have a rudder?"
"No, it's just a simple rowing boat. I steer it with the oars," he smiled back.
"It wont sink will it?"
"No, of course not, if you keep still."
"What do you do with the fish when you catch them?"
"I just throw them back, unless they're very large, then I'll measure and weigh them. But I only do that when I'm fishing from the bank."
"It's all very technical. So, why don't you just fish from the bank, like those people are doing?"
"I do a lot of the time, but carp can grow quite big, and it's very exciting catching them from the boat. It can be a real battle with the big ones - like shark fishing!"
Sally went quiet, and looked about her.
"Just how big do they grow?"
"Sometimes, up to four feet, and they can weigh about sixty pounds, but that's rare."
"Maybe we should fish from the bank, William. I didn't realise they grew that big, I just thought they'd be like sardines!"
He laughed and tossed her a can of sweet corn, and a can opener.
"Here, make yourself useful, open this!"
Sally looked at the can with a puzzled expression.
"Is this our lunch?"
"No, silly, it's for the fish, it's bait!"
"You feed the fish sweet corn?"
"Yes, they love it, well most of the time they do. But you can never tell with carp."
"I suppose you've brought a little barbeque as well, to cook them chicken or sausages to go with their sweet corn!"
"You're not taking this seriously are you, Sally?" He remarked, putting a few pieces of corn on to the hook.
"I'm enjoying watching a master at work," she replied a little sarcastically. "So how many will the great fisherman catch?"
"It's hard to say really, I've been out here the whole day before, and not caught a thing!"
"I'll catch one, here, let me hold the rod." She asked, as she tried to stand up. The whole boat then rocked violently from side to side.
"No, no, stay still or we'll capsize, I'll pass it to you."
Sally decided that William was right and she stayed put while he cast out the line a few feet, before giving her the rod.
"What happens if one bites?"
"Well, you'll feel one or two gentle tugs. Then, if it's a big one, that's when the battle starts, and you'll have to fight it until it gets tired, but try not to let it go under the boat."
"If I end up in the lake as fish food, William Peddlescoombe, I'll hold you fully responsible!"
"Okay, now keep quiet, they like calm."
"Oh, do they indeed. Whatever next, a brandy and a cigar perhaps!"
"Women and fishing - not a great combination!" He laughed, sitting back to watch her.
After a bout ten minutes had passed, Sally felt the rod being tugged.
"William quick! I think I've caught something!"
"Okay, now stay calm and start to raise the rod up towards the sky, but hold it tight!"
Sally did as she was told, and like William had said, the carp was starting to put up a fight. It went this way and that, and round in circles, as it pulled violently at the line. This went on for a couple of minutes, before the fish began to tire.
"What do I do now, William?"
"Keep reeling it in, but gently and keep the rod up."
There was an almighty jerk, and William quickly lent across to help Sally. He gripped the rod and kept it upright, while they attempted to reel the carp in together. With the boat tilting from side-to-side, Sally lost her footing and couldn't help herself falling back onto William. As she did so, the carp came out of the water, and writhed precariously above their heads, for what seemed like an eternity.
"Put the rod out towards the water again, quickly!" Shouted William, as Sally began to panic.
It was too late. She let go of the reel completely, and the carp came hurtling down into the boat. It wasn't a big fish by any means, but it landed on Sally's lap and struggled fiercely.
Screaming, she begged William to save her from the wriggling fish.
"Please, before it eats me alive!"
He grabbed the carp as if it were second nature, removed the hook, and tossed it over the side.
"Are you okay, Sally?" He asked, looking concerned.
"No, I'm not okay! Look at me, I'm soaked through!"
"You still look gorgeous to me!"
"What, smelling of fish!"
"I love it when you smell of fish, Miss Carlington!"
"Get me off this boat now, William, I need a bath! Who's stupid idea was it to go fishing in the first place?"
William burst out laughing, but thought it best not to answer that question.
It was twilight by the time they got back to William's house, it was starting to turn distinctly chilly as the evening drew in. They had stopped off at Lloyd-Evans for Sally to change again, but they had both noticed how noisy and rowdy the town had become. Saturday evenings were usually the busiest night, but tonight seemed more wild and crazy than normal.
While Sally made them tea, William lit the downstairs fires, before going up to light the one in his bedroom. While he was upstairs, he began to run her a hot bath. The bath was a huge, cast iron, Victorian affair, which took forever to fill. This gave William the opportunity to add some scented oil that Sally had left behind over Christmas, and as an added touch, he placed a dozen lighted candles around the edge of the bath, and up on any free ledges he could find. It looked incredibly inviting, and he stood for a moment admiring his handiwork, hoping he might get the chance to enjoy the bath himself.
H
e called down to Sally when it was ready, and eagerly awaited her response. She handed William a cup of the strong tea he liked, and eagerly opened the bathroom door.
"William, it looks fantastic - I can't wait to get in!" She exclaimed, beaming up at him.
He then led her into his bedroom, so she could get undressed and offered her the same shirt she'd worn the night they first made love.
"I've lent you this before, I recall."
"How could I ever forget!" She replied. "Although, there's a part of that evening, I don't need reminding of."
"You mean Frank?"
She nodded and looked away, before ushering him out of his own room.
William had only been gone a couple of minutes, when he heard her calling down to him.
"I'll need a towel!"
"There's some in the airing cupboard on the landing," he called back.
There was a brief moment of silence.
"But William, I don't have any clothes on!"
His mouth went dry at the thought of her naked, and as he climbed the stairs, he felt the familiar bulge in his trousers returning.
After finding her a towel, he pushed the bedroom door open. He thought Sally would have heard him, but she was standing naked, staring out of the window. She was a curvaceous, size ten, and he stood transfixed, staring at her exquisitely-shaped rear. She had the most soft, responsive skin he had ever touched, and now he longed to touch her once again. He tried to speak, but no words came out.
She turned, and his eyes fell on her firm breasts, her nipples pink, and pointing slightly upwards. She gasped, and looked surprised before reaching across to retrieve the shirt.
"Oh, William, you were quick, I didn't hear you."
"I'm sorry," he muttered, finally managing to find some words.
"What were you looking at?"
She quickly pulled the shirt around her body.
"I was just admiring the orchards, before it got too dark. It's such a beautiful view."
He knew she was looking at the tree with the circular bench around it, which David used to sit under.
