by Peter Martin
‘Oh yes –’
‘So how’s it going with Lena?’
‘Oh, we’re getting on fine.’
‘I’m glad – I just knew you would. I’m so pleased I had a hand in bringing you together. For you and your family, it must be brilliant. You’ll get so many opportunities coming your way, the world will be your oyster.’
‘I don’t know about that, but enough of me. How about you? What have you been doing with yourself? I don’t remember seeing you around since you gave us the tour of the house, not so long ago.’
‘I’ve been very busy doing lots of things – that’s why you haven’t seen me. Working for Lena can be rather demanding at times.’
‘Yes, but I imagine it pays well,’ Garry grinned. He moved closer as someone pushed in at the bar.
‘I do have a comfortable lifestyle when I get a chance to live it.’
‘I have a good lifestyle too now, and although I work I’ve a nest-egg to drop back on, just in case.’
‘Yes, I’d say you and your family have been extremely lucky to be suddenly swept into a world of privilege.’
Feeling a touch perturbed, and trying not to show it Garry said, ‘I wasn’t really referring to anything to do with me being Lena’s son. Although I suspect you fell on your feet when you started working for Lena, didn’t you?’
She didn’t get upset by his remark and said, ‘Maybe – let’s just say I was in the right place at the right time.’
‘Lucky, I’d say.’
‘By the way, where’s your delightful wife Delia tonight? Is she ill or something?’
That struck a nerve with Garry, a yearning for Delia seemed to penetrate deep inside. He realised a part of him was missing. ‘She decided to go home. We had a bit of a tiff about all of us coming to live here. I wanted to stay, but she didn’t. I got angry with her, said a few things I shouldn’t have – and she walked out on me.’
‘Garry, that’s sad. So why haven’t you gone after her?’ Charlene asked.
‘Well, it isn’t that easy, is it? After all, she’s not exactly in the next street, but I have telephoned umpteen times and she’s not answering her phone. Although, I suppose by now she’s probably in England or even back in Dexford.’
‘I can’t believe she’d want to stay put in that dreary English town.’
‘It’s not that bad; I was quite content until this came along.’
‘But to give up a life of leisure with a gorgeous guy like you – she needs her head examining.’
Inwardly Garry smiled, why would she refer to him as a gorgeous guy, but he didn’t comment instead he admitted? ‘It was my fault we rowed – really.’
‘Even so, it’s not worth throwing your marriage away for. She’s a silly woman,’ Charlene said. ‘Poor old Garry, you must be down in the dumps.’
‘I am – I miss her so much. Everything was perfect and now look at us. Although, I wouldn’t say it’s a matter of throwing our marriage away. I can’t for one second see that Delia is thinking that way either.’
Choosing to ignore his comment, she stood up and holding out her hand said, ‘Come on. Let’s get up onto the dance floor. You need cheering up.’ It was more of an order than a suggestion.
‘Is that a good idea? What will everyone say?’ Garry hesitated, knowing it wouldn’t paint a very good picture of him when his wife was literally thousands of miles away. And Charlene’s outfit only made matters worse.
But all she could say was ‘Oh stuff them, it’s not as though we’ve doing anything wrong. We’re only having a dance.’ She took his hand and gave a gentle pull to entice him up on the dance floor.
They danced opposite each other, to lots of different numbers. After his initial fears, he calmed down, they were only dancing, after all, he thought. But the black tight fitting trousers, high heels and a black boob tube, showing just a hint of her ample bosom, certainly attracted envious looks from other guys.
Her attire and their dancing also drew the attention of his family, in particular, Cassie, whose cutting looks left no doubt in Garry’s mind what she thought of his behaviour. But, when all was said and done, it was all above board.
Flattered that this beautiful creature should make the effort to console him, Garry wondered why a woman half his age would want to dance with him. It didn’t make it any easier to forget Delia, but it felt good to have someone else other than family to confide in.
‘Another drink, Garry?’ Charlene suggested as they moved away from the dance floor, to sit on a couple of vacant seats.
‘Yeah, why not. Just a beer will be fine.’
‘Brilliant, coming up.’
He smiled as she went up to the bar to get the drinks knowing this was absolute madness and would maybe bring the wrath of his family down on him. While she was away, Lena’s face suddenly appeared in front of him. She was on Greg’s arm, seemingly a little tipsy. With a smug amused look on her face, she nudged his side saying, ‘How’s it going, Garry?’
‘All right.’ His face reddened. ‘I’ve been talking with Charlene, the girl who brought us over here to you. She seems nice.’
‘Good for you. Still missing Delia?’ Lena asked.
‘Well, yes of course,’ Garry admitted.
‘But I’ll bet Charlene’s helping you get through it, eh? Isn’t she?’ Lena winked knowingly.
Garry didn’t like Lena’s attitude or the way her mind was working, yet again dismissing Delia’s departure as nothing but an inconvenience. No way. Even the most beautiful girl in the world wouldn’t make any difference to what he felt for Delia – and no matter how hard anyone tried he wasn’t about to cheat on his wife.
‘That’s not how I see it. We’re just having a drink together that’s all!’ Garry replied stiffly.
But totally disregarding Garry’s last remark she said, ‘I knew she’d help. I can see how difficult this is for you, but life goes on. Charlene’s a lovely girl, and if you like each other, where’s the harm.’
‘You’re wrong there Lena, I’ve no desire to take up with another woman.’ He widened his eyes to emphasise the way he felt.
‘Don’t be silly; can’t you see she has the hots for you? You get in there while the going’s good.’ And with that Greg playfully pulled her back onto the dance floor.
A couple of minutes later Charlene reappeared with his beer, and an orange coloured drink with ice and lemon for herself.
‘Cheers Garry, great meeting up with you again.’ She toasted him by clinking his glass.
He just smiled but didn’t answer. This evening was rapidly turning into a nightmare.
‘So what are you planning to do now? Will you and your family leave too, now that Delia’s gone home?’
‘I don’t know, she never gave me a chance to talk to her.’ He paused. ‘To be honest I’m devastated Deel’s left. You see when we had the row, she was adamant she’d never move over here, and now much as I’d like to, I can’t stay either... No, no that’s not quite true, I know I can’t live here without her. And what's more, I no longer want to live here.’
‘I think you’d be a fool to leave, with all the privileges this place has on offer. The only trouble is, without Delia, you’ll be lonely. You need someone to take her place.’
‘I’m afraid it’s not that easy. I don’t want anyone else.’
‘Come off it Garry, you’re a man, aren’t you? What if you went back home, and she still didn’t want you? What then? You can’t tell me you wouldn’t want the comfort of another woman in your bed.’
‘Why – are you offering? Or are you having a laugh?’ Garry asked, looking at her straight in the eye.
Charlene laughed. ‘You play your cards right, who knows? You’re still an attractive man. I’ve always thought so ever since we first met.’
Garry grinned. ‘You’re joking, an old guy like me.’
Charlene sighed. ‘Don’t put yourself down. You’re not that old. You’re such a sweet man, kind, considerate and a real gent. Del
ia’s loss could be someone else’s gain.’
‘I don’t look at it that way. I see it as my loss - with my stupid temper.’
‘Garry, please stop it, will you? Let’s just enjoy each other’s company – and in time, you’ll forget about Delia, once and for all.’
‘Oh yes, of course, I will –’ he replied sardonically.
‘Yes, Garry you will,’ she moved up close to him, and whispered in his ear, ‘Do you want to be alone tonight? Why don’t I come to your room later on? Come on; don’t tell me you’re not game. Once everyone’s gone to sleep, I’ll be discreet and knock quietly on your bedroom door.’
Garry laughed ironically, a disbelieving frown on his face. ‘Someone’s put you up to this?’ She must be mad, either that or she’s had one too many, he thought. ‘Anyway, I’m not interested. I’m going back to my room now, I’m very tired.’
She nodded, finished her drink, then disappeared into the crowd.
Just then Tom caught his father’s eye and beckoned him over. ‘If it’s all right with you, Dad, me and Cass have decided to leave. It doesn’t seem fair that we’re all enjoying ourselves while we have no idea where mum is.’
‘That’s fine, I was just about to leave myself. You carry on up and I’ll let Lena know.’
He pushed his way over to speak to Lena, who stated how disappointed she was and tried to persuade him to have another drink. But when it became obvious he wouldn’t be swayed, she smiled sadly, saying, ‘Ok, that’s understandable I suppose. Hope everyone enjoyed themselves. Maybe we can do it again sometime.’
‘Love to Lena, it’s been such fun.’
On his way back upstairs he heard his family talking, they were gathered on the landing.
On seeing her father, a sombre note in her voice, Cassie said, ‘I hope Adam’s all right.’
‘Of course, he is, Benson’s a natural with kids,’ Garry smiled.
‘Well, he’d better be because I’d hate to see Adam upset,’ Chris said. Then changing the subject and looking directly at Garry, Chris carried on, ‘I’m concerned about Delia. I can’t understand why she took off like that. Although the note appears to be genuine, I’ve got this strange feeling, something fishy is going on. You know how it is when you can’t put your finger on it.’
Garry agreed saying, ‘I’m as worried as the rest of you Chris, and as you say things don’t seem to add up, but at present, I can’t do a lot about it.’
Chris shrugged his shoulders in despair.
Their rooms were next to one another, so they bade each other good night. But while Garry heard a shriek of laughter as the door closed behind Tom and Jane, he wondered whether the atmosphere between his daughter and son-in-law would be quite so light-hearted. The problem, as Garry saw it, with Chris, was that he took everything too seriously, although what he’d said about Delia’s disappearance was spot on. How Cassie put up with his moods he’d never know. Garry was aware he’d raised a few eyebrows tonight by dancing with Charlene, and both his children hadn’t seemed best pleased and Chris had glowered, but then his face had held the same po-faced expression all night. If anyone interpreted the time he’d spent dancing with Charlene as anything other than friendly that was their problem. As for Chris, he’d just about had enough of him, his moods and his lectures.
Switching on the light as he entered his room, despite its luxuriousness Garry felt totally empty – in fact, he felt empty inside and utterly bereft, dearly wishing Delia was there with him.
He sat on the bed and decided to ring her, longing to hear her voice. But there was no reply yet again to either phone. After getting undressed and having a quick shower, he lay back on the bed. Never before had he felt in such a dilemma. Then standing up to get himself a brandy, his thoughts returned to Charlene and her promise to pay him a visit. And at this point, he realised he’d already drunk too much alcohol and wasn’t thinking straight. He put the drink down. Surely a woman, well she wasn’t much older than Cassie, like her couldn’t possibly be interested in him. It was too ridiculous for words. What he’d do if she did turn up he didn’t know.
Having lain down, suddenly from his fitful sleep he heard a faint knock on the door and woke with a start. It couldn’t be. Was he dreaming this? Then a further knock, this time, a little louder.
Trembling, he got out of bed and walked towards the door. Again someone knocked. He froze.
‘Garry! Garry! Are you in there?’
At once, he knew it was Charlene. ‘Yes,’ Garry found himself replying.
His hand felt clammy on the door knob as he turned it, and pulled the door open towards him. And there she was, wearing a skimpy robe and little else, carrying a bottle and two glasses.
‘Fancy a nightcap, Garry darling?’ Charlene giggled as she pushed past him and into his room.
Chapter Eighteen
Garry let the door close. There was no disputing how beautiful Charlene looked, but he was mortified.
She turned around and leaned over to give him a gentle kiss on the lips. ‘Your heart seems to be racing. Is it something I said?’ she teased.
‘No, not exactly.’
‘What’s wrong, love?’
‘It’s no good Charlene, I can’t do this,’ he told her.
‘But why not?’
He didn’t answer straight away. The idea of betraying Delia with someone like Charlene appalled him. But what he said was, ‘Because I’m married and I don’t want to cheat on Delia.’
‘Oh diddums,’ she mocked. ‘Don’t be silly. I thought you liked me.’
‘It’s Delia I love, always has been, always will be. I’m sorry, but you have to go.’
‘Have you gone completely mad or what? ‘She stated bluntly. ‘Do you realise what I’m offering you? Anyone else would fall over backwards to be with me.’
Her whole attitude told him she was deeply offended, but he couldn’t help that and said, ‘I bet they would, but not me. I’m telling you it’s impossible, I’m different.’
Even at this point she carried on with abandon allowing her robe to open completely, to reveal her whole body saying, ‘Garry - I want you so much.’
‘Come on, what do you take me for? You can’t tell me you fancy a middle-aged guy like me, with your looks. I don’t know why it didn’t click with me before. Someone’s set this up, and I can guess who. I won’t argue with you, now either you leave voluntarily, or I’ll throw you out.’ He grabbed hold of her arm which made her wince, just as he’d intended.
‘All right, you moron, I’m going. You don’t know what you’re turning down, let me tell you – and if you think Delia’s coming back, you’re very much mistaken.’
‘Oh yes! And what would you know about that?’ For a split second, he witnessed alarm in her eyes, but he knew she wouldn’t give the game away and ordered, ‘Come on woman out! Out! Out!’
Having to manhandle her all the way to the door, he opened it and pushed her out into the landing, slamming it shut behind her.
He leant against the door and sighed as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. Now through his fuddled head he could see it all, Lena must be behind this. Between them, Charlene and Lena had very nearly succeeded. But they hadn’t reckoned on how much he loved his wife. If only he could contact Delia – but it was still a big ‘if’.
A restless night followed. Unable to sleep he twisted and turned, getting in and out of bed, constantly mulling over the events of the last forty-eight hours. First and foremost were thoughts of Delia, which deeply upset him. Followed by the conniving plan Lena had come up with, who, unable to carry it through alone, sought Charlene’s help, and in a drunken stupor he’d almost fell for her advances, so willingly and convincingly had she played the part of the seducer. Was she being paid so much she was willing to sell her own body? Surely money wasn’t everything? And those drinks, they must have been spiked, otherwise, his head wouldn’t feel this bad. He’d had a very narrow escape.
In the end drifting off to
sleep his last thoughts were of his children and what they might say about him and Charlene dancing together. Although whatever happened now or whatever his children views were he could deal with. He’d remained faithful to his wife and that was all that mattered.
<><><>
Early the next morning he woke; still tired and with a throbbing head, he decided to get up. After washing and dressing, he went downstairs not bothering to check on the rest of the family – considering seven in the morning a bit early in view of the amount of alcohol they consumed last night. Instead, he headed straight to the patio area for a breath of fresh air. At this time of the day, he found it enjoyable lying on a lounger by the side of the pool. With the roar of the sea crashing into the rocks in the distance and a gentle breeze in his face, it was just the right place to plan his return to England, because that, he knew, was his only chance to get his life back together.
But in no time at all he heard the faint tip-tap of stiletto heels and opened his eyes to see Lena approaching. As usual, she looked immaculate, she waved and smiled, saying, ‘Hallo Garry – how are you, my dear? You look tired – bit of a late night, was it?’ She took the seat next to him.
‘Not exactly. I couldn’t sleep – that’s all.’
‘So how did it go with Charlene?’ She asked with a twinkle in her eye.
‘All right.’
‘Oh, only all right. But you seemed to be getting on so well.’ Her face dropped slightly.
‘Yes, but not that well,’ Garry insisted. ‘We’re friends – and that’s all we’ll ever be.’
‘Well, from where I was standing, you looked more than friends to me.’
‘That’s where you’re wrong. Charlene was just being nice – that’s all, because of how cut up I am over Delia. Come on now, do you really expect me to go chasing after a woman half my age barely one day after Delia left?’
‘You’re being very stupid Garry. Delia isn’t coming back to you; she made that abundantly clear to me before she went. Now, it’s about time you came to terms with that and got on with your life. All right so it was a bit too soon for you with Charlene, but if you’re getting on well, where’s the harm?’
