CORAL (A Romance Trilogy, Book 1)

by Delaney, Clair

  “Yes,” I sigh, smiling tentatively at Malcolm. “Hi Malcolm.”

  “Hello Coral.” He leans down and kisses my cheek as they both walk in. Gladys stops in her tracks as she notices Tristan standing to his feet.

  “Oh! I didn’t think you’d have company?” Gladys says looking from me to Tristan to Malcolm.

  “Hello Gladys.” Tristan says, leaning in he kisses her cheek then shakes Malcolm’s hand.

  I close the door and walk over to the kitchenette. “Would you like a glass of wine or coff’ – “Ooh wine please.” Gladys interrupts me plonking herself down on the sofa.

  “Malcolm?” I ask as I give Gladys a small glass of wine.

  “Coffee thank you Coral. How are you feeling?” I smile at Malcolm, how sweet of him to ask.

  “Much better thank you, I’ve been in very good hands.” I smile shyly at Tristan, he smiles shyly back at me, in-fact I think he looks a little uncomfortable.

  “That’s good to hear, although your nose still looks very sore,” he adds.

  “It’s getting better. Did you have a nice time with your daughters?” I hand him his coffee as he sits next to Gladys. Malcolm tells me all about his daughters, their husbands and their children, so he’s a Grandpa too. I pick up my wine and sit next to Gladys.

  I’m trying not to glare at her, even though I want to have it out with her as to why she didn’t tell me about Malcolm when she told Debs. Tristan comes and sits next to me on the arm of the sofa, I love that he wants to do that, be so close to me.

  “So, what have you two been doing today?” Gladys slurs. I go to answer but Tristan beats me to it, and goes into an animated story about our day. Gladys is mesmerized, blinking rapidly as she watches Tristan – So it’s not just me…

  “Tristan, I have to say thank you again for looking after Coral so well,” she says hugging and kissing me. Malcolm narrows his eyes at my uncomfortable reaction, then stands walks over to the patio door, and calls Tristan over. Subtle Malcolm, very subtle!

  They begin chatting away so I use it as my opportunity to probe Gladys. “So Debs came round today,” I casually say.

  “Oh, how lovely, you two rarely see each other anymore.”

  “Kind of difficult when she’s got a kid and a husband to look after,” I bite. “Which reminds me, she let it slip that she already knew about Malcolm.” I add. Gladys’s face falls, I can see she’s trying hard to hide her true feelings, to put a mask on. “So you want to tell me why she knew and I didn’t?” I ask. Gladys is silent. “Mom,” I say using that word feels wrong. “I’m really upset she knew and I didn’t,” I add softly, I don’t want to upset her, but she needs to know what she did was wrong.

  Gladys takes hold of my hand and squeezes it. “I’m sorry darling…it’s just...well you don’t take too well to change,” she says.

  “I know that, but just because you started seeing someone doesn’t mean everything has to change,” I answer. A guilty look appears on her face. “And now I know Debs is selling up too, you both are. Is there something else I don’t know about?” I ask just as I did with Debs.

  “No, no...o-of course not,” she stutters looking totally uncomfortable which just confirms there is.

  “Please Mom, tell me,” I whisper. “I won’t freak out,” I add. Our eyes meet and I know in that instance I am right. Something big is going down, and I don’t know about it, she’s having the exact same reaction as Debs.

  “Oh darling it’s lovely hearing you call me that,” she squeaks. “Anyway how about you and Tristan?” she whispers so he can’t hear, totally changing the subject. “He’s a real dish darling, you’ve done very well there. Are you going to start seeing each other?” she asks.

  I sigh heavily she’s not going to tell me. “Yeah…” I answer glumly.

  “Oh that’s wonderful dear,” she beams enthusiastically.

  “Yeah...he’s really...” I can’t think of the right word to describe who he is to me. My anchor, my north, my south. In such a short space of time, he’s become my home.

  “Well, you just be sure to take care of him. Men need looking after just as much as us girls,” she tells me. I nod silently. Gladys drains the rest of her wine and stands up. “Well, we’d better be off,” she says nervously. I frown deeply at her odd behaviour and look across at Tristan, the moment our eyes meet he frowns too, he knows something’s up.

  “Already darling, but we’ve only just got here?” Malcolm argues.

  “Malcolm!” Gladys warns. “I’m tired, please take me home.”

  Malcolm blushes a little. “Of course darling.” He places his coffee in the kitchen sink and walks over to me. He holds out his hands to me, I use them to pull up off the sofa.

  “Thanks.” I squeak.

  “Bye Coral,” he says kissing me on the cheek again. “Sorry it was such a short visit.”

  I try to smile at him. “Don’t worry about it,” I mumble. Tristan comes and stands next to me, placing his arms around my waist as he does. It feels so good that he’s here next to me.

  “Bye darling,” Gladys gushes kissing me on the cheek. I show no enthusiasm. Malcolm looks confused from me to Gladys to Tristan. “Nice to see you again Tristan,” she beams kissing him on both cheeks. “Look after that daughter of mine,” she adds.

  “I fully intend to,” he offers and shakes Malcolm’s hand again.

  We walk the few steps to the patio door, Tristan pulls it open and lets them both out they both wave, then turn and walk out of view.

  I try to control the anger I feel rearing up inside of me. So, to try and take my mind of it I decide to clean the kitchen up. As Tristan shuts the door, locks it and pulls the curtain back across, I’m already at the kitchen rinsing everything off before I start washing up.

  “Hey,” I feel Tristan behind me. His arms wrap around my waist, his head rests on my shoulder. “You want to talk about it?” I shake my head rapidly.

  “I....not now,” I answer my voice wobbling with anger.

  “Coral it’s not good to bottle things up’ – “Tristan please, I’m trying really hard to use all the techniques I’ve learned in therapy so I don’t let the anger take over. Please give me some space, let me calm down.” I beg.

  “Oh ok,” he says. “Shall I dry?” I know he’s smiling. I stop what I’m doing and turn my head around. I can’t help smiling back at him.

  “How about some music?” I say.

  “Ok,” he chuckles.

  “My MP3 player is on the side, next to the amp.” I gesture with my chin.

  As I’m filling the sink with hot soapy water, UB40s Can’t help falling in Love starts playing. It instantly lifts me. I wonder if Tristan picked this one on purpose? Tristan is back just as I’ve washed the first plate up.

  “Tea towels?” he asks.

  I point to the cupboard next to me, I watch him bend down and pull out a clean one. I can see all the muscles in his back ripple through his t-shirt. It sends shock waves down to my nether regions. I clamp my legs together and try to ignore it.

  “You like reggae?” Tristan asks taking the plate off me. But my mind is already undressing him. Kissing him all over and wondering what he will taste like, and whether he will fit me like a glove; like he was made for me.

  “Coral?” He prompts.

  “Hmm?” I turn and lock eyes with him.

  “You ok?” he chuckles.

  “Uh-huh.” I can’t seem to make my brain work properly.

  “Reggae?” he asks again.

  “Oh right, yeah…I really like it,” I answer dreamily…

  IT DOESN’T TAKE LONG TO CLEAN UP THE KITCHEN and as I check myself, I notice my anger at Gladys has completely dissipated. Tristan must be some kind of drug to me or something? I think I’m getting very, very addicted.

  “So what would you like to do now?” he asks. Oh boy! I wish he hadn’t just asked that question. How about I’d like to rip your clothes off and make passionate love to you – But I know I look hideous
at the moment and I want it to be right, to be special. “Coral.” Tristan takes my face in his hands. “Where are you?” I clear my throat and try to settle my rapidly beating heart.

  “Sorry...I just...” I smile up at him. The room fills with that same bubble of electric. I feel the pull from him so I lean up on my tip toes so I can reach his lips – Tap, tap, tap – Who the fuck is it now?

  “I’ll get it,” I say gritting my teeth. As I pull the curtain across I see it’s Bob with his empty plate. “Hey Bob,” I say as I open the door.

  “Delicious as usual Coral, just like you,” he croons.

  I roll my eyes and take the empty plate off him. “You want to come in?” I ask.

  He shakes his head at me. “No thanks, I’ve got Top-Gear recorded,” he says his eyes twinkling.

  “Oh ok, enjoy,” I smile. Bob leans forward and for the first time ever, he pecks me on the cheek. “Aren’t I the lucky girl,” I giggle. His cheeks blush, as he smiles back at me then he clocks Tristan inside and narrows his eyes.

  “Looks like I’ve got some competition,” he croaks.

  I glance at Tristan and raise my eyebrows, trying my best not to burst into a fit of giggles. “I think you may have Bob, but don’t worry you’ll always be my favourite,” I say squeezing his wrinkly hand. Bob looks back at me in the most peculiar way. I think he is actually serious, and in fairness, if Bob was my age I think I would be hard pressed to ignore him. He was a real dish in his younger days. “Want me to get you anything?” I ask.

  “No darling you’ve done enough,” he smiles and walks off. I watch him get inside his studio, then I shut the patio door, and pull the curtains across.

  “I think he’s in love with you.” Tristan pipes up.

  “Don’t be daft.” I choke, laughing nervously.

  “I’m dead serious,” he argues. My face falls, all humour instantly dissipating within me.

  “Are you kidding me?” I squeak, suddenly wondering if I’ve actually been leading a lonely old man on. I run my hands through my hair. “Do you think I need to have a talk with him?” I ask.

  “I’d leave it as it is,” Tristan answers. “Maybe having the fantasy of you is what’s keeping him going.” I frown at that one, pick up my wine glass and finish it off.

  “More?” I ask Tristan.

  “I’ll get it, how about some popcorn? We still have time for the movie?” He smiles but it’s a little off. So he wants to watch the movie with popcorn? Boy I’m going to feel bloated tomorrow, nothing but salad.

  “You ok?” I ask as I put the bag in the microwave.

  “You really meant it didn’t you, about not liking yourself.” Tristan is frowning deeply as he fills up our glasses. I feel myself close up, shut down - withdraw. I shrug my shoulders at him. “You should see yourself more clearly,” he adds.

  I glance across at him then find my big bowl out the cupboard for the popcorn. As we both sit down on the sofa, I feel myself tense up and I don’t know why.

  “Coral, relax, you want to talk about what went on earlier?” I nod feeling glad I have someone to talk it out with.

  “Debs is leaving, her house is up for sale and she didn’t tell me, and she knew about Malcolm ages ago. I asked Gladys why she didn’t tell me but she avoided the subject. I asked them both if there’s something more going on, they didn’t deny or confirm it. I know they are both hiding something, I just don’t know what. And with everything else going on, Joyce leaving, my job, Rob not talking to me, the last thing I need is to find out my own family are...” I shake my head in wonder.

  “I’m so glad you’re here Tristan, and I’m not just saying that because I feel lonely,” I exhale heavily. “Weird really, it’s like all this crap happened just as you turned up...Shit, that sounds bad, I mean’ – I shake my head – ‘I don’t know what the fuck I mean.” I blurt running my hands through my hair in frustration.

  “Hey,” Tristan rubs my back. “I’m glad I’m here too,” he tells me softly.

  I turn and look into his deep soulful eyes. “Sorry, what I meant was it’s like you turned up at the right time, to be here for me while all this is going on. Does that make any sense?”

  “Yes it does,” he chuckles then leans closer and wraps his arm around my shoulder.

  “I’d be freaking out if you weren’t here, I know I would.” I mumble.

  “I don’t think you would be,” Tristan argues.

  “Oh I would, you might not see it on the outside but’- I tap my head - ‘on the inside I’d be cracking up.”

  Tristan sighs heavily. “Who do you go to when you’re upset or worried about something?”

  “It used to be Gladys then I met Rob,” I answer immediately.

  “So if he was around to talk to, you would be ok about everything else?”

  “Maybe, Rob helps me. He says I take life too seriously. He helps me look at life from a different perspective and helps calm my wayward thoughts.” Tristan smiles so deeply his dimples are on full wattage, he cocks his head to the side as though he’s worked something out.

  “What?” I mumble.

  “That night in Iguana’s, you were with Rob?”

  “Yeah?” I frown wondering where he’s going with this.

  “And you told me you don’t normally go out drinking on a weeknight?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Oh to be a fly on the wall and hear what that conversation was about, but I have a pretty good idea,” he says smugly.

  “Well a fly in a restaurant is not a good idea.” I answer dryly hoping he doesn’t ask me.

  Tristan chuckles hard. “You did not know where to put yourself when I turned up.”

  I sigh, caught out! “No, I didn’t,” I answer taking a gulp of wine. Tristan stops laughing and moves so close to me, I can feel his breathe on my cheek.

  “You were discussing me?” he whispers in my ear. My heart starts manically beating. “I knew you felt it too, that moment when we met in reception,” he adds.

  I slowly turn and meet his heated gaze, it’s deep and so soulful. His eyes have dilated, his cheeks are flushed, his breathing heavy, and he’s radiating sexiness.

  “Yes,” I whisper my breathing just as hard. Tristan leans forward I think he’s going to kiss me, my mouth instantly goes dry, he’s so close –“What happened to you Coral?” I frown back at him. “In the car you told me you find men creepy. I can understand you being the way you are because of your parents and their complete lack of care for you. But something else happened, what is it?” I clam up inside. “Coral!” He admonishes.

  I slowly turn away from him trying to keep as calm as possible. “I c-can’t...” I look back at him. “Tristan I...it’s really not something I want to...” I sigh heavily. “I’m not even sure if I will ever tell you, I just don’t know.” I add.

  “I wish you would, was it your Dad? Did he beat you’ – “Stop!” I place my finger over his lips. “I don’t want retribution, it happened and there’s nothing I can do about it except live my life to the fullest, the best way I can.” Tristan glares back at me. “I mean it Tristan. This may sound strange to you but...” I take a deep breath, I’m not even sure if I want to tell him. Whenever I think of what happened to me, I think Karma, what goes around comes around. I’m pretty sure those people that did those things to me will get their comeuppance, someday.

  “Tell me Coral, what are you thinking?” He asks running his fingers through my hair.

  “Karma.” I whisper, staring straight ahead.

  “Karma?”

  “Uh-huh.” Tristan pulls on my chin so I have to turn and look at him.

  “Karma, you believe in it?” I nod silently. Tristan stares blankly ahead. “What goes around comes around,” he mumbles to himself, then turns his penetrating gaze on me. “What else do you believe in?” His face is unreadable so I decide to go on.

  “Spirit, the universe, that we are all connected.” I whisper feeling silly for sharing my beliefs with him - I’ve never
shared them with anyone.

  “I like that.” He says brushing his thumb across my bottom lip. “Can you teach me?” he asks.

  “Um...well, I can give you books to read. I think you have to come to your own conclusion about what it all means to you.” I answer feeling as though I’m blushing.

  Tristan smiles his deep dimpled smile. “I’d like that.” He takes my hand in his and kisses it. And I don’t know why, but I feel as though I want a really long hug.

  “Will you do something for me?” I whisper.

  “Anything,” he answers in his husky voice. I put down my wine and stand up giving him my hand as I do, Tristan takes hold of it. I pull him to his feet, then fling my arms around him and squeeze him tight. My head resting against his beating heart.

  “Is this what you want?” He asks sounding a little confused.

  “Yes.” I whisper.

  Tristan’s arms envelope me, and I sink into the peacefulness of the feeling. I feel safe, secure and so content. I wish I could stay like this forever, it feels so wonderful. I notice the music is still playing in the background and that it has flipped onto the next album. Dionne Warwick’s This Girl’s In Love With You is playing, it’s one of my old mixed tapes that I transferred to my player. It’s been years since I’ve listened to it.

  “This is a favourite track of mine,” Tristan softly says. I look up at him. “Well the Herb Albert one, you know the guy in love...” He smiles.

  I nod knowing the song. “Let me guess, your Grandpa?”

  “Yep, big fan.”

  “Yeah, Gladys likes Dionne, kind of gets you into it doesn’t it.”

  “It does indeed.” Tristan pulls away from me and I am momentarily gutted, until he holds out his hands to me. “Dance with me?” He asks.

  “Here?” I question, blinking up at him.

  “Yes.” He has his hands held out waiting for me.

  “What old style?” I squeak.

  “Yes.” His face is dead serious.

  “I-I…don’t know how to do that.” I whisper.

  “I’ll show you.” He says. Tristan takes my left hand and places it on his right shoulder, wrapping his right arm around my waist he pulls me in so that our bodies are touching.