by Anna Samuels
‘Oh you’re so clever!’ she exclaimed. ‘I absolutely love it!’
‘Do you?’ I asked, pleased.
‘I really do. Put it on me will you?’
‘Of course,’ I said, reaching for her arm.
After it was on, she held out her arm to show it off. Daniel walked in with our drinks and admired it.
‘Ooh! Look! Is this your work, Ally?’ he asked.
‘It sure is! What do you reckon?’
‘I reckon you’re a very talented artist,’ he told me.
‘Thank you,’ I smiled. ‘I appreciate that! Here’s your present,’ I said, passing it to him. ‘I didn’t make this one though!’ I laughed.
‘Oh thank you! Kids? Start handing out the presents under the tree now,’ he said, pointing to the few which were left.
We spent the next hour opening presents and sharing the pleasure of giving and receiving gifts. When Alex gave the children her gifts, they seemed surprised to receive an extra gift and even more overjoyed when they found chocolate, sweets and Lego for Zachary and a doll for Katie. We watched them play, ate and drank from the food spread out on the table and chatted amongst ourselves. It was a lovely, family atmosphere and very comfortable. Thankfully Laurie steered clear of any conversation which would have embarrassed me and was thankfully tactful about Alex’s break-up too…carefully avoiding the subject.
With Alex playing on the floor with Zachary and his Lego, I helped Laurie take everything to the kitchen and started the clear up.
When we were alone and the door swung shut, she turned on me with wide eyes.
‘Ally!’ she hissed in an alarmed whisper.
‘What?’ I said frowning, backing off.
‘You said you’re just friends!’ she exclaimed. ‘What’s going on?’ she asked, still wide-eyed.
‘Nothing!’ I denied, but felt my face flushing.
‘Don’t lie to me, Ally! You always were a rubbish liar!’ she said, hands on hips.
‘Okay, okay…well, something might have happened,’ I said slowly, avoiding her eyes.
‘I knew it! What happened?’ she demanded. ‘Tell me everything!’
‘No!’ I exclaimed. ‘This is very new for me! I’m not sharing it when I don’t even know what ‘it’ is.’
‘Ah…problems?’ she asked.
‘No,’ I said and sighed heavily. ‘I just…don’t want to over-analyse…at least at this stage.’
‘Are you kidding me? You won’t be able to help yourself!’ she laughed.
‘I’m glad you find it funny,’ I muttered.
‘Oh Ally! Lighten up…so what happened? Another kiss? Or more?’ she asked, her eyes staring at me intently, in search of answers.
‘I, uh…let’s not talk about this now,’ I said slowly, trying to get off the subject.
‘So it was more than a kiss then…’ she stated, crossing her hands over her chest. ‘You didn’t sleep with her did you?’
I met her eyes and then looked away guiltily.
‘Ally! You didn’t?’ Laurie exclaimed.
‘Okay, I didn’t,’ I told her.
‘You did?’
‘I kind of did,’ I replied with a low voice.
‘I thought you were friends!’
‘We are…I guess we’re friends who have...benefits?’
‘Friends with benefits? I’ve heard about that, Ally…it’s so not you,’ she told me, shaking her head in concern. ‘No, you be careful if this is all about sex. I know you Ally and from the moment you met that woman, you’ve been wanting way more than I’ve ever seen before. The way you look at her…the way you talk about her…it isn’t about being friends with benefits.’
I sighed and toyed with my hands awkwardly, ‘Well no…I know it isn’t,’ I admitted, ‘but things happened and she asked me not to over-analyse so I’m trying. I mean it’s early days…I’ll just have to see how things go.’
Laurie nodded. ‘I don’t want you to get hurt.’
‘I don’t plan on it either, Laurie, but without taking a few chances, I’ll never find the right one.’
‘And do you think Alex is the right one?’ she asked kindly.
‘I don’t know,’ I replied, although in my head my brain was screaming yes! Yes she is! ‘Time will show me, I think.’
‘I’m sure it will, Ally. But just…oh, I don’t know…I’m being a mother hen, I know. I just don’t want you to get hurt.’
‘How would I get hurt?’ I asked her and yet feared her answer.
Laurie shrugged.
‘No, go on...what is it that you’re worried about?’
‘Well, it’s just I want what’s best for you…it just concerns me that she’s newly single and that she’s asking you not to over-analyse everything.’
‘You think she’s just using me for sex?’ I asked bluntly.
‘Is she?’
‘I don’t know,’ I said honestly, ‘but does it matter if she is?’
‘I guess it wouldn’t apart from the fact that I know you’d want more.’
I looked down, ‘Of course I would…she’s the most amazing woman I’ve ever met.’
‘And was it…I mean, your time together…was it good?’ she asked, curiously.
‘It was incredible,’ I told her huskily, meeting her eyes, ‘like, out of this world incredible.’
‘Really?’ she asked, leaning forwards.
‘I’ve never experienced anything that has ever come close to what I felt in her arms.’
‘Wow,’ she all but whispered, ‘So, even if it goes nowhere, you’re having one hell of a ride.’
I chuckled under my breath quietly. ‘I guess you could say that!’
‘Well, enjoy it then sweetie…that’s what life is all about. If it comes to nothing, well you can’t say that you didn’t try!’
‘True…but I don’t want it to come to nothing. Perhaps I should put a halt if it’s just destined to be a sexual relationship.’
‘The thing is you don’t know yet, do you?’ Laurie replied, stating the obvious.
‘I don’t…so what do I do?’
She shrugged, ‘Enjoy it for now? Maybe Alex is right. Stop over-analysing and have some damn, good sex.’
I grinned. ‘Laurie! I thought you were a good girl!’
‘I am,’ she smiled, ‘…most of the time. I think we all have our adventurous moments and other sides to our personalities.’
‘Danny boy getting treats in the bedroom?’ I laughed.
‘Only when the chance presents itself!’ she said ruefully. ‘It gets a lot harder when you have two little munchkins around all the time!’
‘I can imagine!’ I said smiling.
‘So enjoy it…I’ll stop worrying, you stop worrying and I’m sure everything will be fine. You go home and have plenty of fulfilling, adventurous sex!’
I laughed. ‘Oh Laurie…’
‘What? I’m trying to make up for the other silly stuff I said.’
‘Consider yourself forgiven,’ I responded.
‘Thanks.’
‘Shall we see how the others are getting on?’ I asked.
‘Sure…’
‘And then we should make a move, really. It’s getting late.’
‘It is…I’ll have to get the kids bathed and to bed,’ she replied.
‘Okay…I’ll go and say my goodbyes.’
We went back to the lounge and after lots of cuddles and laughter, we finally left. Laurie waved us off from the door and then we drove off into the cold, winter night. Christmas lights shone merrily from many houses we passed and I smiled to myself, feeling contentment about how lovely the day had been.
‘Did you enjoy being at my sisters?’ I asked Alex curiously.
‘It was lovely,’ she said quietly. ‘Do you know what I enjoyed the most?’
‘No, what?’
‘Playing with the kids, watching you playing with the kids and watching them play alone. It made me realise how much Christmas is about the children�
��it was magical to be part of that.’
I smiled, understanding completely. ‘You’re absolutely spot on…that’s why I love seeing them at Christmas so much. It is so lovely to see their little faces when they open their presents and I understand what you mean about watching them play…they’re such time-wasters, in the best possible way!’
‘They are…your family is lovely, Ally.’
‘I agree, but then they’re mine so I have to,’ I joked. ‘No, they’re the sweetest family you could ever wish to meet. If I ever found anything even half as wonderful as they have, I’d be a happy woman.’
Alex fell silent and didn’t respond to the comment. I stopped talking, worrying that I had said something wrong. I needn’t have worried though, because when we arrived home, all was well.
It was dark and cold when we pulled up outside my house. I unlocked the front door and as I shut it behind us, Alex encircled my waist with her hands and turned me to face her.
‘I’m so glad we’re alone again,’ she murmured, her lips kissing mine, slowly but insistently.
‘Me too,’ I said moaning softly. ‘It was lovely going to see Laurie and the kids but it felt like a long, long time…’
‘It sure did,’ she said, her mouth exploring mine.
I gave myself up to her kiss and opened my mouth under hers. Her tongue aroused me immediately and set up an aching need deep within me. She pressed me up against the wall and her fingers slipped into my jeans. As we kissed, her fingers circled on my sensitive clitoris. I felt the need in me rising swiftly as she drove me to breaking point. I came with a cry, tearing my mouth from hers as my orgasm racked my body.
Recovering quickly, I turned Alex so her back pushed against the wall and eased my hand into the front of her jeans. Her sex was slick with arousal and I met her eyes as I moved my fingers against her. The moment was made even more intimate by the intense eye contact which we maintained as I worked her towards orgasm. She only looked away when she came hard and fast, her head going back against the wall. When she was recovered, she looked down at me once more.
‘I needed that,’ she murmured.
I smiled, feeling blissfully contented.
‘So…it’s not very late,’ she said, taking my hand as we walked in.
‘No, it’s not,’ I agreed.
‘Do you know what I’d love to do?’ she said softly.
‘What’s that?’ I asked, turning to her with a smile.
‘I’d like to curl up with you on the sofa, watching Christmas TV and eating chocolate before heading to bed to make love with you for hours…’
I met her eyes with a dreamy expression on my face. ‘Alex…that sounds just about perfect,’ I said.
‘Just about?’
I grinned, ‘Hot chocolate and marshmallows too.’
She smiled, ‘How could I forget?’
‘I’ll get the drinks, you get a blanket and the film?’
‘Will do,’ she promised.
I headed off to the kitchen with a smile on my face.
Chapter 29
Boxing Day
The following morning, I once again woke in Alex’s arms. We were cuddled up close to one another and our bodies were naked and warm.
My mind quickly recapped the day before, remembering what a wonderful Christmas day we had shared, completed by an evening together on the sofa, cosied up watching festive films. It had been magical, pure and simple. I had enjoyed every minute of it.
Now, with the day over, I found I was already trying to analyse what it was that was happening between us. I kept telling myself to stop and just enjoy it, but my head wasn’t cooperating.
Alex stirred and stretched like a large cat. I smiled over at her warmly.
‘Good morning,’ I murmured.
‘Morning,’ she replied sleepily. ‘What’s the time?’ she asked.
I looked over at the clock. ‘7.45…why?’ I asked with a frown, ‘do you have to be somewhere?’
‘Yeah! The café?’
I looked at her, surprised. ‘The café? Are you opening today?’
‘Yes…didn’t I tell you?’
‘Uh, no…I don’t think you did. I think I thought you were seeing your family today,’ I said, feeling strangely disappointed that our little holiday off together was over so quickly.
‘I am, or we are, I hope! I always open up the café from 9am till about 4pm…then go to my parent’s house.’
‘Oh right! Well, I didn’t realise!’
‘You might want to consider opening the gallery,’ she advised. ‘Takings on holidays like Boxing Day are usually through the roof.’
‘Really? I hadn’t thought of that.’
‘Yeah…if you think, people and families want a walk down the beach…they stop off for a drink and a cake or some food…then they look in the shop, or your gallery! They have extra Christmas money or they’re making impulse buys because they’re feeling merry. It’s worth considering for your own sake…and pocket!’ she smiled.
‘Yes…’ I murmured, ‘I think you’re right.’
‘You sounded disappointed at first,’ she commented, with a small smile on her face.
‘Well yeah…I just…I guess I was a little sad that our time together was stopping.’
‘I hope it’s not going to stop,’ she replied, sounding alarmed.
‘No, I didn’t mean altogether…I was just…well, I guess I was enjoying a little holiday.’
She smiled at me, ‘We’ll stay in the spirit, even if we’re working today!’
‘You’re right.’
‘Well, I’d better get up and showered as I need to be down at the café soon…we’ll have plenty of time together later on, maybe?’
‘Yes, that would be nice,’ I smiled.
‘And will you come to see my parent’s this evening? I’d much rather go with you than alone.’
‘I’d love to,’ I replied, ‘but would you phone ahead and check it’s okay if I come?’
‘Of course…I’ll ring them this morning.’
I watched Alex climb out of bed and walk off to the shower. I lay in bed, waiting for my turn in the bathroom and thought about the last few days. It had all developed so quickly, I mused, and perhaps a little space may be beneficial. A day in the gallery would be peaceful, I thought, and I could paint a little more ready for the New Year. I hauled myself out of bed, ready to make a start on the day. If there were customers out there looking to buy, I would be ready.
After Alex showered, I did the same. I was dry, dressed and ready in the space of twenty minutes and ready when Alex called for me.
We drove down to the beach in Alex’s car and se parked up in the empty car park.
‘It’s pretty quiet,’ I commented, as we climbed out of the car and headed around the building.
‘It is now…I bet you that by ten o clock, you’ll be as run off your feet as we will be!’
‘Oh really? We’ll see,’ I smiled.
She nodded, knowingly. ‘You will, I’m sure.’
We reached the point where we would part for the day. ‘Well, see you later on?’ I said hesitantly.
‘Pop over at lunchtime? I’ll make us a sandwich?’
‘Okay,’ I agreed. ‘See you then.’
‘Yeah…’ she murmured, her eyes flickering down to my mouth momentarily.
I could see exactly what she was thinking so I shook my head slowly. ‘Uh uh…not here,’ I murmured quietly.
‘No…point taken…but it would have been good,’ she replied.
‘It would have been great!’ I exclaimed and grinned at her happily.
‘See you later, Ally.’
‘See you later,’ I said and then turned to head for the gallery.
I unlocked my art gallery and pulled up the blinds. After arranging a few more items attractively, I settled behind my canvas to continue my latest painting.
I worked for a least an hour in peace, thinking how wrong Alex had been about there being millions of cus
tomers arriving on Boxing Day. Just after ten o clock, everything changed though. A couple came in and began to browse which set off a domino effect. Soon, the gallery was crammed with people browsing and buying various items I had for sale. I had to completely abandon my painting as there was such a rush of people. Every time one lot left, more would flood in. It was wonderful and my takings began to go through the roof.
By lunch time, I had sold more in one day than I had in the past few weeks! I had also taken two commissions for paintings which two customers wanted me to create. With no calm in sight, I quickly sent a text message to Alex to let her know I wouldn’t be able to pop over for lunch. She replied soon after saying that it was just as hectic at the café, so it was just as well.
I carried on all afternoon, with a constant stream of customers coming in and out. My sales astounded me and I was absolutely flattered with the amount of positive comments my work received. People seemed to truly like the things that I have made which made me feel utterly wonderful.
At half past three, things finally slowed and I had a lull, where there only a few people around. I finally sat down behind my desk with a weary sigh, exhausted but overjoyed Alex had talked me into opening the gallery.
‘Knock, knock,’ a voice said.
I looked up surprised. It was Alex. ‘Hey!’
‘Hey to you! It’s all calmed a bit next door so we’re winding it down ready to close up.’
‘Yeah, same here…it’s been manic though! Up until about half an hour ago, I’ve been run off my feet!’ I exclaimed.
‘Same here.’
‘I’m exhausted!’
‘Me too…will you still come to Mum and Dad’s though?’ she asked with a frown.
‘Of course! Maybe I could go home and have a bath first though? I ache all over!’
Alex smiled wickedly. ‘You can if I can join you!’
I laughed. ‘I don’t know how relaxing that would be,’ I said chuckling.
‘Oh I’ll make sure you’re relaxed…really relaxed,’ she promised.
‘Okay then…well, when are you closing up?’ I asked.
‘About four. How about you?’
‘Well the same I think…I just need to arrange some more stock out now. I’ve sold incredible amounts of art today! You were so spot on about it being busy and profitable! I’ve made an absolute tonne of money!’
