To Love Thy Neighbour

by S M Mala

  ‘I could scrub your back,’ added Ralph and walked closer.

  ‘I prefer to shower,’ Esme replied and glanced at Leon. ‘Which reminds me. Can you take a look at the light in the bathroom? It keeps flickering, and it’s not the bulb.’

  ‘Sure,’ he replied, seeing Ralph give him a filthy look. ‘I’ll pop upstairs now.’

  He then walked quickly towards the staircase, running up and went into the bathroom. But he stood by the door so he could hear what was going on downstairs.

  ‘What’s he doing here?’ Ralph asked, and all he could hear was Esme’s laugh. ‘What’s so funny?’

  ‘You.’

  ‘I have a right to know if something’s going on. He’s young enough to be your son.’

  Another loud burst of laughter echoed through the house.

  ‘He’s young enough to be your son,’ she said, highly amused. ‘And if I wanted to go with someone half my age, I would do. Leon is in a relationship with a nice young woman.’

  ‘Ah, the one that wears miniskirts and looks a bit tarty. Lucky guy!’

  ‘If I had her legs, I would. And it’s serious between them so don’t make snide comments. He’s a good man and I adore his daughter.’

  ‘Like a surrogate grandmother?’

  ‘Fucker,’ mumbled Leon, bracing himself up against the door frame.

  He closed his eyes, realising that’s what she thought. It would make his seduction of Esme near impossible. And Ralph’s comment wouldn’t help.

  ‘If you’re going to be mean, then I’d prefer if you went as I have to finish off this Pavlova. The one you like me to make, especially for you,’ she said quietly, but Leon could hear the annoyance in her voice. ‘I’m fifty, not eighty and I don’t care if she thinks I’m her grandmother. Mali’s a lovely little girl, and I’m happy she comes to see me. They’re nice neighbours. Now, get your servants to come over and get these boxes.’

  ‘I didn’t mean to upset you,’ he said gently.

  ‘Are you sure it’s not the light bulb?’ shouted out Leon, wanting Ralph to leave. ‘Can you show me?’

  ‘Better go,’ he heard her say and she ran up the stairs, rolling her eyes as soon as she saw him.

  ‘I’ll see you later,’ Ralph bellowed out. ‘The guys will come and pick up the food in five minutes.’

  ‘I don’t think he’s leaving us together for long, do you?’ she smiled and walked to the bathroom.

  ‘It’ll be a quickie,’ whispered Leon and looked at her staring at the flickering light. ‘It’s got to be the wiring. I’ll check it out. Where’s your fuse box?’ He noticed she pulled a face and then sat on the toilet seat. ‘What’s wrong?’

  ‘I’m dreading this party. The last one he had, he made out I was his housekeeper. Very odd. And today, who knows what he’s going to say. Maybe he’s sponsoring me from a third world country that’s over-run by middle-aged women.’ She rested her chin in her hand and sighed. She looked like Mali, when she was having a sulk. Leon couldn’t help but smile. ‘It’s not just his ingrained snobbery, but he’s a bit backward about moving forward.’

  ‘What do you mean ‘forward’?’

  ‘Having an open mind about things. Different cultures, the way people are. I told you, he thinks Alfie being gay and teaching small kids isn’t a good thing. He said that in front of my son within weeks of moving here. I’ve never seen Alfie so angry, and I was no help.’

  ‘What did you do?’

  ‘I gave him a piece of my mind and told him white, middle-class fuckers like him were bringing down the neighbourhood.’ Esme started to laugh, shaking her head. ‘I think that’s when he thought I’d be a challenge. Something out of the ordinary to get a leg over with. When I eventually told him how old I was, well, I thought it would stop him. Quite the contrary.’

  ‘Have you told him what you think?’

  ‘Yes, but he’s not listening. Maybe he wants a bit of exotic, old and exotic, to give him some street cred when he goes to the bar. Not the one at the pub, but the one at work.’

  ‘He’s a cheeky arse for saying that you’re old enough to be Mali’s grandmother,’ Leon said, watching her eyes dart up. ‘You could be her mother.’

  ‘That’s sweet.’

  ‘I'm honest.’ Knowing he was going to blush, he stood up. ‘And why was Ralph strangling you earlier on?’

  ‘He touched my neck and I’m very sensitive there. That’s what Mali saw and saved me from dropping food on the floor.’

  ‘I see,’ he said, a little twinge of jealousy creeping through again. ‘Then make sure at least one hand is free when he comes closer again.’

  Esme stood up and smiled.

  He wanted to kiss her.

  It was the ideal time.

  But he was scared she would slap him away.

  ‘Let me escort you to the fuse box,’ she said, brushing against him and walking down the stairs.

  That’s when Leon knew he was falling for Esme.

  And it meant too much to him to balls it up again.

  ‘What’s wrong with me?’

  Esme was taking a relatively cold shower an hour after Leon left.

  She was on heat and would have gladly thrown the young man on his back, ravaging him on her kitchen floor. ‘Must be the change.’

  Being so close to him throughout the day and having a great time, made her realise she fancied the arse off him. Not only did he look good, he made her laugh and was kind in offering to help.

  ‘Stop it Esme,’ she said to herself, walking out the shower, dripping wet and looking at where Leon had fixed her light. His hands carefully touching the wires while she watched him in awe. ‘Old, old, old!’

  Then she walked to her bedroom and looked at her naked body in the mirror.

  ‘Old.’

  Her skin was smooth and not too mottled, but her stomach had never reverted back to its once flat shape. There were stretch marks and on her hips.

  ‘I’m never going to have sex again,’ she said and hung her head down, looking at her breasts.

  They weren’t that bad, still hadn’t reached her waist and had some pertness. She put that down to her the exercises she had done in her twenties.

  ‘Who’s going to want to sleep with me?’ Again she sighed. ‘Certainly not him. His girlfriend is half my age and has a fit body. He’d be granny shagging if he did. Oh!’

  Burying her head in her hands, she growled before getting changed.

  ‘Oh.’

  That’s all he could say when he glanced up at the window.

  She had no idea he had been standing in the back of his garden when she walked into her bedroom.

  Esme was naked and looked like she was talking to herself in the mirror before getting dressed.

  She looked beautiful.

  Her smooth brown skin, dripping wet, and her hair all tousled and sexy.

  To make sure he wasn’t caught, he hid behind a bush, observing her walk around.

  Closing his eyes, he imagined making love to her. Kissing all over her body and letting his lips glide over her breasts before moving to what lay between her thighs.

  Something dark and inviting.

  ‘Shit!’ he said, walking back to his house.

  If he had the time, he would have played with himself because he was stiff as a rod.

  The bell rang.

  It was Melanie.

  Knowing what he needed to do, he realised it was pretty bad but craved some light, sexual relief.

  Opening the door, he smiled.

  She wasn’t what he wanted, or even close to it.

  That was currently next door.

  ‘Hello,’ she said, all made up and smelling of strong perfume. ‘You look good.’

  ‘So do you. Want to play before we party?’

  He didn’t have to ask twice, as she pushed him back into the house, slammed the door shut and sunk to her knees.

  ‘I see you’re excited to see me,’ she said, undoing his fly. ‘Oh, I don’t want t
o waste this!’

  Her hand started to do what he wanted, and he closed his eyes when her mouth covered his end.

  All he could think about was Esme and imaging her doing the same thing to him.

  ‘That’s good,’ he gulped and felt her tongue and lips moving up and down. ‘Really, very good.’

  ‘I love your cock,’ she said, in between mouthfuls. ‘I want you to stick it in hard.’

  ‘Sure,’ he said, knowing he was close to coming.

  ‘I’ve got condoms.’

  Keeping his eyes firmly shut, he felt the rubber going on then opened his eyes.

  Quickly he turned her around and pushed her on the sofa, pulling up her dress. She quickly took off her knickers, and he went for it.

  As he shagged the young hairdresser, all he could think about was his neighbour.

  Then his eyes wandered down, and he noticed Mali’s Peppa Pig book.

  Leon would have to break up with Melanie.

  It wasn’t working for him on all levels.

  ‘You didn’t have to touch me there!’

  Esme was furious because Ralph groped her breast when she was putting down the large container with the Pavlova. ‘That’s out of order!’

  She was met with a mischievous grin as he sipped his drink.

  ‘Come on, let’s have some fun,’ he whispered. ‘You look gorgeous.’

  ‘Please don’t touch me inappropriately again,’ she said, letting out a small huff after speaking. ‘We’re not together and don’t think I’m some hooker.’

  ‘I’m sorry,’ Ralph replied, his smile fading. ‘You felt good.’

  Esme turned around and concentrated on sorting out the trays. Waitresses had been hired. Ralph liked the idea of women serving, mainly because they were out of work dancers and actresses, and he thought he could get some action afterwards.

  Also, it pleased his male friends and upset the wives and girlfriends, who looked on furiously while the men flirted.

  All the time, she knew Ralph was eyeing her up and down.

  It made her feel self-conscious.

  Within half an hour, people arrived and the place was buzzing with activity.

  Then she saw him.

  Walking across the road with Melanie.

  Leon looked lovely, and she knew her stupid pining was a waste of time.

  His girlfriend had a super fit body and looked glamourous but mostly young.

  No amount of face serum, microdermabrasion or factor 50 could ever give Esme that same, youthful glow. And as for the figure? Esme never had a great start in that area compared to the young hairdresser.

  They walked in, looking fresh and happy. The people in the room immediately noticed the attractive couple and gave appreciative glances.

  It was Esme who wished she could hide in the corner and stay there.

  Looking around the room and out onto the garden, there was no-one for her.

  While checking on something in the oven an hour later, she felt a tap on her shoulder.

  ‘Hello mum,’ Alfie said, standing behind her. She did a double take when noticing who was next to him. ‘I’ve brought Ethan along.’ Her son smiled mischievously at her. ‘I told him you thought he had a leg over with the handsome next door neighbour.’

  ‘Alfie!’ she said loudly, frantically wiping her hands. ‘You didn’t have to say that!’

  ‘He’s gorgeous, Leon, but I’m simply not his type. He’s more into womanly things,’ grinned Ethan, putting out his hand. ‘Good to see you again Mrs Reeves.’

  ‘It’s Esme and good to see you.’

  She pulled him forward and kissed him on the cheek while glaring at her son.

  ‘Ethan, I don’t know if my son has told you but your host is a little, how shall I say?’ She pondered for a moment as her eyes searched the garden. Then she saw Leon, and there was an involuntary flutter. ‘He’s not very broad minded considering he’s a barrister.’

  ‘Yeah, Alf said he’s a homophobic, misogynist, ingrained racist and a wanker.’

  ‘That’s it, is it?’ she asked, seeing Alfie sheepishly smile.

  ‘I deal with them all the time in hospital,’ the handsome young man replied, grinning. ‘You get used to it.’

  ‘Don’t let anyone belittle or speak down to you,’ Esme said, tearing her eyes away from Leon, not before noticing her son was looking where she had been momentarily preoccupied. ‘They’re a bit up their own arses.’

  ‘You know my mother accosted Leon and snogged him,’ whispered Alfie. Esme’s mouth dropped open in horror at the comment. ‘Then he said she was too old.’

  ‘Funny that. My mum’s the same age as you, and that never stopped him from coming round for a bit of afternoon delight!’ laughed Ethan. ‘Let’s get a drink and see who we can wind up.’

  She didn’t know what to say.

  It hadn’t occurred to her that Leon was sleeping with Ethan’s mother. She immediately thought it would have to be someone else, hence thinking there was a lodger.

  Alfie seemed to be examining her as she smiled.

  ‘You look a little bit startled,’ he asked, looking at Ethan as he left the kitchen. ‘Are you okay?’

  ‘Leon’s been sleeping with Ethan’s mum?’ Esme mumbled. ‘Really?’

  ‘I don’t know the ins and outs, and I don’t want to. Seems to have been a casual arrangement. But I think it’s all over now, considering he’s going out with a Jewish princess.’ There was no mistaking Alfie turning up his nose. ‘He could do so much better than that!’

  Her thoughts were now completely out of kilter. If Leon had been sleeping with an older woman, then she wondered why he was so set against seeing her.

  Obviously he didn’t find her attractive, and Esme bit her lip hard, seeing the harsh reality of it all when she glanced at his girlfriend.

  ‘What’s wrong?’ Alfie whispered, touching her arm. ‘You look upset.’

  ‘Oh nothing,’ she sighed, smiling at her son and gently touching his cheek. ‘Ralph’s starting to get a little bit too fresh. It’s pretty annoying.’ Then she hesitated. ‘Alfie, I need to speak to you privately. Can you come and see me tomorrow?’

  ‘Why?’ he asked, his eyes full of concern. ‘Are you all right?’

  ‘Me? I’m as well as can be, but I need to speak to you about your father.’

  ‘Oscar Reeves?’ Alfie’s face immediately changed. ‘What does he want now? Still trying to make us go for a pow wow?’

  ‘Let’s speak about it tomorrow. Alfie, I love you more than anything in the whole wide world, you do know that, don’t you?’

  She was given a warm hug and placed her head against his chest.

  ‘Mum, don’t let dad talk you into things,’ he whispered, looking down at her.

  ‘He wants to see you and your grandma. That’s all.’

  ‘When it comes to dad, there’s always another agenda. Trust me on that.’

  ‘What are you looking at?’

  Melanie seemed a little pissed off while Leon glanced into the kitchen and saw Alfie and Esme hugging. ‘Is that her boyfriend? He’s a little young.’

  ‘It’s her son,’ Leon replied, smiling at the pair.

  ‘Really? How old is he?’

  ‘Twenty-three and he teaches Mali in reception.’

  ‘God! She must be well into her forties then!’ Melanie said before letting out a small laugh. ‘No wonder she wants to be a surrogate mum to Mali. Her baby days are over.’

  He couldn’t help but give Melanie a dirty look regarding the bitchy comment.

  But she was oblivious to it, as she stood in the garden knowing the older men were eyeing her up. Then he felt her arm around his waist, pulling him closer.

  ‘They seem like a nice group of people,’ she said, looking at him straight in the eye. ‘A nice class of person.’

  ‘I don’t know them, other than Esme, Alfie and-.’

  ‘Hello Leon!’ Ethan said, walking straight up to him, shaking his hand then planting a ki
ss on his cheek. ‘And who do we have here?’

  ‘Hello,’ she said, looking flirtatiously at the young man. ‘I’m Leon’s girlfriend, Melanie. Nice to meet you.’

  There was air kissing, but Leon looked over and noticed Alfie was walking towards them.

  ‘I’m Ethan. Leon’s lover,’ he said, and Leon started to laugh. ‘Or so Mrs Reeves thought. How funny! Alfie told me she was trying to fix you up with him.’

  ‘Pardon me?’ Melanie said, looking a little confused.

  ‘Hello there,’ Alfie said, walking up to them and shaking Leon’s hand before smiling at Melanie, who seemed taken aback by the beauty of the young man. Leon wanted to laugh. ‘I’m Alfie, nice to meet you.’

  ‘What’s this about your mother wanting to fix you up with Leon?’ she asked, the pitch of her voice getting higher, all the while looking flirtatiously at him.

  ‘My mum thought Leon was gay because she saw him coming out of my…’ Ethan then looked at Leon.

  ‘I went to do some electrician work at his mother’s home and Ethan kissed me on the cheek. Esme got the wrong impression and thought that I might want to hook up with Alfie.’

  ‘I’m gay,’ Alfie said, smiling sweetly at her.

  ‘But aren’t you Mali’s teacher?’ she replied, sounding a little bit more than confused.

  ‘I am a gay teacher. Yes, that is right.’

  ‘I see,’ Melanie said and now had a fixed smile. ‘Is that allowed?’

  ‘They have black and Indian teachers so I think it’s okay, don’t you?’

  ‘Well, I don’t know,’ she replied and Leon shook his head, knowing she was probably going to say something completely inappropriate.

  ‘Why don’t you get us a refill?’ Leon quietly asked. ‘I’ve finished my drink.’

  ‘Yes,’ she said, putting on a strained smile. ‘I need to go to the ladies.’

  All three of them watched her toddle off.

  ‘I’m sorry about that, guys,’ Leon said, looking at them. ‘Some people just have strange views.’

  ‘Tell me about it!’ laughed Ethan, clinking his wine glass against Leon’s half empty beer.