by Helen Bright
“Yeah they talk about who they think has a big cock and if they don’t like a bloke or if he’s being moody they always say it’s because he has a small cock. Then they need to pee, one after the other and Alex, you know it’s not like when we go. A drunken women squatting down for a piss is not a pretty sight believe me, especially old Moira from the canteen.”
“You are fucking joking now. Old Moira the lovely granny who brings us the cupcakes,” I asked. Nik nodded his face ashen.
“But then comes the vomiting,”
“Oh god, they don’t........do they?”
“Yep, and it’s always advisable to take at least two buckets.” “Oh fuck what have I done? I only volunteered so I could see Julia again. I will try and get out of it...... Why didn’t you say something Nik?” “You had already volunteered my friend, what could I do? If you drop out now they will sing about your small cock on their way home.” “I have a big cock,” I said proudly.
“But you will have disappointed them Alex and even though I’m sure Julia was impressed last night, she’ll probably be drunk and will be joining in with the rest of them.”
“I could ask Josh if he wanted to take them.” “He won’t do it Alex. You didn’t see him last time he volunteered because you were in Ireland with Finn and Freya. He was in shock for days he said he thought his black skin was going to turn white with fear. I wouldn’t have thought anything could take down a big vampire like him but driving our female staff home after a night out just about broke him.”
Oh shit! I was so screwed.
Chapter 12
Julia
I couldn’t believe that Alex had kissed me in front of Nik and Gina. We had only just got together last night and by kissing me in front of people it was announcing that we had something together. Maybe we did, Alex had certainly made his feelings clear last night and this morning.
When I think of last night I can’t help but smile and also feel a little turned on. It was the most erotic night of my life. That’s one word I can use to describe it. Thrilling, sexy, orgasmic, hot and many, many more I’m sure would follow if I allowed myself to carry on. Gina spoke and pulled me out of my daydream.
“Sooo.....you and Alex. How long have you been seeing him?”
“Gina, you have already seen him kiss me so I don’t mind telling you, but I don’t really want this to go any further.”
“No worries on that score love; we all have secrets to keep.” “I have known Alex for a while and he has been a good friend to me since well........” “I know what happened to you Julia and I am very sorry. You don’t have to say anymore if you don’t want to.” Gina put her hand over mine and pulled up behind the loading yard.
“Thanks Gina. It is very hard to talk about so I will just skip that part because I always seem to cry still. Anyway, as I said Alex was just a good friend, listening to me talk and well just being there for me. It wasn’t until after my interview last night that it became anything else. All I know is we went to his home and sat chatting, then he told me that he was a......” I didn’t want to say anything in case she wasn’t aware of what they were.
“A Vampire,” Gina said questioningly.
“Yes, sorry I didn’t know if you were aware.” “Yes I’ve known for years. I donate blood with the works nurse quite regularly. As do most of our staff.” “Well I wasn’t aware until last night. And I admit I found it very hard to believe at first. But after a while it didn’t really bother me, which sounds strange I know but, Alex is just such a nice person and I know he wouldn’t hurt me.” “He is nice Julia, and also really good looking, tall, hunky and basically an all round sexy guy, but that kiss he just gave you, well I could tell that meant a lot more than ‘I’m glad you just spent the night with me’.” “I don’t want to move too fast though Gina. I’ve not been separated that long really so I don’t want to just launch myself into a new relationship. What would everyone think of me if I did that? It just felt so right with him last night though, and quite honestly part of me feels tempted to go straight back to him now.”
“No one knows what you need more than you so my advice for what it’s worth is do whatever you want to do, especially if it makes you feel good because there is only you that can live your life, not anyone else, so don’t worry about what anyone else thinks. I know that’s easier said than done but the longer you worry about something, the more barriers you put up against it. I know I have, and now it seems just too late for me.”
I put my hand on hers and squeezed, “Gina It’s never too late, and I know there is something between you and Nik. Why don’t you act on your own advice? Maybe we can both find what we need, who knows.”
“I‘m married Julia, but it’s not worth the paper it’s written on quite honestly.
Me and Steve did love each other at one time. When I had my daughter things were great between us then two years later after having my son things went downhill fast. But he’s been a good dad, worked hard all his life and he’s never raised a hand to me in anger. It’s more than a lot of women have, but as far as a love life goes, well there hasn’t been one for years now. Many, many years, and believe me I’ve read all the magazines that tell you how to spice up your love life and get your marriage back on track, but you can’t force something that just isn’t there anymore. I know this sounds stupid but if he was a bad man and he hurt me physically, god forbid, it would make it easier to leave, but he’s a good man, just not good at being a husband.”
My heart went out to Gina. I didn’t know her very well but you could tell how much the situation was costing her emotionally.
“Nik is great though Gina and maybe he’s the one to give you the loving you have been missing out on all these years.”
“Nik doesn’t love me; he just acts like he does. I’ve worked here a long time now and I have seen the women he’s took to bed. Young, slim, good looking women, so what on earth would he want with me, a short, overweight forty-three year old, with two grown up kids?”
“Why are you putting yourself down? You are a very attractive woman Gina. Maybe you should just give him a chance to prove himself.” I let out a sigh, debating whether I should say anything. “I have been told that his feelings for you are very real. But it’s up to you what you do with that information.”
Gina went quite until I broke the silence by asking for her mobile number so I could get the details for tomorrow night. I told her how much I was looking forward to it and that I hadn’t had a girl’s night out in ages. She said she would make sure it was one to remember. I gave her a hug, said goodbye and I left to get my car.”
Chapter 13
Julia
I kept thinking about Gina as I drove home. I thought how sad it was that she had spent all these years without love and affection from her husband, just because he was a good father and a good man. Gavin was a good man and he would have been a great father too but we couldn’t be in a room without arguing with each other. Would I have stayed?
When Alex asked me I said yes but after speaking with Gina I just don’t know anymore. She seemed so sad, yet so resigned to her fate. She also didn’t have a lot of confidence in herself and I could empathise with her on that score. My confidence had plummeted since the accident. That’s why for this night out I was going to treat myself and make some changes to my appearance. Then I will be able to go out and feel like the new me I wanted to be.
When I pulled into the driveway I could see my mum in the kitchen window. It was time to face the music about last night with Alex. I felt like a teenager waiting to be told off for being out too late, but when I opened the door all mum said was “cup of tea love.”
I sat down at the breakfast bar and waited for mum to speak.
“So when do you start work?” she said, not looking at me while she made us both a cuppa.
“Monday. Which is good really because I have been invited out tomorrow night with the girls from work?”
Mum finally turned and looked at me and sp
oke, “that’s great love, I’ve heard about their nights out and you’ll really enjoy it I’m sure.”
“I hope so,” I replied wanting to keep the conversation light. “I’m thinking of having my hair done tomorrow if I can get booked in. Gina from work said that Cathy’s in town is a good place to go.”
“Yes it is. You can have all sorts done there too like nails and spray tans and such like. I don’t think it’s expensive either.”
“I hope she can fit me in for a cut and maybe some highlights. If it’s not too late I may even get a spray tan, although you are supposed to leave it on overnight I think so maybe not.”
“You could try and get in tonight for a spray tan because it opens late on Thursdays and Fridays. It’s where I had mine before we went on holiday last year.”
I rang the number Gina had given me for Cathy’s, booked for a spray tan that evening and for hair and nails done the day after.
“I could do with some new clothes too mum so do you fancy going shopping with me in the morning?” I asked.
“Julia,” she said with tears in her eyes, “I would love to come shopping with you.”
“What’s wrong mum?” I said as I put my arms around her.
“Nothing love, I’m just so glad to see you making plans to go out and enjoy yourself, and taking care of your appearance again. We couldn’t seem to get you out of your pyjamas or even to brush your hair last week, so to hear all this today and to see you want to do something fun again, well it’s just wonderful.”
In that instance I felt so selfish for all the worry I had put my parents through since the accident.
“I’m sorry mum. I know you have been worried about me but I really do feel more positive about my future now.”
“Can I ask if that has anything to do with Alex Staithes?” Finally mum had broached the subject.
“Yes I think it does,” I said blushing but not avoiding her gaze.
“Do you want to talk about it,” she asked as she sat down across from me.
I didn’t know what to say at first. Did I want to talk to my mum about the wild night of passion I had with my soon to be boss? Not really, but I wouldn’t hide what had happened from her either.
“I went back to Alex’s home after the interview and we got talking and drinking wine and it got late so I decided to spend the night with him.”
“You mean sleep with him, in his bed?”
“Yes mum, I slept with him, in his bed and yes we did have sex. More than once if you must know and it was bloody fantastic every time.” There, I said it and we both sat there blushing but just as I thought she wouldn’t carry on with this conversation she said, “Good, I’m glad because doing that has brought you back home a much happier person than when you left here yesterday. You do know what he is I assume?”
“Yes, he told me last night he was a vampire? Freaked me out at first but I wasn’t afraid of him.”
“He’s a good man before he’s anything else. He came all the way to Birmingham as soon as your dad called him after your accident. He was so good when you woke up after having some of his blood. And with Megan, well he was amazing.”
“He got you exactly what you needed because I wasn’t strong enough at that time to do so. I was a complete wreck when I saw you and learned what had happened to my grandchild. I know Megan was your child Julia but you are mine, and not only was I seeing you physically hurt but you were so emotionally hurt, it tore me up. I should have insisted I bring Megan to you but the doctors had advised against it. Thank god for Alex.”
“His sister lost her daughter when she was just eight years old and her son was stillborn on the same night. It was due to a house fire in which her husband also died.” I would never forget the sad story he told me of Freya’s family. My heart went out to them both for what they both endured at that time. Mum sat with her hand over her mouth in shock.
“Oh that poor family. What a terrible thing to happen to them, it’s like something you see on TV. How do you ever get over something like that?”
“Alex says that the inner strength and power that is within most females is something that will prevail above all else.” Mum just stared at me and said “I think I could fall in love with that man Julia.”
I knew where she was coming from with that statement. The more minutes I had been away from him the more I wanted to be with him. I knew it was wrong, and that I should give it time, but I couldn’t wait to see him tomorrow. Obviously my mum wasn’t bothered which was one of my concerns, so really there was only me holding back. Tomorrow I was going to be the spray tanned, hair highlighted, perfect nailed me and she wasn’t going to hold back at all.
Chapter 14
Julia
I looked in the mirror and didn’t recognise myself. I normally didn’t wear much make up but the new colours I had bought made my blue eyes seem much brighter. Chelsea the hairdresser had done a great job with my hair. It was normally a dull chestnut brown, but now I had three different coloured highlights through it ranging from copper to dark blonde and the spray tan really brought the lighter colours out. Mum had helped me choose an electric blue shift dress that ended mid thigh. I thought it was a bit short, but it hid my tummy and mum said it made my legs look long. With a pair of black patent heels and black and blue patent clutch bag I was ready for my first girl’s night out in years.
I stepped into the kitchen ready to face mum and dad and get their opinion. Dad stood up and said, “Bloody gorgeous love. I can’t believe this is my Julia, you look like one of them supermodels.”
“Laying it on a bit thick there dad,” I said with a laugh, supermodel I definitely wasn’t but it was nice to see the proud look he had on his face. Mum was the same and I hugged her and thanked her for going shopping with me today.
“Will you be coming home tonight love,” mum said, noticing the overnight back I had dropped at my feet.
“No, I’m going back to Alex’s tonight,” I said sheepishly. I had avoided speaking to my dad about Alex since I got back yesterday. I wasn’t too sure what he would say about me spending the night with someone I wasn’t in a committed relationship with, even at thirty four years old. But he didn’t look at me any different he just laughed and said, “I can’t believe he volunteered to drive those women around on one of their nights out. Would never have taken him for a fool until now,” he laughed.
“What do you mean dad. I think it’s sweet that he’s driving us.” I wasn’t sure what dad was getting at.
“Oh you’ll find out soon enough. These ladies nights out are legendary. They make us men look like choirboys and from what Josh said the poor driver has his work cut out getting them all home safe.”
“Well I’m sure he will cope,” I said laughing. I saw Alex pull up in the minibus so I kissed mum and dad goodnight and went outside.
Alex got out of the vehicle and stood still when he saw me, his mouth gaping open.
“I brought and overnight bag with me Alex so should I just put it in the front with you?” I questioned as I strode towards him.
He hurried forward and took my bag and placed it in the front passenger seat before turning to take my hand and helping me up into the vehicle. He watched me buckle my seatbelt without saying a word to me.
“Is everything ok Alex?” I asked getting a little worried that I had offended him in some way. “You did say you wanted me to stay with you tonight when you called me last night?” I had begun to think his silence meant he had changed his mind.
He closed the door to my side and went round to the driver’s side. After he had got in and buckled up he finally turned to me and let out a deep breath.
“Julia,” his voice sounded husky but controlled. “You look absolutely stunning tonight. You are a beautiful woman anyway but to see you now, like this, I just want to take you back to my place and make love to you all night. I wanted to kiss you when I saw you just now but was afraid if I did I wouldn’t be able to stop and I don’t think that would have gone do
wn well with your parents.”
“I’m not beautiful Alex,” I said with a laugh, “but I appreciate you giving my confidence a boost, and let me tell you, in those black Jeans and t shirt you look even more gorgeous than you normally do, so we make a good pair tonight.”
Alex took my hand and kissed it before saying, “we make a good pair always Julia, not just tonight.”
Maggie was our first pick up and she came out looking perfectly groomed as usual. She was going on for sixty now but didn’t look a day over forty. She was always so well put together and tonight was no exception. She wore a black and red bodycon dress with black high heeled boots and a black jacket. She was just gorgeous and I could only wish to look that good at her age.
Next was a lady called Moira who Maggie informed me worked in the canteen on Friday’s. She was at least seventy, with pure white hair, sparkly blue eyes and was really quite sweet. She promised to make me some cupcakes to celebrate my first week at work.
Next we picked up Gina, and Alex was absolutely gobsmacked when he saw her. I had met her in the hairdressers earlier and seen her transformation from shoulder length strawberry blond hair to a baby blond short style cut into the neck at the back but with a little length on top. She wore a black pencil skirt with a vibrant pink blouse that showed off her ample cleavage, and super high black stilettos that made her legs look long and lean. She looked stunning, but blushed from head to toe when everyone in the minibus told her so.
I asked her what her husband had thought about her new style and colour but she said he hadn’t noticed, although she said her son and daughter said she looked great, and at least ten years younger.
Gina had said to me that her husband wasn’t a bad man but I didn’t necessarily agree with that. Even if they were friends and not lovers he should have noticed such a drastic change in her appearance. She said she had lost over twenty six pounds in weight over the last three months by going to the gym and doing kick boxing. Well I think maybe she should be kick boxing him out the door.
