Then there was silence. I was trying to gather my thoughts, and he was probably doing the same.
“I’m trying to get better. I know it won’t happen overnight, but I don’t want anything like this to ever happen again.” He leaned in to hug me.
This was a defining moment. I could let the feud continue or try to patch up our relationship and eventually forgive him. Leaning in, I had tears as I hugged my dad for the first time since before my time involved with the reality TV show. “What about the money you still owe them? You must have used a bunch to get this flight.”
“Don’t worry. That person, I can’t even say his name, who arranged what happened to you—” The last words came out sounding choked. “He’ll be put away after the trial and can’t come near you or me when he gets out.”
I tried to see past the anger and upset at him. “That man is evil.”
“I know. Okay, son, by next month it’ll all be taken care of. Thank you for listening. So I’m going to leave and give you time to think. But I’m staying at the Arch Hotel if you’d like to see me. And if not, it’s okay. I’ll enjoy my time here.” He stood up, and I did as well. Then he gave me a hug and left.
In bed that night, Ollie held me. I told him about the shock of seeing my dad and what he’d said.
He pushed my hair off my face. “I’m here for you, whatever you decide. It does sound like he’s trying, but that’s all just so scary. I really hope he doesn’t go back down that path, you know.”
“Yes, you’re right. I mean, I almost offered him some money, but isn’t that just enabling him?” I rolled over and snuggled into Ollie. “Too much thinking for tonight.” Then I kissed him, slowly and deeply. “I’m glad you’re here.”
As I drifted to sleep, I heard him say, “I always will be.”
I’d arranged to go and meet my dad the next morning at the café in the hotel he was staying. Ollie was still in bed and as I got ready, I tried to stay quiet so as not to wake him.
Walking through to the bedroom, I saw Ollie was dressed.
“Oh, did I wake you? You can sleep longer.”
“I guess you’re going to see your dad, right?”
I nodded. “Yes, I decided we might not be really close, but I want to try and have a somewhat of a good relationship with him as long as he doesn’t screw up again.”
“Do you want some moral support?”
I could have hugged him. I hadn’t wanted to burden him with it, but when he asked, it was a huge relief. “Yes, please. That would mean a lot.”
We sat down at the café and waited. And waited. Ollie was more nervous than I’d ever seen him. “You okay?” I asked.
“Yes, sure. I just want this to be good for you, you know.”
I leaned my head on his shoulder. “Thanks.”
Finally, my dad showed up. “Hi, Dad.”
He sat down across from us. “Hello.” It was rapidly becoming more awkward.
“This is Ollie.” I looked to Ollie, smiling. “My boyfriend.”
Dad’s mouth opened and closed and then he cleared his throat and held out his hand. “Good to meet you, Ollie.”
“Nice to have you here in the United Kingdom, Mr. Flynn.”
When I heard Ollie being polite and carrying the conversation, I was more relieved than I realized. I could do this. “Yes, good to see you, Dad. Are you experiencing any jet lag?”
“It’s not been too bad, actually. And the hotel is really comfortable.”
Ollie offered to go and line up for our drinks and food. I smiled as he left.
“Son, I can see how happy you are.” He leaned over, obviously wanting to hug me. It was awkward but I leaned in.
“Very happy. In fact, I’ve never been so happy in my life.”
“Maybe you guys can come and visit home one day.”
I started to speak, but he stopped me.
“Just visit. I can see just in this short time that this is where you belong. I promise I won’t try to make you move home again. Of course I miss you, but I understand better now. You never smiled like you do now. Your eyes light up just looking at Ollie. Your mother would be thrilled for you.”
I smiled, trying not to blush. “He’s everything to me. Thank you. Thank you, Dad. I will keep in touch, and hopefully, we can get to a better place one day.”
“Here’s the wine I got. Is it good?” Ollie held up a bottle with a label I didn’t recognize.
“That looks great. I wonder what the occasion is?” Looking in the mirror, I made sure my outfit looked okay.
“Maybe they’re getting married,” I mused.
“Oh, I’d love to go to a wedding. Wouldn’t that be fun?” I eyed him as he got all misty eyed.
“What do you mean? You’ve never been to a wedding. Ever?” I asked.
“No, but a girl can dream. Now, let’s go.”
When we arrived, I noticed there was champagne on the table. There were hugs all around and a delicious smell wafted from the kitchen. “Oh, is that Stuart’s famous lasagna I smell?” I asked.
Marshall smiled. “Yes. And you really know how to get off on the right foot.”
When Ollie handed Marshall the wine, he kept his hand on mine. “We’ve been throwing around ideas, and maybe it’s that you two are getting married.” He pointed to Marshall, and Stuart, who was working away in the kitchen.
They both babbled and laughed nervously in a hilarious comedy show as we stood there.
“Okay, good to see where you’re at,” Ollie piped up and then swanned over to the table. “Now, what’s the celebration. Let’s pop this champagne.”
Marshall looked a bit frazzled but picked up the bottle and released it with a loud pop. As it spilled over the edges, he tried to keep the foam from going everywhere, but it didn’t really work. I had to subdue the laugh that was threatening to release.
He poured four glasses and handed them out. “To you guys—Rutledge and Ollie—for finding each other. And we’re so happy you’re in our lives.”
“Yes, to you guys. We’re so happy you’re staying here and you’re part of the family now.” Stuart raised his glass. “And not just because you praised my food.” He winked at me.
We drank our champagne and I couldn’t help the smile that wouldn’t leave my face. Leaning over to Ollie, I kissed him on the cheek. “Cheers. And I just want to say something.” I heard Marshall let out a laugh. “Yes, I know. It’s a whole new me. But seriously, everything I’ve been through, I couldn’t have done it without you and Stuart. And while the experience in the alley was the most horrible thing I’ve been through, it brought me you.” I looked to Ollie.
Tears were falling down his cheeks. “Oh, Rutledge.” He wiped his cheek. Then he grabbed my hand and kissed my knuckles. “I can’t believe how lucky I am to have you in my life.”
Epilogue
OLLIE
We walked hand in hand around the record fair. “Do we have this one yet?” Rutledge asked me. He pulled out the David Bowie LP and showed it to me.
“No, we don’t. How is it that you can remember when I promise to make dinner and don’t, but you can’t remember this?”
“I like to make you feel useful in this relationship.” He laughed at his own joke.
“For that, I’m picking where we eat.”
“I already know where we’re eating, silly. We come to the monthly record fair and then go to your favourite restaurant. It’s like a tradition now. Only you don’t run out on me these days.”
“Yeah, well, now that you mention it. Hmmm.” He tapped the side of his face. “Don’t give me any ideas.”
“I’ll tell Rafael on you.”
He put his hand on his hip. “You wouldn’t dare. He loves me anyway.”
Walking over to me after he paid for the record, he pulled my hand off my hip and placed it around his waist. “You are so cute when you try to be mad.”
I’d moved into Rutledge’s flat soon after the contract was signed and we knew he was stay
ing. That was a couple of months ago. Juliette was over the moon for us and said she had kinda been working up to asking me if Adele could move in, so everything worked out on that front.
I could still remember the day. We’d just given each other mutual blow jobs, and we’d been lying side by side in his bed, sated. “Do you want those all the time?” he’d asked.
“Is this a test?” I blinked, trying to think two steps ahead of him.
“Move in here then. I need to wake in your arms every morning, see your face each day, and of course, have mind-blowing sex with you.” He’d been biting his lip, waiting for my reply.
“I don’t know, are we ready for this? Sounds really boyfriend-y.” My smile showed that I was completely joking. Then I kissed him deeply. “Yes, yes. I can’t think of anything I’d love more.”
It was dark and we both lay down near the window. There were stars in the sky and we glanced up. It was relaxing, and as I squeezed his hand tight, he spoke in the dark night sky.
“The best thing that has ever happened to me in my life is having met you.”
I rolled over and kissed his cheek. “You are a very lucky man.”
We both burst out laughing.
THE END
Acknowledgments
Thank you to my editor, Lisa, who I couldn’t do this without. You’re the best.
Thank you to Sheryl and FA for your help and input.
Thank you to my readers. Sorry for the wait for Rutledge’s story. Hopefully it was worth it.
About the Author
Claire Castle grew up surrounded by books. She has loved reading for her whole life. Her true love is romance and HEAs. When she’s not reading or writing, she can be found wearing comfortable leggings, drinking mocha, and petting her dogs. She loves collecting cute mugs and watching Schitt’s Creek over and over.
I love to hear from readers. Please feel free to email me at: [email protected].
So you don’t miss out on any new releases, sign up for my newsletter. http://eepurl.com/geGME5
Also by Claire Castle
Christmas Novellas
Snowflakes & Cinnamon Buns
Walking In A Winter Wonderland
A Princess For Christmas
Wrapped Up In You
Easter Novella
Some Bunny To Love
Summer Short Story
Sandcastles & Second Chances
Novels
The World Traveler
Boyfriend or Bust
Cake Clash - co-write with BL Maxwell
Marshall - Book 1 Mayfair Model series
Carter - Book 2 Mayfair Model series
Rutledge (Mayfair Model Series Book 3) Page 18
