by Karen Clow
Tony drove straight to his club. Shane spoke to him as he walked in, “Alright Tony didn’t think you were coming in tonight.” Acting as though nothing was wrong he arrogantly replied, “I wasn’t but then I thought, fuck it I’ll pop in for a blow job, is Angie dancing tonight?” Nodding his head Shane grinned and replied, “She’s just come off I think she’s in the dressing room.” “Good, well just go and tell her to get her arse along to the office.”
Like most of the dancers she readily made her way to his office, all the girls saw it as a means to keeping their jobs and Tony was a good bloke to work for. Entering as she knocked the door, she smiled as Tony said, “Alright babe, get yourself a drink, there’s someone here whose been looking forward to seeing you.” She knew he was referring to his cock. Putting her drink down on his desk she straddled over his legs, she was only wearing her knickers under her robe. Pulling it open he groped her breasts before rubbing his face into them. “On your knees babe,” said Tony. Less than a minute later she’d unzipped his trousers and taken his cock into her mouth. There was nothing wrong with his sex drive then. Grabbing her by the hair he pushed her down hard on him as he said, “Harder babe, suck me harder and don’t fucking stop!” Angie noticed that he was far more dominant than usual. When she finished, he passed her a tissue so she could wipe him with it. “That was great babe; you’re going to make someone a great wife one day,” he said as he passed her drink.
Ten minutes later she left the office. Tony tried calling home but there was still no reply, he tried Belle’s mobile but it was engaged. Unbeknown to him she was talking to Carlo; he had rung her mobile because he had been trying to ring the house.
By half ten Tony was walking round the club with Shane. They noticed a group of five blokes who were getting a bit rowdy. Shane had been watching them for the past half hour; since he witnessed one of them deliberately bump into a couple of blokes at the bar. Telling Tony he was going to talk to them, he walked off in their direction. “Alright lads, keep it down you’re getting a bit loud,” said Shane as he stood in front of them, “Just enjoy yourselves and have a good time or you’ll be leaving early.” They just nodded and said a couple of things that Shane just laughed off, he was used to dealing with dick heads.
Back at the bar he joined Tony and said, “I’ve got a feeling they won’t be here at closing, me and Jacky Boy will keep an eye on then.” Tony nodded.
Just over an hour later Shane and Jacky were escorting them out of the club with two other doormen. Tony followed them to the main door. Outside the group got very mouthy, hurling abuse at the doormen. Shane just laughed and said, “Go home children, your mummies will be worried that you’re out so late!” They had just started to walk away shouting obscenities, when Tony made things worse by shouting “Fuck off home you bunch of wankers!” Shane looked curiously at Jacky, because they knew that wasn’t something Tony did. Then he said to Tony, “Its ok Tony, just let them fuck off, I think they got the message.” Still Tony shouted at them. Shane knew that the situation could quickly get out of hand if it turned into a fight. Trying not to aggravate his boss he smiled and said, “Just leave it Tony, they’re not worth it!” Undeterred Tony kept shouting at the group. Within a few moments they had turned and were walking back towards the club. Shane and Jacky Boy stepped in front of them and Shane said, “Go home lads, come back next week.” One of the group said, “Tell the fucking old geriatric to keep his big mouth shut!” Before Shane could defuse the situation Tony thumped the bloke, knocking him to the ground. Shane and Jacky Boy tried to stop him while the other doormen controlled the others in the group.
As the bloke scrambled to his feet a full scale fight escalated between him and Tony, it only came to an end when Shane grabbed Tony and Jacky Boy grabbed the other bloke. Shane had never seen Tony in such a wound up state; it took him several minutes to calm him down so the other bloke could leave without any further trouble. Finally Tony went back into the club with Shane.
They headed straight to the office. After pouring him a drink Shane said, “Fuck me Tony what was all that about?” Still aggressive he replied, “The prick was asking for it, calling me a fucking geriatric!” “Well you did wind him up, I know it’s not my place to ask Tony but is everything ok?” He didn’t expect to hear what came out of Tony’s mouth next as he said, “Isabella wants a divorce.” Trying to keep his boss calm Shane replied, “No way, she fucking worships the ground you walk on, she’ll come round.” Tony’s expression turned to one of shame and sadness as he replied, “No she means it Shane, I beat the crap out of her.” “Fuck me Tony, why?” “Because I’m a fucking idiot, that’s why. I had a meeting with Shaun and she was talking to some bloke up at the bar.” “So what did she say to this bloke then?” “She said they just talked about his dead wife, just normal things.” “So why did you knock her about then? Surely if you were there you must have known she wouldn’t lead anyone on, even if you hadn’t been there Tony she’s not like that.” “I know, I don’t know why I don’t trust her, she’s never given me cause not to.” “She’ll come round, just give her some time, women always crack Tony you know that.” “You’re the second person to tell me to give her time, maybe you’re right. Not a word about this to anyone else, ok Shane?” “Course not, you know me better than that.” Then he grinned and said, “You might want to sort your face out before you go home tonight though.” There was blood on his face from his nose and a large bruise had formed on his cheek.
Taking Shane’s advice he cleaned up because he didn’t want his family seeing him like that, but little did he know that his family were staying at a hotel. While he’d been talking to Shane, Belle had been talking to Carlo on the phone and telling him what had happened. Carlo’s first thought was to drive over there but she had asked him not to, saying she would see him at the weekend.
Vito and Anthony had the room next to hers and Sophia’s. Despite what had happened, she felt a closeness to her daughter that she hadn’t felt for a long time. As they lay together on the bed watching the TV, Sophia surprised her by saying, “I’m sorry I was horrible mum. I know you didn’t do anything and Vito was right, even if you had dad shouldn’t have done that to you.” “Your dad isn’t a bad man Sophia, sometimes when people are together a long time like us they just start to want different things.” “You didn’t mum, so why does dad?” Putting her arm around her, Isabella replied, “I don’t know baby, maybe one day when your dad is happy with someone else, we’ll know why. The important thing is we’re together and no matter what happens between me and dad we still love you all.” “Dad said he didn’t want anyone else, he told me he loves you mum.” With genuine sadness in her voice she replied, “Your dad says a lot of things he doesn’t mean, but he’s still your dad and whatever he thinks of me, he still loves you, never doubt that Sophia.”
Tony returned to the house just before two that morning. Reading the note that Belle had left he sat down at the table with his head in his hands and cried. It was after three when he eventually turned in.
CHAPTER 48
It was just after nine in the morning and Mickey had just returned to the house from driving the twins to school. The phone was ringing as he entered the hall and Maria’s voice called out, “Can you get that Mickey I’m in the middle of changing Martin.” Picking up the phone in the kitchen he said, “Hello.” Instantly he recognised Neville Howard’s voice as he said, “Is that you Michael?” “Yes speaking.” “Neville Howard here, is it convenient to talk?” “Yes it’s fine, what can I do for you Neville?” “Could you and Mr Saxby call into my office this afternoon?” “I’ll have to ask him, but I’m sure that wouldn’t be a problem. Can I assume that you have spoken to Mr Wilkins?” “You can indeed Michael, I’m sure your client will be happy with the outcome, shall we say two o’clock?” “Yes that’s fine Neville.” “Until later then.”
Just as he put the phone down Maria appeared carrying a nappy bag. “Hi darling, I’ll make you a drink in two minutes, I.ve just changed M
artin, let me throw this away and wash my hands,” she said with a grin. Joking he said, “I swear that boy could shit for England!” They both laughed.
Five minutes later they were having a coffee as the triplets played in the nursery. “I’m just going to give Billy a bell; I think Hilary’s old man is going to come up with the cash.” A few moments later he was waiting to speak to Billy as Jess went to wake him. Finally he answered the call, “Sorry Mick, I was dead to the world; I didn’t get in till almost four last night, what’s up?” “That fat Neville just called me; he wants to see us this afternoon.” “Did he say what for?” “No but I would hazard a guess Hilary’s going to pay, if they wasn’t he would have told me over the phone.” “Cushty, what time Mick?” “I’ll pick you up about half one, now get back to your beauty sleep, you need it!” Laughing he replied, “Fucking cheeky bastard, I’ll see you later.” Billy looked at Jess and said, “Where’s Becky?” “She’s having a nap; I was up most of the night with her she’s teething.” “Is she upstairs then in her room?” “Yes why?” “Come back to bed with me for an hour babe, you’ll hear her if she cries.” Within minutes they were in bed making love.
When they finished Billy said, “Fuck me you’ll have to come back to bed every morning if it’s going to be that good babe!” “I’m sorry I had to wake you, but Mickey said it was important.” “Yeah it was babe, he’s picking me up at half one, that fucking solicitor wants to see me. Mickey thinks they’re going to cough up.” He noticed she went a bit subdued after he mentioned Neville. Pulling her close to him he said, “Cheer up babe, we could be in the money.” Trying to smile she said, “Would you be able to run me to the doctor’s one afternoon within the next week?” “Course babe, but why, is something up?” Shaking her head and smiling she replied, “No it’s for my birth control jab, now that Becky is a year I need it again.” Seeing that Billy looked disappointed, she said, “If you can’t I can get the bus, it doesn’t matter.” Grinning he squeezed her and said, “Tell you the truth babe I don’t want you to have it. Don’t you think it would be great if we had another baby?” Shocked by his suggestion she replied, “Becky’s only just a year, don’t you think it’s a bit soon?” “No, I think it would be great to have all the kids close together, especially if we’re going to live in the country, they’ll need someone to play with.” Nodding her head she said, “If you’re sure then I suppose it would be ok, but can I ask you something?” “Course you can babe.” “Will you adopt Becky legally so all the kids all have the same name? I know it’s a lot to ask.” When he didn’t answer straight aware she felt uneasy that perhaps he didn’t want to. She was just about to say something when he said, “Why don’t we get married babe, then we’ll all have the same name and it would be an honour to adopt Becky. Not that I need a bit of paper with her name on, as far as I’m concerned she’s mine.” Several minutes later Jess was still in shock as Billy said, “Was marriage a bad idea babe?” “No I think it’s a wonderful idea, I’d love to marry you, but we haven’t been together very long have we?” “Why wait, we’ve known each other a year, I love you and you love me, we both love Becky. The day had to come when someone would pin me down and that someone is you.” Hugging him tightly she kissed him and said, “I accept, on one condition that we tell Mickey and Maria first.” “It’s a deal, now give me a cuddle and then let me get some sleep. I hope you’re not going to make all these demands on my body once we’re married, I work long hours and I need my rest!” Straddling over him she tickled him and said “You wish!” Had they not heard the baby cry, he would have had sex again right then.
CHAPTER 49
Tony was still asleep on the sofa when Isabella and the kids came home at midday. Looking the worse for wear he stumbled into the kitchen after hearing them moving about. Belle just looked at him as he stood in the doorway before saying, “I’m making a drink would you like one?” Having seen what he’d done to her face, he sheepishly replied, “Coffee please babe.” None of the kids spoke to him as he sat down. Sensing that he was calm and not a threat to his mum, Vito asked his brother and sister to come upstairs with him. They both looked at their mum to get reassurance that she was going to be ok. Smiling she said, “Go with Vito, I need to talk to dad, do you want to take a drink or anything with you?” They all shook their heads as they headed for the door.
Alone with Tony she sat down and said, “Are you ok?” Nodding slightly he said, “I am now you’re here babe.” Before he had time to sweet talk her she said, “I meant what I said Tony, I’m going to divorce you, there’s things we need to discuss, but if you really want to stay living here, I’ll move out. The kids have said they would like to live with me, but obviously they will visit you and stay over some weekends.” Trying hard to listen to her, he kept reminding himself what Lydia and Shane had said about giving her space and time. Sadly he said, “Has it really come to this Belle?” In a very matter of fact way she replied, “Yes I’m sorry Tony, but it has. The way things have been between us lately it’s better for everyone if we live separately.” Fiddling with his wedding ring and looking down at the table he replied, “I never meant to hurt you babe, I need to know you believe that. I know I’m the one who needs to change, but I really do love you.” Fighting back her tears she said, “I know that Tony, but I need to be away from you at the moment, please don’t make this harder than it already is.” “Does it have to be as final as divorce Belle, what if I moved out for a couple of months, gave you some time. Maybe then we could sort this mess out, I don’t want a divorce, I want us to grow old together.” Unable to hold back her tears she replied, “I can’t make you any promises, but if you move out and leave me alone, maybe we can talk about it in a couple of months.” “Thanks babe, I promise you won’t regret it, put the divorce on hold, please.” Seeing a kind of humbleness that she seldom saw in him, she nodded her head. “Thanks babe, I promise I’ll win you back and make you happy, I promise.” “Just leave me alone for a while Tony, I need time to work out where we’re going, if anywhere.” “I’ll book into a hotel for a couple of days until I sort something out, ok?” “Thank you,” was all she replied. “I’ll go and pack a few bits then.” “Would you like some help?” she asked caringly. “Cheers babe, I’m not very good at that sort of thing.” “That’s because I’ve always done it for you.”
Isabella followed him upstairs and taking a suitcase from a cupboard set about packing his clothes. He sat on the bed and watched her carefully place things in his case. It was as she placed something in his suitcase he gently touched her hand, but quickly she moved away from him and said, “Please don’t Tony, lets just give each other some time to see how we really feel.” Instantly he replied, “I know how I feel babe, I love you. I never thought it would come to this and I know it’s all my fault.” “We’ve been over this Tony, you know I love you but I can’t live like this. Maybe some time apart will do us good, who knows maybe you won’t want to come back, the single life might suit you.” Arrogantly he said, “What about you Belle, maybe deep down you’d like to be single?” She was so hurt and angry that despite all his women during their marriage, he tried to imply that all this was because she wanted to be free. With her face all swollen and bruised, she looked tearful as she replied, “Not me Tony, one man has always been enough for me. I thought I’d be married to you till the day I died.” Aware that what he’d said was well out of order, he touched her hand and said, “We will babe and as for me not wanting to come back, I don’t want to go, but I will if it means we can sort this out.” “I need to say something Tony and I don’t want you getting angry.” “What babe, you can say whatever you like.” “I need you to promise me that you will leave me alone. I don’t want you turning up after you’ve been to the club.” “I won’t babe, honest.” “Are you going to rent an apartment, because the kids will need to know where you are, there’s something else. This is very difficult for me to say, but.” She hesitated before continuing, “If you do meet someone else, please have the d
ecency to tell us.” Lovingly he looked at her and replied, “Babe I won’t meet anyone else because I don’t want anyone else. I’ve realised how this has been for you, believe me my womanising days are over.” Without answering him, she zipped his case up and said, “Are you sure that’s enough for a couple of days?” “That’s fine babe and I meant what I just said, I’m going to prove to you just how much I love you.”
Following her out onto the landing, she called the kids out from their bedroom. Vito appeared first with his brother and sister standing behind him. Isabella said, “Dad’s going now.” In a derogatory fashion Vito nodded and said, “Yeah, see you dad.” The other two said much the same, although Sophia did look tearful. Tony walked over to each of them, hugged and kissed them. Before he turned to walk away Tony said, “Look after your mum, we’re going to sort this out, me and mum love each other, we just need a bit of space.” The two boys just nodded, Sophia started crying. Tony walked over and hugging her said, “It’s ok princess, I’ll be coming back this is only temporary.” Feeling that he owed them an explanation he said, “I’m sorry about what I did to mum, I didn’t mean to hurt her. I hope you all know I mean that?”
Isabella just stood there as he spoke to them for about ten minutes. Just as he started to walk away Sophia said, “I don’t want you to go dad.” Then she looked over at Isabella and said, “Mum don’t make him leave, please.” Tony could see that Belle felt awkward, she didn’t want to be seen as the bad guy. Under normal circumstances he would have used Sophia to give him an angle to get Belle to let him stay, but then he looked at his wife’s face and knew he had to give her the time she needed or she would divorce him. Smiling at his daughter he said, “Don’t ask your mum babe, it’s not fair. We’ve discussed it and we both agree at the moment its best if we have a bit of time away from each other, so no giving your mum a hard time, ok princess?” “Ok dad, but promise you will come back.” “Of course I’ll be back, don’t doubt that for a minute baby.” The kids stayed upstairs as the two adults headed downstairs.