Like Twigs in a Storm

by Ross Richdale

  "Well, if you pay enough,” Cathy said and hesitated before she spoke again. "Mum said you've got the old swimming pool in operation and wouldn't mind if we had a swim."

  "Sure!" Steve said. "I was over there earlier. It's unlocked. Come any time. Tell your mum I'll give you a key."

  "You can tell her yourself," Cathy said as the two youngsters laughed. "She's coming up the drive now."

  Steve grinned as Lavina approached and apologized for her precocious daughter.

  “No problem. I could tell she was your daughter by her good looks and pleasant nature." Lavina's eyes met his for a second and Steve flushed at his forwardness. "I'm sorry. I just meant Cathy is a nice youngster."

  "No, I'm honoured,” Lavina replied, fixing him with a serious look. "Steve ..."

  "Yes?"

  This time she flushed and glanced away. "It doesn't matter," she whispered. "Thanks for letting the girls use the pool. I thought I might go in too. It's nice and warm out in the sun."

  Steve grinned. "I had half a dozen keys for the pool cut. Take them and give them out to any locals who want to use the pool. I'd leave it unlocked but it could be an invitation for all sorts of riffraff."

  "Thanks." Lavina smiled and walked out across the grounds.

  Steve scratched his chin in wonder. It wasn't what was said, but rather what wasn't said that made him tingly inside. He dipped the brush in the paint bucket and began on the next wall, half-heartedly did one more section before he cleaned up and tried to look casual as he wandered over to the pool.

  Noel had done a marvellous job with the filter and the water in the swimming pool was crystal clear. The girls were screaming in delight and Steve noticed Lavina sitting on a towel in her togs. She glanced up as he walked through the gate.

  "You should come in," she said in a quiet voice and bent forward to wipe her hair. "The water's perfect."

  The tiny bikini left little to the imagination and Steve grinned. Lavina glanced up, flushed and wrapped the towel around her shoulders, almost as if she could read his mind. Her smile, though, was still warm and left him wondering about his feelings. Since Trish had left, he'd dated a few women but had never taken anyone seriously.

  Lavina in front of him now, had done no more than become a friendly neighbour but Steve found himself in waters he didn't understand.

  "The true academic deep in thought aren't you?" Lavina said in a mysterious voice and jolted him back to the present.

  "Sorry." Steve grinned and tried a white lie. "Cathy and her friend made me think back to my own school days. I went to a tiny country school like this and over the holidays we practically lived at the school swimming pool."

  "We tried keeping the pool open after the school closed but couldn't afford to do it. The next season the filter broke and that was that." She shrugged. "Plenty of locals wanted to enjoy the amenities but couldn't be bothered contributing to the cost. I think you're the girls' most popular person at the moment." Their eyes met again. "Well, are you going in?"

  "Yes," Steve replied, seeming strangely hushed. "I'll get my togs."

  *

  Steve had a week off work and had come up that morning, prepared to stay for a couple of days. But now he'd decided on taking a cowardly retreat back to town. He had to admit he was attracted to this married woman who was not even separated. His quite conservative background fought with his feelings. When he arrived back at his apartment, he tried to do some computer work but couldn't concentrate.

  "Oh hell!" he snorted and went down to the pub for a drink.

  "She got to you didn't she?" Noel sat down at the small table where Steve was sipping his beer.

  "Who?" Steve replied with a self-conscious grin. Noel was the company he needed at the moment.

  "Lavina Ryland. Who else? She's one good looking woman, Steve."

  "Yeah." Steve stared into his drink. "A local farmer's wife."

  "So?" Noel said. "From what I heard, her marriage is on the rocks as much as yours."

  "But she's still living with the guy. At least Trish and I are separated."

  "I know." Noel poured himself a drink out of Steve's jug. "I have a funny feeling that might change soon." He clapped Steve on the shoulders. "Just keep a low profile for a while, mate, but stay around. I think she has a lot on her mind and could do with a little help."

  "And where did you sort that out from?" Steve grunted.

  Noel grinned. "Geraldine's an expert on women and their moods so drink up and relax. You're doing well."

  *

  Steve visited his school half a dozen times over the following three weeks and saw Cathy on every visit. The two girls accepted his offer of ten dollars an hour to help him paint. They did the undercoat in all the rooms and were remarkably conscientious and careful. With old clothes and sloshed paint everywhere over their clothes they really looked the part after each two-hour painting stint. Afterwards they'd change into togs and run out to the pool for a swim while Steve had another session of painting. In those weeks though, Lavina never came near. Steve thought he may have offended her but decided it wouldn't be prudent to visit her house. He thought about her often as he painted away; it was the type of job he could switch to automatic and let his mind wander.

  By the following Sunday afternoon and the school's redecoration was almost complete. Donna had gone home feeling pleased with the money she'd earned and the twenty-dollar bonus Steve had promised if the girls didn't slop paint on the windows.

  "Well Steve, that's about it," Cathy said grinning at the kitchen wall she'd just completed. She took off the old hat she'd been wearing and shook her ponytail out. "God, my arms are aching."

  Steve climbed down from the trestle where he'd been doing the ceiling and ran an eye over the youngster's work. "It's good," he praised. "I couldn't have done better myself.”

  "Yeah, you go too fast,” Cathy scolded and Steve realized how she sounded like her mother. She looked like her too, in the facial features and easy smile.

  "I won't stay for a swim today," Cathy said. "It's a bit cold out there and with Donna gone home it's not as much fun swimming by myself."

  Steve grinned. "Yes, I'd better head back to town. I'll get your pay." He strolled over to his jacket and peeled off some twenty-dollar notes to hand to the youngster.

  "That's too much," she gasped. "Mum will go bonkers if she knows you gave me that much."

  “I gave Donna a bonus when she left. You've done another four hours in the three days since then, spilt no paint on the windows or floor and did a marvellous job. You keep it."

  Cathy's eyes lit up. "Thanks, Steve. Mum said I could go into town and buy myself some new label jeans when I had the money." She screwed her nose up, ran some hot water into a sink and began to scrub paint off her arms. "They cost over a hundred bucks."

  "How is your mother?" Steve asked, forcing a casual voice.

  "Oh, Mum's been pretty moody lately," Cathy replied and gazed out the window. "Poor old Mum."

  "Why?"

  "You men," Cathy replied, pouting.

  "What do you mean?" Steve frowned. "What have I done?'

  Cathy flushed and flung her head around so her eyes peered into his. "No, not you personally, Steve. You're okay. Men in general and Dad in particular."

  Steve stirred his bucket of paint and tried not to appear too interested but Cathy just kept talking. "Mum and Dad had a big row last night. They thought I was asleep but I heard every word." She grinned. "Mind you I had to sneak downstairs to listen. "

  "Perhaps you shouldn't have," Steve scolded.

  Cathy shrugged. "It was the usual thing. Dad can do what he likes but as soon as Mum even talks to someone, he goes bonkers. They think I don't know but I do."

  "Know what?" Steve said quietly.

  Cathy gazed at Steve and furrowed her brow. "It's well known in the valley that Dad was having a fling with Janice Ludlow. Probably still is. Her father booted her out and she moved to town. Dad and Mr. Ludlow had one hell of a fight a fe
w months back and they just about called the cops in. Mum never said a word but just went all quiet." The twelve year old looked up. "Then you came along."

  "Me!"

  Cathy stopped and swallowed, "I'm sorry Steve, I've said too much."

  Steve nodded and walked across to the bench where there were a couple of tins of coke. He tossed one to Cathy and sat down at the table. He wanted to ask more but felt it wouldn't be fair to Cathy to be too inquisitive.

  "Promise you won't tell!" Cathy continued. She popped the top of the coke can and took a sip.

  Steve nodded but couldn't look the youngster in the eyes.

  "She was happy up until that day we were all swimming together. Dad and her had another terrible row that night and Mum was in tears. I think she's fallen for you, Steve. That's why she doesn't come over." Her eyes caught his. "There, I said it! I think I'll go for a swim after all."

  Before he could reply Cathy jumped up, ran out of the room and across to the swimming pool. Steve watched her swimming in the distance for five minutes before he gritted his teeth and walked through to the old school telephone. It was disconnected but the telephone book from several years before was still there. He thumbed it through and found the number, "L & G Ryland, Upper Forks Road"

  With the adrenalin flowing, he walked out to the jeep, grabbed his mobile phone and punched in the number. With his luck, it was probably changed anyhow.

  On the fourth ring, the phone was answered. "Good afternoon, Lavina Ryland speaking."

  Steve almost turned his phone off but swallowed. "Lavina, it's Steve."

  "Hello Steve," she replied in a cautious voice. "Is Cathy being a nuisance?"

  "No," Steve replied. "She told me something which I promised not to repeat."

  "Go on."

  "I don't know what to say," Steve stuttered.

  "Since we're on the phone, Steve, wouldn't it be a good idea to tell me why you called?" Her voice was completely neutral.

  "Cathy said you've been having a hard time. I'll give you my town and work telephone numbers. If you'd like to visit for a chat any time, you're most welcome. I mean..." His voice trailed off.

  "I'll write them down," Lavina replied. The voice was now almost cold. "But I can't promise anything. Thank you for your concern."

  Steve felt an utter fool but gave her the details and hung up. "Bloody stupid thing to do," he cursed and shrugged at himself. Well, he'd made his move. She'd probably be too embarrassed to come near him again.

  *

  Steve was at work in the office on the following Tuesday morning when his receptionist poked her head in the door.

  "Personal phone call for you, Steve," she said, chuckling. "Sultry voice. Sounds a real honey."

  "Thanks, Suzanne," he replied and reached for his phone.

  "Steve, it's Lavina."

  "Hi Lavina." His heart began to bounce in his rib cage. "It's good to hear your voice.”

  "Is it?" Her voice held that same neutral tone as the Sunday before. "I'm in town and would like to meet you for lunch if you can spare an hour or so."

  "Okay, I'm sure the boss will let me off." He winked at Suzanne.

  "I've taken the liberty and booked a twelve thirty table at the Royal Duchess Restaurant. Do you know it?"

  "No, but I'll find it. See you there."

  "The woman you've been mooning over for the last month?" Suzanne smiled after Steve hung up.

  "Is it so obvious?"

  "Not really. I thought you covered things up quite well, to tell the truth. Enjoy yourself but remember; you've got that three thirty appointment."

  *

  The Royal Duchess Restaurant was in one of those international hotels, very up-market with crisp white table clothes and waiters hovering. A red cord was hooked across the entrance and Steve almost felt he should whip back to the apartment and put a suit on.

  "You look just grand," a soft voice said behind him and he felt a soft arm link into his. Lavina gazed into his eyes and gave a nervous smile. She was dressed in a dark business suit with cream blouse. This was the first time he'd seen her out of casual clothes and, if anything, they made her look more desirable than ever.

  The meal was expensive and elaborate with wine and complimentary chocolates but it suited the situation. After the main course, Lavina dabbed her lips with her napkin and gazed across at Steve.

  "Tell me about yourself, Steve," she whispered. "I mean your family. You've told me a little but I'd like to hear more, if that's not being too personal."

  Steve reached across and took her hand in his. "Trish and I are separated and just waiting for the statutory two years before we get a divorce.” He filled her in on the details of the house and apartment. “We're definitely finished. I think she's found a different partner; the first only lasted a few months." He grimaced. "And yourself?"

  “Oh Steve,” Lavina said. "I'm so muddled up inside. I was only twenty-one when I married Grant. He's ten years older than me. I told you I was pregnant with Cathy but I never told you I'm his second wife." She stopped and wiped a tiny handkerchief in the corner of her eyes. “I remember Nancy as a tiny stooped shouldered mousy person with pursed lips who was about his age. They were still living together when he impregnated me, there was a rush divorce and I became his new wife. Stupidest thing I ever did."

  "Why?" Steve asked in a kind voice.

  "My husband is domineering and extremely jealous. He used to be quite violent in our earlier days but since I began standing up for myself a few years back, the violence stopped. He just goes off and has affairs with young women but if I as much as talk to a male he goes into a sulky fit for weeks." She shrugged. "That's better than the violence. I told him five years back if he laid another hand on me, I'd take Cathy and walk out”.

  "So why do you stay with him?"

  "For Cathy's sake. She's all I have, Steve." She stopped and waited while a waitress removed their plates. "But she's getting older now. God, I've missed her this last year when she's been at boarding school. She's going back next week."

  "Cathy told me about a Janice Ludlow." Steve decided to admit his knowledge of this information.

  "Did she?" Lavina looked surprised. ''I guess I can't hide anything from her any more. She'll be thirteen soon and knows as much about life that I knew at twenty. Janice Ludlow is his latest fling. She's only about the age I was when I met Grant. She moved back to the valley after spending a couple of years at university but is back in town now.”

  "So what now, Lavina?"

  The woman looked at him and blushed. “I think I have feelings for you, Steve and want to know what you want. Is that blunt enough for you?"

  Steve felt an immediate physical reaction and was glad a table was between them. He took both her hands and gazed into her eyes. ”Lavina, I want to help you in any way possible. I'm a free agent with only one commitment at the moment." He grinned. "How's that for a direct answer?"

  Lavina frowned and pulled her hands away. "One commitment? And what's that?"

  "You. Any time you want me; I'm available; just to talk to or... " He stopped. "Oh hell. You know what I mean?"

  "I think I do, Lavina replied and reached across and kissed him gently. Her lips felt so soft, tasted of waxy lipstick and made his own tingle. Her eyes were moist with tears but she was smiling. "Our coffee has arrived and we've been here almost two hours. Haven't you an appointment soon?"

  "An hour yet," Steve replied. "There's plenty of time."

  *

  CHAPTER 3

  It was Thursday evening about nine and, as usual, Steve was thumping away on his computer. When he heard a light tap on his apartment door, he opened it to find Lavina standing there with wide eyes and a serious expression.

  "Can I come in?" she asked quietly. She was dressed in a white blouse, skirt and light jersey

  "Sure."

  She walked through his living room and turned around. "If you want me, I brought my nightie," she said in a hoarse voice. Suddenly her eyes bri
mmed with tears and she ran out of the room up the tiny corridor.

  Steve followed and caught up with her by the bathroom door. He slipped his hands on her waist and turned her around. Tearful eyes from an upturned face found his.

  "I've never ever been unfaithful before." She sniffed and took a handkerchief out.

  Suddenly arms were flung around his neck, lips met and the soft kiss became frantic as mouths opened and tongues slashed. Steve reached down, slid a hand to her blouse, undid three tiny buttons and his fingers ran along the frilly bra inside.

  The flesh was warm and soft but Lavina pulled back. While he watched, she stared straight into his eyes, smiled and slipped off her blouse. She unclipped her bra and let it drop to the floor so she was nude from the waist up. Her breasts were large, erect and heaving in nervous anticipation. Steve could see the line between the tanned skin of the bikini top and the soft white skin beneath with light brown nipples. Without a word she grabbed his two hands and placed them against her taut nipples.

  "My God, Lavina!" Steve gasped and within seconds he was kissing them while she held on, sobbed and quietly stroked his hair.

  *

  Steve lay back, bathed in perspiration while the woman he'd just loved kissed his lips as their orgasm slowly retreated. For several moments, they just clung to each other until Lavina rose up on her elbows so her eyes could find his.

  "You're what I call a real man." She giggled for a moment before she flushed and turned serious. "You must think I'm a real hussy."

  "No, I think you're a beautiful woman that I love."

  “Do you, Steve?" she whispered in a serious voice and kissed him. “Or is it just the lust?"

  “Oh just lust," he teased.

  Lavina smacked his shoulder and wriggled off the bed. "I'm meant to be at a friend's place but she promised to cover for me." She took his hand. “You've made me feel wonderful, Steve but can we be discreet for a while until I work things out?"

  "Sure, you know where I am."

  "And I promise I'll visit you at school. I wanted to but..."