Love's Foolish Punch

by S M Mala

  ‘The Muppets failed in the UK for twenty years after their initial success. It was only someone, with foresight and creativity, who turned it around. They are now more popular than ever.’ She cleared her throat. ‘Sticking your hand up the arse of a piece of rag does have its advantages. You can get spin offs and merchandise. And little kids like the puppets, so instantly you’re tapping into a bigger market. How can a parent refuse a three year old?’

  She heard Bill laugh before clearing his throat.

  The large room was the usual glass monstrosity that television channels loved to have in an open space. Showing how busy and important they all were with forced gaiety or silence, if you walked near the schedulers.

  Molly wasn’t quite sure if she wanted to go back into that environment. She didn’t even have a production company to push the idea through. It was all happening a little bit fast.

  ‘Molly Drew has a good proposal,’ Bill said, making Molly break out of her trance. ‘I think the time is certainly right for Bert to return. There are several companies interested, and I’ve set the wheels in motion with a production company to do a pilot.’

  ‘Really?’ she asked, never hearing this before.

  ‘It seems silly to sit on in meetings without showing what we can do. And the finances are there to make it. It’s just finding the right broadcaster who will commission the project, that’s all.’

  She didn’t want to admit it, but she was in awe of what he said. Bill obviously knew what he was talking about.

  ‘Yes, like what he said,’ she smiled and looked at the ever increasing pink, young man sitting opposite.

  Molly didn’t know what to say after the meeting. There was so much about Bill she didn’t know.

  He was smiling brightly as she walked out the building.

  ‘You know about television?’ she asked, looking up at him. ‘You kept that quiet.’

  ‘I am an entrepreneur, which means-.’

  ‘I know what it means but why didn’t you say?’

  ‘I take it you thought I was playing at this.’

  ‘I don’t know what to think.’

  They walked down the road, towards where he’d parked the car. She wasn’t quite sure what she felt, but it wasn’t the usual miserable, hopeless feeling like before.

  There was a buzz of positivity as well as in trepidation.

  ‘Does this mean you trust me a little bit more? You’re less worried that I’m trying to cause a problem between you and young James?’ he asked, stopping to look at her.

  ‘I never thought that.’

  ‘And he knows you’re here?’

  ‘I did tell him.’ Molly took out her phone to see he hadn’t texted her. ‘He seems worried about you.’

  ‘You’re safe.’

  ‘There’s something else going on, isn’t there?’ She inhaled deeply. ‘What is your true connection with Jamie and his brother? Why is it Jamie called you a ‘bad man’ and-.’

  ‘He said that about me!’ laughed out Bill, unlocking his car as they walked towards it. ‘That’s rich. I’m not a bad man. I think the guy you’re sleeping with is.’

  Stopping dead in her tracks, she didn’t know what to say.

  ‘It’s written all over your face,’ he said, opening the car door. ‘Every time his name is mentioned and or when you look at that ring, it’s obviously he’s hooked you in. But, as in boxing, a hook could also mean a hefty punch. Are you prepared for that?’

  Week twelve of the engagement – Upper cut

  ‘Where are you?’

  Molly walked into his flat. ‘Jamie?’

  She headed straight to the fridge and poured out a glass of wine. Thursday’s drama lesson had turned into mayhem.

  ‘Hello there,’ he said, standing behind Molly, making her jump. Then she felt his lips on her neck that sent shivers down her spine. ‘You can’t get pissed yet.’

  ‘Want to bet?’

  His arms wrapped around her waist as he buried his head in the crook of her neck.

  ‘What happened?’

  ‘Hero decided he was going to be more obnoxious than usual so caused trouble in the class. He not only picked on everyone, making Philomena cry her heart out, he also had a pop at my Charlie.’

  ‘‘My Charlie’?’

  ‘Yes and before I know it…’ She let out a big sigh. ‘They had a slugging match and I managed to wrestle Hero to the ground. But that’s not before he thumped me in the side. I’m getting that child barred from the classes. I think he has major psychological problems.’

  ‘Could be he’s just a spoilt little rich brat?’

  ‘Yeah, that as well.’ He spun her around, and she then stepped back. Jamie was wearing a suit. ‘What’s that about?’

  ‘We, my lovely, are going out tonight. There’s a fund raising dinner to support young people in sport. I thought it’d be nice.’

  ‘Jamie,’ she sighed loudly, putting the glass to her lips which was then taken out of her hand. ‘I’ve not got anything to wear and I look a mess.’

  ‘I think you look gorgeous, twenty four seven.’

  ‘You must be desperate to go if you’re throwing me compliments. I want to go to bed.’

  ‘We have all night for your horny little ways,’ he said, wrapping his arms around her waist and leaning down. ‘And another thing. I’ve booked the flights for 2nd February, so we’re going to have to get you packed and ready. I might have a surprise in store for you on the Sunday, but I’m keeping tight lipped.’

  ‘Are you sure you want me to come?’

  ‘I want to make you come again and again,’ he laughed as she pulled a face. ‘But, right now, go and get showered and changed. I went to yours and got a dress for you to wear.’

  ‘You picked something out for me? Trying to take control?’

  ‘I know you love it when I do,’ he purred into her ear. ‘Do you want a quick one over the kitchen counter before you shower?’

  ‘Who said romance was dead?’

  Jamie was waiting in the cab as she ran quickly towards it, sitting next to him. It was starting to rain. He looked stunning. Then she noticed he eyed her up and down before squinting.

  ‘I’m buying you a new coat, whether you like it or not. A red duffle coat over an evening dress.’ Jamie started to laugh. ‘You need something smart.’

  ‘You said you liked my coat.’

  ‘I do like your coat but…’ He put his arm around her. ‘I love what’s underneath it.’

  He kissed her gently on the cheek before breaking out into a massive grin. Molly was totally caught up in his eyes. She couldn’t think of anything other than Jamie. They stared at each other for a long time before their smiles faded.

  ‘I love you, Molly,’ he said, making her gulp.

  ‘I love you.’

  ‘I’d kiss you right now but I don’t want lipstick all over my face.’

  When the taxi stopped, and they got out, Jamie gave her a warm embrace, and she wanted to cry from the emotion of being held by the man she loved.

  Everything was turning out to be wonderful.

  ‘Let me eat.’

  Molly watched Jamie take another mouthful of her dessert before she managed to get to it. ‘Are you that hungry?’

  ‘Famished,’ he cheekily grinned before feeding her a spoonful of chocolate mousse. ‘Are you enjoying yourself?’

  She nodded and sighed.

  There were quite a few people she recognised from television. Presenters, actors and sports personalities but she was oblivious to it all.

  Her eyes were focussed on Jamie throughout the evening.

  ‘How did you get tickets?’ she asked, watching him eat the rest of her pudding. ‘This must cost a fortune.’

  ‘David got them and thought we might like to go. And as I love a good freebie, here we are.’ He let out a sigh and put down the spoon. ‘Not long before we fly off.’

  ‘It’s exciting!’ Molly couldn’t help it, but she started to clap with happiness.
‘I’ve told work and my parents, oh, dad wants to meet you.’

  ‘Is your dad going to give me the third degree?’

  ‘I think he wants to check out the competition because mum’s been going on about how handsome and charming you are. You do know how to turn it on when you want.’

  ‘I prefer to-.’

  ‘Don’t say it.’ Molly placed her hand on his mouth. ‘We’ll leave soon.’

  Slowly taking her fingers away from his lips, she kissed him gently and smiled.

  ‘Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go to the ladies.’

  Standing up, she looked at him eyeing her up before Molly walked across to the other side of the room. The idea of being away from him for a second made her panic.

  Using the facilities and checking she looked all right, Molly walked back to her table then noticed someone from the corner of her eye.

  Their eyes locked, and she thought he seemed worried but all Molly could do was smile.

  ‘Hello Tommy,’ she said and noticed he stumbled up quickly to his feet, giving her a massive hug.

  Tommy Halo hadn’t changed. He was still vibrantly handsome with his black, thick, tousled hair and blue translucent eyes. It was then, in his embrace, she realised how much she’d missed her old partner.

  ‘Molly, you look hot!’ he laughed, pushing her gently away, and she could see he was genuinely pleased to see her.

  ‘So do you!’

  They smiled, and she was unsure what to say next.

  ‘It’s been ages. I called you, but you never made contact.’

  ‘I was too ashamed and the longer I left it, the harder it became.’ Tommy glanced at the ground and released her. ‘And I didn’t know what to say. I know things have been hard for you.’

  ‘Black sheep, so to speak,’ she smiled through her initial hurt. ‘But I have ideas and, hopefully, one day, I’ll get another chance.’

  Then Tommy looked into her eyes, as if searching for something. He grabbed her hand and led her out of the room, stopping when they were alone.

  ‘You and I were scapegoats but mostly you,’ he whispered, leaning down. ‘I felt bad about what happened and wrecked with guilt. I let you down, and I never wanted to hurt you, but it got out of hand.’

  ‘It’s okay,’ she gently said, squeezing his palm. ‘These things happen and-.’

  ‘No, they don’t,’ he said, shaking his head vehemently from side to side. ‘They didn’t like the stink and …’ Tommy hesitated and let out a sigh. ‘You broke up with Sam soon afterwards, didn’t you?’

  ‘He found fame and fortune then didn’t need me.’

  ‘Has he tried to contact you recently?’

  ‘He has but I’ve got nothing to say. It’s two years since we split.’

  ‘Just be careful,’ he said seriously. ‘He’s not the man you think he is, never was.’

  Molly was confused by the statement and smiled at Tommy’s very dark expression.

  ‘No riddles,’ she whispered.

  ‘He used you Molly. I know it and so do a lot of people.’

  That bit hurt, but she breathed through it.

  ‘I’ve moved on, met someone special and I’m in love,’ she said, wanting to burst with happiness. ‘So he did me a favour.’

  He put his arm around her and gave her another hug.

  ‘I never wanted to hurt you, that wasn’t the intention but something is happening in a few weeks and…’ He took a deep breath. ‘I’ve written a book, ‘Slipped Halo’ about my life and how what happened changed it. It comes out on April 1st, which is appropriate all things considered. It’s good and bad, but I had to say my side of the story. Being used as a scapegoat is a bad thing, especially when the broadcaster didn’t want to tarnish its image and investment. I’ve not done badly out of what happened. In a way, it made me focus on getting more involved in production. I’ve got a company now called ‘Slipped Halo’.’

  ‘Did you write about me in the book?’ she asked, shaking her head. ‘Is that why Hamish wanted to speak to me? Do I need a lawyer and-.’

  ‘Never anything bad about you,’ he said, looking earnestly into her eyes. ‘I’ve always regarded you as someone I could trust and-.’

  ‘Never phone?’ she added, feeling confused.

  ‘You were top of my list of people to see. I never meant to hurt you. It was complicated.’

  She examined his face and knew Tommy, give or take his risky taste of sex with unsuitable men, was a genuine, nice guy.

  ‘Is it bad? About me?’ Molly asked tentatively. ‘Am I going to get hurt?’

  ‘That’s the last thing I want to happen… but I expect you will. I’m so very sorry, but it wasn’t all me.’

  ‘What’s going on here then?’ she heard Jamie say, strolling up to them. ‘You can’t go flirting with other men.’

  He put a comforting arm around her shoulder.

  ‘This is Tommy Halo, who I used to work with,’ she said, wondering what Tommy could have said in the book that would upset her. ‘We used to work together.’

  ‘Haven’t you done well?’ Tommy said, eyeing up Jamie. ‘Really, very well.’

  Jamie shook his hand and smiled before looking down at Molly

  ‘I think I’ve done better,’ he replied giving her a little squeeze of her shoulders. ‘Now we have to love you and leave you. I have to take this one to bed.’

  ‘My, you are a lucky girl!’ laughed Tommy, kissing her cheek before whispering. ‘It will all be for the good of you and me. Don’t let anyone else tell you different. Please forgive me, if you can.’

  Molly, admittedly, was very confused.

  ‘What could he have written?’

  Molly was sitting in the taxi as Jamie mauled her neck. ‘He said he didn’t want to hurt me but he might have to. What does that mean?’

  She might have been talking to a deaf, randy goat because he wasn’t listening. His hand had managed to wedge itself in her coat as he gave her boob a quick squeeze before planting a kiss on her lips.

  ‘Stop talking and start kissing,’ he mumbled, then put his tongue in her mouth, prodding and twirling, so she was lost in its caress. ‘We need to get home.’

  ‘Something’s going on.’

  ‘It’s not important. You’re with me.’

  ‘And what’s Sam got to do with it?

  It was a very large sigh that came from Jamie’s mouth as he looked at her.

  ‘I’ll shut up then?’ she said, taking the hint.

  ‘He might have written something controversial about using your baboon for a wank.’

  ‘Jamie!’ Molly gently thumped him on the arm. ‘Bert’s not gay.’

  ‘But Tommy Halo is.’

  ‘I didn’t even know that,’ she mumbled, looking slyly away. ‘How come you can pick this up? Are you a little queer yourself?’

  ‘Must be if I want to munch on your knickers,’ he laughed before lunging at her again.

  This time she took the kiss willingly, feeling his tongue in her mouth, his lips passionately crushing hers. Molly pushed her hand through his hair and felt her own breathing getting heavier.

  It was Jamie who pulled away and pressed his forehead against her cheek.

  ‘This is real, isn’t it?’ she asked, knowing it was for her own reassurance. Even hearing Sam’s name made her feel wary of what was the truth. ‘I know we started out as a lie but this isn’t now.’

  She met his eyes when he looked up at her, and he didn’t have to say it.

  The expression was enough.

  Wrapping her arms around his shoulders, she felt safe and happy. Even as she breathed it, there was a little gulp, knowing she was overwhelmed by him.

  Jamie Cohen.

  Nothing else mattered.

  Week thirteen of the engagement – punch out

  ‘What’s wrong with it?’

  Molly could see he wasn’t impressed by her swimming suits. ‘They’re very practical.’

  ‘If you’re seventy, I’m
sure they are.’

  He was helping her pack for holiday and found most of her clothing hilarious.

  ‘Why didn’t you just go out and buy a burqa?’ he laughed and threw the swimsuits in the bin. ‘With all the boxing, you need to show your shape.’

  ‘Jamie!’ she said, grabbing the costumes back. ‘We’ve only got a week before we go away. Where in January am I going to buy swimsuits?’

  ‘Bikinis,’ he said, raising his eyebrows before stepping closer. ‘Not that you’ll be wearing much considering what I’ve got in mind.’

  She grabbed him and planted a long kiss on his lips.

  The case was nearly packed, and she was overwhelmed with excitement about going away.

  The next thing she realised, he had pushed up her top and pulled it off.

  ‘We’re supposed to be packing,’ she said, seeing he was on heat. ‘It will only take-.’

  Sometimes there was no reasoning with Jamie as he held her in a firm embrace, kissing her neck. Molly looked out on the dark Tuesday night sky and felt the warmth of his body.

  She wanted him.

  In a flurry of activity, they removed each other’s clothes, and he pulled her towards the bed, throwing himself back and holding onto her hand.

  ‘Sit on my face and say you love me,’ he said, grinning mischievously. ‘I want you to.’

  Molly had to let out a loud laugh as she squeezed his palm and straddled across his chest.

  ‘Higher,’ he whispered, entwining his fingers with hers. ‘On my lips, please.’

  With Jamie, she wasn’t self-conscious, and she loved the fact he wanted to love her, to please her.

  So she did as she was told and placed her pelvis within inches over his mouth. He licked his lips. With his other hand, he parted her lips and licked her nub.

  Molly gasped.

  Jamie was very good at oral pleasure, at any end.

  Then he looked up and started licking it slowly, moving his tongue up and down before covering it with his lips and pulling.