by Pam Howes
‘For fuck’s sake,’ Eddie said at the sound of peeing, a loud fart and then another door shutting.
‘Roy,’ they said, laughing together.
‘Push the sofa across the door, just in case,’ Jane suggested. ‘Then we can relax properly.’
He leapt up and shoved the heavy sofa across the room.
‘That okay for you?’ He dropped back down beside her. ‘Now get your clothes off, woman.’ He gazed at her in the light from the flickering gas fire. ‘You’re still so beautiful,’ he whispered and bent to kiss her again. ‘It seems only yesterday that we were shagging on this very rug. I can even remember the red top you were wearing, with those little buttons all down the front.’ He circled her nipples with his fingertips and traced them with his tongue.
She shivered and smiled. ‘You used to like me wearing that top, if I remember rightly.’
‘Because it was so easy to take off,’ he said, raining kisses down her front.
She reached out to stroke him. He was hard and he moaned as she took him in her mouth.
‘Oh yes, baby, that’s wonderful,’ he gasped and fell back onto the rug, eyes closed as she worked her magic. He flipped her onto her back and pushed into her. She wrapped her legs around him as he thrust time and again.
In all the years they’d been together he’d never failed to please and tonight was no exception. She felt waves of orgasmic pleasure and cried his name. His breathing deepened as his pace quickened and, as always, he told her he loved her as he came. He collapsed on top and nuzzled her neck.
‘We’ve still got it, babe,’ he whispered, ‘you and I, and it just gets better.’
She smiled, tears filling her eyes.
‘What’s the matter?’ He touched her wet cheek.
‘I just love you so much, that’s all.’
‘Women!’ he said. ‘Especially mine.’
***
The house was slowly emptied of its contents. A dealer offered Eddie a job lot price for the furniture. Another dealer, who dealt solely in bric-a-brac and smaller pieces of furniture, was glad to take the rest.
The remainder of Aunt Celia’s belongings were packed into the cars. Jane had boxed all the photographs with the intention of sorting through them when she had the time.
There was also a large box of newspaper cuttings and records of The Raiders. Aunt Celia had been proud of her only nephew and his group and had collected everything she could about them. Jane handed the box to Jess to keep, for she had her own collection of Raiders memorabilia at home.
Helen and Ronnie popped in early morning to say goodbye on their way to the station and Jon told Helen he would call her that evening.
‘Maybe we could meet up somewhere later, depending on what time we get home,’ he suggested.
‘That would be lovely, Jon. I’ll look forward to it.’ Helen kissed him goodbye and he stood on the doorstep waving until she and Ronnie turned the corner.
Eddie watched as a For Sale board was erected in the front garden. He put his arm around Jane’s shoulders and gave her a hug. ‘End of an era,’ he said as she reached up and kissed him. ‘I feel quite sad really, but I’ll give it six months and if there’s no interest then I’ll have a re-think about keeping it. Maybe we could have it refurbished and keep it. After all, it’s a good investment.’
Jane nodded. ‘Right, have we got everything?’ She took a last look round.
‘Well if we haven’t, it’ll have to stay down here, the Jeep’s loaded to the gills,’ he replied.
‘Oh, Jess, grab that black bin bag over there,’ Jane said. ‘I almost forgot it.’
Jess picked up the bag, peered inside and wrinkled her nose. ‘Surely this should have gone to the tip with the rest of the rubbish.’
‘No it shouldn’t, your mother wants to keep it,’ Eddie said.
‘God, why? It’s minging.’
‘Because it’s sentimental to her, that’s why.’
‘Yuck. How the hell can you get sentimental over a smelly old rug?’
‘It’s our love rug,’ he said, looking at Jane’s blushing face.
‘Love rug? Oh - I see. Was that during the riots? Well, if you were stuck indoors, I suppose you had to have something to do. I’ll sling it in the back of the Jeep, shall I?’
‘If you can find the room. I’m going to give it to the dog to lie on in the porch,’ Jane said.
‘Hey, Jane, you can always bring it out and put it in front of your own fireplace when you fancy a session,’ Roy teased.
‘Jane’s already got a nice furry rug in front of her fire, Dad,’ Nick smirked, winking at Jess. ‘Isn’t that right, Jess?’
‘Nick, stop giving our secrets away,’ Jess said as her dad laughed.
‘Come on, let’s go home before this conversation takes a turn for the downright smutty,’ he said. ‘Meet you at Watford Gap for coffee. Drive carefully and thanks very much for all your help.’
‘It’s been fun, roughing it for a while without any mod cons,’ Sammy said.
‘And I’ve met Helen, who’s a bit of alright if you ask me,’ Jon added with a lustful grin.
‘And Jason’s met Ronnie. Haven’t you, love?’ Sammy said, squeezing his arm.
‘Mum, for God’s sake, we’re just friends. Don’t go reading anything into it,’ Jason replied. ‘Anyway, she’s not my type.’
‘And what exactly is your type, Jase?’ Nick teased. ‘You’ve never been out with any birds. So how do you know what type yours is if you don’t try a few for size?’
‘Leave me alone, Nick,’ Jason snapped and climbed into the back of the BMW.
‘Oooh, sorry for breathing,’ Nick retorted as Sammy raised her eyebrows. ‘Trouble with you, Jase is that you spend far too much time with that poncey Jules instead of going on the pull.’
‘That’s enough, Nick. Jules is a really nice boy and he’s a good friend to Jason,’ Sammy said. ‘Now get in the car and leave him alone.’
‘You started it, Sam, by mentioning Ronnie,’ Roy said. ‘You know how bloody touchy Jason is about girls. Right, let’s get a move on, or we’ll never get home today.’
***
CHAPTER FIVE
‘Dominic, take Lennon down the lane, there’s a good lad,’ Enid called up the stairs.
‘Do I have to?’ Dominic called back. ‘I want to finish reading my book before it gets dark.’ Maurice Zendak’s monsters were scary enough in the daylight; Dominic wouldn’t dare read about them at bedtime. ‘Why can’t Katie take him?’ he said, running downstairs. ‘I did it this morning.’
‘Katie’s not here, she’s playing at Lucy’s. Come on, love, Mum and Dad will be home soon. I haven’t time to take him myself. I need to nip across to our house to switch the heating on and your Grandpa’s still bowling with Tom.’
Dominic sighed, called Lennon to heel and stomped out of the kitchen. Enid smiled and went back to putting the finishing touches to the evening meal. She was a plain cook, but justifiably proud of the chicken casserole simmering in the oven.
She checked her watch, placed a large pan of broccoli on the hob and wiped her hands on her apron. Ten minutes at the most, she thought. Eddie didn’t like his veg mushy, preferring it something foreign sounding, al-dente, was it?
She bent to lift a latticed topped pie from the oven. It was done to perfection - golden brown on top, the delicate fragrance of cinnamon blending with the apples. She ran her hand across her face. That oven was blooming hot. A newspaper lay on the table and she picked it up and fanned herself.
Dominic and Lennon trailed back into the kitchen. Enid gave the young lad a glass of orange juice and a chocolate biscuit.
‘Did you enjoy the walk after all that moaning?’
‘Yeah,’ he nodded. ‘I was looking for conkers and acorns.’ He reached for a second biscuit. ‘But I couldn’t find any.’
‘Just the one,’ she said, gently pushing his hand away. ‘We don’t want to spoil your dinner. And it’s the wrong time of year f
or conkers and acorns, love. You’ll have to wait until autumn.’ She gave Lennon a Bonio and absentmindedly patted his head. ‘You’re a bit grubby, Dom. Wash your hands and face when you’ve finished your snack. Mum and Dad won’t be long now. Mum said about two hours when she phoned from the services.’
‘Is Katie coming back for dinner, Gran?’
‘No, Lucy’s mum will bring her home later,’ she replied, ruffling his hair. ‘Ah, here’s Grandpa.’
Ben strolled into the kitchen smiling and dropped his bowling bag in the middle of the floor. He tweaked Dominic’s ear and planted a kiss on Enid’s cheek. ‘Hello, love. Are they not back?’
‘Not yet, but they won’t be long. Get yourself washed and changed and then we’ll all eat together here. I’ve cooked enough casserole to feed an army, so I hope they’re hungry. Take your bowling balls with you before somebody trips over them. Dominic, you can help me set the table.’
***
Ben went next door to his barn conversion bungalow, Lennon on his heels. Eddie and Jane had presented him and Enid with the keys on its completion and they’d moved in five years ago. He picked up a stick and chucked it for the dog. Lennon carried the muddy stick inside and dropped it on the kitchen floor.
‘You’ll get me shot if Enid sees that on her clean tiles,’ Ben said. ‘Now stay there while I get myself ready.’ Lennon settled down on an old blanket Enid kept for him by the wood-burning stove and placed his head on his paws. He closed his eyes and began to snore.
Ben took a quick shower, pulled on a clean shirt and his comfy slacks. He lit a cigarette and stood out on the patio at the back of the bungalow, enjoying the cool air. He wasn’t allowed to smoke indoors anymore. Enid thought she was the bee’s knees with her new home and after years of living on a noisy estate, he was inclined to agree with her. Thanks to his son-in-law’s generosity, Ben was enjoying the luxury of early retirement. He stubbed his cigarette out on the wall, put the butt in the dustbin and went back inside. ‘Come on, Lennon, lad, let’s go and get some grub.’ The dog wagged his tail, jumped up, retrieved his stick and followed Ben across the communal garden.
‘Any beer in that fridge?’ Ben asked as he walked into the kitchen. It was thirsty work playing bowls and all he’d had this afternoon had been a cup of tea. Right now he could murder a pint or two down the local, but he wouldn’t dare suggest it without Eddie being around to back him up.
Enid had worked hard in the kitchen all afternoon and she’d no doubt begrudge him going alone to the pub. If he wasn’t careful she’d be finding him jobs to do when all he wanted was to relax.
‘Have you ever known Ed not have beer in his fridge?’ Enid replied, draining broccoli over the sink. She tipped it into a serving dish and popped it in the oven.
‘Don’t suppose I have.’ Ben scratched his chin.
‘Well then, why ask daft questions?’
He winked at Dominic, who was grinning behind Gran’s back, and helped himself to a can. ‘Why can’t women answer a question with just a simple yes or no, Dom? It would make life much easier.’
Lennon whimpered and wagged his tail. ‘Hey up, old lad, what’s the matter?’ Ben patted the dog’s head and scratched his silky ears.
Lennon ran to the door, barking excitedly.
‘Are they here? Let him out, Dom.’
There wasn’t a car in sight and indeed it was several minutes before the Jeep bumped up the private lane. But Lennon, with that sixth sense that dogs possess, stood quivering on the doorstep. His beloved mistress was on her way home.
***
Eddie leapt from the Jeep to help Jane down. The dog shot towards them, barking and wagging frantically, knocking him sideways.
‘Christ, Lennon, be careful.’ Eddie picked himself up from the floor. He brushed grass and twigs from his jeans, laughing at the over excited animal. Mental as anything, he thought. Lennon only had eyes for Jane; his devotion was total. Even Dominic couldn’t get a look in as his mum fussed over her pet, sending him crazy.
Lennon had been Eddie’s last-year-but-one’s birthday gift for Jane. She’d longed for a dog, dropping hints as her birthday approached. The look on her face when he placed the cream, eight-week-old puppy in her arms was one he would treasure always. Tears had tumbled down her cheeks as she announced she’d name him in memory of John Lennon.
She told Eddie he was the best present ever and had come at just the right time. She was feeling broody again. He’d smiled, offering up a silent prayer of thanks for small puppies and vasectomies!
‘Have you missed Mummy, sweetheart?’ Jane cooed. ‘Oh, I’ve missed you too, my darling boy.’
Jess clambered out of the Jeep, eyebrows raised in amusement at the scene. ‘Show him what you’ve brought him back then.’ She tossed the black bin liner onto the grass.
‘What is it?’ Dominic asked excitedly. ‘It looks like a very big present.’
‘It’s nothing really, Dom. Just something for him to lie on in the porch.’ Jane emptied the rug out and gave it a shake. The brown furry pile was so moth-eaten, the shaking made little difference, but Lennon dragged the rug from her hands and carried it off across the lawn. He dropped it under a tree and lay down with a sigh. He placed his head on his front paws his expression one of bliss.
Eddie nudged Jane and whispered, ‘He must be able to smell your body scent from the other night. No wonder he looks so contented.’
‘Ed!’ She blushed as her mother called from the doorstep.
‘Hurry up and come indoors; your dinner’s ready and waiting.’
‘Won’t be a minute, Mum,’ Jane called back.
‘Why did you bring Lennon an old rug, Mum?’ Dominic asked. ‘He’s got blankets in his basket to lie on.’
‘Ah, but, Dom, it’s not just any old rug, is it, Mum?’ Jess teased and gave her little brother a hug.
Dad dug her playfully in the ribs before she could say anything else. ‘Stop it, you, or I won’t give you your inheritance.’
‘You’d better,’ Jess said, grinning. He’d told her yesterday that she and Jon were each to have ten thousand pounds from Aunt Celia’s estate. Katie and Dominic would receive the same amount, to be held in trust until they were eighteen. Jess pulled her holdall from the back of the Jeep, calling over her shoulder as she went indoors, ‘You and Jon can unload the instruments and amps, Dad.’
‘Oh, thanks very much, Jess. Come on, Jon. Let’s get this lot up to the music room and then we can relax after dinner. I won’t feel like carting amps around if Gran’s done one of her specials.’
***
Jess sat at her dressing table and brushed her hair, deep in thought. On the journey home she’d told Mum and Dad that she and Nick were planning to live together when she got her money. They’d said that was fine, as long as it was okay with Roy and Sammy. Nick was supposed to be telling them on the way home, which was why she and Nick had travelled separately. Jon had been a bit cool with her after Mum and Dad had given their permission. He’d almost ignored her when they’d stopped at the services and had been really snappy with Nick. It bothered her. She and Jon had always been close, but since she’d been dating Nick he’d been really odd. He’d never objected to any of her earlier boyfriends and Nick was his best mate, so she didn’t understand why he wasn’t thrilled for them.
***
Jon carried the largest of the amps upstairs to the music room. He’d been in a sunny mood for most of the day, which had as much to do with meeting Helen as receiving his inheritance. There’d been many girlfriends in the past, but never anything serious. Spending time with Helen this week had taken his mind off Jess, that is, until Jess told Mum and Dad that she and Nick were planning on moving in together and a rush of jealousy had overwhelmed him, yet again. He sensed he’d upset Jess by turning his back on her for most of the journey home.
‘Oh well,’ Jon muttered as he nipped back downstairs for his holdall. ‘What Jess wants, Jess will get.’ He dashed back upstairs and dropped the ba
g on the bedroom floor. He kicked the door shut, delved into the front pocket of the bag and pulled out a silver frame. He stared at the photograph, taken at his christening, and looked curiously at Angie. Mum had handed the photo to him this morning, urging him to keep it out of Dad’s sight.
He studied the pretty girl who’d died so young. She was smiling proudly at the tiny baby in her arms. Even Dad, who had his arm draped around her shoulders, appeared to be smiling. Alright, it was a bit forced, but a smile, nonetheless.
‘What on earth did you do that makes him hate you so much he won’t even talk about you?’ he muttered. He slipped the photograph into the bedside drawers. He’d show it to Jess later, see if she had any thoughts on the subject.
***
Jane breathed in the delicious culinary smells in the warm kitchen. Dominic hopped from foot to foot in front of her and she bent to give him a hug. ‘There we are, now I can get near you with Lennon out of the way.’
‘Have you brought me a present?’ he asked hopefully.
‘Of course I have, sunshine.’ She handed him a paper bag.
He looked inside and grinned. ‘A boat, oh thanks, Mum.’
Jane smiled and kissed him. She’d rushed out that morning to look for gifts for him and Katie, but a collection of seaside bits and pieces was all she’d had time to grab. The Brighton rock would no doubt ruin their teeth and Lennon would probably pop the beach balls within the day, but Dominic could sail the little wooden yacht in his bath.
***
‘Let’s get cracking on that dinner.’ Eddie strolled into the kitchen, smacking his lips. ‘I’m starving. Have you made us one of your specials, Enid?’
‘One of your favourites, Ed,’ she replied, squeezing his arm.
Eddie smiled. Enid’s cooking evoked memories of his mother’s kitchen and his happy childhood, so whatever she’d made would be a treat. Whenever she baked a steak and kidney pie for Ben, she always made one for him, too. Her pastry was light as a feather and melted in the mouth, with gravy so rich, you could stand your fork up in it, bliss. Although he prided himself on being a reasonable cook, he hadn’t mastered the art of pastry making and Jane had long given up trying. But between his mother-in-law and himself he was well fed and contented with his lot.