'Til I Kissed You

by Pam Howes

  ‘Bloody Hell!’ Eddie said. ‘Roy won’t like that.’

  ‘It’s got nothing to do with Roy,’ Pat bristled.

  ‘It’s got everything to do with Roy,’ Tim replied. ‘She’s his wife.’

  ‘Really?’ Pat raised an eyebrow. ‘Then it’s a pity Roy didn’t think about his wife when he was screwing Livvy this morning. Anyway, Tim, I refuse to fall out with you over him. As Sammy said earlier, he’s not worth it.’

  ‘Roy’s burnt his bridge at both ends,’ Jane said, folding her arms. ‘Sammy’s free to do as she wants, when she wants and with who she wants.’

  ‘Okay, Jane, enough,’ Eddie said. ‘Let’s not spoil the night by arguing.’

  ‘Well you two stop sticking up for Roy then,’ Jane said.

  ‘Truce!’ Tim held up his hands. ‘But I’m still starving. Another drink, Ed?’

  Sammy popped her head around the door, looking flushed and cheerful. ‘Foods ready. Do you want to sit at the table or eat buffet style?’

  ‘Buffet style,’ they chorused, following her into the dining room where they helped themselves to seafood pasta and green salad.

  ‘Stu, would you open the wine, please?’ Sammy handed him a bottle and a corkscrew.

  ‘Certainly, Madam,’ he said, holding her gaze. Jane looked on with a smile, guessing correctly that Stuart would have been quite happy to stand in the kitchen kissing Sammy all night if it hadn’t been for his hungry mates.

  ***

  Jon carried a protesting but tired Katie up to bed on his shoulders, with Dominic trailing behind. He tucked them in, read each a story and hurried back to Jess.

  She was sitting on the rug in front of the fire, Lennon half on her lap. He wriggled with ecstasy as she stroked his silky ears. He looked up at Jon and wagged his tail.

  ‘Right, Lennon, move yourself, it’s my turn.’ Jon pushed the dog out of the way and sat down. ‘There, you can stroke my ears now,’ he said, laying his head on Jess’s lap.

  ‘Silly,’ she giggled.

  He sat up and put his arms around her, kissing her passionately. ‘Let’s go upstairs.’

  ‘You’d better give Lennon his supper first. Mum didn’t have time to feed him before she went out.’

  Jon groaned and leapt to his feet. ‘Is there no peace in this bloody house?’

  ‘Not for the wicked,’ she teased.

  ‘I haven’t had the chance to be wicked - yet! I think there’s some white wine chilling in the fridge. Would you like a glass?’

  ‘Please.’

  ‘Come on, Lennon, suppertime,’ Jon announced to the eager dog who jumped up and followed him, understanding every word where food was concerned. Lennon could stay in the kitchen for a couple of hours, Jon decided. He opened the wine and filled two glasses as the dog wolfed his meat and mixer.

  Back in the lounge Jon smiled, clinking his glass to Jess’s as he dropped back down besides her. ‘Cheers, here’s to us.’

  ‘To us,’ she echoed, taking a sip as Jon knocked his back and poured another.

  ‘That was good. Come on, Jess, drink up.’ He frowned, as she twiddled the stem of her glass. ‘Is something wrong?’

  ‘No,’ she said, not quite meeting his eyes.

  ‘Yes, there is. Tell me.’

  ‘I feel a bit odd, that’s all.’

  ‘What do you mean odd?’

  ‘Well, awkward, I suppose.’

  He took the glass from her, and pulled her into his arms. ‘There’s no need to feel awkward with me. I love you. I’ve always loved you.’

  She nestled against his shoulder and he kissed her reassuringly. ‘I know that. I love you, too. It’s just, well what if Katie or Dom wanders in?’

  ‘We’ll lock your bedroom door.’

  ‘Okay. But let’s wait until we’re sure they’re both asleep.’

  ‘Fine, I don’t want to do anything you’re not happy with.’

  She smiled and pulled him closer. ‘I’m perfectly happy about us, Jon. I just don’t want Mum and Dad to find out. Pass my drink over and go and check on the kids then.’

  ‘Flat out,’ Jon announced seconds later as he ran back downstairs. ‘They were knackered.’ He bent to scoop Jess into his arms and carried her out of the room.

  ***

  Roy sat in his flat, glass of whisky in hand, looking round with a certain amount of pride. It would do for the next few months until he found a place to call home with Livvy. They’d shopped for linen and towels yesterday and she’d been so excited, choosing bargains carefully, until he’d told her to forget the price, if she liked it he’d buy it. The trip to Paris was off. The stubborn little Madam wouldn’t take time off work.

  On reflection, it was perhaps as well, because Ed had organised a band meeting for tonight in the Royal Oak. Roy finished his drink and smiled. With a bit of luck they’d be out on the road in a couple of months. Adrenalin surged through his veins at the thought. Not much else in his life felt right at the moment. He loved Livvy dearly, fancied the arse off her, but he wasn’t sure that he was in love with her, not like he was with Sam.

  He thought about Sam all the time, even when he was shagging Livvy. He wanted to call her desperately, needed to hear her voice, make sure she was okay, but he didn’t dare. Ed had told him she was fine and had been happy enough over the weekend. He’d also mentioned in passing that Stuart had been at Jasmine House on Saturday night. Roy felt angry and jealous. Sammy had enjoyed last week’s night out with him and he was sure that if Stu thought there was a chance with her he’d grab it.

  He reflected on his own weekend; Sunday lunch at his parents’ place had been a big mistake. His mother had dropped Sammy’s name into every conversation. Framed photographs of he, Sammy and the boys had been purposefully placed on every available surface, his mother tactlessly pointing out to Livvy when they’d been taken.

  Their wedding portrait was in pride of place, with Sammy looking stunning in her cream silk wedding dress. Pictures of them both as proud new parents, holding their tiny babies.

  Roy’s eyes filled with sudden tears as he thought of his wife and his precious boys. What a fool he was to lose everything. He shook his head and muttered, ‘Snap out of it, Cantello. You’ve got a lovely new bird and a baby on the way. The Raiders might make it big again. Count your bloody blessings.’ He stood up and stretched. Might as well have a kip in readiness for the drinking session tonight’s meeting would probably turn into.

  ***

  ‘Penny for them!’ Sammy sat herself on the desk in front of Jane who was staring into space.

  ‘What? Oh sorry, Sam, they’re not worth a penny.’

  ‘You’ve been miles away all day. What’s bothering you?’

  Jane shook her head. ‘Nothing, well - not really. It’s that overactive imagination at work again.’

  Sammy frowned. ‘Jon and Jess?’

  ‘Yeah, but I’m probably worrying over nothing as usual.’

  ‘What’s happened to add fuel to the fires of your imagination this time?’

  Jane took a deep breath. ‘I always empty the waste-paper bins in the bedrooms before the cleaner comes in.’

  ‘And?’ Sammy prompted.

  ‘Jess’s bin had two empty condom wrappers in it. They weren’t even hidden, just sitting on top for me to see.’

  ‘Did you say anything to her?’

  ‘No. It would have looked as though I was prying.’

  ‘Are you absolutely sure Jess isn’t seeing someone?’

  ‘Who and when? She never goes out anywhere without Jon. As far as I know she doesn’t have anyone round during the day, and anyway, Ed’s at home with her most of the time. She was alone with Jon for hours on Saturday night while we were at yours. There was an empty wine bottle in the kitchen. Ed had left a joint rolled for when we got home, but it had gone. Ed laughed it off. Called them a pair of rum buggers, but I was thinking they’d be all chilled and relaxed and well, you know.’

  ‘I do. It was one thing when you
thought they’d been kissing, but now you’ve reason to think they’re sleeping together. You need to discuss this with Ed, and pronto.’

  ‘How can I tell him? He’ll go crazy.’

  ‘Well then, you’ll have to say something. You can’t let it go on, Jane.’

  Jane put her head in her hands and muttered, ‘What if I’m wrong?’

  ‘Well, someone’s using condoms and unless they’ve been blown up to amuse Katie and Dom, I can think of only one other use.’

  ‘You’re right, of course,’ Jane replied. ‘Any idea how I should broach the subject?’

  ‘God, I don’t know, Jane. I really don’t.’

  ‘Oh well,’ Jane shrugged. ‘I guess I’ll just play it by ear for now. Oh, by the way, have Pat and Tim been to view The Old Vicarage yet?’

  ‘They were going this afternoon. I’ll call and see if they’re back. Do you fancy coming over tonight and having a drink with us? Tim and Ed will be at the band meeting.’

  ‘Yeah, that will be nice. It means leaving Jess and Jon alone though.’

  ‘Well it’s up to you,’ Sammy said. ‘I’ll give Jason and Jules the money for a taxi; they can go and join them. That’ll keep them all out of mischief.’

  ‘Good idea,’ Jane laughed. ‘Ed said Roy’s going to the meeting tonight. Have you spoken with him yet?’

  ‘No,’ Sammy replied. ‘I’ve nothing to say. The solicitor can do all my talking for me. That’s what I’m paying him for. Roy’s mum called last night. She told me they met Livvy on Sunday and weren’t very impressed. Irene thinks she’s tarty and out to trap Roy for his money. She told me I should fight for my rights and get him back. I told her I didn’t want him back. She made him out to be a right little angel and Livvy the seducer. Can you believe it? She’s never really known her son, has she?’

  Jane smiled. ‘Not really. But then, do I know my kids?’

  Sammy shook her head and picked up the phone. ‘Let’s have a change of subject. Take that design I’ve just finished through to the pattern cutters and I’ll call Pat.’

  ***

  Pat ran across the kitchen and grabbed the phone. ‘Hello. - Hi, Sam, I was about to call you. We’ve just walked in from the viewing. – We loved it. It’s brilliant, needs a bit of an overhaul, but otherwise it’s fantastic. - Yeah, six bedrooms, so Tim can have his all important music room. Similar layout to yours downstairs and the gardens are fabulous, absolutely huge in fact, and there’s the paddock so the kids can have ponies. Tim’s really keen to put a cash offer in today. With the money we made on the ranch we could buy the place twice over, but of course we need new cars, and furniture, too.’

  ‘Well make them a much lower offer than they’re asking and then you can go up a bit if they refuse. The market’s slow at the moment and a cash offer on a house that price is unusual, so they should bite your hands off!’

  ‘We will,’ Pat said. ‘I feel happy and positive about the future now. The house feels so right, I can picture us living there already.’

  ‘Go for it then. Call the agent now, put in the offer and good luck.’

  ‘Will do, I’ll see you later.’

  ***

  Sammy smiled as she hung up. Pat’s excitement had rubbed off on her. Having her stepsister around had definitely taken the edge off Roy’s departure, and Sammy was also enjoying the attention she was receiving from Stuart. The two of them had been out for a meal on Monday night and on the way back Stuart had parked the car on a quiet country lane and taken her into his arms.

  ‘We never got the chance to do this as teenagers,’ he’d told her, kissing her. She’d responded to his kisses and caresses with more enthusiasm than she ever imagined she could do. They’d talked about the planned trip to London and although Sammy was slightly apprehensive, deep down she was also excited. She knew that if Stuart got his way, they’d end up spending the night together, even though he’d told her he’d booked two rooms. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to spend the night with him; she was worried about disappointing him. Roy going off with Livvy had dented her confidence and she was convinced that her performance in bed was to blame. Why else would he have had an affair? Every other aspect of their married life had been good and she’d always assumed she was everything Roy wanted in a woman. But she’d obviously been mistaken.

  ‘Did she like the house?’ Jane’s voice broke through Sammy’s thoughts as she strolled back into the office.

  ‘Yes, they both loved it. Tim wants to put an offer in today. It’ll be handy to have her close by, especially when Tim’s away with the lads.’

  ‘When are you seeing Stuart again?’

  ‘Friday, I think. He suggested we all go out for dinner. Is that okay with you, Jane?’

  ‘Yeah, great,’ Jane replied. ‘Roy’s going to feel so left out of everything, isn’t he?’

  ‘Well it’s tough. He’s made his bed. I wonder how he went on moving into his flat yesterday. I promised to sort him out some linen and towels. I forgot, what with that performance on Saturday morning. He won’t have a clue what to buy. He thinks you just open a cupboard and everything’s magically there.’

  ‘See, you’re still worrying about him. You still care.’

  Sammy rolled her eyes. ‘Of course I care. I told you, I love the stupid fool to bits, but I can’t forgive him. Last Saturday morning just finished it for me. You can’t blame me, Jane, I was willing to give him that one last chance and I was so sure it was what he wanted, too. But no, Roy had to have his bloody cake. Like I said, once that baby arrives he’ll be besotted whether he wanted it or not and I won’t stand a chance.’ She took a sip of coffee and grimaced. ‘Ugh, it’s gone cold; I’ll make us a fresh one. Anyway, I have to admit that I’m rather enjoying Stuart’s attentions.’

  ‘Are you now?’ Jane raised an amused eyebrow.

  ‘We were like teenagers on heat the other night,’ Sammy grinned. ‘Stuart parked up. I haven’t snogged like that for years. He’s got wandering hands like Roy, too.’

  Jane laughed. ‘You sound like the girls from the factory floor. Next thing you’ll be coming in with Pan-stick on your love bites.’

  ‘Well, I reckon I’m due some fun after the last couple of crappy months, don’t you?’

  ‘You are, Sam,’ Jane agreed. ‘If anyone deserves it, you do. Stuart’s lovely and he thinks the world of you.’

  ***

  Eddie and Tim were first in the Royal Oak. They were shortly joined by Phil and Carl and there was much hand shaking and backslapping.

  ‘I think Phil shares your aversion to barbers, Tim,’ Eddie laughed as he admired Phil’s lengthy blonde locks. ‘Mind you, he always had the longest hair of us all in the sixties.’

  ‘He did,’ Carl said, laughing. ‘I hated him for it. My awful ginger thatch was an embarrassment compared to his flowing mane.’

  Tim went to the bar and they’d downed their first pints when Roy strolled in.

  ‘Same again, lads?’ he called.

  ‘Please, Roy. Lager all round,’ Eddie replied.

  Roy strode across to the alcove and placed a laden tray on the table. He shook hands with Phil and Carl and sat down, beaming from ear to ear.

  ‘What’s up with you?’ Eddie asked.

  ‘I just feel happy, that’s all.’ Roy took a drink of his lager and offered his cigarettes round.

  ‘Have you just come from Livvy’s place?’ Tim asked, narrowing his eyes.

  ‘Might have,’ Roy said and held out his lighter.

  ‘The poor kid’s been at work all day and you go jumping her bones as soon as she gets home,’ Eddie laughed.

  Phil looked from one to the other, puzzled. ‘Would somebody mind telling me what’s going on? Who the hell’s Livvy?’

  ‘Yeah,’ nodded Carl. ‘Who’s Livvy?’

  ‘Roy’s new bird,’ Tim informed them. ‘You’d better tell them what’s happened in the last few weeks, Roy.’

  ‘I will. But first of all, a toast.’ He lifted his glass. �
��Here’s to the return of The Raiders.’

  ‘Here, here,’ said Tim.

  ‘And all who sail in her!’ Eddie grinned.

  ‘Right, come on, Roy, tell us what you’ve been up to before we get down to any serious band talk,’ Phil insisted.

  ‘Well, briefly, I had an affair and me and Sam have split up,’ Roy began. ‘We’re getting divorced. I’ve moved into a flat for now until I buy a house for Livvy, me and the sprog.’

  Phil spluttered into his lager and Carl almost dropped his pint. They stared at Roy.

  ‘Fucking hell! I thought you and Sam were for life?’ Phil exclaimed. ‘You never played away from home. What went wrong?’

  ‘I don’t really know,’ Roy replied lamely. ‘I met Livvy, got her pregnant and Sam doesn’t wanna know me.’

  ‘Well - congratulations, I suppose, on the sprog, anyway,’ Phil replied. ‘But I’m sorry to hear about you and Sammy, I really am. I thought you’d have had enough traumas this year with losing your lad.’

  Roy shrugged. ‘These things happen, Phil. What about you and Laura?’

  ‘Divorced,’ Phil replied. ‘I got married again but that didn’t work out either. We split up three months ago. That’s why I need to work again, and as soon as possible. I’ve got mega commitments. Two exes and six kids!’

  ‘Fucking hell!’ It was Eddie’s turn to splutter into his lager. ‘How did that happen?’

  ‘You mean no one’s ever explained the facts of life to you, Ed?’ Phil said. He took a sip of lager. ‘Laura and I had two girls after the twins, and then like Roy, I had an affair. I was half living with Jo and half with Laura ’til Laura slung me out. I’ve got two girls with Jo. So there you go, that’s six last time I did a head count. Big commitment, believe you me.’

  ‘To some bloody tune,’ Eddie agreed. ‘So, you’re a single man again?’

  ‘And newly vasectomised,’ Phil said. ‘So I’m raring to go.’

  Roy grimaced. ‘That sounds painful. What about you, and Cathy, Carl? Do you plan on having kids?’

  Carl smiled shyly. ‘We’d like them, but it just hasn’t happened.’

  ‘Oh well, plenty of time,’ Roy replied.