by Nikki Ashton
Barney still drove me around and looked after me, but even he was thinking of settling down with a women he’d met in a hotel bar when we’d been staying on location. He was smitten and Marlena seemed good for him – my only worry was she lived in Washington and I wasn’t sure she liked the idea of LA life, which meant I could lose Barney, but hey, I wanted him to be happy too, so what would be was what would be.
As for me, I was happier than I’d ever been and Phoebe gave me that; my pretty girl, my world. I admit, there were still times when I acted like a pre-menstrual bitch, but that was usually when my mom called. Yeah, things were no better with her, she still annoyed the fuck out of me. Phoebe said she couldn’t stand to be in her parents’ company for more than three hours, well my fucking limit with my mom was three minutes – ten tops. But hey, we were making progress, three was better than zero. I would never forgive her for what she’d planned to do, no matter how ridiculous her plan was. Unbelievably, my fucking kids adored her and I would never keep her from them. We kept things amiable for their sake, and after a stint in rehab, she appeared to have been clean and sober for the last year and a half. I asked her what was different this time and she said ‘Lowry and Chester. I need to rectify my wrongs.’, so maybe I should give her credit for that. As for Trent, my ‘dad’, he and I were getting there, much quicker than me and Sue-Ann, it had to be said. The guilt and heartache he’d felt over the years was visible in every line and crevice on his face. Every time he looked at me, I saw deep, dark regret in his eyes and yes I was still angry and disappointed that he hadn’t fought harder for me, but I understood. The thought of finding out either Lowry or Chester weren’t mine would gut me, but I’d still want to be in their life. That said, if I thought they were going to live with their real father, well I’m not sure I could stand that and maybe I’d run away too. Thank god, I didn’t have that worry, my kids were most definitely my kids. As for the kids, they adored Dad and Deanna, and if I was on location and wanted Phoebe to come out for a few days, Granpy and Granma were more than happy to babysit them.
Phoebe and I sat in silence for a little while, until we heard the gentle snores of our babies.
“Hey,” I whispered, turning to Phoebes. “What do you think about a sleepover tonight?”
She looked down at Chester and then Lowry, finally her eyes landing on mine.
“I can’t think of anything better.”
Leaning to her, I gave Phoebe the softest of kisses, delivering enough pressure that she would understand every word I wasn’t saying.
“Who do you love?” I asked my pretty girl.
“I love you,” she replied when I slowly pulled away. “Always you.”
The End
Pelvic Flaws
I’m Katie Grainger, I’m 45 years old, a divorced mother of three, slightly annoying at times, but always loveable, kids and I can wet myself at the drop of hat. Actually, it’s more like a sneeze or a cough than a drop of a hat, but whatever the reason, let’s just say I am forever grateful for the invention of the ultra-thin panty pad.
I don’t have a bad life, there’s book club where I discuss the menopause with my friends, there’s Clubbercise where I wet myself and dance like my mother with my friend Mandy and there’s my work which is pretty boring, where I get to learn a lot about reality TV from my much younger co-workers. All of which makes me content – yes, I’d like more sex, but who wouldn’t when their castle hadn’t been breached for four years.
Do I have regrets in my life?
Yes, I do. I regret that my ex-husband, Carl, and I didn’t realise we’d grown apart sooner. I regret having a perm in 1993 – I looked like Roly the dog from Eastenders. I regret not trying more online dating when I first got divorced and I regret that my youngest, Charlie, feels torn between pleasing me and his dad. What I don’t regret is my bag breaking and spilling everything over the pizza place floor, the night Dex Michaels was in there ordering a 9inch meat feast.
What can I say about Dex?
Dex is the sort of man that dreamy sighs are made of. He’s tattooed, has impeccable pecs and amazing abs and has the most gorgeous blue eyes I’ve ever seen. He’s a true Southern Gentleman, with an accent that makes me want to wear a pair of Daisy Duke’s and ride across the range on stallion called Champion. Dex Michaels is 46 years old, owns his own Tattoo Studio, has no baggage, likes my kids and seems to think I’m cute. A match made in heaven – right?
Pelvic Flaws is the story of one woman’s struggle with hot sweats, mood swings and perilously poor pelvic floor muscles. It’s the story of Dex, who thinks all those things about Katie are funny and adorable. It’s the story of a romance that could turn into something big. It’s the story of what might be the love affair of the century, as long as it’s not ruined by the baggage that neither of them knew existed.
There are always many people I need to thank, once I’ve finished a book. Each time that list gets longer and longer, but that is why this book world is so bloody amazing. People want to help you, no matter whether they are readers, bloggers or fellow authors, there’s always someone willing to lend a hand in some way. We stick together, we fight the cause as one and we always have each other’s backs – what a cocky bunch we are!
Some special thanks goes to Suzie Cairney and Laura Nelson of SL PA Services. Thank you both, for everything you’ve done to help make the release of this book a success. I’m a total dunderhead when it comes to anything to do with social media or administration of any type, so I couldn’t have done this without you. The members of PictPublishing, a big thank you to you too for all your help.
JC Clarke – yet again you’ve been a star. I love your work and you blow me away with your professionalism and hard work.
Brooke Bowen Herbert, it was a pleasure working with you especially as you got my stupid British sense of humour.
All of my Angels, who make stroke my ego daily by telling me how much they love my books. I love you ladies and please never stop posting and commenting in the group. You always manage to make me laugh and brighten my day. Kimberly Newman and Leanne Johnson, keep up the laughs you gorgeous pair of Sugar Tits.
My Beta readers – Sarah, Patsy, Cal, Laura, thank you for your honest opinions and for loving my words. I know you’re probably biased, but it means a lot when you tell me I did a good job.
Lots of love to our newest member of the Angels; Savannah Williams. Ally, you and Sam have produced a beauty and I can’t wait for cuddles when I finally get to meet you.
To my family and friends and most of all Mr A, who has to force me to take in some fresh air most of the time. I know I’m needy and at times I’m precious, but I just want you all to be proud of me, so thank you.
Finally, to those of you who read my books there aren’t enough words to show gratitude to you for everything you’ve done for me. If you’ve read one book, or read them all, it doesn’t matter because you took a chance on me and I’ll be eternally grateful.
Thanks again everyone and much love always.
Nikki x