by Archer, Kiki
Chapter Twenty
“You can’t,” gasped Ryan.
“I can,” nodded Connie.
“Tomorrow?”
“We’re leaving in the afternoon. Karl’s going to Manchester straight from work.”
Ryan adjusted his position on Connie’s small sofa. “I knew you had an ulterior motive for asking me round. You want me to come and play chaperone, don’t you?”
“No! Definitely not!” Connie coughed and lowered her voice. “No. I just want your blessing.”
“What, to embark on an illicit lesbian affair?”
“I’m not married and I’m not planning on having an affair.” She shrugged. “You offered to look after me this weekend. I didn’t want you feeling put out, that’s all.”
“Darling, she trumps me. God, she even trumps Trump.”
“What?”
“Donald Trump.”
“She’s not that rich.”
“But she’s paying for everything?”
Hiding behind her hair Connie nodded.
“You can’t let her.”
“She insists, but I’ll make sure I pay for all of the meals and day trips and everything else.”
“She won’t let you, and what is this now? Some sort of mini-break?”
“She’ll have to, and yes, we’re coming back Sunday.”
“Two nights? Darling, ladies like her get what they want.” He pouted. “And she clearly wants you.”
“She’s my friend.”
“Mmm-hmm. So why can’t you look at me when you say that?”
“She is!”
“Tell me that on Monday when she’s sucked on your tits.”
Connie grimaced. “No one’s sucking on my tits!” She stretched and caught sight of the clock, halting her outrage. “You should make tracks. Karl’s coming home soon.”
“For one final suck on your tits?”
“Enough! Out!” She shooed him off the sofa, pausing before she also stood. “Is tit sucking a thing?”
“For lesbians? Yes, a big thing, darling.”
“No, for anyone?”
Ryan looked at his friend with confusion. “Darling, where have you been?”
“Clearly not getting my tits sucked.”
“So bring on the weekend.”
Connie batted him on the shoulder. “Out!”
He nodded. “Yes, you will be.”
“Shush, you’ll wake Noah.”
“You’re the one who’s been wailing like a banshee!” Connie whacked him again. “Fine. I’m going, I’m going.” He smiled. “Be good, and if you can’t be good have fun.”
Opening the front door, Connie kissed him quickly. “Text me, I’ll keep you informed.”
“As if I’d intrude on the romance.” He waved camply as he danced down the path. “Toodle-pip.”
Connie laughed. “Gaybo.”
“Makes two of us love,” came the pointed reply.
Connie smiled as she shut the door, sweet relief washing through her. Ryan’s reaction had been better than expected. He was one of those friends who would tell things as they were, not in a mean or vindictive way, but with compassion and kindness of heart. He didn’t want her going out in trousers that made her bottom look big, just like he didn’t want her eating all the biscuits. He’d always tell it straight with on-point observations, often accompanied by good-natured teasing. Was Maria going to suck on her tits this weekend? No. But was he correct in assuming the planned road trip might lead them towards something new? Quite possibly. She checked the clock once more and turned towards her under-stair cupboard. She had time, one quick chapter.
‘Sometimes in life you just know. You get that feeling. That knowledge. You’re on the right path. You don’t need to look back. Your loneliness is replaced with completion and your confusion’s dispersed by three words. I love you. He says he loves me. Me. Bonnie Blythe. The lost girl who’s always looking for something. Searching for what can never be found. Love’s not a prize you compete for. Love’s a gift that can only be given. I’ve touched it. I’ve felt it. Now I’m consumed by it. My doubts have all disappeared and my questions have all ebbed away. Nothing else matters but here. Now. What we have. What we feel. This is life. This is life at its greatest.’
On hearing the front door creak she quickly pressed save and shuffled out of her space just in time to see Karl walking into the house. “Hey, you’re home early,” she said with a smile.
“I thought I’d try and break the habit on my final night here.”
She whispered quietly. “Oh Karl, this won’t be your final night here.”
He nodded and took off his jacket. “Mum’s happy for me to stay at hers for the first few weekends, but she insists I free up the room for Deborah and the kids.”
Ushering him towards the sofa Connie frowned. “But Deborah never stays there.”
“Mum said she needs it as an option.”
Connie couldn’t hold her tongue; Evelyn had been the definition of difficult from the moment she realised her son had settled for someone other than Marcie Green, the vicar’s daughter, or that nice lady from the vets who was always so gentle with Malcolm. “Your mother really needs to sort her—”
“Please, Connie, not tonight.”
“Sorry, no.” She smiled and lowered her voice once more. “I’ve cooked your favourite.”
“Thai?”
“No lasagne. Since when’s Thai been your favourite?”
“Since always.” He loosened his tie and unbuttoned his collar, collapsing on the cushions. “God we’re so crap at this.”
“We’re not. We’ve got this far.” She sat next to him and smiled. “And we’ve got here without any huge rows, without infidelity.”
Kicking off his shoes, Karl shrugged. “I guess.”
“Haven’t we?”
“Yeah. But look at us, we’ve failed.”
Connie shook her head. “No, I think we’ve got lots to be proud of, and this is your home, Karl, you’re welcome here whenever you want.” She tapped the pocket of his trousers, trying to lighten the mood. “You are paying for it after all.”
“Just part of my maintenance for Noah. It’s the least I can do.” He looked at Connie properly for the first time. “And I should have done more.”
“You’re providing for him. That’s better than a lot of men do.”
“Yeah but it sucks if that’s all I’m good at.”
Connie stayed silent, not sure what positive parenting traits she could add. “You’re a great businessman, Karl,” she said eventually.
He sat up straighter, forcing himself out of his despondency. “Anyway, like I was saying, I can’t stay at Mum’s for long, so I’ve started to look at other places. They’ve got some new apartments up for grabs next to the park. I’m going to take a look on the way to work tomorrow.”
“The Shoreditch park?”
He nodded.
“They’re really expensive.”
“It’s fine, business is booming. I’ll be close. Noah can stay. Places like that aren’t on the market for long. Things will work themselves out.”
She smiled gently. “I know.”
“I want you to be happy, Connie.” Looking towards the under-stair cupboard he spoke with apprehension. “Your book. I think you should do something with it. The computer was left on last night and I had a read. It looks like you’re almost finished.”
“Oh Karl!”
“What? It’s good. It’s like you, Connie. Unique. Quirky.”
She blushed. “I’m not finished and it’s just a hobby.”
“It’s making you happy, and Bonnie seems really happy too. I’m just sorry I couldn’t give you that.” He reached out and took hold of her hands. “But I know there’s someone out there for you, and believe it or not I do want you to find them.” He smiled but then he winced. “I can’t promise I’ll handle it well, but I’ll handle it, and we’ll survive. We’ll survive, together, for Noah.”
“But last night—”
“Last night I was being the same pig-headed caveman I’ve been for the past four years.” He shrugged and looked away. “You say in your book that true love lets you blossom. Well I’ve not done that.” He looked at her with sincerity. “Someone else will.”
“I’m not looking for anyone else.”
“You won’t have to. They’ll come to you.” He sighed, dropping his head into his hands. “I’ve not been good to you, or Noah, but I will be, and I’m sorry.”
Connie touched his fingers and waited for his repentant gaze. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“For what?”
“For everything.” She stood up and walked away, hiding the emotion that was swelling from her chest and threatening to spill from her eyes.
Chapter Twenty-One
Connie spent the entire journey from London to Brighton with her heated seat on full blast. The car wasn’t cold, in fact they actually had the air conditioning on to combat the heat of the summer sun that penetrated the car’s tinted windows, but Connie felt she had to indulge in the luxury because ignoring such a treat would simply be wrong. Noah was doing the same with the inbuilt DVD player, his eyes mesmerised by the exciting technology. Who knew cars could be so much fun?
“And we’re here,” said Maria, finally steering the Porsche Cayenne between two white marble pillars.
Connie glanced around uncomfortably. “You’ve pulled onto the porch!”
“It’s the entrance.”
“You can’t leave the car here! I open my door and I’ll be on the red carpet!”
Maria released her seatbelt. “That’s the point.”
Connie glanced around again. “Look, that man’s coming over to tell us off. What is he? A bell boy? Or a porter? I’ve never stayed anywhere with staff on the door.”
“He’s the valet. He’ll park the car.”
“You’re joking?”
“No, come on.” Maria got out and opened the back door, unclasping Alice from her booster seat. “Do you want to get Noah?”
Connie took hold of herself and slid out of the car, nodding apologetically to the valet as she stepped onto the red carpet.
“Greetings ma’am. Welcome to the Eagleton.”
She spun around. It wasn’t the valet talking, but another statuesque gentleman wearing top hat and tails, who was bowing in greeting.
“H-Hi,” she managed.
“Jasper will see to the car, ma’am. May I welcome you to the Eagleton? Edward will take your bags.”
Connie turned again to see another man, in a red bellboy outfit, already burrowing in the boot of the car.
“I…”
“May I help you with your precious package?” The doorman was smiling at Noah who had become visible with his face pressed up against the tinted glass.
“No I…” Connie was flustered by the buzz of activity around her and was momentarily distracted by the hotel’s huge flags, flapping gently in the sea breeze.
“Albert, it’s me.” Maria appeared from the other side of the car, carrying Alice on her hip.
“Oh hello, Maria! How are you? So glad to see you back here, and with such beautiful company as well.” He nodded at Connie’s blushing cheeks before offering his gloved hand to Alice who shook it heartily. He bowed and tipped his top hat in greeting.
“Albert’s funny,” said Alice giggling.
“You said that last time, little lady.” The old man offered his hand again and repeated the greeting. “You shake my hand and I bow. I can’t help it.”
Alice giggled even harder. “Show Noah, show Noah!”
Connie snapped out of her trance and opened the door, shocked when Noah came tumbling out of the seat having already unbuckled himself.
“Noah do it, Noah do it!” He shouted excitedly.
Connie gasped. “Okay, Noah, okay.”
“Yes, it’s okay.” The doorman crouched and offered his hand. “Hello, young man.”
Noah shook the fingers and watched as the funny person in the funny outfit suddenly stood up and started marching like a robot. He screamed with laughter shouting, “Again, again!”
The doorman repeated the spectacle.
“Albert walks funny for you!” said Alice. “He takes his hat off for me!”
“I wonder what he does for Connie?” said Maria with a grin.
Connie fanned away the words. “Shouldn’t we be checking in?”
Albert offered his hand. “All part of the service, ma’am.”
Connie shook it gently, pausing with apprehension as the doorman tapped out a shuffle ball change. She couldn’t help but smile. “Wonderful. That’s just wonderful.”
“He only does it for the tips,” said Maria with a wink.
Albert nodded. “And you’re still the Eagleton’s best tipper, Miss Mariano.”
“I bet you say that to all the girls.”
“That I do. May I have you shown to your rooms?” He tapped along the red carpet to imposing doors that magically opened via the gloved hands of another red-suited bellboy. Albert lifted his hat as the two little ones giggled and trundled past him.
Connie walked through the grand opening, taken aback by the elegance of the lobby. It was like something from Pretty Woman. Marble everywhere. Nests of ebony tables. Low lighting. Soft music. She looked towards the bar in the corner and imagined herself as Julia Roberts, sitting on a tall stool, wearing the off-the-shoulder red evening gown and long white gloves, waiting for her Prince Charming to take her to the opera. She looked at Maria and smiled.
“What?” she quizzed.
Connie whispered. “This is amazing.”
“Wait until you see the rooms.”
“Are we sharing?”
“No, did you want to share?”
“I just thought.” She paused. “It’s cheaper to share, isn’t it? My friends and I used to see how many of us we could squeeze into a single Travelodge room.”
Maria smiled. “I think we’ll be okay for space. I’ve asked for two family rooms; they’ll probably be interconnecting.”
Albert reappeared next to them with a porter. “This is José. He’ll take you to your suites. Enjoy your stay, ladies. I’m sure I’ll see lots of you.”
Connie tried to pay attention to the fourth uniform she’d seen in as many minutes. Stepping closer to Maria she frowned. “Don’t we have to check in or something? They’ve not seen our paperwork. And what does he mean, suites?”
“Relax, this isn’t a Travelodge.”
“I know,” said Connie, “there are no vending machines.”
Maria laughed. “Do you like vending machines?”
Connie nodded and encouraged Noah to follow the porter to the lift. “They can be handy if you’ve forgotten your toothpaste, or if you need a drink or something.”
Maria laughed again. “Just you wait.”
****
Connie stood open-mouthed in the centre of what she could only describe as a palatial marble swimming suite. It wasn’t a bathroom, it wasn’t even a bath suite, it was colossal, and Maria was right, there was absolutely no need to worry about forgotten toothpaste as the shelves were filled with every product she could imagine or need. She returned to the lounge, opening a large wooden cabinet and gazed into what couldn’t be labelled a mini bar, or even a maxi bar; it was a complete corner shop hidden away in the cupboard.
“I have never stayed anywhere like this,” she said, turning to Maria who was busy pouring them both a gin and tonic. “You must let me contribute.”
“No, you’re contributing just by being here. Alice never usually gets this excited by the room.”
“Maria, this isn’t a room, it’s like a penthouse suite or something.”
“No, we’ll save the penthouse for a special occasion.”
Savouring Maria’s cheeky tone she smiled. “Am I here as your bitch?”
“Only if you want to be.”
Connie laughed. “Perks like this make it a pretty tempting offer.” She accepted
the offered drink. “Will there be tit sucking involved?”
Maria squeaked. “What?!”
“It’s fine.” Connie smiled. “They’re in the other room, or one of the other rooms. How many rooms do we have exactly with your suite and my suite combined?”
“No, I meant what are you talking about tit sucking for?!”
Connie took a slow sip of her drink, letting an ice cube drop from her lips back into the glass. She sucked it back in again and used her tongue to swirl it around her mouth. “Just something Ryan said.”
“Hmm, I see. Now you’re more confident you’re going to start teasing me, aren’t you?”
“Confident? I’m just acting the part until someone realises I’m not supposed to be here and comes to turf me out.”
“Right here, right now, you are perfect.” Maria smiled. “You fit. You’re standing there in your chic little summer outfit with your gin and tonic like you’ve done this a thousand times before.”
“Ha, I wish. This is your lifestyle, not mine.”
“You make my lifestyle better.”
Connie waited, unsure whether to reply with another tease, or absorb the charged moment. She smiled. “This is nice, isn’t it?”
Maria nodded. “It really is.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Connie’s first full day in Brighton had been perfect: like something in any number of classic rom-coms. The children had crashed out quickly soon after their arrival the previous evening. It prompted the closure of the interconnecting doors between the suites, even though both women would have preferred to have at least one more gin and tonic, but neither wanted to suggest the idea first. So they’d all said their goodnights and gone to sleep early, waking up with bags of energy for the adventures ahead.
They started with a beautiful joint breakfast on the veranda of their family suite, followed by an exciting morning at the Sealife Centre where the hammerhead sharks were declared the best ever fishes according to a suddenly very knowledgeable Noah and Alice. They stopped for lunch at a friendly beachside bistro and spent the afternoon riding donkeys on the beach. The children had announced they were definitely not napping, so their planned trip back to the hotel was replaced with fun at the fair, the helter-skelter being a particular highlight.