by Nicola May
Sam sat up in bed and ran his hands through his hair. ‘But Cherry.’
‘No bloody buts, this has been going on for too long now, two years too long in fact.’ Cherry took a drag on her after-sex cigarette. ‘I mean surely there’s no comparison. I’m twenty years her junior. It must be like shagging a bit of leather.’
Sam cringed inwardly that his young lover could be so harsh about Jess. He still loved his wife very much, but when Cherry joined Lemon as a new account manager, he had fallen for her blonde, brassy charm, and short mini-skirted apparel. He had questioned his actions, many a time, but had just put it down to a mid-life crisis. He couldn’t however imagine life without his vibrant, charming Jess and beautiful little Freya. Undoubtedly, sex with Cherry was amazing. He had reached raw highs with her that he had never experienced with Jess. But he still adored being close to Jess too. When he made love to her, he did just that. He tended to her body with gentle compassion.
Sam knew he had to give Cherry some sort of answer. ‘OK, I hear you, baby. It’s Jess’s party at the weekend. I want it to be special for her. Let’s get that out of the way and we can talk again.’
Cherry huffed. ‘I want it to be special for her,’ she mimicked in a baby voice.
‘I bet that’s bloody costing you the earth and we haven’t been away together for weeks now.’
Sam got out of bed and sighed. He was still a very fit man for fifty-five. Cherry looked him up and down and then smiled at him. ‘Baby, you know how I much I love you.’
‘Yes I do,’ Sam replied wearily and opened his wallet. ‘Look, here’s £500. Go and get yourself a nice outfit. I’ll come round Monday and you can show it off to me then.’
Cherry smugly took the money. She knew just how to play Sam Beresford.
Chapter Three
The morning of Jess’s party arrived. It was a beautiful crisp March day. The good weather was a relief to Jess, as she imagined everyone having to wear woolly scarves in the marquee, despite the heaters that Sam had organised. Much to sociable little Freya’s delight, an array of people had been backwards and forwards all day with catering supplies, band equipment, decorations, and flowers. She ran around the marquee amongst them, chattering furiously to anyone who would take the time to stop and talk to her. She was going to stay with a friend in the village tonight, so Jess could let her hair down without having to worry about getting her to bed at a reasonable hour.
Jess made herself a cup of tea and sat in the cottage’s pretty window seat, and began looking through tonight’s guest list. Her whole family were coming. Even though her dad was now in his eighties, he and Maria said they wouldn’t miss it for the world.
She smiled when she thought about her dad and Maria. It had been hard on all counts when her mother had died, however, despite teething difficulties Maria was accepted into the fold. She had proved to be the mainstay of the family and most importantly had made her dad very happy. Karl and Shelley were coming up from Brighton, and Phoebe and Glen had probably already left their house. Phoebe was so excited to have a weekend away from the girls. Sam’s daughter Charlotte, now thirty, was also coming with her new boyfriend, whom Jess and Sam had yet to meet. Charlotte was now a successful marketing manager in the music industry. Sam was really proud of his daughter, and Jess had been more than happy that she had accepted her and the arrival of Freya so openly. But that was Charlotte all over, she had a zest for life and always went out of her way to help and please people.
Sam walked into the living room and smiled. He put his arm around his wife and kissed her on the top of the head. ‘So how’s my favourite birthday girl then?’
Jess smiled and turned to face him. ‘I’m actually really looking forward to tonight now.’
‘Good, good. It’s going to be great and you will no doubt be the belle of the ball.’
‘Just don’t let me jump to the floor when ‘Oops Upside Your Head’ comes on.’
Jess laughed. This was her renowned party piece, which ended up with everyone seeing her knickers and her usually ruining whatever she was wearing.
‘Daddy!’ Freya rushed in and jumped into Sam’s arms. ‘I didn’t tell Mummy about the car I promise.’
Sam put his fingers to his daughter’s lips to try and hush her and beckoned Jess to the front door. ‘You’d better follow me, Mrs Beresford.’ Sam flung open the front door and Jess shrieked with delight, as there sitting on the drive, adorned with a huge pink bow, was a stunning, mint condition, dark blue, Mark II Golf GTI convertible. She had mentioned to Sam a few months ago that she had had one in her twenties, and it had been her favourite car ever. Sam was delighted at his wife’s reaction. ‘It’s obviously very old, Jess, but with a bit of love and care it will keep on going for you for years to come.’
‘Bit like us then hey?’ Jess laughed and threw her arms around her thoughtful husband. ‘God I love you, Sam Beresford,’ she said loudly and hugged him tight.
‘Mummy, can we go for a drive now, pleeeease?’ Freya urged.
Chapter Four
Sam waved his beautiful wife and daughter off of the drive. Tears stung his eyes at the nature of his betrayal. What on earth was he thinking? How could he possibly even think of leaving this wonderful woman, adorable child, and settled life behind? And for what? Hot, hard sex with a younger woman who, he was certain, only saw him as a future bank balance anyway. He realised then that he shouldn’t have kept his affair with Cherry running for so long. It had been easy with all the others. They were just passing flings and luckily had never reached ultimatum status. He made a decision there and then, that this was it. He knew now where his heart would lie forever. He would be a one-woman man. Monday night he would finish it for good with Cherry and he would never again have another affair.
Chapter Five
‘ You look so handsome in black tie,’ Jess enthused to her preening husband. ‘In fact that is exactly what you were wearing on the night of my fortieth. You didn’t look half bad then either.’
‘I should have got you a Wonder Woman outfit for later,’ Sam said. ‘God I fancied you then, I can’t believe it took me so long to unleash my own Lasso of Truth and tell you.’
Jess wriggled into her cocktail dress. The silky fabric accentuated her curves and the plunging neckline showed off her ample bosom. She had chosen electric blue to highlight her eyes, and had had her hair blow-dried especially for the night’s festivities. In short, she looked simply stunning. Sam kissed her gently on the cheek so as not to smudge her lipstick. ‘You look beautiful darling. In fact you still easily pass for forty.’
Guests started to filter in through the back gate: a plethora of penguins and fancy frocks. Blue flares lit a pathway down the garden, to the entrance of the marquee. A jazz band had started up in a corner, while chattering partygoers mingled over their first glass of champagne, and nibbled on elaborate canapés. Jess radiated happiness. Here she was surrounded by everybody she loved, at a party just for her. She had made sure her dad and Maria were comfortable at a table near the bar and had a laugh with Phoebe about not believing how old they both were. She was in mid conversation with Karl and Shelley about whether they would ever take the plunge to have kids, when Sam walked over to her.
‘All OK?’ Jess enquired. Sam put a loving arm around this wife.
‘Fine, fine. Charlotte just called though, the babysitter let her other half down. He’s trying to find another one but she’s definitely going to be late.’
‘No worries, they are staying over anyway aren’t they? So we’ll have plenty of time to catch up with them over the weekend,’ Jess replied.
The 80’s band suddenly came to life belting out a Duran Duran favourite. ‘Her name is…’ Hope sang, as she shimmied over to Jess. ‘Darling girl, you surely can’t possibly be fifty, you look so young.’ They both laughed out loud. Hope looked about thirty-five now. Her recent boob job, collagen-pumped lips, and regular botox injections made sure of that.
‘Nice frock, love,’ Jess
exclaimed. ‘Did you leave the other half of it in the shop?’ Hope laughed again.
‘Darling, if you’ve got it flaunt it, I say. And if you haven’t when you get to our age, you should bloody flaunt it anyway. Now are there any potential men here for me honey? I’m feeling hungry.’
‘Hope Adams, you are the most insatiable woman I’ve ever met.’ Jess smiled. ‘I’ve got somebody in mind for you though.’ She pointed over to the left speaker. ‘In his mid-forties. He’s a complete Jack-the-Lad but has a big heart to compliment yours.’
Hope ogled across the dance floor. ‘Hmm, check him out. Let’s hope everything else is big on him too.’
‘Hope!’ Jess exclaimed.
‘You love it really,’ Hope chuckled and walked seductively towards her prey.
The dark-rooted blonde heading up the band launched into ‘Call Me’ by Blondie and Jess caught Emma’s eye as she to her side. The two friends began to dance wildly, mouthing all the lyrics that they had both learnt off by heart in Emma’s parents’ bedroom, when they were just thirteen years-old. They breathlessly walked to the bar and got themselves a large wine each.
‘Jess, you look stunning, mate. I saw the Golf on the drive too, what a cool present.’ Emma panted.
‘I know I feel thoroughly spoilt. I do really love Sam you know. I also had a good think about what you said, and you’re right. There is no way on earth he would have an affair.’
Sam waved over to them both from the other side of the marquee. Jess smiled widely, and blew him a kiss. By 11 ‘O’clock the party was rocking, Madness, The Police, The Jam, Prince, and Wham aided the celebrations. Suddenly, the music stopped with a groan from the revellers. However laughter soon resumed, as Sam appeared carrying a magnificent cake in the shape of a star, ablaze with fifty candles. He cleared his throat and addressed his audience.
‘Now I’m not one for speeches and I know you want to carry on enjoying yourselves but, before you do that, I just wanted you to join me in wishing my beautiful wife a very happy birthday.’ The audience looked on happily. ‘Jessica Beresford has been a shining star in my life for the past ten years and I hope she will be until eternity.’
Sam certainly wasn’t renowned for his outpourings of affection, and a tear fell down Jess’s cheek. An ‘ah’ resounded around the marquee, before a drunken rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ commenced.
‘Three cheers for Jess,’ Sam shouted
He didn’t notice the mini-skirted blonde staggering across the marquee towards him. ‘Hip hip bloody hooray,’ Cherry angrily spat in his ear. ‘You better be leaving her on Monday.’
Sam, now white with shock, ushered Cherry quickly outside of the marquee. ‘What the fuck do you think you are doing here? Turning up at my private home, to my wife’s special party. How dare you!’ Cherry was clearly very drunk.
‘I was sat on my own at home and thought fuck it, if he’s having a good time then
I should be too.’
‘I’m ringing you a taxi now,’ Sam said sternly. ‘And on Monday we shall talk as I promised.’ He physically marched his mistress to the front gate. ‘Now you wait here until the car arrives.’
Cherry fuelled by alcohol saw no sense or reason. In witnessing Sam’s outpouring of affection to his very attractive wife, she realised that the chance of him ever leaving her, were probably very remote indeed. She burst back into the marquee and marched straight over to Jess. Jess, who was now mid conversation with Hope was oblivious to what was to come. Culture Club’s ‘Do You Really Want to Hurt Me’ filled the air.
‘Happy birthday, Jess. Really pleased to meet you.’ Cherry held out her hand in greeting.
‘Hi there and thanks,’ Jess hesitated as she looked Cherry up and down. ‘Sorry to be rude, but I’m not sure if we’ve met before?’
‘No, Jess, we haven’t. My name is Cherry and I’m having an affair with your husband.’
Chapter Six
Jess opened her eyes. Her head was pounding. She rubbed her face, stretched and then, as if she had been hit on the head with a rock, suddenly realised the terrible truth from last night. She looked around her unfamiliar surroundings. Where was she? That’s right she had decided to go and stay with Hope. She felt such a fool. Her hunch had been right all along. The man she had been sharing her life with for eight years was having an affair, with a girl young enough to be his daughter.
Hope appeared at the bedroom door. ‘Tea?’ She enquired gently.
‘Yes please, angel.’ Jess replied weakly. ‘Hope, please tell me that no one else realised what was going on. I was so drunk I can’t remember everything that happened now.’
‘Well only Jack-the-Lad as he shared a taxi back here with us,’ Hope replied.
Jess managed a smile. ‘Is he still here?’
‘Obviously.’ Hope shrugged. ‘Jess, honestly don’t worry. I will gag him not to say anything. You were ever the professional. You acted as if you were running your own event. You kept your smile on until midnight and said goodbye to everybody with grace. Nobody had a clue, darling, honestly, I promise.’ Jess breathed a sigh of relief.
‘The last thing I wanted was a big scene with everyone there, especially Dad and Maria. That would have been terrible.’
‘I can’t believe you were so calm with Sam. It was like something out a movie Jess,’ Hope exclaimed. ‘You just said through gritted teeth, “You pick up Freya in the morning. I am going to stay with Hope, and we shall talk tomorrow.” If it had been me, I would have completely lost it!’
Jess’s eyes filled with tears. ‘That’s the whole thing with me and Sam. I am really angry with him, but it’s weird. I’ll go home later and we’ll probably discuss this, like we discuss putting the recycling out.’ Just then her mobile rang.
‘Jess, it’s Sam, I’m so sorry and I really can explain.’
‘Isn’t that what all adulterers say?’ Jess replied wearily and continued. ‘Well I guess there’s no point screaming and shouting, when can we talk? I obviously don’t want Freya to hear. Is she OK by the way?’
‘She’s fine. Charlotte arrived really late last night, thought we could maybe all have lunch today to make up for her missing your party. Why don’t I get her to look after Freya instead, and we meet in The Royal Oak at say one ‘o’ clock?’
‘OK.’ Just as Jess had assumed, it was as if they were having a normal conversation. ‘What’s Charlie’s new man like by the way?’
‘He’s joining her later on, only just managed to get a babysitter,’ Sam answered.
‘Did you tell her?’
‘Yes I did.’
Jess showered and borrowed some of Hope’s clothes. She luckily managed to find something fairly conservative, amongst the leopard skin and fur. She got a taxi to the pub and waited for Sam.
He looked ashen as he walked over to her. ‘Jess, let me have my say before you say a word, please.’
Jess sat in silence and looked at the man opposite her. She did love him. He had been her life for the past eight years, and she couldn’t bear to imagine life without him in it. He was her rock.
‘I met Cherry at work, she’s an account manager. I guess I was flattered by the attentions of a younger woman.’
Jess could no longer remain silent. ‘So in true middle-aged style, the man sees the short skirt, the blonde hair and decides he wants to fuck her!’ She said bitterly.
‘Jess, shush, we don’t want the whole pub to know our business.’
‘How long has it been going on?’ Jess hissed.
‘Two years.’
‘Two years! Two years!’ Jess repeated not quite able to believe what she was hearing. ‘You disgust me, Sam, how can you be having sex with someone and then get into the marital bed with me for two bloody years! By the look of the slag, I could have all sorts of diseases.’
Sam sighed. ‘Oh, Jess, I really am so sorry. I now realise it was a terrible mistake. I’ve never stopped loving you – you know that. It was just kind of different with her.’
‘What passionate you mean?’ Jess looked to the sky. ‘It was sex, Sam. That was all. Not making love, just pure filthy sex. I think I’d rather you’d had a quick one with a whore if that’s what you were looking for.’
‘You’re not going to leave me,’ Sam demanded. ‘I was actually going to go and see her Monday and finish it for good.’
‘Oh nice,’ Jess said sarcastically. ‘Keep wifey happy with the birthday party and then trot round to Fanny Ann’s and tell her it’s over afterwards. Great! Well do you know what – I’m glad she had the balls to tell me, because you never would have!’
‘And if you’d never have known. Everything would still be perfect Jess. Like it was yesterday, and the day before that. I know now it is you I truly love. I was just stupid – blinded by the excitement of it all.’
‘So have you spoken to her?’ Jess enquired.
‘Yes I have, I’ve told her in no uncertain terms it’s over.’
‘And how about when you go into work? When she’s flashing her young pins and those baby blues at you, how exactly are you going to resist her?’
‘Jess, I’ve said it’s you I love and I don’t want to ever see her again like that. I promise you with all my heart.’
‘So where do we go from here?’ Jess said practically.
‘We go back home and see our beautiful baby girl and we start afresh. I will do anything, and I mean anything to make you happy, Jess.’
‘Oh God, Sam, I can’t believe you’ve done this. I’ve never felt happier and now I feel so betrayed. It’s worse because I’ve always trusted you. I did have my suspicions just recently but then thought that you would never, ever be capable of doing something like this. Look, Sam, I’m not ready to go home and start playing happy families. I need some time to think about what is best for me and especially Freya.Freya adores you, but I’m not sacrificing my happiness just for her.’
‘Jess, please don’t talk like this. I don’t see why you should have to leave me. We’ve got so much history; we can and will work this out.’