The NSC Boxset: Heart of Stone

by D H Sidebottom

  “She’s okay. We’ve had to cancel my party until next weekend, much to her displeasure but . . . you know, she’s my priority . . .” He drifted off and spoke to somebody in the background. “Ava, I have to go but you take care and enjoy your few days with George. Give him our regards.”

  I smiled, “I will Brian. You give Brenda a hug and kiss from me.”

  I was just about to disconnect when Brian shouted me back. “I didn’t want to say anything Ava but . . . but well I just thought you should know.”

  I frowned, “Know what, Brian?”

  He gulped, “Well . . . uhh, well I didn’t want to tell you but Brenda says I must . . .”

  I held my breath, “Brian please, just tell me.”

  He sighed and then carried on, “Okay I’m just gonna say it. We went to the club when you left last night and Mason was there.” I stood silent, closing my eyes; my stomach clenching as I knew what was coming. “Well he was really drunk, Ava.”

  He was having trouble and I encouraged him. “And he was there with Rebecca,” I finished for him.

  He sighed heavily, “Yes.”

  I swallowed back the nausea. “Did he leave with her Brian?” My heart had stopped as I waited for his reply. “Brian?” I urged but already knew the answer.

  “Yes,” he whispered and I let out a sob. “Jesus Christ, I’m gonna kill him.”

  “No Brian. It’s okay, I expected it.”

  I heard him gulp. “I’m so sorry, Ava. He was drunk and high. I don’t think he even knew who he was, never mind who she was. He had a right go at me for not letting on where we were last night. He looked broken, sweetheart.”

  I gulped back the tears and told him not to worry I would be fine and ended the call.

  I sat on the cliff edge for a long while until George came out. He took one look at me and carried me in, gently placing me on the sofa then disappeared in to a different room.

  Courtney hugged me tightly, her softness enveloping me comfortingly. “What’s he done now, babe?” she asked gently, wiping the tears from my cheeks.

  “He left the club with Rebecca last night,” I told her. I could hear her knuckles crack violently as she clenched her fist.

  I heard George shouting and swearing in the other room. “I will personally see you rot in hell for this, you’ve broken her you fucking cunt.”

  I had never heard him so angry and I cringed at his words but opened the door to the room he was in, walked over to him, took his phone and disconnected the call.

  “George, I’m okay. I promise” I smiled at him through my tears and cupped his caring face. “I will get through it. He helped me move on in a way and for that I am grateful,” I said softly. His expression softened but he looked puzzled so I carried on.

  “George. You know what happened and I never thought I would be able to go with a man ever again, but Mason pushed me through that barrier and took down those walls and I enjoyed it, I never thought I would but I did.” I cocked my head and realised the truth of my words. “And for that I’m indebted to him, he was patient and gentle with me when I needed it.”

  He nodded and sighed. “I just laid into him and he never uttered a word, he just took it Ava. That’s not something I expected from him. He eventually just kept saying how sorry he was.” He laughed bitterly.

  I grabbed his hand and squeezed, “Come on let’s have that drink and you can take me exploring.” I grinned in excitement and he pulled me into his side.

  “You are gonna love it here and the Portuguese are gonna love you, Ava. Let’s see if we can hook you up with a hot bloke” he winked and grinned.

  * * *

  We spent the next few days, sight-seeing, nightclubbing and just relaxing on the beach. I returned back to the UK on Monday, refreshed and relaxed.

  George had taken it on himself to make sure we had a good time and true to his word, Courtney and I had loved every minute, but duty called and I needed to find a new job.

  I visited Brenda as soon as soon we returned and hugged her tightly. “Brenda, how are you?”

  She waved me off. “I’m fine, it’s just a sprain, dear. More importantly how are you?”

  I smiled warmly, “I’m fine Brenda. I’m made of steel.” I winked but I had the feeling she could see straight through me, but she didn’t ask again and we chatted for a while.

  “The party is rescheduled for this Saturday and don’t give me any excuses, you are like family and I want you there” she informed me firmly and I smiled and nodded. I would go through the pain of seeing Mason for Brenda, her friendship meant a lot to me.

  I left a short while after and returned to my little cottage. As soon as I entered I sighed as I smelt the familiarity of my home.

  I quickly got to work, opening the windows and putting on some laundry and went shopping.

  * * *

  As I was stood at the checkout somebody whispered my name into the nape of my neck and I flinched, spinning around quickly.

  Dane was stood behind me in the queue. “Well hello, Miss Stone” he smirked and I shuddered.

  “Dane.” I faked a smile and coughed when he perused me slowly, his gaze hovering on my breasts.

  “I take it you had a good holiday” he stated but didn’t ask.

  “It was wonderful. It was lovely to see George.”

  I turned back round to the cashier who was watching us intently. She flicked her gaze to me, her lipped curled in a silent understanding that he freaked her out as well.

  Dane’s hand grabbed my arm, “Now that you and Mason aren’t fucking any more I wondered if you wanted to get together?”

  I gasped at his directness, “ . . . no thank you, Dane.”

  I tried to turn again but his grip tightened and he leant into my ear, “You do know he’s back with Rebecca.”

  I was already simmering but his latest words cut through the rage. I grit my teeth and stared at him with resolve and hopefully, nonchalance. “Well that’s up to Mason. It has nothing to do with me Dane.”

  He sneered and licked my cheek. “I really want to fuck you hard, fast and raw, Ava” he growled in my ear.

  I shot out and slapped him, a harsh crack across his cheek. His head spun to the side as the cashier gasped and quickly pressed her buzzer for the manager.

  Dane snarled and drew his fist back but a tall muscled man who was stood behind him grabbed his arm. “I wouldn’t do that pal if I were you,” he warned.

  Dane dropped his arm instantly but his face was as hard as the punch would have been. “This isn’t over Ava!” he hissed as he pushed past me and stormed out.

  Exhaling loudly, I turned to my saviour and gave him a grateful smile. “Thank you.”

  He grinned. “No problem, sweetheart. I have good hearing and I heard what he said to you. What a twat!”

  I laughed and nodded, “Yeah he is a twat.”

  He helped me bag my shopping as I was still trembling with the adrenaline. “Wait and I’ll walk you to your car, just in case that knob’s out there.”

  I smiled warmly and helped him with his shopping and we both walked out to the car park.

  He lifted my bags into my boot and I thanked him again. “You’re very welcome, Ava.” He smiled softly, “I don’t suppose you fancy meeting for a drink?” he asked before I could climb in my car.

  Before I knew it I was promising to meet him in a restaurant tonight, and I was stunned at my quick agreement.

  He smiled and tucked a lock of hair behind my ear. “You really are stunning” he breathed.

  I smiled awkwardly at his boldness. “Thank you,” I stammered and climbed in my car. “I’ll see you tonight.”

  He winked and left, leaving me dumbfounded at his forwardness and my easy yield to his invitation.

  Move on and move forward, Ava!

  I shook myself and made my way home, already nervous about my date tonight and wishing I had refused.

  “Oh, why not Ava?” I scolded myself and then wondered what Mason was doi
ng, until his and Rebecca’s writhing, joined bodies burnt an image behind my eyes. I grit my teeth and refused to think about him again.

  CHAPTER 17

  I DECIDED TO wear trousers and my soft pink cashmere sweater for my date with Tony. Not wanting to give him any encouragement towards the bedroom, I made sure I was dressed attractively but not sexily.

  I walked into the restaurant a little after 8 O’clock. He was stood at the bar waiting for me and a grin erupted on his face as he saw me. “Ava, you look gorgeous.” He kissed my cheek, “Drink?”

  I smiled and thanked him, “Vodka and cranberry please.” He nodded and after purchasing our drinks the waiter led us over to a table in the corner.

  “You have beautiful hair, Ava” he said brashly. I squirmed a little at his comments. A little too much a little too soon.

  I smiled and perused the menu, deciding on a simple salad, not sure if my churning stomach could cope with anything heavier.

  I gave the waiter my order and Tony took my menu, brushing his fingers against mine as he did so; no electricity or jolt.

  I wasn’t sure if that disappointed me or pleased me.

  “So Ava, how do you know that idiot from the supermarket?” he asked. I chewed on my finger nervously. His gaze dropped to my mouth and he watched me intently. I quickly removed it, dropping it in my lap.

  “He used to be friends with my ex-boss,” I told him, not wishing to go into any more details.

  He nodded slowly. “I heard him mention a ‘Mason’ and I don’t want to step on anybody’s toes, Ava,” he probed openly.

  I cleared my throat. “No, I’m single. He was just my boss” I smiled.

  He gave me a slow grin, “Good.”

  We chatted for a while, asking the usual ‘getting to know you’ questions. I was halfway through my salad when a hand settled on my shoulder.

  I turned to look and saw Mason’s stern glare on Tony, his hand tightening on my shoulder. His eyes swung to mine. “Ava.” His eyes blazed but other than that no emotion played on his face.

  I gulped as his touch shot through me, lighting every single nerve ending in my body. “Mason,” I acknowledged politely.

  I shifted in my seat as his gaze shot to my mouth and a slight groan rumbled in his throat. “How are you?” he grated out as his hand refused to leave my shoulder, but had softened somewhat.

  “I’m good, thank you. You?”

  He nodded and his eyes shifted back to Tony. “Are you going to introduce us, Ava?” he practically snarled.

  I swallowed heavily. “Uhh yes. Mason this is Tony. Tony, this is Mason, my ex-boss” I explained.

  I stilled when Tony said, “Ahh, knobhead’s friend.”

  I closed my eyes and refused to look at the glare that I knew Mason was giving me. “Oh, and who is the knobhead?” he asked Tony, his tone bordering on aggression.

  “Some friend of yours apparently, that came on to Ava in the supermarket. He was really rude to her and she ended up slapping him,” he said bluntly. “He was going to punch her until I held him back.”

  I was silently willing this stupid man to shut up.

  Mason’s grip tightened. “Ava?” he growled and I rolled my eyes.

  “It’s fine Mason, nothing to worry about.”

  He pursed his lips and glared at me. “Dane?” he asked.

  “I said leave it Mason!” I snapped but the idiot across from me decided to fill him in.

  “Yeah, I think that was his name. He told her he ‘wanted to fuck her hard.’ I mean what fucking dickhead says that to a woman?”

  My control snapped as Mason face contorted in a white rage, a snarl ripped from his throat. “I’ll fucking kill him” he roared.

  I glared at Tony. “For god’s sake Tony, shut up,” I hissed and his eyes widened at my outburst.

  “I’m sorry Ava, I was just trying to help,” he pouted sulkily.

  Mason pulled me out of my chair. “A word, Ava” he demanded as he pulled me to one side. “What the fuck are you doing with that idiot?”

  “It has nothing to do with you Mason, probably the same as what you are doing with Rebecca,” I hissed and shrugged out of his grip.

  He sighed heavily. “There is nothing going on with me and Rebecca,” he retorted sternly.

  I scoffed loudly. “Oh don’t treat me like a fool, Mason” I snapped and turned back round to Tony but he grabbed my arm.

  “Ava, what did Dane do?”

  I shook my head, “Leave it, Tony came to my rescue.”

  I shrugged and Mason’s face darkened. “Ava . . .” he whispered, “Please, let’s talk.”

  I shook my head and headed back to my seat. Coughing and picking up my cutlery, I smiled at Tony and dove into a conversation.

  As soon as Mason left I made my excuses to Tony, saying I had a headache and made my way home, collapsing in bed, my nerves frazzled and exhaustion engulfing me as I slept until lunchtime the next day.

  * * *

  The next few weeks flew by as I job hunted, and I was pleased with myself. I had managed to secure an interview at NSC Industries, a top technology business as a temporary PA to cover someone’s maternity leave, and an interview for a receptionist at the local doctor’s surgery.

  On Friday I went for the NSC interview and it all seemed to go well, they seemed pleased with me and promised to e-mail a decision soon.

  When the offer of the job came through Friday night; Courtney, Kim, Sally and I decided to party.

  We all decided against ‘The loft’ and went to an older club, across the road.

  About 2am we exited the club and were all drunkenly looking for a taxi when I saw Mason leave ‘The loft’ with Kerrie. I was relieved to see him with her and not Rebecca but I still slinked behind Courtney, trying to hide but Kerrie saw me.

  “Ava!” She shouted and I groaned. Sally shouted to me, intoxicated, “Ava, someone’s shouting you, hun.”

  I growled at her, now I couldn’t feign ignorance of their presence.

  Kerrie walked over to me and hugged me. I was very drunk at this point. “Kerrie, how are you?” I slurred.

  I saw Mason check me out and his eyes darkened when he scanned me. I was wearing a tight red silk dress with a black lace overlay, it was quite short and I had teamed it with black thigh high 5 inch boots.

  “I’m great.” She grinned and cocked her head, “Good night?”

  She laughed as I swayed and grabbed hold of Courtney. “Yep, we are celebrating my new job.” I grinned, refusing to look at Mason.

  “Oh?” She said, looking a little stunned, “Where at, sweetie?”

  I pointed my finger in the air, “Uhh . . . oh, somewhere . . . somewhere cool.” I giggled and Courtney rolled her eyes.

  “NSC Industries,” she told them with a slight smug smirk on her face.

  Kerrie nodded. “I love your dress, Ava.”

  I smiled happily, “Thank you, it makes me feel sexy.” I winked, the open air had strengthened the alcohol levels in me and my inhibitions had completely bottomed out.

  “On the pull then are you, Ava?” Mason growled from behind her.

  I scowled at him and Kerrie glared. “Mason” she warned him. He huffed and shrugged.

  “Just because I feel sexy doesn’t mean I’m on the pull, Mr Fox. We aren’t all like the whore’s that entertain you!” I admonished, my eyes fiery but hooded.

  His fierce eyes locked onto mine, the desire and need in them slamming into me. He was biting his bottom lip, his fists were clenched as his chest rose and fell heavily with each harsh breath.

  I swallowed and slightly rubbed my thighs together as arousal pooled in my knickers, the urgent need to fuck him to extinction surged into me and I gasped. My own breathing was heavy and I licked my lips.

  Mason took a few steps towards me, his eyes refusing to release mine as the fire in them intensified my need to screw this man.

  Courtney pulled me back. “Oh no you don’t!” she snapped and stepped in front of me
. “I won’t let you hurt her anymore,” she cautioned.

  Mason stopped dead, still not looking away. “Ava?” he asked, waiting for my decision.

  I took a big breath. Kim and Sally were looking backwards and forward between the both of us like they were watching a tennis match, confusion etched on their expressions.

  “I . . .” I so wanted to go with him but Courtney squeezed my arm. “I . . . I can’t Mason.” I shook my head rapidly. “No, don’t do this to me,” I pleaded.

  He closed his eyes and nodded before he turned swiftly and walked back over to his club.

  Kerrie reached over and hugged me. “Ava, he misses you” she whispered in my ear.

  I nodded, “Me too Kerrie, but he hurt me too much. I can’t trust him anymore.”

  She nodded in understanding but took hold of my hand. “Just so you know though Ava, he isn’t back with Rebecca. He hasn’t been with anybody else since you left” she told me openly and I nodded.

  “Thank you, your honesty means a lot Kerrie. Please ring me soon and let me know when your first session is.”

  She looked a little stunned, “He told you?” Her eyebrows furrowed deep in her confusion.

  “Oh Kerrie, I’m sorry, I didn’t realise it was a secret.”

  She shook her head, “No it’s not that Ava, it’s just that Mason never discusses his private life with anyone, not even Dane.”

  I smiled sadly. “He was really upset Kerrie, he loves you very much and his pain was too much to bear, so I was the shoulder, you know.” I shrugged and felt awkward as I disclosed Mason’s secret pain.

  “He cried with you?” She seemed astonished, her eyes wide and I shrugged.

  “We all cry, Kerrie.”

  She nodded. “But Mason never does.” She regarded me as if she was telling me something important.

  I sighed and nodded sadly, squeezing her hand again. “You ring me soon” I told her and climbed in the taxi the girls had grabbed.

  She was still stood on the curb edge, stunned at Mason’s willingness to show his feelings with me and to be honest I was a little stunned at her revelations as well. The fact that Mason had only ever opened his emotions with me made the ice crack a little more.