by Michelle Day
“Not anymore.”
Sighing at his answer, she persisted. “You’re married.”
Taking a large gulp of his tea, instantly regretting it as it seared his tongue and roof of his mouth, Paul reached for his briefcase as he swallowed and rubbed his chest in an effort to ease the burn. Flicking open the locks, he reached for his divorce papers and laid them out in front of Monica. “It’s just a technicality now mum, A few more weeks and I’m officially divorced.”
“Oh Paul.”
“Don’t say that. I hate it when you say that.”
“There has never been a divorce in either the Jensen or Paloma families. When will you stop trying to be the black sheep?”
“Never?” He asked. “Look at me go. The pioneer of the Jensen divorce. Feel free to follow my example.” He snapped and then apologised on a sigh. “I love her. She’s all I have ever wanted. We are both free to pursue the other and we both want this. I’m a better person with her in my life.”
“Are you sure it isn’t just remnants of a school boy infatuation?”
“No. It’s always been her. It’s just taken me this long to realise what a fool I’ve been. I’m done with all the women, the affairs, the subterfuge. I want her. I will do anything to get her and keep her. I’ll move heaven and earth for her and be the man she needs me to be to ensure she stays in my life.”
Monica turned away so he didn’t see her smile. At last her baby boy was growing up and was sure of what he wanted. Her heart soared with pride.
Since her divorce, Suzanne had returned to work and was loving every second of it. She was determined that she and Paul would take things slow. Ok, she’d jumped his bones. Twice, that first night but that was just to re-kindle the flame wasn’t it?
Truth was, he rarely left her thoughts and returning home to an empty house and even emptier bed was growing old very quickly. They spoke on the phone several times throughout the day but with them both leading busy lives, time together was at a premium and Paul was not a man to be satisfied with a five minute quickie.
He had kept her on tender hooks all week explaining in detail just how he would have her writhing and screaming the next time he saw her. At this rate, her battery operated boyfriend was in danger of filing a complaint of abuse against her. She was convinced Paul should run his own sex chat line, his voice alone was enough to stir her senses and the words that came from his beautiful full lips would catch even the coldest heart on fire. The best thing about it all? He was hers. At last.
Rushing home from work and getting dinner on the go, she hopped in the shower in preparation of a very good evening. They finally both had some free time and Paul had agreed to come over for dinner.
With a towel wrapped around her, she revved up her hairdryer and styled her hair before running down the stairs to check on their meal. She stopped dead in the kitchen when she saw Cameron peering into the oven.
“What are you doing here?” She asked.
“Baby,” He turned to face her. “Is this for me?”
“You don’t live here anymore Cam, the house is mine, we agreed, how did you even get in?”
“I’ve got the spare key.” He held up his key ring. “Suzanne, I think we were a little hasty getting divorced like we did. I want you back baby, can we try again?”
“Don’t call me that, you know I don’t like it.” She snapped although she loved the word from Paul’s mouth. “We are through, I don’t love you, I don’t think I ever did. I was in love with the idea of being married. Stupidly. You are a good man but you can’t give me what I want. It’s not your fault the marriage failed, it’s mine. I married the wrong man.”
“But….”
“No buts, leave your keys and get out Cameron, there is nothing here for you anymore.” She pointed towards the front door. “Leave.”
Pocketing the keys, Cameron turned to leave. “I’ll fight for you.”
“Don’t bother. Just move on.”
She was still wrapped in her towel when the doorbell rang. The sight of Paul with strawberries, flowers and champagne made her smile even as her tears began to flow.
Mortified that he’d somehow upset her, he put his gifts on the floor and swept her into his arms, holding her tight. “What’s wrong?”
Shaking her head and pushing away from him so he’d put her down, she swept her tears away and reached for the flowers. “Nothing.” She walked to the kitchen and began looking for a vase. Cameron had never bought her flowers.
“Bullshit Suzie.” He was close behind her.
She didn’t look at him as she snipped the stems from the flowers. “When I got out of the shower, Cameron was here.”
“How did he get in?”
“Apparently, he kept the spare set of keys.”
He turned her to face him. “Which you relieved him off before you kicked him out yes?”
“No, he put them in his pocket and left.”
“For fucks sake Suzie.” He dragged his fingers through his hair as he turned to leave.
“Where are you going?”
“Lock the door behind me. I won’t be long.”
He was back within half an hour. She watched as he dragged a toolbox from the back seat of his car and without a word set about changing the locks on both doors and adding additional security to both.
Although she loved to watch him work, she stopped him as he moved from the front door to the back. “We are supposed to be having a nice evening together. Dinner is already ruined. Please just come and sit down.”
“This won’t take long. We can order some food in. I won’t have him waltzing in here any time he chooses Suzie, that’s just not on. Let him try it now.”
Pouring them both a glass of wine, she watched as he completed the second lock. “I will feel safer knowing he can’t get in unless I let him.”
“Why would you let him?” Paul rounded on her. “Your divorce is final, the house is in your name, you have no reason to speak to him, it’s not like you have kids to haggle over.
Smiling, she took a sip of her wine and looked up at him. “Are you jealous?”
“Damn right I’m jealous.” He confirmed. “He had you for six long years. Yes I counted before you ask. He didn’t make you happy. Only I can do that, but you pushed me away for him. You are mine now, he doesn’t get to come sniffing around you anymore.”
Later, much later, having eaten a large meal along with the quick disposal of two bottles of very good wine, they lay entwined in each other’s arms a comfortable silence surrounding them.
Paul was slowly drifting off to sleep, happy and content but wondering why at age twenty six he was too tired for sex when Suzanne stirred, sitting up to look at him.
“Does this bother you?” She asked.
Frowning and scratching at his stubble as he turned onto his back, he asked, “Does what bother me?”
“This. Being in the bed that I shared with him?”
He stretched, smiled and pulled her flat against his chest. “It’s now the bed you share with me and I’m guessing it’s going to see a hell of a lot more action in the days to come than it has in the last six years so no, it doesn’t bother me in the slightest.”
Smoothing her hand down his firm stomach and stroking lower, she pressed her lips to his chest “Just not tonight by the feel of things.”
“I’m tired Suzie.” He yawned and moved her hand away.
“If you weren’t such a control freak, you could take a few days off now and then.” She chided as she settled against him.
“I’ve worked hard for everything I have. I’m not about to hand it over to someone else to fuck it up.”
“Control freak.”
Over the next few months, they got into the habit of spending equal amounts of time at the others abode. Paul found he couldn’t get enough of her and he missed her sorely on the nights they were apart.
Suzanne would catch herself day dreaming about Paul at the most inopportune moments. Several times a day
she berated herself for behaving like a love sick teenager over a relationship that was inevitable since its conception.
This weekend would be a test of them as a couple. Paul’s son was coming for a long weekend and it would be the first time since Gavin had been a toddler that she would see him. Paul had warned her that the boy could be stroppy and uncommunicative especially without his sidekick Novak in tow.
Paul had been so embroiled in his relationship with Suzanne that he had woefully neglected his children. He just never seemed to find the time to strike a happy balance. Guilt niggled at him but then he would see the woman in his life and it would vanish into thin air. But that little voice of conscience nagged at him, telling him he was no better than his father.
Gavin went straight to the kitchen looking for food after politely greeting his father and Suzanne. Paul hovered nervously on the fringes of the living area as Carmen and Suzanne summed each other up.
Suddenly, Suzanne blurted “You have the most stunning eyes I have ever seen.”
Paul’s jaw hit the ground, Suzanne wasn’t given easily to compliments. He dared a look at Carmen but couldn’t judge her mood, her cheeks were flushed whether in embarrassment or anger he wasn’t sure.
“Thank you.” Carmen stammered.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to embarrass you but your eyes are amazing and you have the complete exotic look working for you.” Suzanne continued, finally fully understanding why Paul had fallen for her hook, line and sinker.
“Er Suzie, are you ok?” Paul felt like he had to say something.
Waving him away, “You shush, I’m having a girl crush moment.”
Paul turned away, catching his son’s eye and raised his eyebrows. Moving closer to the boy he whispered that they’d sneak out and leave the women to it. Gavin readily agreed.
He had planned to spend the evening getting his son acquainted with the woman in his life but the best laid plans often go awry. No less than four of the staff called in sick all having eaten at the same establishment the previous night and being struck down by food poisoning. For the first time, he hesitated about going down to the club, even with Suzanne reassuring him that she and his son would be fine, he left her with instructions to call him at the first sign of a problem. She just rolled her eyes and ushered him out of the door.
He left locking up the club to Jez that night and called it a night at two. He snuck into his apartment conscious of the fact that the tiny third bedroom was right by the main entrance. The sound of the lock turning seemed to echo in the hallway but after a pregnant pause and no sounds of stirring, he toed off his trainers and made his way to the open plan living room.
There he found Suzanne, curled up in an armchair, wrapped in one of the throws from the sofa, dozing as she watched the tv, volume only a smidge above mute. He crouched down in front of her, waiting for her to see him. Her lazy smile his reward and she snuggled into him as he lifted her into his arms and carried her up to his bedroom.
Stripping and washing down in the bathroom before sliding beneath the covers, he waited for her to wiggle in beside him. “Why are you still awake? I’m a big boy now, I can get myself home.”
“You don’t have to tell me you’re a big boy, I am very well aware of that. I just wanted to let you know that Gavin had a very good evening, he was neither sullen nor uncommunicative and went to bed when he was told without a fuss.”
“Thank you baby.” He leant over, pushing her backwards so he could kiss her. “As we’re both awake and I’m home earlier than normal, I suppose I should fuck you.”
“Well if it’s a chore.” She rolled her eyes and made to turn away.
“It’ll never be a chore. I’m happiest when I am with you. I’m even happier when I’m within you.” He laughed when she snorted out her own giggle.
“Oh my God, you are such a cliché.”
“But I’m a drop dead gorgeous, tall, dark and handsome cliché.”
“I’ll give you that.”
Chapter Thirty Five
“Gavin’s been expelled.”
No hello. No how are you? Paul frowned at his phone as he took it away from his ear before steeling himself. “Say that again.”
He heard the frustrated sigh on the other end of the line before “Gavin. Has. Been. Expelled.”
Bristling at her tone, he snapped “There’s no need to talk to me like a child.”
“I thought my words the first time around were abundantly self-explanatory.” She spat.
“What did he do?” Paul chose to ignore her last comment.
“He’s been fighting. Again. He’s been suspended three times already and this last fight was the final straw.”
“Why haven’t you told me he’s been suspended before now?”
“I didn’t think you’d be interested.”
“He’s my son. Whatever he does is of interest to me.” Paul snarled.
“Honestly Paul, you’re so wrapped up in Suzanne and moving house, if I had told you every tiny aspect of his life, you would have bitten my head off.”
“Suzanne has nothing to do with this and that’s not the first time you’ve mentioned her in conversation. Just because I’m with her now and no longer fucking you, there’s no need to make her your scapegoat.”
Carmen hissed her disapproval and considered hanging up. Deciding against it, she reigned in her temper “The school want to see both of us. Tomorrow. First thing.”
“I’ll leave tonight.” Paul ended the call and sat back in his chair, hands gripping his hair as he contemplated the ceiling. “Fuck.” He whispered to himself.
“Everything ok boss?” Colette, his personal assistant at Jensen Incorporated stuck her head around his door.
“Yeah, I won’t be in the office tomorrow. Something’s come up.”
“Will you be telling your father or would you like me to do it?”
Standing, smiling at her, good old Colette, always willing to take a bullet for him. “I’ll tell him.” He squeezed her shoulder in thanks as he walked past her.
He hovered for a while outside Michael’s office as he finished a phone call. As the phone landed in its cradle, he walked, without knocking into his father’s office. “I won’t be in tomorrow. Gavin’s got himself in some sort of trouble and my presence is required.” He said without preamble.
“Very well. Make sure your appointments are rescheduled before you leave today. If there’s anything I can do to help smooth things over for the boy, just let me know.”
“Er, thanks.” Paul slunk from the office. His father had developed a good relationship with Gavin over the years and it still stunned him that Michael would go that extra mile for a child he hardly knew while basically ignoring his own offspring.
Suzanne was disappointed that he had to leave. They were due to have dinner with her parents, not one of Paul’s favourite pastimes as both her mother and father had made it clear they were unhappy about their union but Paul did it for her without complaint and he would be unfailingly polite.
She’d arranged the meal while packing as they were preparing to leave for Spain at the weekend. A long overdue holiday and one which Gavin was supposed to be joining them in. She packed a few essentials into an overnight bag when he called her to say he was heading to Gloucester and handed it over to him as he stopped by their new home together. A rather nice, modern looking detached house in the Coombe Hill area of Kingston.
Apologising as he held her, marvelling at how well she took everything he threw at her. He swore he’d be gone for two nights tops and be back in time for their flight with or without his son. He kissed her deeply before letting her go.
He let himself in when he reached Gloucester. It was late, he was tired and everyone was in bed. His son’s light was still on and he made a detour before heading to the spare room and bed.
Gavin, now fifteen and touching six foot looked up through bruised eyes as his door opened. He braced himself for a telling off but he needn’t have bothered.
Heaving a sigh of relief, Gavin sat up straighter in his bed. “I broke his nose.” He shrugged. “He probably looks worse.”
“Are you hurt anywhere else?”
“No.” he answered but held out his hands. “I split my knuckles open again.”
“Again?”
“Yeah. Happens every time I punch someone.”
“Perhaps it’s a sign that you should stop punching people.” Paul suggested.
“I’ll stop doing that when they stop pissing me off.”
“Want to tell me about it so I don’t go into this meeting tomorrow completely on the back foot?” He sat on the edge of his sons’ bed.
Shaking his head, Gavin massaged his sore knuckles. “It was stupid. I should have walked away but then he called mum a whore and I flipped.”
“I would have flipped at that too. Did you tell the head that?”
“Yeah but he didn’t believe me and it doesn’t take much for me to lose it.” He admitted.
“Are you saying you are the one in the wrong?”
“Yes.”
“Shit.” He sighed but his admiration for his sons’ honesty was evident. “You know you can talk to me about anything at any time? I’m not likely to lose it and start shouting and I’m always at the end of a phone.”
“Yeah, thanks dad. Sorry.”
Rising, Paul picked up his bag “Goodnight son. Try not to worry. I’ll sort something out.”
The following morning, dressed to impress in Versace, Paul accompanied by Carmen and Gavin sat waiting for the head teacher. Paul began to get annoyed when the man was late but his agitation was soothed when the head breezed in, full of apologies.
“So sorry to keep you waiting. My son had a nose bleed on the way to school and I couldn’t get it to stop.” He stretched out his hand. “Very nice to finally meet you Mr. Jensen, it’s a pity it’s under such circumstances.”
“I’m hoping we can sort something out.” Paul shook the others hand.