Bless This Love

by S M Mala

  ‘You have soul in your soul,’ he said, pointing in between her breasts. ‘And that’s where I’d like to put my head right now.’

  Taking his face in her hands, she kissed him on the lips and smelt his skin.

  ‘Joe, do you keep in contact with the woman you had an affair with?’

  He seemed startled by the question.

  ‘It’s just that Janet Peters mentioned it today, and it made me cross!’ Suri frowned and noticed Joe glanced away. ‘Do you?’

  ‘I liked her, and in a way, I felt sorry for Laura.’

  ‘Laura?’ Suri realised he’d never mentioned her name before.

  ‘And yes, I do keep in contact with her.’

  She wasn’t expecting that answer.

  ‘Is it a problem, Suri?’

  ‘No,’ she lied and forced a smile. ‘It’s a good thing.’ Then she hesitated. ‘Did you fall in love with her as well?’

  ‘I cared for her deeply,’ he honestly replied.

  Again, another surprise jolt.

  ‘Did you tell her you love her, like you do to me? Do you fall in love very easily? Am I a rebound of some sort? Would you take her back if she left her husband?’

  ‘Why all the questions and what do you think?’

  ‘That’s why I’m asking,’ she whispered, knowing what Ted and Janet Peters said separately, made her question Joe. ‘Because if you do feel for her still, then you have to tell me, okay? I need to know before it gets out of hand. I have to think about mum now because we told her. Then there are the others.’

  His head fell forwards, and he took his guitar, strumming it gently.

  Joe started to sing ‘I believe (When I fall in love it will be forever)’ by Stevie, and she watched him look at her, as he sung.

  When he finished, he put his guitar down and stroked her face.

  ‘Does that answer your question?’ he said, kissing her face. ‘I sing you a Stevie Wonder love song to tell you how I feel. So will you stop asking silly questions? Who’s putting this into your head? Janet?’

  ‘How can you fall in love with me over a short period?’

  ‘I fell in love the first time we spoke, when you flung the phone onto the grass. Before then, I fancied the arse off you.’

  ‘That’s a lie!’

  ‘I’m a Vicar, I don’t lie.’

  Suri pulled off his t-shirt and kissed his chest, then moved up to his neck, biting on his gold chain. Taking her tongue, she licked up his chin until she met his protruding pink softness through his lips.

  This kiss was very strong, and he had his hand up her top, squeezing her breasts and trying to tug off all her clothes.

  They fell to the floor, rolling around and trying to avoid getting bumped by the furniture. Joe pulled off as much of her clothes as he could, as well as undoing his jean fly and pulling down his underwear. From where she was lying, he looked like a sex god.

  Next he yanked off her knickers and grabbed her breast, sucking hard on the nipple that made her quiver in delight. She pulled his head towards her mouth and kissed him very hard, pulling his hips with her legs.

  Within seconds, he was inside, and they were grinding like maniacs on the wooden floor.

  Then she tried to sing the same song as he did, into his ear, as he made love to her.

  Eyes closed; she didn’t want to see the reaction as he screwed her hard and fast on the floor then he slowed down.

  That’s when she looked at him, and she continued to pant out the song, watching him smile.

  Then Suri came, grabbing his shoulders and holding on tightly.

  She was unable to utter a note though she did try.

  He stopped and looked at her, breathing very hard before kissing her face.

  ‘If this is how you want to practise singing,’ Joe whispered. ‘Then I’m all for it.’

  ‘Did they actually consider it?’

  Suri looked at Joe then at Jack while they were sat in the pub, a few days later. ‘Was it even discussed?’

  ‘Mrs Peters, Mrs Rodgers, Mrs Markham, you know of, and a few others you don’t, were adamant that due to the circumstances of Felicity’s death, it wouldn’t be a good thing. Mrs Henderson was adamant that they were wrong but when the vote came, it was knocked back.’ Jack looked pained when he told her then gave Joe a disgruntled glance.

  ‘It wouldn’t have made much difference,’ Joe gently said, squeezing her hand. ‘They’d have still won.’

  ‘They don’t own the ground,’ she said, sipping her drink. ‘They can’t-.’

  ‘Janet Peters is on all the committees there are in this part of town. She knows people who can stop things, and this is one thing she is determined about,’ Jack said, finishing his pint and groaning. ‘And I’m not in the mood to battle with her. I tried to stop the plaque for Felicity for years.’

  ‘Really?’ Suri said, sitting up. ‘I didn’t know.’

  ‘I didn’t think it appropriate, considering what I knew. Had you taken up with my other Vicar then you’d have had a better idea.’

  ‘Penny was married with kids, and I’m not that way inclined,’ laughed Suri, glancing at the man who she was certainly gagging for. ‘And she had more facial hair than Joe.’

  ‘Not nice,’ chuckled Jack. ‘But true.’ Then he turned serious. ‘I told you before; this is as much down to you as anyone else. Why don’t you tell Edgar and Janet the truth?’

  ‘They won’t believe me.’ Suri hesitated. ‘You know Felicity had a diary? Edgar mentioned it, and that would have held the key to it all. I’m sure if she had been in love with Rory, it would have said. That would be my proof. Janet Peters could never openly admit that her daughter would want him, but I know that’s not the case.’ She felt angry again and tried to hide it. Joe caught her eye and stared. ‘He has to be remembered, somehow.’

  ‘Have you shown Edgar, Rory’s diary?’ asked Jack, leaning forward. ‘Then you don’t have to say anything.’

  ‘It still won’t show that she went out to kill Rory, and he lashed back in self-defence, does it?’

  ‘She probably didn’t mean for it to go that far.’

  ‘But we’ll never know, will we?’

  ‘You know, deep down, that she-.’

  ‘I told you what she said, when she was lying on the grass.’ Suri was starting to get upset. ‘You don’t say that when it was unintentional, do you?’ Then she couldn’t hold on. ‘I hate her so much, I really do!’

  She knew the two men were unsure on how to react to her outburst.

  ‘Why take away the thing I loved? Just because she didn’t want me to have it? That’s not fair because she killed so much in one fatal stab to his heart.’ She buried her head in her hands. ‘And I can’t get it back. I never will.’

  ‘You don’t need it,’ Joe said, pulling her closer to whisper in her ear. ‘You’ve got me.’

  Suri looked up and stared into his eyes.

  ‘This is where I have to leave you, young lovers. A lovely new lady to the parish, Mrs Miller, has asked me to go for a spot of dinner. Never one to refuse a free meal, I have to part. Suri?’

  She turned to look at him and noticed the concerned expression he had when Jack though something was troubling her.

  ‘Yes Reverend,’ she replied, narrowing her eyes.

  ‘You have to let it go. Whatever you think about Felicity Peters, it’s not going to help. I know you don’t forgive her, but time will come when you will-.’

  ‘No I won’t.’

  ‘Okay, as it’s you, you might not. But do this for Rory, not to get Janet Peters back. If you do it as a good thing, it might work out.’

  She felt Joe’s lips on her cheek and closed her eyes.

  The old man was right, and she knew this was about shoving it up Janet Peters’ arse to make a point.

  ‘I’ll love you and leave you. But from how you two look, you don’t need any more love.’

  Suri turned to look at Joe, his eyes half closed as he continued to kiss her f
ace.

  ‘As a wise man of the cloth, do you think I should drop it?’ she whispered.

  ‘Your knickers, yes,’ he grinned then looked at her straight in the eyes. ‘If you feel so strongly about this then, you have to continue.’

  ‘Were they mean in the meeting?’

  ‘There were loud sighs, little else. I had a few choice glances, but I ignored and smiled cheerfully.’ He swallowed. ‘And they’re throwing a party for me at Janet’s house and I know Jack told you.’

  ‘That’s a nice thing,’ she lied through her teeth. ‘Only the people touched by the hand of god are invited, I take it?’ He started to laugh. ‘So the likes of my mother will be excluded but they’ll do something for you.’

  ‘I’m a popular man and a few of the ladies want to buy me lunch, the Sunday after Janet’s bash.’

  ‘And when are you going to have time to celebrate your birthday with me?’ Suri asked, stroking his face. ‘You’re a busy man.’

  ‘On my actual birthday, I’m taking the day off and spending it with the woman I love. She’s busy, so I’ll spend it with you,’ Joe grinned. ‘And you have to do everything I want.’

  ‘Everything?’

  ‘Including sing to me from dawn until dusk.’

  ‘Wouldn’t a cake be tastier?’

  They left the pub and headed slowly back to her home. He had his arm around her shoulders, and she caressed his waist. The journey was slow due to their inability to stop kissing. Suri wondered if he was doing it just to make her feel better about the Rory rejection.

  ‘Suri!’

  She instantly stopped kissing Joe and turned.

  ‘That’s just wonderful,’ she mumbled under her breath.

  Ted was walking towards her with a woman she didn’t recognise and Denise in tow. Her she-man boss didn’t look happy to see her.

  ‘Just be polite and say as little as possible then all will be okay,’ Joe said, smiling brightly.

  ‘If he says anything horrible, I’ll kick him.’

  ‘Suri.’

  ‘Fancy seeing you here?’ Ted said, strolling up to them casually. ‘How’s the sabbatical going?’

  ‘Considering it’s my second week, very well thanks. This is Reverend Joe Isley. I think you’ve met already,’ she said and noticed Denise was blatantly eyeing up the Vicar. ‘And this is Ted Green.’

  ‘Lovely to meet you again,’ Joe said, putting out his hand.

  Suri was taken aback on how genuine his words and expressions were. Even Ted seemed startled as he shook his hand.

  ‘And this is Denise and… I don’t know who you are, I’m afraid,’ said Suri, seeing a woman in her mid-twenties with the body of someone who worked out in the gym constantly.

  ‘Constance,’ the girl snootily replied. ‘I’m Mr Green’s new Executive Assistant.’

  ‘Of course you are,’ Suri said brightly and realised Ted was staring at Joe. ‘Well, we can’t chat, because of this and that. Have a good evening.’

  Grabbing Joe’s arm, she quickly dragged him away, and down the road.

  She was startled when Ted jolted forward and stopped in front of them.

  ‘I wanted to have a word,’ he said, glaring at her then at Joe. ‘Do you know your girlfriend was up for sleeping with me?’

  ‘Pardon?’ Joe asked and just as Suri was about to respond. She felt him squeeze her arm. ‘What are you trying to say?’

  ‘Well, she was willing to fuck me. Is that how base you want me to get, Vicar?’ Ted said, forcing a smile. ‘I wasn’t interested, so she decided to tie me up as an act of spite and revenge. I’d watch her; she’s a bit out of sorts.’

  Suri tried hard to hold her tongue, knowing an outburst wouldn’t be acceptable when they were in public.

  ‘I know what happened. My girlfriend told me, even down to her touching your semi-flaccid cock,’ Joe replied calmly, pulling her closer. ‘And I don’t think she’s out of sorts. Suri might have been when she was with you, but she’s back on course with me. I would also kindly remind you that you are a married man and therefore seemed to be willing for a little dangerous liaison. From what I hear, one of them was your long term on and off lover, Denise. And never lay another finger on Suri, or even blackmail her into having sex with you again, okay? Now, I’d bid you goodnight Mr Green. Kindly leave Suri alone, or I’ll fucking well smack your face in, God or no God.’

  She gasped at his comment as Joe marched off pulling her along.

  Suri was speechless and from the look of Ted, so was he.

  ‘You were a bit… Are you allowed to swear?’ she asked, matching his pace then looking up to see he was going to laugh. ‘Vicars can’t go threatening and bad mouthing people. Joe, you’ll get into trouble and-.’

  He stopped and placed his lips over her mouth, to stop her from talking.

  ‘I’ll deny it, like he did to you. It’s not a lie. It will be a case of misinterpretation, that’s all,’ he whispered into her face. ‘I don’t think you’re out of sorts. I truly believe you need the love of a good man, and I am a good man.’

  ‘You certainly are.’

  ‘I can’t do it.’

  Suri’s palms were sweating as she stood in her mother’s bedroom.

  It was the day of Edgar’s wedding and the weeks had flown by, only because she’d spent a lot of time with Joe, on the pretence of helping out, and liked the idea of not working.

  Five weeks into her sabbatical, plus the time she had been given off, hadn’t helped her decide what she wanted to do other than one thing.

  Be Reverend Joseph Isley’s love and sex slave.

  Plus make him dinner when he was free.

  But if she told Edgar that, he wouldn’t be impressed, so she held her tongue.

  ‘You’re not dressed,’ her mother said, looking at the smock that would cover her outfit for the wedding while she sang in the background.

  The choir was going to be performing along with Joe. They had rehearsed without her. Still unbeknown to anyone, she was singing outside the church on Sunday and raking in the money. Joe did ask her if she was mugging the old men or offering sexual services, to which she told him flashing her knickers wasn’t against the law.

  And each Sunday, when she heard him sing, it inspired her. She was still singing, occasionally, when they made love, and this made him happy.

  So he said, or he was lying because he was too busy concentrating on other bits of her body.

  ‘Mum, I don’t think this is right. I can’t-.’

  ‘Suri!’ her mother said sharply. ‘I have never known of the star performer not turning up to rehearsals. I think Edgar must be round the bend to ask you to sing, knowing that you’ll have second thoughts. But he is a kind man and wants you there. So get a move on. We’re leaving in fifteen minutes.’

  Closing her eyes, she dreaded the afternoon.

  ‘Have you spoken to Joe?’ Mary asked, walking closer. ‘He’s very proud that you’re doing this.’ Then she whispered. ‘Quite a few people still don’t know you and him are an item.’

  ‘Mum, I’ll be thinking about Rory and Felicity when I’m in church, you do know that, don’t you?’ She gulped hard, seeing her mum’s kind expression. ‘That’s what will be going through my mind.’

  ‘Then sing with all your heart so they can hear. You’re alive, and they’re not. Make me proud today.’

  There was no answer to that.

  Arriving at the church, it had rained most of the morning but the sun broke through the clouds. Suri didn’t want to go in by the main doors, so chose to enter through one of the side ones. She made her way to the room in the back, where the choir had congregated, and it was the Vicars’ den to prepare before service. She was still wrapped up in her parka coat, not sure if she could actually stand in front of the congregation.

  Turning her head, she saw him, looking drop dead gorgeous dressed in black and with his white cassock get up.

  Joe smiled, and that made it all better.

  She�
��d not seen him for a few days. He’d been busy being godly but when she looked at him, it gave her inner strength. He’d also had his hair cut and was clean shaven, looking exceptionally hot.

  This also gave Suri a mighty horny feeling that seemed to get more intense every time she laid eyes on him.

  Right then, she imagined removing his clothes and licking every part of his body.

  ‘Suri?’ she heard someone say, startling her out of her dirty thoughts. ‘How are you feeling?’

  Jack was standing beside her, looking over at Joe then at her. His smock made him look round, and she noticed his large protruding tummy.

  ‘And stop leering at Reverend Isley. Can’t anyone see I’m the buffest Vicar in the parish?’ he chuckled then tapped her shoulder. ‘Are you performing with a coat on? You know, we do have radiators now.’

  ‘Jack-.’

  ‘Reverend Pinter in church and Jack in the pub,’ he mumbled.

  ‘Your highness,’ she smirked, watching him frown. ‘I don’t think it’s right I should be performing.’

  ‘Why’s that?’

  ‘Please?’

  ‘Okay, I know. Edgar mentioned you’d texted him about one hundred times asking to get out of it, even wanting to go back to work.’

  ‘You know, he hasn’t contacted me for weeks. Annabel had to advise on everything.’

  ‘He also said you seemed angry about Felicity and he has a right to know, after all this time, what happened that afternoon.’

  ‘I can’t remember,’ Suri lied, avoiding Jack’s eyes. ‘That’s my stance from now on.’

  ‘Listen to me,’ he said, pulling her to one side, mainly to avoid the pair from being elbowed by the choir putting their smocks on. ‘If you want a plaque for Rory, peace of mind for Edgar and to put Janet straight, you’re going to have to speak up.’

  ‘It will hurt Edgar.’

  ‘How much more can a man be hurt when their child is dead?’

  The words struck hard in her chest.

  ‘I’ll say something, but not now. After his honeymoon and when I think he can handle it. He, like everyone else, had put her on this pedestal, and I don’t want to diminish that.’ She glanced at the door. ‘I need some air and to tune up.’