Authors: L M Brook
“Have a good Spa day and evening.” Anthony shouts behind me.
Arriving home from the supermarket I set to preparing my home made Thai Chicken soup which will be delicious reheated for Sunday lunch. I pack away food, replenishing the bare cupboards and fridge as I drool over the Key Lime Pie that I plan to serve for pudding after the soup. Munching on a toasted cheese sandwich I turn my thoughts to cleaning my untidy apartment. I dance to Rihanna as I hoover, dust and clear away. The telephone rings on the breakfast bar as I switch off the hoover and notice it is 10.05pm.
“Hello
?” I carry on dusting as I carry the mobile phone.
“Hi” Daniel sounds very distant. “Hope you don
’t mind me calling you so late, I wanted to speak to you when I arrived at mums.”
“Daniel
?” I sound surprised but shock myself on feeling pleased to hear he arrived safely. “How was the journey?”
“Tiring.” He pauses
. “I feel better for hearing your voice.”
I’
m struggling to find the words to speak to him. My feelings are still raw and my anger rears again.
“Daniel, I need some time apart.” I swallow hard as I find the courage to make my demand.
“Darcey, please don’t. We need to spend some time together. I’ve been away so often with work. I need to prove to you how much I want this to work.” Daniel forces out his torrent of words giving no space for me to reply. His breathing slows.
“Daniel, I do
n’t know how I feel about you anymore. I thought I knew you and that you loved me but I’m no longer sure.” My heart wrenches having to say this but I can’t pretend that everything is ok. “I need space.”
Daniel is
momentarily silent as though he has given up the fight. We listen to each other’s breathing.
“Darcey please meet me Monday evening for dinner
, anywhere you choose. Please see me, I need to see you. I promise I’ll not pressure you.” He waits patiently for my response.
“I’ll meet you to talk but I’
m not promising anything.” My words remain firm and direct.
“I
’ll text you when I get back Monday afternoon to arrange a restaurant and time to meet.” He sounds slightly happier at the prospect that we’ll talk on Monday. “Darcey please give me another chance.”
“I’
ll speak to you on Monday. Goodbye Daniel.” I put the phone down and feel pleased with my iron performance. I can’t help myself but want him the way we were before but I can’t trust him. To think of him with her hurts too much. Why did he do it?
I finish my cleaning and collapse onto the
sofa with a glass of wine. I’m drained physically and mentally thinking about Daniel. Switching off the lounge lights I make my way to the bedroom to prepare my gym and overnight bags for the morning. I’m past tired as I discard my wine and sleep finally wins the battle.
Saturday brings a clearer day as I dress in grey jersey joggers, trainers and a tight fitting red gym top. I
tie back my loose curls embracing the thought of a serious work out at the gym before some well-earned pampering. Mum is full of joy as we drive to the Arcazia Hotel. She beams with delight at spending some quality girl time together.
On arrival a Lola lookalike
greets us. She is impeccable in every way. We are escorted to the changing rooms then move onto the gym where we’re informed that our spinning class starts in 15 minutes. The lounge next door also shares the same beautiful views of the water glistening in the morning sun. Refreshments are on tap and lunch has been slotted in for 12.15pm in the lounge after our swim, sauna and steam room experiences. The afternoon is allocated to total pleasure with massage, manicures and pedicures. Bliss!
Mum and I struggle
with the spinning class, an hour of sheer hard work on a bike. My thighs feel as though they have turned to jelly in protest. We ease ourselves back off the bikes and head for the lounge next door. Turning the corner into the main gym I spot Anthony and Nick working out. Shit! Before I can hide or change direction Anthony spots me in the mirror. Oh no I look a total mess! I manage a fake smile and wave. Anthony dismounts the running machine and Nick waves as he continues while he is hooked up to his iPod. Nick and Anthony look every part the action men with sweat oozing through their T shirts. What a magnificent sight as testosterone fills the air.
“Hi Darcey.” Anthony approaches us wiping his neck with a towel.
Mum’s jaw nearly hits the floor as he smiles innocently.
“Hi Anthony,
” I murmur and remember my manners. “Oh, Mum this is Anthony; he is the new Head of Strategy and Development at Dorton Airfield.” She composes herself and offers her hand.
“Hello Anthony,
lovely to meet you. Darcey hasn’t mentioned you before, how long ago did you join Dorton?” Here she goes, by the time she finishes she will know absolutely everything about him including his shoe size.
“I joined Dorton on Monday so
I’m still the new boy.” He smiles sweetly as though butter would not melt in his mouth. “So Ms Brooks how is your pamper day going?” He displays the upmost charm and plays to her girl like eagerness.
“Oh please call me Rosem
ary,” she replies. “Well my legs are ready to collapse and I’m now looking forward to the Jacuzzi.” My mother is a sucker for a good looking man and I desperately need to remove her before she delves any further.
“Rosemary, are you having lunch
in the restaurant?” He is good, he is able to extract any information he wants.
“Yes I think we are booked in
the lounge at 12.15.” Mum suddenly realises she is thirsty. “Anthony please excuse me, I must get a drink of water.” She dashes off to the lounge.
“Lovely to meet you” he calls after her. “So Darcey, where are you off to this evening?”
“I’m meeting Lola, Daniel’s sister for a girly night on the town.” I’m careful to release only small extracts of my plans.
“
Where do you plan to go?” Anthony is persistent.
“We’
re going to have something to eat then drink lots. Chat to some good looking men and then more drink and definitely some dancing.” My mischievous nature is on top form this morning.
Anthony’s mouth curls at the corners and his eye’s tell me he is not impressed with that answer. He seems to be deep in thought as to how to respond.
He knows he has no control over me. “Not too much to drink, remember you are all mine tomorrow.” There goes his wicked smile again.
I manage another playful grin
and then turn to see where my mother has disappeared to. “I had better find out where Mum has got to.”
Anthony
moves closer and his damp hair rubs the side of my face as he whispers in my ear “This is a new experience seeing the hot and sweaty Darcey!”
I can’
t contain a low chuckle. “An experience you like?” here I go again with the motormouth.
“
Mmm….yes one I’d like to see again but not here.” He leans against the wall waiting for a reply.
“Mmm….
You’re not so bad yourself!” I find myself attracted to his game but then swiftly go in search of Mum.
“Enjoy your day.” Anthony calls after me.
I wave to Nick who is still working out.
Mum looks exhausted sprawled on an armchair in the lounge drinking a glass of water.
“Anthony seems very pleasant, he obviously likes you.” Mum is hunting for any change in expression on my face.
“Yes Anthony is very easy to work with.” I finish off a glass of water sitting on an armchair opposite whilst watc
hing the boats bob up and down on the water.
“How are things between you and Daniel?”
How does my Mum sense these things? She must be able to read my mind. My serious face gives away all isn’t well. “As I suspected things are not good.”
Standin
g to refill my glass so that I’m not looking directly at her, I decide to tell her the truth. “Mum he’s been seeing someone else.” I am silent knowing that anymore will release the tears that I’m keeping at bay.
“How long has this been going on?” She stands and joins me reaching for
more water.
“I found out on
Wednesday.” My emotions start to rock as they bubble to the surface.
“Does he know that you know?” my mum is now in full flow. “What did you say to him?”
“I told him to collect his stuff; he wants to speak on Monday about working it out.” With that the walls come crushing down as I stutter and blubber. I’m so angry with myself after promising no more tears.
Mum provides a warm hug and strokes my hair. “Darling do you still love him, is he worth fighting for?”
“I think I still love him but I can’t trust him anymore.” The tears gush freely.
“You need to ask yourself Darcey why he has done this and
if he is likely to do it again? You know him best. If you can’t trust him now do you really want to waste another four years finding out?” My Mum is right of course.
I swipe away tears and feel exposed to the gym through the glass windows.
“I know you’re right Mum but I need to meet with him to get things off my chest. I feel as though there are questions I need answered but ultimately how can I love him the same way again?”
“Da
rling you know best. Come on; don’t let him ruin our day together.” Mum grabs my hand and we make our way to the showers.
The pool,
Jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms are heaven, just what the doctor ordered. We collect our fluffy bathrobes and make our way back to the lounge for lunch. A table for two is set at the window with beautiful flowers in a vase and champagne on ice.
I pick up the card
with the flowers
“
Darcey
I love you.
Enjoy your day.
Daniel XX
”
I throw the card to one side. Mum says nothing. There is a large white envelope
sitting beside the champagne. My urges get the better of me as I pull open the seal to find a note from Anthony simply stating “Enjoy” with 2 tickets to the Arcazia Night Club for this evening. My smile beams across the table as my Mum snatches the note to read what is giving me so much pleasure. She can’t resist a comment.
“You like him don’t you?” Her eyes are full of warmth.
“He makes me feel happy.” I reply. She says nothing and winks.
The waiter arrives to pour the champagne and provides today’s menu choices. I clink glasses with Mum and sit back in my
chair beginning to feel life isn’t so bad after all.
Lola is so excited when I arrive
at the house. I’m feeling refreshed from my massage and loved my new sparkly finger nails. Lola whizzes me into the kitchen where she is preparing Mojitos to the sound of Bruno Mars. The spicy aroma of Mexican enchiladas welcomes me as they sit bubbling in the oven.
“How
was your pamper day?” Lola hands me an icy Mojito.
“Wonderful, I’
m a renewed woman.” I take a sip of the sugary but strong cocktail. “What have you been up to?”
“I’
ve been seeing a new beau who’s in town on business so I stayed the night at his hotel. That was why I couldn’t make it this morning.” Lola turns her attention to chopping salad to accompany her enchiladas. “Although I suspect he’s married!”
“Oh no, Lola you can do better than that.” I roll my eyes at her in d
isapproval. “How did you meet?”
“He’
s an IT Consultant who I met through the salon. He lives in London and travels all over.” She continues to toss the salad into a glass bowl.
“Well you know what they say a
bout travelling consultants, don’t trust them!” I instantly think does this apply to travelling journalists but refrain from saying this out loud.
Lola smiles “Well tonight is your night Darcey, I need to cheer you up and ensure you have a good time.” She turns to open the oven. “Are you hungry?”
“Ravenous and they look fantastic.” I eagerly gesture referring to her enchiladas as she carries them to the table.
“Well let’s get stuck in and then we can take our time to get ready. I thought we could drink and chat for a while before we go out. As soon as we hit the bars we w
on’t be able to hear each other or will be dancing anyway!” Lola picks up a large spoon and serves me a huge portion of the rich, piping hot dish.
“That looks good Lola.” I pick up my fork and relish the first mouthful
.
“Have you spoken to Daniel?” She co
ntinues to serve herself and I’m wondering whether he has set this up to get me back.
“Yes we’
re meeting on Monday to talk.” I concentrate on my next mouthful.
“That’
s good. He was beside himself when he spoke to me.” Lola is watching my every response.
“So he should be
. He has cheated on me and that is unforgivable.” My eyes purposely search out Lola’s reaction.