Something Wonderful Read online

  “Thank you. I don’t think my legs would carry me as far as home. I can’t even feel them right now, and the thought of a car journey makes me feel a bit squiffy.”

  “That’s Gin for you–”

  “And Vodka, and wine, and tequilla shots…” Maggie Jane reminded me.

  “You can talk,” I reminded my sister. “How many have you had, not to mention all those nibbles you inhaled.”

  “Oooh, nibbles, that reminds me, I could murder a kebab.”

  “I thought you felt sick?”

  “You can’t beat a kebab after a few snifters.”

  “A few snifters?” We had all imbibed much more than a snifter. “Are you kidding me?”

  She burped and offered no apology. “I’ve had a little snifter, or two, or three...”

  I couldn’t help but laugh. Sometimes I couldn’t believe we were from the same womb so different were we. “I thought you were ready to throw up.”

  “I said I would in a little while, but a kebab will help settle my stomach and soak up whatever booze is left over.” Another burp.

  “So gross.” I wanted to barf. “I apologise for my sister, Carol. I’m embarrassed to admit we share the same genes.”

  “I’m used to her…” Carol said in Maggie Jane’s defense. “…and besides, I quite like a kebab too.”

  “I can shove a pepperoni pizza in the oven if you’re feeling peckish.”

  “That would be lovely,” Carol replied.

  “Hold on just one moment, Shell.” Maggie Jane put her hand in the air. “Before you go all Hetty Crocker on us, call my taxi. I need to go.”

  “Okay, Miss Impatient…” I struggled to my feet and wobbled into the hallway. “…and it’s Betty Crocker, not Hetty Crocker.”

  Carol chuckled.

  “Potato, Tomato,” she replied. “Tell them I wanna stop off at Mario’s, will you. Then order my food for me, will ya? I want a large donner kebab, large portion of freshly cooked fries.”

  “Is that it?” I asked.

  “Yeah,” she replied. “Oh, no, I forgot… ask for a big tub of coleslaw, I love their coleslaw. And tell them to throw in a couple of portions of those delicious deep-fried cheesy jalapenos too. I can have them for breakfast with some mayo.”

  I don’t know where she puts so much food–she must have hollow legs. “Okay, but shush, Dillon is asleep.” I ordered the taxi then the food. “Get your stuff together, Mags, they said your driver would be ten minutes.”

  “Did you tell them…?”

  “Yessss.” I knew what she was going to say. “They know there’s a stop off on the way.”

  I saw Maggie Jane off with our customary hug then headed into the kitchen.

  “Pizza’s in, won’t be long.” I walked back into the living room. I had to keep reminding myself Dillon was asleep in bed.

  Carol dozed on the sofa, snoring ever so slightly.

  I watched the gentle rise and fall of her chest. She looked peaceful. The tiny sounds coming from her made me smile; it was cute, and vastly different to the racket Richie used to make.

  I didn’t know whether to wake her, help her up to the spare bedroom, or leave her. I always kept a blanket on the back of the sofa, for those moments I felt nesh and decided to cover her up and let her sleep.

  Leaning over, I grabbed the blanket and covered her with it. She slept like a baby but still seemed to radiate warmth and kindness. Before I could stop myself, I bent over to kiss the top of her head.

  “Goodnight, God bless,” I whispered, my lips lingering. I took in her scent–a hint of jasmine, my favourite smell.

  She stirred and I stepped back.

  Her eyes opened.

  “Oh, no, did I fall asleep?”

  “Yeah, but its fine, I was just covering you up.”

  She pushed herself up into a sitting position. “I’m so embarrassed.”

  “Don’t be, I’m happy you were comfy.”

  “This sofa is so squishy and warm.”

  “Can I get you anything to drink–a tea or coffee?”

  “A glass of water would be lovely, but I can get it, you’ve rushed around after me enough tonight.”

  “Come on through to the kitchen with me, I have pizza cooking. We can sit at the table then have some food, and you can get into the guest bed.”

  “I think I’ve had too much to drink.”

  “That makes two of us, but I’ve had a great night.” I climbed to my feet and held out my hand. “Come on, I’ll help you to your feet.”

  She took my hand and I yanked her to her feet, forgetting my own strength. Crashing into me, I was mortified as we nearly went arse over tit. “Oh, God, I’m so sorry.”

  “Don’t worry,” she giggled, righting herself. “Right, food…”

  “I know it’s gone one am, but it’s mild outside, a little humid even, so I wondered if you fancied eating in the garden. I can turn the lights on.”

  “Sounds lovely, but once the fresh air hits me, you might be carrying me back inside and up those stairs.”

  “Let me grab that blanket, and we can sit on the double lounger and eat off our knees.”

  I plated the pizza up and walked into the garden.

  Carol held the blanket up. I slipped in under it, feeling the warmth from her body.

  Chapter Seven - Oh, Carol!

  We sat on the double lounger talking like old friends. The blanket covered our legs.

  I turned the pool lights on, the garden illuminated beautifully.

  “I’ve had such a lovely night, Carol, thank you.”

  “Me too. It makes a change from sitting at home doing crosswords.”

  “We have to do it again soon.” It felt good to have female company. I’d laughed like I hadn’t in years, cut loose, and knew my decision to divorce Richie was the right one. I couldn’t go back to our stifled and stale marriage.

  “I’d like that.”

  The fresh air felt good against my skin. I was warm with the blanket covering me, but I was feeling things I couldn’t explain. I turned and caught a look at her side-on. She looked beautiful caught in the moonlight.

  “If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?”

  “I just turned thirty-four a few weeks ago.”

  “Wow, you don’t look thirty-four.”

  “Thank you.” Her cheeks flushed. “What about you?”

  “Thirty-two, but I feel about fifty-two lately.”

  “You’ll feel better in time, but it won’t come easy, even if you are the one who is ending your marriage.”

  “I’m waiting for something to hit me, you know, tears, the works.”

  “They’ll come, Shell, trust me, but you’ll cry, scream, shout, then it’ll pass and day by day life will get brighter.”

  “Is that how it happened for you?”

  “Like I said earlier, there was a lot of darkness for me because my ex was cheating, but it’s different for you because your relationship has died, and I think that is easier to bear because there is nobody else involved. It’s just two people who have drifted apart.”

  “You’re very wise, do you know that?”

  “Not at all–it’s always easier looking into somebody else’s life from the outside. When I was going through my break-up, I had a melt down every day and couldn’t see the wood for the trees. Everybody was full of advice about what I should do, but I should have followed my own instincts and went with what I was feeling rather than trying to run before I could walk.”

  “I’m lucky with Mags because even though she charges in all gung-ho, when it comes down to it, she would support any decision I made.”

  “She’s a good person. I really like her.”

  “I’m glad we met, Carol. I feel like I’ve made a friend for life.”

  “I feel exactly the same, and I hope this isn’t the last time we see one another.”

  “No way.”

  “I’ve spent more than half my life with Richie and know nothing else. School frien
ds lost contact, so he was all I had. Perhaps if I felt less enclosed, things wouldn’t be where they are now.”

  “You don’t know that, but whatever happens now, you’re lucky you had the time you did with him, and I know it doesn’t feel that way right now, but if you can salvage a friendship from this, you’re on the right track.”

  “I’d love to be friends with him, but I don’t know if he’ll want anything to do with me after I tell him.”

  “You still share a son.”

  “Who will hate me even more than he does right now.” I leaned my head on her shoulder. “Happiness seems an impossibility right now.”

  “Take your time, Shell. It won’t happen overnight but you’re a good person, I really believe that.”

  I lifted my head and shuffled on my bum to look at her. “You know, you’ve made me feel better about myself in one evening than Richie has in years.”

  “I’m glad, but somebody will light that fire inside you again, just wait and see.”

  I don’t know what got into me, but it seemed right, there and then. I leaned in and kissed her.

  Our lips met. It felt like magic.

  Chapter Eight - Did I Really Do That?

  Carol had left by the time I woke.

  Flustered, I jumped off the bed and flew down the stairs.

  Dillon was making toast.

  “Here, let me do that, you finish getting ready, then I’ll drive you to school.” He turned and walked into the conservatory without another word. “What do you fancy for dinner tonight?”

  “A roast.”

  “Okay.” The thought of food turned my stomach. “If you want to invite Rob, text me and let me know so I can cook enough.”

  “I thought I was grounded.”

  “You are, but that doesn’t mean I won’t let Rob in.”

  Out of all Dillon’s friends, I liked him most.

  I was annoyed with myself, feeling guilty and was trying to overcompensate.

  “What do you want on your toast?”

  “Peanut butter.”

  Usually, I’d insist on something healthier, but couldn’t be bothered to argue today. Besides, it wouldn’t kill him. Despite his smoking and weed habit, my son was heavily into sports; his athleticism and physique putting me to shame.

  Twenty minutes later, I pulled up outside the school and said goodbye to Dillon.

  He grunted his reply.

  “Don’t forget to text me about Rob,” I called through my open window.

  He carried on walking. Did my son really hate me so much he couldn’t bear to talk to me, aside from a few words that were almost grunts?

  I hoped in time, our relationship could be repaired, but with age and maturity, he might come to the realisation himself that no matter how hard I appeared, guidance and discipline was needed. I was doing this for his own good because the future was important to me, to both of us; I wanted him to thrive, to be the best person he could be and no matter how difficult the present situation is, we would get through it and maybe our relationship would be stronger for it.

  But now, I had more pressing matters on my mind.

  What did I do last night? My memory was hazy, but flashes popped into my mind.

  I couldn’t call Carol and ask her because she would be insulted.

  What I do remember is leaning in to kiss her. She didn’t pull away, but after that, things were sketchy.

  I needed to talk to my sister. She wouldn’t judge me and would give me some advice of what to do next.

  My stomach grumbled and as much as I didn’t want food, I needed it. Deciding on the lazy option I swung into the drive through at McDonalds.

  “Can I take your order please?”

  I hated talking into these machines.

  “Yeah.” I was short in my reply. “Two Sausage and Egg McMuffins, two hash browns and a large Diet Coke, please.”

  Why was I bothering to order a diet drink when it was only washing down a calorie laden breakfast with greasy hash browns?

  Finishing it in record time while parked up, I was certain it would make a reappearance later.

  Minutes later, I felt a little squiffy.

  Work was not an option today so a quick call to my manager, and I was off the hook, for today at least.

  I drove home and found my spot on the sofa.

  Waiting for Maggie Jane to answer, I wondered how she would take my news.

  “I hope this is urgent.” She sounded terrible.

  “It is–are you awake?”

  “I don’t wanna be, but I am. What’s wrong?”

  “What makes you think anything is wrong?”

  “It’s the crack of dawn, Shell, and my head is banging like a shit house door in a gale, just get to it.”

  “I just want to tell you something, and for the record, it isn’t the crack of dawn, it’s nine-thirty in the morning.”

  “Like I said, crack of dawn, now spill it.”

  “I don’t remember much, but I think I slept with Carol.”

  “What’s wrong with that?” She was seemingly not fazed by my revelation. “I sleep with her all the time.”

  “I don’t mean slept as in slept, soft arse, I mean slept.

  “Eh? I just opened my eyes, and you’re confusing the hell out of me, Shell.”

  “Jesus wept. Do I have to spell it out–I think I went down on your best friend.”

  I heard something smash.

  “Fuck me, Shell, I just knocked my plate off the bedside cabinet and my left-over kebab is all over my wooden floors.”

  “Sod the floors. What am I gonna do?”

  “I’m all a flutter now. Blinkin’ heck, you could have given me some warning before blurting out you’ve been drinking from the furry cup.”

  “Don’t be so disgusting.”

  “Well, it’s not something I was expecting to hear from my previously straight, and still married to a man, I might add, sister.”

  “Very funny!”

  “Shit, Shell, what do you want me to say?”

  “I don’t want you to say anything. Just stop dithering for a moment and tell me what to do.”

  “I don’t know. I’ve never been with a woman like that. This is new territory for me.”

  “Some help you are.” My nerves heated and burst on fire. What was I going to do?

  “Sorry, but I’m shocked is all. I didn’t know you were even the teensiest bit curious about having sex with a woman. You never said anything…”

  “I’m not curious,” I shouted down the line. “I wasn’t, I mean, I’m not curious about it. I don’t exactly know what happened. I just know something did.”

  “You have to call and ask her.”

  “I can’t do that, Mags.” My face flushed at the thought of it. “What if she’s as mortified as I am?”

  “There’s only one way to find out.”

  “I can’t do it, you do it for me, please.”

  “Don’t be stupid,” she protested. “What am I gonna say? Oh, hi, Carol. I believe my sister had a go on your growler–how was it?”

  I burst out laughing. “You’re not funny, Mags.”

  “Then why are you laughing.” She giggled like a naughty schoolgirl.

  “Just help me, please.”

  “Okay, I’ll call her, but I’m not asking her outright. If she mentions it first fine, but if not, I’ll see how the land lies.”

  “Call me back as soon as you know.”

  “Give me a few minutes, KD.”

  “KD?” What the hell was she talking about?

  “Yeah, you remember her, that singer from years ago. She used to wear men’s suits and sing something about craving. Right whiney voice she had too–KD Lang, I think her name is.”

  “Get stuffed,” I roared, not rising to her bait.

  She couldn’t speak for laughing. It was typical of her to find humour in my cock ups.

  “I’ll call you back as soon as I’ve spoken to your girlfriend.”

  “Piss
Off–“

  She hung up before I had chance to finish.

  Five long minutes later my mobile rang.

  “Hello,” I said, chewing my nails down to stumps. “Did you speak to her?”

  “Oh, yes, I spoke to her,” she said, clearly amused.

  “What did she say?”

  “A tongue like an electric whisk, I think is how she described you.”

  I bit out. “You better be kidding me.”

  “Yeah.” She choked with laughter. “I’m joking, Shell. She never said a word, only that she had a good time last night. I told her I was calling to arrange a coffee date for next week.”

  “Maybe I imagined it?” I wish that were true, but aside from the kiss still clear as a bell, flashes of her breasts ran through my mind.

  “I know a way you can be sure.”

  “How?”

  “Check in the mirror to see if you have a furry tongue?”

  “I’m going to slap you when I next see you.” I wanted to laugh but it was best not to encourage her.

  “Sorry, I couldn’t resist it, but seriously, if something did happen between you both, so what? You’re both free agents.”

  “I’m not a lesbian, Mags.”

  “How do you know?” It was as good a question as any I suppose.

  “I’m married and have a kid, that’s how I know.”

  “You got married at sixteen and Richie is the only person you’ve ever had sex with, well until last night. How do you know this isn’t who you’re supposed to be?”

  My head started to hurt. “I think I’m getting a migraine.”

  “Go and have a lie down. I’ll come over in a little while.”

  “How long will you be?”

  “I’m just popping over to see Valerie first.”

  “Oh, you haven’t seen her for ages.”

  “I know, she’s been mad busy, but her eldest, Willow, has just finished Uni and has jetted off to Australia with her girlfriend.”

  “I didn’t know Willow was gay.” I remembered her as a little girl. Such a gorgeous little thing which was strange considering the gene pool. Valerie and her husband were strange folk, farmers, eccentric in style and personality.

  “Oh, yeah, Valerie has always known, but it’s only the last few years Willow has opened up to her. Should I bring her over? She might be able to give you some advice on coming out.”