Something Wonderful Read online

  I had a brief moment where I was unsure, but it seems I was doing it right after all.

  “I’m going to…” Her head rolled back, and I felt her wetness on my fingers.

  I pulled her back into a kiss, and continued to rub, before sliding my fingers slowly in and out of her. More moans and I knew she was there.

  Her eyes were locked into mine, and there was that connection I felt. It was immediate, strong, and something I’d wanted my entire life and suddenly realised I never had.

  “I’ve never felt anything like that,” she said, her voice barely a whisper. “You’re the most unselfish lover I have ever had.”

  I wondered how many there had been, but these are things I would learn about when I was meant to and not before.

  “I wanted you to enjoy yourself.” And then, I heard something and sat up, alarmed.

  “What was that?”

  “I didn’t hear anything.”

  “I think somebody is in the house.”

  Carol sat up. “Are you sure?”

  “I could swear I heard the front door closing.”

  “Didn’t you say Dillon is with his dad?”

  “Yeah, but he might have popped home for something.”

  “I’m sure you just imagined it.”

  I wanted to believe she was right but wasn’t convinced. “I hope so because I wanted to sit Dillon down when the time is right and tell him properly.”

  “You’re worrying for nothing, Shell.”

  I prayed she was right.

  Chapter Seventeen - A Whole Lot of Loving

  “Good morning, sleepy head.”

  “Morning.” Carol flashed a smile. “I had the best sleep, ever.” She yawned and stretched. “This bed is so comfy.”

  I leaned in to kiss her. “You look so cute when you’re sleeping.”

  “Did I snore?”

  “No!” I fibbed. “Well not that much.”

  She covered her face. “The shame of it.”

  “Don’t worry about it. Richie sounded like a warthog when he started.”

  “My ex snored too. I used to find it difficult to sleep after we split because I was so used to the background noise.”

  “Not me. I sleep like the dead now.”

  “Talking of Richie, what do you think he would say if he knew about this?”

  “I’m not bothered what he thinks, but I want to be honest with him. We are nothing to do with him, but I’d like to think he would be happy for me. I would be for him if he met somebody he wanted to be with.”

  “What about Dillon?”

  “I don’t think he cares enough about me to care what I do.”

  “I’m sure that’s not true.”

  “We’ll see, but what about your son?”

  “I’m not sure to be fair, depends how much crap his dad fills his head with.”

  “Like that, is it?”

  “Oh, yeah. My ex is a racist homophobe who only likes what he considers the norm, so I’m sure he would consider me dipping my toes into a lesbian relationship the worst thing ever. But I’ll soon put him in his place if he starts.”

  “Is that what this is then, a lesbian relationship?”

  “Well, we’re two women, and I’d like to see where this goes, so yeah, I guess it is, a relationship, if you’re okay with it?”

  I leaned in and kissed her. Usually I’d run a mile, wanting to clean my teeth before any form of intimacy, but with Carol, everything seemed so much more relaxed. I felt like we were in tune physically, spiritually, and mentally. “I’d love that.”

  “Good.” She stroked my face. “Shall we go out for breakfast? I fancy a big greasy fry up.”

  “Sounds good to me, but I need to shower first.”

  “I could join you.”

  “Now, that is a great idea.” I kicked the duvet off. “Come on then, quick shower, then we can go and stuff our faces. I know a gorgeous little café by the river.”

  ∞∞∞

  Breakfast was delightful as was the company, but I had stuff to do, as did Carol.

  I drove us back to my house so she could collect her car, then we said our goodbyes with a kiss, not words. I waved her down the driveway and looked forward to seeing her again.

  Dillon popped into my mind. I decided to text him and tell him I’d collect him from school.

  I looked at my phone. Five missed calls from Richie.

  “Shit.” I panicked, thinking there had been an accident or some other problem with Dillon.

  I hit redial.

  “About time,” Richie snapped.

  “Is everything okay?”

  “Yeah, fine,” he replied. “Unless you count your son hearing his mother and her girlfriend at it.”

  My heart dropped.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Is that why you threw me out, Michelle?” He was blazing. “So you could start up with your girlfriend?”

  “It’s not like that, Richie, I promise.”

  “Whatever, but if you think you’re getting half of the house and your hands on my money, you can think again. I’m not working my arse off to keep you and that lesbo in the lap of luxury.”

  “Come over and we can talk.”

  “There’s nothing for us to talk about, but I’m going for custody of Dillon too. I don’t want him being around that sort of thing.”

  “What sort of thing is that?”

  “Fucking dykes…”

  “Don’t you dare speak to me like that.”

  “Isn’t that what you are now?”

  “It isn’t like that but if you’d shut up for a moment and let me explain…”

  “Save it for court.”

  “Please, Richie, I need you to hear me out.”

  “Why should I?”

  “Because you’ve got it all wrong.”

  “Four o’clock. You can explain it to your son at the same time.”

  My nerves ate at me.

  It’s not like I’d done anything wrong.

  Richie arrived bang on time and sat opposite me at the kitchen table.

  “Where’s Dillon?”

  “He didn’t want to face you, so I dropped him off at Rob’s.”

  “For Christ’s sake, Richie.”

  “So, tell me…”

  “What do you want to know?”

  “Who she is and how long it’s been going on would be a good start.”

  “Her name is Carol. She’s a friend of Mags and it, whatever it is, started after you moved out.”

  “Bullshit.”

  “I swear on my parents’ grave, I have never cheated on you.”

  “Then why didn’t you tell me you’d moved on?”

  “Because I didn’t realise I had.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “I was pissed, and we slept together, but I didn’t know what it was. You know I have only ever had sex with you, until now. I was confused.”

  “And you’re not anymore, is that what you’re saying to me?”

  “I like her, Rich, and not because she’s a woman, but because she makes me feel good.”

  “And I didn’t make you feel good in bed?”

  “For years, in or out of bed, no, but I’m not talking sex, I’m talking person to person, that connection.” I was terrified of his reaction. “Please don’t take Dillon away from me. You can have this house and all the money, but I don’t want to lose my son over it.”

  He sat in silence for a moment. “I was angry, Shell, still am.”

  “So, you won’t sue for custody?”

  “What’s the point? He’s nearly an adult anyway.”

  “Is he okay?”

  “He’s fine but didn’t want to get in the middle of us two bickering again.”

  “But he knows about Carol–I thought he would hate the idea.”

  “Seems our son is a lot more accepting than we gave him credit for.”

  “Then why isn’t he here?”

  “H
e’s heard his mum and her girlfriend having it off and is embarrassed, as would you be in the same situation.”

  I felt horrible, not least due to the way both found out about Carol. “I’m so sorry. I was going to tell you but was waiting until I knew myself.”

  “So, are you a lesbian?”

  “I don’t know what I am, but I know I like Carol, a lot, but I’m old enough to know it could be just a thing in response to our splitting up.”

  “I’m not gonna pretend I’m over the moon, but I have come to terms with the fact you and I won’t get back together, but be careful, Shell. I still care what happens to you, even if I wish things could be different between us.”

  “That means more to me than you’ll ever realise.”

  “I mean it, and Dillon isn’t arsed if it’s a man or woman you’re with. It’s just weird for him because he wants us to be together.”

  “Did he tell you that?”

  “Yeah. You seem surprised, but we do talk quite openly with one another.”

  I felt jealous of their relationship, realising I had been too harsh and controlling at times. “I wish he would talk to me.”

  “He loves you, Shell, but you’ve always been the strict one out of the two of us. Of course, I have a better relationship with him.”

  “Will you talk to him for me?”

  “And say what?”

  “That he is the still the most important person in my life and if he doesn’t want me to see Carol, I won’t.”

  “I’ll do my best but can’t promise anything.”

  “You do know I have never cheated on you, don’t you?”

  “Yeah, I do.” To my surprise, he reached for my hand. “You might be a nag, but your mum and dad raised you with a firm set of morals, so I should have known better than to jump to conclusions.”

  “I’m a nag?”

  “God, yeah, you don’t half go on when you’ve got a bee in your bonnet.”

  “Cheeky sod.”

  “I remember your dad used to roll his eyes when your mum started.”

  “The good old days, eh?” I had only the fondest of memories with my parents.

  “I miss them every day, you know.”

  “Me too.”

  “They’ll be looking down wondering what the hell you’re up to now.”

  “I dread to think what they’d make of Carol.”

  “Do you really think they’d have loved you any less for your choice?”

  “Teenage pregnancy and marriage were one thing, but a girlfriend is another.”

  “I’m telling you now, they’d have been your staunchest supporters, Shell, and woe betide anybody who said anything against you.”

  “I miss this version of us, Rich.”

  “Me too but even though we’re heading for divorce we’re always gonna be in each other’s lives, especially when Dillon presents us with grandkids.”

  Grandchildren. Ugh. What a terrible thought. “In about thirty years I hope.”

  “Don’t be so sure. If he’s anything like us, he’ll do everything arse about face.”

  I laughed. “We didn’t do everything arse about face, and now, I can look back at us and not have regrets. We’re where we are meant to be, I firmly believe that, and one day soon, you’ll meet the woman you’re destined to spend the rest of your life with.”

  “Do you think?”

  “Oh, yeah,” I said with a smile. “Unless you find yourself a hunky fella and…”

  He interrupted me. “You can piss right off, Shell.”

  The look on his face was comical and pushed me into hysterical laughter. “Oh, your face…”

  “Laugh all you want, but that is never going to happen.”

  “Poor Dillon would be scarred for life.”

  He shuddered. “Shut your gob and make me a cup of tea. I’m gasping.”

  I pushed myself up and held my arms out.

  “Shall we hug it out?”

  “Go on then, for old time’s sake.” He forced himself up and enveloped me with love. “Don’t get any ideas though, you’re taken.”

  I felt safe in his arms and knew I had no better friend in the world.

  ∞∞∞

  A few hours later, I heard the front door open and guessed it was Dillon.

  “Mum,” he called.

  “I’m in the conservatory,” I replied.

  His heavy footsteps echoed around the house. “What are you doing?”

  “Just catching up on some reading.”

  “Anything interesting?”

  It wasn’t like him to show an interest. “Yeah, but nothing you’d want to read.”

  “I’m going to bed, but I wanted to come and tell you I didn’t mean to get you into trouble with Dad.”

  “We talked and it’s all fine, but you and I need to have a chat.”

  “Nah.” He shook his head.

  “I don’t want you to think Carol was in the picture while I was with your dad.”

  “I love my dad, but I know he made you unhappy, and I was part of that.”

  “We were both unhappy and that’s why splitting up is best for us. I love him to bits, just not in that way anymore.”

  “But you love this Carol, right?”

  “Gosh, no, it’s not like that at all. Not yet anyway.”

  “Then what is it?”

  “I don’t know if you’re too young to know, but I feel with her at least, I found somebody I can be myself with. It’s like I’ve found a soulmate, do you know what I mean?”

  “Not really, but she makes you smile, and although I wish you’d get back with dad, I’d rather you were happy.”

  “Thanks love.”

  “Doesn’t mean I like her though.”

  “I know that.” At least he wasn’t being overly hostile regarding her. “But you’ll give her a chance, won’t you, for me please?”

  “For you, yeah, but if she fucks up, just once, she’s out the door.”

  I let the bad language slide just this once. “You’re looking out for me. I get it and appreciate it.”

  “You’re my mum. I always will.”

  I wanted to cry. “I love you, Dillon.”

  He turned and walked away. “Night, Mum.”

  “I’ll see you in the morning, son.”

  I watched as he walked out and through the kitchen. “Love you too,” he replied once out of sight.

  I clutched my chest and sobbed.

  Chapter Eighteen - Doctor Verruca

  I woke up and felt entirely refreshed.

  Life was good and everything was falling into place.

  After a quick phone call to Richie, I decided to quit my job, but only if he was on board with it. It would mean me more reliant on the joint accounts.

  I needn’t have worried because he was totally fine with my decision and asked if I wanted to come and work for the company as and when needed. It sounded reasonable to me. After all, I still owned half of the business, I might as well know how it works.

  Also, spending time with Richie was more fun, especially now the ball and chain that was our marriage had been unlocked and cast aside.

  I called my boss to officially hand my notice in and was told I had accrued too many weeks of untaken leave, and that if I wished, I only had to return for my exit interview.

  Deal.

  Now, I could really relax and find myself, starting with quality sister time.

  I’d arranged to have lunch with Maggie Jane and prayed Valerie wasn’t in tow this time. I couldn’t handle another ecstasy fuelled episode. It was just a quiet chat I wanted without interruption.

  I was usually the one crashing in late, but I sat waiting, clock watching, wondering where my sister could have gotten to.

  She rushed through the restaurant like a bull in a china shop.

  “So sorry I’m late, Shell.” She dropped her bags at the side of the table. “I was up half the night with Spud.”

  “Not him again.” I looked across hoping not to spo
t a six-foot Irish, or Icelandic guy with red hair. “What’s he broken this time, his cock?”

  “Very witty I must say.”

  I couldn’t help but laugh, but she wasn’t amused.

  “I’m only kidding, jeez, lighten up face ache.”

  “I’m not in the mood for jokes, especially at my expense.”

  This wasn’t the Maggie Jane I knew. “What’s wrong? You’re not yourself.”

  “I don’t know, Shell. I’m in a proper funk and can’t seem to get myself out of it.”

  “Is it your time of the month?” I wasn’t being facetious, but I knew she struggled with cramps and the usual things associated with the afflictions that were periods.

  “I wish it was, because then I’d know why I felt so drained.”

  “Have you been to see your Doctor?”

  “He’d be better suited tending to vegetables that one. Absolutely hopeless he is.”

  “Then find a new one, there’s plenty at your practice.”

  “I don’t like any of them that’s the thing. Doctor Verruca is the best out of a bad bunch, Shell, and he’s as about useful as a chocolate tea pot.”

  “His name is Doctor Farukh, not Verruca.” Sometimes, I despaired. “I’m not surprised you don’t get along if you can’t even get the poor man’s name right.”

  “Well, he knows what I mean, but it’s hard to understand what he’s saying half the time. You know what I’m like with accents.”

  “He’s from Moss Side, Mags, not bloody Pakistan.”

  “Try telling him that–not my fault he sounds funny.”

  “Why don’t you ask him to slow down when he talks. Maybe that’ll help?”

  “I sit there like an idiot, Shell. He could be asking me if I have three tits and I’m nodding away agreeing with him.”

  “He probably thinks you’re round the twist, and he’d be half right. Make an appointment. I’ll come with you and translate.”

  “You don’t need to do that.”

  “I know, but you’re my sister so get on the phone and make the appointment.”

  “What about your job?”

  “I’ve given my notice in this morning.” That was why I wanted to see her. To let her know what I was doing and where my head was. I found the time I gave to my job too consuming when trying to map out a brand-new future for myself.