Every Woman's Dream... But You.

Ten

"Not like you to be late Lily." Kath called as she saw me trying to sneak in.
"Shhh." I blush and pull her into my office.
"I didn't go home last night." I cover my eyes in embarrassment and head to the bathroom where Kath follows me.
"Good for you! Is that the first time since Brett?" She asks sympathetically.
"Yeah it was. I was so nervous but he was amazing." I grin and open a drawer to pull out a change of clothes.
"Anyone I know?"
"Maybe but I'd rather keep it to myself just for now."
"Understandable." She grins and hugs me, "I'll see you in a bit."
I breath a sigh of relief and change quickly.
It's not long before I am sat at my desk typing away, I don't have much to do on set yet.
As I'm typing, an email is sent to me by a young make up artist called Sarah, 'knew he was a ladies man, should've ignored him flirting with me.' Attached was an article. About Tom.
The photos are from today, he's with Ian and Nikki and a woman I don't recognise. In one of the photos they're kissing. It's not a passionate kiss but it's on the lips and it makes me feel like an idiot. And Sarah says he's been flirting with her too.
I know we're not together but he told me he was waiting for me. Just this morning! This man is too much for me to handle.
I know he's due in at 4pm so I make plans to be gone before then. And then it's the weekend and we have 2 days off work.
I'll take the girls away for the weekend maybe.
"Hey Katie, have you got any plans with the kids this weekend?"
"Bella and Elsa have that big birthday party from their school friend and Cassie has her skating class. Why?"
"Aria have anything planned?"
"No, she's been a bit upset actually about not being invited to her friends party."
"Oh, was Esther?"
"Yes but she said she didn't want to go if Aria wasn't invited."
"Lord love them, they're so great together. Well I want to go away for the weekend so how about I take Aria and Esther and Elsa stays with you? Let the older girls have a bit more grown up time."
"Sounds perfect to me! I'll get them all from school and tell them."
"Brilliant, I'll pick them up at 4 and we'll set straight off."
"See you soon!"

I find a beautiful cottage online with 2 bedrooms about an hour away on the coast and book it straight away. There's a lot to do locally for the girls as well. I'll pick up a few things and make a pamper evening for them.
'You busy tomorrow hon? X' It's Nikki.
I'll wait to reply until I leave.
"Kath, I'm off. I'll see you Monday."
"Off to see your new man?"
"No." I scowl at the mention of him.
"You ok?"
"He just wasn't what I thought."
"Oh I'm sorry Lily. Try and have a good weekend."
"I plan to." I smile as she hugs me and grabbing my bag, I notice Tom and Ian walking in. Damn. I'll need to go a different way.
"Kath. Can you talk to Tom and Ian about this sunset scene. I think they're not expecting the fountain." I'm trying to use her to distract them and she knows somethings happening, it would've been on her agenda anyway.
"Ok." She gives me an amused look and goes off to stall them.
They still see me and Tom calls to me but I pretend not to hear as I speedily walk the other way.
"Lily." Both Tom and Ian's voices yell at the same time. They'll know I heard but chose not to turn, but I don't care right now. So I leave without looking back.
I'm gone before they can reach me but my phone instantly starts buzzing. I switch it to silent and make my way to the supermarket.

Wine for me, low alcohol wine for the girls, popcorn, chocolates, pizzas, face packs, nail polish, all sorts of make up, bubble bath, big soft towels, foot spas. I fill the trolley with as much as I can, I'm going to throw these pre-teens a girly night to remember! It's not just a distraction for me, they deserve it too. It's not often I spend time just with my oldest two nieces and I'm really looking forward to it.
An hour later and I'm pulling into the driveway ready to collect the girls. I've switched my phone to silent but when I look at it I have 11 missed calls and 3 texts.
'Hey! Why didn't you stop when we called? I've never seen someone in such a rush, is everything ok?' Ian.
'Are you ok?' Tom.
'Please call me back. I think I know what's happened, let me explain.' Tom again.
I shake my head in annoyance and switch it off.
"Hey girls, are you both packed and ready?" I call out as I walk in Katie's front door.
"Yeah!" They both cheer excitedly and rush to me, bags in hand.
"Wow, that's enthusiasm!"
"Yeah, we're excited Aunt Lily!" Aria exclaims and hugs me.
"Awww, that's so lovely. I'm really excited too! I've got so much stuff in the car, I think it may burst on the way!" I laugh and they both beam harder, if that's possible!
"They are a bit hyper." Katie laughed and passed me a bag she's packed for me.
"Thanks Katie." I refer to the bag, "yes I can see, well we'll probably have a late night so that's no problem." I grin.
"Aunt Lily, am I staying here? I have a party." Elsa runs to me.
"Yes sweetheart, that's ok isn't it?"
"Yeah, I'm excited for the party."
"Ok that's great then. Be good for Aunt Katie and Uncle James."
"I will." She grins, hugs me and then runs off.
"Right, let's be going then girls. Do you both have your phones and chargers?"
"Yes."
"Ok good, I'm going to keep their phones switched on in case you need us, mine will probably be switched off most of the time, I don't want bothering with work." Katie has a fleeting look of surprise but acknowledges without question. She knows me well enough to know that I'll talk when I'm ready.
And within a couple of minutes, we're off on our weekend of girly fun.