Bittersweet Summer

Chapter 11

Within 30 minutes, the Mercedes pulled into what could only be described as a beautiful manor house, with a wonderful open gravel drive approach, and an imposing yet stunning building at the end of it. Michelle looked suitably impressed. "WOW," she exclaimed. "What is this place?"

Valerie once again took control. "This my dear Michelle, is Oakleaf Grange". Michelle smiled. She had heard of it. And had always thought it was a little like the priory, somewhere you go to "dry out" or get off drugs. "I thought this place was for rehab!" She exclaimed. Valerie grinned. "Who said it isn't," she smiled. "but it caters for those who are not old soaks or junkies too.....sometimes, depending on your influence, you can come here, have some "private" time, and no one asks or questions a thing...."

The look Valerie cast Michelle was one of...stop there Michelle. Don't say anymore, just enjoy your experience.

Michelle understood, nodded to say as much, and as the car drew to a halt, Valerie said simply, "follow me". Michelle did as she was told. The day was already completely surreal, so she figured it was time to just run with it, and let the day take its course. "Should I let Tommy know?" she asked. Valerie laughed out loud, "you can, but I'm fairly certain he will already be fully up to speed" Michelle nonetheless took out her mobile. Sent a simple text. "out for the day with Val". Tommy replied almost immediately. "Enjoy baby, Giles and I might have a round". Michelle smiled and looked at Valerie. "I told you" she said, and threw her head back as she laughed again.

Michelle suddenly felt a little uncomfortable. Like she wasn't in control. Valerie noticed the change in her face. "Don't worry Michelle, I just had every idea that Giles would tell Tommy straight away. Probably going to the club I should imagine." Michelle couldn't do much except nod. Valerie continued "I don't know what they are up to, nor do I want to, but I just know that Giles likes Tommy, likes his company, and his golf too". So, now both the men know where we are, relax, embrace and enjoy your day".

Michelle smiled. A slightly more relaxed smile. "ok I will". She noticed that they hadn't gone into the main entrance, but round to the side through a large oak door. She followed Valerie, who certainly seemed to know where she was going. It was beautiful. Very tastefully decorated, lots of white, marble floors, chaise lounge in the corridor, and a general feeling of opulence and relaxation.

They walked along the corridor. The click clack of their heels breaking the otherwise almost silence. As they approached a small desk, a woman looked up from it. She smiled at Valerie, and greeted her with " Good morning Mrs Williams, how can we help you today?" Valerie replied, "my friend and I would like a little relaxation, and a little private time too". The woman smiled back, stood up, and Michelle noticed she was tall, a little more plump than perhaps a woman in a spa should be, but also clearly massively experienced at discretion and certainly knew better than to question anything. "Certainly madam" she returned, "can I take your coats?" As Michelle handed her coat over and her bag, she reached to grab her phone. Valerie laughed. "He won't be calling today I'm sure" and she winked at the blonde holding their coats. Michelle felt herself go red. "No, perhaps you are right, '' she said. Valerie said sternly "you don't need your phone today. It's our time".

Michelle got the message. And waved away the blonde. "I will be right back," she said. And she was. When she returned, she had two robes with her. "If you would like to follow me ladies" she said. And she started down the corridor. Valerie swept her arm out in front of her. "After you" she said, and grinned, a mischievous, naughty smile that surprised Michelle yet again. This woman was a total surprise so far. Within a short time they had arrived at two oak doors next to each other. The blonde pointed and said, "if you would like to get changed, we can start the experience" and as she did so, she expertly opened both doors and Michelle looked inside to see a glamorous, slightly dimly lit yet very plush dressing room. The blonde handed her a gown, and said simply, "leave your clothes on the dresser".