Bittersweet Summer

Chapter 18

The black Mercedes pulled up at Charlie's address at precisely 10:00 a.m. He was ready. New jeans, crisp white shirt, loafers and to be honest not much else. He knew he smelled good and he thought he looked good and he just hoped that it was all going to be worthwhile. The driver opened the door, smiled, and said "Hello sir I'm Barry" "Hello Barry, pleased to meet you" replied Charlie and got into the back. Barry closed the door and they headed off. "It will be almost an hour, Barry said I have to take a couple of detours." "That's no problem Barry, you take your time" And Charlie settled into the comfortable leather seat and wondered what today held.

Tommy had already left. Whatever the deal might be that he and Giles were planning, it was definitely not fulfilled yet, and his mood was as dark as it had ever been. Michelle smiled, she didn't care, but between herself and Valerie, they had already told the boys that there was going to be a spa day for them. Giles simply questioned "again?" To which Valerie replied "AGAIN Giles" he didn't ask anymore. He knew better than to have a difference of opinion with his wife over a spa day so he simply said "No problem, enjoy ladies" Tommy couldn't care less, his mood much darker than Giles. He knew that if his this deal didn't come off, he could have some very expensive explaining to do so when Michelle said she was having a spa day his response was simply "whatever"

On that Tuesday morning he had left early, Michelle had simply waited by the window until the black Mercedes arrived. With his blacked out windows there was no danger of anybody seeing anyone inside. She was dressed casually, heels, and a cream outfit. She set the alarm, and locked the front door. Walking towards the car she couldn't contain her excitement and sincerely hoped he had not worn his overalls! Barry got out of the car "Good morning miss" he smiled. She returned the smile "Good morning Barry, good to see you!" "You too" he said as she got into the car and he closed the door. As they left Charlie and Michelle looked at each other, grinned and giggled like schoolchildren. It would be about a 30 minute drive so they began to talk. About their early childhood. Michelle explained a little but not in too much detail, that she had had a tough beginning. Charlie could sympathise. The beginning of his life had been much the same. Perhaps not with drugs, but certainly he had been pushed from pillar to post and never feeling like he belonged. He explained he was proud of his success and even though people figured he was just a small time mechanic, with what he had learned and amassed over the years certainly what was in the barn was more than enough for his retirement fund. Michelle laughed. "Do you plan on retiring then?" He laughed "I wouldn't know what to do with myself" he replied "what on earth would I want to retire for?'' She looked at him teasingly and said, "I could give you a few reasons" he laughed again and wondered just how serious that statement was. Shortly, they arrived. Barry ensured the car was parked carefully behind the regular car parks through an entrance that only Barry could know. He opened the door and escorted them out. "Follow me" he said and they duly did so. Rounding two corners before coming to a small oak door barely noticeable he tapped 3 times on it and Michelle saw Rita open the door. She smiled, and whispered, "Good afternoon, I am pleased to be your guide for your experience day Michelle'' she winked. "Come in, let me make you comfortable" Michelle smiled back. She had a flashback to her last experience with Rita, and decided perhaps Charlie might just enjoy that a little too much. "Thank you" Michelle returned, and duly followed. Charlie close behind, somewhat puzzled, but happy to go with whatever the day held in store.

They soon arrived at the same changing area Michelle had enjoyed a few weeks ago. Rita turned to them. "If you would like to step inside and change, we can begin the experience." Charlie looked confused. Michelle simply said, "go in, get changed, and I will see you on the other side of the door". He did as he was told. And enjoyed the same admiration for the fine furnishings and products contained behind the door. He could hear Michelle on the other side of the wall. "I guess we just have the dressing gown on?" he tried to whisper but needed to be a little loud for her to hear. He heard her laugh. "YES!" He smiled. And stripped. He saw himself in the mirror. He needed to lose a stone. He sucked his stomach in, tensed his arms and said quietly. "not too bad for 52". He put on the gown and opened the other door. They stepped out simultaneously and smiled at each other. "This way" Rita instructed. They followed in silence. Shortly, they arrived at the door Michelle thought she remembered. Rita opened the door, and said, "your masseuse will be with you shortly." She looked at Michelle winked and whispered, "don't worry, it's not the full massage you had". And she left the room. Shortly after, a man and a woman appeared. They introduced themselves and asked that their guests remove their gowns and lay on the benches. Charlie slipped his gown off, and Michelle smiled. Charlie went red and looked shy. Michelle laughed. And they lay down to allow the 2 people to do their job.