Bittersweet Summer

Chapter 26

Anesh poured another wine. He and Charlie sat on the terrace of Charlie's new house. A beautiful, typically Spanish looking 4 bedroom villa. Hidden in the hills. Not far from the one he had stayed in with Michelle. Charlie smiled as he surveyed the orange trees, and thought of making a life here with Michelle. "It's beautiful," he commented. "It most certainly is," Anesh agreed. "Much better in the hills than near the beach. You can absorb the peace when you need to escape, and the beach is 20 minutes drive" Charlie nodded. "I am grateful," he said. Anesh smiled. "Valerie is a dear friend. I can't stand her husband, but she and I go back a long way. She doesn't often ask me for favours, and I was happy to help" Charlie poured more wine. He knew Anesh was gay, so had no need to question if there was a romantic reason, but he was curious. "What happened, if it's ok to ask?" Anesh looked wistfully into the distance. "Her husband, Giles and I used to do a few property deals. Not always as straight as perhaps either government would want. Giles is a powerful man, but he is also a bigot. He never knew I was gay. Anyway, I got on well with Valerie from the start. She had time for me. We chatted, and were genuine friends. Giles thought I was hitting on his wife. So one night, when I left a club, two guys let me know in no uncertain terms to stay away from her. I spent a couple of days in the hospital. Didn't answer calls, and Valerie was worried. She and Giles went back to the UK. And when I got back home. I told her what had happened. She confronted Giles. She is a hell of a strong lady! She told Giles I was gay. Giles called me. I didn't answer. And he sent me a message, "sorry about the misunderstanding" I replied. "Go to hell". And that was the last time I ever saw or dealt with him. But Valerie and I always kept in contact. We are great friends. It's sad that she never managed to make a life with Jamie. She loved him deeply." Charlie slowly put the pieces together. "I'm sorry for what you went through," Charlie said sympathetically. "I'm not" laughed Anesh, it made me clean up my act too, and most of my deals are pretty straight now, and he winked and smiled "unless it's a rush job for an old friend" Charlie chinked glasses. "Thank you again," he smiled. And surveyed his house once again.

Callum kissed Sam and went downstairs and into the kitchen. He opened his mobile. "Hope all is good old man, need a pint when you get back" and sent it. He checked the time. 8.30. Shit he never slept in! He heard Sam moan. And decided he would make her moan some more before starting his day.He smiled to himself. And went back to bed.

Michelle had been up for ages, and she had left Tommy in bed. She was puzzled, she had certainly not expected him home. He spent less and less time there now. She went to the kitchen, made a coffee and sent Valerie a message. Just as she was about to push send, there was a soft knock at the door. She opened it, and Valerie was there. She stepped inside. "Black, no sugar please" she smiled. And let's have it in the garden shall we?" and she swept through the house in an almost regal manner. Michelle smiled. She had absolutely no idea how the woman did it, but she ALWAYS commanded an audience. Whoever that audience might be. She brought the coffee out. Valerie kicked off her shoes and sat on the sun lounger. It was hardly glorious sunshine, but she clearly had things to say that she didn't want to be overheard. "Anesh called me" she said, "he likes Charlie ' 'Michelle went red. "Don't be embarrassed girl, believe me from that man, that's a massive compliment!" and she laughed, softly. "BUT" her voice hardened. "I am worried for you and Charlie '' something is rumbling between Giles and Tommy, and it doesn't feel good" Michelle looked concerned. "Are you ok?" Valerie smiled. "I'm ok my dear Michelle, but I have this gut feeling that things are getting ugly. Giles is back to his arrogant self assured self again. And back to getting a blow job off his secretary it seems, which seems to satisfy him. But there is no mention of Tommy. No golf, no cosy nights out. I don't know why I feel uneasy, but I do" ''what do you want to do?" Michelle said. Valerie broke. Her eyes filled with tears. "I want Jamie back, '' she sobbed. And made sure her sunglasses hid the emotion. Michelle stood her coffee down. She put her arms around Valerie. As she did so, Valerie whispered in her ear, "Make this work for you" and she held Michelle tight. "He is a good man, and you deserve to be happy. '' Michelle sat back. "So do you Valerie" "right now Michelle" she sat back and looked at her friend, "if I can help you find your happiness, then that will make me happy. My happiness died the day I lost Jamie, and, one day I might look for more, but right now, I have a focus and a drive to help you get out of this'' and she waved her arms to demonstrate the house and money, "and have something that fills your heart, not just your bank balance" She took a big swig of coffee. "Sorry for the tears' ' she smiled. "Now, Charlie is back today, and Anesh tells me everything is sorted. So it's time to decide when you are going, and how you are going to do it. Barry is outside. And I thought we could take a drive,'' Michelle smiled. "You are a crafty cow" she said, "here at 11am. And all planned to get me out of the house" Valerie laughed. "Of course" she said. "So go get dressed, and let's get out of here!"