Retribution

Chapter 27 - Learning New Things

After what could only be called a successful day, I was buzzing with excitement. After this morning with Adam, and then Marco, I'd had a brilliant lesson on Roxy with Charlie. The gorgeous little mare never disappointed me, and I felt as safe as anything on her.

Charlie was grinning from ear to ear when I told her what Marco had said to me. "He's totally into you, Lou. I told you so, didn't I?"

I blushed, finally accepting that I may well have captured the attention of the finest male specimen on the planet. "How are you getting on with Jonny?"

She glanced around, making sure we were on our own. "He's hot," she said. "Like smoking hot. And—" she grabbed my arm "—he cooks, Lou. He actually cooks. And I don't mean a microwave burger—proper food. Do you know what I had for tea last night? Mushroom tagliatelle in a creamy cheese and chive sauce, and lemon soufflé for dessert. I don't even go to restaurants anymore that serve food like that. Gourmet food to John is a burger that isn't chargrilled black."

I giggled. "Has he been serving your food topless?"

"No," she said, dropping her voice to a whisper. "But he came out of the bathroom last night with just a towel wrapped around his waist. I nearly fainted. If it wasn't for the fact I've not shaved all week, I'd have jumped him there and then."

Bursting out into laughter, I didn't doubt her words for a second. I faked shock horror, and said, "You're a married woman, Charlie Moreton!"

She visibly winced, the smile dropping from her face like an anchor through water. "It's not been right for a long time. The age gap is causing issues. I'm broody—I want kids. He doesn't want to be an old dad, so he won't entertain the idea. He says he likes his independence too much."

"Charlie, no. Why didn't you tell me? How long has this been going on?"

Shrugging her shoulders, she appeared totally indifferent. "A while. Probably about a year."

Tears welled up instantly. "Charls, why didn't you tell me?"

"You had so much of your own crap going on, you didn't need mine on top of it. Besides, it's not like we could talk much, is it?"

We both attempted to giggle but ended up hugging each other, crying. "I'm so sorry," I said. "I hate the thought of you dealing with that on your own. Don't ever do that again, got me?"

She nodded. "He's extending his trip in America. Giving us both some space. He won't be back much before September."

I gasped. "You're joking?"

"No. The longer he's gone, the easier it is to accept the reality I might be divorced by the time I'm thirty-one. Then I've got to start the whole dating thing again." She groaned, and rolled her eyes. "I can't be doing with that. Too much hassle."

"I'm sorry, Charls. You come to me about anything, even if it's just to cry down the phone."

She nodded.

I gave her a serious look. "And no jumping Jonny." She pouted. "We can't have him distracted whilst Adam is lurking around."

"I have patience," she said, grinning.

Tyson padded around the corner, Jonny following behind. The poor bloke looked confused when we both exploded into fits of giggles.

***

I couldn't wait to see Jake. Despite the dark cloud of Adam still lingering in the background, I was feeling a torrent of happiness I'd never thought possible. After Marco treated us to his culinary skills with some pasta, a jar of chopped tomatoes, and some grated cheese, I was feeling tired after my day of excitement. Just wanting to chill out in bed with the TV on in the background, I announced my intentions to Jake.