Starting Over

Chapter 16

Ellen pretended she hadn’t said it, wanting to hide her blushing cheeks, not wanting to look him in the eyes and see rejection, so she pulled away from him and went in to hyper over the top mode, dragging him by the hand to a nearby wine bar. This was the usual after work stop off for her colleagues, as she ordered a bottle of wine, then sighed with relief as Audrey appeared chuckling at the door, diffusing her closeness to Jan and her horrendous faux pas.

“Oh Ellen, darling! I do so wish I’d brought a camera to record that!” the elderly woman pulled her into an embrace. “The bastard! I’ve waited years to see him brought down like that...and I always knew he was nowhere near good enough for you!”

Ellen smiled, accepting the hug, “and I hear you and Jan are in cahoots already!”

Audrey laughed, “such a gorgeous young man! SO much better for you!” Audrey fell straight into an embrace with him next, and moments later a dozen or more colleagues descended on them.

They were engulfed with people all keen to congratulate Ellen on finally putting Richard in her place, as well as those wanting to meet Jan, who looked divine suited and booted. Ellen only wished half these people had warned her six months ago about their reservations. It’d have saved a lot of time and effort, but then she knew she’d not have been receptive then. No, things worked out in the only way they could.

She was contemplative in mood as she felt an arm snake around her, and looking up she saw Jan smiling down at her.

“Have I told you how yummy you look today?” She offered desperate not to get in to a conversation over the ‘L’ word.

He smoothed the lapels on his suit, “you like the smart me hey? Well make the most it’s the only time you’ll see me like this!” Chuckling he swooped into kiss her gently. “I think we should make a move though, I really want to meet your parents, then there’s this early flight back tomorrow.”

She was shaking her head, “I can’t believe you’re here Jan, it’s all so surreal!”

He grinned, “I know I didn’t think I’d be leaving Majorca for months either, funny to think there’s still a world going on outside of the holiday world, isn’t it?”

Ellen nodded, “the contrast is unbelievable”

“Grab your coat, I’m going to the bathroom, then I’ll meet you outside?”

It took a while for Ellen to leave, suddenly she was the most popular person in town, everyone wanted to say goodbye, or hello, or at least pass their regards. By the time she got outside the door it was a while after she’d last seen Jan. It was getting dark, so she sat on a wall nearby.

She was rooting around in her bag for her mobile phone, she wanted to call her parents and warn them that Jan was coming for tea, when she heard a voice. Turning around she spotted Jan pacing the pavement, his own phone held to his ear, his body tense, he was obviously angry. His voice was raised but he wasn’t speaking English, it sounded German or maybe Dutch?

“Suppose you think that was clever?” A voice at her ear drew the hairs on Ellen’s neck on end. Slowly she turned to see Richard stood there, an angry yet defeated look on his face. “Getting lover boy in was an inspired touch. You didn’t waste much time.”

Ellen looked at Richard, his thick brown hair, dark eyes and rounded face had all been so appealing to her, now she saw a womanising, egotistical bastard, and she was so glad she was away from him.

“Funny what happens on a honeymoon, hey?” her jaw was raised, she was determined to look down at him. “Good luck with Rebecca, or whoever your current love is, I can assure you I’ve never been happier, I am so glad I saw what you were before the wedding!”