Trying Not To Love You

Part Twenty Five

Chapter Twenty Five

As long as he never touched her she’d survive. That was the mantra that she had to live by every day Martha realised as she got used to having Sonny back in the house. Shirtless over breakfast, then hot and sweaty from his run, or later suave and suited for work. Friends, that was as far as it went, she knew that and it was her choice, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t difficult, how had she known him for months and not realised how sexy he was? He even BREATHED sexily, he was playing havoc with her hormones, and she was struggling to function around him.

Saturday couldn’t come quick enough and a trip back to see Ethan, she missed him every day and treasured the time with him, and she was also grateful for the time away from the trauma of home. She got back late Sunday having spent the night with him, she would have spent another night but they had a huge order due in early Monday morning, and whilst she was shattered she fancied some time out. All work and no play...

Changing into her new heels and her best jeans, she wandered up into town and into the Oak. It was busy, karaoke blaring from the conservatory, the bar side was quieter.

James approached smiling, “Martha, haven’t seen you for ages, what can I get you?”

                “Dry white wine?”

He nodded, disappearing to the back of the bar to fill a glass, Martha climbed on to a bar stool and relaxed, this was what she needed, a glass of wine and a busy bar to observe. She was glad she was alone as she wasn’t really feeling conversational.

                “You alone?” he asked handing her the drink.

She nodded, “not great company, so that’s a good thing. It’s busy.”

Grinning he glanced around, “who’d have thought karaoke would have a resurrection?”

                “It’s the best mix with alcohol; just don’t expect me to join in, ok?”

Smiling he moved off to serve another customer, and Martha reached for a newspaper that was left on a barstool and caught up with the news. People must have realised that she was not feeling up to talking as she was given a wide berth, but three glasses of wine later she was feeling a little more mellow.  Through the bar, across the counter, she could see into the conservatory, and started to smile at the people up singing...and dancing, as the night went on the participators were getting more and more enthusiastic, but not really any more tuneful. A wild Sunday night.

James came and stood next to her, topping up her glass without her asking, “sure you don’t want a go?”

She shook her head, “no way.”

Laughing he headed to the other side of the bar to serve some of the revellers, so she once again sat alone.

                “Penny for your thoughts?”

It was lovely to hear a familiar voice, and it was probably the only person who she’d want to spend her mellow time with. Looking up she smiled at Sonny, “not worth that. And tonight they’re ugly!”

He laughed, “not thinking about that bastard are you?”

She shrugged, “difficult not to, I mean everywhere you look there’s a reminder.”

Nodding he waved to Pam the barmaid for a vodka, and Martha was glad that James didn’t serve him; she didn’t need the hassle of another argument.