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TGI Chronicles Pt. 2 Ch. 01

By: GaryAPB



I got back to the TGI offices at just past five o'clock on that Friday in mid-February, having spent the day with a client. As I came through the main door the new receptionist called me over: "Sorry, it's the end of my first week, and I'm just trying to put names to faces. You're David Finch aren't you?

"Yes." 

"And where do you fit in?"

"I'm Deputy Head of Insurance Development. My boss is Tim Williams, you probably know him. In fact, talk of the devil..." and Tim came down the stairs with his secretary Davinia, they were obviously on their way out somewhere.

Tim greeted me with "Hi, Dave. We're just going over to the pub. It's a bit early, but I decided we deserve a drink. Why don't you come over later."

Now I've worked with Tim for over five years now. We get on really well, he had joined the company only a couple of months ahead of me, and we've been work friends the whole time. He's progressed up the greasy pole so that he's now head of development for all insurance systems at TGI Financial and I have the dubious honour of being his deputy. 

Tim and I got a bit closer last year when he had a bust up with his wife Beth because she had an affair. He was a bachelor for a while, and I rather looked forward to some good boy's nights out with him, but it never happened. Just as he was getting over the bust up, and was showing signs of getting interested in women again, he reconciled with Beth. In some ways I don't blame him, she's a gorgeous looking woman, but I reckon he's gone back for more trouble. Women are like that. That's why I'm one of that rare breed, a committed bachelor. There aren't many of us left.

Anyway, when Tim says 'come over later' it means 'don't join us now, we're going to have a private chat.' My guess is that Davinia's having one of her regular upsets with her stupid boyfriend. The sooner she dumps him the better. Then I can get in there, just to help her get over him, of course.

So, I went up to my desk and picked up my messages. By the time I'd sorted out those, and rescheduled some of the work for the client of the day, it was past six o'clock. Definitely 'later'!

As I came into the bar I saw Tim, he was standing chatting to a group from the department. They were some of the younger ones, and were standing listening to him. I doubt whether he realises that they are politely listening to their senior boss. He thinks he's having a drink with the guys. But then, that's what I'm about to do. I scanned the group, everyone seemed to have full glasses, so I just bought myself a pint and joined them. Tim turned to me, and the youngsters fell away to form their own circle.

"What happened to Dav?" I asked.

"She's left. She's got some domestic things to sort out." Tim looked at me, probably wondering whether he was breaking Davinia's confidentiality if he said more.

"He's still giving her trouble then?" I looked at Tim with a half smile, showing that I understood what was going on.

"Not for much longer" Tim seemed to visibly relax "I don't fancy his chances of still being there by Sunday evening."

"His only silly fault. She's quite ... you know, and she deserves better than a shit like him."

"And she deserves better than a randy bachelor like you. She's above wham bam thank you mam." He looked at me pointedly.

I put on my best hurt look, because I knew that he thought better of me than that, "I'll have you know I'm a gentleman. I always take my weight on my elbows. Anyway, what are you still doing here? You don't normally hang around in here these days."

Tim turned away from the crowd, leaned into me and lowered his voice, "Beth is coming down to meet me here. It's a bit sensitive for her. We expect that she is still the subject of gossip. That scarlet woman who I've allowed back in my life. We decided that the only thing to do was to face up to it, so this evening is to be a demonstration of true marital bliss."

"It is marital bliss, isn't it? Everything's alright between you guys now?" I asked. I was concerned, I didn't fancy broken hearted Tim round two, even if it was inevitable at some time.

"Yes. It's good. It has its bad moments, but it has some very good times as well. And we are getting less of the former and more of the latter these days. That holiday in Antigua was fabulous, it did us both the world of good, and we did a lot of talking. We are back together for good." Tim looked me in the eye. I believed his sincerity.

Just at that moment there was a rare sight these days, Charlie Bullard, a founding director of the company came into the bar. Charlie founded the company as the junior partner with Neil Timmons many years ago. In the good cop bad cop analogy, Charlie is definitely the good cop. Neil is the hard businessman, Charlie is the one who makes it all work. He stepped through the crowd to Tim and myself. 

He looked at our glasses, "Another one? Tim? David?"

"Yes, thanks" We both drained our glasses and handed them to him.

"What was it?"

"Cuckhaven Gold for both of us" said Tim, and Charlie headed for the bar.

I looked at Tim, "And what do you think we've done to deserve a visit from Charlie?"

Tim smiled, "I guess his wife told him to drop in." I was none the wiser, but Tim continued, "Beth and myself were at the Bullard's last week for dinner, and I guess Beth told Rose, that's Charlie's wife, that she was a bit apprehensive about turning up here tonight. So I guess Rose told Charlie to come along in support."

"That's kind of him. You must be one of the chosen if Charlie is giving you that sort of support. I must remember to glue myself to your coat tails."

At that point Charlie returned, trying to carry three pints. I moved to help him. "Thanks, I'm a bit out of practice. There was a time when I could carry six pints. But that was in the days when glasses had handles."

We made small talk, until I excused myself to join some others in the department. A couple of them were wondering what Charlie was doing there. But then he started circulating, chatting happily with all and every TGI'er that he could find. I watched him, he was a master at it. As far as I could tell, he knew everyone by name, he had a smile and a joke with them all. Frequently he would hold their arm or elbow; or put a hand on their shoulder; or turn to them to pay special attention to whatever triviality they were talking about. 

Then Beth arrived, and made her way to Tim. They kissed, and both did look as if they were genuinely pleased to see each other. Tim went and got her a drink. I turned back to talk to a group of young lads from the department, including Drew Thompson. Drew was three years younger than me, but he seemed to be the next oldest heterosexual bachelor in the company. All the rest were either married or in serious relationships. Drew wasn't blessed with my looks, thanks to my Italian grandfather and some good genes, but he used his advantage of being a bit closer in age to our usual prey, I reckon we were about even in our abilities to pick up women.

"We're thinking of going to Shades later, Dave. D'you want to join us?" Drew asked.

"I might well do so. If you guys can stand the competition. I'll see how it goes tonight. I haven't given up hope that Deana Treifuss may still come in. You know the girl from Accounts." I replied, glancing at the door.

Drew took a drink from his glass, wiped his lips on the back of his hand, "I thought you'd been there. You want to go back?"

"Well, we parted on good terms. Maybe I'm feeling lazy. It'd be easier than shouting at Shades." I looked at him.

Drew leant into my ear, "Well, I think you might have a long wait. I hear that Mike Sharman from Marketing is in there, has been for a week or two now." 

"I didn't know that. Why don't people keep me up to date with the gossip? Come back Stella, all is forgiven. But, no. I don't want sloppy seconds after Sharman's been at it. Anyway, I thought he was married?" 

"He is."

"Oh."

I broke out from talking to Drew to go over to Beth. She greeted me like an old friend, which was a bit of a surprise. She always gave me the impression that she tolerated me for Tim's sake. I kissed her on both cheeks.

She opened, "I want to say thank you, Dave. Tim tells me you were a really good friend last year when he needed one."

"Well, I don't like seeing friends in trouble. And Tim is one of the best."

"Well I think so. I was a fool you know. But I'm glad he had people like you around him, that stopped him going off the rails. If he had, I don't think I'd ever have got him back."

"Well, that's all in the past. Come and meet Drew and some of the others." I took her arm to lead her back to the lads.

She smiled at me, and put her hand on my arm, "Oh, you don't have to escort me around."

But I knew she needed all the help and support she could get. Her eyes belied her confident manner. "Oh, let me. It'll do my standing the world of good to have the best looking girl in the room on my arm for a moment or two."

I took her over and introduced her. The guys didn't let me down, they may have had a couple of pints inside them, but they managed to be polite when the boss's wife was with them. Except for Drew, who whispered in my ear "I don't blame Tim. I'd have gone back for a pair of tits like that."

Thank God that Drew had whispered, because just as he was doing so Charlie Bullard passed us on his way to effusively greet Beth. A showy kiss on both cheeks, and a private joke. I guess every TGI'er there noted that she had been blessed with friendliness from a founding director. I doubt whether it would do Tim's reputation in the company any harm either.

Slowly people started drifting home. By closing time we were down to me, Drew and about five young lads, a couple of whom didn't work for TGI. 

Drew looked at me "Well are you coming or not?"

I didn't really want to go. Nightclubs were expensive and noisy, and worst still, they were beginning to make me feel old. "Yeah, OK then. But only if we can stop for a burger on the way up the road. I'm starving."

---

I noticed her within five minutes of getting into Shades. She was talking to two other girls. Blonde, tallish, mid to late twenties. Very good figure, maybe a few pounds over weight, but most of that seemed to have given her a sexy, rounded softness. Quite well dressed, sexy but not slutty. She was a definite possibility, but I'll check out what else is on offer first.

The lads disappeared off looking for their own conquests. Several of them linked up with a group of girls that they already knew. So I was quickly on my own. On my second drink I saw her again, leaning against a pillar, looking bored and with an empty glass.

"Would you trust me to get you a drink?" I asked.

She looked at me and smiled. "Let's go to the bar together." she sensibly answered. 

After we had our drinks, I introduced myself. Her name was Lucy. We chatted a bit, then I noticed: pale white lines around the fourth finger of her left hand. Warning bells started. But drinking and chatting wasn't a commitment.

Nightclubs are not the best environment for chatting. And the beers earlier and the loud music were beginning to give me a headache. I don't know whether she noticed, but she came to my rescue. "Do you think there is somewhere where we might get a coffee."

"Well, only the burger bar at this time of night. Or there's my place. It's in easy walking distance."

"Well, I'll risk it. I'll just go and tell my friends what I'm doing." and she disappeared off into the throng.

---

She was sitting on my sofa as I brought two mugs of coffee in, and passed her one.

"So, Lucy. Your not a regular at Shades, so what guiding angel brought you into my world tonight?"

"I just needed a night out. And those two friends go there often. I just tagged along."

She wasn't mentioning her husband or marriage. So, I'll give test her directly. "But there is a man in your life, isn't there? I can't believe that some guy didn't snap you up long ago "

She looked at her lap, and then at me, and then at her coffee. Eventually she made up her mind. "I'm married. How did you know?"

"Years of practice. So what brings a pretty married lady to be standing around in Shades, and allowing herself to be bought drinks by an incredibly handsome and debonair man?"

She laughed, which was what she was meant to do. "Oh, the marriage is over. It's just a matter of one of us getting out. Neither of us has any illusions. Pete's away most weeks and most weekends these days. I just needed to leave all that behind and just be myself for an evening."

"So, why don't you get out?" 

"Look, this isn't meant to be a therapy session. Or not like that anyway. I just want a good night out with my mates, followed by good night in with some guy that'll make me feel whole again. Come on Dave, I'm offering it to you on a plate." She leant forward, put her coffee down on the table and put both hands on my thighs.

I leant forward, leaning into her face, she raised her lips to mine. So close, I tipped my head slightly to one side, I raised my hand to be behind her head, pulling her into me. "So, answer my question, why don't you get out?"

"Bastard." she sat back. "Because. Just because. OK?"

"Look, Lucy. I don't get involved in other people's marriages. It's always bad news. Now, you're welcome to my bed if you want to spend the night away from him. I'll sleep in the spare room. But, if you want me in there with you, and there are parts of me that are aching for your special attention, then you've got to convince me that I ain't treading into another guy's territory."

She picked up her coffee and took a drink. She didn't say a word, she just looked sullen.

"Why don't I get us a bottle of wine and we can sit and have a drink and you can tell me about it? Or a brandy if you prefer?" I stood up, looking down on her.

"No, I don't need anything. Sit down. I'll tell you. It really is over between myself and Pete."

I sat down on the sofa, next to her, and put my arm round her. "Tell me. Then we can get on to getting you into that bed." I ran my hand up and down her back.

"Well things haven't been good for Pete and me for sometime. He works in catering, but he lost his job about nine months ago. The only job that he could get was a contract up in Edinburgh. So he's up there all the time. At first he would come home for a couple of days each week, but he doesn't even do that these days. I guess he's got someone else up there."

"Have you asked him? What does he say?"

"No. Of course he doesn't. And he's got a terrible temper, if I accuse him of anything he instantly loses it. That's why he lost his job in the first place. But we've got two kids and a mortgage and car loan, and I don't work. So, I've got to be careful." She looked up, turning to look directly in my eyes. "But it is all over. There is nothing left. You aren't poaching. I'm just learning, I haven't done this before."

I pulled her into me and kissed her. She tasted of her minty cocktail from Shades, overlaid with coffee. My hand came up to her breast. "Go on, you must have done. You've got two kids." I kissed her again, harder, more passionately this time.

"No, I meant I haven't gone out like this before. I might be a bit out of practice."

I kissed her again, she followed it by little nips of her teeth, very gently, on my chin. I nuzzled in to lick her neck, just by her ear. "Why don't I get that bottle of wine, but let's take it into the bedroom." I whispered.

We disentangled ourselves and I took hold of her hand and led her to the bedroom. I turned to her and took her in my arms and kissed her, our tongues exploring each other's mouths. "You are sure that your husband doesn't count at all. That divorce is absolutely the only option.?"

"Yes! Yes, how many times do I have to say it?"

"OK. Stay there while I go and find that bottle of wine."

I returned with a bottle of white wine straight from the fridge. I had opened it in the kitchen and grabbed two glasses. I looked at her, she was sitting on the edge of the bed, just watching me. I poured out two glasses and handed her one. I took a sip of mine and put it down.

"Wait there while I have a very quick shower. I went straight from work to the pub to Shades. And I've been in London for a large part of the day. I must stink."

"No. Just come to bed." 

"It'll be nicer for you if I have a shower. I won't be long." I took another sip of wine and went to the bathroom. I've never had such a quick shower. But I felt better afterwards, awake, fresh and ready. I cleaned my teeth, sprayed myself lightly with some cologne. Then I wrapped a white fluffy towel around my waist, one that showed off the remains of last year's suntan, and I was back in the bedroom in ten minutes flat. She was still sitting on the edge of the bed, sipping her wine. I sat next to her.

"Hi. I thought you might have made yourself a bit more comfortable." I put my arm around her and pulled her in for a kiss. She was less passionate than before. Damn, my shower break had allowed her nerves to step in. "Let me help you." My hand went to the zip at the back of the dress.

She didn't move. She didn't stop me, but she didn't help either.

"Hey, Lucy. What's the matter? Nerves? Haven't done this in a long time? Don't worry, you're in the hands of a master." I whispered, as I took the two shoulders of the dress and gently slid them forward and down her arms. Under it she was wearing a white strapless bra, nothing particularly sexy. I guess the best that was in a married woman's lingerie draw. She was biting her bottom lip as I slowly undid the catch at the back and slid it forward. Her breasts were wonderful. Full, soft, with dark nipples that were already long and hard. 

She still wasn't with me, she was acquiescing, not participating. Her nerves were getting the better of her. It was time for a little ego boost. "Lucy, they're beautiful. You're beautiful."

My hand went to her left breast and gentle cupped it. I leant in and kissed her. At last, she was responding. Without really stopping the kiss, I pushed her back onto the bed. My other hand came up to her right breast, and took the nipple between my fingers, gently squeezing. I let go of her breast to loosen the towel at my waist. 

Then I took her hand and put it on my cock. She gently rubbed her hand up and down its length. "It feels harder than Pete's ever has."

"Forget Pete, Lucy. You're with me now."

"Sorry." 

We kissed passionately. I sat up a little, to work on lowering her dress. She seemed to thrash about at that, then I realised she was kicking her shoes off. She then raised her hips off the bed so that I could get her dress down her legs. She was wearing a simple white thong, it may have matched the bra. And stockings, thigh highs. 

"I was right. You are beautiful, and very, very sexy." I leant down to kiss her tummy, as I hooked my fingers into the sides of the thong and pushed downward. Again she raised her hips, and slowly the flimsy piece of nylon and cotton slid down her thighs. She had a small thin triangle of soft blonde hair. The rest was smooth and the lips of her pussy were blushed pink with a silvery line of moisture where they met. Again I leant forward to kiss her tummy, and then little butterfly kisses down to that soft hair.

She still had her thong around her thighs. So I stood up and quickly pulled it down and off at her feet. She lay before me on the bed, looking up at me. I towered over her with my cock sticking straight out in front of me.

Then she surprised me and sat up, I had to stand back slightly. She leant forward and took my cock in her hand, and lowered her head. She gently licked its head. And then exquisitely slowly, she lowered her mouth to take it in. I put a hand at the back of her head, just gently. With the other hand I picked up my wine and took a sip. Does it ever get any better than this? A beautiful naked woman sucking your cock whilst you sip chilled white wine.


TGI Chronicles Pt. 2 Ch. 01



Eventually, I stepped back, withdrawing from her mouth. I pushed her back on the bed, and stood over her. I half turned to open my bedside drawer and grab a condom.

She saw me and said "It's OK. I'm on the pill"

"No, just for both our sakes, let's be sure." and I quickly and smoothly rolled it on.

Then I knelt on the floor. I kissed her tummy and then in a trail down to her pussy. I started with a lick all the way up the lips, driving my tongue in a little firmer as I approached her clit. A little more tongue work and I had her shuddering and sighing.

Then I crawled up her body, my cock found home as I drove my tongue into her mouth. Her hands came up my back, holding me but giving me room to work. God, I needed this! Gently at first I started a slow rise towards our orgasms. My body lowered onto her, she took my earlobe between her lips, nipping it gently with her teeth. Then her fingernails began to bite into my back, her teeth began to tighten onto my ear, but with my arm under her shoulders I was pulling her up to meet my strokes. We both rose to our climaxes. She beat me by about twenty seconds.

I got off her and flopped besides her. I quickly peeled the condom off and dropped it into the bin I keep beside the bed. I lay back. "Thanks Lucy."

"Thank you, Dave. I haven't cum so quickly and easily in a long time." She rolled onto her side to look at me.

I turned my head, then moved toward her far enough to kiss her forehead. "I guess for our different reasons, we both needed that." and then we fell asleep.

I woke up about an hour later. Lucy was sleeping peaceful, and she only stirred when I laid the duvet over her. I climbed in beside her.

We both woke up to the radio alarm going off with the seven o'clock news, my weekday setting. I'd forgotten to turn it off. She snuggled in closer, and then we drifted into that pleasant land of half wakefulness. 

Eventually, I quietly slipped my hand into the bedside drawer for another condom. I got it on and then I rolled over to face her. "Hi, Sleepy, how about round two?" I slid a hand down to cup her bottom.

"How about it starts with me on top" she smiled, pushing me back. She climbed on top and put a hand down to guide me into her. She sat back with my cock fully embedded into her pussy.

I put my hand up to her breasts, taking her nipples between my thumbs and first fingers, and squeezing gently, pulling them and her towards me. "I love your nipples."

"Be gentle with them, I only stopped nursing my youngest a few weeks ago."

"Oh good! I can turn you into my milk slave." I said with a half smile.

"Would you want to? Would that turn you on?"

"Milk slave? No. Bit too much of a fetish, and I'm sure it would have its down side. But slave...well..."

"Fuck you!" she exclaimed.

"Yes, that would be one of your main duties..." 

She gently rose up on my cock, and then plunged down again. And then she did it again. Soon the sensations overtook both of us and we just fucked, ending up in doggy position. I came deep inside her, and then knelt back. 

I admired her arse, maybe a little overweight by a few pounds, but a beautiful heart shape. I slapped it, "Tea or coffee? The best I can do you is toast and marmalade. But I promise you the bread is the best you can buy in town and the marmalade is mail order only from a little company in Cornwall."

She collapsed, to lie on her front, her head turned to watch me. I quietly took off the condom and dropped it into the bin with its friend. I got out of bed and headed for the bathroom. "Well, what do you want to drink?"

"Tea"

"Good choice." I called back from the hallway.

Soon I returned to the bedroom with a breakfast tray. Lucy was lying on the bed, looking around the room. "This is a nice bedroom. I like the paintings."

"Thanks" I said as I poured two cups of tea. 

"Are you an artist?"

"Good heavens, no. I work at TGI, but I've got a well paid job and I like nice things. My father died a couple of years ago and left me all his money, not that there was a lot of it, but it also helps."

"How about your Mum?" she looked at me, I think she was genuinely interested.

"She walked out on us when I was four. I never really saw her after that. The last I heard of her was at about the time of Dad's funeral. She was in Australia with her fourth husband. So I guess she's onto number five by now, and I haven't the faintest idea where, nor do I care." I guess I sounded a bit bitter. I didn't mean to, I didn't like to think that I cared that much.

"Oh. So you're all alone then?"

"Yeah. And I like it that way." I offered her some toast.

"Who were the others you came into Shades with last night? Friends?" Again, she sounded interested.

"Well I count Drew as a friend. A couple of the others work for TGI as well, but as I'm their boss's boss it is a bit awkward going out on the pull with them. The other two I haven't the faintest." I buttered a slice of toast and put some marmalade on it, and took a bite.

"It was just that you seemed to be a bit of a loner." She took a bite of her toast and marmalade. "Hey! This is good. Ten times better than you'd get at my house."

"I told you. Anyway, you were watching me from the moment I arrived?" I asked.

"Yes. So many of them down there are so young. I was beginning to regret going, but then you turned up. I know you saw me, but then you wandered off, checking out the room I guess." She smiled at me, but with a raised eyebrow, asking the question.

"Just checking to see who was in. So you just happened to be by yourself, leaning against that pillar when I got back."

"Well sort of. I wanted to get laid, and you were the best looking guy that was my sort of age." 

"Typical." I said, with a smile.

"What do you mean by that?" She said in only partial mock indignation.

"Typical of women. When it comes to men, you are always one step ahead. You see what you want and get it." I hoped there wasn't any bitterness in my voice.

"Don't you like women?"

That was a question I couldn't or wouldn't answer, "That seems a silly question after what we've been doing. Do you want anymore toast?" 

"No. Anyway, are you a loner?"

"No! I'm a very gregarious guy. I've got lots of friends." I know I sounded indignant.

"So who's your best friend?"

"TJ. I was at school with him, and we still see each other once in a while."

"Once in a while doesn't sound very close."

That was a fair question, I certainly don't see TJ as often as I once did. "Well, he lives in London. And he was married to a girl I once dated, so it got a bit complicated."

"Was married?"

"Yeah. She had a sort of relaxed view of marriage. In fact she took a relaxed view of life for as long as I've known her. TJ first met her when she was going out with me. In fact, on that first time she had a threesome with TJ and me. Then after they were married, I had her several times. Anyway, he decided that monogamy and children was for him. She decided that it wasn't for her."

"She swapped around on you two when she was married? And you quizzed me about my marriage last night and came over all holier than thou!?" She sounded indignant, probably rightly.

"First, it wasn't like that. TJ and myself were always honest with each other. He knew, in fact he encouraged it, for me to have her when they were married, and he knew about everything and he was there for most of it. You don't screw a friend's wife except in an open relationship all round"

"But you and TJ are still friends?"

"Oh. Sure. We don't let women break up our friendship. But it's never been the same since. That's what you women do. Leave damage behind you."

"And you don't think she might have got hurt in all of it?" She looked at me, slightly aggressively.

"Maybe she was, maybe she wasn't. But that sort of thing normally hurts someone somewhere, usually the man."

She looked at me, questioningly, but said nothing in response. Instead she asked, "And second?"

"What?"

"You said 'first..' when you talked about TJ's marriage, so I guess there's a 'second'?"

"Oh Yes. Well, it's part of what brought me here, to TGI and this place. About six years ago I got tangled up with a married woman. She was a lot older than me, married to an even older rich husband. I guess I was a sort of toy-boy. Well, she got a bit obsessive, and then he found out. There were dreadful rows and scenes. She turned up one night on my doorstep with three suitcases, she'd left him for me, which was bloody ridiculous. Then he turned up to collect her. It was all a fucking mess. In the end, I don't think any of us walked away happy. They got divorced, three children lost their happy home, and I ended up changing my job to come to live here. I suppose that was a good thing in a way. I like it here. But never ever again."

"Did you love her?" She looked at her watch. "Don't answer that. I've got to get dressed and get home. I've got to get the children before Pete gets back."

"He's coming back today! Are you going to tell him?"

"I'll see how it goes. It's difficult." She sounded defensive.

"Do you need a lift?"

"I live in Sheepen. It's alright, I'll take a taxi." 

"No. I'll give you a lift. There are a couple of shops that I like to use in Sheepen, so I'll take the opportunity to get some things. You go off for a shower, and I'll follow you as soon as you've finished ." I slapped her backside gently, and gathered the breakfast things back onto the tray.

And that's what we did, I gave her a lift home, a small modern house on an estate on the edge of town. We swapped telephone numbers. Then as I had said, I took the opportunity to do some shopping in a couple of specialist food shops.

The rest of the weekend passed without a lot happening. Housework, shopping, cooking, a visit to the gym and a pint in my local was order of the day for Saturday. On Sunday I turned out for the Fun Run organised by K 'n F, my favourite charity. K 'n F devote themselves to one parent families, like mine was with my Dad. Children deserve a proper family, they need both parents. When the mother decides that she's got a better offer, it may be the husband that hurts and struggles for the rest of his life, but it is the children who can really be damaged. I was lucky, because Dad did a pretty decent job on bringing me up, but I'll never allow myself to get caught like he did, I saw close up just how much he suffered.

On Monday in the office Tim put his head around my door mid morning to tell me he was out for the rest of the day. I gave it half an hour, then I went over to his office to look for him. Surprisingly, Davinia was there by herself!

"Hi, Dav. Is Tim in?" I asked, innocently.

"No, you've missed him." She smiled at me, but she did look rather pale and tired. "He won't be back 'til tomorrow. Is it urgent? I expect he'll phone me at some time for his messages."

"No, it can wait. Are you OK? You look a bit tired and pale."

"Oh, I'm alright. It was a bit of a bad weekend."

"How about I get us a coffee and you can tell me about it? Or I'll buy you a lunch if you like?"

"Lunch would be good. Tim's left me loads to do, and I'd like to get through the bulk of it."

"OK. I'll be back at about one." And I left her to her screen and papers. I think I'll count that as a success.

We went to Not Steinbeck's, always a good place for women. I offered her a shoulder to cry on, and she took full advantage. I got an hour and a half of all that was wrong with Tod, mixed with all that was right with him. It seems that Tod had been her boyfriend for two years. He was a teacher at the local school, but had decided that he hated it, teaching wasn't for him. Unfortunately, he hadn't decided what was for him. So he had taken an apprenticeship in becoming a couch potato, at Davinia's expense. That had been going on for months, with only a short break when he took a temporary job over Christmas.

I broke her ramblings by giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "So, have you moved out, or has he?" I asked, looking for a way to move the conversation on, for her sake.

"I have. It was his flat, but I don't know how he's going to pay the rent at the end of the month. I've offered to take it over, if he moves out. In the meantime, I've moved back with Ma and Pa." 

Ah! An opportunity! "Bad move. I don't think you can ever go back to living with Mum and Dad. It never works."

"I'm already beginning to believe that. And I've only been there since Saturday night." She smiled weakly.

"Well I've got a spare room, if you want it. No pressure, it's just there." I wondered if I sounded a bit too much like a friendly big brother, but I think that's what she needed.

"Oh! That's sweet of you, Dave. But I couldn't. Not like that anyway."

What does that mean? Is it a hint? Well there's only one way to find out: "Well, how about we go to the cinema one evening?"

"I'd like that." She looked up, straight into my eyes.

Winner! "How about Wednesday?"

"Yes. I'll look forward to it." She smiled.

I put my hand out to hers and gave it a squeeze, but not a reassuring one this time. I hoped it conveyed a promise of things to come. I left my hand there.

---

Late on Tuesday afternoon, Tim put his head around my office door. "Fancy a quick one?"

Odd, Tim doesn't normally go for a drink mid week these days. He works late, he's frequently here when I leave. Maybe he has something to tell me. "Sure. It'll have to be a quick one though. I'm going to the gym with Drew at six o'clock." 

"That sounds like a better idea. Do you think Drew will mind if I tag along?"

"I wouldn't think so. But ask him."

So that's how the three of us ended up at the Black Swan after our gym session. We took a table in the corner of the bar. "You don't seem to be in a hurry tonight, Tim?"

"No, Beth's away at the Food Fare for the week. So, I'm a bachelor." 

Drew asked "What does she do? What is the Food Fare?"

"Oh, she's in PR for a small food consortium. And the Food Fare is one of their annual shindigs. She's got the launch of a new ice cream."

I looked up "Should we care?"

"Actually you might, Dave. You like fine foods. Apparently this one is only natural ingredients, and its made locally. Somewhere just outside Sheepen."

"Well, if they've got a good vanilla, made with real vanilla pods, then I'm in. I've been looking for one of those. The best one I've found is Sherbrook Farms, and it's too rich."

"Well, I don't know. I expect I've tried it, Beth brings all sorts of samples home. But I'm not an expert. Come round to Blindside, I expect there's some in our freezer right now."

Drew put his glass down, empty, "You can count me out for that. I'm trying to keep my weight down, and ice cream isn't exactly helpful."

"Nor's beer. But don't let that stop you getting your round in." I said as I passed him my empty glass.

"OK. But I'm leaving after this one. I want to get back." And he went off to the bar.

Tim watched him go. "He's a good lad. You like him, don't you."

"Yes, I reckon he's one of the best we've got. And I like him."

Drew came back with three pints. "Anyone notice Dav yesterday? She looked a bit upset."

Tim looked at me, and then turned to Drew. "She's just broken up with her long time boyfriend. She seemed brighter today."

"Well that's because she's got something to look forward to. She's coming to the cinema with me tomorrow." I looked at them, triumphant.

Tim smiled and shook his head. Drew looked at me "It isn't fucking fair. I didn't know she was available. I've been chatting to her regularly every week, just to check. And now you, you fucking bastard, get in there before I even had a chance. Fucking bosses!"

Tim laughed. "You tell him Drew. He has no morals."

"Ah. Young Drew, you have much to learn in the ways of the world. Time, tide and bachelor friends wait for no man!" I observed sagely, but with an even more triumphant smile.

We chatted on and drank our beers and they were soon finished. "Anyone for a third?" I asked.

"I will" said Tim.

"No count me out, as I said, I want to be off." said Drew as he drained his glass.

I headed for the bar, looking back at Drew "You're sure?" 

"Yes." And he was gone.

When I returned with two pints, Tim asked "Why don't you come round for dinner on Saturday night? Beth would like to see you."

"I never turn down a free meal. But can I see how tomorrow evening goes? I maybe busy on Saturday night. And anyway, if Beth's been away all week, won't you be busy on Saturday night?"

"No, she gets back on Friday night. So given Friday night and Saturday morning, I reckon we'll be needing some sustenance by Saturday evening." He looked at me and smiled, knowingly.

"Seriously, how's it going with you and Beth? It can't be easy." I looked at him.

He paused, staring at his beer, then he looked up at me "Well I won't pretend it's always perfect, because it isn't. There are times.... But, we are getting better at handling it. She knows when I'm hurting, and she doesn't go into a big Sorry-Sorry-Sorry act these days, she just gives me a cuddle and we wait for the moment to pass. Equally, I'm getting better at not saying the cruel comment that really was only aimed at hurting her. In fact they don't come to mind so often these days. And I've come to realise that she needs ways of showing me how sorry she is, and how much she loves me, and we've channelled that rather well..." he never completed that bit.

"You guys were apart for quite some time, weren't you?"

"Nearly six months. But I think that actually helped in a perverse way. We were both over the initial hurt and pain. We both knew we could get divorced and go on to different separate lives. We both chose to get back together, as free individuals that felt that was our best route to our personal future happiness. We're there because we want to be, not because I've granted her some reluctant, watchful pardon. Nor because she has chosen to stick with me, despite being unhappy, or anything like that." He looked up at me, pausing to consider, "You never get as far as a truly deep relationship with a woman. You should try it sometime, Dave. It's good."

"Yes, well..." I drank my beer.

---

On Wednesday evening, Davinia hadn't wanted to go out straight from work. Nor had she wanted me to collect her from her parent's house. So we met at the little tapas bar opposite the multi-screen. We went into the film not touching. We came out holding hands. We went into the pizza place at the bottom of the High Street still holding hands, and after a quick kiss at the doorway. We came out of there, heading for my place for coffee, with my arm around her waist.

But, when we'd finished our coffee, and some pretty good kissing, I thought it was time to head for the bedroom, I was disappointed "No, Dave. I'm sorry, but it's too soon."

"After Tod, you mean?"

"Yes. I want to, but I don't feel happy. I know that sounds muddled, but.. I'm sorry." She looked up at me with those perfect, innocent, blue eyes. I could do nothing but let her off the hook.

"That's OK. I'm rushing you, and I don't want to. Really, it's OK." I kissed her gently. 

I walked her back towards her parents house. As we stood on the pavement outside, I kissed her again. "How about Saturday night?"

"I'd love to, but I can't. I've got a cousin's wedding. I'm dreading it, it'll be the first time that the family will see there's no Tod anymore. But, I've got to face it."

"Oh! Not much fun. Well how about Sunday? You'll need some TLC after Saturday by the sound of it."

"I'd like that. But I'm not sure. Give me a couple of days to find out what Ma & Pa's plans are, you know what family weddings are like. I could find that I'm expected to be somewhere on Sunday."





TGI Chronicles Pt. 2 Ch. 01



"OK. Let's talk about it on Friday night in the pub. You'll be going to the pub now, won't you? With the rest of us."

"Yes. But I don't want them all knowing about us, well not yet anyway. Are you OK with that?"

"Yes, sure. No PDA, I promise."

"PDA?"

"Public displays of affection."

"No. No PDA's. G'night Dave." She kissed me, passionately one more time and turned and went home.

On the Thursday, I accepted Tim's invite to dinner. He seemed pleased.

On Friday, I was late to the pub. I stopped and took in the scene. Davinia was in a centre of the main group of our department, drinking and chatting happily. Drew was on the edge. I wanted a word with him, about work. 

I touched him on the shoulder. "How about that pint I didn't get you on Tuesday?"

"Sure." He gulped down the remains of his current pint.

I brought him his drink. "This is off the record, and if pressed, I never said a word. But how do you feel about taking on a project of your own?"

He looked at me, and then smiled. "You mean as a Project Manager?"

"Yeah. Only a simple small one. It'll take a team of about three, maybe four. I was looking at the schedules, and I've got a small one coming up, and I was wondering how to allocate it. If you like the idea, I'll put it in front of Tim."

"Like it? I love it. Hey, thanks."

"Well, don't say a word just yet. And this will only be a trial run, no formal promotion yet."

"I owe you one. Thanks, Dave."

"Well don't let me down. We can talk more on Monday."

"Again, thanks. By the way, how was Wednesday?"

I glanced at Davinia, across the room. She was watching myself and Drew. "Mind your own bloody business. And keep away, at least for the moment."

"Yeah, well all's fair in love and war. Unless that's an order, sir?" He emphasised the 'sir'.

"Look, Drew." I paused to look at him, meaningfully, "This has nothing to do with work. And no, I'm not ordering you, you know me better than that. But she's had a rough time and she doesn't need the pair of us fighting over her."

I turned to see Alice coming through the door. I nudged Drew "Now if you want somewhere to focus your attention, why not there? I reckon she's got the best body in the company."

"No thanks. I hate to say it, but I reckon she's nearer your age, Old Man." He emphasised the last part.

"Don't be ageist." I didn't get any further before Alice came over.

"Hi, Drew, Dave."

"Hi, Alice, what are you drinking?" I asked.

"Nothing at the moment. But I wouldn't say no to a white wine spritzer." 

By the time I got back with her drink, Drew had left her to return to the department's group. I passed Alice her drink.

"No Tim this evening?" she asked, looking round.

"No, he's got a hot date....." She looked at me, concerned, but didn't say anything. "...with Beth." She looked relieved. I added, "Beth's been away all week."

"Oh, I see. They invited me to dinner tomorrow night. Is anything going on with those two?"

"At the moment, some horizontal dancing I guess. But, as far as I know, they really are together. I'm invited tomorrow night as well."

She looked at me, and smiled, seductively. "I'll see you there then."

There was something about Alice that always worried me, I always felt slightly nervous with her. I'd never decided why. I decided to undermine her "You fancied Tim, didn't you?"

"What, last year, when he was on his own? Well, if he'd invited me I would have gone, but I reckon it would have slipped into a friendship rather than passion very quickly. He's too safe, too nice for me. But I do like him - a lot. Beth is a lucky girl."

After that we drifted our separate ways. Later, Davinia came over to me. "What did Alice want? I saw you buying her a drink."

"Now, now. She's an old friend. And she was telling me that she's been invited to Tim's for dinner tomorrow night. I've been invited as well. So whilst you are dancing with dirty old uncles, I'll be dining with the boss."

"Tim's not like that. He's the nicest, most easy going boss I've ever had."

"Don't be fooled. He's tough and damn professional under that casual gloss. I've known him a long time."

"Yes, but he's not bossy, he's a nice person. He and Beth invited myself and Tod to dinner a few weeks back, just after they got back from Antigua, and Tod was in one of his moods. You could have cut the air with a knife, but Tim was ever so nice about it, he made a joke of it on the Monday." She turned and looked at me. "Drew knows about us. You knew I didn't want it to be spread throughout the department."

"I'm sorry. It sort of came out, and it was before you said anything. I'm sure he won't spread it about, you can trust him. He knows the rules about that sort of thing."

"He just invited me out tomorrow night." 

He can be trusted! He knows the rules! The cheeky bastard! "What did you say?"

"That I couldn't, I was at a family wedding. And anyway, I wouldn't, I was going out with you, but could he possibly keep it quiet."

"Oh." I felt better.

"So what about Sunday?"

"What about it? Can we get together."

"It depends what you mean by 'get together'. But I can see you in the middle of the day, but apparently I've got to be at my grandmother's in the evening."

"Well, how about a drive out for a traditional Sunday lunch somewhere? Then we can get to know each other a little better. Then afterwards, we can go back to my place and get to know each other a little better." I smiled.

"We'll see. Pick me up at twelve, say?"

"You're on."

There, a confirmation of status, and a date, and no PDA.

As I was leaving the pub, my phone rang. It was Lucy. Was I alone or with someone? Alone. Was I going to Shades? No. Was I around at the weekend? No. But, yes I did want to see her, how about in the week? She would call me. 

It's been a long time since I've had to juggle dates with two girls. What am I going to do?



TGI Chronicles Pt. 2 Ch. 02



I got in at about half past eleven that Friday evening, feeling very awake and surprisingly sober, and hungry. I did a quick check on the kitchen and commitment was made. Egg and bacon sandwich was an attractive solution, but that left the inevitable question, what to drink? In the end I chose a reasonable bottle of soft red wine from Australia, but thought that someone should write a wine guide on what to drink with everyday food.

Once I'd finished my little bit of cooking, I took it all back to my living room, and set it down on the little table next to my favourite chair. Now to choose a good porn DVD. Having set that going, I sat down to eat.

The sandwich was as good as I expected. The video was as good as I expected. It was a favourite, not one of my more extreme ones. This was the story of a slut housewife now controlled by her husband, and shared with his friends. Plenty of one to one fucking, only one scene of a threesome, and one lezzy scene, with her pregnant next door neighbour. No whips, chains, leather, latex, outsized toys, rope or pain for anyone. We were onto the second fucking when my door bell rang. 

I looked at my watch as I got up. It was nearly half past midnight. I bet it's one of my friends, too broke to pay for a taxi home, having spent everything on wine and women and very little on song. It was Lucy.

"I'm sorry Dave, I guess I should have phoned you again. You weren't in bed were you?"

"Do I look as if I was in bed? No Lucy, I haven't got that far. Well, come on in." I stood aside to let her pass. 

She went through to the living room, where my DVD was still playing. "Oh, I see you were watching something. I hope real life is a better option." She turned to me and put her hands around my neck and we kissed, I started tentatively but she responded with hard, needy passion. 

"So?" I asked.

"I went back to Shades, but I was thinking of you. And as I knew you weren't going to come there, here I am."

"Oh. Do you want a glass of wine?"

"Yes please, but I was hoping for something more than just a glass of wine..."

"All in good time, I'm sure I will think of something to do. Let me get you a glass." I left her standing in the middle of the room as I went off to the kitchen. By the time I got back she was nearly naked and just removing her panties. 

"Well I see you thought of something to do. Why the rush, we've got all night." Then I had doubts, "We do have all night, don't we?"

"Yes, But I thought you'd like me a little more on show."

"Oh, I like it." I said as I passed her a glass of wine, and I sat down in my chair. My hand went out to the remote control, the heroine had just got to coupling number three, which was the threesome. I paused it, it seemed a pity to turn it off at the best bit.

"It's OK, you needn't turn it off. I don't mind watching, I used to watch all of Pete's." She sat down on the floor at my feet, her back against my chair. I leaned forward and over to kiss her fully on the mouth, our tongues fought it out. Then I hit the play button.

Within five minutes she was kneeling between my legs, sucking my cock. And to answer my own question, yes, it does get better. It's having the same beautiful nude woman sucking your cock whilst you drink soft red wine and watch porn. I didn't last long. She had me coming, I warned her but she sucked on and drank me down.

She sat back down and looked at the TV screen. "Hey, that girl's pregnant. Are you into pregnant women?"

"Not particularly. I do think there is something quite sexy about some women when they're pregnant. But I know it's probably not like that in real life, piles and backache and all that. It's not a fetish or anything. It just so happens that this film has got a pregnant girl in it, I didn't buy it for that."

"Well why don't we go to bed?" She began to stand up.

"Well, why don't you tell me how you are getting on in extricating yourself from a bad marriage?" I responded.

"Oh! Don't start that again." She looked pained, but sat down in a chair. She leant over and picked up her blouse and draped it around her shoulders.

I looked concerned, "You cold?"

"No, not really. There was just a draft."

"So?" I persisted.

"Oh! I don't know. Nothing changes. He swears he is working all the time. He hardly ever comes home. What am I meant to think?" She looked at me for some sort of reassurance.

"Well, leave him. If its over its over. But, if you love him, what the hell are you doing here?" She was obviously torn, maybe I could force her to face the problem and decide.

"I don't love him anymore, I've had enough. But taking two kids away from their father... it's difficult." Was that the truth or excuses and prevarication, I didn't know.

"But he's not seeing them now. So what's he or they going to lose?"

"Can't we go to bed? I'll think about all this in the morning."

Maybe it was because I'd just cum. Maybe it was because there was a little voice inside my head saying 'you're at the start of something that could be good with Davinia'. Maybe Lucy was sending off the wrong vibes. But I was reluctant. "You go, I'll have another glass of wine and tidy up in here, then I'll be along."

She looked at me, I guess she saw my reluctance. "You don't have to be the guy in the white hat, Dave. Pete doesn't know about you, there is no reason he should. And I promise you it's over, it's just that I haven't got out yet. Come to bed, we're good together."

I was won over. "Let's go." And that's what we did.

In the morning, as we lay in bed, sated and relaxed, she went back to the conversation of a week ago, "Did you love her?"

"Who? TJ's wife? No."

"No not her, the married woman who chased you?" she idly plucked at the hairs on my chest.

"Oh. Her? I'm not sure. I'm not sure that I know what love is. Don't run away with the idea that this is love, or that I'm going to fall in love with you, or you'll be sadly disappointed." I turned to talk to the top of her head.

"Oh no, I'm not looking for love. I'm just an easy tart looking to get laid." She turned to look up at me, and smiled.

We lay in silence for a while. I picked up the remote and flicked the television on. It seemed to be twenty channels of kid's cartoons, an old black and white movie and three channels of rolling news. I waited for a news summary. Having got that I turned it off. 

"I must get up." I began to move. "and so must you."

"Why? Got your next one arriving soon?"

"If you mean by that, my next woman, no. I've got lots of jobs to do, including cleaning the flat, I need it looking good for tomorrow, and I'm out tonight."

"A date? Tell me about her."

"A date with my boss and his wife." I chose not to tell her about Davinia. I've found that telling one woman about another is always ....unpredictable."

"Oh, licking up to the boss. Good career move."

"No, Tim is a friend. A very good friend. And his wife seems to think she owes me."

"For what?"

"Well, she and Tim had a few problems last year, and she seems to think that I helped Tim by being a friend, as if I'd do anything else for a mate who's in trouble."

"What happened?"

I looked at her, I don't like talking about friends behind their back. But, asked a direct question..... and she doesn't know Tim and Beth. "She had an affair, and Tim found out."

"But he's taken her back hasn't he? Did he do something to make her go in the first place?"

"No, definitely not. Tim's just not like that, and he thought the world of Beth. No, as I understand it, she had a sort of .. what you'd call ...a mild depression and the local Casanova spotted that the time was right."

"Big bust up then? Did he get violent?"

"Tim? Violent? No. But it was a big bust up, they were apart for five to six months."

"I reckon Pete would have been violent if I'd played around on him" I looked up, definitely concerned. "Oh, no. Not you. Not now. I reckon there was a time when he might lose it with me, but now I can't believe he would care enough."

"But that's part of why you don't get out?"

She thought about that for some time before she answered. "Maybe, part of it. He does have a violent temper. I'll admit I'm a bit scared of the final confrontation."

"Then why not get out when he isn't around? Then the lawyers can deal with it. Has he ever hit you in the past? You could probably fit in the battered wives classification. You know relocation, re-housing, the lot."

"Oh no. And I wouldn't want the children to go through that. No, Pete's a nice guy, a really nice guy, but he has this wild temper in him when he really gets angry. But he's never raised a hand to me or the children."

"Well, if you need a place for a night or two, I guess we could cope here. You know I'm not suggesting there's anything between you and I, but as a friend..."

"Gee.. That's really sweet of you. Thank you, Dave." She moved up me and we kissed. And we kissed. I was just beginning to feel some stirring, when she moved away and out of the bed. Damn, she played that well! Leave them wanting more!

"You have a shower, and I'll give you a lift home." I admitted defeat.

---

I walked round to Tim's flat at the bottom of River Mead at about eight o'clock.

Tim greeted me, "Beth's still titivating in the bedroom. She'll be out in a minute. What do you want to drink? Beer? Gin? Wine?"

"A glass of white wine would be nice. I hear Alice is coming. Anyone else?"

"No. This place is so small that we can really only cope with four of us. In summer we'll be able to have more when we can spill out onto the roof." We went on chatting as he collected a bottle of wine from the fridge and poured two glasses. Then Alice arrived.

That underplayed her entrance:...AND THEN ALICE ARRIVED! 

She came into the room, Tim following her in from the front door. Alice has the most fabulous body, and we could see every inch. It was a pair of low slung tight trousers and a short, matching boob tube, all in a metallic sort of material. There was a fair bit of bare skin and what was covered, was either covered oh so tightly, or were bits that didn't matter too much. Tim looked over her shoulder at me, and I wished I had a camera, the look of pained lust was just perfect.

I looked at Tim. Tim looked at me. Both of us searching for words. We had plenty of thoughts, it was just spoken words we were short of. But then Beth came in and saved us. She looked good too, in a dress that was above the knee and almost above the thigh. Just, at least in my eyes but probably not Tim's, not as good as Alice.

After all the kissing and welcoming, (and Alice smelt good too), we settled down, each of us with a glass of wine. Then Tim spoke, "Thanks you two for coming tonight. You're doing myself and Beth a big favour."

I looked at Beth, but she was watching Tim, who continued, "You see, Beth and myself have been socialising since we got back together, but it's always been with people who know about last year, but don't like to talk about it. Or people who don't know, in which case 'my wife had an affair with the next door neighbour' is a bit of a conversation stopper. But you guys know the truth, and please don't be afraid of talking about it. Whether we like it or not, it is part of Beth's and my history. It happened and it's a fact. Please don't change the subject if the joke is about adultery, or why we are living here at Blindside." He stopped and looked around the room.

The mention of Blindside, this flat, raised a question in my mind, "Have you sold your old house now?"

Tim answered, "Yes. We completed moving out a couple of weeks ago. All our furniture is stored at Beth's parents, in one of their spare bedrooms or in their spare garage. We're here until at least the summer, then we'll see."

I looked at Alice, but she just sipped her wine. Then Beth spoke, "We'll happily talk about anything, and answer any questions. But that doesn't mean we've got to, and I certainly don't want to talk about it all evening. Tim and I just want to have a nice meal with friends, but in an honest and open atmosphere."

It was Alice who looked up and spoke, "Well, I've been wondering how you got to telling Tim all about it, Beth. You see, I had a couple of conversations with Tim when he was tearing his hair out in frustration that you wouldn't talk, and the next thing I knew was that you had, and then, of course later still, that you were back together."

"Well that was Rose's doing really. Do you know Rose? She's Charlie Bullard's wife. Anyway, Tim got me to speak to her, apparently she used to be a marriage counsellor, but she certainly uses some unorthodox methods. Tim used to think that she was on my side, because she used to play Devil's Advocate with him, but she was pretty rough on me as well." 

She looked around the room, but we were all listening to her, "I ended up seeing her four times a week for over three weeks before she could get me to talk to Tim. And in the first sessions I was like an iceberg, I was so wrapped up in my own guilt. I think for the first hour she just about got a couple of Yes and No's out of me and possibly a 'Maybe'. The second session was much the same, and she ended it, I think in sheer frustration, with 'Well, you could come back on Saturday afternoon, but I wonder if there's much point. Maybe a cheating slut like you would rather be out trying to find another husband to screw up.' But it did the trick, I was so insulted and angry with her, possibly because I knew that it was a possible interpretation of me, that I said 'Well if you really want to know about my life...' and she had opened the floodgates."

"Ouch" I said. It seemed odd that the ebullient Charlie Bullard could have such a dragon for a wife. "Is she really that tough?"

"Yes and no. She's rather a mother figure really," it was Tim who answered, "but she is absolutely committed to making sure that you've thought through everything from every angle. Once she knows you've done that, I don't think she cares whether you get back together or get a divorce."

"I thought all those people were about reconciling." observed Alice.

Tim looked at her, "Yes, that's partly why I thought she was trying to rig it that way. And I know she goes to Church, but not once did she give me the Forgiveness is the Christian thing to do speech. She wasn't overtly campaigning...."

"She might not have been with you," Beth interrupted "but I got the full Breaking Your Wedding Vows lecture. It was about the beginning of the third week of meeting her. And it wasn't at all pleasant. But on the whole, I reckon she focused more on that I had to get used to the idea that I couldn't get Tim back, that I had to expect him to divorce me, and that I'd better get used to it."

"But you did." said Tim, smiling at her.

Alice leant forward, her glass in her hand, "But she didn't condemn you? I would have thought that was the Christian standpoint."

Beth looked at her, and answered, thoughtfully, "No. I reckon she doesn't judge like that. She just says that this is what you did, and this will be the likely consequence. Not judging people is meant to be Christian isn't it?"

"Well, I guess so. But not many Church goers take that generous a view. If you want a bigoted group of people, try any religion." Alice sounded bitter.

"When I had to tell her about the last Thursday and Fateful Friday...." it was Beth again talking, "that's the day that Tim found out about me and Ken, anyway she made me do it twice, once as I saw it, and once as I thought Tim would have seen it. It was horrible, but it helped me really understand how he must have felt. She liked to do things from every angle. If I even so much as thought of wording something so it might throw a better light on me, then she would throw it back at me with the worst possible interpretation. Some of those sessions were pretty horrid. But we got there in the end." She looked over at Tim, and smiled.

Tim had been watching his wife throughout, now he smiled back at her, "Any chance of food this side of Christmas?"

Beth got up, but as she was walking behind Tim's chair, she leant over and kissed the top of his head, "Rose didn't explain to me that all you really wanted was a cook and housekeeper."

"Cook, housekeeper and harlot in the bedroom, it's a full job spec." he called after her as she left the room. 

I had sat silent throughout this, just watching. 

Eventually, we sat down, myself opposite Alice. I couldn't help but to look at her breasts. I couldn't believe that she had a bra on under that tight top, I couldn't see any signs of straps or clasps. But there was a slightly odd pattern either side of what must have been her nipples. Don't tell me she has pierced nipples!

The conversation turned to food. We started with Salami and Spinach with Pasta. The pasta was good, but nothing exceptional. The salami was out of this world. I had to ask "Where did you get this salami? You never found it here in town."

Beth looked pleased, "No, I brought it back from the Food Fare yesterday. It was on the stand of a new Italian import company. I got them to give it to me, but they haven't got any outlets in the UK yet. The pasta came from the same place. And the Limincelli that I've used next. Why do you like it?"

"It's wonderful. Please keep tabs on them. I need to know where to get it." 

Tim looked at his wife, "I told you that Dave is a bit of a foodie."

Alice took a sip of wine, but then added, "And the spinach comes from that little shop just off the top of the High Street. Organic, but grown under glass at this time of the year, I guess."

Tim looked crestfallen, "You're not one as well, are you, Alice? Please say you're not a foodie. What's wrong with burgers and fries? That's what I want to know."

That led to a conversation on food. I'm all for burgers and fries, and pizzas. But when I cook I want the finest ingredients. Its simple. But it also led to an argument with Alice over quality versus food miles. 

I couldn't help it, the duck breasts in the next course were better in their way, than the salami. I had to say something. "This duck must come from that duck farm out at Whippersley?"

Again, Beth looked pleased, "Yes, their part of the consortium I work for. Have you tried them, Alice?"

"Is that the one just south of the village. All their ducks are free range and organic? If so, I've bought a whole duck there, but buying just their breast portions is so expensive."

"Not when they come free." said Beth with a look of triumph.

I looked across the table, "Alice, I got it wrong last year. You know when I asked you if you fancied Tim, well I got it wrong, I don't care whether you did or didn't fancy Tim, I should have been chasing Beth. Wonderful food for life. Instead I let this man here get back with her. Oh what a fool I've been." Ooops! That was one glass of wine too many!

Beth looked at Tim. Tim looked at Beth. Alice looked embarrassed. 

I recovered quickly: "Don't worry Beth. It was an idle bit of pub talk. I asked Alice if she had fancied Tim when he was just getting himself together, before you two got back together. She said she thought he was a really nice guy, she liked him a lot, but that it wouldn't work as a pairing." I thought that was a fairly accurate but diplomatic version of the truth. 

Tim came to my rescue. "If only I'd known!"

Beth gathered the plates in and went off to the kitchen. Alice took some other things out to her. I guess they talked.

Then Beth served a range of ice creams. Tim remarked that this was so I could sample them all. They were all good.

We talked of politics and of TGI, but it was Beth who brought the subject back to dating. "You may have thought of dating Tim, Alice. And I'm glad you didn't. I haven't got the body for that sort of competition. But I did try to date once, before I realised that there was no escaping it, that there was only one man for me. It was a couple of weeks after my confession bit, and I hadn't heard a word from Tim. Now, I've told Tim all about this, but this date was a disaster. It was a nice guy from work. We agreed to meet at the cinema. He bought the tickets, and then asked me whether I wanted some popcorn, and if so, sweet or salted? I just burst into tears, because I realised that Tim would have known what I would want. I went home after that. He was terribly nice, and just said it was obviously a bit too soon. It was then that I knew that I just had to try to win Tim back." 




TGI Chronicles Pt. 2 Ch. 02



She looked at Tim. He looked at her and smiled sympathetically.

I had saved my questions on their reconciliation, thinking that they didn't want to talk about it all evening. But they had said we could ask anything we liked, so "Tim, what happened that really that made you decide you wanted back in? I know you came bloody close to thinking it was all over for good."

Tim looked at me, "Yes I did. I got to the point where I had to either ask Beth for us to try again, or we had to go our separate ways. And I think both of us could have done that. And we were drifting further and further apart, but it had to be left until I was ready to make up my mind. And then Beth sort of threw down the gauntlet, which forced me to think about things." He looked up at Beth and smiled. "It was something that my friend Phil said, that Beth was something special to me but that I didn't want to be married to her. It made me ask, why not? What were the alternatives? I'm not like you think you are, Dave, I'm a one girl sort of guy. So, I had a choice of trying to build something with Beth, who I still loved and had a ten year history with, or I could take a chance that somewhere along the line I would meet another Miss Right. Now I knew that Beth had done something absolutely and totally wrong, something that had given me the worst months of my life," he looked up at Beth again, who was just watching him. She met his gaze, "or I could go looking for an attractive twenty-something virgin with no hang ups and no history. But I thought they would be in short supply these days. All of us have done some things wrong in life. All of us have hurt people when we shouldn't. The only difference was that Beth had hurt me and maybe in a bigger way than your average lover's tiff, but I know she really regrets it, and I don't believe she'll do it again. And I do believe that she loves me. And I know I adore her. It was a selfish choice, there's nothing clever or magnanimous about it, I was looking after number one. And I'm glad she took me back" He glanced at Beth, but then looked across at me, into my eyes.

You could have heard a pin drop.

Beth broke the silence by quickly clearing the plates. "You all go and sit down, I'll bring some coffee." She headed for the kitchen. Tim and Alice went and sat down in front of the fire. I picked up some plates and followed Beth.

As I came through the kitchen door, Beth had her back to me at the sink. I put down the plates, "Is it alright if I leave these here?"

Beth turned with tears in her eyes, and buried her head against my chest, "Oh, Dave. I don't deserve him. How can I ever live up to that? What can I ever do to deserve his love and make him whole again? What happens if I let him down in some way?" I could feel my shirt getting wet.

I put my arms around her until she calmed down. "You won't let him down. You love him too much for that. Just remember how you feel now and you won't make a mistake." And I believed it. I, who firmly believed that all women were trouble, thought that this open honest love between them would see them through. It was something I'd never seen before, certainly something I'd never achieved in any of my relationships. 

I eased back from the cuddle, "And anyway, if someone loved me as much as Tim loves you, I think I'd just feel very lucky. And I would know that I would never do anything to risk it...for selfish reasons."

"Thank you, Dave." She stood back and looked at me, "How come no girl ever has? I find it hard to believe."

"Oh, I've got very strong armour. Cupid's arrows never get to my heart." I tried flippant bravado.

"You know, one day some girl is going to get through that armour of yours. And she's going to be so very lucky. You're a good man, Dave Finch Beneath all that bachelor bluster there is a decent man who deserves to be loved."

I wasn't sure how I felt about that, I know she meant it as a compliment, but there was something sad about it too. "Now dry your eyes, and we'll make some coffee." 

I carried the coffee tray in to the living room. Tim looked up at us as we came in, "What have you two been up to, you were a long time?"

"We were talking food." I lied.

"Are you OK, Beth? You look a bit flushed and puffy around the eyes." he asked.

I answered for her, "Probably the cold air of the freezer as we looked at free samples." Please let them have a freezer full of samples. He seemed to accept it.

Once we were settled, the coffee poured, and Tim and myself settled with brandies, Alice looked at me "So, Dave, who has your eye at the moment?"

"Well, at this moment, with you almost dressed like that, I think you've won my heart, Alice." I smiled and stared into her eyes, challenging her.

Dammit, she rose to the challenge, "Good, I always have room for another slave."

"Sorry, I don't do slave. I only do Master."

"Yes, I can imagine that. I only hope Davinia knows what she is letting herself in for." 

"How did you know?"

"Pub, yesterday."

"Bugger! She isn't going to be pleased."

Not much later, Alice announced that it was time for her to leave. Tim offered to call her a taxi. But no, Alice said she felt safe to walk home. Tim looked pointedly at me, waiting for me to volunteer. I don't think I trusted myself with an Alice dressed like that, and I shouldn't, Lucy and Davinia were likely to be a complicated enough twosome, I didn't need a threesome. "Any chance of another brandy, Tim?"

After Alice had left, Beth finished tidying up, and disappeared into the kitchen. Tim poured two more brandies. "So what is it between you and Alice? I don't think she was dressed like that for my benefit."

"I wish I knew. Beyond my normal sexual magnetism, which I don't seem able to switch off, I never do anything to encourage her."

"But she was dressed to kill, and she knew about Dav. Anyway, do you fancy her?"

"Yes and No. Who wouldn't fancy a body like that? And I do like her a lot, we get on really well. She does have a special magic. But I don't know, there is something about her that I can't explain, it bugs me. Anyway, I think she's got pretty high standards, I can't imagine her giving away many one night stands. I can't believe she needs a shallow lowlife like me."

"Well, I'll go along with that self-portrait, but I'm still surprised you haven't asked."

Not long after that, Beth came in and said she was off to bed. She came up to Tim and stood beside him as he sat in his chair. She leaned over and he looked up at her, they kissed. His hand ran up the inside of her leg, up higher than the hem of her skirt. I would have thought he got pretty close to target. She stood there, not moving. She just kissed him again. Eventually she stood up, glanced at me, slightly flushed with embarrassment. "Goodnight Dave. Don't let him keep you up too late." And she went off to bed.

He looked straight at me, "So what happened in the kitchen?"

"Nothing really. She had a moment's worry about why she deserves you. That's all." I returned his gaze, having decided not to mention the bit about me.

"Her guilt complex is still with her. We've channelled a lot of it, and my need to be a master of my own destiny, but even then.... " He stared into space "...Come on, drink up. One more brandy and then I've got a bed and a hot woman to go to."

---

I was outside Davinia's parents house at twelve o'clock on the Sunday. I knocked on the door, and was invited in by a middle aged woman who I assumed was her mother. I was duly inspected, and questioned. Nothing I hadn't faced before, it wasn't a problem. But then Davinia came down the stairs and quickly led me out "That's why you should have just waited in the car. I wanted to spare you that."

"No worries. I assume that was your Mum?"

"Yes. I'm not sure whether she thinks I shouldn't be going out with another man, too soon and all that. Or whether it's a good idea to help me get over Tod."

"Well I hope it's the latter." I said, and I gave her a little kiss as I held the car door open for her.

"They'll all see. And yes, but I'm over Tod. I was over him before I broke up, that was the problem. It's a liberation."

"Good. I like liberated girls." I said with a grin.

We drove off to a little pub I know about twenty miles away. Off the beaten track, always good food, and somehow romantic because it's small and forgotten. They had a wonderful log fire roaring away in the inglenook fireplace in the main bar. Perfect.

We settled at a table in the bar, and ordered a bottle of decent red wine. Then we both chose steaks, hers well done, mine rare. Mine was certainly good, and she said hers was too. Then I suggested we head to my place for coffee, and she accepted.

Once back at my place, I left her in the living room whilst I disappeared off to the kitchen for the coffee, and for the coffee walnut cake I'd spent half the morning making. 

I had my back turned to the door when I heard her voice "Why don't we leave the coffee to afterwards?"

I looked round. She was leaning against the doorway, totally naked. God, she was beautiful. Breasts about 34B, hips about 35 inches, pussy hair shaved to a neat triangle. I just dropped the coffee grinder and took her in my arms. We kissed, and she did what all the girls do in films, she bent her leg to raise her foot backwards.

My hand came to hold her breast, lifting it, and I bent over to kiss her pretty pink nipple. That sort of toppled us against the kitchen table. Then she was sitting on the table, with me between her open legs. We went back to kissing. But with my hands roaming that gorgeous body. She unzipped my trousers and pushed her hand in. My cock was now in her hands. 

I had to get on with this, I haven't had a girl excite me so much in ages. I wasn't going to last long. I searched my trouser back pockets. I always keep a condom there, you never know your luck, and you always need to be prepared. 

As I got out the little foil packet she saw it. "It's alright, I'm on the pill."

"No, You don't know where I've been. This is peace of mind for both of us."

I fitted it and was in her quickly and smoothly. She lay back on the table, looking up at me. Suddenly, she was the most beautiful girl in the world. Then she was really writhing her hips, and lifting them to meet my thrusts. I was nearly there, she turned her head and brought her hand to her mouth, biting on her own clenched fist. 

"Yes!"

"Yes!"

Who was shouting? Me? Her? I don't know. Then I came. "YES!" and that was me.

I slipped out of her. She watched me as I took the condom off. She was smiling.

I smiled back, "You're over Tod then?" 

She laughed, and I took her into my arms. "Thank you, Dav. It's been a long while since anyone has turned me on that much." 

Later I took off the rest of my clothes, and we curled up naked on the sofa. We drank coffee and ate some of my cake. She was surprised at how good a cook I was. I pointed out that I've had plenty of evenings by myself to practice.

Talking with Davinia was so easy. We talked about anything and everything. A bit about TGI, a lot about Tim and Beth. A bit about others in the department, she seemed a little too interested in Drew for my liking, but I admitted that I was about to promote him. 

And then it was half past five, and she had to be home at six. 

So we went and had a shower together. This time we fucked standing up. The full, passionate works with the hot water running over us. Good job I keep condoms in the bathroom cabinet, within arms reach of the shower!

I drove her back to her parent's house. We kissed in the car, not with passion, there was no need for that, we were lovers now, we knew there was time for us. And I then drove home happy and missing her already.

Later that evening I was curled up on my sofa again, watching television, but thinking of Davinia, when the phone went. It was Lucy. 

I didn't want to speak to her, she was intruding on my day with Davinia. But she sounded upset and angry. Apparently Pete had phoned to say that he wasn't coming home for at least a further two weeks. If the marriage was over, why was she so upset that she wouldn't be seeing him? After half and hour of it, I suggested that I drive up to Sheepen and took her out for a drink. It was an offer made out of the kindness of my heart. She wasn't meant to accept it! But she did.



TGI Chronicles Pt. 2 Ch. 03



I knocked on the door of Lucy's house about three quarters of an hour after she'd phoned. She opened it, whilst standing behind it, and invited me in, telling me to be quiet as the children were asleep upstairs. It was only as she shut the door behind me that I realised why she had hidden herself shyly. She was wearing very, very little. A black platform bra that held her breasts up and on show, not covering her nipples. The bra was trimmed in bright red fluffy feathers. It matched the little g-string, also in black with red feathers. Thigh high black stockings and scarlet high heeled shoes completed the ensemble. She looked sexy, but in a cheap and slutty sort of way. Not what I wanted, nor what a distraught wife, grieving over her failing marriage, should be wearing.

"I see the pubs round here have a relaxed dress code." I observed with a smile.

"I couldn't get a babysitter, and I thought you might like it." She led the way into their sitting room, "Help yourself to a drink. There's loads of different Scotches, Pete keeps bringing them back from Edinburgh."

I poured myself a small Scotch, and sat down next to her on the sofa. "So what's this all really about, Lucy?"

"What do you mean?" she asked, innocently, stroking her hand through my hair, "I thought you and I had something going. I needed to see you, Dave."

"Well, I'm here now, but I came up as a friend. You sounded very down on the phone. I thought a drink in a pub might cheer you up."

"I thought, as we can't go out, we could find something else to do..." She arched her back and her hands went to her nipples, rolling them gently.

"I didn't come here for sex, Lucy. Delicious as that may be." I paused to look at her, normally it would have been a fantasy come true to have an attractive woman, almost undressed, asking me to take her, but not tonight. Maybe it was because I'd fucked twice today already, but that was a few hours ago, I should be able to manage again. No, something else made me feel that this wasn't right. 

"We're not having an affair or anything, Lucy. I told you, I don't do that with married women. But I do think more of you than just a quick fuck."

"But we made love. We've spent the night together. Or have you got tired of me already? Is that it Dave? I was just a lay for the night?"

"Isn't that what you were looking for? You are just an easy tart looking to get laid, if I remember correctly." I smiled slightly, to ease the harshness of my words.

She looked sullen, but she didn't reply. I sipped my whisky. 

"But I need you to fuck me. Then, for a few minutes I can forget what a mess my life is in. Please Dave. That's why I'm dressed like this. This is what we do. Isn't that really why you came here?" She put her hand out to my crotch, and gently squeezed. 

I leant forward and put my whisky down on the little coffee table. I turned back to her and took her in my arms. She cuddled in. She smelt of cheap perfume and whisky.

"This isn't right." I said, quietly. "You can't make yourself feel better by just getting some guy who you've only known for a few days, to screw you. You're a gorgeous woman, Lucy. Any man would be pleased...no proud to ...But not tonight."

She put her hands around my head and pulled us together, kissing me urgently. "Please, Dave. Just take me here on the sofa and make me forget. Please, Dave." Kissing me all the while.

"No, Lucy." I pulled away. I looked at her. She looked broken, I thought she was going to burst into tears at any second. I decided to see if I could get myself out of this with some easy promises, "Oh, Lucy, don't doubt me, I want you. Look at you, any man would want you. I promise you I'll be back, and when I do, I want you dressed exactly as you are tonight." 

"When? Promise me you'll come back this week. Promise me, Dave." 

"OK. I'll phone you. One night in the week. But it's not right tonight, for either of us." I leant forward and kissed her on the forehead, and then on both cheeks. "Now, you're going to be alright, aren't you? Why don't you just have a nice hot bath, and go to bed. It'll all be better in the morning. Promise." I kissed her again, on her nose this time. 

I began to push her off me, as I stood up. She let me, turning and sitting back at her end of the sofa. She still looked a bit sullen and sulky, but mollified.

I let myself out, and as I walked back to my car, I thought 'I really don't need this'.

I stopped at the King's Head, on the outskirts of town. It's not my favourite pub, it's a bit to full of tourists for me, or it is in summer. Tonight it was quiet. I didn't recognise anyone, so I bought myself a pint, and sat by myself. I thought of Davinia, wondering how she was getting on at a family party. Answering questions on the missing Tod. Answering questions on whether she's got a new man, and wondering what she would say to that.

---

On Monday morning in the office, I caught sight of Davinia as she arrived, we smiled at each other but said nothing across the desks and partitioning. But later, as I was returning to my office from the coffee machine I noticed that Tim was heading out of the department. I strolled straight to his office.

She looked up as I entered, "Oh that's kind of you Dave. You needn't have bothered."

Pardon? Oh yes, the coffee in my hand. "Hard luck, this is mine."

"I know, I was just kidding." She smiled at me.

I smiled back, "I enjoyed yesterday."

"So did I. Thank you."

I looked concerned, "That sounded a bit final?"

"Well, isn't it? Isn't that what you do? Your reputation suggests that two dates is quite an achievement on my part"" Her eyes were sparkling, but she wasn't looking at me, just glancing sideways.

I leant against the filing cabinets, "Well, I thought I might try to keep you around for a day or two more.."

And then bloody Tim came in! "Ah, Dave. Just the man I want to see. Come in." He headed into his office.

I followed him, glancing at Davinia as I did so, giving a silent shrug of my shoulders, "Oh! I was just hoping to see you, Tim." I said, desperately trying to think of something to talk to him about, something to explain my presence in his outer office, even if he did know damn well why I was there.

"Well, do you want to go first?" he asked as he sat down at his desk. Did he know my problem, could he read the panic in my face? But then inspiration struck, I started with the easy bit: "I just wanted to say thank you for Saturday night. I enjoyed it very much."

"Good, so did I. And you were the hit of the show. Beth thinks you're a super guy and wants to know why you haven't been snapped up by some girl. I said the good women of this town have better taste." He smiled, paused and looked at me "And?"

"And what?" I asked.

"And you have something else. You didn't come here just to thank me for Saturday evening."

"Oh! And, I was thinking of giving Drew his own project. What do you think?"

He looked at me, "Your decision, Dave, but it fits with what I wanted to see you about. I've just seen Darren. He is swearing that we are poaching his best staff. Apparently Helen Brade wants a transfer from banking to insurance. Do you know anything about it?"

I sat down in a visitors chair, "Nope. I had heard that Brad Tilling wants to come to us from Investment. I tried to dissuade him, I hear he's bloody useless. And there is a rumour that Chas Dallier and Kit Bretherington-Smythe both want to come to us as well. But I hadn't heard about Helen. She might be worth having."

"Well, maybe you're going to have to choose between Helen and Drew. I think Helen's already run a couple of projects in Banking so she's got the experience. But. why the hell does everyone want to come to us? Are we flavour of the month or something? No wonder Darren and Sheila give me very cold shoulders these days. I knew they hated me, now I know why."

"Because their staff yearn to work for you, Tim." I looked at him with a smile, he knew I was kidding. "But, seriously, given the choice between us and Darren or Sheila as a boss, who would you choose?"

"That's an unfair question, and I'm not answering it. Or not whilst I'm in this office. I guess I'll have to see Charlie about it. Staff transfers must be his department. So, on your way out, ask Dav to come in for a minute. Thanks."

He turned his head to read the papers lying on his desk, obviously neatly piled up by Davinia for his attention. 

I turned to go, but as I got to the door he spoke again, "Oh. Are you going to the gym this evening? I thought I'd go over at about six o'clock."

"Dunno. I haven't given it much thought. I might. You're sure to find Drew there. Six o'clock on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays without fail. A man of regular habits is Drew."

"What does he do Thursdays and Fridays?"

"I don't know what he does on Thursdays, but Fridays it's to the pub first, then onto Shades normally."

"Oh! Bachelors should lead more exciting lives than that. He's let me down."

"Maybe he does dangerous sports all weekends, that's when he's not at orgies, of course." 

I turned and left Tim's office. I was facing Davinia. "Where were we before we were so rudely interrupted?"

"You were about to invite me out for a meal somewhere nice tomorrow evening, and I was going to say Yes."

"Oh!" I paused, "Davinia, could you possibly find it in your heart to be willing to accompany me to a wonderful and romantic dining experience tomorrow evening?"

"Well, OK then. If I must." She was smiling.

I was smiling. "See you. Oh, by the way, our lord and master wants you." I said as I left.

---

I did go to the gym that night. Drew was there, and Tim turned up about ten minutes after me. As I moved to change machines, Drew was going in the other direction, "Have you spoken to him yet?" He nodded his head towards Tim.

"No, sorry. I haven't had a chance to talk him through it yet."

"When will you get a chance? I'm itching to know what the project is."

"Well, Drew, we're in a sort of problem area. Apparently there's the possibility of transferring people around, from banking and investment teams. I'm not quite sure how that will work out. But don't worry, I'll have a word with Tim as soon as I can."

I worked out for about another half hour. Then I went for a shower, in the locker room I met Tim, he was just sitting there, changed and ready to leave. 

He looked up at me, "What did Drew want?"

"When?"

"Just now, in the gym. I saw you talking? I saw him in here just now and asked him if he'd fancy a drink at the Black Swan, he declined, but said that he was sure you'd be wanting to join me, as you need to talk to me. What's that all about?"

"Ah! He was asking me about his chances for promotion. I said things were happening and he'd have to wait until after you and I had talked things through."

"Good. As long as you haven't promised him anything."

I looked at him. He looked at me. He waited, expectantly.

"Bugger you, Tim. How come you know every bloody thing?"

He laughed, and put his hand on my arm, "It's OK, Dave. Davinia asked if she should be doing a memo on Drew's promotion. You'll have to watch your pillow talk."

"Fuck!"

"Look, if you think Drew is worth promotion, then we promote him. We don't owe anything to other people in other departments, we look after our own first. Helen will have to fit in around us, if she transfers. Now get dressed and I'll buy you that pint in The Black Swan."

After he had bought that pint, I asked him, "How come you're drinking here and not going home?"

"You always ask that. I don't have to run home at the first opportunity. I'm not under her thumb, and I don't think I have to keep watch on her every minute." He sighed and looked at me, "On the other hand, Beth has a Relax with Dance class, so she won't be home until sometime after eight o'clock." He smiled.

"And you can't go home on your own. I understand." I patted his hand on the table, and I looked at him with what I hoped was feigned concern. 

"Well, it's sort of my turn to cook. But cooking is something I never quite got round to when I was on my own. I reckon we're better off if I stay out until just after she's got back, then turn up with a decent takeaway. I sort of owe her a decent meal." 

"You haven't been starving her again, have you Tim. Starving wives into submission isn't a good approach." 

He looked at me, "No, I just gave her a lousy day yesterday. It was one of my bad days. Everything came back to me. I was full every emotion possible, all at the same time."

"What brought that on? I hope it wasn't me and Alice asking questions the night before."

"Maybe, I don't know. If I knew what brought these moods on, then I could avoid them. I was annoyed at Beth after you left. She was full of praise for you, but Alice was the Harlot from Hell. I guess it was some girl-girl thing, just because of the way that Alice was dressed."

"And not because she thinks that you might fancy Alice. A revenge fuck or something? No jealousy?"

"Good Heavens! No! She's got absolutely no reason to think that. If I was going to have a revenge fuck, surely I would have done it before now, probably when we were apart. She was the one that tried dating, I didn't even do that."

"But you thought about it. I'd have given it no more than another two weeks and you would have dated someone. And I reckon that could have been Alice." I looked at him. "Look, I'm a professional. I know the signs."

"Well, yes, maybe." He smiled and looked up at me, "But not now. I don't fancy Alice like that anymore, she would only have been a sort of trial run, and I'm rather pleased I didn't, because it wouldn't have been fair to her. And anyway, she wasn't my only option."

"Anything else that set you off?"

"Well she also pissed me off when she didn't tell me off when she had every right to. She was doing her super tolerant loving wife bit, and that really pisses me off when I'm down."

"Why? What had you done?"

"Oh, nothing really. I got caught by Sue Chapman, our landlady. I nipped out to get the Sunday paper and she saw me. The Chapmans will be moving back in to Trafalgar House very soon, the builders have nearly finished. So almost every other day, Sue comes round with paint samples and curtain swatches . She has the belief that I have a great eye for colours, it's all down to the spare bedroom cushions on our sofa."

I was mystified. He looked up at me and smiled. "It's a long story. Anyway, she saw me and invited me into their kitchen for a coffee. So I spent best part of three quarters of an hour wandering around their house discussing the differences of curtain pelmets and curtain poles and that sort of thing. When I eventually got home, Beth didn't say a word. She had every right to ask 'Where the hell have you been?' But she didn't. I guess she was scared that I'd wandered off to be alone. But it bloody annoyed me."

"But if she had asked 'Where the hell have you been?' you would have been annoyed at her for asking too many questions, and fussing about you." I looked straight at him, he looked across the table at me, eye to eye.

"Yes. Well.... I might have." he conceded.

"So, you were a shit for the day. So what? You've got to expect bad days in your situation." I reached out and squeezed his hand. He feels bad because his wife screwed up on him and he has bad days. That's what women do to you.

Time I changed the subject: "Davinia was surprised how good a cook I am. I've got to decide whether to take her out for dinner tomorrow or show off and cook at home."

He looked up "A romantic dinner in a nice restaurant would be good."

"But she might then just go home afterwards. And cooking at home is the sort of softer side of the macho man bit. And then I've got her within ten steps of the bedroom."

"You have a one track mind. That's an advantage of marriage. You know it'll be there when you want it, or it is in my marriage. But, anyway, this must be your third date at least. Surely the great Dave Finch has got her to come across by now? Or are you getting old?"

I didn't rise to his gentle ribbing. "A gentleman doesn't tell. Rest assured that Dav and I are going great. Now mind your own business."

"Sorry." He paused and we drank our beer in silence, before he spoke again, "Indian or Chinese? That is the question."

"Well if you want a really good Indian, have you tried that little supermarket sort of shop in River Street off the High Street?"

"No. Is that the one that looks a complete jumble of household goods and groceries, and oddball fruit and veg? I don't think I've ever been in there. It looks a bit run down."

"That's the one. And you're missing a trick. It's run by a true immigrant Indian, and his wife cooks various curries and other Indian dishes and puts them in the freezer in the shop. If you're lucky you can get her to come out and tell you all about every one. They're ten times better than anything you'll get at the takeaway. Just microwave them when you get them home."

"Maybe I'll try it. Will they still be open." He looked at his watch.

"Yes. They stay open 'til about nine. But you'll have to be clever in your timing to get her out to talk. She watches television, I've had to wait for the programme to end before she'll come down. Try just before eight o'clock, the change of programmes might be your best bet."

"OK. I'll report back in the morning. You realise that if this works, you'll be an even bigger hero in Beth's eyes."

"I can live with that."

We finished our pints and he was gone. I returned to my flat to read cookery books and stock check my freezer.

---

Not a lot of note happened at work on Tuesday, except that Drew was in my office within two minutes of my arrival, asking if I had spoken to Tim. I said I had outlined the idea, and he had given it his blessing, but there would be some delay until we could clarify the company's ideas on transferring people between departments. He seemed satisfied with that.

Later I saw Tim, to ask him if he'd seen Charlie Bullard. No he hadn't, apparently Charlie was away for the week. But Tim had seen Neil Timmons, who already knew of the problem and was also waiting to talk it through with Charlie.

Tuesday evening was dinner with Davinia. I walked round to her parent's house and called for her. She came to the door this time, so I wasn't inspected by either her mother or father. I had booked a table at Giovanni's, the best Italian in town, halfway up the High Street.

We held hands as we walked down her street, and suddenly she pulled me back, turning to face me. We kissed. "What was that for?" 

"It sort of symbolises the change from David Finch, deputy head of department, to Dave my boyfriend. I like to start with you changing roles."

"Well promise me if you find yourself letting my image slip back to work, I'll happily remind you of my real role." I smiled and we walked on.

The meal at Giovanni's was excellent. It is a small, typically Italian restaurant. But the food is always good, the wine is wonderful, and the bill is manageable. But what made my evening was the company. Like Sunday we just simply talked, but this time it was a little more personal, we talked about family and our schools and our friends. She was just so easy to talk to, we seemed to be in harmony. She understood my attitudes and ideas just as much as I understood hers. She didn't condemn my Mother as much as any right thinking person should, but she was probably just trying to be polite. 

What I did notice were Davinia's eyes. I had always known they were pretty blue and very attractive, it was one of the first things that anyone would notice about her. But the subtly changed colour with every emotion she felt. They could be light blue and happy, or violet to go with darker thoughts. I was entranced by her eyes.




TGI Chronicles Pt. 2 Ch. 03



After our meal, standing on the pavement outside Giovanni's I invited her back to my flat for more coffee and a brandy. 

"She looked into my eyes, between little kisses, "No, thank you."

I'm sure I looked disappointed, but then she continued, "I don't need more coffee or brandy. Let's go." And she took my hand and we walked back to my flat.

The sex was great! No, it was better than that. The sex was the best I could remember for years! I guess it was something about making love to a girl who was becoming a real friend, a rarity in my life.

I discovered two things. Davinia was lousy at giving blow jobs. She tried, and it was sexy and pleasing, she had no hesitation, but she was just not very good at doing it. Second, she has one of the smallest, but most sensitive clits I've ever known. I was licking away, and thoroughly enjoying myself, when I licked up towards her clit. It was hidden under a fold of skin. I licked and nibbled with my lips, but it never poked its way out of its hiding place. So, with a pointed tongue I went in search of it. I knew I'd found it when she jumped backwards, up the bed, just as if she'd had a jolt of electricity. "Sorry" I said, "I obviously found the spot."

"Gosh. No one's ever done that before. I'm so sensitive."

"But was it nice?"

"Nice isn't the word. It was just too much. Please go easy. Be gentle."

"Let me kiss it better." And that's what I did, until her legs locked around my head so that I could hardly move or even breath, and she orgasmed.

Then I quickly put on a condom, and crawled up her. I kissed her and entered her at the same time. She locked her legs around my waist, and we worked towards my climax with her whispering "Cum for me Dave" and "Please give it to me" in my ear.

Then as I said "Aaagh!" as I came, she said "Ooohhh" and came again, with me.

After we'd recovered, I pulled the condom off and dropped it into my bin. She lifted herself to lie on her side, her head supported by her bent arm, her ear pressed to her supporting hand. "Why do you always use them. I'm on the pill."

"Because I haven't always chosen my lovers to be quite as wholesome as you, my darling. And I've had too many to feel entirely confident."

"You mean you think you might have something?" I could feel her freezing by my side.

I looked at her, "No, or I hope not. I meant that I couldn't be confident that they hadn't had something. I hope I've avoided everything, but I'd hate to find that I hadn't and worse still, passed it on to you."

"You should get yourself tested, then we could ...."

"Yeah. I will. I did about a year ago, and I was absolutely OK then. And I've always been careful. So, I will if we really get together."

"Aren't we? We can't get more together than this." She looked at me with raised eyebrows, and eyes that could have been turning violet.

"Yes. No. I mean if we really get together, move into together or something. But let's just enjoy the moment."

She looked at her watch. "Well the moment you've got to enjoy is the moment to watch me get dressed."

"Aren't you going to stay the night. I've got a spare toothbrush."

"I bet you have. And I bet you can do a breakfast for two anytime. But no, Dave. I'm going home."

Reluctantly I walked her back home. As we walked along I asked "What are you doing tomorrow night?"

"Do you really want to see me that soon?"

"Yes, I think I do. So?"

"Well we can't. I volunteered myself for the Regency Players. I'm just helping out in wardrobe, but it gets me back into am dram. Tod hated me doing it, I guess he had to see too many school productions. So, with him gone, I called up an old friend and got myself roped in again. So how about Thursday night?"

"You're on. Do you want to do anything special?"

"Yes. You can cook for me."

"Easy. Anything you won't eat?"

"Nothing. But I do need more practice in eating some things."

"You have a dirty mind, Davinia!"

---

So, Wednesday was the day for Lucy! I phoned her as soon as I got into the office. She sounded harassed, but said it was only because of the children. We agreed eight o'clock at her place. 

I got there, not knowing quite what I was going to face. What I did face was a fetish French maid. She had a silly white cap, a very short, cheap shiny black skirt, a little white frilly apron that just about covered her breasts, frilly white panties, and black fishnet stockings with black high heeled shoes. 

"Wow, Lucy, that's some outfit."

"Pete likes it, I thought you might."

Well I'm not Pete, I thought. I think it makes you look cheap and trashy. And dressing up that way for your adulterous affair makes you seem desperate. But, what the Hell! She does have a good body, and it was here now and so was I.

"Well, my little Fifi, get me a whisky." I demanded as she led me into their sitting room. 

I sat down on the sofa, and looked at her as she handed me the whisky. She looked pale and sad beneath slightly too much make up. "You look good, Lucy. But shouldn't you have done a little dip as you handed me the whisky?"

"Well, maybe your little Fifi is a little bit naughty. Maybe you should punish her a little, M'sieur"

"Down here? Or upstairs?"

"Oh, down here. It's a bit too close to the children's bedrooms upstairs. That's OK isn't it Dave?"

"Sure." I said, nodding.

I looked at her, she stood in front of me, waiting. "How about taking those little panties off?"

"Sir?" she said as she immediately lowered her panties and stepped out of them.

"And now, come and bend over my lap for your punishment, you naughty little French maid." I was aware that I was really at a loss as to how to play this scene. I just didn't know her well enough, and this game hadn't evolved from our relationship. I guess that it was one that she plays with her husband Pete, but he knew what was expected of him.

I moved slightly along the sofa, to sit in the centre and well back in the seat. I patted my lap and looked meaningfully at Lucy. She seemed to know exactly what to do, and laid herself across me, bottom up, squarely on my lap. I lifted her skirt well out of the way, laying up on her back, and rubbed my hands over the white flesh of her bottom. Of course, I've spanked a woman before, I've done most things before, but never so coldly, just play acting. Before it has always been in fun, with some lover who has cheekily done something minor, and we are normally both laughing. But having a soft and sexy female spread across my lap in submission, had its effect, I could feel my cock pressing against my trousers, and her tummy. And I guess she felt it. 

I gently spanked her, once on each cheek. Then again on each cheek. "Oh, M'sieur is being very kind to little Fifi." was Lucy's reaction.

"Oh, no I'm not. I was just letting little Fifi get used to the idea of her punishment." I replied and gave her two hard smacks.

"Oh." Said Lucy, squirming a bit, which emphasised my erection, painfully.

Then twice more, her arse was turning red. 

Then, finally, twice more. Hard. 

"Ouch!"

"Don't complain, little Fifi. Accept your punishment." My hand wandered between her open legs, and she immediately pressed her pussy up and onto it. It was molten. This was having its effect on her.

"Kneel against the sofa, I think we both need something else now."

She moved to kneel on the floor, her head on the cushion seat of the sofa. I stood, dropped my trousers and boxers, slipped on a condom, and was in her in a matter of seconds.

I pushed in deeply on my first thrust. Her pussy was so wet I felt no resistance. She just went "Oh!"

Neither of us lasted long. We both rose to a quick climax, with her shouting "Fuck me!". And then I fell back as I came out of her. She sort of slumped sideways. I took off the condom, and stood up. My trousers and boxers were still around my ankles, I kicked them off, with my shoes. "Where's the loo?"

"The door opposite in the hall." She sort of mumbled.

I went across the hall, in my socks and shirt, and flushed the condom away. I checked that it flushed, I've been embarrassed like that before.

When I returned to the sitting room I picked up my whisky and sat down in one of the chairs. Lucy was still slumped on the floor and across the sofa. I sipped my whisky and sat watching her. She looked at peace. I wondered what drove her that she needed this slightly kinky sex with almost a stranger. I couldn't believe she was happy in this no man's land of halfway in halfway out of her marriage. I still believe that she needs to get on and get out, only then can she start moving forward. Quickie sex with me wasn't a solution.

"Lucy, have you spoken to Pete since Sunday?"

"No, of course not. What's the point?"

"OK. Have you done anything about the divorce then?"

"No."

"Well you can't go on like this. It's not doing you any good, and if it isn't good for you, then it isn't good for your children."

"Don't you bring my kids into this. You don't know them. You don't know me."

"But that is what I do know. I'm here with a very unhappy woman. Her refuge from a miserable life seems to be ten minutes sex with me. That isn't a solution."

There was silence.

Eventually I broke it with "Tell me, what do you want?"

"Oh! I'll have a whisky as well. Help yourself. Thanks." She made the effort to sit up properly, sitting on the floor with her back to the sofa.

I went and got two whiskies. "Unusual," I said as I handed hers to her "Whisky is rarely a woman's drink."

"I started drinking it when Pete first went to Edinburgh, it seemed to bring him closer somehow."

"Anyway, when I asked what it was you wanted, I didn't mean to drink. I meant, what stops you getting on with the divorce?"

She looked at me, but didn't answer immediately. I waited, sitting down again.

"Oh! If I was honest, I guess I cling to the hope that it is not all over. I don't believe it, but I hope. I can't believe he would walk out on the children, he really is a good Dad." Her eyes filled with tears.

"Look, Lucy. There is nothing between us. And if you think you should be trying to get back together with Pete, then I shouldn't be here, or not here doing what we just did anyway. I told you, I don't play with married women." 

She looked at me, "Got someone else already? Eh, Dave?"

"Well, I've got something going with a girl at work. But I'm not looking for an excuse to dump you. If you're still married, then I don't need an excuse. I will not play. Sorry Lucy."

"But... But I need you. Or I need what we do. Please Dave. When I was dressing for you, when you arrived, especially when you were spanking me and fucking me, for that time it was the only time today that I haven't been thinking about Pete. I need what we do."

I'm not sure how I felt about that. I had nagging doubts. Whether that was her lingering hopes for a marriage that was over, or Davinia calling me back to monogamy I didn't know. It was time to change the subject, "So why the spanking the French maid scene?"

"Well it's as extreme as Pete and I ever went. He used to like it, but he didn't spank as hard as you. Not that I minded, in fact it sort of reminded me that this was different. So what little fantasy can we make come real for you, Dave? And no children or animals or anything that leaves a mark." She laughed, I hope because she thought that I wasn't that sort of guy.

"Well that gives me plenty of latitude, I reckon I can dream up something. Why don't we start with you doing a striptease?"

She looked at me, and then got up and went over to the stereo. Soon some loud dance music was blaring out, I didn't recognise it. "Shall I put the panties back on to start?"

"No, what I really want is you naked, this is just a pleasant way to get you there."

She started a surprisingly energetic and sexy dance, this was good. So good in fact that I wondered if she had ever done this professionally. 

With only a skirt and an apron to take off, it didn't take her long. But she did a good job of it, and spun it out quite a bit. Then she stood facing me, still with her stockings and high heels on, and the silly cap on her head. "Keep going, I want you totally, and completely nude."

She danced on, taking off her stockings. I had to remind her of the cap, by pointing at my hair. Then she was nude. She really did have a good body, especially after two children, one of which was still under a year old.

"Now, Lucy, I'm going to fuck you in a minute, but before I do I want you to stand up straight in front of me, legs apart and your hands locked behind your head. Then we are going to talk about fulfilling my fantasies."

She took the position quickly, I wondered if she had been told to stand like that before. I sat and looked at her for a while. I wondered how far I could push this, I guessed that she rather liked losing herself in some submissive slut act, it blocked out the pain of her real life. I also thought 'What the Hell! If she gets upset and feels that I've pushed it too far, then what have I lost.? I'd not even met her two weeks ago.' And, I might enjoy having a willing slut.

"You are rather enjoying yourself like that, aren't you, Lucy? It's OK, I understand that you need some intense loving."

"Yes, Pete used to like to play some games, and I feel I want to give you more, I want you to keep coming back, Dave. I need that. I want to please you."

"So, what can we do? You liked being spanked earlier, didn't you?"

"Yes, somehow the pain helped."

"Would you mind if I did it again?"

"No, but not tonight, please."

"You'll suck me when I tell you to?"

"Oh, yes. I like doing that. Anytime you want."

"How about anal sex?"

"What? Oh, fucking my arse, you mean. Yes, it doesn't do a lot for me, but if you like."

This was going better than I expected. Let's try pushing her. "How about me pissing all over you? Would you like that? Or letting one of my mates fuck you? Would you do that for me? Would you let a stranger fuck you, if he had my permission?"

"Well, I guess I let a stranger fuck me when I went with you to your flat that time. So, I guess so, if you were there and it was safe. I'm not sure about the pissing bit. I've heard of golden showers, but I'm not sure that I really want to, is it important to you?"

"No, not really. I was just pushing you. I wanted to know your limits. I really don't want to do anything you wouldn't want me to." I stood up and put my arms around her and kissed her hard on the mouth, my tongue probing into her mouth. I then dropped a hand to feel her pussy, it was hot and wet. She didn't break her pose. "You want to get fucked don't you? You need it now, tell me."

"Yes, please, Dave, fuck me, please. Your little slave wants to be fucked."

"OK. Lay down on the floor. You're going to get fucked. Right now."

While she laid down on the hearthrug, in front of the empty fireplace, I took off my shirt, and socks. I wanted to be completely naked for a straight, missionary position fuck. I watched her, watching me as I put on another condom. And then I knelt down between her open legs.

I lay over her, holding myself above her with my left arm, as I used my right hand to guide my cock into her pussy. Then we had long, slow, languorous, missionary position sex. We exchanged deep, tongue fight kisses, and she began to tighten her hold on my shoulders as she hugged me to her. Slowly I felt my own orgasm beginning to build, as she began to raise her hips to meet my thrusts, her legs came up off the floor to wrap themselves around my waist, and we came together in a hot, sweaty, passionate embrace.

I rolled off her, and we lay on the floor, side by side, panting. "That was great, thanks Dave. You always make me forget. I need you for that." She said.

I slipped the condom off, and rolled onto my side and looked at her. "Why don't we go out somewhere next time. Even if it is only to a pub for a drink. Or to the cinema. Somewhere where you can feel human again." I put my hand out to her breast, and drew circles around her nipple with my forefinger. "And you can dress sexy for me, I'd like that."

I stood up and reached for my clothes, she watched me, "You can stay the night, but you'll have to promise to be out before the children wake up."

"No, it's work in the morning. I'll go back to my place." 

I dressed and she followed me into the hall, still naked, waiting for me as I nipped into the cloakroom to flush the condom away. As I came out, I turned and kissed her, she looked at me and asked, "How about Friday night?"

"No, I've got work drinks and who knows what else. I'll phone you. Now, give thought to what I said. Get on with your divorce, see a lawyer and get it started. It's for your own good. Bye" and I kissed her one more time and left.

As I drove home I became aware that I didn't have my usual satisfied feeling when driving home having laid some woman. Something was wrong, but I didn't know what. I should have been happy, it had been a good night screwing Lucy, and she seemed to be promising some good times ahead. I should have been happy. I wasn't.

That feeling stayed with me all the way home and refused me sleep when I went to bed. I lay there in the dark, staring at a ceiling that I could hardly see in the dark gloom of my bedroom. I should have been happy, I had two women to screw. One a nice wholesome girl who seemed to press my buttons, and an easy slut that was going to offer me some fun. Oh! Fuck it! No, fuck them! Both of them - frequently!

---

Thursday in the office I still felt unsettled. When Davinia phoned me in the middle of the morning to ask me to see Tim I felt distinctly guilty, worse when I saw her as I passed through her office to Tim's. However, I smiled happily when I saw her. But then again, part of me was so happy to see her. Damn her! Other women have made me feel like this before, and it always ends in pain and hurt for someone.

Tim looked up as I came into his office, "Dave, are you going to this company race day?"

"Oh, that. I saw the poster in the coffee room. But I have only been to the races a couple of times in my life. I was thinking I'll give it a miss. Why?"

"Because now you're going. You can bring Davinia. I've just been down to a meeting about it in Marketing. They've gone berserk and invited customers from anywhere and everywhere. The whole world of insurance seems to be coming. So, it's all hands to the pumps. I'm sure you will just love spending all Sunday afternoon making sure that ladies who you've never met before, but who happen to be the wives of insurance executives who you don't give a damn about, are well looked after with wine and polite conversation. It's free, by the way. Those of us on duty are free and there's going to be a good lunch from what I heard."

"I can hardly wait. You fill my heart with joy." I said, with as much sarcasm as I could get into my voice.

"I thought you'd be grateful." He smiled. "Oh, if you do bring Davinia, can you make sure that she knows that I might need her as my secretary if anything businesslike does come up. Sorry about that. I could take her just as my secretary, some of them are doing that, especially those in Marketing, but I thought you would rather ask her as a guest."

"I'm not sure. I'll ask her, but she has wanted to play our relationship as low key as possible in the office."

"So, no one knows, except of course the whole staff in this building? You've got to be joking. You can't keep something like that secret in this place."

"Don't blame me. I'm playing this by her rules. Anyway, I've got her coming to dinner tonight , so is it OK if I ask her then? I'll let you know in the morning."

"Sure." He looked at me thoughtfully, "One other thing. Is there any chance you can take Helen to lunch today? I'd like to know what her thinking is about this transfer idea, and I can't do it, it would be too official. But no one would question you having lunch with a female member of staff. Or will it give you trouble with Davinia?"




TGI Chronicles Pt. 2 Ch. 03



"No. Or I wouldn't think so. But, can I leave that 'til tomorrow? I was rather hoping that I could get some shopping in this lunch hour, and I need to nip home and put two venison steaks into a marinade."

"Venison steaks in a marinade, eh?"

"Yes. What's wrong with that?"

"Nothing. But I bet Maddy used to only get a take away pizza. That's all."

"I had no hope that she would enjoy the finer things of life. Except my body and the fine tunes I could play on hers." I smiled and challenged him with my open look.

"Get out! The thought of you in carnal lust with what I understand is a possible future daughter of a senior director in this place raises too many ethical questions."

As I left I gave Davinia's arm a friendly squeeze and said "Seven thirty, eight o'clock-ish suit you?"

"Make it seven thirty. If that's OK?"

"Fine by me."

---

Davinia turned up dead on time. Which was a bit of a nuisance as the kitchen wasn't running dead on time. But she looked good, and my cooking crisis seemed to slip into a different perspective. And she smelt good, I must find out what that perfume is and buy her a lifetime's supply. And she tasted good, and she so temptingly but slowly let me win the tongue fight. She had me erect, and we were still standing at my front door!

"Do you fancy a quickie?"

"Sex or a drink?" she smiled, and led the way into the living room, away from the bedroom. Damn.

"Either. Both if you like."

"No, I don't want a quickie. I want a nice, long, slow..."she paused and looked at me with that little half smile and those twinkling blue eyes, "... cold white wine."

I laughed. "Do you mind if it bubbles?"

"Assuming you're talking about the wine, no."

I went off to the fridge to get a bottle of my favourite New Zealand sparkling Chardonnay, with just a hint of Pinot Noir to give it a slight blush, that I just happened to have chilling there.

I returned to Davinia with the wine and two glasses. She watched me uncork it, "Champagne. What are we celebrating?"

"Nothing. Everything. You being here." I paused as I handed her a glass. "Anyway it's not Champagne. It has been brought here, especially for you, from distant New Zealand."

"Ooh! Good! Trodden by Hobbits. Are you a fan?"

"Of Lord of the Rings?"

"Yes."

And we easily slipped into a conversation about films. Her favourites, my favourites, what books we want to see filmed, which actors we liked, and so much more. I was holding this conversation with her in the living room, and me running back and forth from the kitchen. But then she followed me to the kitchen, saying she wanted to watch the Master at work. And then she went and sat on the edge of my kitchen table, reminding me of her position of only a couple of weeks ago. And, I would swear she knew exactly what she was doing. And I loved it. But then I had to move her to let me going on cooking.

The meal was every bit as good as I had hoped. The conversation was better. I remembered to ask about the Regency Players. Apparently that are doing a production of Sheridan's 'The Rivals', I can hardly wait, don't y'know. I had to admit that I didn't go to the theatre very often, like never since University. She promised to take me.

After the coffee, and by then we were sitting on the sofa together, I turned and kissed her. "Is there anything else I can get you?" I asked in by best seducing tones.

"Mmm. Yes. Is there any of that Champagne left?"

"Yes." I said, still not moving away from nibbling her left ear.

"Good. I've always wanted to drink Champagne in bed with my lover."

And that's what we did. And it was straight soft loving sex. I felt guilty when I thought of Lucy, but it was only to marvel that Lucy had offered me every type of kinky sex I wanted over the coming weeks, and yet making love to Davinia seemed so much better right now. 

Afterwards, we were lying, snuggled up to each other, dreamily sleepy. "Dave?"

"Yes?"

"Could you go and get my shoulder bag from the living room?"

"If I must. Shall I peel you a grape while I'm doing it, Mistress?"

"No, thanks. I've eaten enough. Just my bag."

I stopped off at the bathroom for a call of nature as I went. But I soon returned with her bag. It was enormous, but some girls bags are. "What do you keep in here, a whole perfumery and make up store?"

"No, just a simple silk dress that will be OK in the office tomorrow, and a toothbrush and some make up."

"You're staying the night? Oh. Great!"

I bounded over to the bed to give her a kiss and a hug. Then I thought "Won't your parents be worried? Or had you planned it all a long, and told them?"

"Well, not exactly. Ma has already quizzed me that you're a bit too soon after Tod. So, as I shut the front door, I just called out, 'See you Saturday' and slammed the door before they could say anything."

"Coward."

"No. I'm twenty-four, and I've lived away from home most of the time since I was eighteen. First there was college, and then Tod. And anyway, what I do with my time and my body is up to me. So to hell with parents!"

"I agree. Do they really think you shouldn't be seeing me?"

"Yes and No. Ma was very impressed with you when she saw you that time. And she thinks your gorgeous looking, she admitted that, and that's not like her. But she's just a bit scared that I'm on the rebound from Tod."

"And am I just a rebound fling?"

She was quiet for a bit while she thought about that. "I don't know, maybe. But it's not forever, is it? Not with the great Dave Finch. It's alright, Dave I know that I'm not expected to be around too long."

I wished I did! "But I haven't fulfilled your fantasy. Stay around to let me do that."

"But what do you know about my fantasies?"

"I know you haven't drunk Champagne in bed with your lover yet. This was only New Zealand sparkling chardonnay. You've got to come back for the Champagne."

"Well...."

"And Belgian Chocolates."

"OK then." She rolled over to kiss me. And then she kissed my neck. And then she kissed my chest. And then she kissed my stomach. And then she kissed my belly button. And then she kissed......

And afterwards she fell asleep.

I lay awake. How had this girl got so under my skin in a couple of short weeks. I've known her for months before that, as a very fanciable bit of skirt, and Tim's secretary. Now I'm smitten? No, I don't do smitten. Do I?

In the morning, at breakfast, which was my excellent toast and marmalade, I asked her about the horse racing. She, of course, knew all about it. And, yes, she'd love to go as my date.

"But that means that everyone will know that we're... you know." I said, between mouthfuls of toast.

"You think they don't? The new receptionist asked me yesterday how our date on Tuesday went. How the hell did she know?"

"I don't know. I didn't tell her."

"Well, anyway... it's in the open now, however ashamed of me you are." She looked at me, watching.

"But... but I'm not. If anything I'm rather proud of you." I looked at her, she seemed pleased, or at least reassured. "You're definitely a cut above my usual girls. You're class compared to some."

"Meaning, I'm not class compared to others?"

"No, you're class compared to every girl I've ever gone out with." I said, desperately trying to get out of a hole that I seemed to have got myself into.

"But you have a reputation for getting all the sexiest girls. And I'm hardly that."

"Oh, but you are. You're ten times sexier some of the easy tarts I've gone with. Yes, it's true I usually go for girls with big tits, ones that look as if they won't be trouble, just sexy and preferably easy. But that's not you. You're sexy and classy and I'm proud that you are even willing to go on a single date with me. Promise." I leant across and kissed her, gently on her cheek. Then I noticed, her eyes were very pale blue, and she was smiling.

Had I just pledged myself in some way? Well, you have to say these things sometimes. She needed cheering up. It'll be OK.

Then I had another thought, "Oh! And by the way, Tim says I'm to warn you that he may want you to be his secretary on Race Day, even if you are there as my guest. I'm not sure what that entails, but I said I'd warn you."

"Well, I can't imagine it'll be much of a problem. But I'll ask him." She looked at me, thoughtfully "You know, you and Tim have a special relationship, don't you."

"I'm not sure what you mean by that. It sounds as if it could be somewhat unsavoury. Classy young ladies like you shouldn't think such things." I smiled, but genuinely mystified by what she meant.

"No. Silly. But I see you two together. You're always pleased to see each other. And you seem to talk a sort of shorthand when you're talking business. I don't know what it is, but there is something special between you two."

"Well, we've worked together for a long time now. I guess I know how he thinks and what he expects of me. That's all."

"No. I reckon it's more than that. But, anyway, we must get into work, or we won't be working with Tim for much longer."

And, for the first time, we went into work together. And I bet the gossip mongers noticed. 



TGI Chronicles Pt. 2 Ch. 04



On the Friday, I took Helen to lunch as Tim had asked. I got Davinia to arrange it, just so that she would know it was not me trying to two time her. It was interesting discussion, and I went to see Tim afterwards.

He watched me stroll into his office and sit down, I looked a t him across his desk.

"How was lunch?" he asked.

"Interesting."

"Interesting how?" he waited, patiently.

"Well, she does want to come to us. Apparently you and I have a reputation of being the magic pair. As far as our own teams are concerned, they seem to be full of our praises as the best bosses ever, not that they would say it to our faces, but they seem to tell all their opposite numbers in other departments. Apparently, we trust people more, we give them greater responsibility and we are more sympathetic when they have problems. So Helen, and she reckons a load of others, want to work for us."

"But that means she will turn her back on what? Four years banking experience? And some of them have got a lot more than that."

"Yeah, I guess so. But not Helen, she's a techy, not a banking person. In fact, I think I may have a problem. Her CV is quite impressive."

"Go on."

"Well, if she did transfer, I wonder if she really should be ahead of Drew. I may have painted myself into a bit of a corner there."

"And what are you going to do about it?" he asked, somewhat neutrally I thought. Unlike him to distance himself from a departmental problem.

"I'm going to talking it over with my boss, and see what he thinks." I looked him straight in the eye.

"Bugger. I had hoped you'd sort it out without me, 'cos I haven't the faintest idea what to suggest. Can we put it off for a bit? We don't even know if Charlie Bullard will let Helen transfer."

"Well, Drew is getting a bit itchy, I'm not sure how long I can put him off. And eventually I'll need to actually start the project, customers tend to get a bit upset if I don't."

"Well, let's be resolute in our commitment to indecision until Charlie's back next week."

And that was the way we left it. But, as I returned to my own office, Drew followed me in, "Have you sorted it out with Tim yet?"

"No. I told you, neither of us can do anything until we know what's going on about staff transfers and people allocation, and that's Charlie Bullard's decision, and he's on holiday." I watched him, he was visibly disappointed, "I'm sorry, Drew, I wish I could tell you more, I really do. But you're going to have to wait."

"This is because I made a play for Dav, isn't it? You're mucking me about on purpose." 

Now that did annoy me, "No it fucking isn't. If that's how you think I manage the teams, then I suggest you get out of my office and come back when you can think straight."

"What, and wait for Charlie Bullard to allocate my project, because he's always organised projects in this department?" he said, with very pronounced sarcasm.

"Listen, you fucking idiot. I've just come out of Tim's office, after talking to him about it, and he's given me a direct order that it has to wait 'til Charlie's back next week. If you don't believe me, then go and see Tim. I don't really care, as long as you get out of my office."

He stormed out. I was angry, but in truth, not with Drew, but with myself. He had hit a nerve. First I had made him the promotion offer before I had talked it through with Tim, and he had told me about Helen. Second, because I knew I was having a real problem choosing between him and Helen if I was given the choice. Third, because although I didn't think it applied in this case, I knew I would have a problem dealing with anyone who made overtures to Davinia.

I spent the rest of the afternoon hammering away at my keyboard, and when I say hammering I mean hammering. Late in the afternoon, the 'E' key gave up on me. I don't really blame it, I hadn't exactly been gentle. But that finished off my afternoon so well, leaving me with a feeling of absolute zero bonhomie towards the world in general, and TGI in particular. 

I was idly tapping away at the 'E' key, in the hope that somehow, it would miraculously come to life, when I became aware that someone was standing at my office door. "Yes?" I barked.

"I was sitting waiting for you to come and find me, so that we can go over the road. But it got later and later, and Tim's gone home, so I thought I'd come and find you. Obviously, it isn't a good time."

It was Davinia. I looked up at her and every ounce of anger and frustration melted away. I sighed, "Oh, I'm sorry. It hasn't been a good afternoon." I looked at my watch, "You're right, we're overdue for a drink."

We went into the pub hand in hand. And I knew they noticed, and Davinia seemed pleased. She gave my arm a little squeeze, "No PDA, remember!" I whispered.

Someone bought me a pint, and Davinia and myself got separated. But I watched her across the room, and she seemed to be animatedly talking to a bunch of girls, mainly secretaries. I chatted happily, and bought a round for those who wanted one, as I got my second pint. By then, I was feeling a bit better, and thought I ought to talk to Drew, to put the relationship back on track. But when I asked where he was, I was told he left very soon after I had arrived with Davinia. Poor lad!

Then I saw Alice heading towards me, "Hi Dave. How are you? More to the point, how are you and Davinia?"

I glanced across to where Davinia was in animated conversation with a group of the younger guys from the office, "We're fine, I think. Thank you, Alice. What makes you ask?"

"Oh, nothing. Just wondering when TGI's resident stud would be available again?"

"Why? Are you offering?" I asked, falling back on flirting mode that myself and Alice had used so often in the past.

"Maybe. But I don't share. Or not like that anyway." She smiled at me, with a half question, half challenge look in her eyes.

What the Hell does that mean? That she does share in some circumstances? The mystery of Alice deepens, I'm just glad I don't have to solve it. And then a thought struck me, "Anyway, who says I'll be going back on the market anytime soon?"

"Oh, don't tell me that Davinia is going to tame the great Dave Finch. She goes up in my estimation." And she raised her glass in a toast towards Davinia. Thank Goodness, Davinia didn't notice.

Davinia stayed at my place that night, but on Saturday morning she went home. 

We had a date on the Saturday evening, but she went home late that night. On the Sunday I was invited to family lunch with her parents. It was no where near as bad as I expected. Her father was a bit formal with me, but didn't make me feel to awkward. Her mother was very friendly. She turned out to be a wonderful pastry cook, I got points for praising her pastry on the rhubarb pie, which led to some sort of tentative bond with her.

That led, in turn, to my chatting to her in the kitchen about cooking. But then out of the blue she looked at me, straight into my eyes, "Be careful, David, don't get too fond of Davinia. She's still getting over Tod. You're good for her, but there may not be a future in it."

"I'm not looking for a future. Don't worry about me. But I think you're wrong. She's well and truly over Tod."

"You would think so, wouldn't you? But I know my daughter. She isn't going back to him or anything like that, she's made up her mind, and she doesn't change her mind on things like that. But once she was very committed to him, she's got a long way to go yet before she's truly over him and thinking about her future. Just don't get carried away, that's all I'm saying."

After a cup of tea, late in the afternoon, I went home, alone. I was feeling a little depressed, I had hopes that Davinia would have come back to my place, at least for the evening. That, plus the warning from her mother added up to me feeling a little unsettled. So I gave Lucy a call. She was pleased to hear from me, and invited me to her house.

I arrived to find her dressed in her French Maid's outfit. That was not what I wanted. I wanted to be out in public, as Dave the stud bachelor with an easy woman on my arm, one that everyone would guess was mine for the taking. So I sent her upstairs to change, being quite clear in my instructions: stockings, no panties, short skirt, blouse, no bra, high heels, and slutty!

She looked at me, defiantly. "I can't go out, I haven't got a babysitter. They're upstairs, asleep."

Damn, that was a fair objection. 

But then she went on, "Have I displeased you? M'sieur. Have I been naughty?"

I stared at her. A spanking again? What is it with this woman? She won't get rid of her dud husband, because she says she's afraid of the final argument, and yet she likes spankings and pain, so what's she scared of from him. I'm not sure how these things connect, but it all left me feeling something wasn't quite right.

"No, you haven't or not yet at least. How about one of those whiskies, a large one? I need it."

After we had our drinks and were seated in the sitting room I looked at her and paused, but before I said anything she spoke, "So what is it that demands a large whisky? You pissed off or something?"

"Yes, or something." I looked at her, "Oh, I don't know, Lucy. For the first time in my life, I think a girl is getting under my skin, and her mother tells me that she's on the rebound, and it won't last. One half of me hates that, the other half says 'So what? You've ploughed through plenty of girls, so what's different this time?' I just wish I knew where I stood in her eyes."

"You and me both. Don't you think I want to know if Pete really has left me or whether there is some chance for us?"

"But you told me it was all over for you and Pete. If you think there is a chance for you and you want that chance, then what the Hell are you doing now, dressed up for some sex scene with some guy you hardly know?

"Well I was hoping that we were going to play that sex scene instead of sitting around telling each other what's wrong with our lives."

"Lucy, have you done anything about facing up to things and actually talking to Pete since Wednesday?"

"Like you asking your girlfriend where you stand, you mean? Well, I thought about it. But, no, I haven't done anything."

"Damn you Lucy. You can't go on like this." 

I looked at her and waited. She hung her head, not saying anything. Eventually, I spoke again, "And what is this spanking thing every time? Does it really turn you on to be spanked that much?"

She looked up, possibly happier to talk about sex rather than relationships, "I guess I like a strong and forceful lover, Pete was always that. And I like the intensity of spanking or a heavy scene with you, Dave. Just for a few minutes it helps me forget. I think if you just gently made love to me, and I guess you'd be rather good at that, I reckon I'd be thinking about Pete the whole time, and neither of us wants that."

"I can see that. Yes. I guess if we had a candlelit supper with soft music I'd feel guilty about Davinia. But wham bam type sex, yes I can manage that. Oh, and don't think I don't like spanking you, that I'm too much of a gentleman or something, because I'm not. I can understand that a little pain can sometimes help, be a turn on."

She looked up, interested, but then took a sip of her drink before quietly asking, "Why, do you like a little pain as well, Dave? I had a boyfriend once that was like that, but he didn't last long."

"Oh, no. Pains alright if I'm the one administering it. I had a girlfriend once that was into the full leather dominatrix thing. At first I thought it might be fun, so I gave it a whirl. We only lasted that one night, I was out of there, it was a total turn off for me. But I can do it the other way around." I smiled, "So maybe we are compatible after all, Lucy." I was beginning to feel that we could move on to something now.

"Have you done it the other way around, as you call it, often? Are there a lot of girls around that like to be spanked or roughed up a bit?" she looked genuinely interested.

"A few times. Why?"

"Oh, it's just that Pete used to think I was a bit kinky, that both of us were both a bit kinky really. It was why we would have to stay together forever. That's what he used to say. Now look at us. Oh, Dave…."

"You're not kinky, or not terribly so, anyway. If it suited you both, then why not?"

"Do you and this Davinia, isn't that her name? Well, do you do anything kinky?"

"I knew we should have gone out for a drink. We seem to be talking about our lives, rather than getting on with what we both expected."

"Well, I assumed that you wouldn't want to, well not until I've really sorted out where I am with Pete. I remember what you said, you said you wouldn't unless you were sure that the husband was well and truly out of it. That's why I promised you that he'd gone on that first night."

"Fuck! You lied to me. I really wouldn't have done anything if I'd known."

"No, I didn't lie. I just sort of.. .." she paused to find the right word, "took a necessary view that my marriage was definitely over. For Christ's sake Dave, what do you think I went to Shades for? To get myself laid. I needed to and I wanted to. Get over it, from what I remember, you enjoyed it."

We sat in silence for a bit. Then she asked, "So, what are you going to do about Davinia? Do you spank her, or does she have other thinks she likes you two to play?"

"No. She's sort of clean and wholesome. Don't get me wrong, she's very passionate in bed, but nothing out of the ordinary. Sexy undies, plenty of sex, happy to give me a blow job, but no leather, handcuffs, spanking or French Maids. Nothing like that. But then the relationship is in its early days." I paused to think about Davinia, "But then again, I don't think she'd want to do anything too oddball. She's a very normal sort of person. And I rather like that."

After that I poured another whisky for us both, and we went on talking, like two old friends. Me dressed in normal clothes, she dressed in her silly little French Maid's outfit, it was all a bit surreal. But somewhere along the line, I think I made a friend. A friend that I could fuck, if and when she gets free of Pete, but a future fuck-buddy nonetheless.

Later she made us both a mug of coffee, and we sat and watched television. Well I said it was surreal!

---

On the Monday, I caught Tim early on, and told him that I suspected I had a problem with Drew. He told me not to worry, that he was hoping to see Charlie Bullard that day, and whatever happened, he promised to have a word with Drew.

Just before lunch Drew put his head around my door, "Are you going to the gym tonight?"

"I was thinking about it. Why?"

"Oh, It's just that I'd like to buy you a pint afterwards." He smiled, sheepishly. Tim had worked his charm.

I smiled back, "I'll hold you to that." 

Later, I asked Davinia if there was any hope of seeing her tonight, on the excuse that if so, I had to warn her that I was going to be a bit late. But, I had no problem, she was going to spend the evening sewing costumes for The Rivals. But we agreed to a date for the Tuesday evening, we thought we might go to the cinema again.

So, that Monday evening ended up in The Swan again, this time just Drew and myself without Tim. We shared a couple of rounds, and neither work nor Davinia were mentioned. But, it was nice to relax, drinking a pint with a mate.

Just after lunch on the Tuesday, Davinia came by my desk, "Can you take this lot back to your place, please. It'll make life easier when I stay over." She handed me two full carrier bags.

I took the bags from her, looking in them. They were full of packs of panties, a couple of bra's, a toothbrush, packs of tights in various shades, some make up and all sorts of feminine basics. "Sure" I said, smiling.

"Thanks" she said, and walked out.

Not long after that, Alice came in, "Have you seen Tim, Dave? His office is empty, not even Davinia is there?"

"No, sorry. Dav was here only a couple of minutes ago, so I guess she's only in the loo or getting herself a coffee. But I haven't spoken to Tim all day. Sorry."

"Bother. I want him to do a sales presentation with me on Thursday. But, as he's not there, how about you?"

"Good heavens! You must be joking. Tim's your man for that sort of thing. I haven't done anything like that in my life."

"There has to be a first time…" she looked at me.

"And this isn't it." I said firmly. 

She looked at the two bags that Davinia had left. She couldn't see much of what was in them, except for a packet of pretty cotton panties in various pastel shades. She looked back at me, "I'd have put money on you being a silk boxers man. I live and learn." And she turned tail and left.

No more than five minutes after she left than Tim came in and flopped down in one of my visitors chairs. 

I looked at him, "It's like Piccadilly Circus in here this afternoon. What can I do for you?"

He looked at me, it was going to be bad news, I could tell, "I've just had lunch with Neil and Charlie."

"Oh how the mighty live. Was the caviar up to standard."

"I don't know, but the cheese sandwich was perfectly average. But we have been talking about these transfer requests. Apparently there's been more than you or I know."

"Anyone interesting?" I asked. I could think of a couple of names that I would be pleased to welcome to the department.

"Dunno, Charlie wasn't telling."

"So?"

"Well, Charlie is going to create a formal procedure. People can apply, via Personnel, for any advertised vacancy. But I guess they have always been able to do that, otherwise what was the point of putting the vacancies up on the notice board. But, if they are doing it without a specific vacancy, then they can apply to Personnel in confidence. They will be interviewed, and if the request is sensible, then the target department will be informed, and they can consider it. Only if there is a sensible transfer possible will it become public. Only then will their original manager be told."

"Sounds OK. Why are you upset?"

"I'll come to that. I'm not sure that Charlie's got that last bit right. I reckon I'd want to know if someone is so upset that they want to move out, rather than find out after the event. I can understand that if there is no transfer possible, then they should be able to stay where they are, without prejudice, but…"

He drifted off into his own thoughts, so I brought him back to reality, "Want a coffee?" I asked.

"Ooh! Yes please."

I went off to the coffee machine. When I returned with two plastic cups of coffee Tim was just sitting there, waiting and thinking.

"So?" I asked again, to break into his train of thought.

He looked at me. "What are you doing every first Tuesday of the month, eleven o'clock onwards?" 

"Depends." I answered hesitantly. "I know I'm going to regret this, what should I be doing?"

He smiled, "Apparently, you and I should be attending the new Development Forum."

"And what's the Development Forum?" I asked

"It's the new, exciting way that you and I can discuss all development issues, from personnel transfers to new technologies and methodologies with our opposite numbers in banking and investments. Apparently Andrew Tweedsman is going to be there, and Neil is going to chair it. My guess is that he'll only do that for the first one or two. Committees, even if you call them forums, don't sound a very Neil sort of thing."

"And what does this gain us?"

He looked around the room for inspiration, "I haven't the faintest idea. But I think we're lumbered."

"When do they start?"

He naturally turned to look at the calendar on my office wall, "First Tuesday of next month."

"Do we have to do anything, or just turn up?" I asked.

He shrugged. Then he sighed. Then he visibly brightened, "But it means that we can have a quiet word with Helen, and tell her that she'll be able to ask formally for a transfer."




TGI Chronicles Pt. 2 Ch. 04



"Yes, I suppose it does."

"So?"

I looked at him, searching his face for a clue as to the best choice of Drew or Helen problem, "I don't fucking know."

"Well it's almost make your mind up time. Would a pint this evening help?"

"Probably, but I can't. I've promised Dav that we'll go to the cinema."

"What're going to see?"

"I don't fucking know that either."

"Well you are a mine of information this afternoon, aren't you." He smiled, and left. 

The date with Davinia was good, the film wasn't. Afterwards we picked up a Chinese takeaway, and took it back to my place and ate it in bed. It was a bit mucky, but licking up sweet and sour sauce off her left breast made it all worthwhile. She stayed over.

In the morning she asked what had I done with her shopping bags, I told her that I'd dumped them in the living room. She padded off to find them. She didn't come back.

Eventually, I found her in the living room, sitting on the sofa, in tears, going through my porn DVD's. She looked up at me, tears running down my face, "Oh Dave, some of these are sick. Do you really like watching this stuff? It's perverted."

"Well sometimes, but some of them are a bit too much, I agree. I guess I bought those when I was drunk or something. I'm sorry if they upset you."

I took a step towards her, but she sort of froze and then stood up and walked passed me into the bedroom. I followed her, as I came through the door, she was dressing, "Get me my shopping bags, please." Her voice sounded cold.

I did as she asked, and came back carrying the two bags and dumped them on the bed, "Look, I'll put them right away if they upset you. I don't watch them that often. Please Dav…."

"Why? Why does a nice man like you allow yourself to sink to that sort of thing? Why?" She tore open a packet of pants and put a pair of pale blue ones on. She already had on her blouse from the night before, then she opened a box of tights and sat down on the bed to put them on. 

"Look, come on, Dav. What do you expect of a guy my age? Of course I watch porn sometimes."

"But some of those titles, they're sick."

"Well they probably sound worse than they really are, Please Dav, don't be upset."

She was now putting on her skirt. "I'll just go straight into work. I'll have a shower there, and put on my make-up." She slipped her feet into her shoes and was gone.

I made myself some breakfast, and showered and dressed. I went into work at my usual time. I went straight to Davinia's office. 

She watched me as I came through the door. "Can we talk?"

She looked at me, "Is there any point? I really don't like that sort of thing. Whenever I've seen anything like that it always seems so degrading to women. I don't think I want to go out with someone that gets turned on by degrading women."

"Well, let's at least talk. How about I take you to lunch at Not Steinbeck's? Please."

"No, I'm seeing the wardrobe team of the Regency Players at lunch time."

At that moment, Tim came through. He started to sing "Love is in the air … " but took a second look at myself and Davinia and just went into his office in silence.

I turned back to Davinia, "Well this evening then. A drink after work?"

She sighed, but then looked at me and nodded, "Alright. I'll see you then."

I went back to my desk. I'm not a pervert. I'll admit that some of the titles are a bit extreme, but it looked on the cover as if the film might have a certain something. And anyway, the pain is probably simulated, the whippings probably don't do anything more than tickle. But, I admit that it was probably a bit of a surprise to find them just before you have your Cornflakes in the morning. But, a bit of porn is normal, I bet loads of guys have some, and they hide it away. With me it's kept discretely, not obvious but not hidden, in my living room. Maddy used to think that it was a scream, not that she ever actually watched any of it. And what about Lucy, she sucked me off the other night when I was watching it. No, it's definitely Davinia that's gone over the top on this one. She'll calm down by this evening, it was just a shock, that's all.

I went back to Davinia's office at the end of the day. We hadn't spoken again since this morning. Even when she delivered a bunch of papers, she just dropped them on the desk and walked away without a word. "Shall we go over the road then?"

"No, too much chance they'll be others from this place. Let's go somewhere different."

"OK. Not Steinbeck's? The Black Swan? Or further out if you like?"

"The Black Swan, someone told me it's a lot better than it used to be. It used to have a reputation for druggies and drunks a couple of years back. Seems appropriate for the level of things we've got to talk about."

Well that was a promising start! We walked round there in near silence. Once I'd bought our drinks and we'd found a table, "Look, Dav, I'm sorry that you are so upset about them. But, I promise you, I'm not some secret pervert, masturbating away to the early hours, dribbling over some porn. And I'm sure you really don't think I am, do you?"

"I don't know what to think, Dave. I thought you were a really nice, straightforward sort of guy. I couldn't understand why some girl hadn't got you to the altar years ago. I was beginning to feel lucky that I found you, wherever our relationship went. But, maybe this explains it, that you really have some pretty perverted ideas."

"No. Look I wasn't going to suggest that we go to any fetish clubs. And no, I don't want to whip you, Dav. You're far to precious for that sort of thing. I promise you that for now and into the distant future, if we're still together then, I'll never even suggest anything like that." I paused to look at her, her eyes were very dark violet. "OK, I admit that I like to see the man in charge. I'm sure you noticed there's no femdom in my collection. But that doesn't make me a rapist or a pervert. Most of those films are straightforward men and women fucking away. Sexy, suntanned people enjoying sex. Nothing more, nothing less."

"And you fantasise about that and masturbate?"

"Well, yes… but in a healthy sort of way." I tried laughing. Would humour break through this impasse?

"There is no healthy sort of way of watching that sort of pornography and letting it corrupt you. That's sick." She swallowed the last of her drink and stood up. "I'm sorry Dave, I really don't like this sort of thing." And she left.

Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn.

I finished my pint and bought myself another one. I sat there drinking it, feeling both angry and sorry for myself. 

A dirty sex session was called for. I phoned Lucy.

"Oh, Hi Dave."

"How are you Lucy?"

"I'm fine. I've taken your advice. I've spoken to Pete, and he is going to come home for the weekend after next. So, I'll let you know how it goes."

"Would you like me to come up this evening?"

"No. I think you were right, Dave. Better leave it until after I've sorted myself out with Pete. It's kind of you to offer, but better not?"

"No, you're probably right. Do let me know what you decide."

"Bye, Dave."

Damn! Damn! Damn! Damn! And Bloody Damn. It was definitely not my evening!

I sat drinking my beer and feeling very sorry for myself. I knew I wanted Davinia back, but I didn't feel I'd really done anything wrong that I could put right. Maybe she was a prude and I'm well off out of it. I've seen too much, done too much to settle for a prude. What am I talking about, I wasn't going to settle for anyone. But I was sorry to see her go this early. I stared at my nearly empty glass.

Then I was aware of two people also staring at it, standing in front of me. I looked up and saw it was Beth and Tim.

"Hello, you two. What are you doing here?"

"Well, this may come as a surprise to you, David, but we're here for a drink." Said Tim with a smile. "We've been to the gym. And this is our local you know. More to the point is what are you doing here?"

I looked at my watch, it was still only just gone seven o'clock. The gym was open until ten. "I could go to the gym. That's not a bad idea."

"I wouldn't, not after the beer you've drunk."

"I've only had two."

"No, three."

"No, Tim. I've only drunk two, honest." What was he on about?

"But it'll be three after the one I'm about to buy you." He smiled, and wandered to the bar.

Beth sat down next to me. "You look a bit down. What's the problem? Is it having to choose between Drew and Helen, Tim told me about that?"

Before I answered, Tim returned with two pints and a white wine for Beth.

"Oh, No. I'll just have to make up my mind about that." I said as I took a sip of my new pint, "Thanks, Tim."

Tim sat down, "Make up your mind about what?"

"Choosing between Drew and Helen. I'm beginning to have an idea about that, but it's still forming in my mind. I'll come and talk to you Tim, when I know what I'm talking about."

Beth put her drink down and looked at Tim, "I was asking Dave why he was looking down."

Both of them looked at me expectantly. It was Tim who spoke, "Has this anything to do with Davinia and the atmosphere in my office this morning?"

"Might have. I came here with her for a chat."

"And she's not here now. I see." said Tim.

Beth put her hand on my arm, "Do you want to talk about it? What happened?"

"And, more to the point, does it matter?" asked Tim.

That was a good question. I looked at Tim, he looked back at me. Did it matter? Davinia wasn't the first girlfriend that had left me for some silly reason or over some silly argument. That's what girls do, they get upset for no good reason. But did it matter? 

"I don't know whether it matters, Tim. I guess we would have come to an end at some time. That's what always happens. But I wish it hadn't happened like it did or when it did. I was rather enjoying things. She was a bit special. I think I might miss her."

"Then tell us about it, and let's see if we can find a way of putting it right. I doubt whether it's that bad. Early break-ups are usually about something trivial, or because there was no relationship there in the first place." Beth sounded concerned.

"Do you have any idea how she feels about you?" asked Tim.

"I think she rather liked me. Her mother thinks she's still on the rebound from that Tod character, but I always felt things were great between us. But she seems to think I'm a pervert, and she's not staying. That's her choice. Obviously she doesn't think enough of me to talk things through." I just talked myself into even greater sadness.

Beth sounded brighter, "Ooh! Sexual pervert are you. Well beyond the well known fact that all men are sexual perverts, how exactly does your perversion exercise itself. Tell me more, I'm all ears."

I smiled, "No, it's a bit personal."

Tim intervened, "Oh, come on Dave. You were there when I went through Hell last year. You know a lot about mine and Beth's life. Trust us." then he put his hand on mine on the table, "Come on, talk."

I looked at him, then at Beth, then I took a long drink of beer, then I put my glass down, then I paused, then I spoke, "She found my stash of DVD's."

"And?" said Tim

"And they reflected your sexual interests, " said Beth, "they were your porn DVD's?"

"Yes."

It was Tim who asked, "And, is there a lot of perversion in them, something that Davinia could have taken exception to?"

It was weird, here I was sitting in a pub, with a pint of beer, talking about my sexual tastes with my friends with whom I had no sexual connection whatsoever. But I was also finding that talking was helping. They didn't seem particularly shocked, even Beth seemed happy to discuss pornography without getting all women's lib. "Well most of them are straight suck and fuck movies. A few, really only a few, are a bit stronger."

"So, was Davinia just shocked to find them at all? Shocked that a grown man, a bachelor would have such things. In which case, she needs to grow up. Or was it that she was shocked at the ones that were a bit stronger, as you call it? That she felt that was an insight into some part of you she really didn't like?" That was Tim, the analytical one.

Beth looked at Tim, "Don't be so hard on Davinia. If I came across a whole set of porn hidden away back at Blindside, I reckon I'd be very surprised, if not shocked. Especially as you've never given me any idea that you are really interested in porn. And I guess it would be depending on the circumstances. We've watched plenty of soft core stuff between us over the years, and some hard core. But it's been both of us, normally in bed, and it's been quite fun. Not as a way of life, but once in a while. But if I came across a lot of it hidden away, whilst I was vacuuming the carpets, I'd be a bit surprised."

"OK. I'm sorry. Davinia may have every right to be hurt and shocked. But if it's OK type stuff, then it isn't worth breaking up a promising relationship over." said Tim.

I just watched this husband and wife exchange.

Then they both turned, in unison, to look at me, "So, I think you'd better tell us the whole story, Dave." said Tim.

I took another long drink of beer. They sipped their drinks as well, just waiting for me.

So, I told them how she found them just before breakfast yesterday. That they were discretely stored on the bottom shelf of my DVD and CD collection. That there were about thirty of them. That made Beth look a bit surprised, but I reminded her that that only equated to buying three or four a year over a number of years. And that the more extreme ones were only about half a dozen, and they were male dominance, S&M and a bit of bondage type.

Neither Tim nor Beth seemed particularly shocked.

It was Beth who asked the next question, "Is S&M your thing?"

"Well, yes and no. On the whole I don't think the films I have capture what I feel, I bought them, probably on a lonely night and with a few beers inside me. I do believe in totally, one hundred percent, consensual sex. I don't have any rape fantasies, or kidnapping fantasies or anything like that. But I do like the man to be in charge, and the woman to be happy to give herself totally."

"Why?" asked Beth. Tim was sitting listening, but he was leaving the running to Beth. Which was probably a wise thing to do. It was easier to talk to Beth than to a mate about these things.

"Well, I guess I feel that it is pure fantasy. No woman does ever give herself totally. You always hold something back. And then walk out when things don't go your way."

"Like your mother?" and that was Tim.

I looked at him. "Maybe, I don't know. I just feel that in real life, it's better to not get in too deep, because you can bet your bottom dollar that she isn't in too deep. She'll just walk away when it suits her."

Beth looked up, "I think you're wrong. I think I have given myself to Tim, totally and completely. It took my mess up last year to make me realise that that was what I needed to do. But I reckon I've burnt all my bridges, I just hope that Tim doesn't abuse the total commitment he has from me. But then I know he won't." She was looking at Tim when she finished.

After a moment's silence, and all of us having a drink , it was Tim who observed, "Well, this isn't solving Dave's little hiccup with Davinia."

Beth looked thoughtful, "Yes, you're right. But she isn't here to tell us how she feels. I bet she is wondering if she went a bit over the top. She isn't a member of some strict church or anything? You know the sort, where all sex is wrong, we must all live by some puritanical code."

"Not as far as I know." I answered.

"Well, then… has anyone got Davinia's telephone number? Let me talk to her."

"What now?" I exclaimed.

"Yes now."

Tim passed her his mobile, "She's in the directory, Davinia Cole."

"Thanks. I'm going outside to make the call. You can get me another white wine." And she stood up and walked out.

Tim looked at me, I looked at Tim. He spoke first, "Don't worry, she knows what she's doing. And she did get one thing right. We do need another round."

I went and got the round in, Tim sat at the table, waiting. When I got back, Beth still hadn't reappeared. 

"Any other thoughts on the Development Forum?" I asked, as something to talk about.

And we talked work, including some good thinking (or so it seemed, with three pints inside me) on a couple of projects. We were at the end of our pints, and still Beth hadn't reappeared. I think Tim was beginning to get a bit worried. I gave him something to do, "Your turn." I said putting my empty glass in front of him.

He went and got two more pints, and just as he returned to the table, Beth reappeared.

Tim and myself looked at her, expectantly.

"Well, that's settled. Dave I want the full collection at Blindside by tomorrow evening, all of them, good ones and bad ones. And Tim, I want you out of the place for the whole evening tomorrow. You are not allowed back until well after closing time. Understand?"

Tim turned to me, "What were you doing tomorrow evening?"

"Nothing. We're both in London tomorrow, if you remember. So it was rather depending on what time I got back as to what I would do."

"Good. We can stay in London until the last train. That won't get us back until just before midnight. Is that late enough for you?" he turned to Beth.

"Yes, easily. Don't get too drunk. Now how are you going to get me the films."

"Well, I can take them into work, I suppose. What have you got planned?"

"That's a good idea. Just a moment." She picked up Tim's phone again, from the table. Soon she was hitting buttons. "Hi, Alice. It's Beth again. Are you in the office tomorrow?……. Good. Then you can pick up the films from Dave and bring them with you."

Beth looked at us both as she handed the phone back to Tim, and smiled. "Tomorrow night is hen party night at Blindside with a whole pile of blue films to watch."

Tim and myself didn't say a word as we imagined that scene, you could easily make a fantasy out of that! Beth took a sip of wine, before she explained, "Look. Either these films are really harmless, and Davinia was a little over the top for some reason. In which case, watching a few of them with girls and a glass of wine will put them into a better perspective for her. Or they really are a bit too much, in which case you are a dirty pervert, Dave. Either way, we'll find out tomorrow night."

"I'm not sure about Alice being there. I don't want my personal sexual tastes being part of the gossip at TGI." I said, mainly because I could think of no other objection.

"Oh, don't worry about that. I've already sworn her to secrecy. I doubt whether Alice wants it known that she spends evenings watching dirty films either."

And that was the way we left it. Not long after that, we finished our drinks and went out for a curry. Tim and Beth worked hard to cheer me up, and didn't mention Davinia once.

I took the films into the office in a large holdall, and handed them over to Alice first thing in the morning. That felt a bit weird, but she took them with nothing more than a straight "Thank you" and tucked them under her desk.

The London meetings with Tim seemed to go quite well. With his senior presence at one client, they gave way on all the scheduling issues that they had refused to concede to me at our last meeting. At ITP's London Office we also had a good meeting, but Greg Dickens wasn't there, which was a bit of a surprise. We were told he was on sick leave.

As we left ITP, Tim turned to me and said, "What do you fancy doing for the evening? I guess we could swing a decent meal on expenses, or we could go into Soho, grab a bite to eat and see something interesting."

"Well, actually, I've got a favour to ask of you. How about we go to the theatre? I see that the National's got The Rivals on, and I quite fancy seeing it. I'll pay."




TGI Chronicles Pt. 2 Ch. 04



"Good God. I've known you five years Dave, and I never knew you liked theatre. We could have gone together more often. I love theatre, it's Beth who's not so keen. She only goes if I make her, if I had an excuse of a foursome with you and whoever, I'd have seen a lot more."

"Well, actually, I'm not a big theatre person. But Davinia is. And she's involved in a production of The Rivals at the moment. And as I've never seen it, I thought I ought to, so that I can talk sensibly about it."

"Oh. I see. Let's hope you get the chance. Look, why don't we nip into a ticket agency right now and get a pair of tickets, then I'm sure there'll be plenty of time to get something to eat beforehand. We could even still nip over to Soho." he said, with a mischievous smile.

And that's what we did. It was a bit of a rush to catch the last train after we got out of the theatre. 

Once we settled onto our train, I thought back on the play we'd just seen, "So that is where Malapropism comes from."

"Didn't you know that, call yourself educated! Do you think the buffet car is open? Fancy a beer?"

"Yes, why not?"

So he went off in search of beer. He returned with half a dozen cans and two plastic glasses.

We sat and drank, in silence for a while, each with our private thoughts. I was certainly wondering how Beth's hen party was going. I hadn't realised that Tim was thinking the same.

He turned to me, "Let's hope Beth is working her magic."

"Other than Alice and Davinia, obviously, do you know who else was invited."

"Nope. We'll just have to wait and see. Let's hope that Dav doesn't just illiterate you from her memory, to misquote." 

"I missed that one. But I thought 'He is the very pineapple of politeness' was the best one. . I hope it was a worthwhile evening, time well spent and all that."

"Well it was for me. Seeing a good National production of a classic is always worthwhile."

He sat and watched me as I drank some beer. "Look, Dave, I hope this evening's little exercise lets you and Davinia get back together. But, if it does, then please give her room to show you that she was sorry for her outburst."

I looked at him, but there was more to follow, "One of the things I've had the greatest difficulty with since I got back together with Beth, is finding ways of letting her show me just how sorry she is. I used to think it was her trying to heal me, and I didn't need that. But it wasn't, it was about her trying to heal herself. I think that you may be a bit like me, it's easy to give, it's damn sight harder to receive."

"I don't think myself and Dav are quite at the level that you and Beth got to, but I know what you mean. And I'll let you remind me when I forget."

"I hope I don't have to. Now drink up, we've got two more of these to get through before we get home."

I walked home from the station, and got there just about quarter past twelve. I was in bed by half past. 



TGI Chronicles Pt. 2 Ch. 05



It was just one o'clock when I woke from having just dropped off to sleep. There was some one hammering at my front door. Who the Hell....?

I opened it to see a slightly tipsy Davinia standing on my door step. She flung her arms around my neck. "I'm sorry, Dave. I think I got it wrong. Can I come in?"

"Of course you can. I'll put the kettle on, I think you need some coffee."

She wandered off towards my living room, whilst I went into the kitchen. Having made a couple of mugs of coffee, I took them into the living room, and passed her one.

"Am I forgiven then?" I asked.

"I'm not sure that there is anything to forgive. I got it wrong. I don't like you having all those films, but the ones I really don't like are probably not the ones you think I won't like."

I took a sip of coffee, it was too hot, "Why don't you start at the beginning, and tell me what happened this evening. Who was there?"

"Well, Beth and Alice, there was a friend of Beth's called Dani or Denny or something. She was the most puritanical of the lot of us, but I'll come to that. Then there was a girl called Carol who I think was from Beth's work, and Mrs Charlie Bullard! She was old enough to be my mother, and she's the wife of one of our senior bosses. It was a bit odd, watching dirty films and drinking wine and eating pizza with someone like her."

"Her name's Rose, isn't it? I've only met her at company do's, but I think Beth and Tim are quite in with the Bullards."

"Yes, well actually she was the most down to earth and unphased by anything of all of us. At one point we were watching a scene of a man licking out a girl's pussy, making a real meal of it he was, when she says, 'I've been with Charlie for thirty years, and I still haven't trained him to do that good a job.' It was sort of surreal. She suggested that she should borrow it as a training film for Charlie"

"Well?"

"Well, to be honest, the films weren't as bad as I thought they might be. Actually, Carol made us all admit that some of them really turned us on in parts. But I still don't like them all. We only sort of loaded them up and flicked through them, we didn't see any film right through, there were just too many." She looked at me pointedly, but her eyes weren't too violet.

I waited, and she continued, "When we got to a lesbian scene, Denny or Dani got upset and said it was totally unnatural that heterosexual women as these were, would take satisfaction in each other. And later on when we tried one of what we assumed would be a stronger film, Angela in the Dungeon?.."

I nodded, "Angela Visits the Dungeon." I corrected and confirmed

"Well, anyway. She insisted that she went and made coffee while we played that one. She didn't need to see that sort of thing! Actually, that was one of the films that was a bit of a surprise. Of course the film included whipping, you know that. And that scene where he put a needle through her nipple was a bit gross. But the man, the master I suppose you would call him, was always so gentle and careful for the safety of the girl. I guess it was simulated in parts, I don't know. But it was always consensual as far as we could see, and the master did really seem to care for the girl."

"But..?" I asked

"But, nothing on that one. I mean you're not going to whip me, that just isn't going to happen, so don't even bother to waste your dreams fantasising about it. You don't do you?"

"No. What I like about that film, beyond the fact that the girl has a certain sexy something, is the way she gives herself to the man. She is totally open and giving. That's what I find sexy. I really don't care about what they get up to."

"Oh. Anyway, what I really don't like, and a lot of the girls were with me on this, is the other films. Ones where the actual sex might be fairly OK, but the men just treat those women as pieces of meat. They're so ugly in their words and their attitudes to the women. That's horrible. Alice really seemed quite upset about this, she wasn't the least bit worried about any of the sex as such, but she sounded really bitter about the harshness of the men's attitudes to the women. Haven't you ever noticed just how unloving and lacking in respect those men are?"

"I guess they are. I hadn't really thought about that aspect of it."

"Well, that's what I've got to say, except I have an idea."

"Go on."

"Well, I really don't like you having so many of these things. Rose suggested that I tell you which half a dozen or a dozen films have to be thrown away. I quite liked that idea, but as we talked some more, I decided on another approach. If you want me back Dave, then I want you to throw away every film that you aren't happy to sit down and watch with me. I've told you a little about what I found acceptable. Now it's up to you."

"Can't you give me more of a clue as to which ones have to go?"

"No. If you're halfway the decent guy I think you are, then you'll know. And anyway, I haven't seen them all, and as I said, I haven't watched any of them right through."

"I do want you back, Dav. I don't know where we're going, but I want it to last longer than this."

"So, do we have a deal? It's for your own good as well as mine. Keep the ones that really hit your fantasies, but make sure they are ones that you can share with me. If you can't do that, then I'd rather we were over and finished now rather than go on to a more painful parting later on. I've done the painful parting bit quite recently, and it isn't much fun."

"Oh, we have a deal. I can understand that. When do you want to check what I've kept?"

"As soon as possible. I do want to be over this Dave. I don't know either where we're going. But I was rather enjoying getting there."

"Can we kiss to seal the deal?"

"Yes, but only a kiss. I've got to get home to bed. I got all the way home just now and turned round at the gate to come here instead."

So we kissed. A little tentatively to start with. But the second one had more passion in it, and by the fourth one we seemed to be back on track. Then she broke away. "When you've sorted out your video's."

"Where are they, by the way?"

"Still back at Beth's. Tim got back just as we were packing up. He seemed rather keen to return them to you himself, later."

"I bet he did. Dirty old bugger."

"Remember he's your boss."

And with that and one more, no three more kisses, she was gone.

I went back to bed feeling a hundred times happier.

The next morning I came into my desk and logged onto my email. The first one was from Tim, 'Have you seen Davinia yet?'

I quickly replied, 'Yes, last night, or this morning in the early hours to be accurate. I think we might be back on track. But I need the films, and I understand you're holding those.'

No sooner had I sent it than I received, 'Yes, I must give them back to you some time.'

'As soon as possible. And I don't want the covers stuck together. My future sex life depends on me sorting them out.' I typed and sent.

'Well, I've got them here. I must sort them out some time in the next 2 or 3 days. Is Monday any good to you?' Pinged into my mail box.

The bastard! He was sitting up there at his desk playing with me. I headed for his office, walking straight passed Davinia without a word.

He was standing at his desk with my holdall in front of him, beaming happily, and staring at his watch. "That's five seconds longer than I was expecting from your desk. You really should go to the gym more often, Dave." He smiled sweetly as I took the bag. 

But then I relaxed. "You bastard! Tell Beth I owe her, really do thank her for me. She's a wise woman you've got there. And I suppose I should thank you. But you're still a bastard." I smiled

"Anything to keep a happy office. And being a bastard is a boss's privilege. Now get back to work, and stop wandering around the office with dirty films, you pervert." he smiled.

I didn't go to the pub that Friday, which was a rarity for me. Actually, I saw Davinia head that way with a bunch of the others, and I thought it would be a bit embarrassing to be there without us being together. So I went home to start watching and sorting the films.

God! Thirty one DVD's is a hell of a lot of viewing. It takes forever. I was just loading them up and watching them enough to understand the full context and attitude in each scene before I moved on, but it still took forever. I broke off to get myself something to eat and to open a bottle of decent beer. But, other than for that, I did nothing but watch sex scenes from about seven o'clock right through to one o'clock the next morning. And I still wasn't finished.

I got up at seven o'clock on Saturday and went on with my task. Eventually, at about eleven thirty I finished. I made myself a decent cup of coffee and sat down to check the final piles. I had rejected fourteen films, and was keeping seventeen. Then I looked again at the ones I was keeping, and there were three in there that I actually didn't like. I noticed a couple of films that I knew I hadn't watched in at least two years, so I threw them out as well.

I also realised that I'd found a couple of old favourites that I simply hadn't watched for ages. As they had passed the Davinia Test, I looked forward to watching them again sometime, possibly on the bedroom TV, with Davinia in the bed with me. I wonder if I can push her that far? It's a long way to come from total rejection out of hand, to using them as the basis of a bit of bedtime fun. 

I phoned Davinia, "Hi, it's me."

"How's it going?" she asked.

"It's gone, so to speak. I've been through them all, and thrown out all those that I think are unfit for you to see. And you were right, a lot of the films don't seem to have any respect for the women, although the women are giving absolutely everything."

"So, why did you like them? No, don't answer that, I'd like to hear you tell me that when we meet."

"Well, how about I tell you that at seven thirty this evening in Not Steinbeck's. Please?"

"I'd love to. Really, Dave, I haven't enjoyed these last few days. Let's put it behind us, if we can."

"I'd like that too, Dav. I'll see you at seven thirty then. Bye."

I went into town and did some shopping. I bought myself a new shirt and trousers, which I thought I would wear for the evening. And I made sure I bought a really good loaf, one that would toast really well and go with my best marmalade, just in case. And I went into work to use the big shredder in the photocopy room to get rid of the rejected DVD's.

I got to Not Steinbeck's five minutes early, ordered a good bottle of white wine, and found a private table in a little alcove. The waitress brought over the wine, and I knew that I knew her. "Hello, Dave. How are you doing these days?"

"Oh! Fine. How are you? Been working here long?" Oh God, who the hell is she, and have I screwed her? And how do I get rid of her? I certainly don't want to be talking to some old ship that passed in some night long ago when Davinia gets here. 

"No, I'm only doing it for a couple of months. After I gave up Uni, I'm just working to get myself enough money to travel this summer. Then I start my new course in October. Maddy's hoping she can come on at least part of my trip."

A friend of Maddy's! Of course, now I remember her. I think her names Gemma, or Jemima or something. I remember thinking she wouldn't be a bad catch at some time. But looking at her now, no, she's a bit young. "Well, I hope it work's out for you. Just leave the glasses and wine, I'll pour when my guest turns up."

"New conquest, eh, Dave? You've chosen a nice private table." She leaned over me and whispered, "Good luck."

Five minutes later, Davinia arrived. We kissed, chastely. And then she sat down opposite me, and I poured the wine.

I looked at her, her eyes were sort of mid-blue, not light and sparkling, but not dark violet either. "How were last night's drinks?"

"Everyone was asking me where you were. I just said I guessed you were busy." 

I would have rather she had been a bit more positive, I bet she set some gossips thinking, "And they were happy with that. I bet you set some tongues wagging." 

"Well, a couple of people did sort of ask if anything was wrong, or floated open ended questions in front of me. Drew asked what I was doing at the weekend."

I bet he bloody did! I'm really getting fed up with Drew circling around like some vulture waiting for me to make a deadly mistake. But I'm not sure what I can do about it. 

I changed subject, "I've got rid of all the bad films. And you were right, in a lot of them the language and the atmosphere was cold and abusive to the girls. I hadn't really noticed before."

"Well done, and thank you. I've missed you."

"I've missed you." I put my hand out to hers and gave it a squeeze. 

We sat and sipped our wine in silence, then she spoke, "You know I felt so empty when I left the Black Swan on Wednesday evening. I knew I'd been a bit over the top. I got halfway home and I turned round to come back, hoping I'd find you there. And then, just as I came round the corner, I saw Tim and Beth go in. I thought, well they're sure to talk to you, if you were still there, and I didn't think we needed them if I came back, so I did go home then."

"You mean I needn't have got rid of all those films, I've made myself bug eyed in the last forty-eight hours going through them all."

"Well, I don't know. I really didn't like them just there in your room. But, because of Beth's little party, I think I got a better handle on my feelings and what I wanted you to do. It wasn't so bad was it?"

"I guess not." I looked across the table at her and smiled. I'll swear her eyes got two shades lighter as I did so.

"Anyway, have you got a tired right hand from all those films?"

"What do you mean, young lady! No, I haven't!"

"Bit of a waste of money then, weren't they?"

"Actually, I didn't watch them like that. That wasn't my frame of mind, I was watching them analytically. I didn't get turned on once, even when I saw scenes that I thought could turn me on if I watched them that way. Odd really."

"Well, what are we going to do then?"

"Fancy eating? They do a good chilli here."

And that's what we did, we didn't choose chilli, but we ate at Not Steinbeck's. And then we strolled back to my place, but the long way round along the river. And it was bloody cold, the March wind was whistling down the valley. But that meant she had to cuddle in for warmth. And then we got back to my place and I made two big steaming mugs of hot chocolate, from really good bars of high cocoa chocolate in milk and with extra cream, and we sat in bed and drank them.

On the Sunday morning, over the excellent toast and marmalade, I asked what she would like to do for the day. She thought about it for a minute, before she answered, "Well, I guess we shouldn't spend all day in bed. How about a picnic at the beach?"

"You can't be serious! It'll be freezing. But I guess we'd have the beach to ourselves. You're not serious, are you?"

"Yes. Why not? We can dress up warm, and go for a walk along a beach. Huddle together for a bite to eat, and then go on and find a pub with a roaring log fire. I'd like that. I think I've just sold it to myself." She looked at me with those big eyes. I didn't stand a chance.

I thought about how to create a winter picnic. "I think I'll have to check the freezer to see what I can do about something to eat. I'll probably have to go over to the supermarket for something, but I'll do my best to keep it to my usual standard."

"That's OK. I'll have to go home and get some suitable clothes."

"Yes, you'll need your swimsuit. I hope it's a little g-string bikini."

"You can't be serious! I think that was your phrase."

I picked her up at her place, and we drove down to the coast. We found that deserted beach. And I was right, it was freezing. But we walked and talked, and found a sheltered place in the sand dunes where we set up for lunch. I'd brought my camping stove, and I cooked. Some hot, homemade tomato soup that I'd made at the end of last summer when tomatoes were cheap and full flavoured. And then I cooked some good pork sausages from the butcher in Chillington, the best I knew. "You know this is costing me, here I am frying the finest sausages I know on a freezing beach on a camp stove. Not quite what I intended for them when I bought them."

"I'm sure they'll be delicious. You really are into good foods, aren't you, Dave."

And we talked about food and eating. She really had no idea, but she listened and learnt. I think she really was interested. She said she liked the sausages anyway.

After lunch we walked some more. We talked a lot more. As always, I found it so easy to talk to Davinia. About anything, about everything, about nothing. And, at the end of the afternoon, we found that pub with the roaring log fire. And they did good steaks, and excellent beer. And we stayed there until about eight o'clock when we drove home. We went to bed and made love. Soft, gentle, caring for each other, love. And then we had showers, a mug of coffee, and she dressed and I walked her home.

On the Monday morning, I took her a cup of coffee at her desk. And we were chatting as if we'd never had an argument, when Tim came through. He stopped and looked at us, "It looks as if everything is right with you two."

"Yes" said Davinia, before I could say a word. And she was smiling. 

"Good," said Tim, "so perhaps we can get some work done." And he went into his office.

I grimaced at Davinia and went back to my desk.

Later, I phoned her, to see if we had a date for this evening. But, she said she was going to have to do some sewing for the play. Apparently they were getting a bit worried that they wouldn't be ready in time.

So, after work I went to the gym. Both Tim and Drew were there, which meant we all ended up in the Black Swan afterwards.

Drew volunteered to buy the first round, leaving Tim and myself at a window table, "Now it's my turn" said Tim looking at me, "Why aren't you scurrying home to your new found love?"

"Because she's sitting sewing regency costumes for Mr Sheridan's little epic. What about you."

"Nothing, I fancied a drink, that's all." he replied. 

"Has that got anything to do with the mood you were in this morning?" I asked.

"Was I? I'm sorry. Neil was buggering me around. I wasn't happy about this Development Forum idea, and I told him. He didn't even try to explain, he just very strongly implied that we, you and I, would give it our full support and our full participation. He just pissed me off a bit, but I got over it."

Then Drew returned with our drinks, and we fell to silence as we all took long draughts. Tim put his glass down and looked at Drew, "Are you coming to this Race Day on Sunday?"

"I was thinking of it. We're trying to get a group of us who are all bachelors to come as a group. I guess I can count you two out of that category."

"Well, speaking personally, I think it might take a bit of explaining to Beth if I included myself in. And I can guess you can keep lover boy here out of it ...probably. Sunday's what? Six days away. With him, anything can happen. Six days is a whole affair for him."

I smiled, "I think myself and Dav can last that long. Even a bit longer than that, maybe." I noticed Drew was listening, but said nothing.

We fell to silence again, until Tim spoke up again, "I think I'll take the Bentley, it's the sort of car you need to go to the races."

Drew and myself looked at each other, "I thought I'd just go in the boring old Ferrari. You know, there's no point in being flash, is there. How about you Drew?"

"Well, I would use the Maserati, but my super-model girlfriend may be using it that day. I'll make my decision when I see my chauffeur after breakfast on the day."




TGI Chronicles Pt. 2 Ch. 05



We turned back to Tim, "What the fuck are you talking about?"

And he explained how he had inherited a vintage Bentley, that now sits in the garage under his apartment. I don't know why, maybe because I know him so well, but I didn't quite believe the story, it didn't quite ring true. Then I remembered something, not that I could see how it related, "Didn't that next door neighbour of yours have an old Bentley?"

"Yes, he did." Tim was glancing at Drew and then back to me. 

I recognised the signs, "Anyone fancy Round Two?" I stood up with my empty glass.

"Not for me, thanks Dave. I will owe you one, Drew. But I think I'll get back now." Tim said, and he stood up and left, patting my shoulder as he went.

"Well, that leaves you and me, Drew. How about you?"

Drew looked slightly uncomfortable, "No, thanks, Dave. I think I'll leave it as well, if you don't mind?" 

"No. No. No obligation. I'm sure there will be other nights. Don't worry, if you've got somewhere where you've got to be. See you in the office tomorrow."

I bought myself another pint, and sat there wondering how Tim came to have his wife's ex-lover's Bentley, and why Drew didn't fancy drinking with me. Not that either issue worried me, I was feeling good.

The rest of the week passed smoothly. Drew came to see me once about the project manager's job, but I dodged that by telling him that I was waiting for Personnel to announce a new procedure for transfers and promotions, which was now imminent. The transfers bit was true.

Davinia saw me as much as her Regency Player's commitments would allow, not that that was much. But she stayed over on Tuesday night, and on Thursday and Friday nights. So I wasn't complaining, we really were beginning to be very comfortable in each other's company.

On Wednesday evening Lucy phoned me to tell me that Pete wasn't coming home as expected, in just over a week, but that he'd put it off for a week. I wasn't really that interested, but I hoped it would work out for her. I hoped that this Pete would be decent about it, go off to Edinburgh and live happily ever after with whoever he's got up there, and leave Lucy to get on with her life down here. She deserved a happier life and a chance to start again

The Friday night's drinks went smoothly. Davinia spent a lot of it standing at my side, with her hand around my waist. How's that for PDA'ing? It was a pity Drew wasn't there, apparently he had somewhere else to go.

On the Saturday, Davinia spent most of it at Regency Players, but I insisted that she would come out with me in the evening. I think she felt a little bit guilty, but I like to think it was just that she wanted to spend some time with me, but she accepted and we agreed the time for me to pick her up.

We went to the theatre, to see Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman. I'd never seen it before, and I loved it. And then afterwards, we found this nice Thai restaurant near the theatre, and had a wonderful meal. And we talked and we laughed and everything was wonderful. And then we went back to my place.

Sunday was the TGI Race Day, and we were under orders to be at the Dewbury Race Course at eleven o'clock. We got there and parked two cars away from this huge black vintage Bentley. So Tim and Beth had arrived. There were three or four other couples around it, talking to Tim. Beth stood on one side just waiting. Then Alice arrived, by herself. She went straight to Beth and greeted her. Myself and Davinia wandered over, and there were greetings all round. Then I looked at the car, as were most of the guys, but only a few of the girls, most of the women just stood at the back, near a rear passenger door. I joined them to chat, and Tim came across.

"What do you think of it Dave?"

"Very nice. Not exactly my cup of tea, but I admit it has style. It looks in great condition." I opened the rear door to look inside. The rear passenger compartment was immaculate, the leather shining as if it was brand new, except for two odd scuff marks on the rear of the front seats. I stopped to look at them more closely, they were nothing serious, a little renovating leather polish would probably remove them, "They're odd." I said to Tim, pointing them out.

Alice looked in at them, as I said "I wonder what caused them. Have you been carrying anything big in here Tim?"

"They look like the scuff marks that a woman's high heeled shoe would make," said Alice, "Don't they, Beth?"

Beth giggled and pulled Alice out, Tim sort of flushed slightly. Alice had obviously hit on it. How come she can spot the marks of back seat passion when I don't? I pride myself on that sort of thing, I've had enough practice.

Other than that, the Race Day went off without a hitch. It was full of polite conversation with other men's wives, but with enough wine poured, slowly the atmosphere softened to more of a party. Alice dragged me over to be introduced to a few people, introducing me as the 'new star' of our insurance development team. 

Greg Dickens of ITP was there, by himself as far as I could see. He looks as if he'd been ill, he had lost a lot of weight, and looked rather drawn. Late in the afternoon, I saw Tim lead him off to another bar, open to the public, rather than the one in the executive entertainment suite. That left me with Beth as well as Davinia as company. But that gave me a chance to thank Beth for arranging her hen party and helping to get myself and Davinia back together. What was nice was that Davinia gave me a squeeze and added her thanks to Beth. Beth responded by inviting us to dinner on the following Saturday, our first invite as a couple, which was rather nice.

At the end of the afternoon, myself and Davinia stopped at the King's Head on the Sheepen road, as did quite a number of other TGI'ers. Some seemed to be drunk already, others seemed intent to get themselves into that state as soon as possible. So, as I was driving, I suggested to Davinia that we just went home, which we did. 

As we went into my living room she went over to my DVD and CD collection, probably to check that I had really thrown away a load of my porn collection. But she went through them and chose one of them, "How about we watch this?" she asked.

"I'd rather we just went to bed and practiced the real thing."

And we did. It was pretty vanilla, just fucking in missionary position, after a certain amount of foreplay. But it was great. I truly felt that we were back together for the foreseeable future.

Afterwards, she asked if I was hungry, and I miss understood her completely, answering by working my way up her legs from her toes. She realised the misunderstanding, just before I started it lick her out, for which I was grateful. I'm not a great one for licking out a woman afterwards, but I thought it was what she wanted. She had really meant to ask whether I needed some food? Well, yes, I did. So we showered, which was happy fun in the bathroom, but no fucking in the shower this time. And then we went out to find somewhere to eat.

We ended up back at Not Steinbeck's, which was OK. We chatted happily, and then she implied that she was going home that night, which disappointed me. She explained that she hadn't any clothes for the office in the morning.

"We could solve that. There's plenty of room in the wardrobes in my room. And I can always make more space if you want."

"Are you suggesting that I should move in? Us, together?" she asked, her eyes darkening.

"Well, I wondered. I wouldn't mind. How about you?"

"I wouldn't mind! You're so romantic, Dave. How could I ever resist."

"I'm sorry. That wasn't very well put. I think I really would like you to move in, Dav. I think we could have some fun living together. How about it?"

She sipped her wine, her eyes not lightening. I watched her carefully. Eventually she looked up at me, "No. Not yet. I'm not ready. I don't know whether that's you, or whether I'm still not over Tod, not deep down. I'm sorry, Dave."

I looked away, and sat there just thinking, or just feeling. Then I turned back, but looked at my glass rather than at her, "What don't you know about whether it's me or not? I thought we were getting somewhere."

Her hand went out to mine across the table, "I don't know. I just don't know. I think I have some difficulty trying to separate the image of the playboy Dave Finch that the girls at work talk about, and the man I've been sleeping with. Or maybe it's just too soon over Tod."

I just sat in silence. Logic told me she was being fair, but I didn't feel mollified.

Her other hand came across the table to find my other hand, "Oh! Dave. Tod is the only real comparison that I can go by. And I don't feel the passion I felt for him at the beginning. I know that. But you are a far kinder, more considerate, gentler man than he ever was. I do like that in you. Look, don't you think we've got a good thing going as we are? I'll stay over some nights, and go home some nights. I rather like this halfway house sort of arrangement. Just give me time. Please Dave, just some more time."

There was nothing I could say. I picked up her hands and brought them to my mouth and gently kissed them. "Of course, we've got all the time you need."

And we left it there. I walked her back to her parent's house, still feeling a little sad, even a little hard done by. But she knew that, and held me tight, and kissed me so passionately as we said goodnight.

In work on Monday, Tim called me to his office and asked if I was ready to give him my ideas how I wanted to solve the Drew promotion and Helen transfer problem. I was sort of vague, because I still wasn't quite sure how to lay out a complete departmental reorganisation and make it attractive for him. I just wanted to chat it through, not present plans. 

Somehow, Tim seemed to recognise my problem, and sat back in his chair, "Why don't we have a cup of coffee and talk about it?"

I looked at my watch, "Because I've got progress meetings on three projects, back to back, for the rest of the day."

"OK. But I'm not sure when we'll get another chance. I'm out for a lot of this week. I've got a two day conference in London, plus a sales presentation for Alice and a client meeting with Neil. We'll just have to play it by ear, and grab some time when we can. Are you going to the gym this evening?"

"Probably, but it depends on the theatrical seamstress you keep as a secretary. If she's not sewing, then maybe I won't."

"Well it's Relax with Dance night again, so I thought I'd go."

"Well, as I said, maybe."

As it turned out, Davinia was going to be at the Regency Players that night, so I did go to the gym. Drew was there, but that wasn't a surprise, what was a surprise was that he declined to come to the Black Swan with myself and Tim.

After we got our pints, Tim looked at me and said, "Do we have a problem with Drew?"

"I'm not sure. I know I'm mucking him about a bit on this Project Manager's role. That can't be much fun for him."

"And?" said Tim, knowing there was more.

"And I suspect he is really upset about Davinia and me getting together. Do you remember when we were in here and I'd said that I was taking her out?" Tim nodded, so I continued, "Well, even after that, he tried dating her, when I had expressly told him that I didn't want to see us fight over her. It would have been fair enough if she and I hadn't worked out, but we have. Or have so far, I think."

"Anything else?"

"Well, the other day in the office, he rather accused me of holding up his promotion because he had tried dating Dav. And the other Friday in the pub after work, when Dav was there by herself, and I was sorting my film collection, well apparently even then he checked up on her to see if I had been given the order of the boot. And I've noticed that if myself and Dav go to the pub together, then he makes his excuses and leaves."

"Coincidence or does he have a real thing about her?"

"I don't know. I thought it was just healthy alpha male rivalry for the pretty girl. But, now that you come to mention it, maybe it is more than that."

"Bugger!" said Tim. He took a long draught of his beer and paused in thought, "We could do without this in the office. Has Davinia said anything, is he causing her any trouble?"

"No, I don't think so. She seems to quite like him. But I can't ask too much, it would look as if I'm paranoid about it."

"Which you are, but you don't want her to know."

"Yes, well.. Would you want anyone sniffing around Beth?"

He didn't look happy at that comment. But it wasn't the most sensitive question I could have asked. "Sorry, bad memories. I didn't mean... you know."

"No. It's OK Dave. It's not your fault." He looked at me and tried to smile. "I'll have a word with Davinia, you know, official boss's concern about a member of the team that is off key at the moment."

Now that could be interesting, "Let me know what she says." I asked, as casually as I could.

"I might." he said, into his glass, as he drank.

"Only might?"

"Yes. It depends what she says. I'll respect her confidentiality as I would yours." He looked at me, and I knew he was right. But I really ought to get his office bugged!

"Oh."

"And, anyway, you must sort out what you're going to do with him anyway. And as soon as possible."

"Well, we'll talk about that later, if I can work out what I want to say. What conference are you going on?"

"Corporate Governance. It was Charlie Bullard's idea. In fact, I notice from the advance papers issued that Sir Philip Cochran is chairing it, so that's probably why I've got to go."

"Who's he?"

"Don't you ever read your staff newsletters? He's that retired banker who is now a director. I've met him, he's quite a nice chap. But I guess Charlie or Neil thought that if he's chairing it, then someone from TGI should be there. And I guess my name came out of the hat. So I get two days in a swish hotel listening to people not telling me their trade secrets, when I could be doing some constructive work."

"It's tough at the top. D'you want another one?"

He looked at his watch, "Yeah. Why not?"

We had one more pint, and then I went back to an empty flat.

On the Tuesday morning I went to see Davinia at her desk. She was on the phone talking costumes and theatre when I arrived. Eventually she put the phone down.

"Who was that?" I asked

"Oh! The director. Apparently he isn't happy. Too many of the costumes are cream or gold. He wants Mrs Malaprop to stand out. Well, there's a maroon Victorian ball gown in wardrobe, I've suggested that I could probably do something with that."

"Good. But does that mean I'm going to see even less of you?" 

"Yes, probably. I'm sorry Dave. But I did promise that I would help them out before we got together. I wasn't to know. And I am rather enjoying it. It's nice to be back am dramming. But, it means that I'm now meeting the director and the woman who is head of wardrobe and props at lunchtime, and probably meeting Mrs Malaprop with the costume this evening. Sorry."

"Great. I was hoping we could do something this evening. Like see each other!"

"Look, I'll just sort out what's got to be done this evening. I won't start it or anything. I'll come round to your place as soon as I can. I shouldn't be too late. How's that?"

"Will it be in time to eat something?" I asked, still not totally happy.

"Yes, I don't see why not. I should be to you by nine, and I know that's a bit late, but we can eat then, can't we?"

"Yes, of course we can." I smiled. "What's Tim's diary like for the rest of the week? I want him for about two hours I would guess. It's alright, he knows what it's about."

She opened the diary on her desk. "Well, you haven't chosen the best of weeks. Looking at it, I would say that Friday afternoon is probably your best bet."

"Damn! I was hoping for something sooner. But Friday it is then, for him. And late dinner at my place for you."

And that was the way we left it. At eight o'clock I started a leisurely and thoroughly enjoyable evening of cooking, a smoked salmon risotto followed by homemade tiramisu and all ready by nine o'clock. And it was, and the wine was chilling in the fridge. And the table was set with flowers and candles. And she arrived at ten minutes past ten. I was not happy, not helped, I'll admit, by the fact that I had had a glass or two of wine by then.

"I'm sorry, Dave. I got caught up. I hope you've eaten."

"No, I was waiting for you."

"Oh! I thought you would eat as I was so late. You shouldn't have waited. And anyway, I've eaten. She had supper ready when I arrived, and I couldn't very well say no. Sorry."

"You could have bloody well phoned. I've spent the whole evening in the kitchen. And It's all fucking wasted, just because you couldn't be bothered to pick up the phone. Well thank you Dav."

"I'm sorry. I didn't know you were going to cook. I thought we'd just have a frozen pizza or something. What was it? And if it was so important to you, then why didn't you tell me. How was I expected to know?" And then she caught sight of the table, laid perfectly. "Oh!" was all she said to that.

She looked at me, and then smiled. She came to me, and hung her arms around my neck and tried to kiss me, but I wasn't that easily mollified. On Sunday she rejected my suggestion that we really get together, tonight she puts a maroon dress and her friends at the Regency Players ahead of me. I knew I was seriously miffed. 

I unwrapped her arms, "I've got some clearing up to do in the kitchen. You might as well pour yourself a drink, if you want one." And I walked out.

Some five minutes later I was just scraping out the risotto pan into the trash when she appeared at the kitchen door, "What was it going to be?"

"Smoked salmon risotto with herbs, followed by my own tiramisu."

"Oh! Sounds nice. Can any of it be saved?"

"Well, I guess the tiramisu will be OK for tomorrow night. Not as good as it would have been tonight, but OK. But you just saw me chucking the risotto."

"I'm sorry. And I'm sorry, but I can't make tomorrow night. We've got a meeting where we're going to go through all the costumes again."

"Why am I not surprised?"

"Don't be like that. I've said I'm sorry. Come to bed."

"I will when I've finished clearing up this bloody mess of two hours cooking for no fucking reason, and certainly for no one who seems to care."

I looked up and stared at her. I'm not sure what I wanted, or what I wanted her to do, but I wasn't happy. She stared back at me, and then she just turned away, towards the bedroom, "Well that's where I'm going."

I finished clearing up, and then I went back to find the rest of the wine. Only when I'd finished that did I clean my teeth and head for the bedroom. As I got in she said, "I'm sorry, Dave. But I have got to see this production through. I've got people relying on me, and I want to do it. It'll all be over in a couple of weeks."

"So soon!" 

I turned my back on her and tried to go to sleep. This was a first for me, the first time ever that I've been to bed with a girl I fancy and not had sex. But I was angry, and as I lay there in the dark, I couldn't make up my mind whether I was angry at her for being late, which I knew was just one of those things that happens to all of us once in a while, or angry at myself for allowing a girl to upset me like this. 

I felt better in the morning. I guess things were back into a better perspective. And anyway, making up can be the fun part. So I turned to her side of the bed just in time to see her jump out with "I want to get back to Ma and Pa's before I go into the office. I'm sure Ma's got some blue taffeta in the loft that would be the perfect trim for Mrs Malaprop's dress for the second act.

Fuck. Damn and Blast!

Wednesday morning I was incredibly busy. By the afternoon things had calmed down a bit, and I found time to go and see Davinia. Drew was there, and as I came through the door they looked up. 




TGI Chronicles Pt. 2 Ch. 05



"Hi, Dave." said Drew. "I was asking Davinia when I could possibly get in to see Tim." He was obviously guilty enough to think he ought to make excuses.

"And when are you going to? Don't make it Friday afternoon, I'm seeing him then. And that's in your best interests." If he feels guilty, I might as well rub it in that I am not an enemy.

Davinia opened Tim's diary, so it wasn't open before I arrived. "How about tomorrow morning, about ten o'clock, but I'll give you a call Drew, when he's free." She made a pencil note. And he left without another word.

After he'd gone, I looked at Davinia, "Should I be worried?"

"No. Of course not. We were only chatting. He likes to chat to me."

"So do I." I said with emphasis.

Then there was a silence between us. I decided the best route was to show interest, "Sorry you were in such a rush this morning. Did your mother have the material?"

"No. So I'll have to work with what I've got in wardrobe." She seemed quiet.

"I know you're not around tonight. How about tomorrow night?"

"No. I told you, the next couple of weeks are going to be tight. I'm not sure I'll even make the office drinks on Friday. But I will promise to be at your place by nine o'clock on Friday. Will the tiramisu last that long?"

"Probably not. But not to worry. I'll dream up something else. But it might not be quite so good. I'll probably go to the pub for a couple beforehand, just to show willing, you know."

I went home still feeling unsettled. Time to fall back on tried and tested solutions for when I'm in this sort of mood. I phoned Lucy. But before she answered, I switched off, phoning Lucy in the hope of a good hard sweaty sex session wasn't a solution to Davinia upsetting me. Somehow, in someway, I felt guilty about it. 

I poured myself a large brandy. And then I went and chose a porn DVD to watch. I chose one of my stronger ones, in fact the only bondage one I had as I'm not really into bondage. But this one has a delicious looking blonde, and some semblance of a story line, even if it is a very weak one. I watched it, drinking brandy with one hand, and the other hand gently pumping my cock. I found myself projecting Davinia into the girl's role on the film. She was giving so much of herself to her lover. She accepted discomfort, indignity, and exposure for her lover's pleasure. She was giving the whole of herself, not staying away from him sewing stage costumes! Eventually, the film made me cum, but I didn't really enjoy it. 

I put the disc away and poured myself yet another brandy. 

I was still restless and unsettled. I knew I was unhappy, what I didn't know was what I wanted. OK, I knew I wanted more of Davinia's time, I wanted her here now, with me. But, for what, what did she really mean to me? Was I falling for her? Well there was no point in doing that, it would only mean it would hurt all the more when we get to the final bust-up. She was just a girl, the latest in a long line. OK, so these days I wanted something more than the one night stand with a pretty face from Shades, I was getting older. I wanted an easy going relationship with an easy going girl, where we slept together and had fun. That wasn't falling for her. And no way was that anything to do with the L word. No way. 

And on that clarification of my feelings, I went to bed.

Thursday was just a busy day in the office. I noticed that Tim was around for some of it, but we didn't really talk, beyond a greeting at the coffee machine.

After work I went to the gym for an extra long and heavy session. Then I went to the pub, in the hope of finding some TGI'ers. Anything was better than going back to the flat, with me alone in the mood I've been in all week. The only two there were Don McIntyre, the Sales and Marketing Director, and Alice. Apparently they had just had a good day doing a presentation for a new potential client, and had only just got back. Don said he wasn't stopping, he only needed to take a break after the long drive and before he went home. So that left me and Alice.

I picked up her empty glass, "Fancy another?"

"With you, anytime, Dave." There she goes again!

When I got back with her drinks, she took hers and looked at me, "So what is Mr Domestic doing here when he should be home roasting his toes in front of the log fire, in connubial bliss with Davinia?"

I looked at her, "Mr Domestic? Me? You must be joking."

"Well, I'll grant you that that was thinking ahead a bit, but I suspect one or other of the secretaries has opened a book on when you and Davinia will name the day."

"Now I know you're joking. This is the great Dave Finch here. Isn't my reputation worth anything?"

"Not when it's up against a determined female, no." she said, smiling sweetly.

"Well, if Davinia's objective is to get me to the altar, firstly she's chosen the wrong target. Secondly, she's got a very odd way of going about it."

Alice smiled quietly, "And that's why you're here drinking and not roasting your toes. What's she done?"

"Well... yes!"

"And you're not at all upset because you can take 'em or leave 'em. I understand. On a night, when I guess she has decided not to be with you, you will make a show of independence and go to the pub. How very conveniently your diaries slot together."

Alice was laughing at me. "Well, at least I've got a girlfriend, where's your man?" was the best I could do.

"Oh! I know who my man is." She smiled sweetly.

"But does he know it?" I said, regaining some advantage.

She paused, still smiling. "So. Do you want to go and get something to eat and you can tell me what Davinia's done wrong?"

"Yes. Why not? Where do you fancy?"

"How about that pub at the top of the High Street? It's got something to do with birds. The Magpie? The Blackbird? No, I remember, it's the Three Chuffs. I hear they do some good bar food in the evenings, and it's meant to be cheap."

"Well, if it's got good beer then it can be renamed Heaven" I declared, finishing my beer and ready to leave.

And that's what we did. And I enjoyed it. We didn't talk about Davinia, but mainly about office gossip, including a good debate on whether Tim and Beth would survive this time. Interestingly, I was on their side, it was Alice who was the doubtful one, but maybe both of us were just taking positions for the sake of the argument. 

Then, at about ten thirty and well after we'd finished eating, a whole noisy crowd arrives from some meeting or other, amongst them is Davinia. She saw me with Alice, and she didn't look too pleased. 

Give Alice her due, she immediately saw the potential problem. "I spot troubled waters! Time to pour a little oil." And she got up and went over to Davinia, with me following.

"Hello, Davinia. I found this boyfriend of yours, coming into a pub all alone and needing a drinking companion for the evening. I think he needs some TLC, and not from me."

I put my arm around Davinia and kissed her cheek. She didn't turn to meet my kiss. I could almost hear her brain working through her thoughts. 

Let's keep this light I decided, "Can I get you a drink, Dav?"

"No thanks, I think someone is getting me one."

She then did some introductions, but just introducing us as Dave and Alice, two colleagues that work at TGI. Not good! But I stayed with it, being polite, and definitely keeping my arm around her waist, which she seemed OK with. Alice quickly finished her drink and made her excuses and left. 

I leant over Davinia and whispered "How about we head back to my place?" 

She ignored my suggestion, and just went on talking to this rather fat lady about the problem of skirt hems getting trodden on and torn on the stairs back stage. Eventually, the group began to break up and we found ourselves outside.

"I'll ask again, how about coming back to my place? Come on. Please, I've hardly seen you this week."

"No, Dave. I'm not in the mood. And anyway, Ma and Pa are expecting me home, and they'll worry. And I can't go into work tomorrow in jeans, I haven't got anything to wear at your place."

"So, give your parents a call and tell them you're stopping with me. And let's get up early enough to go in via their place in the morning. Come on, Dav, I want you with me."

"No. That doesn't help my mood. I didn't expect to see you tonight, and certainly not with Alice. I think I'll go home. But I will come round tomorrow evening, I've already told everybody that I'm going to leave at eight thirty tomorrow night." 

And she gave me a peck on the cheek and was walking away. 

I chased after her, "No, Dav, we need to talk, we need to clear the air. And I miss you."

"Do we Dave? Is there anything to clear the air about? Well, not tonight. Now please don't make a scene in the street. Go home and I'll see you in the office tomorrow and we can talk tomorrow evening, if you've got something you need to say."

Fuck. Damn and Blast! Again!

Friday morning in the office, I spent most of it just buried in my office, alone. Writing all over my wall of white boards, trying to get my brain into gear to present Tim with a big idea that afternoon. The only real intrusion was a call from Alice to apologise if Davinia had misunderstood anything from catching us together last night. She offered to have another word with Davinia if I thought that would help. I told her not to bother, if she was doubting me, well I'd have to find a way round that, and for once in my life I was completely innocent.

At lunchtime I went to the gym and then for a walk along the riverbank to finally shape my ideas for Tim, and how to approach him. When I got back to the office, I dropped in on Davinia, she was friendly, but neutral, I reminded her that I was waiting to see Tim, she said she'd give me a call as soon as he was free.

Well, he wasn't free to nearly half past four. I started gently, explaining the problems, the lack of flexibility, the lack of career development to meet staff's needs and talents, of the current organisation. I tried praising the current structure as probably good for the technology of yesteryear, but we're here now dealing with the systems and the people of today. It took be an hour to get him to concede some of the weaknesses of the current structure, and even that was reluctantly. Then I launched into my idea of a total restructure and reorganisation, different staff gradings, different career progressions, different ways of staffing projects. Well, if the first hour was hard work, this second hour was impossible. By a quarter to seven we were still talking. Davinia had brought us more tea at six o'clock, just before she left, and that had gone cold.

Tim looked up from pausing to think about all I had said, "I need a drink. How about you?"

What I good idea, I thought. It'll give him time to absorb the idea, "Yes, I actually do need one. My throat is dry from all the talking I've been doing."

"Let's make it the Black Swan, I don't think we should go over the road, not with these ideas going around in our heads."

"Suits me."

And that is where we went. Tim was still very quiet and thoughtful as we walked there, as he ordered the first two pints, as he drank most of his straight off, still deep in thought. I left him with his thoughts, but getting more and more anxious for him to pronounce his verdict on my ideas.

Eventually, he looked up at me, "You're a fucking idiot, Dave. The current structure is the way the company has been organised for as long as I know. Even if I went for it, there is no way I could get it past Charlie and Neil, what we've got is probably something they laid down right at the beginning."

"Well, you don't know that unless you ask."

"Oh, yes. I'll just breeze into Neil's office on Monday morning and tell him he has the total company structure wrong. And then I'll go and see Charlie, but it wouldn't be to talk about your cock-a-mammy idea by then. It would be to collect my cards and hand in the key to my company car."

"So we live with an outmoded structure, not making the best use of our people, because you're too fucking scared to have an argument with Neil. Gee, thanks for your support boss."

"I'll support you when you start talking sense. Whilst you're being a fucking idiot you're out there on your own."

"It appears I am anyway. You don't add much to the mix. You're just a waste of space. To think I was pleased when you got that job. You're right, I am a fucking idiot. A fucking idiot to ever had any faith in you."

I finished my pint and slammed my glass on the table. Tim said nothing. After a long silence, during which the enormity of my outburst was beginning to dawn on me, he looked up. "Well, it's your round." He said as he pushed his empty glass across the table to me.

I looked at the empty glass, I looked at Tim. He waited. Was this an olive branch? I probably didn't deserve one. I took it graciously, with a half smile. I got up and went to the bar. 

When I returned I started on a change of subject "I saw you talking to Greg Dickens at the Races. I didn't get a chance to speak to him. He looked bloody awful, obviously whatever he's got is serious. The big C?" I asked.

"Well, I guess cancer was the start of it." said Tim, thoughtfully. He looked at me, "It started with his father getting cancer. From all accounts he's on the long goodbye route. But, he's in Scotland, and Greg's wife has been going up there a lot to look after him, leaving Greg at home to look after two young children, with the help of his mother-in-law."

"That doesn't make sense. Why is his wife going up to Scotland if there is a mother around who could be looking after her husband?"

"Ah! Well, her parents are divorced. And Greg says, the mother is very bitter and twisted about it. She spends her time looking after her grandchildren and bending Greg's ear at every chance she gets as to what a shit his father-in-law is and most men in general."

"Sounds fun. And he's meant to keep his job going as well. No wonder he looks stressed, poor lad."

"Oh, no. It gets far worse. Greg took comfort and refuge with a divorcee at work. He swears it was only three times in a couple of months. But his mother caught on. And being a bitch, she decided to tell her daughter, in Glorious Technicolor as Greg put it."

"Ouch!" I said, sipping my beer.

"So, Greg was served with his divorce papers within the week of the big confession scene. He is not a happy man."

"He's not just moving on to the divorcee?"

"No. Greg swears it was just two or three times, a coupling of stress and convenience. It's the witch of the mother that is egging her daughter on that is the real problem, according to Greg."

"Poor lad. He didn't look happy."

"Well, you've got to take it with a pinch of salt. Remember this is the story from Greg's point of view. It might not be exactly a well balanced account."

"Sounds true to me. Bloody women twisting things, blowing things out of proportion and not being trustworthy. They all screw us in the end."

"Things not going well with you and Davinia then?"

I took a sip of beer, "I think it's over bar the shouting. And I'm about to go back to supper at my place for that tonight."

"And how do you feel about that?"

"Fucking annoyed. I haven't done anything wrong. And all I'm getting is a cold shoulder."

"Well, I guess she never expected it to last long, not with you. So, I guess she's picked up on the idea that it's probably coming to an end anyway. Pity, I thought you two might be good together."

"What do you mean, she'd never expect it to last long?" 

"Well, you're not exactly strong on the love and commitment bit are you Dave. You've never allowed yourself to be loved by any woman for as long as I've known you."

"Well, there's no point in falling in love, whatever that means. They will only screw you around. Look at what's happened to Greg, or what Beth did to you. Only, like a fucking idiot, you've gone back for more."

"Well, at least I'm capable of keeping a woman living with me for more than a week. Unlike some. You may be good at the picking up bit, Dave, but you're fucking bloody useless at giving enough of yourself for them to ever think you might be decent enough to be worth staying with."

"Oh, Yeah! Well I don't get caught crying myself to sleep night after night because I didn't even notice that my slut wife was screwing the next door neighbour."

He slammed his glass down, looked at me, and walked out. Fucking idiot, going back to his slut wife!

I finished my drink, feeling very righteous, and knowing that I've just taken a promising career and stuffed it up totally. And lost a good friendship in the process. But he deserved it, every word. Too much of a coward to tell the company when it's got something wrong. Too weak to really walk away from a stupid bitch of a wife.

I went home via the little Indian supermarket to buy some curries.



TGI Chronicles Pt. 2 Ch. 06



I walked up the High Street that Friday night, still mumbling in my mind about the stupid boss I used to have. And wondering what I would do for a job after I was sacked on Monday. I decided to leave it to them to sack me, that way they would have to pay me off, and that should be more money than if I resigned. Well, I guess Davinia won't be around after tonight, so I will be a completely free agent to move on anywhere for a new job. But it was a pity, I really did like living here.

The late night shop at the top of the High Street had a rack of flowers outside as I passed. I thought that if I was going back to provide a meal for Davinia, during which we would agree, like civilised people, that our relationship was at an end, but she might as well see that there is a good side of me that she is giving up. I bought two big bunches, one for the room and one to give her. I also bought a good box of liqueur chocolates, which I was surprised they stocked, left over from Christmas I guess, or stocked for Easter.

I just finished arranging the flowers in the living room when Davinia arrived. She was wearing a short coat over jumper and jeans. But she looked good.

She gave me a quick peck on the cheek, "Hi, excuse me, I need the loo." And she walked passed me towards the bathroom.

'Oh! Hi, Dave. Sorry I've given you such a rough week. Here let me make it up to you!' Yeah, sure. I should be so lucky! I went into the kitchen and collected a decent bottle of red wine, and a couple of glasses. I had my back to the door when I heard her return.

"Sorry about that, I was desperate." I turned round to face her. She had taken her coat off, her jumper was soft, cuddly wool, with her breasts shaping it softly, without the aid of a bra. I bet that if I searched I'd find a bra stuffed into the pocket of her coat. 

I smiled and picked up the flowers, "Present for you."

"Oh, Dave, I don't deserve these. I should be buying you presents." She came and draped her arms around my neck, and we kissed. I full, passionate loving kiss.

When we broke, I put the flowers down so that I could hold her properly. "I needed that."

"So, did I" she said, "In fact, I hadn't realised how much. I'm sorry, I guess I've given you a pretty rough week."

All of a sudden the sun came out and shone so brightly in that room, every other problem melted away, it didn't matter how or why we had ended up as we had, she was pleased to be there, and that's all that mattered. But, I thought I'd better get over telling her that I've totally fucked up my career, she needed to know what sort of man she was entangled with, "Certainly not one of my best. But, not to worry. I topped it out well this evening, and that was nothing to do with you."

"Why? What have you done?"

"I told Tim he was a fucking idiot and a useless boss, which he is. And that he's married to a cheating slut, which she is. But I doubt whether it's done my career much good."

She broke from my hold and sat down, looking shocked, "I think I need a glass of wine, and then you'd better tell me about it. I can't believe you did that, well not in a way that you meant it."

I poured two glasses of wine, passed her one and sat opposite her. "No, let's talk about us. That's far more important, and I'll tell you about Tim, later."

She looked at me, and smiled her soft sideways smile, "I guess you scared me a bit last Sunday, when you suggested that I move in. It was all a bit too soon after Tod. And this was the Casanova of TGI! I'd be a fool to get myself in too deep with him. So, I guess I took some refuge in the play, I'm sorry."

"And Tuesday night?"

"I did get caught up with Mrs Malaprop having supper ready when I arrived. But I didn't think you would have gone to any trouble after I'd put you down on Sunday. And then we did run late. But, I'll admit I was a bit scared of how you were going to be, after Sunday and all that. But then I got here, and I saw how much trouble you'd gone to, and that made me feel so guilty. And I'm sorry I didn't handle it very well." There were tears welling up in her beautiful blue eyes.

"I'm sorry too. I did try to build some bridges on Wednesday in your office, but you seemed so determined to keep your distance."

"Well, I felt a bit guilty. There was nothing going on between me and Drew when you came in. But I know he would try and date me if I gave him the least opportunity. Tim asked me about him yesterday, just before he saw Drew."

"Yes, he told me that he wondered if Drew was letting personal feelings get in the way of his work."

"Yes. That's what he asked me about. But I don't think so. Or anyway, Drew isn't causing me any problem. He's a very nice guy, and he's got a great body. He doesn't have your good looks, Dave, but he does have an easy smile. But, I promise you, he's a non-starter, I want to be with you. Promise."

"Thanks, I think I needed to hear that. I was a bit worried. If I wasn't around, would you go if he asked?"

She thought about that for a bit, "Yes, I probably would. But I'm not going to, not for as long as you'll keep me around. I realised yesterday just how you must be feeling about Drew, and I promise you, you have no need to worry."

"Why, what made you realise this yesterday?" I asked, getting up, and sitting next to her on the sofa.

She moved over to make room for me, but then leaned against me once I was settled, "When I came into the Three Chuffs last night and I saw you with Alice. I was so jealous and so scared. I thought I'd driven you into her arms. And she's so attractive, and you two looked so good together, as if you belonged together in someway."

"But?"

"But I talked to Alice, and I know there was nothing in it. I believed her."

When had that happened? "She offered to talk to you, and I told her not to."

"I went and found her, I waited at the coffee machine on the Marketing floor, until she went into the Ladies." She explained, as if a woman hanging around the toilets was an everyday event at TGI.

I laughed, "The secret room. The female territory! What did she say?"

"I reckon she's a bit like Drew is with me. I reckon if you asked her, she'd go out with you. But I hope I never give her the chance. And I don't think she would ever try muscling in."

"And that's OK with you? That there's someone who would date me, given a chance?"

"Yes. Because it's like Drew. We're evens."

"Well you're a bit safer. I do agree, Alice's very attractive, and she's got a great body. But, even if you weren't around, I don't think I'd ask her. I like her as a friend, but..."

We both took sips of our wine, I saw the flowers lying in an armchair, "You ought to put those flowers in water."

"Have you got a vase I could use?"

"Aren't you going to take them home? I bought them for you."

"Well, I thought I might like to see them beside the bed when I wake up in the morning." Now that was promising. We kissed, and I held her in my arms.

Eventually, when we had settled back into just a cuddle, and I was wondering how I was going to tell her about my row with Tim, she asked "Can we eat later, can't we? I mean you haven't done something wonderful and special have you?"

"Oh, no. I brought in some Indian curry. You know from that little Indian shop just off the High Street."

"No, I don't know. But I'd like you take me to bed now. But I want to go to bed with you, and not use condoms. Please Dave. I want to feel you inside me, not a rubber skin."

"But I only use them for safety, for your sake. I haven't always just hung around in bars with Alice, you know."

"OK. How many women have you had in the last six months say?"

Good question. Should I minimise to make myself look better? Or exaggerate to make myself look better? The only solution was to tell the truth, "I don't know, I haven't counted. About eight I would guess. And I don't know who they've been with. It's safer with a condom."

"OK. Now have you used a condom of every single occasion with those women?"

"Yes, of course I have. It's sort of second nature to me now. Has been for years."

"So, you couldn't have possibly caught anything, then. And, as you're pretty healthy, and have been for years... I'll risk it if you will. And I don't think I'm risking anything. Please Dave. I want you."

"If you're sure. I guess I'm clean. I was tested about a year ago, and I know I've used a condom every time since then."

"Well, it would be a bit of a waste of my contraceptive pill if we don't use it." She smiled, stood up and led me to the bedroom.

I held her and took her in my arms beside the bed. We kissed, hard and passionately. And then I took hold of the hem of her jumper and pulled it up, she raised her hands above her head so that I could take it off. 

A bent over so that I could kiss her breasts, with those soft pink nipples, and she held my head to her breasts, showing her need. Then I stood up and kissed her on the mouth again, and her hands found their way inside my shirt at the back, so that she was holding me to her.

Then I knelt down and slowly undid the stud button on her jeans, and lowered the zip. She wasn't wearing any panties. I looked up at her, she was watching me, smiling, "I took them off in the bathroom, when I took off my bra."

I kissed her tummy in the vee of the loose jeans, "I guessed the bra bit. It was the first sign that I was forgiven."

"There was nothing to forgive. I told you, it was my fault."

I slid her jeans down to her ankles, but she still had on her trainers and socks. I pushed her round to be sitting on the bed, and then undid the laces on her shoes and pulled them off, and then her socks, and finally her jeans. She swung round to lie on the bed. She was beautiful.

I pulled my shirt over my head as soon as I'd undone enough buttons to allow it. And then I undid my trousers and pushed them down with my boxers. I sat on the edge of the bed and scrabbled out of my shoes, socks, trousers and boxer shorts in one tangled, messy movement.

I swung onto the bed to lie beside her, and kissed her again. She put her arms around me, but loosened her hold as I bent to kiss her nipples again, and then started to kiss my way down her stomach, to her belly button and on to that neat little triangle. I eventually kissed her pouting pussy lips, just by her clit, and I tried to push my tongue in, but her legs were too tightly closed.

I tried sliding a hand between them, at her knee, to open her legs, but she protested, "No. Just make love to me, I want to feel you inside of me. Please, Dave."

So I lifted myself on top of her, missionary position, and she opened her legs wide. I slid into a woman, for the first time in years, bareback. And I realised what I'd been missing in all those years. 

She raised her legs and bent them at the knee, and I slowly began to fuck her. 

She watched me to start with, staring into my eyes, but then feelings started to overwhelm her and her breathing changed to pants and her eyes closed. 

"Yes, Dave. Fuck me, make me yours." And she climaxed, her whole body went rigid for a second, and I was forced to stay still.

Then I started again, gently, but speeding up. Her eyes were open again and she was watching me. I lowered my head to kiss her. And then I was being overtaken by feelings, and I put my head to the side of hers, and she held me as I came, "Yes!"

I rolled off her. Kissing her gently as I passed. "I think that could catch on. I rather enjoyed it." I said, laughing.

She laughed too. "Well, just once in a while."

We lay there in silence, with me drawing little circles with my finger across her tummy. "Does this mean you will move in then?"

She looked at me, "No. Not yet. I guess we might be on track for that, but not yet, please. I have got a lot on, with the play and everything. If I moved in now, I'd still be bringing too much baggage, and I've got so much to do, I don't want to have to be learning to live with you as well, with all the little compromises and give and take that it would mean. I'm sure to get it wrong, and I don't want another week like this week, ever. Let's leave that until after the play. Please." She moved her head a little further away from me, and looked at me, quizzically, "You're OK with that aren't you?"

What could I say? "Yes. I understand, only when you're ready."

She moved back, close to me, "But I promise I will come here often, and spend several nights a week here. Especially during the week, but I rather like being taken on dates at weekends. It sort of makes them special."

"OK. Just make sure I see a lot of you, especially in this bed." and I kissed her, gently.

When we broke apart she sat up against the headboard, "So, how about this curry, then? And more important, how about another glass of wine?" 

"OK" I said, it'll take about half an hour to defrost and serve, but cooking my special pillau rice will take that time as well. The wine is a little more instant." I got up off the bed in search of the bottle and our glasses, throwing on my bathrobe as I went.

By the time I got back she had put on my discarded shirt. It suited her, the blue went well with her eyes. 

I passed her a glass of wine, "Fancy peeling an onion, and crushing some cardamom seeds?"

And we both went off to the kitchen, cooking under my direction, but kissing every time we passed each other. I did the bulk of the cooking, not that there was very much to do, Davinia arranged her flowers in the bedroom. Soon the food was ready, and we took it into the living room to sit at the table.

"So, what's the story of you and Tim then?"

"Well, this afternoon I tried selling him my ideas to totally reorganise the Department. I thought I was doing quite well, it was a big thing, it'll effect the jobs and careers of everyone there. But I thought, give him time over the weekend, and he'll come round."

"You both looked amicable and happy, fairly tired, but happy, when I brought you those last cups of tea."

I looked up at her, "We were, or I thought we were. But we decided to go to the pub. Not over the road as usual, but the Black Swan, so that we could talk some more. But, by the time we got there, he totally rejected the whole idea, telling me I was an idiot to try and even think of it. So, I responded in kind, only I upped the stakes a bit, so he upped them and it sort of got out of hand. But it is a good idea, and he had to be told."

She listened quietly, "So what happened then?"

"Well, we sort of called a truce, and had some more beer. But then we got talking about Greg Dickens, you know - the ITP chap. Apparently he's getting divorced because a silly witch of a mother has stirred it up that he was indiscrete a couple of times when his wife has been spending all her time in Scotland. And then he asked about you, or about us really. And I said I was a bit miffed at you this week. And that sort of led to me observing that women are different to us blokes, and that his wife was a leader of being a bit different. That's all. But I was a bit more colourful in my language."

"So, what did he say?"

"Nothing. He just sort of walked out."

"Well, you have set yourself a mountain to climb. But it's all my fault. I'm sorry."

"What do you mean? You've got nothing to do with my relationship with Tim. We've known each other for years, it's nothing to do with you."

"Oh, so if you weren't upset about the way I had been treating you this week, and you were in a happy mood, you would still have thrown your vitriol at poor Tim? You were in a bad mood, because of me, and you took it out on poor Tim, didn't you?" She sipped her wine, looking at me across the table.

"Well, I'll admit I haven't been in the best of moods. But he started it, he called me a fucking idiot. But, I guess I wasn't in a mood to overlook it."

"What was there to overlook? He calls you a fucking idiot about once a week. And you call him one on fairly regular occasions. It's one of the strengths of your relationship, that you have a boss, no a business partner, that you know and trust and respect that much. Neither of you have ever meant it before, and my guess is that Tim didn't mean it tonight."

"Oh!, Fuck!"

"Yes, Oh Fuck. But more important is if you called his wife a slut."

I thought about that as I chewed a piece of nan bread, "I can't remember my exact words, but they were pretty explicit along those lines."

"How would you feel if Tim had called me a vicious woman who deliberately tried playing you around this week, just for malicious fun. A real cruel bitch."

"But you aren't."

"No, but it is a legitimate view of how I behaved. And no one else knows what goes on between us, or what we feel. The same is true of Tim and Beth. He has every right to be seriously upset with you."

"But you said it was a possible legitimate view."

"Yes, but you don't believe it's true yourself. You told me how impressed you were at Beth's need to build a new life with Tim, and how committed they are to each other. You said they had something very special. Now that's the relationship where you are saying she is a slut."

"Did I say that about them? Oh yes, I guess I did on that Sunday, after their dinner party. Maybe I was fooled by their PR."

"Do you believe that?"

"No. I think I really have stuffed up."

"Well, you're certainly going to test the strength of Tim's friendship to forgive you this one."

"Fuck!"

"Yes, Fuck! But first - fuck me." She started undoing the buttons of the shirt she was wearing. "Come on, there's nothing you can do for Tim tonight. There's something you can do for me."

And we went to bed. And it was wonderful, again. 

In the morning I woke first, and crept out of bed to make a pot of tea, which I took back to the bedroom. 

She was sitting up in bed as I returned, her breasts moving on her chest as she watched me, "I was looking at my flowers. They are beautiful, and I didn't thank you properly, Dave."

"Oh, I think you did, but if you want to thank me again, well...."

"No, I mean, you were buying me flowers when I'd been a bitch to you all week. I don't deserve you. Thank you."

I looked at her, "Do you want to know the truth?"

"Don't tell me, you stole them from a funeral cortege."

"No. I just wanted to be Mr Perfect when you gave me the push. It was one-upmanship."

"God! Did you really think I was going to call it off?"

"Yes. And I'm glad you didn't. And this is why" I said as I bent down to take both her breasts in my hands and lift them to my mouth.

Soon we were full into a loving sexy embrace, with her playing with my cock. She pushed me back onto the bed and took me in her mouth, gently sucking away. She was definitely improving. But she didn't do that for long before she knelt over me and guided me into her pussy, then she sat on me, with me deep inside her.

"You realise that we are meant to go to dinner at Tim and Beth's this evening."

"Oh, God! I'd forgotten that. Do I have to phone them or do you think they'll realise that I won't be going?"

She gently pumped herself up and down, but I was rapidly shrinking, thinking about my faux pas. "That won't do you much good. I think you've just made my balls retract inside me, into a pre-puberty position!"

"Oh, sorry. I just wanted to make you realise that you've got to go and apologise this morning. Sooner the better."

"I can't. Maybe he'll realise that I was just hitting out. Maybe I won't have to say anything. We'll just go on before, never having to say anything. I'll find out soon enough, on Monday morning."

"No. You owe him and Beth an apology. And I'm going to dinner tonight with or without you. Tim's my boss, and I like him and Beth. And I haven't been calling them names. It's up to you to sort it out before then. Or not show yourself, but I don't think you're that big a coward, are you Dave?"




TGI Chronicles Pt. 2 Ch. 06



"Yes, I am. Don't you worry. I can be a pretty big coward at times like these."

She climbed off my totally wilted cock. But then she bent down to take it in her mouth. I felt her tongue swirling round it. "Oh! That feels so good. Keep that Up and I'll be back on duty anytime soon, Tim or no Tim."

She lifted her head off me for a moment, "This is the first time I've ever tasted myself. I've never gone down on anyone after they've been in me. Consider yourself honoured. It's the sort of thing I only do for men who are not cowards." 

And she went back to sucking. And soon I was stiff again, and she climbed on again, "Now where were we?" she asked, as she slowly pumped up and down. "Ooh, yes! You were about to tell me how you're going to apologise to Tim."

"Oh, I don't know. Give me some time to think about it. Maybe you could suggest that I take us out to a restaurant. Or I could send Beth some flowers, or something. Oh, just keep that up, please."

She stopped, "Do you promise that you'll sort it out?"

"Yes. Well, I'll try and think of a way. Promise. Now please, this is blackmail."

"Yes. It is. But it's fun, isn't it?"

And then she leaned forward and kissed me and we were fucking away like a steam hammer. And I watched as she started to orgasm, and her coming started my own orgasm, and we came together. And we lay there in one sweaty, tangled heap.

I was quiet over breakfast, I was thinking about Tim and Beth, and how I could apologise. The more I thought about it, the more depressed I became. There was no way I could apologise, or even create the situation where I could apologise, let alone try and let Tim keep his pride as I did so. I began to realise just how deeply I may have hurt him.

I was still quiet after breakfast. Davinia looked at me, "You'll find a way, I'm sure you will." 

I looked at her, I wished I could believe her.

"Look, Dave, I'm going now. I've got some shopping to do, and then I'm going home. I'll be setting out for Tim and Beth's at seven thirty. I hope you're there to collect me, so that we can go together, but otherwise, I meant it, I'm going alone."

Just then her phone rang, "Hi" she answered, but, of course I could only hear one half of the conversation.

"Oh, Hi! No, I'm at Dave's now. I'll tell you about it later."

"Yes. Same here."

"Yes, good idea. Look I'm just about to go into town for some shopping. Why don't we meet for coffee."

"OK, I'll see you there. Bye."

I looked at her, "Who was that?"

"Oh, just a girlfriend. She wants to talk about her man, and probably about my man, given half a chance."

I looked dubious.

"It's alright. It'll all be good. Now think about what I've said. And do what you know is right."

She came over to me, and we kissed. I held her in my arms. "Oh, Dav. I don't know how to undo what I've done. I'm sorry."

"Well there you are then. That's a good opening line. Now I'm off." 

She kissed me again and was gone.

I sat and moped. It was a matter of pride. And of truthfulness. I did think he was letting me down on the re-organisation idea. And I don't know what I thought about Beth. As far as women were concerned, I've felt on such shaky ground these last few weeks, I didn't know what to think. Hell, I didn't really know what I felt about any of them. 

I was still sitting there, with a cold mug of coffee, that I'd made in a fit of activity, but not drunk, at about eleven thirty when there was a knock at the door. It was Beth. Of all the people I wanted to see right now, I think Beth was pretty near the bottom of the list.

"Hello, Beth."

"Hello, Dave, can I come in?"

"Yes, sure." I led her into the living room. "Would you like a coffee? I made one earlier, but I let it go cold." Let's talk about coffee, or the weather, or anything but what really matters, please.

"No thanks, you know I've just had one."

The penny dropped, "Davinia!"

"Of course! Do you expect us to stand on one side while the two most important men in our lives screw up their careers, their relationship and friendship?"

"Well there's not a lot that can be done about it." I said, wryly.

She paused and looked at me, "In some ways that's a start."

I sat down and waved my hand to invite her to do the same. She did so while I asked, "What do you mean?"

Again she paused, obviously she was choosing her words, "Last year, Dave, I learnt an important lesson. You can't change history. It doesn't matter how much you want to, how much you wish you could go back in time, and not make the key comment, not make the mistake, you can't. But you do wish you could, don't you Dave?"

"Yes. The whole conversation got out of hand, and I wish I hadn't said a lot of it."

"The only thing you can do is accept what's happened. Learn from it, and, if you're lucky, find ways of using it to strengthen your relationship. That's what I've had to do after last year, and at a simpler level, that's what you've got to do. Now, why don't you come to lunch?"

"You've got to be joking. Dav is nagging me to sort something out because she thinks that your invite to dinner is still on. But I can't believe you want me to come to lunch. Not yet."

"Well I do. This slut is inviting you to lunch with her and the waste of space."

I was astounded. "Well, you seem to know everything. I can't believe you know that."

"It took some time to get a fairly complete story. Tim didn't tell me everything, and he certainly protected me from what you called me, but between myself and Davinia I think we've got a fairly good idea of what you two hurled at each other. What I don't understand is why?"

I thought for a while, staring at a rather good watercolour painting that hung between the windows. I turned back to Beth, "If you really want to talk about it, I think I will have that coffee. Are you sure you don't want one?"

"OK then, but only because I know you'll make a good one."

So, I disappeared into the kitchen and got busy with the coffee grinder. It gave me a chance to think. Maybe Beth could help me find a way of at least talking to Tim.

I returned with two mugs of coffee, and passed one to Beth, "How is he this morning?"

"Better than he was last night. Last night you were 'that bastard', this morning you've progressed to 'that bastard, Dave'. Now sit down and tell me what you two were talking about, and how it ended up with throwing insults at each other."

And so I gave her a quick summary of the whole conversation, if that's the right word for it, in the Black Swan last night. She just sat and listened.

When I finished, she sat looking at me, "You put a lot of effort into your idea, didn't you? You thought it out in detail, and presented a case for a huge change in management thinking, and he rejected it, calling you a fucking idiot. But, I know he's called you that before, many times. And I know you've called him similar. It's part of your relationship." 

I smiled, it was true. Tim and myself traded insults as part of every day life. It was part of what made the relationship special. And it often amazed people that I could talk to my boss like that, or that I had a boss that would talk to me like that.

"Yeah, well it stung yesterday."

"Do you know, Tim is so scared of losing you? He knows that the only way he does his job is because he has you to rely on. You've got the best performing department in the company, and it's no coincidence that it headed by two guys who are in a partnership that transcends usual business relationships. That's why he's at home now going over organisational charts on pieces of paper, whilst he tries to find some latest management theory on the Internet. He was listening. He just threw it back at you with a problem you hadn't thought about, of how to make it happen. But he hit you on a bad day."

"What do you mean, a bad day?"

"Well, I guess Davinia had really screwed you up last week, hadn't she? She as good as told me so in the coffee shop just now. Now I know you are the ultimate, arrow proof stud, and you have no special feelings for her, but she did wind you up, didn't she?"

I looked at her, and smiled, "She might have, a bit."

"And, at the end of the week, your boss threw your idea back at you, to try and make you think it through some more. And you didn't like it. And then he went on to criticize you at a deeply personal level about your attitude to women. And, given the Davinia situation, you were a bit tender on that subject?"

"Well, I hadn't done anything wrong towards Davinia. And he had no right to try and tell me it was my fault."

"True. And as I understand Davinia, it was her fault. She was in a muddle over her feelings for you. But she seems to have sorted those out a bit, I hear. I'm glad you two are back together. But I guess it is all a bit hard for you, Dave, to get used to the idea that maybe you do really feel something for a girl, and that maybe you've got to learn a few new tricks. Tim wasn't so far off, but you didn't need to hear it last night, and not just after he's rejected your business idea."

"He didn't say anything that a friend hasn't got the right to say. It was me, I just didn't want to hear it. You're right, Beth. But I still don't see anyway back. And I do still think that reorganisation of the department is the right answer."

"I invited you to lunch. So come on, I have sausages from the butcher in Chillington for lunch. Just simple sausages, bread and some pickles."

"Their pork and sage ones? They're the best."

"No, their new pork and apple ones."

"Oh! God! I haven't tried them."

"Well, here's your chance. And I promise you, Tim is sitting at home at the moment desperately trying to think of a way of getting over last night. But, like you, maybe like all men, his pride is the biggest obstacle."

"I'm only coming because of the Chillington sausages, you do know that, don't you?"

"Just get your coat and stop blathering."

We walked down to River Walk side by side. She asked me whether I really thought she was a slut for what happened last year. But I promised her I didn't, that it was a heat of the moment thing, just a good line to throw at Tim. Every time I spoke to Beth I became more convinced that she was a stronger, more open and honest person because of last year, rather than someone who was going to make another mistake.

When we arrived, I was so scared. Scared of just meeting Tim, of him seeing me. Beth physically pushed me into their living room, and she went into their kitchen. He was working at their dining table, he had his laptop out, and papers everywhere. 

He looked up and saw it was me, and he stood. "You know, Dave, the worst problem I've had with this reorganisation idea is that I didn't think of it first. You're absolutely right, and we should have done it a couple of years ago."

I looked at him, "I'm sorry." was all I could say.

He came round from the table, and for the first time ever, we hugged. "I'm sorry too, Dave."

At that point, Beth came in, "Well that's alright then. Dave is staying to lunch, I invited him."

Tim smiled, "Good, then he can go over his organisation ideas again, and there's rugby on this afternoon."

And that's what we did, until about six o'clock when I went home to shower and change and to collect Davinia. By that time, Tim and myself had agreed our complete ideas on reorganisation, and how we were going to sell it to the Board. We had no illusions about that, it was going to take some time, and a careful campaign, but it might make some use out of Neil's stupid Development Forum idea. 

I called for Davinia at twenty five minutes past seven. She was still getting ready, but when she came down stairs I wondered why I was wasting this beautiful girl on a middle class dinner with friends when I should be whisking her off to Paris for .... well, for whatever.

As we walked down to River Walk, she asked how I'd put right my relationship to Tim. She knew damn well it was with the help of Beth, "It's funny, Beth has been such a good friend to me in the last few weeks, and yet I'm sure she didn't really like me since I first met her."

"Yes. She admitted that to me. She used to worry that you were a bad influence on Tim. That you would tempt him away to the seductive charms of the girls of Shades and whatever your other haunts are."

"I suspect it's working the other way around." I wryly observed.

"And what do you mean by that?"

"Never you mind. I've a reputation to maintain. I am a slave to the legend of Dave Finch."

"And when the story becomes the legend, print the legend." she said with a smile.

"A girlfriend who not only loves theatre, but can quote film scripts. I have taken on something here. But, no. I reckon if you want a quote for my life, then 'Hold onto your hats. It's going to be a bumpy ride' seems more appropriate."

She stopped walking and we swung to face each other, she looked up into my face, "I promise I'll try to hold on, but I still don't know if I'll manage to."

I kissed her, "Nor do I." We broke our embrace and started walking again, "But it's fun trying."

The evening with Tim and Beth was one of the happiest evenings I can remember. There was nothing special about it, but just a sense of joy at being in each other's company. We ate too much, we definitely drank too much, and we laughed together.

As Davinia and myself walked up River Walk on our way home, Davinia suggested we take a taxi, partly because we were cold, the wind along the river was bitter, but also because she wanted us to get to bed quickly.

"But I thought you were going to spend weekend nights at your parent's?"

"A girl can change her mind, can't she?"

And we went back to my place, and went to bed, and made love.

On the Sunday morning I woke to Davinia moving to take my hard cock in her mouth, it felt good. It felt very good. After a while, I tried moving down the bed, with the intent of taking hold of her, of kissing her and leading her towards the fucking I thought we were both intending, but I was wrong.

"No, Dave. Let me do this. I want to just suck you all the way. And she did, at my suggestion she also used her hand to pump my cock a little, but she never took her mouth off me. I warned her as I felt myself rising to cum, but she just took me deeper into her mouth. I watched her swallowing me as I came.

"That's the first time I've ever taken a man the whole way. Thank you. You weren't my first for the real thing, I guess we're both too old to expect that, but for some reason I've never given any man a full blow job before. I guess it wasn't your first."

"No, but you've already given me something special this weekend. I'd forgotten how good it feels without condoms. For that alone, I'm grateful."

She came up the bed to lie against my shoulder, with my arm around her. "I know you've had lots of girls Dave, so I guess you're very experienced. It makes me feel so inadequate. I am alright aren't I?"

"Yes. You're great. In fact, I hope we can go on to do new things ourselves. And don't worry about all the girls in my past, I'm here with you now, and that's where I want to be. I have no wish whatsoever to be with any single one of them."

"Oh, Dave. Thank you."

"But being with two or three of them..." I smiled, and she hit me with the flat of her hand in the middle of my stomach. It hurt. "Ouch! That hurt!"

"Oh! Sorry. Let me kiss it better."

And so we played for a while, but she wouldn't let me lick her, or do anything that might bring her to orgasm. She said it was important to her that she did something just for me, without getting something in return. 

After breakfast, she said she was going home. I know I looked disappointed.

"I'm sorry, Dave. But we've agreed that we are still boyfriend and girlfriend. I haven't moved in. You're OK with that, aren't you."

"I guess I'll have to be. When will you be back?"

"I don't know. We'll play it by ear. I've still got lots to do for the play, we've only got two weeks to go. Then, maybe I'll be more relaxed."

And so we kissed goodbye, and I was left on my own for the rest of that Sunday. I felt it was an anti-climax, from a couple of days when I think I had felt so many emotions. I went to the gym, cooked a chocolate cake, watched some television, and generally felt lonely.

Then, late on Sunday evening, TJ phoned. He was a voice from another life. But I was pleased to hear from him, and we soon fell into the easy chat of two very old friends. He was still miserable that his last girlfriend had left him, and that was about a year ago, and he was feeling lonely as well as me. I invited him down for a weekend in the next two of three weeks. It would be good to see him again, and it might be good to introduce Davinia to my oldest friend. He would phone me to agree the date. 

In the office on Monday, and as agreed with Tim on Saturday, I gave Drew his project. He seemed very happy. 

I saw Davinia, asking her what her evening held. She cheerfully told me was going to be working on her costumes. I gently asked if she'd like me to cook a late supper, but she said that she would be going home. 

Tim dropped by me desk to say that he had managed to see Charlie Bullard, and he had agreed to see us both for an informal meeting on Thursday. In fact Charlie had suggested that he takes us both up to the Golf Club for a leisurely lunch. I asked Tim if he was going to the Gym that evening.

"I could do, why?" he asked, curious.

"Well, as you know, Drew is sure to be going. And, given that we've just given him his own project, I would have thought he would almost have to come for a drink with us if we invite him. And then, perhaps, Tim, you could find some conversation that would highlight that myself and Davinia are an item, and that might make Davinia's life a little easier, and lower the tension between myself and Drew.

Tim listened, and thought for a moment, "OK. It could backfire on us. But let's try it."

So, the three of us could be found in the Black Swan after the gym. Both Tim and myself bought Drew a pint to congratulate him on his new project. The conversation was friendly and light-hearted.

Then Tim turned to me and said, "I thought Davinia looked good on Saturday night. I liked the dress she was wearing."

I smiled, "She looked better out of it." 

"So, from that, I assume you two are getting on fine. Both of you seemed happy enough on Saturday." Said Tim. I noticed that Drew had almost visibly stiffened.

"Sorry, Drew. Tim and myself shouldn't be talking about Saturday, when you weren't there. It's rather rude of us. What did you do at the weekend?"

"Oh, I went to London. I've got a couple of old university friends there, so I can get a place to sleep for the night, and I wanted to go to the National. There was a show that I wanted to see."

Alarm bells were ringing in my head, but they obviously rang for Tim as well. Tim glanced to me, and I could see the real concern in his eyes. "Oh, what show was that? I always want to go to the theatre, but Beth is wants to. For some reason she isn't too keen."

Drew's eyes glanced at both myself and Tim, probably realising that he had said too much, "Oh! I just fancied seeing Sheridan's The Rivals. You've probably scene the posters in the High Street that the Regency Players are doing it here soon, and I wanted a yardstick on their production." He looked straight at me, "You must be going to see that, surely Dav is deeply involved in that production?"

I laughed, "Oh Yes. I've been eating sleeping and living Mrs Malaprop for weeks. I guess I'll be there both nights. But I'm trying to give good boyfriend support without actually getting roped in to sell programmes of something."

Tim spoke up, "I don't blame you. In my experience all amateur clubs and groups seem to like to suck in anyone on their fringe." He looked at Drew, "Are you a follower of the Regency Players? Have you seen many of their productions?"




TGI Chronicles Pt. 2 Ch. 06



I took a drink, so that I could watch Drew closely, without being too obvious. "No. It's something new for me." he replied.

I put my empty glass down, "Well anyone for the third?" 

"Not for me." answered Tim. Drew just drank down the remains of his second pint.

I didn't want to be left here with Drew. He seemed to be walking a very thin line that could upset me a lot. "Well, I think I should call it a day as well. Is that OK with you Drew?" I turned to him, looking concerned.

"Oh! Sure. I can get home and tell my flatmates my good news. Then I can go out to the pub again with them."

As we left, I caught up Tim to walk with him. Drew headed in the opposite direction.

"Did that sound like it raised the possibility of obsession, or am I being paranoid?" I asked Tim.

He glanced at me as he walked along. "It certainly struck me that way. Nothing that we could accuse him of, but the possibility of a problem. I did ask Dav whether she had trouble with him, she assured me that there was no problem."

"That's what she said to me. She did say she was sure he would like to ask her out, but as long as she was with me, that was not going to happen." I sighed. I didn't like this sort of pressure, Drew stalking through the long grass like some lion waiting for me to weaken and make a mistake.

"Well, there's nothing we can do about it. I suggest that you don't say anything to Davinia. It will only worry her, or she'll be sure you are paranoid."

We got to the corner where we really did need to go our separate ways, he stopped and looked at me in the streetlight, "He may just be hanging around in the sure and certain knowledge that you and Davinia won't last for ever. In fact, going on your previous record, he knows that its bloody unusual that you've lasted this long."

I slapped him on the back as I turned to leave, "Why don't I find that comforting?"



TGI Chronicles Pt. 2 Ch. 07



There was not a lot going on in the office on Tuesday, but I did see Alice in the car park. She asked if everything was OK between myself and Davinia. I reassured her, and even thanked her for putting Davinia's mind at rest about being in the Three Chuffs together. And then she did it again, "Well, Dave, Davinia should realise that nothing could happen between you and I, could it?" with a little innocent smile, and she drove off before I could think of a good put down. Damn her.

I did see Davinia, she said that she was going to finish at the Players by about half past eight, and she could join me for supper. That cheered me up, and I went shopping at lunchtime for something to make a nice supper. I found some really good looking aubergines, and so I bought some fresh pasta and committed us to an aubergine pasta bake, to be followed by home made key lime pie. So, I spent the early evening cooking, and Davinia turned up on time. It was a lovely evening, we ate, we watched the evening news, and we went to bed and made love. This is how it was meant to be last week.

I did tell her that TJ was coming to stay for a weekend soon. I told her she'd like him, he was a bit messed up after his bad divorce, but I'd known him since school, and we knew each other well. She perked up, and said she would get him to tell all my boyhood and college secrets. I told her that there were no secrets, everything was very easy and open. I didn't tell her that that included sharing the same girl for over a year. 

Davinia did tell me that she thought she wasn't going to be back until Friday evening. But she wasn't going to do any theatre work that night.

On Wednesday, I got a call from Lucy, she seemed to want to chat, which I didn't as I had all the Project Managers together in the conference room in five minutes, so I suggested that I do take her for that drink we never got the other week. I'd pick her up at eight o'clock.

Lunch time on Wednesday was the lunch with Charlie Bullard. Tim and myself went in Tim's car, as Charlie was to meet us at the Golf Club. We found Charlie in the bar, there was another man with him, tall and distinguished. This was Sir Philip Crichton. He seemed genial enough, and Charlie asked if we would mind him joining us for lunch. I looked at Tim, who said he was most welcome.

Charlie went off to confirm his booking in the restaurant, and Sir Philip disappeared to the Gents. "What are you thinking, Tim? We can't sell Charlie a total reorganisation with that guy there, he's older than Neil or Charlie, and obviously a member of the old school."

"Trust me, he'll be on our side. You don't get to the top of a Bank by clinging to the past."

So we went into lunch. After some time of just general small talk, Charlie asked "Well, you two suggested this little get together, so what's on your minds?"

Tim glanced at me before he took the lead, "We've been talking about some of our insurance team, and how we can accept transfers into us from other departments, and even how we might lose some as well. We got to wondering why the company has its present structure, I was hoping you could fill us in."

"You'd have to go right back into the start of the company for that. When we started it was towards the investment community, Neil saw an opportunity and got myself and a guy called Eric Armstrong involved. Neil was the salesman, and he sold the idea of a complete new system to our first customer. It was Eric's job to deliver, he was the real development man. And he did a brilliant job." Charlie paused to look round the table. He paused when he looked at Sir Philip.

Sir Philip said, "Go on. I'm learning a lot. It's good to hear the whole story, and I've only known the company for the last four years."

So Charlie continued, "Well, out of that first contract well done, we got more orders. And we got our first banking system order as well. The pressure was really on. I suspect, I don't know, that the pressure was the final straw on Eric's marriage. I think it was pretty weak already, but it final broke up. Eric wasn't too bad in that period, but he did rather go for anything in a skirt. It's a fairly natural reaction, I know I've been there, only I was a lot younger than Eric when it happened to me."

Charlie paused to sip his wine, "Then, one of the things in skirts was Neil's wife. I think it was once only, and I think everyone had too much to drink. I remember it, it was a Saturday night barbeque. Anyway, it was obvious that Eric wasn't going to be working for the company by five past nine on the following Monday. By the way, Neil and Sinead managed to patch things up, and went from strength to strength, until breast cancer got her some years later."

"Oh, he hasn't been married to Susan for very long then?" asked Sir Philip.

"Actually they aren't married. But they've been together now for about eight years, and they always refer to each other as 'my husband' or 'my wife'. The ring on her finger isn't actually a wedding ring." answered Charlie, looking at Sir Philip, but glancing at myself and Tim. I guess he was conscious of the confidentiality of what he was saying.

"Anyway, that Monday morning was pretty traumatic. The only thing we could do was to promote Eric's number two as the new Development Director, that was Andrew Tweedsman. And Andrew was brilliant, he held the whole company together for that time, I like to think with my help. But Neil was off the rails, and we didn't have a Sales Director back then." Charlie looked over at Tim, directly, "I think Neil's memory of those days is what worried him about you last year, Tim"

"So why isn't Andrew still Development Director, instead of Research? I've never been really sure what he does?" I asked.

Charlie looked at me, and then took another sip of wine. He glanced at Tim, and then continued, "Because it all got too much for him. He was brilliant for as long as the projects were only investment, with a little bit of banking. And for as long as it was all leading edge, high-tech stuff. He wasn't very good when it came to just bulk delivery of software project after software project, and it got worse when we radiated out to insurance and a lot more banking."

Again, Charlie paused. But no one said anything, so he went on, "It became obvious that we had to do something, things were beginning to go wrong on us. It was all shades of ITP and the problems you had last year. But, if Neil is one thing, it's that he's loyal. There was no way he was going to sack Andrew, or put someone over his head. So, Andrew was pushed sideways into Research and Technology, where he does an excellent job, he's very well respected by all the big technology companies and universities. He's turned out to be a huge asset for us. Then we split the development teams into the three departments, appointed a head of each department, and they all report to Neil. It's not the best arrangement, but we seem to have stuck there for the past eight years."

Tim looked up, "And the structure within the development departments?"

"Well, that's straightforward project teams. It's always been like that, or at least since the very earliest days when it was more of a 'all hands to the pumps' sort of non-structure. Why?"

"Because neither David nor myself are convinced it's the best structure." replied Tim.

Sir Philip stepped in, "What's wrong with it?"

Tim glanced at me, and I thought it was my time to take the centre stage, "Because it limits our flexibility, it's difficult to have one person working on two or more projects at the same time. Because it limits people's promotion chances and career prospects, unless you're a promising project manager you have no prospects with us. If you're a good consultant for insurance or banking, or an expert in some specific technology, then you're a problem within our structure. And the split between insurance, banking and investments means that we don't share technology knowledge or experience. Nor do we serve the grey cross-over areas between the three divisions, and there's more and more of those these days with financial services."

Sir Philip seemed to like that. Charlie just looked thoughtful. Eventually he looked up, "Is this a bid to rule the Company?" he asked, with one of Charlie's best friendly smiles.

Tim slapped him down, "No, it's a bid to see the company better organised for the sake of its staff and to benefit of the clients and the bottom line."

"Let's have coffee." said Charlie, determinedly. He stood up. Was the meeting over? Had we scared him away.

Charlie and Sir Philip led the way out of the restaurant, towards the lounge, where large coffee urns were set up on a corner table. Tim and myself followed. Sir Philip seemed to be doing a lot of talking in Charlie's ear. I said to Tim, "Have we blown it?"

"Not yet. But we are running pretty close to the wind. Let's take it easy now. We've fired our warning shots. Remember how you blew my mind when you came up with this last week. Give Charlie some space, Dave."

We all got our own coffees, and sat down in a group of armchairs, overlooking the eighteenth green. 

Charlie was stirring his coffee, but he looked up, "I have been prevailed upon" he glanced at Sir Philip, "to hear actually what you would want to do. What you're suggestion is. But, it is not me you have to convince, it's your colleagues in banking and investment, and of course, Neil."

Tim asked, "Would it be better if we used Neil's new Development Forum to explain some of our ideas, then?"

"Possibly. I think Neil formed that to solve some of the things you have talked about, to encourage cross-fertilisation. But, I could have a word with him, and see if he'd let you set the agenda for some of these ideas."

Sir Philip turned to Tim, "Tell me about you two. You seem to be in agreement on this. I suspect poor Charlie feels he's been outnumbered and ambushed. Have you two worked together for a long time?"

This would be interesting, I thought, especially after last Friday. Tim answered Sir Philip, "We've worked together ever since we've been at TGI, and that's over five years now. And I can tell you that we don't always see eye to eye. We're very capable of giving each other a pretty rough time. But we trust each other implicitly."

Sir Philip just smiled and nodded. "Are you friends? I mean out of work or are you just close colleagues?"

"We're friends." said Tim and myself in unison.

Again, Sir Philip just smiled and nodded. 

And that basically was that. We chatted on for a little more, then said thank you for the lunch, and headed back to the office. As we crossed the gravel car park, Tim observed, "And that's why I was pleased to see Philip Crichton there. I didn't think Charlie would take it too well."

I picked up Lucy at eight o'clock as promised. She was dressed rather well, sexy but not slutty, the same image that she had when I picked her up in Shades half a lifetime ago.

We kissed, a polite peck, something the neighbours could see without suspicion. We went to a good pub on the other side of Sheepen that I'd been to once before, but which I remembered did some quite good bar food. 

Once I got us drinks, I sat and looked at her, "You're looking good, Lucy. Not only are you dressed sexy, but you look better in yourself. More confident."

"Well I don't feel confident. You remember how you wanted me to dress before when you said we should go out for a drink."

"Yes, slutty. And you certainly don't look slutty."

"But you also said I wasn't to wear some things."

"Oh! Wonderful! Does it make you feel naughty?" 

"A bit. In fact, more than a bit. I dressed like this for you, Dave, I felt I owed you something. But, we aren't going back to my place for ... you know."

"That's a bit unfair. To you as well as me. You dress up with no knickers, and then don't follow through. That's just teasing."

"Sorry, Dave, am I being a bit cruel? I didn't mean to."

"No. Actually it's OK. I'm getting on great with my girlfriend, and I was in two minds as to what I wanted to do this evening anyway." I paused to take a drink, "But, I assume this means that you had a talk to Pete, and now everything is rosy?"

"Well, yes, I've spoken to him, and I think I may have got it all wrong. He promises me that he doesn't have any girlfriend up there in Edinburgh, and that he is only working hard because he has the opportunity to make a bit of money."

"And you believe him?"

A cloud of doubt passed over her eyes, "Yes. Shouldn't I?" she looked at me, concerned.

I took a sip of my drink. "I don't know. You're the only one who might stand a chance of knowing. But if he was cheating, it might just suit him to keep you hanging on. He wouldn't be the first husband to lie to his wife."

"Don't say that, you've got me worried." She looked nervous.

"Oh, sorry Lucy. Honestly, you know your own marriage best. It was just that you were so sure it was over. And you know I don't like to interfere between a husband and his wife. Well, if it is all back together, then that means I was humping a happily married woman, and that's against my credo." I looked at her. Well, she's a cheating bitch, and even if I was the beneficiary, why should I let her off the hook?

"No. If Pete had talked to me a bit more in the first place, then I wouldn't have felt that it was all over. And, don't worry, I'm certainly not going to tell him about you and me. I'll just write it off as one of those things. There's no need for him to know."

"OK. I believe you. Do you fancy something to eat?"

"You sure? You don't owe me a meal, and I've told you, it isn't going to get you anywhere."

I laughed, "No, It's alright, honest, Lucy. I've got to eat something, although I don't want very much, I had a big lunch. And I'm grateful for the company." 

I got up and went and got a couple of menus for the bar food. I passed her one, "You have whatever you like. Just because I'm eating light doesn't mean you have to."

And so we have something to eat. We chatted happily about various things, but mainly about the shops in Sheepen. We had another drink and then I drove her home. Only she directed me to stop in a lay-by well before we got back to her house. I thought she was going to be circumspect about being actually dropped at her house, but I was wrong.

"I know we said we weren't going to do anything, Dave. And I don't want to be a tease, but would you like to check that I did dress as you wanted?"

I looked at her, she was really quite attractive. And we were in a lonely and dark car park. And I know I said I didn't want anything to happen. And maybe I could change my mind......But the image of Davinia came to mind, and that was a big But. 

I turned in the driving seat to face Lucy, "I'll take your word for it. Nothing against you, but..."

"You've fallen in love, haven't you Dave. She's got right under your skin." She laughed, "It's alright, Dave. In fact it's rather nice. How the mighty have fallen!"

"No! It's not like that. Not like that at all. But I think if you're sort of going with just one person, you owe them some loyalty." Where the Hell did that come from? It certainly wasn't in the Book of Dave Finch's Philosophy Towards Women!

We drove on, and pulled up outside her house. We kissed again, a polite friendly kiss, "Good luck, Lucy, I hope it works out for you." 

"Same to you Dave. Tell her to look after you. She's got a good one in you." I laughed and drove home.

Thursday came and went, and Friday was much the same, except I had a long chat to Tim about our tactics for the Development Forum.

Then at about six o'clock I went over to Davinia's office, she was sitting at her desk. "Fancy a drink then?" I asked.

"I was waiting for you." She started tidying her papers way. Then I noticed a large leather book lying on her desk. I picked it up, "What's this?"

"Oh, It's a nineteenth century copy of The Rivals. Drew gave it to me. Rather sweet of him, don't you think? Apparently he found it in some second-hand book shop and he thought of me."

Don't explode, Dave! Keep calm, and don't worry her. "Yes, it was a rather nice gesture. But don't you think letting him buy you presents is going a bit far?"

She stopped and looked at me, then came over and put her hands around my neck "Now, don't get all uptight about it. He isn't getting anywhere with me. And it was only one old book."

I sighed, but decided to let the matter drop. But I would mention it to Tim, maybe another man would see it different.

We went over the road to the pub. We only stayed for a couple of drinks, then we went up to the Chinese for a meal. And that was the start of a wonderful weekend. 

On the Saturday night we had a proper date, we went to the cinema and then for a meal afterwards, and I walked her home, and we stood and kissed in the porch of her parent's house. It was all a bit silly really, but Davinia liked it. It sort of marked her independence, and I guess she needed that.

On the Sunday, Davinia did warn me that her time was going to be taken up with the play for all her spare time, as it was the actual run at the end of the week. The run consisted of a first night on Friday, and a last night on Saturday. It seemed that a lot of work has gone into just two performances, but I guess that's what these enthusiasts do. So we agreed that she would make the time to come to a late supper on Tuesday evening, so as I could tell her how the Development Forum had gone, and other than that, I accepted that I wasn't going to see a lot of her. But I promised to be there on Friday night.

So, although Davinia didn't stay with me the whole weekend, and she did spend some of the weekend with the Players, I did see lot of her, and there was no tension, and lot's of sex, and it was good.

Tuesday was the first meeting of the Developer's Forum, chaired by the big boss, Neil Timmons. Tim gave me a short lecture on how we were to play it cool, and not push for reorganisation with too much enthusiasm, I promised to let him lead on that one.

Right at the outset, Neil declared that he was only going to chair the first two meetings, and after that he would drop out completely, or only attend as an observer. He did acknowledge that Tim and myself had some ideas, and suggested that we present them at the first meeting after he's handed over to Andrew Tweedsman's chairmanship. I wasn't sure whether I was pleased that we were going to get something on the agenda, or annoyed that we had to wait another couple of months. After the meeting, Tim told me that I was pleased.

I did find the interaction of the people around the table was interesting. You could visibly see Darren from Banking stiffen whenever Neil mentioned Tim's name, let alone whenever Tim spoke. Sheila from Investments seemed a lot better, but I suspect she was more confidant of her position, I'd heard that she was very respected in her market. The two deputies from Banking and Investments didn't contribute a thing, not that it mattered much, and I hadn't a lot of time for either of them. I thought that both Neil and Andrew seemed to treat me OK, and did listen and respond to my comments, which was good for my ego. Except for Darren, Tim seemed to be very well respected, I guess the work he did to save the ITP project last year was paying dividends.

Tuesday evening, Davinia came round to my place at about ten o'clock. We had a very late supper and went to bed. I was OK with it, because I knew she was under pressure, and she had still made the effort to be there.

On the Friday evening, I had one quick drink over the road, and then I went home, showered and changed and was up at the little theatre by seven thirty. I found Davinia backstage, she was walking down the corridor as I came through the door. She was carrying a huge bunch of flowers.




TGI Chronicles Pt. 2 Ch. 07



"They're gorgeous, who are they for?"

"Me, Drew sent them. Aren't they beautiful."

This time I didn't stay so calm. "That's too much. He's gone over the top. He'll be stalking you next. He's got a problem, and now we've got a problem. I've half a mind to go and find the little runt and..."

"Hey, don't be silly. They're only flowers." 

"No. They're not only flowers. I guess they're the biggest and most expensive bunch of flowers in this place tonight. And they're on top of that bloody Victorian book last week. The guy's got a problem, and you've got to sort it out, Dav. Or I will." 

"Now you are being silly. So, a friend sends be a bunch of flowers for the first night of a play I've been working on? It doesn't make him a psychopath. And I promise you I haven't done anything to encourage him." She looked hurt.

I took the flowers away from her and gently laid them on a table. Then I took her in my arms, "I'm not saying you have encouraged him, but I am beginning to think you quite like the attention. But I do know you wouldn't do anything. But, don't you see, Dav? The guy's getting out of order, it isn't healthy. He should be out there looking for his own girlfriend, not going to the florist to send flowers to mine." I kissed her nose. She kissed my chin.

"I guess so. I will try to think of a way to put him down. I don't want to hurt him, he's really nice. But you're right, it is a little over the top. I'm sorry, I guess a girl just gets flattered when she's sent flowers like this."

I kissed her nose again, "Promise?"

"Promise." 

I kissed her again, properly this time. With people pushing past us in the corridor, with one guy saying, "Now, now! All our emotions should be channelled into the production. Come along you two."

We broke apart, I looked at her, "What do you want to do after the show? Shall I wait for you?"

"No. I suspect we will relax with a bottle of wine or two backstage. Why don't you just go home and wait for me there?"

"OK, Will you be hungry?"

"No, I doubt it. Or not for food anyway." She leaned into me and kissed me again.

So with wishes of good luck, I went round and took my place in the audience. I noticed Drew sitting about five rows in front of me.

The play was no where near as bad as I was expecting. It wasn't good, but not terrible either. And, of course, the costumes were fabulous! Afterwards I just went home, had something to eat and waited.

Davinia arrived at about midnight, happy and slightly tipsy. 

I asked her if she wanted another drink or some coffee, she chose coffee, so I made two mugs of coffee.

I passed her one, "I thought it was very good. It was a pity that the audience didn't pick up on all the malapropisms. But that wasn't your fault." She just sat in the chair, listening, with her smile on her face, "Oh, and I thought the costumes were brilliant." 

"Did you notice when they exited on the wrong side in Act 2? They had to belt round to the other side ready for their next entrance."

"No. It didn't show from our side, in the audience."

We fell to silence. Each sipping our coffee.

Then I thought I could approach what was on my mind, "What happened to Drew's flowers?"

"Is that all you can think about, those bloody flowers?" she slammed her coffee down on the table, and stood up. "It's alright, I told him, he was hurt and I hated myself. Happy?" and she stormed off to the bedroom.

I found her lying on the bed, crying. I just lay next to her, and put my arms around her, cuddling her and waiting for her to calm down.

"Let's just go to bed and talk about it in the morning. I don't want to upset you Dav. I don't even want to upset Drew. But it had to be done. Now come on, let me take off your clothes and let's just go to bed." 

I think she really was more drunk than I realised. I hope that was her excuse. She sort of helped me undress her, and I tucked her under the duvet. She was fast asleep by the time I'd undressed and cleaned my teeth.

On the Saturday morning, after some average sex, I think Davinia was a bit hung over, I got the full story.

"I'm surprised you didn't see the flowers as you left, or in the interval. I got Peggy, she's the wife of the director, to put them out in the foyer."

"I wonder if Drew saw them there." I pondered.

"No. He didn't. At the end he came backstage to find me. I thanked him for them, but purposely pretended that he'd sent them to the whole company, and that we'd put them in the foyer for everyone to enjoy. You could see he didn't like that, and he told me that they were really meant just for me. I told him that that was wrong, that he shouldn't be sending me flowers, and that he shouldn't entertain ideas that I thought of him in anyway other than as a friend. He looked so heartbroken. I really felt awful. But I think you were right, he really did have a thing for me. Not that I blame him, I think I'm a rather good catch." She sort of half-laughed and leant up to kiss me.

Davinia left just after breakfast, but I promised to come to the play again that night, and to join her in the after the show party at the pub.

I got the pub first, and Davinia came along later with a whole bunch of the Players. It was an OK time for me, Davinia did spend the whole time with her arm around my waist, or holding my hand, or sitting very close with her hand in my thigh. But, of course, I didn't know anybody, and I didn't know their in jokes, and I didn't care about the actual play. But I survived it.

And, at closing time, we set out to walk home. But Davinia stopped me, "I want to go home to Ma and Pa's. I'm just tired, too tired to sleep with you, Dave. I just want to curl up and sleep forever."

I looked at her, was there any point in arguing? I quite fancied letting her sleep late, whilst I made a special breakfast and served it to her in bed. But, I've run out of arguing with Davinia. "OK. I'll miss you. I'd have liked you curled up in my bed, and sleeping late tomorrow. But if that's what you want to do..."

"It is."

So, I walked her back to her parent's house. And we kissed goodnight. "Why don't you come round for Sunday lunch tomorrow? I'm sure Ma will have enough to go round."

"Sure, if that's what you'd like. I'll come round at about noon. OK? And perhaps we can go out for the evening?"

"We'll see." She kissed me and was gone.

We had a pleasant family lunch on the Sunday. I have to admit I thoroughly enjoyed it, my Dad used to try to give me a good, stable home life. But cooking wasn't one of his strong points, and weekend lunches tended to be out of a tin. Maybe that's why I've taken up cooking.

After lunch Davinia and myself went for a walk along the river, in the spring sunshine. But she told me that she was going to go to Church that evening with her parents, "I'm sorry, Dave. But the pre-Easter evensongs are a sort of regular thing in my family, and I know they want me to go with them. They've hardly seen me in the last few weeks, every break I've had from the play I spent with you. You could come with us if you like."

"No. I think I'll give that a miss. I'm not big on Church."

So, I went home alone, feeling sad. I thought things would be better between myself and Davinia after the play was over, that's what she promised. Maybe her mother was right, she wasn't really that keen on me. Maybe she would really have liked to play Drew off against me, two timing both of us. I was feeling very uncertain as I sat alone drinking my whisky that evening.

Davinia seemed happy enough in the office on Monday, "I want a set of keys to your place, please, Dave."

Promising, I thought. "OK. You can have them right now. I keep a spare set in my desk draw."

"Thank you. And I want you to promise that you won't come home until eight thirty tomorrow night. Go to the gym if you want to, but please don't go drinking. Promise?"

"I promise, but can I know why?"

"No. Now go away, I'm busy."

So, I went away. I saw Tim later and asked him if he was going to the gym later that day? No, he didn't intend to, so I told him about Drew's book present and the flowers. In fairness to Drew I also told him that Davinia had really put him down. So Tim suggested that we leave it, and see if Davinia's warning will work.

I did as asked, and stayed out until eight thirty on Tuesday. I got home to find the table laid for a candlelit dinner. And Davinia dressed in a sexy silk blouse, obviously without a bra, and a short skirt and high heels. I just wanted to know whether they were stockings or tights. But when my hand wandered that way, she determinedly moved my hand up her body.

The meal was great, she had gone to a lot of trouble. She'd got smoked trout from the local smokery, and we talked about how I loved their foods and was waiting to try their new smoked venison. She had made a variation of chicken cordon bleu, and she had obviously taken her lessons from me, because she used ham from Jones, the grocers in the High Street that definitely sell the best choice of hams locally. She had made a cold Zabaglione for dessert, which really interested me. I asked which recipe she'd used, as I had one that used wine rather than Marsala, which I thought made a lighter cream, but no, she had used the Marsala that I kept in the cupboard. I told her that I usually only used that for Tiramisu, like the one she'd missed a couple of weeks ago. Mentioning that was probably a bit of a mistake, she seemed a bit upset that I did. However, she got the wines right, or pretty close and I was quite proud of what she'd managed. 

Of course, I told her that she really needn't have done it. But I was pleased that she was back in my flat. And I kissed her. Again she wouldn't let me find out about the stockings. Maybe it was the wine, or the anticlimax after cooking such a meal, but she really seemed down afterwards. I thought she must be tired, so I suggested that we went to bed. But she didn't even seem very pleased at that suggestion, she made some comment about all I ever wanted was sex, which is true, but I didn't want it to show to the point of upsetting her.

All in all, the evening seemed to end a lot cooler than I hoped. But, there we are, that's women for you.

She was still fairly cool on the Wednesday. Tim was out all day, so I could afford to stop by her desk and chat for sometime, in safety. But, she was still cool, not hostile, but I felt there was an underlying feeling of being upset. I really did begin to think that she was heading to give me the big heave ho.

On the Thursday morning I was out at a client's. I didn't get back to the office until mid-afternoon. Tim put his head around my door and said "We're going for a drink after work."

"Are we?"

"Yes." And he disappeared. I wonder what was up. Obviously something important.

We went to the Black Swan, just for a change. After he'd bought the first round, and we were settled, I asked, "OK. Tim, what's this about?"

He looked at me, ignoring my question, before he eventually asked, "How's Davinia?"

"OK, as far as I know. She seems a bit off these last couple of days. Probably post play blues. I'm sure it'll pass. Why?"

He had been drinking while I answered, now he put his pint down, "You really are an Olympic standard blind shit, aren't you, Dave?"

"Where the fuck did that come from? I've done nothing, and certainly nothing as far as Dav is concerned, so you can lay off now." I drank some beer, but this conversation had a déjà vu quality to it.

"Davinia came round to our place on Sunday night. She wanted to chat. She knew that she'd given you a pretty rough time almost ever since you two got together, and she wanted to say sorry, buy you a present or something, and have a new start, now that the play was over and all that."

I listened, interested, "Well, she's got a pretty funny way of showing it, what with the mood she's in."

"No, you've got a pretty funny way of showing your appreciation. After talking to Beth rather than me, she decided on cooking you a really special meal, because we all know what a foodie you are."

A grey light of dawn was just beginning to show in my mind, and it wasn't a pleasant feeling, "Oh."

"She spent hours talking to Beth about the best local producers, and eventually she got to her menu." Tim seemed to be warming to his task.

"I think I know where this is going. You don't need to go through it step by step." I said, feeling guiltier by the minute.

"Oh, yes I do. I promised a tearful Davinia in my office this afternoon that I was going to make you suffer each and every mistake you made, and I'm starting now." And he smiled, he knew I understood, but this was something I was going to have to go through.

"She chose, on my wife's advice, some smoked trout from that smokery up the road, whatever they're called. But you spent your time telling her how much you really wanted to try their smoked venison. Right?"

"Yes, well..."

"And then she made chicken cordon bleu. She got Beth to get her the best organic chicken breasts Beth could find, and she picked them up off us on Tuesday. She went and bought some of the finest ham she could get around here. But that wasn't good enough for you, you decided to tell her how much better it would be if she'd used their honey and mustard baked ham. And then..."

"It's OK, I get the picture."

"...And then she made Zabaglione, but you told her that it would have been lighter if she'd used wine rather than Marsala. In fact you took the opportunity to rub her nose in the fact that she screwed up the other night and you threw away the last Marsala dish you'd made. And then we come to your review of her wine choices..."

"Enough already. I stuffed up. I understand. Thank you, Tim. Can I come down off the cross now, please?"

"In a minute. Seriously, the poor girl took long lunches on both Monday and Tuesday to dash around doing the shopping up to your standards. She had me spending an hour with her on Monday afternoon, choosing wines on the Internet, so that she could get those right. She even got me to let her go home at four o'clock on Tuesday and I had to promise not to let you find out."

Eventually he went quiet, and drank some of his beer. 

I took the opportunity for my protest, "But she needn't have done any of it. All I ever wanted was for her to be there, and to be happy."

Tim looked at me, "Yes, you're right. She didn't have to do it for you. But she did have to do it for herself. Would you like my lecture on allowing people to show that they care, or can we take it as read?"

"OK. I think we've done that one." 

I sat in silence, thinking. But then a plan came to mind. I looked up at Tim and gave him my best sheepish smile.

"I guess I'm going to have to buy a big bunch of flowers..."

"Flowers! Look Dave, you've been insensitive big time. You've stuffed up. Welcome to the real world, where us real men live, trying to keep a relationship with our women. It's bloody difficult, we all get it wrong sometimes. But you've got to learn to judge the apology level a bit better than just a bunch of flowers every time." 

"Chocolates, then?" I was beginning to enjoy this.

"No, not chocolates. Well maybe flowers and chocolates and a dinner out, the Lobster Pot say. That's always a good bet." He picked up his drink.

"No, chocolates. I betcha she'll be all smiles for a box of chocolates."

"You're a fool. You'd better have a big surprise up your sleeve after you fail with the chocolates, because you're going to need it. But, OK, what's it worth?"

"Champagne."

"OK, you're on. If Davinia can say that everything's rosy after you've given her a box of chocolates, then I'll buy the Champagne."

"Right, and I'll by the second round of beer, right now." I got up and went to the bar. When I returned I'd thought things through a little more, "Is it alright if Dav and myself leave early on Friday."

Tim looked at me, "Yes. Sure. Actually I'm not in on Friday afternoon, so it won't make much difference to me. Why?"

"Because we'll need some time to choose the Champagne." I smiled.

I spent nearly two hours on the Internet that evening. And as soon as Davinia came in, I went to see her, but only to check what time Tim was leaving for the day. At about twelve o'clock, I was told. He needed to be on the twelve thirty train for London.

At twelve thirty I was back in Davinia's office. "Come on, pack up, I want to take you to lunch."

"I can't just drop everything to go to lunch with you, just because you want to, so why?" she was still being a bit sullen with me.

"Because I can't tell you here how sorry I am that I didn't show my appreciation for that wonderful dinner you cooked on Tuesday." She began to smile, "And to give you a chance to go home and pack a weekend suitcase, so that we can leave straight from here by three o'clock."

Now she was curious, "Where are you taking me, and I can't leave early, not without clearing it with Tim."

"I've already cleared it, and we've got to be in London, at Waterloo actually, by five-ish. To catch the train to Brussels for the weekend."

"Oh, Dave." And for the first time, she came and gave me a full, passionate kiss in the office, and she bent her leg behind her just like that first time in my kitchen.

"Well, I did promise to make your wish come true. In bed with Champagne and Belgian Chocolates. Well, where better to buy Belgian Chocolates than Brussels. I believe Pierre Marcolini is the best, but we could try two or three chocolatiers, and make up our own mind."

"Don't start telling me that I've chosen the wrong one, or you're on very thin ice, Dave Finch." she said, and kissed me again.

"Oh and by the way, I was wondering if, on Monday, you could just limit your explanation to Tim about what we did this weekend to the fact that I bought you a box of chocolates. It's important to him to believe that a girl will forgive us men just for some chocolate...."

And so we had a wonderful weekend. And she drank Champagne and ate chocolate in bed with me. In fact, at one point, I was lying on my back with her sitting astride me, with my cock well inside her pussy when she did.

On the Monday, I made a point of being in Tim's office, talking to him about project work when Dav got in. He had asked how the weekend had gone, but I just told him that he would have to wait to ask Davinia, as he wouldn't believe me.

When Davinia did arrive, she put her head around the door, "Do either of you two want a coffee?"

Tim waved her in, "Dave won't tell me, so how was your weekend?"

As rehearsed, Davinia came and stood behind me, and put her hands around my shoulders, "It was great. Thank you, Tim, for having a word with Dave. He bought me such a wonderful box of chocolates."

Tim smiled, "I'm being had here. OK. If I accept that it's going to cost me a bottle of Champagne, will you two stop playing silly lovers' games, and tell me what you did."

I looked up at Davinia, she looked at me, I nodded my head, as much as I was able, to tell her to go ahead, "I told you, Dave bought me a lovely box of Belgian Chocolates. But I will admit he let me choose them myself, at the chocolatier in the Place du Grand Sablon in Brussels." 

It took Tim a couple of seconds to compute, and then he registered. "I knew I'd been had! I demand a referee's decision."

"Tell you what," I intervened, "If you supply the Champagne, I'll cook a meal that warrants Champagne with every course, for the four of us. It's only fair, this all started with a home cooked meal, it should end in one."

"Sounds good to me," Tim smiled, "Tell you what. You can choose the different Champagnes, but I will pay for them."

"Done." 

Davinia leant over and kissed the top of my head. Things were good in my world.

As I came out of Tim's office, I invited Davinia to go out to eat that evening. I already had a sixth sense that she wouldn't be staying the night, so a meal together was the best I could hope for. We agreed I would pick her up at her parent's house.




TGI Chronicles Pt. 2 Ch. 07



Later on Monday, Drew put his head around my door, "Are you going to the gym this evening, Dave?"

"Well, I wasn't intending to, I've got a dinner date at eight o'clock. Why?"

"Oh! Never mind. I was just hoping you were, and that we could have a beer afterwards."

Don't spoil my day, Drew. I don't need to hear that you've already buggered up that project. "Well, I could, but I do need to get home to have a shower before I go out. But if we go dead on time, we can do it."

"OK."

So, myself and Drew got to the pub before seven o'clock. I bought him a pint and waited for him to say whatever he was going to say. He looked nervous, but I can be patient.

After a silence that was becoming awkward, I looked at him and raised my eyebrows, waiting.

"I'm sorry, Dave. This is hard to say."

"So spit it out." 

"I think I sort of went over the top with trying to get Davinia away from you, and I'm sorry. I sort of got a one track mind for a few weeks. I hope I wasn't a problem to her, or even to you."

"You came close, but really I think everyone was just worried about you."

"Yes, well.... It was after you'd said you'd got that first date with her, when we were out with Tim. I'd fancied her for so long, and then I missed my chance. I was so angry and upset. And as it went on, I became more and more convinced that all I had to do was keep in with her and she'd see the error of her ways. And she's so nice, until I went a bit too far with the flowers for the play. When she put me in my place I went home feeling like ...Oh I don't know what."

"I'm sorry. But this isn't like you. You always have honoured the rules before." I began to feel sorry for him.

"I was pretty miserable all that weekend. But then I began to feel a bit better. It was so fucking hard to come into the office everyday and have to see her, and you and her, and know I was cut out. But then last Friday in the pub, a group of us went up to Not Steinbeck's afterwards for something to eat. And I saw this waitress, Jemima, and we hit it off. And after she was off duty I went up to Shades with her, and she came back to my place for the weekend. And she was quite keen, and it did me the world of good. Anyway, I've been feeling better about Davinia since then. So sorry. But I do fancy her still, but she's your girl. I'll just have to accept that she's one that got away."

"Thank you for that. Really. I understand, and I know that couldn't have been easy to say."

"Well, I've been feeling pretty rotten. You've been fair to me, given me this project and all, and I've been going home to stick pins in a model of you."

I laughed. "And what about Jemima then? I think I know her, do you remember Maddy that I used to go with for a couple of weeks? Well I think she's a friend of hers."

"She is. She's a lot younger than Maddy, but they are friends. Maddy's broken up with Simon Bullard by the way. According to Jemima, he was too stuck up for her."

"Poor lad. The disadvantage of rich parents!"

I was pleased that Drew and myself had cleared the air, especially this way. I was half inclined to make it a beery boys night, but I finished my drink and headed home. And to dinner with Davinia.

As I expected, Davinia went home after our dinner. But she agreed that she would stay over the next night. So we decided to just stay in, at my place.

On Tuesday evening, Davinia and myself ate a simple pasta and salad. Then we settled down, and at my suggestion, we watched a porn film. I was a bit worried, but she seemed to be quite happy with it. We did discuss anal sex, which I fancy quite a lot, but Davinia had never tried it, and didn't seem inclined to start now. 

Once we got to bed, she was still in discussion mode, rather than action mode, and she asked how often I had tried anal sex. I had to admit, not often. One of the problems of my sort of life is that you rarely get onto the advanced stuff, because relationships have rarely lasted long enough to get that far. 

When we made love, I got her into doggy position, and I let my hands go from holding her hips to pull her into me as I pushed into her, and they wandered to her beautiful butt cheeks. I slowed down my fucking, to massage her buttocks in time with my fucking. Then I let one hand wander towards her anus. She didn't stop me. So I licked my finger, which she couldn't see me do, and then I returned to her little rosebud. I got one finger in to its first knuckle. Not far, but it was a start. But them things began to feel a lot more exciting slightly further south, and we were both cumming. 

Afterwards, she asked, "What made us both suddenly cum? I don't know whether it was that finger of yours, or whether it was just what your cock was doing."

"I don't know either. But I liked it." I leant over to kiss her, "Did you like my finger?"

"I don't know that either. It didn't hurt like I was scared it would do, and it was sort of deliciously naughty, but it may just have been that film and what we had been talking about. It might have been mind over matter, that the idea was already in my head. How about you?"

"Well, I'm simple. I'd just like you to try it that way. Somehow it would be you giving yourself totally for my pleasure and not your own. I would hope you like it, and that you like giving yourself to me, but I know it wouldn't be your first choice. I guess that's what I find exciting in my head. And from the couple of times I've tried it, I think it would feel pretty good as well."

"Maybe, one day. If we get that far." She edged in for the remaining millimetre between us.

I'm not sure I liked the sound of that, "That sounds a bit as if you don't think we will."

"No, I just don't know where we're going."

"Nor do I. I'm just so happy that you are here now." Let's keep this simple, I don't need any big questions. I've been spending some time now not answering those.

"But you must think about the future." she persisted.

I definitely was beginning to feel uncomfortable about this, "Of course I do. Don't you?"

"Yes, but I don't know about us." She looked at me, questioningly.

What could I say? What should I say? Let it go, I don't know and at the moment I don't care, "Nor do I. Dav." I leant over and kissed her with some finality, or so I hoped.

"It's just that Tod left me so uncertain. I want to go further with you, but I don't trust my own feelings. I'm sorry Dave. You can understand that?"

"Yes. I know. That's why we should just go on down the road we're on, and we'll end up where we end up. Nothing has to be decided now."

"I suppose not." And she leant up to kiss me.

Phew! That conversation was a bit too close to asking really awkward questions. But then I realised that I didn't like answering the 'do you love me' question. But that was usually because I knew the answer to it, and my answer would be the wrong answer and would stand in the way of me getting what I really wanted. With Davinia, I think I wanted to know the answer myself. And I didn't. 

---

On the Wednesday evening, I was just coming out of the gym, when a very tearful Lucy phoned. But, given the choice between an empty flat without Davinia and holding the hand of a tearful pretty girl, I chose the latter. So I suggested that I took her out for a drink. And she agreed, and said she'd find a babysitter, and I could call for her at about eight o'clock.

When I got there, she still looked red about the eyes, but she had stopped crying. I took her back to the same pub we'd used before. Having got us some drinks, I looked at her, "I take it this is Pete?"

"Yes, that bastard. You were right. He is having an affair. I phoned him on Friday night to suggest that I come up to Edinburgh, his mother said she'd have the children. But I couldn't get hold of him on his phone. So I phoned his work number, and I was told that he had left with this girl called Dawn."

"That's not exactly proof of anything going on." I said.

"No, but he's talked about Dawn before. About how good she is, how she can predict the turnover of any of the restaurants, of how she knows which bits of the menu will sell best, and so it went on. As soon as the guy said he was off with her, I knew. It all fell into place. I knew he was having an affair with her."

"I'm sorry, Lucy. And I guess you know your own husband best. But you still haven't proved it to me."

"No, I know. So I kept phoning him all weekend. He never answered his phone. Then I did get him eventually yesterday. And after I really pushed him, he admitted that he'd been away with Dawn. He bloody well said it to me, 'Oh. I've been away with Dawn, looking at things.' He said. Those were his words. Well I slammed the phone down on that lying, cheating, shit. I never want to fucking see him again."

It still didn't sound watertight to me, but who am I to judge anyone's marriage.

"I'm sorry, Lucy. I really thought you had sorted it out, and were going to ride off into the sunset with Pete. I don't think there is anything else I can say."

We finished our drinks, Lucy was sitting there, with steam coming out of her ears, and the occasional tear coming out of her eyes. I went and got us another set of drinks.

As I brought them back there was an older couple talking to Lucy. I went on and put our drinks down. They both looked at me, but didn't acknowledge me, they just went on with passing the time of day with Lucy. Then they wandered off.

"Who were they?" I asked, in the hope that a change of subject might help.

Lucy looked at me, I think she was so upset that she hadn't really heard me, but then she said "I'm not quite sure. I think I've met them before, I guess I must have, they seemed to know me. I think they might be some neighbours of Pete's mother. But it doesn't matter. She's not going to be my mother for much longer."

"But she will still be your children's grandmother. You've no right to cut them off from her, whatever you feel." This was sore point for me, as my embittered father had always prevented my mother's parents from visiting me. Something I really regretted, in fact one of the few things I have never forgiven him for.

Lucy looked at me. Everything I said to her seemed to be on a ten second delay before it made contact with her. Then, at last, she spoke, "You don't fancy going back to my place do you, Dave?"

I shook my head, "No thank you, Lucy. First it wouldn't be fair to do anything with you when you're like you are. And second, you know that I'm trying to stay loyal to my girl."

"Yes, I know. Sorry, I shouldn't have asked. It's just that I really want to have some really downright dirty sex. I'll show that fucking husband of mine that I'm capable of doing things that his Dawn hasn't even dreamt of yet."

"Well, I'm not your man. Sorry."

We drank our drinks in silence. Then a thought occurred to me, "Did you mean that? That you wanted a really dirty sex scene?"

Lucy looked up, "Yes. If I could, I would. As long as I knew I was safe. Yes. Why?"

"And would you do what I asked you once, fuck a total stranger if I brought one along?"

"Do I get to check him out?"

"No. That's precisely it. It's part of the scene, that when you first meet him, you know that you've already agreed to fuck him, anyway he wants."

"You've got a dirty mind, Dave. But, yes. For you, I think I can trust you."

"OK. How about Saturday night?"

"This Saturday? Well, yes. Where?"

"Your place?"

"Yes, OK. I can get my parents to have the kids. They love the opportunity to have them overnight. What have you got in mind."

"Just a minute, I need to make a call." I went outside, into the corridor outside the toilets, and phoned TJ.

"Hello, Dave. What can I do for you?"

"It's what I can do for you, TJ. How's your love life?"

"Bloody awful, ever since that cow Gayle left. Why?"

"Well, I've got this girl here who is looking for a good hard seeing to on Saturday night. So I wondered if you fancied coming to stay for the weekend?"

"What does she look like? I'm quite fussy you know, Dave."

"Yeah, sure! She's all you demand, female with all requisite parts in working order, and she's alive. That fits your specification, doesn't it, TJ? Actually she's quite a good looker. I picked her up for myself sometime ago, and you know I've good taste."

"OK. I'm on, I'll email you with what train I'm coming down on. I should be able to make it on Friday night. How's that?"

"See you here then." and I rang off.

I returned to Lucy, who was calmly sitting drinking as I pimped her out. "It's all set. His name's TJ. And he's a very old and trusted friend of mine. But, I'll come along first and make sure your happy, leaving him in the car. Only if you want to go on will I call him in. OK?"

"Yeah. It sounds sort of safe and kinky. Are you going to be there?"

"Yes. First, because I care about your safety. And because I think it might be quite good to be there, it'll add to the kinkiness. But I doubt very much whether I'll join in properly. Are you sure you're OK with this?"

"Yes. I've said so, haven't I? Actually, it's turning me on, just to think about it. What do you think I should wear?"

"I don't know, let me think." I paused and took a drink, "I know, I think you should be sexy, but very nearly naked. I know you've got a half cup bra, wear that. And suspenders and stockings, and high heels, but not really anything else. Imagine being introduced to a complete stranger, who you know is going to be allowed to fuck you, and your tits and pussy are all on show from the first moment you meet him. How's that?"

"God! I hope I'm brave enough."

"Well, phone me at anytime if you want to call it off. TJ may not be too pleased, but I would understand, I promise."

"OK. And thanks Dave. Listen to me, thanking you for prostituting me."

"Do you want another drink, Lucy?"

"No, I daren't. Heaven knows what I'll agree to if I drink any more. Can you take me home, Dave?"



TGI Chronicles Pt. 2 Ch. 08



I drove home that Wednesday evening, having dropped Lucy at her house, with mixed feelings. A wild sex evening with Lucy and TJ would be just like old times, and finding a woman who actually wanted dirty, kinky sex was a rarity. But, as I thought of how I had to protect Davinia from this episode, I felt dirty. I guess that's why it's called that sort of sex. I felt like a moth, I couldn't help the feeling of being attracted to the flame of all that Saturday night promised, but I also felt it could be bad for me, not what I should be doing, not even really what I wanted to be doing. But, it's too late for that. I've set it up, and TJ deserves it.

On Thursday evening, Davinia came round and I cooked hot 'n spicy. Well at lunch time I'd found that my favourite greengrocer had just got in a stock of four different types of chillies. So I couldn't resist having an excuse to use them.

We then spent the evening planning a Champagne dinner. We had all my recipe books out, and went through them choosing recipes. It was fun, we were both crawling around on the floor, trying to find recipes that we had only read half an hour before, but which we'd already lost. By eleven o'clock the dinner was beginning to take shape, and was looking good. I promised to talk to Tim to agree a date.

I also talked to Davinia about TJ coming to stay. She really seemed pleased to be meeting an old friend on mine. She didn't seem to mind that we wouldn't have our Saturday evening date, but that she would come to lunch on both Saturday and Sunday. I covered Saturday evening as just a boy's night out, in fact she told me of a pub that she'd heard of in Sheepen that had strippers and a comic, I didn't like to tell her that I knew it well.

I met TJ at the station. I was shocked at just how he looked. He had let himself go to seed, and certainly gained more than a few pounds. His hair was showing more than the early signs of receding, and he had it cut in an old fashioned and unflattering style. But what really worried me was his unhealthy pale puffiness, I guess gained from a very unbalanced bachelor diet. I had been thinking that I hadn't seen him for about a year, now I realised that it was nearly two years.

I took him to the Black Swan for a drink, it wouldn't have been fair to join the usual TGI drink, too many faces for TJ to remember. At the pub he went down another step in my estimation, he wanted to drink lager! 

I couldn't resist showing my disgust, "Since when have you drunk lager? Fucking traitor to the cause."

"Oh, I just took to it about eighteen months ago, and it slips down easily and has the same effect." I think he was genuinely surprised at my attitude.

I didn't want our first real conversation in two years to be an argument, but I thought I could pull his leg, and remind him a little of how he's obviously let thinks slip, "You look as if you've been letting too many lagers slip down. Trousers a bit tight these days?"

"OK. So you've obviously worked hard, probably half starving yourself, to keep the same waistline as you had at college. Me? I see it that thirty is going to arrive bloody soon, and it's fair to relax a bit. Gyms and stupid little lettuce leaf diets are for wimps."

"I'll rise above that." I smiled and drank some real beer.

And then he took another step downwards. He got out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter, and lit himself one. I watched, "And since when have you taken up smoking? And for God's sake why?"

"Yeah, it's a bad habit. I don't really know why I started, I guess I found it nice when that bitch Gayle walked out. So that's what? Two years?"

"But you're twenty eight. How stupid can you get to start smoking at that age? It's fucking suicide."

"Piss off, Dave. So I smoke? So fucking well what?"

"Well I'll tell you now, my place is a no smoking zone. Understood?"

"Yeah! Whatever! Fucking puritan! I'll only smoke in the bedroom, I won't foul up your clean air."

"No, you won't smoke in the bedroom. You won't smoke anywhere in the flat. You'll go outside if you must." I stared at him until he dropped his eyes in defeat.

We sat and drunk in silence. This wasn't what a reunion with an old and dear friend should be like.

I broke the silence, "Gayle leaving you really broke you up, didn't it."

He looked at me, a bit sullen, and then he sort of smiled, "Yeah, well. My own silly fault really. I got a bit to friendly with one of her office friends at a company do. And she sort of found me. I hadn't got my trousers round my ankles or anything, but I would have if she'd come along later. I think it was the last straw really."

"But I thought you loved her? This was the one who was right for you, after Carol and all that." 

"Well, you know. A year into a relationship, the rules sort of change. You want some variety, the same old scenery every night gets a bit boring. You should know that, you've never been bored in your life."

"But this wasn't me. You split up from Carol because you wanted a mortgage and kids, and she wasn't ready for that. Then you find Gayle and she's the one. That's what you told me, 'This time Dave, I found Miss Right' I remember you saying it. And then in a year you're screwing around on her. But, by the way she's driven you to smoking and letting yourself go a bit, I guess you regret it."

He looked up, hurt but aggressive, "What d'you mean 'letting myself go a bit' I told you, I just can't be bothered to keep as trim as I once did, that's all. I'm getting to old for all of that. It's got nothing to do with that fucking bitch." 

"Why is she such a fucking bitch? Because she couldn't live with you playing around on her? I've found that most women seem to object to that sort of thing, it's one of the rules of the game."

"Well there you go then. They're all fucking bitches. It's bred into them. I thought that was your philosophy Dave. Isn't that why you've never let yourself be dragged to the altar?"

"My God, you really do sound bitter, TJ. You should watch that, it isn't a pretty way to live. And, no, I don't think all women are bitches. I used to think that however hard the guy tried, they would fail in a long term relationship. But lately, I've even begun to doubt that. I reckon they're like us in some ways, scared to get hurt; getting hurt even when we don't mean to hurt them; hurting us guys when they didn't mean to. Just trying to get it right, like us guys, and not always getting it right." I sighed.

Again we sat in silence. I was thinking about Davinia and where she fitted in my philosophy of life. TJ brought me back to the present, "So, what's this about tomorrow night, then? What you got lined up for me?" he seemed a little too keen.

"Before that, I want to talk about my girlfriend, Davinia. Now..."

"Davinia, that's a posh name. You screwing class ladies these days, then?"

"Dav is a nice girl. Now I want it clearly understood, she is off limits to you in any bloody way whatsoever. Don't even think about it. Understand?"

"Yeah. OK. But don't tell me you've gone all lovey dovey with some tart who doesn't know about the real Dave Finch."

"Well, we ain't lovey dovey as you put it. We've only been together for a couple of months, but she's a nice straightforward girl, who doesn't have any interest in any of your dirty suggestions. And, she doesn't need to know about some of the more broadminded things we got up to at university. Understand?"

"What you mean I can't tell her how we used to sandwich that bitch Carol?"

"There you go again, Carol wasn't a bitch. She had some funny ideas, but she wasn't a bitch. And, no, I don't want Dav knowing too much about Carol. I don't mind her knowing that I was a bit of a stud, but she doesn't need the details of Carol and you and me. OK?"

"OK. I can keep a secret. But what about tomorrow night?"

"Go and get another round in, and I'll tell you. Mine's the guest ale, Fugg's Summerlight I think it's called."

And he went off to buy another round. When he returned, he sat down and lit another cigarette, I watched him.

"So?"

I looked at him, and I wondered, "When was the last time you had a woman, TJ?"

"It was Gayle, so that'll tell you." he admitted.

"Not for nearly two years? Your right wrist will get RSI! But I guess it's hard to pick up women if your belly is hanging over your belt and you smell like a chimney!"

He looked at me, but didn't rise too my barb. "So what's the story?"

"Lucy is a nice girl at the tail end of a lousy marriage, with a husband that's screwing around on her up in Scotland. She wants to get out, but on her own terms. In the meantime she wants a night of real dirty sex so as to prove to herself and to him and the world in general that she can still do it and do it in a big way."

"And you've been helping her! With all of your lovey dovey talk about this Davinia, you've still got yourself a piece on the side. That's my man! I knew I could rely on you. You had me worried for a moment, but the greatest stud Maxwell College ever saw is staying true to his calling."

And that set us off reminiscing. And we were back as we should be, old friends with a lot of history. And laughing and joking and the story telling and flights of fantasy lasted us until closing time. By which time we were gently wasted.

We went off for an Indian curry, where the good humour continued, and we finished the job of getting drunk, then we went back to our beds at my place.

On the Saturday morning we weren't up very early. Eventually, I roused myself to get a glass of orange juice and some aspirin. I then had a shower and dressed. I shouted for TJ, he appeared from the spare bedroom in his boxer shorts, smoking a cigarette. 

I grabbed it from his hand, "Not in this flat. Thank you."

"Fucking Nazis!" he said, but he half smiled and took it well.

After TJ was showered and dressed, I phoned Davinia and invited her round, she turned up half an hour later. When she turned up she looked gorgeous. I realised that she had made a special effort to look casual but sexy, so that I could be proud of her with my best friend. I introduced them and Davinia offered her hand, TJ used it to pull her in for a kiss on both cheeks. 

"I see Dave has maintained his high standards of excellence in his taste in women. I congratulate you Dave, this one's your best ever." He smiled, and I saw that Davinia took it with good humour.

Davinia challenged him to tell her all about my previous girlfriends. I was in two minds, I fancied making a cup of decent strong coffee to chase way the remnants of my hangover, but I didn't want to leave TJ with Davinia to tell her things that I wouldn't be able to defend myself against. The coffee won, but no damage seemed to be done in my absence.

Having drunk coffee, we all piled into my car and I drove out to a country pub for lunch. It was good. We sat and chatted with me sitting next to Davinia, and my arm around her shoulder. She really was good at this, I'm sure TJ found her as easy to talk to as I did, and she rode over the few of TJ's comments that may have been seen as bad taste. But as I watched him, and listened to him, I became more aware of his bitterness to life, especially to women, and to his own lack of self-respect that had let him slip into being this unhealthy slob.

After lunch I dropped Davinia off at her parent's house, with her promising to be at my flat by twelve o'clock tomorrow. I suggested to TJ that we go round to the gym, I felt I could do with some exercise, and I could sign him in as a guest. He would have none of it, so I then parked at the bottom of River Meade, outside Tim and Beth's apartment, and took TJ on a walk along the river, with the dog walkers and young lovers.

"She seems nice, too nice for you." was TJ's comment on Davinia.

"Yes she is, and I hope not." I replied.

"You hope not what?"

"That she's too nice for me." I wanted to change the subject, "Have you ever seen Carol after your divorce?"

"No. I would have thought she would more likely come and find you, Dave"

"What? Why the hell would she do that?"

"Because you're the one she really loved." he said with real malice in his voice.

"Fucking Hell! You've got absolutely no reason to say that." I exclaimed, with genuine surprise and total innocence.

"Oh yes? I used to think it was she liked the three way sex we used to have, but I reckon that in the end it was you. That's why I invited you on that holiday in Spain, to prove it, and I did."

"You've got it all out of proportion TJ. Remember she was just a casual girlfriend of mine to start with. And then, that once, when you turned up at my room, we had that threesome, it just happened, it was one of those things. And after that, I didn't even discover she was two timing me with you for some weeks. You didn't have the decency to tell me, and she certainly didn't. I guessed she had a thing about you. I could have got very uptight about that, but I didn't. You were my best mate, and there was nothing special between myself and Carol. So, as long as she was happy to go with me once in a while, I was happy. We were students, free and easy sex was what we were meant to do. And I always made sure you knew whenever I went out with her, which is more than you ever did for me. Then other women sort of took over in my life, except for that one time after that party when she seemed almost anxious to have another threesome, and we did. And that was it. So what the hell makes you think she was still hankering for me some three years later?"

He looked at me, "You may not have cared about her, but I reckon she cared about you, I reckon she was in love with you all the time."

"Well she had a funny way of showing it, two timing me with my best mate, and then marrying you. It just doesn't make sense TJ. You've got a funny way of looking at things if you think that.. After we graduated I never saw her, or if I did it was when you were there, for three years, until you arranged that weird holiday, in that villa."

"By then I was convinced she loved you, or some memory of you. That's why I invited you to Spain. It wasn't coincidence that I rented a villa with two bedrooms, so that I could suggest you come along to take advantage of the spare room."

"And that's all I thought I was doing. I thought I was going to Spain to find my own women, I didn't think you two would mind if I brought some girl back for the night, it suited me."

"So why were you so lovey dovey with her then? It was because you wanted her, I know. And she wanted you."

"I wasn't lovey dovey with her. She was an old friend, my girl friend before she even met you, and she was now married to my best mate. Of course we could talk and had our own relationship, but I made no move on her until after you said you wanted it to happen."

"No? I know what I saw. That's why I suggested it, that we recreate that relationship we all had at college, I thought we might as well have it out in the open and have some fun. I thought I could live with it, and it would be better, more honest."

"Then you should have said so. You said I was to treat Carol as if she was my woman as much as yours for the rest of the holiday. And that you wanted some threeways. Carol didn't ask for it, I didn't ask for it. Of course I took advantage, I'd known Carol for years, and she was good looking. It was there for me, why should I go and prowl the nightclubs and bars to find it when it was freely available at the villa? But I never intended it, and nor did Carol. She told me that she was only doing it because you wanted it. She didn't love me, she didn't need me. She only fucked me because she thought you wanted her to. You got it so wrong, TJ. You were wrong."

"No, I know what I saw." He sounded sullen.

"So tell me why you two broke up. What was it in that holiday, when we did what you wanted, that was so terrible it broke you up?"

"Because she loved you more than she ever loved me."

"You're wrong TJ. Carol and I never loved each other. Not at college, and not afterwards. You fucking idiot." 

Just then my phone went, it was Lucy. "Yes, Lucy."

"Tonight, Dave, it's not on."

"OK, do you want to tell me why, what's changed?"

"I don't know. Pete's just phoned me, and told me he's coming home next weekend, for Easter. He said, 'make sure you're there', that's his exact words. I don't know what he's thinking, it seemed as if he thought I was going to run out on him. As if he'd care!"

"So?" I prompted her.

"Well, I just don't think it would be right, not 'til I know what's going on. Say sorry to your friend for me."

"Yes, of course I will, and you must keep me in touch, let me know what happens, Lucy. Look after yourself." 

"Thanks Dave. Maybe next time, hey?"

"Maybe, we'll see." and I rang off.

I looked at TJ, "That was Lucy. Tonight's not on."

"Fuck! Fucking typical! Another bitch that winds us guys all up and then kicks us in the balls."

"Well don't worry, we can still have a good night. What do you fancy? I can take you out to some of my good haunts, and you can see what you can pick up. Or we can go up to Sheepen where there's a decent pub with a stag show. Whichever you prefer."

"What I can pick up? What's happened to you? I came up here to get laid by some woman you'd lined up. That was the deal, Dave."

"Well, I'm not in the mood. I'm happy with Davinia, and I'm not going to make my life any more complicated than it already is. But you can find someone, you never know, she may turn out to be the love of your life."

"Forget it. Let's just go to that pub."

"OK, I'll see if I can get a few of the lads to join us, it'll be more fun if we go as a crowd."

I really didn't want to be just TJ and me for the whole evening. He was bitter, angry and not the fun guy I seemed to remember. And it would be a chance to show Drew that there were no hard feelings towards him, if I invited him and a few of the others to join us. 

So, later we took a taxi up to Sheepen for the evening. I started by taking TJ to a little Italian restaurant that did some of the best pizzas I knew, and did a good range of Italian beers, which I thought might interest TJ. They didn't. The rest of the evening was much as imagined, Drew and two others joined us, and it was raucous, beer swilling, loud and fun in parts. I found myself wishing that I was just back home with Davinia, cuddling her, watching television, just talking to her, and with the promise of some good sex later when we went to bed.

We stayed until closing time, when we took a taxi home. Sunday morning started much the same as Saturday, except, as far as I knew, TJ honoured my no smoking rule. 

Davinia turned up on time, looking great again. I was so proud of having such a girlfriend. TJ just sat in an armchair reading the Sunday papers, which he had allowed me to go and buy but didn't need to join me in a walk to the shops. Davinia helped me in the kitchen, not that I needed a lot of help in cooking a straightforward traditional roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. Or even the apple pie to follow. But it gave us a chance to have a little kiss and a cuddle, and a few words in private.

"How's it going? You don't look too happy, Dave."

"Oh, I don't know. I guess distance has led enchantment to the view over these last few years. He's had a rough time, I guess. A broken marriage and a failed second relationship. But even then, he seems so bitter and has such a twisted view of the world."

"Poor Dave," she came and put her hands around my waist and pressed herself against me, "It must be horrid to feel that an old friendship has gone sour."

"Yes, it is. But there's not a lot I can do about it. Sorry to lumber you with him." And I kissed her.

Lunch went well, but I was a little surprised at the amount TJ was drinking. I knew he had sunk three beers before lunch, and he was the main cause that I had to open the third bottle of wine at lunch. But it was up to him.




TGI Chronicles Pt. 2 Ch. 08



After lunch, Davinia volunteered to clear up the kitchen, I settled into an armchair to read the paper. I felt myself slipping into that pleasant well fed, sleepy state. I don't think I actually dozed off, but I was aroused by Davinia's voice in the kitchen, "No!"

I was concerned, as I came through the kitchen door I saw that TJ had her trapped against the sink, his arms around her, trying to kiss her, he looked up as he heard me, "Come on Dave. Let's teach this bitch the pleasure of a threesome, just like the old days."

I saw that Davinia was pushing as hard against his chest with her hands, as hard as she could but she couldn't break his hold. In two steps I had him around the neck and dragged him off her, "Get off her, you fucking pervert!" And I flung him sideways with all the force I could muster. 

He dragged Davinia with him for a bit and then let go of her, but such that she fell down. TJ hit the fridge as I let go of him. I bent down to help Davinia up. She was shaken, but OK. TJ was saying "What the fuck did you do that for? Dave! She's only a fucking bitch. It wouldn't hurt her to put out a bit for your best mate. What's the upset?"

I looked at him, he had a trickle of blood running down from his forehead, I guess he'd hit his head against the fridge, "Get out. Get out right now."

I got hold of him by the shoulder of his shirt, I could hear it tearing as I dragged him towards the front door. He sort of reluctantly followed, still saying that I was out of order, I opened the door with one hand, and threw him out, kicking him hard on as he went through. I just slammed the door and went back to Davinia. She was standing at the kitchen sink drinking a glass of water. I took her in my arms and she collapsed in tears, "I'm sorry, Dav. He's gone now. It's alright, he won't be coming back."

I just stood and held her until she calmed down. When she had, I led her back to the living room and sat her own on the sofa, and I poured her a brandy and passed it to her. All the time I could hear TJ hammering on the front door, shouting "Come on, Dave. This is silly. I'm sorry if I upset the stupid bitch. How was I to know you'd picked up a fucking nun? Come on. We're mates." And a diatribe of pleas along those lines. 

I went into the spare bedroom, and stuffed all of his clothes and other things into his bag. I went back to the front door. TJ was just standing there, "I'm sorry mate. Maybe I was a bit out of order." 

I threw his bag at him, "Get lost." And I shut the door. 

I went back to Davinia, she was sitting, sipping her brandy, "I'm OK. It was just a bit of a shock. He didn't hurt me or anything. When he first started I thought I could handle it, but he began to get a bit rough."

"I'm sorry that you were subjected to anything like that, here in my flat, and from someone who I thought was meant to be one of my friends. I'm so sorry Dav." I felt myself beginning to shake, shock I guess, so I went and got myself a brandy.

When I had sat down next to Davinia, and sipped a little, she turned to me, "What did he mean, about like old times?"

"He was referring to one girl at college that two timed myself and TJ, and we had a threesome a couple of times. But it was a long time ago, and long forgotten, or at least by me. I didn't love her or anything, and she was the one that seemed to want it. Please forget it, Dav, it was the drunken thoughts of a rather sad and bitter man."

I was expecting Davinia to want to know more, or be a bit cold about it, but she wasn't. "As long as it was a long time ago. I can't imagine anything like that actually happening. How did it happen?"

I'm not sure that I could explain that, but I did my best. She seemed safe with the knowledge that it was a long time ago.

Later Davinia suggested that I join her and her family at evensong, on this, the last Sunday before Easter. I felt so grateful to her, and so happy, that I felt I owed her something, so I agreed. And I rather enjoyed it. Afterwards, we went back to my place, made love and she stayed the night.

Monday I had a series of phone calls from TJ. I just refused to answer them, I thought it the easiest way to get my message across. Davinia was sweet, and we seemed closer than ever. That went on all week. 

On the Thursday night we went to the theatre again, and then on Good Friday we went out for a picnic. A lot warmer one than the last, and even better. I knew my life was moving to something new, a loving relaxed closeness with this girl, and it could last forever as far as I was concerned. After that I dropped her at her parent's house, but we set a date for dinner on the Saturday. As I got out of my car outside my flat, I heard someone say "Are you Dave Finch?"

"Yes, can I help you?" and then I felt it, a blow that was mind numbingly hard across my legs from the rear, behind by knees. My legs crumpled under me. 

"So you're the fucking bastard who's been screwing my wife!" I looked up just in time to see this guy of about thirty, quite thick set, standing there with a baseball bat of a pick axe handle or something in his hand. And his foot was heading towards my body at high speed. 

"Well, I'm Pete. You might've guessed. That bitch Lucy's poor fucking husband. Or maybe there are plenty of fucking husbands that could be coming after you." He kicked me in my chest, totally knocking the wind out of me, "I'll fucking teach you to screw around with other men's wives, you little shit."

The piece of wood, baseball bat or whatever it was, was coming down fast towards my head, I put my arm up to protect myself. It hit my wrist so fucking hard. And then he was kicking me again, and suddenly one kick was aimed at my head. I tried to move, but he caught me on the side of the head, on my cheek. My world went blank then.

I woke up hearing someone shouting, and some load bangs and splintering glass, and then someone was running away. I tried to move, but it hurt too much. I tried to shout, but I couldn't get enough breath to do much more than whisper. I just lay there and waited. Soon I heard a siren in the distance, but it was getting closer and then a man in a luminous jacket bending over me. "It's alright mate, we're here now. It looks as if you've been mugged. My name's Luke, what's yours?"

I tried speaking, but realised I had some sort of mask strapped over my mouth and nose. The guy lifted it for a bit, "Dave, David Finch." 

"Well we'll soon have you at St Jude's, and they can check you over properly. But I'm pretty sure there's nothing broken, but you're going to be sore for a few days."

At A&E in St Jude's I didn't have to wait too long before I saw a doctor, who checked me over. He suspected that I was concussed, and he wanted several x-rays taken, plus loads of tests that I didn't understand. A nurse came in and asked if there was anyone they could contact for me, I told her to take my phone, if I still had it, and phone Tim, who was number one in my directory. She told me that I had both my phone and my wallet when I was found, "Pretty lousy mugger, you were lucky there at least. Maybe someone frightened them."

I was just about finished being x-rayed and scanned and tested when Tim arrived, "What happened to you? You look as if her husband found out." He said with a reassuring smile.

"How did you know? Did he contact you?" 

"Did who contact me? I haven't spoken to anyone about you until the hospital phoned. Oh! You mean it was some husband?"

"Yeah."

"Want to tell me about it? And do I want to know? But first things first, what about you? Are you going to be alright? What do they say?"

"I'll live, or at least they think so. They haven't told me yet what they've found out from all the tests. But I know I've got a throbbing head ache, and I hurt all over."

"Your left eye looks pretty badly bruised. You're going to have a lovely black eye."

"They seem a bit worried about that. They've come and looked at it twice."

"So are you going to tell me what happened?"

Just then the nurse came in to tell me that the Doctor would be to see me soon, but also to tell me that I probably had a couple of cracked ribs, which would explain why I couldn't move, and even breathing hurt like hell. She also said that I would be kept in overnight as they were pretty sure I was concussed, and they would do some more tests in the morning, and I could see the consultant in ophthalmics. Tim said I was covered by insurance through the company, she asked him to visit the desk, if that was alright by me, to give them details and they could move me to the private wing immediately.

Once she'd gone, Tim looked at me, waiting, and so I told him about Lucy, admitting that I'd screwed her, but only after she had really promised that her marriage was completely dead and buried. And that for the last couple of times I'd seen her, I hadn't touched her. But I'm pretty sure it was her husband Pete who attacked me.

Tim sat and listened. "You do get yourself into some pretty stupid positions, Dave. You've got a lovely girl like Davinia, and yet you go off to see some married woman up here in Sheepen, why for God's sake, why? And where is Davinia, by the way? She wasn't with you when you were attacked was she?"

"No. I need you to tell her, but leave that until the morning, please Tim. Dav and I had a lovely day, I'd just got home when this happened. Don't spoil it for her. I'll still be here in the morning."

"OK. If that's what you want. I'll phone her first thing in the morning. But I'm not sure she shouldn't be told now."

"No. Don't spoil today for her with the sort of scrapes I get into. It was a good day, we've never been so close. But could you ask the nurse for my phone, and phone Lucy. You'll find her in my directory. Tell her that her husband has put me in hospital. And that I want to see her now, as soon as possible." I looked at him, he just nodded, and got up to leave, "Thanks Tim, I'll sort it out with Lucy, I want to hear what she's got to say for herself. And tomorrow, I'll be honest with Davinia, promise. I'm not going to have any more secrets from her."

And I just laid there. Then Lucy arrived, "Oh, Dave, I'm sorry. I never thought he'd do that to you. I thought he wouldn't care."

"Oh, he cares alright, and I've got the bruises to prove it. What the fuck were you thinking of Lucy, and why did you give him my name and address?"

"Well, he came home because his Mum had told him that I was out drinking last week with another bloke. I guess it was those neighbours of hers. As soon as he heard that he came home, demanding to know who you were. But I didn't tell him, honest I didn't. Well not then, anyway."

"So when, then, Lucy? When you'd agreed as to how hard a kicking he was going to give me?"

"No. We had a talk, well more of a row really. And he admitted that he'd slept with that girl Dawn, like I suspected. So it was after that that I told him who you were, I just wanted to show him that two can play at that game. He shouldn't have gone after you like he did. But I did warn you, he's got a lousy temper."

"Well he can explain that temper to the judge. You know damn well that I refused to touch you until you promised me that your marriage was over and done with. I didn't fucking deserve this, and both of you are going to pay."

"Oh! No! Please don't tell the Police. You can't. Please Dave. Don't report him. He'll go to prison, and I don't want that."

"I doubt whether he'll go to prison. I wouldn't be surprised if the Police decide to take no further action. But I'm innocent in this, and I don't see why I should protect your lunatic husband."

Lucy looked at me, obviously deciding on what she should say next, "Yes he will go to prison. It's a certainty."

I looked at her, "Tell me, Lucy. What are you hiding?"

"Well, Pete's been a bit wild all his life. Nothing serious you know, not when he was a lad. Just a bit of joy riding, and getting drunk and having the odd fight. And selling a bit of grass now and then. But he was always in trouble with the Police. But then we met and got married, and he's been on the straight and narrow ever since."

"Well, they'll forgive him a bit of youthful stupidity, if he's as straight as you say he is now. Don't worry."

"But he's still got this dreadful temper. It's got worse if anything over the years. And about a year ago he got in a dreadful fight in the pub. He was a bit drunk, but he took hold of a broken bottle and attacked a guy. Well, with all his record, the judge gave him a two year sentence, but suspended it to see if he really could live straight. This will bring that down on him, guaranteed, even if this one isn't so bad. He'll go to prison if you report it. Please don't Dave. Think of my kids with their father in prison. Don't do it to them Dave. Please."

"You should be wanting me to. Then at least he'll be out of your hair. Then you'll get that divorce you wanted, and you're clear of him." I said.

"I don't know what I want. But I don't want him to go to prison. Please Dave."

"OK. Tell him to come and see me, tonight. Right now. I may be upstairs in the private wing by then, but come and see me, or I see the Police."

"And you won't report him? Oh! Thanks Dave?"

"I didn't say that. But if he doesn't come, then I definitely will report him. If he does come, then we'll see. Now go."

"Please Dave."

"Go."

She waited, deciding whether to plead some more, but then she just turned to leave. 

She was hardly gone a few seconds than the Doctor came in. He told me that I had some very severe bruising, and that I was probably concussed, they weren't sure. And that I had two cracked ribs, and they were concerned about the kick I received near the eye. And that I'd have to see an ophthalmologist. I asked how long I was going to be here, and he told me that I'd be moved upstairs, they understood from Tim that I could have a private room, as my insurance had checked out. They also understood that I lived alone with no immediate family, so they wouldn't send me home until they were sure I was OK to look after myself, but that would all be sorted out in the morning.

After they had left a Policeman came in to ask if I was up to giving a statement. I told him I was concussed and I was very tired, so was it possible they come back tomorrow? I was going up to the private wing, and they could find me there. He seemed to accept that, but then went on to ask if I had my car near me when it happened, and if so what was its registration number. I told him, and then he told me that it too had been attacked. Every window smashed, all lights smashed in and several major dents over the entire body. Then he left.

A couple of porters came along and wheeled me up to the Private Wing. It was all very swish and smart, a bit like a business hotel. I was set up in a room to myself, with television and flowers and nicely decorated, but it was still a hospital room, with a hospital bed, and all the paraphernalia.

I lay there, getting frustrated that I couldn't move without my chest hurting, but a nurse came along and gave me some pain killers, and I think I drifted off to sleep. 

But I woke to voice, "There are a couple of visitors for you, Mr Finch. Do you want to see them, or shall I send them away?"

"No. Send them in."

And a minute later, Lucy came in followed by a sullen and sheepish looking man, who I recognised as Pete, my attacker.

"You can wait outside, Lucy. I want to talk to Pete. Pete sit down in that chair over there." I didn't think he would attack me, not in here, but I preferred him on the other side of the room.

Lucy looked at Pete, unsure what to do.

"Lucy, go. Or both of you go. It's up to you. Now."

She left, still glancing at me and Pete, scared of something. After she'd gone and Pete had settled, I just looked at him, "So, Pete, do you beat up men often, are am I a special exception?"

"I suppose I should be sorry, but I'm not. You were fucking my wife, and you deserved it."

"Did she tell you how we met, and that it was all several weeks ago?"

"No."

"Well, I met her in Shades, you know, the night club? She was there looking to be picked up, I promise you. And I was the lucky one. But I didn't lay a finger on her until she had promised me that her marriage was dead and buried. I don't play with married women, she promised me that you were well out of it."

"Well I wasn't. I was in Scotland working every fucking hour that God sends to make some fucking money for our future. She had no fucking right..."

"Well, That's what she told me. And do you know why she was in Shades? Because she knew you were screwing around on her with some girl named Dawn. And she was right wasn't she?"

"Me and Dawn were fucking weeks ago. It didn't mean anything, and I knew it was wrong. Dawn's been a good friend to me, she's been helping me look at pubs for sale. One which I could afford and try and give my family a decent future, that's why I was working to get every fucking penny I could. And she was fucking well down here screwing around with you."

"Well that raises lots of issues. Do you think it fair that Lucy goes after Dawn for screwing her husband? Maybe she should throw some acid in her face, and put Dawn in hospital like you've put me? Is that fair in your mind Pete?"

"No. Of course not. Dawn's a friend. What me and Dawn did was weeks ago, I know I shouldn't have, but I told Lucy, it didn't mean fucking nothing. But I know you were fucking well out with Lucy last week."

"Yes I was, .... as a friend. Just like you and Dawn. And I promise you I didn't touch her that night, and she did offer. I don't know what she told you, but I only fucked Lucy some weeks ago now, since then when we met we only talked."

We lapsed to silence, me staring at him, and he was sitting, hunched up in the chair, staring at his shoes, whether from shame or just embarrassment I didn't know. 

"Was it you that smashed up my car? Or did you get some mates to do that?"

"No. It was me. You seemed to have blacked out, and I didn't know how bad you was. So I sort of worked it out on your fucking car. Then some geezer shouted from somewhere, and I fucking ran."

"Oh! I see. Now tell me why you've got a suspended sentence hanging over your head."

He looked at me, I guess he was surprised that I knew. Lucy obviously hadn't told him everything.

"Well, I sort of got into this fight in a fucking pub, and it got a bit violent. That's all. The fucking Police had it in for me 'cos of my old record. Once they've got their fucking hands on you they never give up, the fucking bastards."

"What was the fight about? And why did you do so much damage that you got such a sentence? The average pub fight doesn't get two year sentences thrown around."

"Well, it was just after I lost my fucking job, and I couldn't find any fucking work 'cos my fucking employers put the word around against me. That's what those sort of bastards do to people like me. And I guess I was a bit drunk, I had had quite a few, and some guy starts an argument about the game, and it got sort of ... got out of hand."

"Out of hand! Lucy said you took a broken bottle to someone! That's more than out of hand."

"Yeah...well... whatever...I suppose I've got a bit of a temper." He sort of smiled at me, sheepishly, "That's why I lost my fucking job in the first place, and I told them fuckers what they could do with their fucking job. But of course all the fucking chains are so fucking scared these days about people that come into contact with the fucking customers. So, what with my record I couldn't get no fucking job. That's why I've been saving money to buy a fucking pub. I think we'll just about be there when I finish this contract. That's why me and Dawn were out looking at possibilities last week."




TGI Chronicles Pt. 2 Ch. 08



"But you've got to get some help. You've got to learn to control this temper of yours. You can't run a pub if you're going to take a broken bottle to people who disagree with you about football. Hasn't anyone suggested some anger management counselling?"

"Me? Fucking counselling? You must be fucking joking. I've had my bellyful of fucking social workers that used to come and tell my Mum how to bring me up, or how I should spend my fucking time so as I wouldn't go out and nick cars for a bit of fun. No fucking way am I going to no fucking counselling."

"You should. You really should."

He suddenly stood up, but didn't move towards me, "Listen, you jumped up little fucker. I've done alright without no fucking counselling. I got myself a fucking beauty of a wife, one that fuckers like you want, don't you? And I've got two fucking gorgeous kids, and I've paid my fucking way for all of them. We got a decent house, and we'll get a fucking pub. And no fucking social worker got any of that for me, I did it all on me own."

I thought he was beginning to get a little too animated for my peace of mind, and anyway, I realised that I was getting nowhere, "You've done well, Pete, but you can't go round beating up every guy who you think had eyes on Lucy."

He took a step towards me, but somehow he didn't seem threatening at that moment, "No? But that's it, this is about you and me. It ain't about no fucking counselling. It ain't about my kids. It ain't even about Lucy. It's about you and me. You were fucking my wife, and I got you for it. Now, are you going to report me to the fucking Police for it or not?"

"I don't know. I'll be seeing the Police in the morning. I'm tired now. Go and find Lucy and go home."

"What? That's it?"

"Yes. Go home, Pete."

And he left, thank Goodness, and I fell asleep.



TGI Chronicles Pt. 2 Ch. 09



I woke up a couple of times in the night, but I pressed a button and a nurse came in and gave me some more painkillers. Eventually I woke up properly feeling a lot better. And then I tried to move, and I felt sheer agony shoot through my chest.

Later the doctor came and asked some simple questions, which I thought I answered well. He said he didn't think I had any signs of concussion, but he would schedule an MRI scan anyway. While I had him listening to me, I complained that my wrist hurt. He went off and looked at my x-rays and came back to say that he thought there might be a very small crack in one of the bones of my wrist, which they had missed last night, and someone would be along to strap up my hand. 

At about nine o'clock, Tim and Beth arrived. They told me that Davinia was waiting outside, should they bring her in? To which I said yes. So Tim went and got her and Beth and Tim left with promises to see me later.

Davinia just stood and looked at me, with tears welling up in her eyes. "Why didn't you let Tim call me last night? You should have let me know."

"What and given you a bad night? No. We had a lovely day yesterday, I enjoyed it so much. I didn't want to spoil it with bad news at the end."

She looked at me, "Yes! But, you were wrong, Dave. I should have been called. Why don't you let me get close to you precisely at the time when you need me? It's not fair to me or to you." She sighed, quite audibly.

"I'm sorry." I said.

She smiled. "So, how are you? Tim said you look worse than you are."

"Tim's right. I'm a bit sore. But give me a few days and I'll be back. Promise. The worse bit is I still can't quite see out of this eye properly, I guess that's the bruising. And I've cracked a couple of ribs. But painkillers help that, and there's nothing to be done, I've just got to wait for them to get better. And they promise me that I'll be really quite OK in a couple of weeks, and I'll be totally over it a few weeks after that."

She came and sat on the edge of the bed, and took my hand, I winced, "Sorry, they've found I've got a small cracked bone in that wrist. They're coming to bind it up soon. It's nothing serious. Come round the other side."

So she walked round to the other side of the bed and sat down, and took my right hand. "Do you know who did it? And why? What sort of person attacks an innocent man just going home?"

Now was the time, "An irate husband." I said, hoping I said it lightly enough.

She let go of my hand and stood up, "You knew him? And you've been.... With his wife...how could you?"

I held out my hand to her, she ignored it, "No. It was weeks ago that I did anything with his wife. Before you and I really got together. But he only just found out. And she promised me that the marriage was completely over. You've got to believe me Dav, I wouldn't ever do anything with a woman if I thought she was happily married. Honestly, I'm innocent in this. Promise." 

She continued to ignore my proffered hand, I thought I'd try one more time, "Look, Dav, I met her before you and I had even our first date. It's history. She's history. Since you and I really got together, I haven't seen her except as a friend. I haven't touched her, I didn't want to, because of you.. Please Dav, I'm sorry if I've upset you, but I didn't tell you because I didn't want to hurt you. There's nothing in it."

"Yes. Right. So little in it that her husband attacks you in the street and does this to you."

We looked at each other in silence. I suddenly realised that our relationship was in danger. "Look, Dav, this must all be a bit of a shock. Take a drink of water and I'll tell you about it. I won't lie, I'll tell you everything, not that there's much to tell. Please, at least listen. Please."

Nothing happened for what seemed like eternity. Then she poured herself a glass of water and sat down on the edge of the bed.

And I told her, from picking up Lucy at Shades when I went there with Drew and the others. Through to my taking Lucy for a drink the week before last, and being seen by a neighbour of his mother, which led to my being here now. I didn't tell her about the slightly bizarre overtone of the sex, the French maid outfit, the spanking, and certainly not about setting her up for TJ. But the rest was fairly truthful, as well as I could remember it.

She listened in silence, the occasional tear rolling down her cheek, but she was just out of reach for me to hold her, or even hold her hand and comfort her.

When I'd finished, she looked at me, "I don't know how I feel about you going off to have sex with another women when we were trying to build a relationship Dave. I know it was early days, but you owed me better than that. And I don't understand if you were seeing her as a friend, as a friend in need, which is what you claim she was, then why was it a secret? I didn't keep secrets from you. I know I wasn't always the best girlfriend, I know I was caught up with the play sometimes, but I didn't keep secrets from you. Why Dave?"

"I don't know. Old habits die hard, I suppose. I wish I hadn't. I wish I'd never seen her again once I knew I really wanted you. I'm sorry Dav. Please, I'll never have secrets from you again. Give me another chance."

We sat and looked at each other, in silence, for sometime. I don't know what she was thinking, she just looked sad to me, and that cut me so much. Her eyes were the darkest I've ever seen them. 

"I warned you it would be a bumpy ride." I tried humour, "But I'll do my best to make this the last bump."

"Oh, yes, it'll be the last bump. One way or another. I think I'll go home now."

"Must you? Please Dav. I'm sorry."

"Yes. I'll find Tim and Beth, I think they're waiting for me. Are you going to be here tomorrow?"

"I don't know. Why? Will you come and see me. Please. I'd like that."

"Yes. Promise. I'll come here or to your flat. Wherever you are, Dave." And she stood up, and stepped closer and leant over and kissed my head. "Just get better, and I'll see you tomorrow." And she just turned and walked out.

I sat there in stunned silence. I'd never thought that this could lose me Davinia. I thought I'd protected her from this stupid relationship with Lucy. Surely I couldn't lose her over something so meaningless?

I was still feeling the unfairness of it all when Tim came through the door. "Beth has taken Davinia home. She didn't seem to have taken it well. Are you two going to be OK?"

"Yes, of course. It was all a bit of a shock to her. She's promised to see me tomorrow. She just needs a bit of time." I tried to smile, but it hurt around my bad eye.

"Well you have to admit, Dave. You are asking rather a lot of the poor girl."

"It'll be alright. It's got to be. I want to talk to you about something else."

"OK. What?" He came and sat in the bedside chair.

"Well first off, he smashed up my car. Apparently he smashed in every window and took his baseball bat or whatever it was to the bodywork as well."

"Where is it?"

"As far as I know, it's still outside my flat. If not, the Police will know."

"OK. I'll get the process started of getting it into the body shop. I'll tell Charlie Bullard on Tuesday, he'll know what to do. Have you got the keys?"

"Yes. They should be in the drawer there."

He opened the bedside draw and pulled out the car keys. Just then a nurse came in, "Mr Williams?"

"Yes? That's me." said Tim.

"It's a message from your wife, she is staying with er.. Davinia? I think it was.." 

"Yes it is. She's this idiot's girlfriend." Tim nodded towards me.

"Oh well, she said she was going to stay with her for a chat. Could you find your own way home?"

"Yes. Sure. Thanks." Tim smiled at her as she left.

"What do you think they're talking about?" I asked, worried as to what Davinia was thinking.

"Well, I think we know that. You've given poor Davinia one hell of a rough time in these last few weeks, you know Dave. I wouldn't blame her if she decided that enough is enough."

"Don't say that. We've got a good thing going. And I didn't exactly ask to be beaten up and put in hospital."

"No, but..." he started again.

"Conversation closed. I don't want to talk about it."

"OK." He paused, looking at me, "So what else can I do for you?"

So, I told him about Lucy and Pete, and how I held the key to whether to send him to prison or not. Tim sat and listened, and I could see his analytical mind ticking away. 

When I'd finished outlining my problem, Tim looked up, "And how do you feel? Do whatever you think is right. It's all you can do."

"Well, on the one hand, I'm angry. I don't think I did anything particularly wrong. She lied to me. On the other hand, if they do stand a chance as a couple, then I wouldn't be helping if I sent him to prison."

"And you wouldn't be punishing her directly by sending him to prison. Do you think he really has any excuse for what he did?"

I looked at him, "I don't know. I've never had to think about it. Did you feel like taking revenge when Beth went off the rails?" I saw pain flash across his face. "Oh, I'm sorry Tim, I shouldn't have mentioned it."

"No, it's alright." He smiled weakly, "And to answer your question, no. I thought I would, but I've come to the conclusion that that sort of violence isn't in me. That doesn't mean it's wrong, it's just wrong for me."

"Well, actually, I do think it is wrong. I'm clear that he shouldn't have done it. But I also think it is understandable. He's just been told that another man has been screwing his wife, and I haven't the faintest idea what she said. She might have blown it up out of all proportion, telling him that I was round there every night, fucking away, just to really annoy him and show him that he wasn't the only one who could play that game. And in his blind anger, he wants to hit the man that was involved, the man that's taken his woman. I can understand that. So, should I send him to prison for it, taking him away from his children, spoiling his chances of sorting things out with Lucy? That's what I've got to decide, Tim."

"Be clear about one thing, Dave." Tim spoke firmly. "You are not sending him to prison. A judge does that, it's what they're paid for. All you would be doing is telling the truth."

"Yeah, well... I still don't like doing it."

"So you prefer the idea of lying to the Police? They're going to ask you if you know who it was, and you can either tell the truth, or you can put yourself above the law, and try and cheat the system by lying. And have you thought about how this will look to Davinia?"

I looked up at that, "No, why should she have a different view?"

Tim leant in, "Don't you think it might look as if you feel that this Pete was justified in attacking you if you let him off?"

"And don't you think it looks revengeful and intolerant if I don't?" I asked.

"No, because you have no right to do anything except tell the truth, Dave."

"Well, that sounds as if you've made up your mind, anyway."

Tim was silent, and thoughtful. Then he asked, "Do you have any reason to believe that they will work things out and give their children a good home, and that he will get control of his temper and be a good role model for those children?"

"That's a good question. I'll think about that one."

"Well, if you're OK here, I'll go and find a taxi. Phone me if you are sent home. Otherwise I'll drop in to see you again."

"OK. Thanks Tim. And thank Beth for me. For turning out last night, and for this morning."

"Just get better. I need you back in the office." And he left, leaving me to ponder what to say to the Police who were likely to turn up at any time.

I think I must have dozed off, because the next thing I knew was the nurse coming in to bind up my wrist with a sort of pre-shaped hand support. It felt a lot more comfortable after that. And as she left, she held open the door for two middle aged people, a man and a women, to come in. The Police, and I hadn't worked out what to say. I really didn't know.

"Dave Finch?" asked the woman.

"Yes."

"I'm Sherry, Pete's mother, and this is Mr Tasker, Lucy's Dad. We were wondering if we could talk to you."

"You know you are the reason that I'm in here. It was you telling your violent son that I was out with Lucy that set him off. And you must have known what he's like, what he would do. You're as much to blame as he is."

"What was I supposed to think? I'm told Lucy's out drinking with a bloke, when Pete's up in Scotland working all the hours he can, of course I had to tell him."

"But it was an innocent drink. I wasn't meeting her to take her to bed. I was meeting a friend who had phoned me, upset with the state of her marriage, because her husband was screwing around up in Scotland."

"Pete never..."

"Oh! Yes! Pete did. Ask him about Dawn. That's why Lucy went and found me in the first place. And that's why she was out with me that night. Because your wonderful son, who takes bottles to people in pub fights, couldn't stay faithful to Lucy."

"Oh! I didn't know...he didn't tell me that bit. Oh!" and she looked worried and shame faced.

Lucy's Dad stepped forward, "I don't know what went on with Pete and this Dawn, or even between you and my Lucy. It was all a misunderstanding, and you got the worst of it. But they're a good young couple trying to make a go of it. Pete's a bit wild, maybe more than a bit wild, but he loves his kids, and I think he loves Lucy. But they don't stand a chance if you send him away to prison. That's why we've come to see you. Have you reported him to the Police?"

"No. They haven't been to see me yet."

"Well me and Sherry want to give them a chance. It's their only chance. So we were wondering if five thousand Pounds might help you see your way to.. you know. Look at it as compensation for being in here."

I was more than surprised. I was stunned. I sat there in silence, just looking at them.

It was Sherry who spoke first, "We've both got a bit put by, and we thought if we club together, you might be able to see your way to give them the chance they need."

I sat in silence, just looking at them. They just stood there at the bottom of my bed, looking back, waiting. 

"I don't need your money. That would be better spent on them, or on your grandchildren than on me. I don't know what I'm going to say to the Police. But I'm impressed that you care enough for them to try this. But I'm not accepting it."

"Does that mean you're going to shop Pete?" It was Mr Tasker who asked, "He only did what any decent husband would do. He shouldn't go to prison for trying to protect his family, his wife, and his children. Give him a fair break."

"I don't know what I'm going to say to the Police. But I'll tell you this, I'm innocent in all of this. I did nothing with Lucy until she swore to me that the marriage was dead and buried. I don't play around with married women. And yet I'm the one lying in a hospital bed. And your Pete is out there, with no regrets, feeling hard done by for the results of him screwing around on his wife, and putting me in hospital, and at the moment he's free to lose his temper and do what next time? Kill someone?"

His mother jumped to the defence of her son, "No. Pete's not like that. He's a good boy. He just loses his temper sometimes. That's all. He just loses his temper."

"Well, maybe so will I, I'll lose my temper, only I'll do it when I'm talking to the Police. Now, I've said all I have to say. You're going to have to wait to see if the Police come calling. Because, at the moment, I just don't know." 

"Come on, Sherry. Let's leave Mr Finch to rest. There's no more to be said or done." Mr Tasker put his arm around her and led her out of the room.

After lunch I was taken upstairs for an MRI scan. It was interesting to start with, and there was a rather pretty nurse in that unit, she was cheerful and brightened up what would have otherwise turned out to be a rather boring procedure.

When I got back to my room, the Police were waiting, the same uniformed guy that I saw yesterday. Maybe they have someone who specialises in hospital duty. He asked how I felt, and would I answer a few questions?

"Yes, sure. Now's as good a time as any."

He asked some preliminary questions about my identity and times and where had I come from, and where was I going. And a general description of the attack. Then we got to the crunch, "Did you recognise your attacker, Mr Finch?"

"No." Well that was true.

"Do you have any idea who he was, or know anyone who might do this?"

"Ah! ... Yes." I said, clearly and firmly, looking the Policeman in the eye.

There, I'd made my decision. It hadn't been easy, but Tim had hit upon it, I had no right to lie to the Police. I just hope that Pete gets the help he needs to control his temper. And that they've got enough money between them and their parents to buy that pub and give themselves the break they need. I'm pretty sure that Lucy actually loves him, 'though I can't see why.

I then told him the full story of me and Lucy and Pete. I think I went up in the estimation of the policeman because I'd been 'a bit of a naughty boy' with Lucy. I don't think I saw it that way.

Interestingly, the policeman knew of Pete. "He's been a troublemaker all his life," I was told, "ever since he was a young lad. Though he did get a bit better when he married his girl, we thought she might have sorted him out. Then we started to get calls to pub fights at closing time when we were pretty sure he'd been involved, but we couldn't actually prove anything. So we were pleased when we got him in that pub brawl about a year ago. Only a few days earlier, we'd been called to that Steak House on the London Road, where Pete had worked and he'd taken to really threatening some waitress with a kitchen knife over something minor she'd done wrong. Although the manager sacked him, the waitress didn't want to press charges, so there was nothing we could do. He's very capable of violence, the quicker we can lock him up and throw away the key, the better. Of course it'll be up to the Prosecuting Service to decide, but I think we'll have him this time."

That evening, the Doctor came round again, and said there was nothing on the MRI scan, and that really I was fit to go home. But, as I was living alone, I might prefer to stay the night, and go home on Sunday. They were now more confidant about my eye, but I still needed to come back to see the specialist after Easter, on the Tuesday. I chose to stay the night. 

In the morning I phoned Tim. He said he would happily come and pick me up, but it would have to wait until the afternoon. I said I'd let him know if my plans changed, but otherwise I'd be grateful. 

At about ten o'clock, Davinia walked into my room. I was sitting in one of the chairs watching television. "Hi" I said.

She looked nervous, she came over and kissed me gently on the cheek, "Hi, Dave. How are you?"

"Oh, OK. I'm going home this afternoon. I'm a bit stiff, but I'll manage. I've got to come back on Tuesday to see the eye specialist, but otherwise..."

She sat on the bed, and looked at me, I waited, "You promised me a bumpy ride ..."

I tried smiling, it still hurt, "And as good as my word..."

"Well, I think I've just let go of my hat."

There was silence as the enormity of her words sank in. "Please, Dav, don't say that."

"Well, where were we going, Dave?"

At that moment I knew what I wanted to say, that I loved her. For the first time in my life, I wanted to tell a woman that I loved her. But old habits die hard, or maybe it was just pride, I wasn't going to say that just as she was dumping me, "We were doing fine. We were great together. Don't break it up now. You really don't have to."

"Oh! Yes I do. Last week your oldest and closest friend thought it would be alright if this bitch was forced into a threesome with you two, just like you used to have. This week a husband puts you in hospital because you were screwing his wife when you were meant to be going out with me. What next Dave? You're out of my league. I'm sorry." 




TGI Chronicles Pt. 2 Ch. 09



She was crying, I painfully got up out of the chair, and collected the box of tissues off the bedside cabinet and took them to her. She took one and wiped her eyes and then another to blow her nose. She looked up at me, "I'm sorry."

"No, Dav. Please. You know it wasn't like that. I was disgusted by TJ, and I don't want to see him again. And I know this is all a bit wrong, but I wasn't as bad as it looks. Promise. We can get over this."

"No, Dave. I don't want to get over this. I want to get over you."

I knew there was nothing I could say. I wanted to hold her, to bring her close to me, but I hurt too much to even try. 

I held out my hand, she took it and gave it a squeeze. "You'll get over me, just like you've got over all those other girls in the past. You're the great Dave Finch, the bachelor stud of TGI." 

She leant into me, her eyes were so dark and sad, the deepest violet. She gave me a kiss on the cheek, soft and gentle, and then she let go of my hand and just walked out. She didn't even look back.

I just sat on the edge of the bed, I didn't know what to feel or think. For the first time in my life I'd let one of Cupid's arrows get through my armour. And what good had it done me? I was wounded for life. I knew I could never really be the great Dave Finch, bachelor stud of TGI ever again. I wanted Davinia, that's all I really knew.

---

Tim came to collect me at about two thirty. "How are you?"

"Oh, OK, I guess. Fit to go home apparently."

"I do know. She talked to Beth for ages yesterday, and phoned again this morning. It hurts doesn't it?"

I sat on the edge of the bed and looked at him, "I don't know what I'm going to do, Tim."

"It does get better, I promise. You know how destroyed I was last year by what Beth did. Well, I promise you, even after that, I got to the point where it didn't hurt anywhere near as much, and I knew I would go on to be happy again even without Beth. You will get over it. Now, are these yours?" 

I looked up, he was holding a robe and some pyjamas. "No, they're the hospital's." 

"So your fit to travel then? I brought Beth's car, I thought you wouldn't want to be climbing in and out of mine."

"You should have brought the Bentley. I could have sat up nice and straight in that."

"I should have, I didn't think." He smiled. "Do you know how long you're going to be off work?"

"About a couple of weeks. I won't be fully fit then, but probably OK to work. You fucking slave driver, that's all you can think about, getting me back to my desk."

"Too right. I do actually need you in work. But, why don't you take a couple of weeks holiday before then? Get away and get a bit of sun. It'll do you good, some new horizons and different people."

"I'll see. I can't think about things like that. Do you know, I did love her? For the first time in my fucking life, I fell, and what happens? She dumps me. That's what happens. Life stinks."

"I know. But I'm pretty sure she didn't love you. That's why she got out." He crouched down in front of me, looking straight into my eyes.

"She would have. She would have loved me if she'd given me a chance. She was the love of my life, Tim. She was the one that changed me."

"No, she was your first love. You haven't met the love of your life yet. You'll find her, promise. It just won't be Davinia, that's all. Now come on, time to go home."

---

I managed alright at home by myself. I found that a couple of glasses of brandy with pain killers can give you a really good night's sleep. 

On the Tuesday morning, Alice phoned as soon as she heard about me at work. I gave her a status report, she was very kind and said she would take some time out to collect me and take me to my eye appointment. She even waited for me, whilst I saw the specialist, who decided there was nothing seriously wrong, but suggested I wore very dark glasses for a couple of weeks. 

On the next weekend, Alice came by on the Sunday and took me out for a pub lunch, out in the country. I asked after Davinia, but she said little except that she was in at work and seemed OK. 

I sat at home, realising the dreadfulness of daytime television, and getting very bored. Slowly my soreness and stiffness eased, day by day. I decided that Tim's idea of a holiday seemed good. And that gave me a good afternoon on the Internet planning what I might do. I fancied a couple of things, I found an excellent beginner's golf holiday in the Bahamas, but realised I wasn't physically up to it. I did wonder about a scuba diving holiday, swimming might be alright, but decided against it. So, I chose Italy, for its sun, beautiful art and good food. 

I phoned Tim and asked if we might meet. He suggested a drink at the Black Swan, which was good. I told him about my holiday plan, he seemed happy, and said he could manage in the office. Then I asked after Davinia, he said that she had been very quiet for a few days, but she was now back to her usual self. I asked if he thought it would be alright if I asked her out to lunch, I wanted to talk to her.

"That depends." he said

"On what?" I asked.

"On what your expectations are. If you think you can talk her round, then I'm pretty sure you're wasting your time, and it will only be painful for you and embarrassing and hurtful to her. But, if you want a proper, civilised discussion to sign things off, to close it properly, then Yes."

"Oh! I have to admit I was hoping for the former. But, I've been there from the other side. I know what it's like when some girl is trying to revive something that really isn't there. I guess I'll just have to settle for your second scenario." I sighed. Tim bought me another pint, and then asked what I was going to do for my holiday.

On the last Friday of my two weeks of sick leave, I phoned Davinia in the morning, "Hi, I was wondering if I could buy you a lunch? I promise you, they'll be no hysterics, but I would just like to talk."

"Well, I don't know. I think Tim was expecting me to be around at lunch time."

Yes, and when Tim has told you I'm safe to meet, I hope you'll come, "Well, why don't you check with Tim, and phone me back? I was going to suggest Not Steinbeck's at about one o'clock."

"I'll phone you." and she rang off. 

But she soon phoned me back to accept, so obviously Tim had cleared it quickly.

I got to Not Steinbeck's early. And she was on time. 

She greeted me with a polite kiss on the cheek, "So, are you all better now? Tim said you're going on holiday."

"Well I'm walking wounded, and yes, I'm going to Florence for ten days, on a cookery course. It should be fun, and sunshine and the wonderful art. I hope it's good."

"You have me jealous." She smiled.

"Well I could alter the booking to two?" I looked at her and smiled.

"You know that's not going to happen."

"Yes, I know. I was just kidding." I smiled again.

We fell to silence, just drinking our wine. 

"What would you like to eat?" I suddenly remembered my manners.

"Oh, just chilli in here I think."

"Good idea. I'll make it two, I'll go and order some, it's easier than waiting for a waitress." 

When I got back I asked, "And how are you, Davinia? I know that dumping me wasn't the easiest thing to do." I thought we might as well address the main subject.

"Oh, I'm OK." She looked up at me, "I'm sorry Dave. It wasn't meant to be like this. I was just out of Tod and all that that had meant. I thought a quick fling with the great Dave Finch would be good. You were good for my ego, the most handsome man around, and you were chasing me. I was flattered. But it was going to be just a little affair. I'm grateful though, it got me out of thinking about Tod. You were my stepping stone to normality. But I was never in the same place as I think you were."

"You know I loved you? Being with you changed me, and for the first time you taught me to love. In my whole life, for the very first time."

"I know," she put her hand across the table and squeezed mine, and smiled, "And breaking from me taught you to admit it."

I smiled, I couldn't help it. "Yes, well. I'd have got round to it. Did you ever love me?"

She thought about that, and in the pause our chilli's were delivered. Afterwards I looked up at her, waiting for an answer. 

Eventually she chose her words, "The good times were some of the happiest days of my life, but no, I don't think I ever loved you, I never felt that passion that I felt for Tod at the beginning. And the bad times were pretty bad, and there were too many of them. I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I did learn a lot."

We ate our food in silence. As I poured her some more wine, I asked "Well, have you dated anyone else?"

"No, but there have been a couple who tried. Drew's asked me twice."

"Well why not say yes when he asks you for the third time. Maybe you both need to get it out of your systems. And you never know.."

"Yes I think I might. And thank you."

"What for?"

"Well I felt that accepting Drew would be somehow disloyal to you. I think I needed your permission." She looked up at me and smiled, her eyes were quite light blue. I guess in that last gesture I'd made her at least a little happy. Dammit!

We chatted on, easier now that we had established we could talk about anything. Afterwards I accompanied her back to the office, and was cheered with how welcoming and kind everyone was to see me.

I went in to see Tim, "And how was it?"

"Bloody awful. But I deserve an Oscar, I think I let her off with proper closure, and the right degree of wistfulness."

"Good, well done. Maybe one day you'll get to be friends. Oh, I've got this for you." He handed me an envelope.

"What's this?" I asked as I opened it. It was an invite to Tim and Beth's renewal of their wedding vows, followed by gathering at Charlie and Rose Bullard's house. 

I read it, "Why the Bullard's?"

"Simple, they volunteered. They've got a large house, and if the weather's kind, they've got a fabulous garden. And there won't be that many of us, only a couple of dozen, so it can be there. We're paying the caterers, they are just letting us use their house, but it is very kind of them. Rose was key in making it at all possible, and it seemed right somehow. And anyway, I wasn't going to give Beth's parents the pleasure of crowing too much that we're back together by holding it at their house, instead they're putting up my parents. That should be fun for them all." He smiled.

"Well I'll be there. And for the first time, I won't be quite as sceptical as I have been at every other bloody wedding I've ever attended."

"Good, hold onto that thought." Tim came round from his side of the desk, and just took me in a hug. "Mind my fucking ribs, you brute!" I smiled. It felt good.

---

The holiday was good. I learnt some good cooking tips, but too much time was spent on learning to make pizza dough. And vital as good pizza is to the world of gastronomy, I didn't need two days of it. And working that dough was one of the few things that still hurt my chest and wrist. But lying in the sun and watching the women didn't make my chest hurt.

I wondered whether I fancied a quick holiday romance. I should have, and there were a couple of possibilities. Including a rather nice American girl in her early twenties, who was doing Europe with her parents, having been left at the altar by her ex-fiancé. But, instead, we spent a night in the bar getting very drunk on a wide variety of Italian liqueurs and bemoaning the pain of love. It was quite fun.

All too soon as I was home, suntanned and feeling a lot better. It was the Friday when I was due into work on the Monday, and I had one big doubt about my return. I phoned Tim and asked him if I could come in to see him. He asked if we could make it after work as he was a bit snowed under, apparently he hadn't had the help of a deputy for four weeks! We agreed on the Black Swan, again.

After I'd bought him his pint, he looked at me, expectantly. 

I swallowed, "I don't think I can do it Tim. I can't come in and just work away, with Davinia just across the corridor. It'll destroy me."

"Is it still that bad?"

"Yes, I think it is. I'll admit it's getting better, the holiday helped. And I know it will be alright one day, but I just need more time. I was thinking of asking Charlie Bullard if he could find me an assignment somewhere else in the company for a few weeks, just 'til I can face her easily, every day, without having to prepare myself."

Tim went quiet, and drank some beer. "No. I won't have that. I need you there as my deputy. I've coped for these four weeks, but you really are needed in the department. We're a team."

"I'm sorry Tim. I know I'm letting you down. But.."

"No, I'll move Davinia. I'll go and see Charlie on Monday and get her transferred to some other department. She's a great secretary, and I like her a lot, but given the choice," He looked up at me, "There is no choice."

That was flattering, it never crossed my mind that Tim would do that for me, "You can't do that to the poor girl. It isn't her fault that we sort of buggered things up. That's mainly my fault, even if she did do the actual dumping. It wouldn't be fair on her."

"Life isn't fair. We've got a job to do. This is a business decision and you're far more important than her. And anyway, I think they've got a vacancy for a junior assistant in Marketing, that might be good for her."

"Would she want that?"

"No. I know she wouldn't. I had a long chat to her the other week. She's very happy in her job. And I'm very happy with her there. But..."

"Can I think about it? I'll let you know on Monday. It seemed such a simple coward's way out to have some time out of the Department. You've spoilt all that."

"Sure. Let me know." He paused, looking thoughtful, eventually he looked up at me, "I don't know how you're going to take this, but I guess you should know. She had a date with Drew this week, she hasn't said a lot about it, except to say it was good."

My heart missed a beat. I knew it was inevitable, but it still hurt. I smiled at Tim, "I guessed that would happen. I even told her she should do it."

He smiled, sympathetically, "So, how was your holiday?"

And so we chatted on for another couple of pints.

I went home, that evening still dreading trying to work with Davinia on a day to day relationship. I just didn't see how I could make that work. But I wondered if there was an element of vindictiveness in my attraction to having Davinia moved, but that would make me feel guilty.

On the Saturday morning, it was still plaguing me, in the end, over breakfast, I decided, 'I'm sorry, Davinia, but if Tim thinks the working of the Department depends on it, then you've got to go.' I decided to go down to Blindside and tell Tim, then and there.

When I got there, Beth let me in. She looked good, in jeans and tee shirt, but with no bra, and her breasts moved so enticingly underneath. 

"Well, Tim's not here, Dave. He's gone to the gym and to do a bit of shopping in town. He shouldn't be too long. Why not stay and have a coffee with me and wait for him?"

"If I'm not putting you out. Thanks Beth."

"Why not go out onto the terrace, it's a lovely day, and just about warm enough. I'll bring the coffee." She headed for their kitchen, I headed for their roof terrace.

It wasn't long before Beth was coming out with a caffetiere of coffee and two mugs.

"So what is this all about, Dave? Can you tell me?" she asked.

"Well, I don't see how I can go on working happily with Davinia, and Tim offered to transfer her somewhere else in the company. I thought I ought to let him know that I've made up my mind that I think it would be a good idea."

Beth sipped her coffee and looked at me over the rim of her mug. I waited.

"Welcome to the club, Dave."

"What club?" I asked, knowing I was walking into her trap.

"The I Stuffed Up My Love Life Club. You're only a junior member, Dave, probably only temporary. I've got full life long membership."

I waited to see where this was going to lead, and she went on, "It hurts to think of seeing Davinia every day. Or at least it does at the moment, I hope you know that it will get better?"

"Yes, I think I know that. But it isn't helping for next week, I promise you." I looked at her, and probably showing the pain I felt.

"Under where you're sitting now is two tons of shiny black steel, made by Mulliner in 1933, that reminds me of my hurt every time I see it or even think of it."

"The Bentley?" I said

"Yes. The Bentley. It was made before I was born, come to think of it, it was made before my mother was born, and it isn't its fault that I screwed up last year. The car is quite innocent. My mistake won't go away if I insist that Tim gives away the Bentley. I have to face up to what I did, what I felt, what mistakes I made. You've got to do the same."

"But it's so bloody hard to do. I think I still love her."

"Well, love won't last long in a one-sided relationship, or shouldn't. It would be something very unhealthy if you go on feeling that way for very long." Beth looked at me and sighed. She leant forward and took my hand, "Davinia was very fond of you Dave, I know that. But she never loved you. And I suspect you never told her that you loved her, or not while you were with her. That's part of your mistake, not facing up to your own feelings when you had a chance. But none of that is worth spoiling her job, her career for. You'd never forgive yourself that."

"I could live with it." I said trying to smile.

"Tell me, Dave. What do you regret most in your time with Davinia?"

I paused to think, staring at a large patio pot, remembering carrying it up the stairs to this roof terrace a lifetime ago, "Oh, she was honest and sort of normal, I guess. And I wasn't, or not at the start. I should have run away from that Lucy as fast as my legs would carry me once I knew what I really wanted. And I did know, Beth, in my heart I knew, but I didn't even admit it to myself. I know I didn't quite give up my old life and my old ideas quick enough. That's what I regret most, I think." I looked up at her, "Plus lots of other things. Did you hear about TJ and that dreadful weekend?"

"Yes, Davinia told me. That wasn't your fault, I don't think she blames you for that. She just found it a shock, and it did happen because of your friend, that's all."

"Yes, but I knew from the first conversation I had with him that he was a sick and sad man. I feel guilty that she was subjected to him. So you see, I think I've got plenty to regret." I paused to look at her, we really seemed to have built a friendship in these past couple of months, after years of being wary of each other. "Anyway, why?"

Beth looked me straight in the eyes, almost challenging me, "Well, you think you have to live with regrets and painful reminders of what went wrong? Do you know what I live with, my worst thought? In my wardrobe in the bedroom is a cardboard box. In it are all my keepsakes. There you'll find my wedding anniversary cards from Tim. Years one to seven are there. I fervently hope that years nine to forty or fifty or better still, sixty will be there. But after I've gone, some son or daughter will go through my things and they'll find that there isn't one for year eight. I screwed up that year, and that gap could have meant that they'd be no son or daughter." She paused to stare into the middle distance. Then she looked back at me, "Well I hope that there will be both a son and a daughter one day, but the missing card will always not be there. My mistake will be marked all my life, and even after I'm dead. Now I know you, Dave, if I can live with that, then you can live with Davinia for a few hours a day for five days a week for a few weeks until it gets less painful. You know you can."




TGI Chronicles Pt. 2 Ch. 09



Just then, Tim came through the French doors, carrying a bunch of tulips and daffodils. He laid them on the table. 

"Are they for me?" asked Beth as she leant up to give him a kiss as he leant over her.

"Yes, but don't get carried away. They were buy one bunch get one bunch free in the High Street. They're a special offer token of my love." He looked at me, "And what do we owe the pleasure?"

"Oh. I just dropped by to tell you that I've made up my mind about Davinia." I looked straight at Beth as I spoke, "I've decided that I can cope. You don't have to move her." Beth just smiled at me.

"Good. I'm glad about that." Tim slapped my shoulder.

"And I've invited Dave to stay for lunch." announced Beth. "I thought we might try our first barbeque of the year. And I've got some steak that I brought home yesterday. It's Aberdeen Angus from Devry Farm just south of here, all organic. Just his sort of thing."

"And I just can't say no to your wife, Tim" I said.

Epilogue

The next weekend, we gathered in the Church for Tim and Beth's renewal of their wedding vows. I sat with Alice, and I noticed Davinia sitting a couple of rows away. In the front pews were two middle aged couples, who I assumed were Tim and Beth's parents. But there were two guys in their twenties sitting up there too. Alice guessed that it was Beth's brother and his partner. 

Beth had an interesting prayer which Alice told me, Beth had composed herself with some help from the Minister. It was spoken by herself alone, and sought forgiveness for her breaking her vows before, seeking and accepting, forgiveness from both Tim and God. 

The vows were much the same as usual, as far as I could see. Except that Beth was old fashioned enough to promise to Love, Honour and Obey.

The minister had an unusual little speech, he quoted from Captain Corelli's Mandolin, I had to check it out when I got home. It seemed to sum up something that I was only just beginning to appreciate, and was no where near managing to achieve, and I was so jealous of those who did find it: 

When you fall in love it is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then it subsides and when it subsides you have to make a decision, you have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part, because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the desire to mate every second of the day, it is not lying awake at night imagining he is kissing every part of your body. No, don't blush, I am telling you some truths. This is just 'being in love,' which any of us can convince ourselves we are in. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away. It doesn't sound very exciting does it? But it is. 

That's what I saw in Tim and Beth. And I knew that I had only been 'in love' with Davinia, and I felt sad that I'll never know what would have happened when it had burnt away. 

Afterwards, back at the Bullard's, it was a friendly, informal gathering. At one point, I was chatting to Tim who looked very smart, he had a new suit and a bright red tie. Alice joined us as I asked Tim whether red was really the right colour for a wedding.

"I'm marrying my scarlet woman, so yes. It was a private joke."

Alice looked Tim up and down, "I don't think I've ever seen you before with a matching handkerchief in your breast pocket. In fact I don't think you had one in Church." 

"Yes I did, it must have slipped down, that's all." said a slightly anxious Tim,

"Well, it's slipping again." said Alice, and she pulled the handkerchief slightly and it came right out of the pocket. 

"Look Dave! It looks as if Beth isn't quite fully dressed." she said, as she discretely showed me a little bright red g-string.

"Oh, Tim," I said, "and so soon after the minister gave us that reading about love after the being in love bit has burnt away." In mock disgust, and total delight.

Tim smiled. "Well it hasn't totally burnt away quite yet! And now that you two know that, keep it quiet. Beth will never forgive me if anyone else finds out." and Alice and Tim between them arranged the little g-string to look like a silk handkerchief in his pocket again.

After chatting a little longer, we broke up, with Tim reminding me that we had to spend all day Monday putting a presentation together on my organisation reforms for the Development Forum.

"Tim, on a day like today, and with a beautiful girl like Beth, who I know is both in love with you and loves you, and she's running around with no knickers on, I wouldn't be thinking about the Development Forum. Get real." I said with a smile and walked away.

Later I saw Davinia, "Have you come alone? Where's Drew?"

"I asked Tim if he could come. He said no. He said he didn't want any members of the department coming along, it might look like favouritism. But I think he really did it for you. But I can understand that." She smiled and kissed me on the cheek.

"We never got that Champagne dinner. Pity about that." I observed.

She looked at me, "Well, give it time. We may get to a point when we can do that. I hope we do."