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Tim and Amy

By: soroborn



"Amy," called Mum, "your aunt and uncle are here."

I dashed into the hall and opened the door. Pam kissed me on the cheek saying, "Hi, Amy," then went through to the kitchen where Mum was putting the kettle on.

Tim stepped into the hall carrying two heavy-looking overnight bags, and I led him straight up the stairs to the guest room. "It's good to see you, Uncle Tim."

"You too, kid. How's it feel without Sally?"

"Weird. She calls and stuff, and we Facebook a couple of times a week, but it's not the same."

Tim dropped the bags on the bed.

"Come and have a look what I've done with my room now I've got it to myself," I said.

He followed me across the landing, and I closed the door behind us and sprawled on the bed.

"Loads of room," I said. "Come on, try it."

Tim looked shocked, and I grinned. "Nothing to be afraid of," I said, patting the bed beside me.

"OK," he said, and sat tentatively on the very edge of the bed.

"Properly," I said, and grabbed his shoulders so that he lost his balance. I playfully pinned him down. "I've really been looking forward to you visiting. I've thought of lots of things we can do."

I let him get up. "I think Mum is planning on taking Aunty Pam Christmas shopping tomorrow, so you'll be babysitting me. I'll wind Mum up pretending that I'm annoyed at being treated like a kid, but really it's going to be fun."

Tim grinned. "I'll play along and pretend to be a bit reluctant to look after you – I'll suggest making a jigsaw or something else boring."

Our charade worked perfectly, and Pam and Mum drove into town after breakfast the next morning. As the car pulled out of the drive, I tugged at Tim's hand.

"How about we use the hot tub?" I said. "I'll get my swimsuit on – you brought trunks like Mum said, right?"

Without waiting for an answer, I skipped up the stairs to my room to change. Tim followed me up and went into the guest room to put on his trunks. By the time he'd finished changing, I was already waiting on the landing in my bright yellow two-piece, leaning nonchalantly against the frame of my bedroom door.

"Very nice," said Tim, glancing at me.

I walked down the stairs, and Tim followed me out to the patio. Steam was already rising from the surface of the hot tub.

"I made sure it'd be pretty warm," I said, climbing in and lowering myself to my neck in the water.

Tim climbed in after me and sat facing me.

"So how are things, Amy?" he asked. "College going OK?"

"Really great," I said. "As soon as the Christmas break is over, I'll be getting down to some serious revision for my exams."

"What's your main subject?" he queried.

"Business studies."

As I said this, Tim's expression showed keen interest. "Do you think you'll take it further?" he asked.

"Definitely," I replied. "I've already got prospectuses – one course that looks really great is at the uni near you."

"Well," Tim said, "if you need any advice, just ask – you know what I do, right?"

"Mum says you've got some kind of hot-shot job with a big firm."

Tim smiled. "Well, I suppose you could say that. It's a fairly senior management role, plenty of responsibility."

I gave him a thoughtful look. "Maybe I'll take you up on your offer, then."

"Anyway," he grinned, "do you want to stay in the tub a little longer, or have you had enough of being in hot water?"

"It is pretty warm, isn't it," I said. We got out, and walked across the deck to the patio doors, picking up towels from a stack on the way.

I stood in the living room drying my hair, then spread my towel out on the floor and sat on it. Tim sat down beside me, looking into the embers of the log fire Mum had lit to counteract the chill of the winter morning.

Tim said hesitantly, "How are you doing without your Dad around? It can't have been easy when Donald moved out."

I sighed. "No, you're right. Mum does a great job of looking after me, but I miss Dad – there were things it was easier to talk about with him than with Mum."

Tim smiled wryly. "Well, if it's any help, you can talk to me about anything at all – and you can trust me not to let anything slip to your Mum."

I reached out and touched his shoulder. "Thanks – I really appreciate that."

"Do you have a boyfriend just now?" asked Tim.

I shook my head. "There was one guy, we got pretty close, but he wasn't really as... thoughtful, I suppose, as I'd hoped he would be."

I felt myself blushing. "You know, when we were together."

"I'm really sorry," said Tim, touching my hand. "I'm sure you'll find someone who's more considerate."

"Anyway," I said, taking a deep breath, "I'm getting hungry – I promised Mum I'd make us some sandwiches for lunch."

"I could definitely eat something too," grinned Tim.

We went through into the kitchen and I occupied myself buttering bread and finding cold meat in the fridge. Tim put the kettle on and made coffee.

When we'd finished lunch, I said, "So, you want to have a go at that jigsaw?"

"Sure," he replied. "Perhaps we'd better change, it'd feel a bit odd sitting at the dining table in trunks."

He went upstairs and closed the door on the guest room while he changed. I went into my own room and put on jeans and a t-shirt, then went down to the dining room to start getting the jigsaw pieces out of their box.

We'd spent several hours on the puzzle, and we'd got quite a lot done, when I heard the sound of the car pulling up outside. Mum and Pam came in carrying several bags each.

"Wow, you're doing really well with the puzzle," said Mum.

I pretended a grudging smile. "Yeah, it's more fun than I thought."

"Well, it'll be OK to leave it on the dining table," said Mum. "I'll make us something to eat, and we can have trays on our laps in front of the television. It is the Christmas holiday, after all."

When we'd eaten, Tim pleaded tiredness – he'd only finished work for Christmas the previous day – and he and Pam went off to bed. Mum and I chatted for a while, then I went up too.

I undressed, and lay in bed thinking over the day. I was a little surprised at how open I'd been with Tim, telling him things that I was certain even Mum didn't know. But I decided I really did trust him.

I drifted off to sleep wondering how the rest of this Christmas holiday was going to turn out...

***

At breakfast, we all discussed our plans for the day. I overdid my show of reluctance when Mum mentioned that she and Pam would be out again for the first part of the day. Mum lost her temper a little, and took me out into the porch to talk to me on my own.

"Now look, young lady, Uncle Tim's being very thoughtful agreeing to look after you while Pam and I go shopping."

I made a face, and Mum flared up, leaning over to slap me with the flat of her hand on the seat of my jeans.

We went back into the kitchen and I mumbled an apology. Mum and Pam left, Mum admonishing me on the way out to 'be good, and do what Uncle Tim tells you.'

As the car drew away, Tim asked, "Amy, did Caroline really hit you?"

"She whacked me on the bum with the flat of her hand," I replied. "It didn't really hurt."

"OK," he said. "Perhaps we can stop pretending so hard that we can just about bear one another's company."

I grinned. "It's a deal. Now, what shall we do first? The jigsaw can wait till after lunch."

"I know something I need to do," said Tim seriously. "I brought the presents, but I need to wrap them up. I did bring the wrapping paper, though."

"Typical man," I snorted, "leaving it to the last minute. OK, I'll help."

"With one exception," Tim smiled. "I did get something for you, and I'm sure you want it to be a surprise."

"OK – you can do that one last. I'll find scissors and sticky tape."

I went into the box room that functioned as Mum's study, and found the tape and scissors. When I got back down to the living room, Tim had fetched the presents from upstairs.

I helped him wrap and stick labels on. "Isn't there anything else?" I asked. "What about Mum and Pam?"

Tim grinned. "These," he said, holding up two ordinary-looking envelopes.

"Well," I said, "I'd always heard that the smaller the package, the more expensive the gift."

"You're not wrong there," he said, "but they're worth it. Do you want to know?"

I thought for a moment. "No, that's OK – then I can really look as surprised as they do."

"Very wise," said Tim. "Now, yours is the only one left that needs wrapping, so shoo! And no peeking."

I went out to the kitchen and sat at the table listening to the sound of paper rustling and sticky tape being unrolled from its spool.

"OK, you can come back now," called Tim. He handed me a small, neatly-wrapped flat package. "You can shake it, but I don't think it'll tell you anything."

I handed it back with a grin. "OK – put it under the tree with the others."

I leaned over to kiss him on the cheek. "And thanks."

"I'll expect the same again when you open it," he teased. "Now, what about lunch?"

Again we had sandwiches, and afterwards we settled down at the dining table to work on the jigsaw.

"I think we can finish it by the end of tomorrow," I said after a couple of hours.

Tim nodded. "Although we might end up watching the Bond film after Christmas lunch instead."

Mum and Pam returned half way through the afternoon, full of talk about the Christmas lights, the shops, and the gifts they'd bought, and we chatted until it started going dark. Mum had made a casserole for dinner, then we watched TV till quite late, and went to bed.

The next morning, Pam and Mum immersed themselves in preparations for Christmas lunch, while Tim and I carried on with our jigsaw.

"When do you think we'll get some more time alone?" I asked.

"Don't worry, I have a plan," Tim said. "Just watch."

When lunch was in hand, Pam and Mum came back into the living room, and Pam said, "Now, how about we all open our presents?"

She and Mum opened their presents from Tim, and both glanced at each other with a broad smile.

"A pamper day – how thoughtful!" said Mum. "And tomorrow, too – I hadn't thought they'd open on Boxing Day."

"Only for these special gift vouchers," said Tim, managing to wink at me without Pam or Mum noticing. I winked back, already looking forward to a whole day on our own.

"What have you got from Tim, Amy?" asked Mum.

I unwrapped my gift. "Wow, the latest Twilight novel! How did you know I was into that?" I leaned over to kiss Tim on the cheek.

"We have our methods, Watson," he grinned.

We opened the rest of the presents, then sat down at the table and enjoyed the spread. Afterwards, we went back into the living room; Tim sat on one of the sofas, and I bounced playfully on the seat next to him, then virtually into his lap.

"Don't hassle your uncle," chided Mum, "After a meal like that, he probably wants a nap."

I pouted convincingly, then said, "You don't mind, do you, Uncle Tim?"

"Of course not," he smiled, and gave me a quick hug. I settled down against his shoulder, and Mum shrugged, turning her attention to the Bond film that we'd all seen dozens of times before.

When the film finished, Mum got up and made snacks for us – nobody felt like a substantial meal after the Christmas lunch – and Tim and I ate still in our comfortable position.

"We'd better go and dig some things out for tomorrow," said Pam, and she and Mum went upstairs to find their swimsuits, towels, and whatever they'd need to be 'pampered'.

While they were out of the room, I snuggled closer to Tim, and he put his arm round me without speaking.

We heard footsteps on the stairs, and sat up. When Pam and Mum re-entered the room, we were both doing our best to look fascinated by the inane 'review of the year' show on the TV.

"Probably time we all went to bed," suggested Mum. "Pam and I have to be up early to start our day, and I thought you two could take a look at the sales in town."

"Sounds great," I said. "I got some vouchers for Christmas, and I can drag Uncle Tim around the clothes shops while I try stuff on."

"I'll probably end up in the coffee shop after about ten minutes," he warned.

Pam nodded. "He isn't great at shopping, so I wouldn't get your hopes up."

"OK," I said, "but I definitely want to get some new stuff."

I got up, and tried to do a convincing job of going up the stairs as though I was suddenly bored of the stuffy adults and their lack of enthusiasm for anything a young woman would find interesting.

The next morning, Pam and Mum left for their pamper day just after breakfast, and Tim and I set off to walk into town to see what the sales had to offer.

"Do you think it would be too conspicuous if we held hands?" I asked.

"I don't have a problem with that," replied Tim. "If we see someone you know, you can just do the 'my boring uncle doesn't think I'm old enough to go off around town by myself' act.

I grinned, and took his hand. When we reached the main shopping street, I stopped. "You won't really go and sit in the coffee shop, will you?"

"Of course not," he grinned. "I have to tell you what I think of the clothes you're going to try on, don't I?"

I smiled, and pulled him into the first shop, one of my favourite places to buy clothes. I chose some things that caught my eye, then walked toward the changing rooms.

Tim followed me, waiting outside the cubicle for me to emerge in the different outfits.

He gave his opinion on each – I was surprised that he actually had quite a good sense of what worked and what didn't – and when I came out in a red dress cut low at the front, he said, "Wow – that really suits you. It'd do for a ball or a cocktail party. What do you think?"

I hugged him, being careful not to crease the dress, and smiled. "What I think is that I'll buy it, and see if I can find an occasion we can both go to, so you can admire it properly, with makeup and everything."

I changed back into my own clothes, and paid for the dress, and soon we were back on the street.

"Now," said Tim, "there's somewhere I want to take you shopping." He took my elbow, and guided me toward an expensive jeweller's. My eyes widened, but I didn't say anything.

"Watch this," Tim said, as we went into the shop. We were approached by an assistant, and I smiled as the man obviously tried to work out exactly what our relationship was to one another.

"I'm looking for something special for the young lady as a late Christmas present," Tim said. "Perhaps something with rubies, to go with a new dress."

My eyes widened again, but the assistant simply said, "If you'll follow me?"

He led us to a glass display case with some exquisite pieces. "Perhaps the lady would like to try this one?" he said, indicating an elegant necklace with a central ruby and several smaller diamonds.

"Yes, let's try it," Tim said. The assistant unlocked the case, and carefully handed Tim the necklace. Tim moved behind me, and fastened the necklace around my throat. I looked in the mirror, and smiled.

"I think that shade will go perfectly with the dress," I said. My voice betrayed my anxiety in case I was not playing the right part in the game Tim seemed to have started.

Tim played his final card. "Lovely – we'll take it."

As the assistant moved to the counter to find a box for the necklace and wrap it, Tim smiled at the look on my face.

"Are you serious?" I said, shocked and pleased all at once.

"Absolutely," Tim replied. "We can tell your mother it's costume jewellery, but we'll know."

"But the price!" I said.

He looked straight into my eyes, and said carefully, "I promise not to spoil you, but if you're OK with me getting you one special treat this time around, I'd be really grateful."

I nodded, not speaking. The assistant returned, and said, "If you'll follow me, sir."

Tim went with him to the discreet area of the shop where the till was situated, and gave him a black credit card to swipe. Then the assistant handed over my purchase in a small carrier bag with the shop's logo, and Tim rejoined me.

Back on the street, I said, "I thought it would be you who'd give up first, but I'm a little overwhelmed with shopping already."

Tim chuckled. "Just one more stop, then we can go back."

He led me to a shop which had just recently opened in the town, specialising in lingerie and sexy nightwear. He stopped outside the door, and said, "I figure you'll enjoy treating yourself to some things you can wear under the dress."

I grinned, and disappeared into the shop. I came back out a short while later with several bags.

"That didn't take long," Tim said.

"I've looked through their catalogue before," I said, "and I knew exactly what I would choose if I ever went in there."

We walked back to the house, and as I closed the door behind us, I said, "Can I?"

Tim nodded, knowing what I meant without having to wait for an explanation. I grabbed the bags and walked up the stairs, closing the door of my room behind me.

I undressed, then put on the most sexy of the lingerie I'd bought, enjoying the feel of it against my skin. I carefully slipped on the red dress, then took the velvet box containing the necklace from its small bag. Finally I put on a pair of high-heeled shoes.

I went back down the stairs, calling to Tim, "You have to close your eyes."

I reached the bottom of the stairs and stood in front of him.

"You can open them now," I said.

He opened his eyes, seeing me standing there in high heels, stockings, and the red dress. He glanced at my throat, then saw that I was carrying the velvet box from the jeweller's in my hand.

"I wanted you to put it on me like you did before," I said.

He complied, opening the box and moving behind me to clasp the necklace round my throat. 

He put what he was obviously feeling into words. "Amy, you're beautiful. Even if we hadn't had the great time we have over the last couple of days, I would be overwhelmed seeing you like this."

I turned to him, and put my hands over his shoulders. "That's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. Thank you, Tim, it really helps me to know that someone can see me that way. And thank you for the gorgeous gift, too."

With a feeling almost of regret, I went back upstairs and took off the red dress, hanging it carefully in the wardrobe. I unclasped the necklace and put it back in its velvet box and then in the back of my underwear drawer. I pulled on jeans and t-shirt, then went back downstairs. Tim grinned at the transformation.

We managed a scratch lunch of leftover turkey and vegetables heated in the microwave, then sat and watched a DVD.

As the credits rolled, I heard the sound of the car in the drive, and Tim got up to open the door. Pam and Mum looked relaxed and happy, and Tim hugged Pam as she came through the door.

"Have you two managed OK?" Mum asked.

"I managed to survive the shops, and I think Amy got a few things she liked," Tim said.

"Good. Well, we didn't think you'd feel like cooking, so we brought pizza."

"Perfect!" I said.

We all sat in the living room and ate pizza out of the boxes, and Mum opened a bottle of wine for us all.

We put the TV on and watched an old film. As the end credits rolled, Pam yawned and said, "Tim, you ready for bed?"

Tim nodded. He wished us goodnight and followed Pam up the stairs.

***

At breakfast, Pam reminded Tim that this was their last full day with us; tomorrow after lunch they'd be driving back.

Mum had asked me to help her with the housework that morning, so I put on some scruffy clothes and tied my hair up.

Just after lunch, the phone rang, and Mum took the call in the dining room. She returned after only a few moments, her face pale, and Pam asked, "What's wrong?"

"Donald is ill. The hospital have asked me to go to him as soon as possible, and I think you should come too, Pam." 


Tim and Amy



"It's several hours' drive there," said Pam. "We'd have to stay over at least one night."

Mum turned to Tim. "I don't think Pam and I have any choice. We'll have to leave you here – someone has to look after Amy. I don't think it would be right for her to go, even if he is as ill as they think."

Tim's face showed concern, and a serious determination to help. "Of course, do whatever you need to – I'll manage things here."

Pam and Mum hurried to prepare what they would need for the journey, and got into the car. Tim leaned through the window and said to Mum again, "Do whatever you need. Don't worry if you need to spend anything, Pam will put it on her credit card and I'll pick it up."

She smiled and said, "Thanks, Tim. You've set my mind at rest – thank you for everything you're doing for us." And she leaned over to kiss his cheek.

The car pulled out of the drive and was soon out of sight. Tim turned and went back into the house, where I was waiting, still in my dusty working clothes, my hair tied up, and my face smudged. He stood for a moment, looking at me, then gave me a big hug, ignoring the dust and smudges.

"I'm sorry about your Dad," he said, "but it's great to have some more time with you. What do you want to do?"

I looked into his face. "Let's just do stuff together – shopping, cooking. You can tell me more about your job, and we can talk about uni."

"Well, if we're going to be out and about, I think we need to clean you up," Tim said, licking a finger and rubbing at one of the smudges on my face.

I grinned, and went upstairs to take a quick shower. I tied my hair up in a simple ponytail, and came back down the stairs in a clean pair of jeans and a t-shirt.

Tim was waiting for me. "Did you wash behind your ears?" he teased.

"Sure," I said, poking my tongue out at him.

"So where first?" asked Tim, smiling at my impishness.

"I think we need to do some shopping," I suggested. "The supermarket is just down the road."

Tim took the lead, picking up his jacket, and we got into the car. He followed my directions to the supermarket, and we spent an hour going round, Tim pushing the trolley and me choosing things to put in. At the checkout, Tim paid while I packed the bags. We went back to the car, loaded the boot, and drove back to the house.

Tim brought the bags in, and I found the right places for everything we'd bought. I'd decided what I wanted to make us for dinner that evening, and I went into the kitchen and started cooking. Tim followed me into the kitchen and sat at the table.

He breathed in deeply. "Those herbs smell good. And did you put perfume on?"

I grinned. "Nice, isn't it. That was my Christmas present from Sally – sometimes she gets it right by accident."

When the food was ready, we sat down at the kitchen table to eat. "This is really good," Tim said around a mouthful.

"Wonder if poor cooking is a big reason why people split up," I mused.

Tim snorted. "In that case, you have nothing to worry about."

We finished our meal and Tim washed up. I made coffee for us, and we took it into the living room, sitting on the sofa. It was getting dark, but I didn't turn on any of the lamps, instead leaning against Tim in the half light and sipping my drink.

"Well, the housework and the shopping are done, we've eaten, the dishes are done. What else do we need to do before bed?" Tim wondered aloud.

"Let's just sit here for a while," I said. Tim nodded without speaking, and we sat in comfortable silence as the evening turned into night.

Eventually Tim said reluctantly, "I guess we'd better get some sleep."

I nodded. He got to his feet and held out his hands. I took them, and he pulled me up out of the sofa.

We walked up the stairs, and stopped by my bedroom door.

"Night, Amy," said Tim.

"Goodnight," I replied, leaning over to kiss him on the cheek. "And thanks."

I went into my room and undressed, lying down with my hands behind my head. I wondered what surprises tomorrow would bring...

***

I woke next morning at the sound of my door opening. I pulled my sheet further up as Tim came in, pushing the door aside with his foot. In his hands he carried a laden tray.

"Wow," I said. "You're really spoiling me."

He grinned. "Bacon sandwiches, juice, coffee. Can I put this down on the bed?"

"Turn your back for a second," I said. He obeyed, and I quickly reached in a drawer for a long t-shirt, pulling it over my head.

"OK, you can look now," I said, sitting up. Tim turned, and put the tray beside me.

I picked up a sandwich and bit into it. "Mm, the bacon's nice and crispy, just the way I prefer it."

"I'll remember," Tim promised. He took a sandwich and started to eat.

The plate was soon empty, and Tim sat down on the edge of the bed to sip his coffee.

"What shall we do first?" he asked.

"Let's just have a lazy morning," I said. "Why don't you go and get some newspapers, and I'll make more coffee. We can sit in the living room."

Tim went down the stairs, and I heard the sound of the front door opening and closing. I got out of bed and put on a dressing gown over my t-shirt, then went down into the kitchen to make the coffee.

When Tim returned with an armful of newspapers, I was in the living room, two mugs of coffee on the table. He put the papers down and sat next to me, picking up a mug. I took mine, and chinked it against his before I sipped.

We took our time with the papers, reading each other interesting snippets and critiquing politicians, journalists and sports personalities.

"We seem to think alike on a lot of things," Tim remarked.

I turned to him, and nodded without speaking. Just then we both heard the sound of a car in the drive.

"It can't be Mum," I said, puzzled. "She'd have called first to say they were on their way back."

I got up and walked into the hall, just as there was a knock on the door. I opened the door. "Sally!" I said, unable to hide the surprise in my voice.

My older sister stepped through the door, followed by John, her husband. 

"Mum called us," Sally explained, "and we thought we'd just pop over to check that you were OK."

"Tim and I are fine," I said.

Tim joined us. "Hi, Sally. Good to see you again, John."

"Would you like some lunch? I was just going to make sandwiches," I offered.

Sally looked at me, obviously trying to reconcile the confident young woman in front of her with the slightly stroppy and awkward teenager she might have expected. "That'd be lovely," she replied.

I continued, "Make yourselves comfortable in the living room – we have today's papers if you want to look at them."

"Come and give me a hand?" I asked Tim. He followed me to the kitchen, and when we were out of sight of our visitors, I grinned broadly and said, "This is fun! Let's tease them just a little bit."

"OK," he said, returning my smile. "But do be careful."

I tossed my head at him with just a hint of rebellion, and started buttering bread.

We took the sandwiches and coffee into the living room. John and Sally were sitting on one sofa, looking at the papers. Tim and I sat on the other sofa.

As we all ate, Sally said, "So, how's Christmas been?"

"We've had a lovely time," I said, giving an outline of what the four of us had done over the last few days. The time Tim and I had spent alone went down as 'doing a jigsaw, shopping, some chores.'

"Sounds like you and Tim got to spend quite a lot of time by yourselves, one way and another," observed Sally.

"Well, we're not fed up of each other yet," I replied, with a swift glance toward Tim.

"Pleased to hear it," said Sally. "I think Mum has in mind that you can go and stay with Tim and Pam for part of the summer vacation so she can go off on a course or something."

I could see Tim suppressing a smile at my failure to completely conceal my feelings at this suggestion. I turned to him and said, "You wouldn't mind having me to stay, would you, Tim?"

"I think I could cope," Tim grinned. 

"Well, if you're both OK, I guess we'll be on our way," said John. "I'm sure Caroline will call us with any news about Donald."

After Sally and John had left, I couldn't contain my amusement. "I think we managed that pretty well."

Tim grinned. "I think so."

Suddenly I became serious again. "Mum hasn't phoned yet, but they're bound to be back soon. I know it sounds like we can look forward to summer, but that's a long way away, and I want to make the most of the time we have left today."

Tim nodded. "So tell me about your plans for uni – I really want to know what you're hoping for."

I hesitated. "Well, I'll be applying for a business studies course, and I really want to understand how things work in big companies. I think these courses have slots for placements too."

Tim began to reply, but he was interrupted by the sound of the phone.

I picked it up, and heard Pam's voice. "Hi, Amy. We're on our way back, we'll be with you in about half an hour."

I put the phone down, and went back into the living room.

"Half an hour," I said. Tim nodded.

"Thank you for an amazing few days. I'm already looking forward to summer." I leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

When Mum's key turned in the door, Tim was sitting at the kitchen table reading the last colour supplement, and I was making something for us all to eat.

I spoke first. "How's Dad?"

There was something strange in Mum's voice as she replied. "Donald's fine, it wasn't as serious as they suspected. But it did give us the opportunity to have a good long talk, sort out some of the issues we'd always had."

She paused, then went on: "You know what? I think Donald and I will give things another try..."

My eyes filled with tears. "Mum, that's great!" I dropped the spoon I was holding and hugged her. Tim looked over at Pam, who was smiling broadly.

Eventually we sat down to eat. "I think we'll get going first thing tomorrow," Tim said. "You two have got a lot to talk about."

In the morning, Pam and Tim packed, and loaded the car. Then they came back to the house to say goodbye.

"Thanks for everything – it's been quite an eventful few days," Tim said. He caught my glance and grinned.

"I'll call you in a few weeks to talk about Amy's visit in the summer," Pam promised Caroline. I stepped forward, hugging first Pam, then Tim.

They got in the car, and I could see Tim watching in the mirror as Mum and I turned to go back into the house. I turned back again, and raised my hand in a wave. Tim turned the corner, and they were out of sight.

"Well, here's to a happy New Year," said Mum.

I nodded. "I think it will be," I replied.

***

Dad stopped the car outside Pam and Tim's house. "Well, here we are," he said.

Pam opened the door, calling out a greeting. I saw Tim behind her in the doorway.

I was first up the path. "Hi, Aunty Pam. Hi, Tim."

Dad followed towing a large suitcase. "Phew," he said, "it certainly feels like you packed for two weeks."

Mum came up the path behind him. "We can't stay, sorry, Donald and I have to catch our plane."

"A holiday in the Caribbean will be very different to that course you had in mind when you first arranged this," said Pam.

"Yes – Donald's illness was a blessing in disguise, and he's been absolutely fine ever since."

Tim caught my eye and I managed a surreptitious wink. I wondered if he'd notice how much more I'd grown up, even in the few months since he'd last seen me. I was wearing my usual jeans and t-shirt, but I'd changed my hair since Christmas, and I was wearing more obvious makeup.

"Come on, young lady," Tim said, "Let's get you settled, shall we."

He took the case from Dad and lugged it up the stairs to the guest room. I followed him up, and said, "Thanks, Tim. Give me a few minutes to unpack a few essentials, and I'll come down."

As Tim went back down the stairs, I heard the car leaving. I quickly unpacked, and changed into the red dress I'd bought the day Tim and I went shopping. I touched up my makeup, and went down the stairs to the living room.

Pam was the first to speak. "Gosh, Amy, that's very elegant."

"Glad you like it, Aunty Pam. I'm going to a ball next week and I thought I'd try it on."

Pam glanced at the clock. "It's time for something to eat – you hungry, Amy?"

I nodded. "We stopped on the motorway for a snack, but that was a while ago."

"I thought I'd phone for pizza as a treat," said Pam. "What kind do you like?"

"Anything, really, though I quite like pepperoni."

Pam got up and went into the dining room to phone.

I grinned at Tim. "So I'm finally here," I said.

"I've been counting the days," he said.

Pam returned and said, "About twenty minutes for the pizza. Amy, why don't you tell us what you've been doing since we saw you at Christmas."

I was part way through an enthusiastic description of the subjects I'd taken at college and my plans for the following year, when there was the expected knock at the door. Pam fetched the pizza, and the conversation stopped while we ate.

When we'd finished, Pam made us coffee and we carried on talking for a while. Eventually, Pam said, "Well, Tim and I need to be up early, so we'd better turn in. Amy, you've got the bathroom all to yourself, Tim and I have an en-suite."

I grinned. "I suppose Mum and Dad have told you I have a habit of spending rather a long time in there."

I went up the stairs and shut the door of my room behind me, undressing for bed. A few minutes later I heard Pam and Tim coming up the stairs. I lay back on the unfamiliar bed, and drifted off to sleep...

***

In the morning I went down to the kitchen in my dressing gown, finding Pam and Tim preparing breakfast.

"So, Amy," began Pam, "What plans do you have for today? I'm afraid I have to work this first week as we said, but Tim's working from home, so he'll be around, and we've arranged some activities for the evenings to keep you entertained."

"I thought I'd go down to town and see what different shops you have here to the ones at home. I have some money left over from my birthday so I can treat myself to a few nice things."

Pam stood. "Well, I'd better get going," she said, "I have a long drive."

She put on her jacket, and went out of the door. She started the car, and we heard the sound of the engine receding. I sat still for a few more moments, then jumped up to hug Tim.

"So, are you going to hide in your office and work, or do you want to come shopping with me?" I grinned.

"I'd love to," he said. "And I have a surprise or two for you."

"Do I have time for a shower?" I asked.

"Sure," he said. I went upstairs and showered, then put on my usual t-shirt and jeans. Then I spent a few minutes applying my makeup and came back down to the living room.

"That's new," Tim said. "I like the way you do your face, it makes you look amazing."

I smiled. "Flattery will get you everywhere. Shall we get going?"

We walked down to the town centre, taking our time. By the time we reached the shops, I was starting to feel hungry, and I realised I hadn't had anything to eat that morning.

"How about an early lunch?" I suggested.

"I know a place," Tim said, turning down a side street. On the pavement was a sign for a restaurant, and Tim opened the door for me. He followed me in, and the proprietor showed us to a table.

"How's your Italian?" Tim teased.

"Not great," I admitted.

He showed off a little, ordering food for both of us and a bottle of wine. When the food came, I started to eat. "This is amazing!" I said, twirling my fork to pick up more spaghetti.

We sat talking for a while when the food was finished, drinking the rest of the wine. Then Tim paid, and we left the restaurant, continuing our walk towards the shops.

As we reached the main shopping street, Tim said, "Here's the first place I had in mind for us to visit."

He indicated a jeweller's shop; I looked at him wide-eyed, remembering our last shopping trip.

"Did you pack your necklace?" he said.

"Of course," I replied, "I'm going to wear it to the ball."

"Well, let me get you something to go with it," he said.

He was obviously enjoying the look on my face. He opened the door and ushered me in to the shop. This time the assistant was a little more discreet, keeping his thoughts out of his expression.

"My niece has a very attractive ruby and diamond necklace," Tim explained. "I was hoping to find a bracelet to go with it. Perhaps you could show us a few pieces?"

"Certainly, sir. If you'll come with me?"

He showed us into a private room, and left, returning with a velvet tray containing several stunning bracelets.

"Try them," Tim urged.

I tentatively reached out a hand, picking up one of the bracelets, and held it out to Tim.

"Fasten it for me?" I said.

He fastened the bracelet on my wrist, and I turned it this way and that.

"Hmm," I said. "Could I try that one instead?"

Tim switched the bracelet for the one I'd indicated; like my necklace, the main stone was a ruby, with diamonds around it.

"That's lovely," I said. I looked up at him anxiously, still half-afraid that this would turn out not to be real.

"Perfect," said Tim.

He turned to the assistant. "We'll take it, thank you."

The man nodded, and unfastened the bracelet from my wrist, putting it in a velvet case. Tim handed him a credit card, and he discreetly swiped it, returning the card to Tim with the small bag.

As we left the shop, I turned to Tim.

"I'm sorry, Tim," I said. "I've never really asked you about your job; you and Pam don't live ostentatiously, but you must be doing OK to be able to be so generous to me."

"I am very fortunate, yes," Tim said. "Even in the recession, things have gone quite well for the company I work for, and what I do is valuable to them."

We walked on, and I spotted a clothes shop I recognised. "Let's go in here," I urged. "I've seen something in their catalogue I think I'd like."

"Do you want me with you?" Tim asked.

I thought for a moment. "Actually, it would be nice to surprise you. I won't be a minute."

I went into the shop, and returned after a few minutes with several bags.

"Just one more place," Tim said. He directed me to one of the large department stores, and we found our way to the cosmetics department.

"Now," said Tim, "I wouldn't presume to buy makeup for you – you do such a brilliant job of that – but I'd really like to buy you some perfume. The one Sally bought you was nice, but I think we can find you something that would suit you even better."

I smiled. "That would be lovely – I've always wanted to try some of the classics."

We walked to the perfume counter, and the assistant approached us.

"What would you like to try first?" Tim asked me.

The assistant cleared her throat. "Perhaps I could suggest a couple of things?"

She produced a bottle, and dabbed a little of the scent on my wrist. "Wait a few moments for it to warm to your skin," she advised.

Tim took my hand and breathed in the fragrance rising from my wrist. "That's quite nice," he said.

I raised my wrist to my nose. "It's OK."

The assistant selected a different bottle, and dabbed my other wrist. This time when Tim took my hand, he said, "Oh. Oh, yes, that's quite special."

I sniffed, and my eyes widened. "Mmm," I said, "it really does have something, doesn't it?"

The assistant smiled. "Shall I wrap that for you?"

"Yes, please," Tim said. He paid for the scent, and we left the shop.

"Anything else you want to see?" Tim asked me.

"Well," I said, "we've had a nice lunch, and I have jewels and perfume, as well as a surprise for you. I think that'll do for today. We can always come back tomorrow if we need to."

"Great," he said. "Let's head back, then."

We took our time walking back to the house. When we were inside, I said, "Shall I change?"




Tim and Amy



Tim looked at my expression. He could tell I was eager to show him the surprise I'd prepared.

"Of course," he said.

I disappeared upstairs with everything we'd brought back, and took my time getting ready.

I came down the stairs again, and enjoyed Tim's surprised gasp when he saw me. I wore the silk dress I'd bought, with silk stockings and tall heels. My hair was piled elegantly on top of my head, and the ruby necklace rested at my throat, my new bracelet on my wrist. I'd taken especial care with my makeup.

Tim came towards me, catching the unmistakeable fragrance of the perfume he'd bought for me that afternoon.

"I'm overwhelmed," he said.

I smiled, and put my arms around him.

"Do I dare touch you?" he murmured. "I don't want to spoil your artistry."

"The makeup's easily repaired," I grinned. "Just don't smudge the dress."

He kissed me lightly, feeling the slipperiness of my lipstick. He pulled away for a moment. "Better make sure I get all the lipstick off me too."

I reached out to wipe a telltale smear from the side of his mouth. He smiled and shook his head. "You're a remarkable girl," he said.

I grinned. "I think we're out of time, though. Pam will be back soon."

He nodded regretfully. "Still, tomorrow's another day."

I looked over my shoulder at him as I walked up the stairs to change back into my everyday clothes.

When I came back down, Pam's car was just pulling into the drive. Tim opened the door for her and hugged her.

"How was your day?" he said.

"OK," she replied, "though the traffic was pretty bad. Yours?"

"Nothing out of the ordinary," he said, catching my eye over Pam's shoulder and seeing me grin.

"Well, we have to be ready pretty quickly," she reminded, "we have to be at the cinema for seven."

"I'm pretty much ready," said Tim, "and I think Amy's OK in what she's wearing."

"OK," Pam said. "I'll just change then."

She went up the stairs, and returned after a while in a soft skirt and matching blouse.

"OK, let's go," she said.

I got to my feet. "What are we going to see?"

Pam named the film – the latest rom-com – and I nodded. "Sure, I'd like to see that."

We got in the car and drove the few minutes to the out-of-town cinema complex. We bought tickets and popcorn and found our seats; I managed to arrange things so that I was sitting between Tim and Pam. The lights dimmed and the film began.

After the film had been running for a few minutes – the bumbling hero had just met the gorgeous girl – I reached out and rested my hand, palm up, on Tim's leg. He put my hand on mine and I twined my fingers through his.

The film continued to its fairly predictable conclusion, and as the trailers rolled, Tim carefully released my hand. Pam stood up, and said, "Well, I enjoyed that."

"Me too," I said, "I like that guy who played the hero. He's a bit wet, though, don't you think? I'd prefer someone with a bit more oomph."

We carried on chatting about the film as we drove home. When we reached the house, I pleaded tiredness and went upstairs to bed. I wondered what other surprises Tim might have for me...

***

I heard the alarm beeping in Tim and Pam's room, and lay in bed as they went about their morning routine. Pam's car pulled away down the road, and a few moments later my door opened and Tim came in.

"You look very comfortable," he grinned. "Seems a shame to disturb you, but we have quite a busy day ahead."

"Another of your surprises?" I said, anticipation in my voice.

"Wait and see," Tim said. "Now, you'd better jump in the shower."

I smiled, and waited for a moment.

"Oops, sorry," he said. He turned his back while I got out of bed and put on a dressing gown.

I went across to the bathroom, and Tim stood outside the door while I showered. I went back to my bedroom to dress, pulling on my usual jeans and t-shirt, then opened the door and came out. "I'm ready – unless you need me to wear something different for the surprise?"

"No, you'll be fine. We'll get breakfast on the way, if that's OK," Tim said.

"No problem," I replied. "Are you going to tell me on the way to where, yet?"

"Nope," he grinned.

We got in the car and set off on a road out into the country. At a roundabout Tim spotted a McDonalds. "You like burgers?" he asked.

"Love them – especially with a chocolate milkshake."

I must have sounded like a little girl, because just for a moment Tim's expression looked fiercely protective.

We pulled into the car park, and went in to the McDonalds. Tim ordered burgers, fries, and two chocolate milkshakes, taking them to the table I'd found for us.

My eyes lit up. I took the milkshake from him and sucked on the straw. "I'd forgotten how thick these things are."

We sat and ate. After a few minutes the milkshakes had melted enough to drink through the straws, and we tried to outdo each other in the noise we made getting the last few drops from the bottom of the cup.

Tim grinned. "I haven't done that for ages."

We got back in the car and Tim drove on. When we reached the sign for an airfield, he turned in.

"Interesting," I said. "This isn't exactly Heathrow, so I'm guessing we're not checking in for a flight to Los Angeles."

Tim pulled up at the side of the office, an unpretentious wooden building.

"Stay here a minute," he said, and went in, coming out a few moments later with a man in flying gear. "Amy, I'd like you to meet Captain Richards. He's our pilot for today."

"Pleased to meet you," I said. "Tim has been infuriatingly good at keeping the secret, whatever it is."

The captain grinned. "Doesn't surprise me – I have reason myself to trust Tim's discretion."

I raised my eyebrows and looked at Tim. He kept his face impassive, giving nothing away.

"Anyway," said Captain Richards, "let's get this show on the road, shall we?"

He pointed across the airfield, towards a small but reassuringly modern twin-engined plane. "Ever flown in a propeller job, Miss?" he asked.

"Noooo," I replied slowly.

"Well, hop in," he said. We walked over to the plane, and he showed me where to step on the wing to get up into the cockpit.

"Slide into the co-pilot's seat," he directed me.

I hesitated, glancing back at Tim. He nodded, and I took the indicated position, being careful not to touch any of the controls in front of me. Captain Richards took the pilot's seat, and Tim slid into the one passenger seat behind me.

The captain slid the cockpit shut, and went through the pre-flight checklist. When he got to 'Co-pilot', I looked back at Tim with a smile, and replied "Definitely here – I'm not sure about anything else."

"Don't worry," said Captain Richards, "I'll talk you through it. And I'm feeling entirely well, so you won't have to land this thing with me slumped at the controls."

"Very funny," I snorted.

He started the engines, and pushed the throttles forward. The plane rolled down the runway, accelerating rapidly. At just the right moment, he eased the yoke back, and we were airborne. We climbed steadily, and soon levelled off, the fields a patchwork below us.

"We won't climb high enough to see the curvature of the earth, sadly," said Captain Richards, "We'd have to be Concorde for that, but we'll go above the clouds in a while."

"Now," he said, turning to me, "time for you to take the controls."

I blinked hard, and nodded. "OK," I said.

"Take hold of the yoke firmly," he instructed, "but don't move it yet."

I placed my hands on the yoke, and looked back at him for the next instruction.

"Now, pull back slowly."

The plane climbed through the white clouds, then levelled out as I moved the controls back to the centre.

"You're a natural," said the captain. "Now, watch this."

He increased the engine power to near maximum, then pulled the controls back and held them. The plane climbed steeply, then I squealed as we looped right over.

The captain eased off the power, and said, "Do you think you could manage that?"

I hesitated, then said, "Ok – but you better keep your hands near the controls."

He nodded, then pushed the throttles forward again. I grasped the controls, and pulled them back steadily. The plane looped just as it had before, and I reached for the throttle levers, returning them to their cruising setting just as I'd seen the captain do.

"Well done," he said. "Now, try a turn or two."

I turned the yoke first left, then right, and the plane responded to my direction. "This is great!" I said.

"You can fly us toward the airfield," said Captain Richards. "See, this is the compass; the heading is 270 degrees, and we can lose a little altitude."

I carefully changed heading until the compass matched the heading he'd given, and pushed the yoke slightly forward so that the altimeter showed a gentle descent.

"You sure you haven't done this before?" asked the captain. I shook my head. "Well, I'll take it from here," he said.

Reluctantly I released the controls, and watched intently as Captain Richards landed the plane, making a textbook touchdown and taxiing back to his spot near the office. The captain slid the cockpit back, and Tim stepped carefully out onto the wing, helping me down to the ground.

Tim turned and waved. "Thanks, Captain. I'll see you around."

Captain Richards nodded, and turned back to the controls, shutting everything down carefully in sequence.

"Back home?" Tim said, opening the car door for me.

"Yes, please," I said. "That was brilliant – thank you so much, it was a lovely surprise. But I think I'll need to sit down for a while somewhere that isn't moving."

We were soon back at the house, and I went into the living room and sat down. Tim made coffee, and we drank it; he'd found some biscuits too.

"So, are you going to tell me about Captain Richards?" I asked.

"Are you fishing?" Tim said, pretending to be shocked.

My expression became serious. "If it's something you can't talk about..."

"No, of course I'll tell you. It's nothing too shocking, just he was in a somewhat... compromising position, shall we say, and I was able to help him out."

I grinned. "And there was me thinking you were just a boring manager – at what point in your past life did all this raciness happen?"

Tim settled back in his seat. "Well, this was when I was at Cambridge –" I raised my eyebrows, but didn't interrupt –" and Jim Richards was in the ATC, learning to fly. He was always getting into scrapes, but this one turned out more difficult to get out of."

"He'd taken a girl flying; that was against the regulations for a start. Then he'd taken her into the ready room, you can imagine what for – he'd discovered that his girlfriends were much more well-disposed toward him after he'd looped them the loop a couple of times."

"There were no exercises on that weekend, so he thought he was safe, but what he didn't know was that the Americans had arranged to use the airfield for a secret flight, and the place was about to be crawling with CIA agents."

"So how did you help him?" I asked eagerly.

"I knew where he'd gone – I was entertaining a lady guest of my own by the river – and when I saw the cars heading down the road to the airfield, I put two and two together and realised that he was going to need a distraction. So I changed tack with my guest – she was a little surprised, and probably disappointed – and we took a shortcut, getting onto the road in front of the CIA cars. Then I pulled the car across the road and pretended we'd had an accident, skidded. That held them up long enough that Jim heard the plane coming in to land, and he managed to get his girlfriend into his car and off down the back lane with its lights off."

"I can see why he trusts you," I said.

I stretched, and said, "I hope you don't take advantage of girls after you've looped the loop with them?"

"Not usually," he grinned. He looked at me, an expression almost of regret on his face.

"Is there something wrong?" I asked.

"No," Tim said. "Just fixing this moment in my mind."

I smiled. "Don't worry, you'll have the real me for a while yet. You're not the only one with surprises, you know."

He looked puzzled, but obviously decided to wait until I was ready to explain.

When Pam arrived back we were sitting in the living room, talking about my university plans. "I thought I'd apply to the university here, then I could come and live with you and Aunty Pam – it'd save me from having to borrow quite so much."

As I casually delivered my carefully-timed surprise, Pam came into the room. "How are you guys?" she asked.

Tim hesitated, obviously temporarily speechless, then managed, "Fine."

He cleared his throat and repeated, "Fine. Amy was just saying that she wondered if she could board with us in the autumn, if she gets into the university."

"What a great idea!" said Pam enthusiastically. "It's not as if we ever use the spare room, and we've got the en-suite."

She thought for a moment, then said, "But wouldn't you find it a bit restrictive, Amy? It's not exactly private if you have friends round."

"Oh, there'd be plenty of places to hang out on campus," I said. "I'm not planning on having a boyfriend for ages yet."

My foot found Tim's out of sight under the coffee table and I pressed against his ankle meaningfully.

"No problem, then," said Pam. "We'll chat to Caroline about it when they pick you up." She added, "But you'd better make sure to study, otherwise it might not happen."

"I'm sure Uncle Tim can coach me," I ventured, "He looks like he knows a thing or two."

"Yes, your uncle's pretty smart," conceded Pam. "Now, I thought we'd stay in tonight and I'll order Chinese – Donald said you liked it. And I rented that movie, now what was it?"

She reached into her handbag and pulled out the DVD. "Oh, yes. 'Airplane'. What's the line you like, Tim? 'My worthless co-pilot has frozen up'."

Tim grinned, and replied, "'Surely you can't be serious.' 'I am – and don't call me Shirley'."

I hid my laughter behind a feigned coughing fit. Pam went into the kitchen to get me a glass of water. Tim looked into my face and started to laugh himself. "So, co-pilot, you feeling frozen?"

I started to cough again, my eyes watering, and Pam returned with the glass. "Are you sure you're OK?" she asked with concern in her voice. I nodded, and drank.

"Well, I'll get on the phone then," said Pam. "I'll get one of those banquets for four, and there'll be something for your lunch tomorrow." She added, "You have been making yourself something like I said, haven't you?"

"We've not starved," I grinned.

Pam went out to phone, then we started to watch the film. When the food arrived, she set it out on the coffee table, and we shared the various dishes. Somehow my fingers seemed to meet Tim's quite often when we were reaching for things.

When the film finished, Tim yawned. "I'm pretty tired," he said. "Think I'll call it a day."

"OK," said Pam. "I'll be up in a minute."

Tim went up, and Pam and I talked for a few minutes about my plans to stay with them in the autumn. Then Pam joined Tim, and I went to my room, grinning to myself at the way my surprise had worked out...

***

In the morning I heard Pam leave as usual, and a few moments later Tim came into my room.

"You certainly picked your moment to deliver your surprise last night," he said.

I chuckled. "That's one back for all the times you've surprised me," I replied. "What's it to be today? Deep sea diving bell? Space shuttle?"

"Actually I don't have anything planned for this morning," Tim said. "I thought I'd let you choose."

I thought for a moment. "I know. Let's go and feed the ducks."

"Well, that's not on my top ten list of things I thought you'd say," he chuckled. "But sure, I'd like that. What do you want for breakfast?"

"There's a café at the park, isn't there?" I replied. "Let's get something in there."

Tim went downstairs to the kitchen to find some bread for the ducks, while I dressed. I came down the stairs, and we started on the short walk to the park.

When we arrived, the café owner was just opening up. "D'you think you could manage a breakfast for us, Joe?" Tim greeted him.

"For you and the young lady, I reckon I could manage it," he replied. "This your niece, is it, sir?"

"That's right – she wants to feed the ducks," Tim said, holding up the bread we'd brought.

"Righto – breakfast for the ducks too." He made for the kitchen, and soon we could smell frying.

Tim and I sat down at a table, and after a few minutes Joe reappeared with two heaped plates and large mugs of tea. We attacked our breakfast enthusiastically, and pretty quickly we'd both worked our way through bacon, eggs and all the trimmings.

Tim drained his mug, and went to pay Joe. "Enjoy the ducks," he said, "I bet they'll think it's their lucky day."

We left the café and walked to the edge of the pond. I took a slice of bread and started to throw pieces into the water, and almost instantly the ducks swam over, accompanied by several ducklings, some yellow, some striped pale and dark brown.

"Aren't they adorable?" I grinned. Tim nodded, and helped me break the bread into smaller pieces that the ducklings could manage.

Just then Tim's mobile started to ring. He answered it. "Oh, hi, Pam," he said.

He listened, and a broad smile crept across his face.

"Well," he said, "Amy and I will still go, if that's all right. OK, 'bye, dear. Do take care."

He pocketed the phone. "What's up?" I asked, looking at his face and his broad grin.

"Pam's been called away with work," he said. "We have till Friday afternoon."

I caught his hand, squeezing it tightly.

"And there's a treat for later – an evening out at the ballet. That'll be worth you dressing up for."

"Oh yes," I said, and I was sure he could see the wheels in my mind whirring as I started to plan.

"Shall we walk back to the house?" he suggested.

"With pleasure," I said. I shredded the rest of the bread – the ducks obviously couldn't believe their eyes – and we started for home.

When we arrived back, Tim said, "I'm sure we don't have to start getting ready right away."

"True," I said. "But I'll need at least a couple of hours. What else did you have in mind?"

"Well," Tim said, "there's one luxury this house has that I haven't shown you yet." He led me into the kitchen and through the far door.

"A garage," I teased, "Every home should have one."

"Very funny," he said. "Here." And he opened the next door and ushered me through.

"You can't really see it from the front of the house," he said.

I looked round, taking in the lounging area, the small pool, and the door beyond which I could see the wooden seating of a sauna room. A padded massage table stood by the far wall.

"It isn't very big," Tim said, "but it's got pretty much everything."

"Wow," I said, turning to him. "I'd better go and change."

I walked back through the house and up the stairs, quickly changing into my bright yellow two-piece. By the time I returned, Tim had donned his own trunks and was waiting for me.

"Come on," I said. "Last one in's a lemon." And I slipped into the pool.

Tim joined me, and we did a couple of lengths. "Now, how about the sauna room?" he suggested.

"Ok," I said. "I don't have much experience with those."

"It's not difficult," he said. "I'll show you."

He led me to the sauna and gave me a towel to sit on. He splashed some water on the brazier, and took his place next to me.

"Gosh," I said, "I'm sweating already."

"It's good for you," Tim replied. "The pool is warm enough not to be a shock if you dive in straight after being in here."

I nodded, and closed my eyes, lying back to enjoy the sensation of the heat. After a few minutes I said, "I think this is about as much as I can stand in one go."