Page 2 of Always Beth
One month later
James
My keys hurtle through the air as I launch them towards the worktop. This is the last night I’m going to spend in this apartment for some time. I glance around and wonder how things have taken such a dramatic turn so quickly. Pulling a bottle from the rack, I empty the last of the contents into a wine glass and sink on to the couch. My leaving drinks were more elaborate than originally intended and as half our staff moved on to another bar, for the first time in my life I wanted to be anywhere else. If I’d stayed out, I would have undoubtedly picked up a woman and wouldn’t be sitting here alone, but things have to change and from tomorrow that’s going to happen.
Lauren: Can’t wait to see you. Let me know when you leave in the morning. Love you. x
My breath catches as I type out an answer and delete it, repeatedly. I can’t find the words.
James: Sure, will do. Love you too. x
Less is more.
I finish the remainder of the red wine and pull a fresh bottle from the rack. My mind slips to tomorrow’s journey and what lies in the months ahead. She’s sick, she needs me. This is all about her; she’s all that matters.Why my Lauren?The pop of the cork echoes through the room and I allow myself to pour well above the fill line.
Caroline: Enjoy your career break. We’ll still be here when you return. The firm’s in safe hands, don’t worry. Stay in touch. Give my love to Lauren.
I roll my eyes at her well wishes. Safe hands? Safe in her hands maybe, not Mark’s. Out of my two partners, Caroline is the reliable one, but Mark can be a liability. Still, the dynamic between the three of us works and that’s why we’re successful.
Amanda: I saw the rest of your firm in Hula’s. I was disappointed not to see you. Someone said you were leaving the city? Fancy a leaving party of our own? x
I smirk against the glass, leaving a stain of red around the rim. No questions, no strings Amanda. A perfect end to my time in London.
James: Sure, come over x
Loosening my tie from around my neck, I walk towards the shower. Now I’ve said yes, I’m going to have to liven myself up. If I want to last beyond one fuck, I need to relieve myself at least once. As I step into the bathroom, the buzzer sounds. I knew it, she was already on her way.
‘Hello?’ I say arching my brow.
‘It’s me, buzz me up.’
I set the receiver down gently and open the door and rest against the frame. She sways along the corridor wearing something wildly inappropriate as usual, and it isn’t long before my cock hardens in response. Her smile widens as she nears me and taking the bottom of my tie, she squeezes past me, pulling me back into the apartment. Masturbating in the shower has gone out the window then. Turning and pulling herself flush against my body, she smiles up at me and flashbacks of our previous hook-ups play in my mind.
‘Well, this is bittersweet, isn’t it?’ she purrs.
‘It is.’
‘Why are you leaving?’
I blink rapidly and swallow hard as her hands travel down my body. I don’t want to talk about it. Not with anyone, especially not a woman I’ve fucked a handful of times.
‘I think we’ve done enough talking, don’t you?’ I croak.
Unbuckling my belt, I free my cock and she raises her eyebrow in response. ‘Less talking, more sucking you mean?’
‘Now that’s more like it.’
As she drops to her knees in front of me, I know I should feel guilty, but after the way I’ve chosen to live my life over the last five years, what difference will one last hurrah make?
* * *
I cut the engine and rest my forehead against my hands, which are wrapped tightly around the steering wheel. Last night was a mistake and I’m paying the price for it now; it’s going to take more than a scalding-hot shower to wipe the memory of red wine and sex from my body. I turn my head and focus on the door to the cottage, my parents’ Cotswolds home. Not that it’s been their home for a long time. Losing Mum and then Dad in quick succession was never something I thought I would have to prepare for. You think you have time after the death of one parent to recover before the loss of the second, but life had other plans. The door slowly opens and Lauren steps into view. She smiles before her face sets into a deep frown.Shit.I need to hide any evidence of last night from her. I throw a chewing gum into my mouth and jump out of the car. I need her to know I’m here for her – that I didn’t go out with a bang last night and instead retired somewhat sensibly. Pulling my suitcase from the boot, I drag it along the path.
‘Travelling light?’ she questions.
‘I don’t need suits in the country, do I?’
Before I can step through the door, she wraps her arms around me and I still as she presses her head firmly against my chest. ‘Thank you,’ she murmurs against me.
