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Sophie couldn’t believe how hot Paula looked today, she was sure her outfits were getting more provocative with each day that passed. Today she wore a blue blazer over a silk white shirt with the first two buttons open to reveal that delicious cleavage, a fitted pencil skirt that hugged her bum in all the right places and killer heels. God knows how she walked around in them all day but Sophie was pleased she did, they made her legs look amazing. Snap out of it, Sophie scalded herself as she tried to get on with the pile of work on her desk. Maybe she would have to have a chat with Paula about how much of a distraction she was, although Sophie was pretty sure she knew. She was grateful that Paula had told her to apply for the job and she didn’t want to lose it. Paula had said it was best no one knew they were a couple, as even though Sophie had got the job on merit, no one would believe that to be true and to be honest Sophie was convinced that Paula got off on all the sneaking around. The glint in the older women’s eye when she stopped by her desk or called her into the office, the slight touch or whispered flirtation was so damn sexy but it was beginning to get so hard to concentrate on anything else but what Paula would do next. It was a relief when she was in court all day and out of the office. Today was no such day though as she was in all day showing around two internship students. ‘And this is Sophie, the newest member of our team, if there’s anything you need to know I’m sure she’ll be happy to help you out, your desks are both through there’. Paula gestured to a corridor to the side of her office.‘Thank god that’s over, it’s great having students in but they just take up so much of my time,’ Paula sighed as she perched on the edge of Sophie’s desk her skirt hitching further up her thighs making Sophie take a deep breath. ‘You ok?’ Paula asked gently rubbing Sophie’s hand, she’d already checked to make sure no one was around.‘I’m fine, it’s just, well talking of time I’m just finding it difficult to get everything done’ ‘Are we giving you too much? I forget you’re new and it’s difficult at first.’‘No it’s not that, it’s, it’s just I can’t concentrate when you’re around.’ Sophie blushed. ‘I can’t stop staring at you through your office window and you look so damn hot when you’re concentrating and then when you’re walking around the office I hear your heels and i find myself following you.... and’ Sophie stopped abruptly looking up at Paula through her long lashes. ‘Are you laughing at me?’ ‘Me, no, would I?’ ‘Yes you are, I can see you smirking’ ‘I’m sorry love but what do you want me to do? I’m only working and walking.’ ‘It’s not just that it’s the little touches and whispers when no one’s looking.’ Stated Sophie looking down at Paula’s hand still resting on hers. ‘It’s just really distracting’ Paula lent forward seductively, her shirt opening to reveal her cleavage. Sophie gulped. Leaning further forward she whispered ‘I’m sorry Sophie I’ll try and be less of a distraction, would you like me to close the blind in my office?’‘Thank you, that would be good, that would help greatly,’ chuckled Sophie. ‘So can I still come over for our little chats or are you banning those too? Paula asked innocently, as she ran her hand further up Sophie’s arm looking questioningly into Sophie’s eyes. ‘You’re so naughty, did anyone ever tell you that?’ ‘It’s been said a few times’ grinned Paula ‘but who wants to be good all the time?’ she said as she pushed herself off the desk and deliberately sauntered over to her office. Once in the doorway she turned and leaned into the frame, reached round and pulled the blind closed. ‘Now get to work Miss Webster, no more distractions. Well not until I get bored.’

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For the rest of the afternoon the blind in Paula’s office stayed firmly shut and Sophie was surprised with the amount of work she’d got done. She was beginning to think that she wasn’t up to the job and was making Paula an excuse but this afternoon had proved it was the older woman’s presence that stopped her doing her job.Just as Sophie was beginning to gather her things together, contemplating whether to bother Paula or just call her later, her phone lit up on the desk.I’m bored. I don’t like not being able to see you x Sophie smiled, it had lasted all of two hours. I miss checking you out too, but I’ve got loads done. Actually I was just getting ready to leave. Will I see you tonight? x Come and see me now. I’ve nearly finished too x Sophie smiled and looked around the lobby checking it was clear, not that it would be weird for Sophie to be going into Paula’s office but she felt better if no one saw. Sophie knocked on the door and was immediately greeted by a cheerful ‘come in.’ As Sophie rounded the door she had butterflies in her stomach, she couldn’t believe the effect this woman had on her.‘Hey you. I’ve missed you. I’m sorry if I’ve made you feel uncomfortable in any way.’‘Oh babe you really haven’t it’s just I don’t think you quite realise how you make me feel.’‘How I make you feel? Sophie I am besotted with you. I can’t stop thinking about you’ revealed Paula as she slowly walked towards Sophie pushing her back against the now closed door. Her hands were on Sophie’s pinning her to the door as she whispered into her ear. ‘It is taking every bit of my self control not to kiss that gorgeous mouth of yours every time I see you.’ Sophie shivered as the older woman planted soft kisses from her ear to the corner of her mouth ‘I want you’ she breathed as she pressed her lips against Sophie’s forcing them apart with her tongue. Sophie murmured into Paula’s mouth as she felt her lovers hand travel to the front of her trousers. ‘Paula we can’t, not in your office, what if someone comes in?’ ‘I’m the boss, I can do what I want in my office,’ replied Paula as she hungrily moved her kisses down Sophie’s neck, tentatively placing a palm over her breast and rubbing her nipple through the thin fabric of her shirt. ‘Oh god, woman you are insatiable,’ moaned Sophie. ‘Earlier you called me naughty, I’m just living up to the name. Don’t you want me to be naughty?’ ‘I want nothing more’ replied Sophie as she arched her back to let Paula slide her hand inside her trousers. ‘Wow you are pleased to see me’ smirked Paula as her forefinger slowly circled and traced the shape of Sophie’s vulva through her underwear, all the while looking directly into Sophie’s eyes. ‘Do you like that? Does it turn you on knowing we could get caught?’ ‘That’s so good, don’t stop’ breathed a highly aroused Sophie ‘It turns you on doesn’t it? You love all the sneaking around, you get off on it.’ Smirking, Paula gently pulled aside Sophie’s knickers slipping two fingers back and forth into her wetness, while kissing further down her throat and cupping her breast with her free hand. ‘Yeah I like the excitement, but if you don’t I can always stop,’ Paula teased as she started to withdraw her fingers. ‘No, what are you doing? Don’t you dare stop’ pleaded Sophie as she reared up towards Paula’s hand. ‘Oh so you do like it when I’m naughty’ Paula teased as she quickened the pace, curling her fingers into a come here motion and finding Sophie’s clit with her thumb. It wasn’t long before Paula felt Sophie contract around her fingers as a long moan left her mouth. ‘You are amazing, no one’s ever made me come that quickly’ ‘I aim to please’ grinned Paula as she let Sophie lean against her, enjoying the fact that even though she was twenty years her senior she had managed to make Sophie come in less than five minutes. Once Sophie had recovered enough she wanted to return the favour so grabbed Paula by the hand and led her slowly to her desk. Once there the older woman turned around, sat on the edge and pulled Sophie in for another kiss, god she couldn’t get enough. Moving her hands through Sophie’s hair she bit down on the younger woman’s lip letting out a soft moan. Meanwhile Sophie pulled at the buttons on Paula’s shirt, the feeling of the silk so soft against her skin. She couldn’t wait to get her hands on her body, as she untucked the shirt she let her hands wander to the waistband of the skirt, realising that she wasn’t going to get the access she wanted she changed tack and instead started to run her hands up Paula’s toned legs. SLeaning back to allow the young brunette’s hand to wonder between her thighs, Paula felt a shiver pulse through her body. As Sophie’s hand travelled further up Paula’s leg her eyes grew wide. ‘Did you forget your underwear this morning?’Paula chuckled ‘After you confined me to my office earlier with the blinds down I thought I’d have a little me time.’ She smiled. ‘You are unbelievable’

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‘Come on, you have to admit she’s fit though’ ‘Yeah I suppose if you’re into old birds.’ ‘God she’s not that old, i’d say mid forties? And for that age she’s got a great pair of legs on her and just oozes sex appeal, don’t you think?’ ‘I’m not really into that sort of thing mate, but whatever floats your boat’ ‘Yeah she definitely does, I’ve got a thing about professional women in powersuits. I bet she’s hot in bed. I bet I could get her into bed. I’ve heard she’s well easy.’ ‘Oh for fucks sake give it a rest, we’ve only been here a day and you already wanna screw the boss and how the hell did you come to the conclusion she’s easy?’ ‘Well when I knew I’d got a place here I did a bit of research on who we’d be working for and it turns out she loves screwing around. A few years ago her husband caught her in bed with some judge, apparently they’d been at it for months. It was the talk of the courthouse.’ ‘So based on what happened around three years ago you reckon you’re going to be shagging our boss by the end of the week?’ ‘I can’t help it if I’m a red blooded male, but probably best to give me a couple of months. I’ll need to use my charms of persuasion.’ ‘I love the confidence but you are so delusional, she’d have you for breakfast’ ‘That’s what I’m hoping’ ‘You are so cocky. Right, we better get back to work before said woman realises we’re not at our desks.’ ‘Ooh angry Paula, now that I would love to see.’ As the two new interns left the room, Sophie pulled the silent headphones from her ears. To say she was seething was an understatement. Who the fuck did he think he was talking about her girlfriend like that? I mean obviously Sophie understood why he would find her hot but she couldn’t believe he’d talked about her past like that. Sophie sat trying to take in what she’d just heard. Was that really what people thought of her girlfriend? Is that really what had happened? After Paula’s antics the day before, Sophie couldn’t help but wonder whether she was just another plaything for the older woman to have fun with. Was she being used? She needed to have a chat with her girlfriend.

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‘Hi babe, I’m in here’ Sophie called as she heard the front door slam shut and the familiar click of heels in the hallway.As Paula opened the door into the kitchen Sophie’s heart did a little skip. Just watching Paula shrug out of her trench coat, chuck her bag in the corner and walk to the fridge made Sophie lose concentration on her simple task of preparing the dinner. ‘Do you want one?’ Paula asked as she expertly opened a new bottle of white and poured herself an extra large glass.‘Oh yeah please babe, but only a small one, tough day?’ Sophie replied gesturing at the glass in Paula’s hand.‘Don’t ask, it’s one I’d rather forget’ sighed Paula as she moved behind Sophie wrapping her arms around her waist and snuggling into her neck. ‘I missed you, how was the office without me? Get everything done?’ Mocked the solicitor with a smirk as she slowly began to plant kisses up Sophie’s exposed shoulder to her neck. ‘I had a very productive day, thank you’ murmured Sophie as she leaned back and raised her neck allowing her girlfriend better access.‘Glad to hear it, we wouldn’t want you getting distracted now, would we’ teased Paula. ‘I’ve been thinking about you all day and how we should maybe have another meeting in my office very soon.’ Whispered Paula as she reached Sophie’s earlobe. Sophie tensed, she could tell how turned on the mention of office sex was making the older woman and she couldn’t help but wonder how many other occasions there had been.‘So was that the first time then?’‘The first time what?’ Questioned Paula biting gently on Sophie’s earlobe as her hands moved slowly up the sides of her body. ’The first time in your office?’ Blushed Sophie.‘No I often fuck clients on my desk, it’s one of the perks of being the boss’ replied Paula without missing a beat, as her hands found their way to cup Sophie’s breasts.‘Babe can you just be serious for one minute, and answer a simple question?’‘Why are you so interested?’ Breathed Paula into Sophie’s ear.‘Just curious that’s all.’ shivered Sophie as Paula began making her way back down her neck licking then blowing gently on her wet skin while her fingers toyed with her nipples ‘God this woman was unbelievable, she’d just got through the door.‘Well not in MY office, that was a first.’ Came the reply once Paula had made her way back to Sophie’s collarbone. ‘So you have in other people’s then?’ questioned Sophie as she spun round to face her lover.‘ONE other person, yes’ Laughed Paula at the shocked look on her younger lovers face. ‘I’m sorry to have to break it to you love but I have had sex with other people, and not always in a bed. Now can you just stop with all the questions and kiss me, i’ve been thinking about this all day.’‘Was it with the judge?’ Enquired Sophie leaning back on the counter, just out of Paula’s reach.’Yes, me and James had some rather interesting encounters, he kept me on my toes.’ Replied Paula getting slightly irritated.‘James? So the judge was a guy? I though it was a woman, you said you were squash partners’‘Yeah he was my squash partner, we played mixed doubles.’‘Oh right, I totally got that wrong.’ Mumbled Sophie gazing down at the floor.’Soph what’s wrong? Look at me’ whispered Paula as she gently placed two fingers under her chin and tilted Sophie’s head up.‘I just wanna know how you see our relationship. Are you serious about me or am I just a bit of fun? Something to tick off your list?’’Right, stop this right now,’ Paula commanded shaking Sophie lightly by the shoulders. ‘Let’s have another drink and go sit and talk about this.’ Picking up the half empty bottle of wine and handing Sophie the glasses she lead her by the hand across the hallway, into the lounge and pushing her gently into the corner of the couch took up position facing her.‘First things first. Are you being serious? Tick off my list? What exactly am I ticking off? You’re not the first woman I’ve slept with. If I remember rightly I proved that the first night we spent together.’ Smiling, Paula leaned her head to one side ‘What was it you said again while I had my tongue inside you? I can tell you’ve done this before.’Sophie couldn’t help but smile. ‘You remember that?’‘Of course, it was a great compliment. I was so nervous that first night. I really wanted to impress you. You’re young, you’ve got an amazing body, then there’s me’ Paula sighed as she pointed her fingers down her body’ ‘I may look ok in clothes but take these off and it all goes to pot’ she laughed.‘You’re gorgeous babe and so confident, I can’t believe you were nervous. You were amazing that night, very attentive’ grinned Sophie’‘Well in my line of work you get very good at acting. I can act confident, doesn’t mean I feel it. Do you know that first day I came to see you at the house, I nearly didn’t knock. I thought you’d think I was delusional, to think you’d be interested in me.’‘Well ya did a bloody good job of seducing me then. I was so flattered and you were so god damn sexy. The little looks and that text nearly sent me over the edge. I have to pinch myself everyday that you’re with me. You could have anyone and you chose me and I still have no idea why. I can’t help thinking that you’ll find someone new, who’s more exciting than me.Sophie don’t do this. I’ve lived with a jealous partner and I can’t do it again. It broke us. All the questions, all the accusations, all the arguments. I don’t want that to be us. Don’t put yourself down. You’re an amazing young woman. Surely I should be the one pinching myself. I’m a 49 year old who gets to share my bed with someone half my age.’ ‘So tell me then what happened with James? You said you loved your husband, but you still cheated on him so what’s to say you won’t cheat on me?’‘Yeah I did love him once, obviously I did, I married him, but the spark had gone. He spent so much energy on thinking I’d been with other people that he pushed me away. He was always jealous of my job, that I earned more money than him, the fact I was around men most of the time, stayed out late, the list goes on.’‘So why not just finish with him, spare him the humiliation?’‘That’s something I’ll always regret. That’s what I should have done, but I didn’t and I can’t take it back. The relationship with James just happened, I was in a bad place, fed up at work, with Tim, the kids were driving me nuts. We’d known each other for a while, but nothing more than friendship. Then one night we stayed late after our squash game, flirted outrageously and after a lot of alcohol, not that that’s any excuse, we ended up in the back of his car, classy huh.’‘How long did it go on for?’‘I’m ashamed to say it but nearly 4 months. I didn’t love him or anything like that, he was a good fuck but nothing more. I did try to finish it a few times but I think I become addicted to the excitement. Tim hadn’t shown me any affection for months and then suddenly there was this person who couldn’t keep his hands off me.’Paula looked up, finally able to look her younger lover in the face. ‘I don’t know Sophie, what can I say, it was a shit thing to do.’ Paula’s voice caught in her throat, she couldn’t lose her, not because of a stupid mistake that had happened years ago.‘So what happens if another James comes along? How will you be able to resist?’ Came back the sarcastic reply‘Sophie listen to me. I’ve been completely honest with you. The only reason anything happened between me and James is because I was so unhappy. Now i’m the happiest i’ve been in years and that’s because of you. Why would I look anywhere else?’Leaning forward Sophie wrapped her arms around Paula, pulling her in for a hug. God she was falling so hard for this woman. ‘‘Ya might not have to look far.’ Sophie whispered into her ear. Pulling away Paula exclaimed ‘What are you taking about, i’ve hardly got admirers queuing up’‘How does a cocksure 22 year old sound’ ‘22 hey?’ Questioned Paula raising her eyebrows.‘Oi you, put them eyebrows away.’ Warned Sophie as she playfully slapped Paula on the wrist. ‘It’s true, I’m not the only one in the office you’ve been distracting. That new intern you hired, Ben is it? The one with the floppy hair. He had rather a lot to say about your past today. Thinks you’re easy and he’ll be in your knickers in a couple of weeks.’‘Unbelievable, so this is where all this talk tonight has come from.’ ‘He doesn’t know I heard him, he was talking to that other intern, it took all my willpower not to go over and punch im in the face.’ ‘Sophie i’ve heard it all before. When Tim decided to blab to everyone that he’d caught me in bed with another man James got a slap on the back and I got called all sorts. Within the space of a week James had shared every sordid detail of our affair with his mates and been forgiven by his wife while I was kicked out of my home and my marriage was over. It’s taken me a good few years to build up my reputation again and I’m not having some jumped up little shit ruining it.’‘So what are you gonna do about it?‘Just let me get this straight, he thinks he’s going to get me into bed?’‘Well i’m not sure he had a bed in mind but yeah he reckons you’ll fall for his charms and won’t be able to resist.’‘Does he now?’ Smiled Paula with a glint in her eye. ‘I don’t like that look, what are you thinking?’ ‘Fancy having a bit of fun with our new intern?’

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‘Hrraaaaaarrhh whatimesit’ Sophie moaned as she rolled over from her face down position in the middle of the king size bed.’ ‘In English, would be helpful’ laughed Paula shouting from the en-suite. ‘Oh god I feel awful, my head’s throbbing, how much wine did we drink last night? I don’t even remember coming to bed.’‘Three bottles of white and we missed dinner because someone had a mini meltdown which meant we had to have a two hour discussion about the state of our relationship’ teased Paula as she carefully applied her mascara. ‘Argh I really think I’m gonna puke.’‘Sophie seriously you are such a lightweight’ mocked Paula as she appeared in the bedroom.‘How the hell do you look like that?’ Asked Sophie in dismay as she gestured towards Paula who was leant in the doorway already dressed for a day at the office. ‘Lots of practise and two espressos’ grinned Paula. ‘Right i’ve got to get going, i’ve got a breakfast meeting at half 8. I’ve left you a pint of water, two paracetamol and a coffee on the side, that should sort you out. You’ve got a busy day, remember our plan?’‘Plan?’ Frowned Sophie.‘God you really are a nightmare, we decided last night that you need to befriend Ben so you can keep a closer eye on him.’‘Oh that plan’ said Sophie a puzzled expression on her face.‘Right I’m gone,’ waved Paula as she headed for the door. ‘Remember your boss is a stickler for punctuality so you better get your arse out of bed Webster.’‘Fucks sake,’ groaned Sophie as she flung herself back into bed.‘I heard that,’ shouted Paula as the front door slammed shut.********************************Running up the steps of Martin Solicitors two at a time Sophie really did not know how she hadn’t been sick. Ten past 9 hopefully no one would notice she thought as she slipped into the chair behind her desk and rested her head in her hands.It wasn’t until she looked up and through the window into Paula’s office to check she’d got away with it, that she saw all the backs pressed against the glass. ‘Shit, shit, shit.’ It was Wednesday and Sophie should be in Paula’s office right now taking the minutes of the teams mid week review.Too late to move now, the door was beginning to open. Maybe if she slid down further in her chair no one would notice her and she could slip into Paula’s office later to apologise. No such luck. It had to be that floppy haired shit that caught her.‘Busted,’ he called across the office as he pointed both fingers in Sophie’s direction.What a prize class twat, and he’s training to be a solicitor? Sophie thought as she mumbled ‘Ha yeah, thought i’d got away with that.’ ‘Sophie could you come in here for a minute.’ Came the voice from behind her, Paula did not sound happy.‘Wish me luck’ she sighed as she pushed herself slowly up from the seat. Might as well use the situation to strike up a conversation with Ben.‘You’re gonna need it. She’s in a foul mood this morning. And I love it’ he added cheekily as he sauntered down the corridorBy the time Sophie had made it across the office Paula was sat behind her desk shifting through some papers.Sophie stood awkwardly in front of her not sure whether to sit or stand. ‘Well, what happened? When I left you were suppose to be getting up.’ ‘Yeah babe, well the thing is ...’ ‘I’m going to stop you there’ stated Paula holding up for hand. ‘Just because I left you in my bed it does not mean you can get away with being late.’ ‘Not even if it was half your fault? Replied Sophie cheekily. ‘And how did you work that out?’ ‘Oh come on, I never drink that much. It must have been you topping my glass up that got me in such a state.’ ‘You really are pushing your luck,’ smiled Paula. She had intended to read Sophie the riot act and make it clear that screwing the boss wouldn’t do her any favours but she couldn’t quite go through with it. ‘Just get out of here and if you’re ever late again, there’ll be trouble.’ ‘Oh I love it when you’re all authoritative.’ ‘Go’ shouted Paula as she pointed towards the door not trusting herself to look up from her work.As Sophie stepped out of the door closing it quietly behind her she smiled to herself. She might be in a foul mood with everyone else but she’s smitten with me. Slowly Sophie was beginning to realise the effect she had on Paula and she loved it.********************************‘So did you get a bollocking then?’ Enquired Ben as he threw himself down on the seat opposite Sophie. ‘No her bark’s worse than her bite. I said i’d stay late and catch up, she seemed alright with that.’ Shrugged Sophie. ‘Lucky you, she seems to be permanently pissed off with me. Although I reckon that’s all the sexual tension.

‘Is that what you’re calling it? Maybe she just thinks you’re a twat.’Wow thanks, you’re in a great mood, rough night was it? ‘Yeah, you could say that, my girlfriend decided it’d be a good idea to have 3 bottles of wine for dinner.’ ‘Ah girlfriend that it explains it,’ grinned Ben ‘Explains what exactly?’ Sophie really wasn’t in the mood for this.‘Why you’ve not been checking me out, thought I was losing my touch.’‘Oh wow,’ was all Sophie could managed to say.‘Oh, come on. Who could resist this?’‘Are you always this arrogant?’ ‘Pretty much, but I like to call it confident. So you gonna bring this girlfriend of yours out for drinks on Friday night?’‘Friday? Why what’s happening?’‘Well if you’d been in the morning meeting you’d know’ tutted Ben. ‘Paula’s invited the team out for drinks in that swanky hotel over the road. Something about someone’s birthday. I wasn’t really paying much attention. Something else had caught my eye’‘And what would that have been?’ Asked Sophie, knowing full well it would have something to do with her girlfriend. ‘To be honest when Paula’s talking I don’t really take much in at all. She’s just got the sexiest voice and as she moved in front of the window all I’m gonna say is with the sun shining through it, her white shirt left very little to the imagination.’‘You really are something else aren’t you.’ ‘Oh come on Sophie don’t tell me you haven’t noticed how hot that woman is.’Sophie could feel the heat rising to her cheeks so quickly changed the subject ‘Anyway moving on from perving over the boss. No my girlfriend won’t be able to make Friday, she’s working. You bringing anyone?’ ‘Nope. Young, free and single me. I’m hoping I can use the night to get to know a certain boss a little better.’ ‘And what’s to say she wants to get to know you?’‘Oh she does, I know her type, she’s playing hard to get but I’m sure that after a few drinks she’ll loosen up a bit.’ Winked Ben. ‘Right better get back to it, work hard, play harder Sophie that’s my motto.’

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‘How do I look?’ ‘Like you usually look,’ replyed an irritated Sophie.‘Oy this is a new shirt, I’m trying out a skinnier fit.’‘Oh well if that’s the case you look well fit’ came the sarcastic reply. ‘God you are such a bitch sometimes. You coming over to the bar with me?’‘Sorry no can do, we’ve just been sent some important documents that need Paula’s signature so I’m gonna need to get that sorted. I’ll see you in there.’‘Well don’t keep her too long. I’ve gone to a lot of effort tonight.’ Called Ben as he headed for the door. ‘You do know it’s gonna take more than a skinny fit shirt to get her to shag you don’t you?’ Shouted Sophie across the office.‘Watch and learn Sophie, watch and learn’ retorted Ben as he backed out of the door, a spring in his step. Yeah I will be watching mate, you lay one finger on my girlfriend and there’ll be trouble thought Sophie as she made her way over to Paula’s office and knocked on the door.‘Come in’ ‘I’ve got those documents you wanted, they need to be signed and sent back by 7.’ explained Sophie as she closed the door and walked over to the desk.‘Thanks love, that’s great. Could you get a courier to drive them over straight away? Then head over to the bar and I’ll be there when I can.’‘Yeah no problem,’ replied Sophie hesitating at the desk. ‘Was there anything else?’ ‘No it’s nothing, I can see you’re busy.’ ‘Hey, never too busy for you. What’s wrong?’ questioned Paula getting up from her chair and moving round to perch on the edge of the desk in front of the younger woman. ‘You’re gonna think I’m stupid.’ ‘Try me’‘It’s Ben he’s doing my hed in.’ Moaned Sophie. Laughing Paula replied ‘what’s he done now?’ ‘He just, does, not, stop going on about you and how he reckons it’s only a matter of time before he has his wicked way with you.’‘Wicked way hey’ grinned Paula folding her arms.‘It’s not funny.’‘Well it is a bit. I mean can you imagine the look on his face if he knew you and me were an item?’Smiling Sophie looked into Paula’s eyes ‘I’d love to see that. Wipe that smug look off his face.’ ‘Right, well whenever he starts up again just picture him finding out about us, smile sweetly and ignore him.’ Came the soothing words from Paula as she gently rubbed Sophie’s arm. ‘Or you could just sack him.’ ‘I know he’s a pain in the arse Sophie but he’s a bloody good lawyer, so I’m sorry, but for now he’s sticking around. Anyway I have a funny feeling that he won’t be so cocky for much longer.’ Reassured Paula.‘Why, what are you planning?’ Enquired Sophie in a worried tone. ‘Oh I have an idea’‘Does it involving chucking a pint over his head when he tries it on with ya in the bar later?’ ‘No, funnily enough it doesn’t. What with me being the boss and needing to show some kind of decorum’ ‘Oh so you won’t be dancing on any tables either then?’ ‘No sorry love. My days of dancing on tables are long gone. Well in front of my employees anyway. Remember you’re the only one who gets to see fun Paula the others get the boring boss version.’ ‘So what are you gonna do if Ben tries it on?’ ‘Play along’ grinned Paula. ‘What’ came the shocked reply from Sophie. ‘Only flirting Sophie, it won’t go any further. I’ve got a plan.’ ‘Oh great. You’ve got a plan that involves flirting with a complete knob in front of your girlfriend, nice one.’ Pushing herself off the desk to stand level with Sophie Paula slowly ran her finger up Sophie’s torso from her waist, inbetween her breasts and up to under her chin, where she gently tipped her head up. ‘It’ll be worth it, to see the look on his face, believe me.’ Whispered Paula leaning in as if to kiss Sophie but pulling back at the last moment. ‘I can be such a tease when I want to be.’

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Sophie glanced over to the door for about the hundredth time. Where the hell was Paula? It was 8 and Ben had been drinking since 6 so he was being even more of a pain in the arse than usual, if that was even possible. 3 minutes past, finally. Sophie couldn’t keep the smile from her lips as she saw her lover approaching. God she was fit. ‘Hi everyone, so sorry I’m late, you know what it’s like.’ Apologised Paula as she slowly slipped out of her coat, revealling that she’d changed into the black, low cut, knee length dress that Sophie loved so much. ‘No we know what YOU’RE like, a workaholic. Come and sit, what you drinking?’asked Mike one of the firms partners. Sophie looked on nervously as Paula pulled out a seat across the table from her, carefully crossing her legs. She’d chosen the chair directly opposite Sophie even though the one next to her was free. Probably for the best, it’d be so hard not to automatically reach for her hand if they were sat together. ‘Usual please Mike and while you’re there stick this behind the bar,’ ordered Paula as she handed over her credit card. ‘Drinks are on me for the rest of the evening.’ This gained a whoop from everyone round the table apart from Ben who had just made it back from the bar with a full tray of drinks for everyone. ‘If only I’d waited a few minutes longer, this round’s set me back half my wages’ he joked as he settled himself down in the seat recently vacated by Mike. The seat which happened to be right next to Paula. Great thought Sophie, i’ve now got to sit directly opposite my girlfriend while she gets hit on. What have I done to deserve this? I thought witnessing the date with my dad was bad enough. ‘You shouldn’t have done that,’ said Paula gestering towards the tray of drinks. ‘I don’t think Mike’s brought a round of drinks in the whole ten years l’ve known him.’ ‘Well I don’t want you to be saying that about me in ten years, do I.’ Replied Ben shifting slightly in his seat so he was facing Paula.‘Wow you’re keen, you’ve only been here a few weeks.’ ‘Well I like what i’ve seen so far, so I’m hoping I’ll be sticking around for a while.’ Explained Ben looking straight into Paula’s eyes. ‘Do you now?’ Grinned back Paula holding his eye contact. ‘Well that will depend on me, so you better carry on trying to impressed me.’‘Oh I will.’ Smiled Ben.Across the table Sophie was finding it increasingly difficult to concentrate. Why were they still talking? What the hell were they talking about? God she’s got great legs. Now her mind was really wandering. Luckily the two paralegals she was sitting with seemed to be none the wiser as they waffled on about an upcoming hen party they were both attending.‘So how long have you owned your own firm then?’ Inquired Ben.‘Only 2 years so it’s fairly new. I came into some money a few years ago, found a partner I knew I could work well with and we just decided to go for it.‘‘Wow I heard it hadn’t been long but thought I must be mistaken. You’ve represented some really high profile cases for such a small firm’‘Someone’s been doing their research. Very impressive.’ grinned Paula ‘Well I had to see who I was going to be working for before I took up your offer.’‘So, find out anything else about me during your extensive research?’ Enquired Paula leaning forwards slightly as she pushed a strand of stray hair behind her ear.‘Er no, just where you studied, law firms you’ve worked at, that kind of thing. You’ve had an amazing career so far. Replied Ben shifting nervously in his seat. ‘Why, anything else I should know?’‘No I think you’re pretty much set. Obviously there’s the odd rumour but I know you wouldn’t listen to gossip, would you Ben?’ Paula teased, slowing taking a sip of wine. ‘Gossip? ME? Never,’ retorted Ben. ‘So anyway tell me how’s the firm become so successful in such a short space of time? What are your secrets?’‘No secrets, just bloody hard work. I’ve done nothing else but build up the business for the past 2 years. It’s only now that I’m beginning to think it’s time I started having a little fun.’ Paula couldn’t help but glance in Sophie’s direction, her stomach flipping when she caught the sideways look from her younger lover.‘I definitely think you’re due some fun’ came the flirtatious reply from Ben as he nodded towards Paula’s nearly empty glass’ Another drink?’ He asked.’ ‘Love one,’ came back the equally flirtatious reply.I’ve definitely met my match there thought Ben as he swaggered over to the bar.As soon as Ben was out of sight at the bar Sophie was up out of her seat and across the other side of the table. ‘What ya playing at?’ She whispered into Paula’s ear trying not to draw attention to them. Although it wasn’t that difficult as most of the team had branched off into smaller groups and were far to interested in their own conversations. ‘Me,’ inquired Paula pointing to herself. ‘I have no idea what you’re talking about.’ ‘Could he sit any closer? And don’t say you haven’t noticed him undressing you with his eyes.’ Laughing Paula replied ‘He’s actually doing quite a good job at chatting me up. I thought I was a pretty good flirt but he’s not bad.’ ‘Please tell me YOU ARE joking.’ ‘Yeah I’m joking. God I’m still shocked that he actually seems to fancy me.’ ‘Are you for real? Look at you.’ Exclaimed Sophie ‘And by the way you need to keep them hands where I can see em.’ Sophie warned as she gave Paula a playful nudge.Paula raised her eyebrows ‘and what is it you think my hands are doing exactly?’ ‘Well I know what your hands do under the table when you sit next to me.’ ‘Yes, but Ben is not my extremely attractive girlfriend.’ Winked Paula as she slowly started to run her hand up Sophie’s inner thigh. ‘Is this the kind of thing?’ She whispered innocently. ‘Babe, really? Someone could see.’ ‘No they can’t, the table’s in the way.’ Came the matter of fact reply as Paula’s hand continued on its path up Sophie’s leg.‘Really?’ Questioned Sophie her voice going up an octave. ‘If your hand goes any higher i’ll be done for indecent exposure.’ Laughing Paula reluctantly withdrew her hand. ‘You’re no fun Webster.’ ‘And you are trouble Miss Martin. I so want you right now and YOU ARE NOT helping.’ Moaned Sophie. ‘And you have absolutely no idea how much I want you’ ‘Oh yeah, well you need to stop flirting with a man young enough to be your son and take ME home to your bed.’ ‘What the woman half my age?’‘Exactly’ laughed Sophie.‘Ladies, what have I missed?’ Questioned Ben looking back and forth between them as he placed Paula’s glass of red in front of her and sat back taking a swig from his bottle. ‘Nothing much’ piped up Sophie quickly moving away from Paula and turning slightly red. ‘I was just talking shop actually, which I really shouldn’t be’ helped out Paula. ‘No you definitely shouldn’t be, I thought you said you were going to start having some fun.’ Ben reminded her as Sophie raised her eyebrows questioningly at Paula.

‘I did, didn’t I. Right here’s to having fun’ stated Paula as she raised her glass. ‘I’ll drink to that’ chimed in Ben. ‘Me too’ joined in Sophie as she gently rubbed her bare foot along the top of Paula’s and up her ankle. If she wanted to play games then Sophie would too. Eyes widening Paula smiled as she tried to focus on what Ben was saying. God she needed to get out of this bar and get Sophie into her bed. But first she needed to circulate, make sure her other employees got some of her attention too. Paula liked to make sure she made the effort with everyone even if that meant her alone time with Sophie would start later than she’d hoped. ‘Right as much as i’d love to sit with you two all evening. I can’t be seen to have favourites. So I’m off to mingle. Have fun.’ And with that Ben and Sophie were left watching the swaying hips of Paula as she headed to the bar. Both having very similar thoughts about the kind of fun they’d like to have with their boss. ‘Shots?’ Questioned Ben. ‘Why the hell not.’ Replied SophieThe next hour or so passed in a haze of alcohol, small talk and stolen glances between the two women. Neither one daring to get too close for fear of losing control. By 10 though Paula had had enough, she wanted sex and she had waited long enough.Walking slightly unsteadily she made it back to the seat where she’d left her bag and coat. Sophie and Ben where still there with a couple of other colleagues and Ben immediately sidled up to her. Does he ever give it a rest thought Paula as Ben wittered on. ‘Sorry Ben but can I stop you for one minute, I really should check my phone it keeps vibrating in my bag.’ ‘What, yeah sure whatever.’ Shrugged Ben As Paula checked her phone a look of concern clouded her face. ‘I’m sorry I’m going to have to go.’‘What? Oh no, the nights only just getting started.’ Sighed Ben. ‘Yeah, it’s my daughter and from the look of her messages and the amount of missed calls I think she needs me.’ Paula explained as she gathered up her bag and coat glancing in Sophie’s direction. ‘It’s been great, just what I needed after such a stressful week.’‘I’ll walk you out,’ offered Ben jumping out of his seat. ‘There’s no need’ ‘No really I insist.’‘Ok thanks, bye Sophie see you on Monday.’ Smiled Paula. ‘Yeah, see ya.’ Uttered Sophie as she watched Ben place his hand in the small of Her girlfriends back and guide her through the crowd and out of the bar. She must have been crazy to go along with this stupid flirting plan thought Sophie as she watched them both disappear out the door.

After what seemed like an age and an awful lot of jealous thoughts Sophie finally caught a glimpse of Ben snaking his way back to the table. A huge grin on his face. ‘What’s with the smile?’ Inquired Sophie more harshly than she’d intended.‘God what’s the matter with you? Can’t anyone ever be happy? I’ve just had a good night and I’m one step closer to bedding the boss.’‘Not as close as me’ mumbled Sophie under her breath. ‘What’d you say?’ ‘What makes you think that?’ Shouted Sophie. ‘All the signs are there. It’s just a matter of time.’ ‘So how confident are you on a scale of 1 to 10? ‘Confident enough to bet you £100 something will happen between us by the end of next week.’ Laughing Sophie replied ‘You’re on. What’s the something?’‘Definitely a kiss.’ Oh wow he’s got it so bad thought Sophie as she bent forward to pick her illuminated phone off the table.WHERE ARE YOU? I’M WAITING OUTSIDE THE OFFICE IN A CAB. YOU BETTER NOT BE PISSED I’VE GOT PLANS FOR YOU AND THEY INVOLVE YOU NEEDING LOTS OF ENERGY XX Smiling, Sophie stood up to leave. ‘Right I’m off, my girlfriend’s home and gagging for it. Looks like it’s my lucky night too.’ ‘Have fun,’ smirked Ben‘Oh I fully intend to.’ Replied Sophie.

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The two women were mostly silent on the journey back to Paula’s house, neither needing to speak to express their desire, their want, their need for the other. The sexual tension was palpable and it was taking every bit of restraint not to tear each other’s clothes off. Instead they sat, hands just touching on opposite sides of the cab each lost in fantasies of what the evening would hold. Every so often they would catch each other’s eye and a glint of knowing would flicker between them. Finally the cab slowly came to a stop on the gravel driveway and the ladies were soon giggling hand in hand as they climbed the two steps to the front door. ‘I want you so badly right now,’ came the slurred words from Sophie as she wrapped her arms around Paula’s waist from behind. ‘Believe me there’s nothing I want more than you, but if you don’t stop I’m never going to get this bloody door open.’ Moaned Paula as she fumbled with the key in the lock. After two failed attempts the door finally opened and the two women all but fell into the large hallway. Within a matter of seconds Sophie had Paula pinned against the wall, her hands wanting to explore every inch of her. ‘Shit, let me just get the alarm’ groaned Paula as she tried to disentangle herself from her younger lover. Turning to the keypad by the side of the door Paula punched in the correct code first time, much to her relief. Sophie wasn’t the only one who’d had a bit too much to drink and she was worried she wouldn’t be able to turn it off. The last thing they wanted was a visit from the police. Before she was able to turn back to her lover Sophie was behind her breathing into her ear as her hands moved towards her waist and removed the belt from her coat. Still standing with her back to Sophie Paula slowly slid the coat from her shoulders and with a little help from Sophie it was soon discarded onto the floor. ‘You smell so good’ whispered Sophie as she planted soft kisses across the back of Paula’s neck. ‘Hmmm,’ moaned Paula as she moved her head forward letting Sophie kiss further down her neck.‘I love you in this dress. It hugs you in all the right places.’ Breathed Sophie as she traced the outline of Paula’s breasts. ‘I know you do, that’s why I wore it, but I think you’ll like what’s underneath even better.’ Teased Paula ‘Oh will I? Well let’s see shall we.’ And pushing Paula to the wall she slowly started to pull the zip down at the back of the lawyer’s dress. First revealing a black lace bra then matching lace French knickers and finally thigh high stockings complete with suspender belt. ‘God, just when I thought you couldn’t get any sexier.’ Stepping out of the dress which was now around her ankles Paula turned to face Sophie and leant back against the wall. ‘So what are you going to do with me now?’ She inquired. Sophie couldn’t quite believe what was happening. She was living out her wildest fantasies. Before she even knew what was happening she’d pushed Paula up against the wall, rougher this time, and pushed her tongue inside her lovers mouth. Paula responded with a low moan and moved her hands behind Sophie’s neck pulling her in closer. Meanwhile Sophie’s hands didn’t know where to explore first, they roamed Paula’s body until they settled on her arse pulling her in tighter. ‘Make me cum,’ purred Paula into Sophie’s ear as she moved Sophie’s right hand round to the front of her knickers which were soaked through. As Sophie’s fingers gently slipped inside, Paula let out a shudder, as she anticipated what was to come. Slowly Sophie entered a finger into Paula while her thumb found her most sensitive spot.‘Fuck...Sophie’ gasped Paula as she arched her back against the wall. Gaining in confidence upon hearing her older lover’s moans Sophie started to pick up the pace, inserting two fingers while she continued to circle Paula’s clit. She was going to make this woman cum. The pace got faster—three fingers. Paula pushed against Sophie’s hand, moaning as she felt herself beginning to climax. Sophie looked directly into Paula’s eyes keeping her thumb on her clit. The pace was furious now as Sophie’s fingers were covered in her wetness. Just when Paula didn't think she could take anymore, she felt Sophie’s thumb push against her. She let out a soft scream, moaning with pleasure.The orgasm was overwhelming as her vagina clenched down on Sophie’s fingers. The younger woman looked up to see the pleasure sweep over Paula’s face. ‘Wow’ was all Paula managed to get out as she tried to regain her composure, leaning against the wall for support.Smiling, Sophie removed her fingers intending to wipe them clean but Paula caught her hand and pulled the fingers into her own mouth. She sucked them slowly, as she stared at Sophie, a look of mischief in her eyes. Then without saying anything she grabbed Sophie’s hand and firmly pulled her towards the stairs.Once in her bedroom Paula pushed Sophie back onto the bed smiling seductively as she straddled her, pinning her hands above her head. ‘That was amazing, now it’s time I repaid the favour, don’t you think?’ All Sophie could do was nod as Paula pushed her tongue into Sophie’s mouth then moved down leaving small kisses along her neck. Her fingers made fast work of the buttons at the front of Sophie’s dress and her mouth followed leaving gentle kisses on the exposed flesh until Sophie’s dress was completely open. Paula sat up taking in the sight of Sophie pinned beneath her, God she was beautiful. Looking into Sophie’s eyes she slowly teased her finger into the top of her thong, she couldn’t help but smile at how wet she was. ‘I want you to touch yourself, I want to watch.’ She whispered into Sophie’s ear. Sophie’s eyes widened she’d never been asked to do anything like that before but she liked the idea. Taking her hand she slid it inside her thong and began to make a small circular motion with her fingers. Sitting up Paula pulled down the thong so she could get a better view. She wanted to know what turned Sophie on. After a couple of minutes Paula slowly moved Sophie’s fingers and replaced them with her tongue. ‘Oh god’ moaned Sophie as Paula’s wet tongue took its first hard swipe, then another and another. Sophie grabbed the sheets with her hands and moved against her as she felt Paula’s tongue sliding a little inside her then slowly retreat to make circles around her clit. ‘Yes, Paula, more,’ pleaded Sophie, her voice hoarse from exertion. She couldn’t take much more. Her entire body was throbbing, tingling. Then at the precise moment she was about to let go, Paula slowed her tongue. ‘No,’ whimpered Sophie. ‘No…please…don’t stop’‘Tell me…, what you want’ Paula murmured the vibrations sweet agony against Sophie’s clit.‘God, Paula…make me cum…please make me cum…,’ Sophie moaned.Finally Paula pushed her tongue firmly against Sophie’s clit, the last act.‘Oh fuck... Paula I’m coming’ Sophie moaned.She could feel her orgasm raising heavily inside her. Her whole body started to shiver as she cried out louder than she’d ever done, as she finally let go.Grinning at her accomplishment Paula crawled up the bed to lie beside Sophie who still had her fingers twisted in the sheets.‘How’d I do?’‘I’d say about a 9’ breathed Sophie smiling. ‘Only a 9 I’m losing my touch, you better show me how it’s done.’ Rolling towards Paula and opening one eye Sophie replied. ‘Are you not done yet, I was ready to hit the sack.’ ‘I’m never done Sophie,’ came the seductive reply. ‘I said you’d need your energy, that was just a warm up.’

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Rolling over onto her back Sophie slowly opened her eyes. It took her a moment to realise where she was, her favourite place, Paula’s bed.Closing her eyes Sophie thought back over the events of the evening, she didn’t want to ever forget the way Paula had made her feel. They’d stayed up for hours exploring each other’s bodies, touching, kissing, licking every inch of each other. Paula was such a tease and Sophie loved how confident she was. Sex with an older woman was definitely an experience Sophie was enjoying, she’d learnt a lot. ‘Morning love, you finally decided to enter the land of the living? You’ve been sleeping like a baby.’ Came Paula’s voice as she entered the bedroom carrying two steaming mugs of coffee.Smiling Sophie sat up against the pillows. ‘What time’s it?’ ‘Nearly 11.’‘Wow I don’t think i’ve had such a good nights sleep for years.’‘Well that’s what multiple orgasms do for a girl.’ Grinned Paula as she joined Sophie in bed. ‘Hmmm last night was incredible, you’re Incredible.’‘Why thank you,’ smiled Paula ‘You were pretty amazing too.’‘Is there anything you can’t do?’Laughing Paula laid back on the pillows, ‘You haven’t tasted my cooking.’ ‘I have wondered why your kitchen’s so pristine’ teased Sophie. ‘That would be the cleaner, i’m shit at cleaning too. Wouldn’t make a very good housewife would I.’‘Well it’s lucky I don’t want a housewife then isn’t it’ smirked Sophie. ‘And what do you want?’ Inquired Paula looking across at Sophie. ‘Ooh an intelligent, funny, sexy, hotshot lawyer who excels in bed, would do.... Know anyone?’ Sophie teased. ‘I’ll have a think and get back to you.’ Replied Paula as she took a sip from her coffee. ‘Seriously though Paula, last night was amazing.... i’ve never had sex like that.‘In what way?’‘In the way that with my other girlfriends it was always soft, slow, gentle but last night it was raw, passionate, dirty.’ Sophie blushed and looked away. Now the effect of the alcohol had worn off she felt shy. ‘And you like that,’ Enquired Paula turning Sophie’s head to face her.’ Sophie nodded. ‘Good because that’s what I like too. Last night was incredible because we have such amazing chemistry, we’re completely comfortable with each other so we can explore things that turn us on.’‘Yeah...that’s it. When I’m with you I feel so safe. I want to explore, find out what feels good, what doesn’t.’‘Well that’s good then. And of cause there’ll be times when it’s gentle and slow. Last night i’d had slightly too much to drink and a drunk Paula equals a very naughty Paula.’ ‘Maybe I need to get you drunk more often then.’ Teased Sophie as she smiled and lent forward, kissing Paula on the lips.‘Mmmm, I love your kisses, did I ever tell you that?’ Murmured Paula pulling the younger girl towards her and deepening the kiss. ‘Right as much as I would love to stay in this bed with you all day, we better be getting up.’ Breathed Paula as she reluctantly pulled away. ‘Oh why I was planning on staying here all day.’ Groaned Sophie. ‘Sounds great but it’s Saturday, and we’ve made plans.’ ‘Oh no, is it this weekend we said we’d go to my mums for lunch?’ ‘Yep and we’ve got to be there at 1.’ ‘Oh god, why do I get myself into these things?’‘Because you’re a good person and your mum’s really trying hard to except us, so we need to make the effort.’ ‘Hmmmm not sure she’s trying that hard. She still glares at you whenever you so much as look at me. Why can’t things just go back to the way they were between you?’ ‘Because Sophie I hadn’t seen your mum in over thirty years, then after a few weeks I’m in a relationship with her daughter.’‘Well she’s just going to have to accept it, we’re both adults, we can do want we want.’ ‘Yes that’s true but it doesn’t take away from the fact that one of her old school mates is now screwing her little girl.’ ‘Paula’ Sophie shrieked slapping her arm‘Well think about it Soph, it must be a really hard thing to get your head round. If it had been the other way round and your mum and Isla were a couple I know it would take some getting use to.’ ‘Uhh don’t. I don’t want to think about my mum having sex thank you very much.’Laughing Paula exclaimed ‘You’re such a hypocrite. I’m the same age as your mum, well two months older actually and you had no problem fucking me last night.’ ‘Ok, right ... stop right there. This is not a conversation I want to be having.’ ‘Ok, ok I was just trying to make you see it from Sally’s point of view. I won’t bring it up again.’ Laughed Paula holding up her hands.‘Yeah please don’t, that conversation is banned.’‘Right I’m off for a nice long shower’ announced Paula as she slipped out of the bed, disgarded her robe and walked naked to the en-suite. Oh god she is such a tease thought Sophie as she watched her girlfriend retreat into the bathroom. Minutes later Sophie appeared naked in the doorway of the double shower. ‘Can we try some of that slow and gentle sex now?’ She asked in an innocent tone.‘I think we can just about make time for that.’ Winked Paula as she grabbed Sophie’s hand and pulled her under the cascading water. ‘So i’m not too old for shower sex then?’‘You’re only as old as the woman you feel’ came Sophie’s cheeky reply as she slipped Paula’s hand between her own thighs....

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‘Well that went much better than I thought it would’ stated Paula as she threw her keys into the bowl on the hall table and slipped off her heels.‘Yeah I suppose mum wasn’t too bad. Although she nearly had a coronary when you rubbed your hand up my leg.’‘Did I? Enquired Paula.‘Yeah when we were sat on the sofa after lunch.’ ‘God I didn’t even realise... and I was trying to be on my best behaviour as well.’ Laughing Sophie replied ‘You just can’t keep your hands off me, can you?’‘Well is it any wonder look at you,’ Replied Paula pulling Sophie into a hug. ‘I’m one very lucky lady.’‘I’m the lucky one.’‘Come on you,’ laughed Paula guiding Sophie into the living room and onto the corner sofa. ‘I fancy chilling in front of the telly, you joining me?’
‘Yes please.’ Laying with her head in Paula’s lap snuggled up under a blanket Sophie couldn’t wish to be anywhere else. ‘You staying over tonight?’ Whispered Paula raking her fingers through Sophie’s hair. ‘Is that ok?’ ‘Actually I was going to ask .....’‘What?.... sorry you don’t want me to... Do you? I know i’ve been here loads lately... You probably want time to yourself... Sorry.’ Stammered Sophie as she sat up.‘What makes you think that? I love having you here. I was actually going to ask, if you wanted to move in.’ Replyed Paula shyly, looking down to see her hand in Sophie’s. How had that got there? Sophie was right she didn’t even know she was touching her, it was just instinctive. ‘Really’ asked Sophie eyes wide with excitement.‘Yeah of cause, I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t want you too, would I? I love having you here, I want to take the next step. Although say if you’d rather not. I know we’ve only been together a few months.‘I’d love to, but what about your kids? You haven’t even told them about us yet.’ ‘They’re hardly kids. Anyway Isla’s still travelling, so god knows how long she’ll be away for and Theo’s at uni and never comes home. Maybe if you’re just here when they come back they’ll work it out’ Laughed Paula.‘Yeah that’s an idea. Can you imagine, me just letting myself in and joining you all for dinner?’ ‘It’ll be fine. Actually they’ve both commented that I sound happier lately, not so stressed, and i’ve said I’m seeing someone so i’ve half told them.’ ‘And do they know your new someone is a woman and rather a lot younger than you?’ ‘Alright no need to rub it in’‘I mean do they even know your bi?’‘Well I’m not sure they know I’m with a woman now but they know about my sexuality. I told Isla when she came out. I think she was rather annoyed when I told her i’d been with women. She was fourteen and trying to shock so she wasn’t best pleased her mum had been there, done that.’ Laughed Paula.‘And what about Theo?’‘Now that’s a funny story. So obviously while I was with their dad there was no reason for Theo to know but then there was an embarrassing incident about a year ago when I had a girlfriend over, turns out she was rather loud.Anyway in the morning Theo and Isla were both teasing each other about the noise and they were rather surprised when they both denied anyone had stayed. That left only one person to blame so they both just stared at me.’‘Oh no what did you do?’ Giggled Sophie, she loved hearing Paula’s stories. They were always so comical.‘Well I wanted the ground to swallow me up, but instead I said something like I’m entitled to a sex life. I could see Theo had so many questions and Isla just did not want to know any details, so to stop the conversation I just added, yes Theo it was a woman.’ ‘Oh god that’s so funny. What happened next?’‘Well Theo being his normal hilarious self said something like well mum sure knows how to satisfy the ladies to which Isla gave him a smack round the head. I just laughed and said so now you know and Isla stormed off to her room.‘So is Isla not comfortable with you having girlfriends?’‘No Isla’s fine with me having relationships it’s the sex life she’s not comfortable with. Who does that remind you of?’ Smiled Paula. ‘I see her point.’ ‘And can I just say that contrary to how this story makes me look I’m not the type of mother who brings a string of one night stands to the breakfast table.’ ‘So where do you take them?’ Enquired Sophie with a cheeky grin. ‘Oh I know a good hotel not far from here.’ ‘Oi you,’ replied Sophie nudging Paula in the ribs.Catching Sophie’s hands and pulling her on top of her Paula seductively whispered ‘But the really good ones I move in here.’

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‘Morning beautiful.’ Whispered Sophie as Paula stirred next to her. ‘Hey you,’ smiled Paula as she rolled over to see the younger woman sitting next to her. ‘You already dressed? What time is it?’ ‘Nearly 10. I woke up early so thought i’d make myself useful. I’ve been out to get us breakfast. Coffee and a croissiant ok?’ Asked Sophie nodding towards the bedside table. ‘Ummm smells good, you can stay’ Replied Paula as she ran her hand up Sophie’s bare arm, giving her goosebumps. ‘Are you still absolutely sure it’s ok if I move in?’‘I couldn’t be more sure, but only if you’re ok with it. I don’t want you thinking I’m pressuring you into it. I mean we already work together, I don’t want you getting fed up of me.’‘Never gonna happen. Anyway I hardly see you at work anymore.’ Moaned Sophie. ‘I thought that was what you wanted. I thought I distracted you too much.’ Replied Paula looking up innocently. ‘Well yeah I know I said not to distract me... but now I’m thinking I might like a bit of distraction every now and again.’‘Oh would you? I’m sure that can be arranged’ murmured Paula pulling Sophie towards her for a kiss. ‘I’m always up for a repeat performance of our last intimate office session.’ ‘Mmm, well maybe you should call me into your office sometime next week. I’m sure you’ll find something I can help you with.’ Teased Sophie sliding her hand under the duvet. ‘God your hands are freezing.’ Shivered Paula. ‘Right as much as I would love to get you back into bed I have a case to prepare for and you need to start packing.’‘Aargh do you have to work? It’s Sunday. A day of rest.’ ‘Wish I didn’t need to but we’ve got a massive case going to court next week and I need to make sure I’m on top of it. How about I work until 3 then we’ll go for a late lunch?’ ‘I’d rather you were on top of me,’ grinned Sophie. ‘But I suppose if I’m going to be the girlfriend of a top laywer i’d better get use to it.’ Hey, i’ll make it up to you, I promise and while I’m busy you could go and give your family the happy news.’‘Not sure my mum will see it as happy.’ ‘Yeah, maybe break it to your dad and Jack first, see how that goes. We could always take your mum to the Bistro, get her sloshed, then tell her?’ ‘Now that sounds like a plan. Right i’d better be going, let you get on.’ Said Sophie leaning forward to plant a gentle kiss on her lovers lips. ‘Don’t work too hard. I’ll be back at three.’.......................................................Right I’m buying the drinks, what do ya fancy?’ Asked Sophie as they entered The Crown at a little after half 3. ‘Ooh a glass of Malbec please, i’ll grab that table in the corner.’ Sitting down at the only available table Paula couldn’t help but admire her younger lover as she moved towards the bar. She was so glad she’d taken a chance after the disasterous match making lunch. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt this happy. She had a wonderful girlfriend, the firm was doing really well, the kids seemed settled, yeah life was good. Snapping her out of her daydream Paula’s phone vibrated loudly against the table top. If this was anything to do with work, whoever it was could forget it, she’d already sacrificed enough of her Sunday. Oh Theo what the hell was he phoning for? ‘Hi darling, this is unexpected. Sorry what? I can’t quite hear you... No, hold on I’ll go somewhere quieter.’ Getting up to head to the door Paula caught the eye of the couple sitting just behind her.‘Sorry excuse me, would you mind watching my coat? I’ve got to take this call but don’t want to lose the table.’‘Yes, that’s fine dear.’ Replied the Woman A couple of minutes later Sophie returned with the drinks to find Paula gone. Looking around and not seeing her anywhere she gave up and sat down. ‘Your mum’s just had to answer a call, sounded important’ stated the elderly women on the table next to her.‘Oh no she’s ...’ Started Sophie as the woman carried on oblivious‘She asked us to keep an eye on her coat, didn’t want to lose the table. It’s busy today, not seen it like this for a while.’ ‘Yeah’ agreed Sophie as the woman kept on talking. Oh god where the hell was Paula this woman is never going to shut up thought Sophie. Finally Paula emerged from the pub garden.‘I’m so sorry love, that was my son on the phone looks like we’re going to have a house guest next weekend.’‘Oh really? I thought you said he never came home.’‘Yeah normally he doesn’t which is making me nervous. He probably needs more money, going to law school in London doesn’t come cheap.’ ‘Maybe I shouldn’t move in, won’t it be weird, me being there?’‘No it’ll be fine he’ll only be staying a couple of days.’ Reassured Paula as she reached across the table for Sophie’s hand ‘It’s the perfect way to introduce you.’ Winked Paula slowly stroking her hand.Sophie couldn’t help but smile as she caught a glimpse of the elderly woman’s expression as she, not so subtly, tried to listen in to their conversation. ‘What are you smiling at?’ Enquired Paula.‘Don’t look now but see the woman on the table just behind us, by the window’‘Yeah, I asked her to watch my coat.’ ‘Well she thinks you’re my mum.’ Whispered Sophie. ‘Oh great and you didn’t think to tell her otherwise?’ ‘Well I did try but she wouldn’t stop talking, then it was sort of like....too late. Anyway she keeps looking over now. I think she’s trying to work out the relationship.’‘Oh is she, well let’s give her some help shall we.’ Smirked Paula. ‘Oh god want are you going to do?’ Asked Sophie as Paula stood up, She knew that glint in the lawyers eye meant she was up to no good. ‘Nothing, just thought i’d move and sit next to you on the bench, get a better view of the restaurant.’ Now both women were sitting facing out into the pub towards the woman, Paula raised her glass. ‘To us, taking the next step. I couldn’t be happier.’ Grinning Sophie clincked her glass to Paula’s, ‘Me too’ she managed to say before Paula’s lips gently touched hers, then pushed harder as she deepened the kiss. It only lasted a few seconds but it was enough to make the woman blush and look away. ‘Think she’s worked it out now’ whispered Sophie.

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‘So someone’s been looking very pleased with themselves today.’ Grinned Ben plonking himself in the seat opposite Sophie. ‘Good weekend?’‘Great thanks’ blushed Sophie.‘And would this have something to do with the girlfriend you were rushing home to shag on Friday night?’ Enquired Ben.‘Might do.’‘Come on then, share. Were you up all night? Bet you spent the whole weekend in bed didn’t you? ‘God Ben as if I’m gonna give you all the sordid details.’ ‘Oh come on just a few, i’ve never been friends with a lesbian before, i’m interested.’Interested? ‘Yeah, doesn’t sex get a bit boring without a cock?’ ‘I wouldn’t know, but believe me when I say it definitely isn’t boring with her.’ ‘What you’ve never been with a man?’ Exclaimed Ben‘No and why is that so surprising? I’m a
les-bi-an remember.’‘Yeah I know, but how’d you know if you’ve never been with a man?’‘Same way you know your straight.’ Replied Sophie ‘Fair play. So has your girlfriend never been with a man?’‘No, she has. She’s bi’‘So she’s sex mad than.’‘No Ben that’s not how it works. She’s just attracted to both men and women so has had relationships with both genders.’‘Yeah ok Sophie whatever you say.’ Laughed Ben. ‘Right I am not discussing my sex life with you anymore. Come on we need to get back to the office we’ve had over an hours lunch already.’ ‘God live a little Webster. The boss is out of the office, she’ll never know.........................................................At a little after half 2 the lift doors opened and in walked Paula, confident as always. Sophie took a slight intake of breath as she passed her desk and gave her a little smile. Sophie still couldn’t believe that nobody suspected anything, she was sure that somebody must have noticed something between the two woman but it seemed she was wrong. If Sophie was honest with herself it still bothered her that Paula hadn’t told their work colleagues about her. She felt like her dirty little secret. Surely she would say something now they were moving in together.Sophie gave Paula a few minutes to get sorted before knocking on her office door.‘Come in. Oh, hi love, sorry I’m in the middle of a late lunch, haven’t had a chance to eat anything all day. Come and join me.’Sitting down Sophie just thought she’d come straight out with it. She didn’t like it when things played on her mind.‘Do you miss cock?’‘Excuse me?’ Exclaimed Paula as she stared at Sophie with her mouth open. ‘Sophie, really the things you come out with.’ ‘Just asking, I’m curious.’ ‘No Sophie I’m very, very happy with you. And if I do ever feel the need to have a cock back in my life i’ll get my dildo out.’ Replied the solicitor. Now it was Sophie’s turn to look shocked. ‘Sophie don’t look at me like that, you asked the question. Have you never tried any sex toys?’ ‘Well only a vibrating bullet, that was petty good.’ ‘Well then. Look Sophie just because I’m bisexual it doesn’t mean that when I’m in a relationship with a woman I want a man and vice versa. It just means I find both sexes attractive. I find it difficult to understand that other people don’t, to be honest.’ ‘Yeah that’s what I said.’‘To who?’ ‘What?’ ‘Who were you talking to about me?’ Sophie shifted nervously ‘Oh just Ben’ ‘You were talking to Ben about my sexual orientation?’ Snapped Paula.‘No, well yes, but he didn’t know it was you.‘Ok now you’re going to need to explain.’ ‘So when you left on Friday night and text to say you were in a cab I was talking to Ben and he noticed the massive smile on my face when I read your message. Obviously I needed to make a quick exit so I told him I was meeting my girlfriend, then this morning he wanted to know all about the weekend.’‘So what did you tell him?’ ‘Nothing about the sex, believe me he wanted to know but I said I wouldn’t discuss it. Then he asked if I’d ever been with a man, I said no. He said what about my girlfriend so I said she’s bi and then he said so she’s sex mad and I then went on to say practically what you just did. Sorry I didn’t mean to offend you.’‘No, it’s fine.’ Sighed Paula. ‘I just get fed up with the fact that people just don’t get what being bisexual is. It’s like as soon as I mention it people think that I’m gay and don’t want to come out or that I want to fuck everything that moves or that i’ll cheat because i’ll get bored. It’s just frustrating. And to be honest I thought you got it, but it seems like you don’t.’ ‘Well I’m trying to get it. I’ve only ever been attracted to women so I guess I’m still trying to understand. I’m sorry. I really do need to stop listening to Ben.’ ‘Yeah well, Ben’s a young man his brain is all sex at the minute.’ ‘Oh god that reminds me I totally forgot to tell you he reckons he’s well in with you now after all the flirting on Friday. He’s bet me £100 that something will happen between you by the end of the week.’ ‘What?’‘Yeah, he came back from escorting you to the cab and thought he was well in with a chance.’‘So he seriously thinks, me, his boss is going to sleep with him?’ ‘Well your shagging me’ Laughed Sophie.‘Ha ha very funny.’ ‘Well, you’re a very good flirt. I don’t think you realise just how sexy you can be. And you did say you were going to play along.’‘Yeah I know but I thought he was all talk I didn't think he actually thought anything would happen.’‘Well he does, and I’m the one who has to listen to it, so you better have a plan B.’ Paula sat in silence for a moment, ‘Right ok invite him out for drinks on Friday say your girlfriend will be coming and invite that other intern and anyone else who Ben is friendly with.’‘Ok but why? What are you planning.’ ‘I think Ben needs to be taught a lesson.’

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‘Right that’s nearly everything but just to add. The Williams case is going to court tomorrow so Andy you can accompany Mike and the Miller case is up in court this morning so Ben you can attend with me. May as well get you both into an actual courtroom, you’ve done the background work so you can see the cases through to the end. Right anybody got anything else to add?’ Paula asked as she stood looking around her office at the rest of her colleagues. ‘There’s a few reporters downstairs wanting to talk about the Miller case, just letting you know incase you wanted to head out the back.’‘Great thanks John. Anyone else? Right be away with you. Have a good day.’ Sophie slowly moved out of her seat and towards Paula’s desk to give her the notes she’d kept. Paula liked everything recorded so nobody could use the old ‘but I didn’t know’ excuse. Sophie always tried to make sure she was last out so she could snatch a few minutes alone with her partner before she got on with her day, especially if Paula was going to be in court all day which was likely today. As the others moved towards the door Sophie could see that Ben was hovering. She’d reached the desk and there wasn’t any other reason for her to stay in the office so reluctantly she turned to leave. Finishing her conversation with Mike Paula noticed Ben. ‘Grab the files we’ll need please and meet me in the car park we’ll head over in ten minutes, I’ll drive.’‘Right, yeah will do. If there’s nothing else.’ ‘No that’s it.’ Replied Paula without even looking up. ‘Sophie could I have a word.’ Spinning on her heel Sophie headed back to the desk smiling as she heard the door click shut. ‘Yes boss.’ Teased Sophie as she stopped inches from Paula. Leaning forward Paula grabbed Sophie by the arse and pulled her in for a kiss. ‘Mmmm’ she murmured as she deepened the kiss and bit down on Sophie’s lip. ‘And what was that for?’ Breathed Sophie as they finally broke apart before the kiss turned into something more. ‘Are you complaining?’‘No not at all’‘Good because I didn’t think I needed a reason to kiss my girlfriend.’ Replied Paula as she started to gather her stuff together.‘Will you be out all day?’moaned Sophie. ‘Probably, but if I do manage to get back I’ll make sure I set aside a few minutes for you.’ Winked Paula. ‘Right I better be going Ben’ll be waiting.’ ‘And you don’t want to keep Ben waiting.’ Sophie replied In a sarcastic tone. ‘I hope he doesn’t find you as sexy in your gown and wig as I do, he won’t be able to concentrate at all.’‘Sophie behave.’‘Well I can’t help it if I’m jealous that he gets to spend all day with you, can I.’‘But who gets to spend all night with me?’ Whispered Paula running her hand slowly up Sophie’s arm. God Sophie loved it when she did that.‘Have you invited him for drinks yet?’ ‘No’‘Good, change it to Thursday then. I reckon this case will be finished by then and probably the Williams one too so we can all celebrate over the road.’ ‘But then everyone will be there.’‘Yep, that’s the whole point. Right I really must go.’.........................................................‘I take it this is your one?’ Called Ben as he saw Paula walking down the steps.‘And why do you think that?’‘It’s the most expensive out of the three and the louboutin heels chucked on the backseat gave you away.’ ‘Ever the dectective.’ Smiled Paula ‘Right get in.’‘Yes boss’Slipping into the drivers seat Paula was well aware that her skirt had ridden fairly high up her thighs and she didn’t miss the look it got from Ben so instead of pulling it down she left it where it was. ‘Enough of the boss, Paula’s fine. Right make yourself useful and go over the witnesses the prosecution are calling. Hopefully we’ll get a chance to cross examine today. This case is pretty clear cut, it should only take a few days.’ She explained as she expertly reversed out of the bay. ‘Right, I’m on it.’ Replied Ben giving Paula’s legs another appreciative glance. God she’s got great legs. The rest of the ten minute journey was spent with Ben relaying what Paula already knew but at least it kept him busy and less likely to make small talk. Entering the courthouse Paula informed Ben she was going to get changed. ‘I’ll meet you in there. It’s courtroom three.’ As Paula walked away Ben couldn’t help but stare. God she was one hot lady. He hadn’t lusted after someone this badly since school when he’d had a huge crush on his maths teacher. The difference being that back then he was fifteen and so obviously nothing was going to happen but now he was twenty two and after Friday night he hoped he was in with a chance. Sleeping with an older woman had always been a fantasy of his and he was hoping to make it happen.The rest of the morning was spent listening to the prosecutions case. Which meant that Ben had plenty of time to check out Paula. She even looked good in her gown and wig which was no easy feat. Ben made sure to listen though and had plenty of questions for Paula over lunch which rather surprised her. After lunch it was Paula’s turn to cross examine. God she’s good thought Ben as he watched in awe as she ripped each of the witness statements apart. There was a reason the firm was doing well. ‘We have heard from the prosecution so we will ajourn today and resume tomorrow at 10 when we will hear from the defence.’ Explained the judge.‘All rise’‘Well that went well and it’s only four, shall we go for a quick drink to celebrate?’ Asked Ben with a cheeky glint in his eye.‘Yeah it did go well but never celebrate until the jury deliver their verdict. That’s the first rule of law. Anyway you’ve got work to do. You can get to work on my closing statement once we get back to the office.’ And with that Paula turned on her heel and headed down the steps of the courthouse. Nice try Ben but you’ll have to try harder than that to get me out for drinks she smiled. ...................................................................Arriving back in the office Paula couldn’t wait to see Sophie so wasted no time in calling her into her office.‘So how did it go? Ben try anything?’‘We’ve just had a quickie in the car but apart from that it was uneventful.’ Grinned Paula.‘Ha ha has anyone ever told you your sense of humour is not amusing.’ ‘Sorry couldn’t resist. He was actually on his best behaviour. Well apart from checking my legs out in the car and asking me for a cheeky drink which I obviously declined.’‘Well can’t say I blame him really, you do have the most amazing legs.’ ‘Why thank you Webster. Now come here i’ve missed you.’ Replied Paula as she pulled Sophie closer wrapping her arms around her waist. ‘Have you told your family about moving in yet?’‘It’s on my list of things to do.’ ‘Sophie if it’s going to cause problems you don’t have to move in.’‘No I really want to ... its just hard to find the words.’‘Shall we do it together?’ ‘Yeah maybe... then I won’t be able to chicken out.’ ‘Right let’s invite them out to dinner, tomorrow night at the Bistro and just get it done.’ ‘Ok i’ll let them know. I’m gonna stay at my dads tonight anyway so i’ll ask them later. Is that ok?’‘You really want me to tell you it’s ok to stay at your dads? It’s probably a good thing anyway i’ve got to work late preparing for court in the morning and you’ll only distract me.’ ‘Well seeing as I won’t be distracting you later maybe I could do it now.’ Suggested Sophie in a seductive tone as she pushed Paula against her desk and slowly began to run her hand up the inside of her thigh.‘Oh you are most certainly welcome to distract me anytime’ moaned Paula as she parted her legs and grabbed Sophie by the neck pulling her in for a kiss. Starting softly the kiss became deeper as Paula’s tongue pushed against Sophie’s lips. It wasn’t long before their tongues were entwined and Paula’s hands were pulling at Sophie’s hair. Just as Sophie’s fingers had begun to tease the edge of Paula’s knickers there was a knock at the door.‘Really?’ Came the annoyed response from Paula as Sophie jumped about a foot in the air and quickly removed her hand. Compossing herself Paula took a breath ‘Yes’ she called as she motioned for Sophie to take the random papers she’d grabbed from her desk. ‘So if you could get these photocopied and sent to the relavant people that would be great Sophie, thanks.’ Sophie could only manage to nod as she made her escape past Ben flattening her hair as she went. She was sure her cheeks were burning as she left the office. ‘Sorry, hope I wasn’t interrupting. I’ve just got a few questions about the witnesses we’re calling tomorrow. I was wondering if we could go over it now so I’m all set.’ ‘Yep that’s fine, not a problem. Good to see you’re keen.’ Replied Paula straightening her skirt. ‘Well you’re a great lawyer so it would be silly not to take the opportunity to learn from you.’ Smiled Ben as he took a seat.

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‘You ok? Asked Paula as Sophie slipped into the passenger seat. You’re really quiet’ ‘Yeah I’m fine, just a bit nervous.’‘Hey it’ll be fine’ replied Paula gently as she reached out for Sophie’s hand. ‘Your mum knows how happy we are so even if she’s not too keen on the idea at first I’m sure she’ll warm up to it.’‘Yeah it’s just I don’t want it to be awkward.’ ‘It won’t be. Now come on tell me about your day, it’ll take your mind off it. Anything happen while I was out?’ Asked Paula as she pulled out of the driveway and headed in the direction of Coronation street. ‘Nope it’s been so quiet what with most of you at court. I text Ben and a few of the others, they’re all up for drinks tomorrow night, we’re meeting at 6 so whatever you have planned it’s going well so far.’ ‘Great I’m not really sure what the plan is just yet, but I’m sure it’ll come together.’ Grinned Paula. ‘Right about tonight how do you want to play this? Tell them about you moving in first to get it out the way or after a few drinks in the hope they’re more relaxed?’‘Second option sounds good, then if mum does kick off we can just leave.’ ‘Right sounds like a plan and Sophie just remember we’re both grown women, we’re doing nothing wrong. Ok?’ Reassured Paula as she pulled up outside the Bistro. ‘Right lets do this’ said Sophie as they both got out of the car and walked hand in hand towards the restaurant. ........................................................‘Hey sorry we’re late had to wait for this one to finish court.’ Explained Sophie.‘Yeah sorry I thought I’d be finished earlier.’ Apologied Paula. ‘Not to worry, come sit down, we’ve ordered wine, here’s the menus.’ Beamed Sally. ‘Great thanks.’ They both replied sitting down at the table. Sophie was relieved that they had two seats next to each other, she had a feeling she’d need a reassuring touch from Paula as the evening wore on.Sophie thought the meal was going quite well. Kevin and Tim were on top form and her mum had spent most of the evening talking about herself so she was in her element. She’d been fine with Paula so far, reminiscing about the past and asking her loads of questions but to be honest Sophie’s mind was only half on the conversations going on around her. She’d drunk rather a lot of wine and her mind was preoccupied with how to broach the moving in together subject.Paula on the other hand was well aware of what Sally was trying to do. It hadn’t gone unnoticed by her that whenever there was a chance to make Paula uncomfortable, usually by highlighting her age, Sally took it.There was a conversation about when they were at school where sally couldn’t help but mention Paula’s boyfriend. Then the discussion about how many years Paula had been a lawyer and god wasn’t it so funny that she’d graduated the year Sophie was born. Next came reference to Paula’s marriage and why was it that you divorced again? Then she obviously had to get in the fact that Isla was just how many years younger than Sophie. The list just went on and on.However as much as it annoyed her Paula smiled sweetly and answered Sally’s questions. She was not going to rise to it and Sophie hadn’t seemed to notice so she wasn’t going to draw attention to it.As coffees were brought over Paula squeezed Sophie’s hand and gave her a glance that hopefully conveyed, tell them now. She knew it would be better coming from Sophie but honestly Sophie just needed to come out and say it.‘So mum, dad, Tim it’s been so lovely getting together. ‘Yeah it really has, we need to do it again sometime.’ Said Kevin.‘It’s nice to get together without it being a special occasion or whatever’ agreed Sally.‘Well actually...there was a reason we invited you out.... see the thing is.... well urh... the thing we wanted to tell you is..... well let you know really....is ...i’m moving into Paula’s. Instinctively Paula’s hand reached for Sophie’s, this time above the table. ‘Well that’s great news Soph, isn’t it Sal?’ Said Tim nudging Sally in the ribs.‘You’re what?’ Replied Sally through gritted teeth. ‘You’ve only known each other five minutes. God Sophie don’t you think this is all moving a bit fast? You jumped into bed with each other a couple of days after meeting, next you’re working together and now moving in, you barely know each other.’ Sally’s voice was getting louder with each word.‘Look Sal I know it may seem quick but when you know, you know.’ Explained Paula.‘And you can shut up.’ Shot back Sally as she turned to face Paula. ‘Two months ago you agreed to go on a date with my ex husband and the next minute you’re in bed with my daughter, the one you set up to go on a date with your daughter. I mean, this is so wrong, you couldn’t even make it up.’ Exploded Sally. ‘Right Sal calm down, we don’t need everyone knowing our business.’ Said Kevin looking uncomfortably around the restaurant.‘Oh, so now he speaks, and what do you think about all this?’‘Look, all I want is Sophie to be happy and you’ve got to admit these past few months are the happiest i’ve seen her.’ ‘Oh so it’s just me then, right well i’ll be on my way then. Good night.’ And with that Sally strode out of the Bistro.‘Oh god, why is she always like this?’ Groaned Sophie as she leaned forward, head in her hands.Paula just sat there shocked she couldn’t believe it had gone so badly, she really thought Sally would be ok with it. ‘I’m so sorry love’ she said stroking her hand up and down Sophie’s back. ‘She’ll come round Soph, you know what she’s like, it’ll just take some time, that’s all.’ Reassured Tim‘Right, well I need to go and talk to her, I can’t leave it like this. I can’t believe she’s being so unreasonable.’ Raged Sophie getting up from her seat. ‘No stay there, you’re not going to talk to her while you’re in this mood. You’ll say something you’ll regret and end up making it worse. I’ll go.’ Offered Paula. ‘You? Great, cos she’ll really want to see you, the woman who’s causing all the problems.’ Shot back Sophie. ‘Look just let me try. Go to the pub with your dad and Tim and I’ll Just pop over and try and talk some sense into her.’‘It’s worth a try’ replied Tim who’d do anything right now to have a few quiet drinks in the Rovers before he had to face an angry Sally.‘Right i’ll settle up here, then i’ll head over’ said Paula as she got up, gave Sophie a quick peck on the cheek and made her way to the bar to pay.........................................................Stepping up to the front door Paula had no idea what she was going to say but knew she had to try something. It would break Sophie’s heart if her mum wasn’t on board with their relationship and Paula couldn’t bear to see her upset. ‘Hi, can I come in?’ Paula asked as the door opened. ‘If you’ve come to convince me this relationship is a good idea you’ve had a wasted journey.’ Replied Sally as she turned and walked into the living room. ‘Look Sally I thought you were ok with us now? At lunch the other day you seemed to be coming round to the idea.’ ‘Not sure I’m ever going to come round to the idea that a woman I went to school with is now sleeping with my daughter. It’s not something you think will ever happen. To be honest I thought you’d have your fun and finish it, not move her in.’‘Wow, thanks. Is that really what you think of me?’ Asked Paula in an incredulous tone as she sat down on the edge of the sofa.‘Paula i’m still getting my head round the fact you’re gay so excuse me if I’m finding all this a bit difficult.’ Paula didn’t think Sally would appreciate a talk about the concept of bisexuality at this precise moment so opted instead to try and tell her how much Sophie meant to her. ‘I’m sorry that you feel this way but I’m not going to apologise for the way I feel about Sophie. Believe me Sally don’t you think I wish I was twenty years younger? All I know is despite the age difference we’re good for each other. Yes I know we’ve only been together a short time, but it just feels right.’‘But is it right? Is it the best thing for Sophie? She’s got her whole life ahead of her. What if she wants kids?’‘Sorry Sal but I think you’ll find none of Sophie’s partners are gonna be able to give her kids.’ Teased Paula. ‘You know full well what I mean.’ ‘Sorry couldn’t resist.’ Mumbled Paula looking at the floor. ‘Well ok, if she does want kids at least i’ve been there done that. We’ll know what we’re doing and we won’t need to argue over who’ll carry the baby. There’s no way on this gods earth i’m ever going through another pregnancy.’ ‘What....you mean you’d actually consider having kids again if Sophie wanted them?’ Questioned Sally sceptically. ‘Yeah, if that’s what Sophie wanted.’‘Wow, so you really are in this for the long term?’ Said Sally slowly.‘Yes, I wouldn’t have asked her to move in if I wasn’t absolutely crazy about her. I’m not stupid Sally I do realise the age gap isn’t great but I know we can make it work.’ ‘Do you think I’m being stupid then? Causing all this fuss?’‘No I think you’re a mum looking out for her daughter. It’s just that I don’t want to see your relationship with Sophie ruined because of me but then I don’t want to give her up either. My mum and me fell out when I was at uni over the fact I had a girlfriend, god you would have thought it was the worst thing I could have ever done. We didn’t speak for nearly a year. It absolutely destroyed me. I don’t think our relationship ever recovered.’ ‘I don’t want her to be unhappy I just want whats best for her. It’s just a lot to get my head round. It’s taken forever for me to come to terms with the fact she’s gay.’ Laughed Sally. ‘I promise i’ll look after her. Look, put it this way if you forget about the whole age thing I’m actually a pretty good catch. Successful lawyer, with my own company. I’m not going to be getting Sophie into any trouble now, am I? ‘Mmm that’s true, shall we just gloss over the fact you’re a divorced mother of two adult children then?’ Smirked Sally. ‘Yeah probably best.’ Grinned Paula. ‘So are you coming to join me and the others in the Rovers?’ ‘Look I’m gonna try really hard for Sophie’s sake. I don’t want to make things difficult but I mean it Paula, you hurt her and you’ll have me to answer to.’ ‘Got it, so does this mean you’re going to stop with all the references to my age at every given opportunity?’ ‘Paula I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about.’ Shot back Sally as she walked towards the front door. ‘Are we going for this drink then?’................................................................Standing outside the Rovers her arms wrapped around Paula, Sophie couldn’t be happier. ‘I don’t know what you said to my mum back there but thank you. She came into the pub a totally different woman.’ ‘Ah well that would be my art of persuasion.’ Grinned Paula.‘No seriously though, what did you say to her?’ Asked Sophie as she turned to look up at her lover. ‘Just told her a few stories, made a few promises. She could see how much you mean to me.’ ‘I love you’ beamed Sophie. ‘Right back at you,’ smiled Paula pulling her closer.

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Hey love just wanted to check everything went ok with your mum after I left. I’ll probably be in court all day so won’t see you until we meet for drinks later. Have a good day xxx Sophie read the text and immediately replied. All went well, Me and mum had a chat and all seems good. Hope the case goes well, I’m sure you’ll nail it. Can’t wait to see u later. What’s the plan? xxx Thanks love. I’ve had an idea about what to do with Ben. It might involve a bit more flirting but i’ll be worth it to see the look on his face. Just make sure you’re in the hotel bar at 6 and leave the rest to me. xxx Oh god, what the hell has she got planned thought Sophie as she forced herself to get in the shower. Oh well, all would be revealed later. ........................................................Having completed her closing speech all Paula could do was wait. This was the bit she hated, the deliberation. However just 45 minutes later and they were all back in the court room.‘Members of the jury have you reached a decision on which you are all in agreement?’ ‘Yes your honour’ ‘Do you find the defendant guilty or not guilty on the charge of fraud?’ ‘Not guilty your honour.’ ‘Mr Miller this court has found you not guilty on the count of fraud, you are free to go.’‘Yes,’ muttered Ben as he breathed a sigh of relief and smiled over at Paula. Even though it seemed pretty certain they’d win he’d still been nervous about the verdict. Walking out of court Ben felt great, his first proper court case and they’d won. ‘Oh hey mate, how’s everything going with the Williams case?’
‘Pretty good, should be finished by today fingers crossed, you?’ Replied Andy, already sure he knew the answer by the smile across Ben’s face. ‘Yeah just finished, but to be fair it was in the bag. That Paula’s fantastic once she gets going, I’d believe anything she said. Although bet it helps that she’s got a cracking pair of tits and one of the best ar...’ Ben stopped in his tracks sensing the look Andy was giving him and feeling a presence behind him. ‘Oh hi boss... I mean Paula didn’t see you there. Just saying to Andy you were great in there.’‘Why thank you, but it was mostly your work I just got up and did the talking.’ Grinned Paula. ‘Hi Andy all going well?’ ‘Yep I was just saying to Ben should be heading back in soon although the jury’s been out for nearly 2 hours, so we’ll see. Anyway i’d best be heading back I promised Mike i’d grab him a coffee, see you later.’Looking at her watch Paula saw it was nearly 3, perfect timing. ‘Fancy going for that drink now? I think we deserve an early finish. Why don’t you head over to the bar opposite work now and i’ll met you in a bit, i’ve just got to tie up a few things here and get changed. ........................................................Could this day get any better thought Ben as he sipped an ice cold beer while he waited in the hotel bar for Paula. He’d been trying to think of a way to ask Paula out again but didn’t want to seem too pushy and then she’d gone and asked him. Surely this meant she was interested, a boss wouldn’t usually ask out just one member of staff, would they? He was also hopeful that it meant she hadn’t heard his comment earlier, or if she had maybe she’d realised then that he was interested and that’s why she initiated the drink? Either way Ben was looking forward to it. ‘Hey, sorry I took so long. Hope you managed to keep yourself occupied.’ Said Paula as she stood in front of Ben. ‘Shall we move to the sofa? Get comfy?’‘Huh yeah’ was all Ben could muttter before Paula walked away. Wow she really is one of the sexiest women i’ve met thought Ben. He didn’t know what it was exactly, yeah she was good looking but loads of women were, it was more then that. She just exuded sex appeal, it was like everything she did turned him on.

As Paula walked she could almost feel Ben’s eyes undressing her. I so have him where I want him she smirked. ‘Drink?’ Asked Ben before he sat down.‘Yes please, glass of red.’ Replied Paula as she looked up at him from under her lashes. While Ben was busy with the drinks Paula took the opportunity to text Sophie. All good at court. We nailed it! Just at the bar now, can’t wait to see you later. I’m thinking it’s about time we told people about us. What do you think? xxxOver at the office Sophie’s heart fluttered as she read Paula’s message. What did I tell you? Knew you’d smash it! I’m thinking I’d love to tell people, but only if it won’t cause you any problems with ur staff.That settles it then, we’ll tell everyone later at the drinks. Now get back to work. You answered that text way too quickly your boss must be far too lenient with you! xxx Oh believe me she can have her moments!Walking back to the sofa Ben felt slightly nervous. This never happened, usually he was a right flirt, confident and cocky around the ladies but this felt different. Paula wasn’t like other women he’d spent time with. She was confident and commanded attention and suddenly he didn’t know what to say.‘Are you going to sit down or just stand there staring?’ Questioned Paula patting the sofa next to her. ‘Yeah sorry, here you go.’ ‘Thanks, Ben you look tense, what’s the matter? You just won your first case you should be celebrating.’‘Yeah I know, It’s just... God it takes it out of you doesn’t it? All this hard work.’‘Yep,’ agreed Paula turning so her body was now facing Ben. ‘It’s definitely hard work, but worth it though. You just need to learn to get the balance right between work and play.’ She explained as she crossed her legs and slid her arm along the back of the sofa letting her hand rest inches from Bens shoulder.‘So how much work and how much play then?’ ‘Well let me think in my younger years I definitely played hard but lately it’s been all about the work. You’re young I’m sure you can play just as hard as you work, it just takes a bit of practise. Winked Paula. ‘I’m sure you’ll figure it out. Anyway here’s to us.’ She announced holding up her glass. ‘To winning your first case.’ ‘Yeah to us.’ Grinned Ben as they clincked glasses. ‘So when did you decide to become a lawyer? Asked Ben. ‘Hmm well I was always getting into mischief when I was younger so had to learn how to talk myself out of trouble from a young age, so I suppose it started from that really. ‘You...trouble? That surprises me.’ Teased Ben. ‘Does it? What, so you think i’m a good girl, do you?’ Purred Paula as she shifted slightly in her seat leaning forward to reveal more of that delicious cleavage. Gulping Ben managed to say ‘Yeah, I have an image of you being all prim and proper at school, a right little teachers pet.’ ‘Ha, you couldn’t be more wrong. I was always sat outside the headteachers office. Proper little handful I was.’ God you’re more than a handful thought Ben as his eyes strayed down to Paula’s breasts then quickly back up to her face. ‘So what made you change your ways then?’‘I wanted to make something of myself, prove everyone wrong.’ ‘So you’re a reformed character then?’ ‘Not quite, I still have my moments,’ teased Paula with a wicked glint in her eye. Deciding to be brave Ben shot back ‘And what would you say is the naughtiest thing you’ve done lately.’ ‘Well that would be telling, but play your cards right and maybe you’ll find out just how naughty I can be.’ Oh good god, if she carried on talking like this Ben was going to cum right there and then. He needed to have a breather. ‘So can I get you another drink then or are you being good seeing as it’s a week night.’‘Are you trying to get me drunk?’‘Me, not at all.’ Replied Ben in a cheeky tone.‘Hmm I think i’ll have another one, I’m actually staying here tonight.’Bens eyes widened ‘What in the hotel? Why?‘Can’t a woman book a hotel room? Wasn’t it you that said I needed to have a bit of fun?’ Ben now really was lost for words. Had Paula arranged this whole thing so she could get him into bed? Surely not. ‘Um well no, I mean yes’ Oh fucking hell she’d reduced him to a blabbering mess. Laughing Paula explained. ‘I didn’t book it, the hotel called the office yesterday explaining that as i’d spent rather a lot of money the other night they wondered if i’d like to sample one of their rooms. Obviously they’re hoping it’ll get them some extra business from us but I wasn’t going to turn down a free room now was I? ‘No I spose not.’‘So shall I get the drinks in then?’ Asked Paula uncrossing her legs in preparation to head to the bar. ‘No I’ll get them. it’s fine.’ Replied Ben. Leaning forward so she was just inches from Ben’s ear Paula whispered. ‘I think under the circumstances it would be best if I went, don’t you?’ Confused at first Ben didn’t get what Paula was on about until he followed her gaze to the rather prominent bulge in the front of his trousers.
Oh god thought Ben, as Paula headed to the bar, bloody skinny fit trousers. The effect this woman was having on him was ridiculous. Looking at his watch to try and clam himself down Ben suddenly remembered the others were meeting him for drinks in less than half an hour. ‘Fuck.’ Maybe if he text Sophie he could put them off, he so didn’t want his evening disrupted just yet. Over at the bar Paula couldn’t hide the smirk from her face. Men are so predictable she thought as she read the text from Sophie again. Just got a text off Ben saying could we skip drinks tonight something’s come up? Would that be you by any chance? Something has definitely ‘come up’ she laughed as she quickly typed a reply. Yeah that would be me! Just ignore the message and head to the bar. Try and get here dead on 6. I’m gonna make myself scarce around that time so just pretend you’ve only just read the message as you walk in, then follow my lead. You are one wicked lady do you know that? Well Ben needs to realise he can’t talk about me the way he does and get away with it. I caught him coming out with another great compliment earlier. Remind me never to get on the wrong side of you! Just getting ready to leave the office. I’ll c u soon xxx........................................................‘Here you go,’ stated Paula handing Ben a short tumbler filled with an amber coloured liquid’.‘This isn’t what I asked for.’ ‘I know, but it’s good to try new things’ ‘Mmm that’s good, what is it?’ ‘An Old Fashioned, my favourite, bourbon, bitters, sugar and finished with a twist of orange, delicious. ‘Wow I didn’t have you down as a whisky drinker.’ ‘So what did you have me down as?’ Inquired Paula as she took a long slow drink. ‘Well you usually drink red, so wine I suppose.’‘Ah yes, well that’s because after a few of these I tend to do things I wouldn’t usually do.’ Came the seductive reply. ‘And what kind of things are you talking about?’ Whispered Ben moving towards Paula. ‘Oh now that would be telling’ whispered back Paula staring directly into his eyes ‘I’m full of surprises.’ And with that she got up and grabbed her bag. ‘Just off to the ladies, shall I get us a couple more drinks on the way back?’

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Watching Paula walk across the room Ben sunk back into the sofa and let out a low whistle. He couldn’t quite believe what had just happened. Paula Martin was definitely coming on to him and he was loving it. Picking up his phone he couldn’t resist texting Andy.And you thought I didn’t stand a chance. Delusional you said. Well just letting you know I’ve spent the last hour drinking with the boss and she’s definitely gagging for it. Meanwhile over in the ladies Paula couldn’t believe how well it was going, better than she’d planned. Ben had well and truely taken the bait. Now hopefully Sophie would arrive on time and she could put the rest of her little plan into action.Back at the sofa Ben’s smile faded as he checked through his messages, no reply from Sophie which meant she was on her way. Maybe he’d be able to get rid of her, especially if the girlfriend didn’t turn up. Looking up he was met with more bad news when he noticed Andy and Mike walking his way. You have got to be kidding me. Just when things are really hotting up these two decide to rock up for drinks. They never come over on a Thursday.‘Ben,’ nodded Mike, ‘looks like you’ve been having fun,’ he chuckled as he glanced towards the empty glasses on the table. ‘I see Paula’s got you drinking whisky, she must be in a good mood.’ ‘Yeah you could say that.’ Grinned Ben looking at Andy with a smug expression on his face. ’So I take it you won.‘Yep, course we did, thought I’d come in for a few cheeky pints,’ replied Mike.‘And I’m meeting Sophie, she text the other day about meeting but she doesn’t seem to be here yet,’ said Andy looking around. ‘You coming to the bar?’‘Nah i’m fine here thanks. Actually i’ve got a couple of thinks to go over with Paula so i’ll catch up with you in a bit.’ Replied Ben as he gave Andy a sly smile. ‘Looks like you were right, he wants Paula all to himself.’ Said Mike as the men made their way over to the bar. ‘I can not believe he thinks he’s in with a chance, he’s so not her type.’ ‘Well you know Ben, he’s a smug git, thinks he’s gods gift.’Oh for fucks sake, get rid of one lot and another one appears. Sophie obviously hadn’t seen his text? Maybe Ben could send Sophie to the bar to join the others? He really wanted some more alone time with Paula. He wanted to see how far she’d go.‘Hey, everything went well with the case then I see’ stated Sophie raising her eyebrows as she looked at the empty glasses. ‘You do know it’s only 6?’ ‘It’s Paula she’s a bad influence on me.’ Smiled Ben ‘Did you not get my text?’‘Soz only just read it as I walked in, so looks like you’ll have to put up with me. Anyway I invited you.’ ‘Girlfriend not with you?‘She was meeting me here,’ answered Sophie as her eyes darted around the bar, not sure what the hell Paula wanted her to do she opted to sit down. ‘Well why don’t you go grab a drink, Andy’s at the bar and you can join me once, um sorry did you even tell me your girlfriends name?It’s Paula’ answered Paula as she dropped onto the sofa next to Sophie draping her arm casually around Sophie’s shoulder. ‘Hi love I’ve missed you today.’ She whispered as she lent forward and planted a bold kiss directly to Sophie’s lips.To say Ben’s eyes had widened in astonishment would have been an understatement. So when Paula moved closer to deepen the kiss and Sophie leaned into her, opening her mouth to accept the lawyers soft tongue against hers Ben actually felt his jaw drop. Eventually the pair tore their lips and eyes away from each other. Sophie couldn’t keep the smile from her face as she turned to see the utter shock on Ben’s face.‘What the fuck?’ Was all he could manage. Then ‘Can one of you tell me what the hell that was?’‘I think you’ll find it was a kiss. I really didn’t think we’d need all the introductions but just so we’re clear. Ben this is Sophie my partner, Sophie this is Ben my new intern.’‘So you two are... are you? ... together? ‘Well I don’t tend to greet everyone like that so I think we can safely say we’re an item, yes.’ Confirmed Paula. ‘But you, earlier... we... you were...’ Ben really was lost for words.What the hell was Paula playing at? Less than ten minutes ago she was definitely implying something could happen between the pair of them. Now here she was sat oh so close to Sophie with her hand gently caressing her knee.‘Paula Martin you devil. Is this what I think it is? ‘Exclaimed Mike as he made his way towards them accompanied by Andy. ‘Did we just see what I think we saw?’‘Depends what did you see?’ Smirked Paula. ‘Well that wasn’t just a hello peck on the check, was it?’ ‘Ok, ok’ replied Paula finally taking her hands off Sophie and raising them in the air. ‘We can’t keep it secret any longer, me and Sophie are a couple and have been for quite some time, before she came to work for us, may I add.’ ‘Before?’ Questioned Ben. ‘Yeah I met Paula through a mutual friend, so to speak.’ Explained Sophie glancing at Mike. She knew that he knew Paula had represented her mum and was hoping he wouldn’t say anything to the others. ‘Thought you’d been rather happy lately Paula, well congratulations, I think you make a great couple.’ Smiled Mike.‘Cheers Mike’ Paula knew she could always rely on Mike, they’d been friends for years. ‘Yeah they look good together, don’t they Ben,’ whispered Andy as he gave his mate a dig in the ribs. ‘You must have misread the signs mate.’‘Right this calls for a celebration, Paula you gettting the drinks in? Replied Mike. ‘Don’t I always?’ Grinned Paula as she got up and made her way towards the bar. As the evening wore on more of the employees headed over to the hotel and before long the news of Sophie and Paula’s relationship had spread. It hadn’t gone unnoticed that Ben was quieter than usual and thanks to his text messages most people knew why. He really wanted to leave but didn’t want to give Paula the satisfaction, he needed to set a few things straight. He decided to go out into the garden for a cigarette, he needed time to think about how he was going to handle Paula, he couldn’t leave things the way they were.‘Can I join you?’ came a familiar voice behind him. God she had the sexiest voice.Turning around Ben came face to face with Paula. ‘What do you want? Haven’t you had your fun?’ ‘Ok i’m gonna come clean, I was only playing with you earlier but you deserved it.‘I deserved it? What have I done?’‘You really don’t know?’ ‘No.’ Replied Ben looking down at the ground. ‘Do you play these games with every man? Do you get off on humiliating people? ‘Ben I didn’t send the texts, this was suppose to be between you, Sophie and myself. Nobody else needed to know.‘But I don’t understand, what have I done?’‘I was angry at the way you spoke about me. I’ve heard what you think about me, what you’ve been saying around the office. Ben you can’t go around saying things like that about people just because of what you’ve heard. It’s taken me three years to build up this law firm and I’m not going to have you or anyone else bad mouthing me.’‘Oh so that’s what this was all about.’ The penny had finally dropped.‘I want you to know I got where I am today because I’m a fucking good lawyer ok not because I’m a good fuck.’ ‘I didn’t think, I was just... I don’t know... I guess I didn’t think how it would effect you... I was just having a laugh.’‘Yeah well I guess we’re quits then’ ‘Yeah quits,’ grinned Ben. ‘I bet you are though’‘Bet I’m what?’ Paula enquired turning round to head back inside.‘A good fuck’ ‘Well obviously that stands to reason’ Winked Paula as she turned on her heel and made her way back to Sophie.

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Finding Sophie alone by the bar Paula walked up behind her and wrapped an arm around her waist pulling her in tight. ‘Hey you, I’m pleased everyone knows now, means I don’t have to stop myself from touching you.’ She whispered as she nuzzled into Sophie’s neck.‘Mmm I’m pleased they know too although you didn’t need to make such an exhibition of it.’ ‘Maybe not but it was worth it to see the look on Ben’s face.’ Smiled Paula. ‘How is Ben has he forgiven you yet? Asked Sophie pulling Paula’s hand further around her. ‘Bet he’ll never talk to me again.’‘We have an understanding, I’m sure he’ll be fine. Anyway enough about Ben I’ve got a surprise for you.’‘And what would that be Miss Martin’ enquired Sophie as she spun round to face the lawyer.‘We’re staying here tonight.’ Replied Paula as she arched her eyebrows in a very suggestive manner. ‘So I’ve just got a few things to sort out then I’ll come and get you. I’m feeling very naughty,’ She added into Sophie’s ear sending shivers down her spine. Watching Paula walk away Sophie shuddered at what she might have in store. How can she look so god damn sexy in cigarette pants, a white shirt and blazer? It’s the heels, definitely the heels thought Sophie as she continued to admire her partner.‘You thinking what I’m thinking?’ Came Ben’s slurred voice beside her as he lent back against the bar. ‘I dunno what ya thinking?’‘I’m thinking you are one lucky lady to be with a woman like Paula Martin.’ ‘Yep that’s pretty much what I was thinking.’ Grinned Sophie. ‘So you’re still talking to me then?’‘Just about. I can’t believe you didn’t say something, but let’s just forget it. I think i’ve embarrassed myself enough. Although I will say this, good luck with her. I bet she’s a handful.’‘Hmm she definitely keeps me on my toes,’ After what seemed like forever but was actually probably only about fifteen minutes Paula reappeared. ‘Right you, are you ready to go sample one of these rooms?’ ‘You bet,’ grinned Sophie as she practically jumped up out of her seat. ‘Have fun ladies and you know if you ever wanna make things more interesting I’d be more than will...’ ‘Thank you Ben, but I wouldn’t finish that sentence if I were you. And just a word of advice it’s Thursday night. I expect to see you in the office at 9 tomorrow.’ ‘Yep boss, no worries, I’ll be there.’And with that the two ladies made their way across the room towards the lift. As they walked Sophie couldn’t resist running her hand down Paula’s lower back and gently squeezing her bum she knew Ben would be looking and wanted him to know, Paula was hers. As soon as the lift doors had closed Paula pulled Sophie into her arms. ‘Are you up for some fun?’ She questioned with a glint in her eye.Sophie knew Paula had drunk a fair bit and after last Fridays antics was looking forward to what the older woman had in mind tonight.‘Very much so,’ she whispered as the lift came to a stop and the doors slid open. As Paula grabbed hold of Sophie’s hand and led her towards their room Sophie’s heart began to pound. God what this woman did to her was ridiculous. Sliding the key card into the door Paula stood back to let Sophie enter first.Once the door was closed Paula pinned the younger brunette up against the wall and pushed her lips against hers. Soon their tongues had entwined fighting each other for dominance and Sophie’s hands had found their way around Paula’s neck pulling her closer.Meanwhile Paula’s experienced fingers had made light work of Sophie’s buttons and in seconds her shirt had been discarded. The lawyer then turned her attention to Sophie’s skirt which she soon slipped down to the floor. Finally Sophie was as she wanted her, dressed only in her underwear and heels. Next Paula walked Sophie backwards towards the bed until her knees hit the mattress and she fell into the middle of the bed. Perfect. It was only then that Sophie realised that while she was now only in her underwear Paula was still very much clothed. ‘You have far too many clothes on for my liking babe’ said Sophie. ‘Oh don’t worry love, they’ll be coming off in a minute.’ Replied Paula as she moved towards the table where Sophie now noticed there was a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket. ‘I don’t think we need anymore alcohol’ said a worried Sophie. ‘Don’t worry, it’s not for drinking.’ Winked Paula as she carried the bucket to the foot of the bed and dragged over a chair form the corner of the room. What the hell was she up to now? ‘So you think I need to loose some clothes do you?’ teased Paula as she sat down on the chair and slowly began to open the buttons on her own blouse, her gaze never leaving Sophie’s body. As the fine fabric opened to reveal a white lace bra Paula’s fingers slowly undid the button and zipper on her trousers. ‘Better?’ She whispered as she lent back into the chair and crossed her legs. From Sophie’s vantage point at the head of the bed she didn’t think she’d ever seen anything so arousing. ‘A little’ grinned Sophie. ‘Now why don’t you join me up here?’ She moaned.‘Later....but for now ... Do you want to know what turns me on Sophie?’ Asked Paula in a sultry tone. Oh god what is this woman doing to me? Thought Sophie as she just about managed to utter a coherent ‘yes.’‘I like to be in control....to tease.... to play.’ Whispered Paula as she slowly uncrossed her legs ‘So are you going to let me take control Sophie?’ She purred as she arched her back and slowly parted her legs. Now Sophie really was lost for words, all she could manage was a nod. ‘Good’ came the soft reply and with that Paula reached into the ice bucket and took out a cube of ice. ‘I want you to watch me Sophie, can you do that?’ Nodding Sophie subconsciously licked her lips as she watched the ice begin to melt between Paula’s fingers.Without taking her eyes from Sophie Paula moved the ice down between her cleavage and then across to her nipple where she slowly circled it over the thin material eliciting a moan from both herself and Sophie. ‘Does it turn you on, watching me?’ Paula asked her voice dripping with seduction. ‘Mmmm’ managed Sophie. She was so turned on right now she thought she might cum at any moment without even being touched. Once the first ice cube had melted Paula reached for another. This time, still with her eyes locked on Sophie she trailed the ice slowly down her stomach, further and further until she reached the top of her trousers. Then with a slight smile Paula slipped her hand inside. Sophie watched transfixed as Paula’s hand moved inside her trousers. This was the hottest thing she had ever seen. The way Paula’s breathing had become so shallow and rapid, the heaviness of her eyes and the low moans escaping from her mouth made her body tremor with excitement. Paula loved the feeling of the ice as it touched her most sensitive area but she needed more. Pushing the cube against her entrance she arched her back and opened her legs wider pushing the cube further she shuddered as she felt the ice penetrate her insides. It felt so good, to feel the ice slowly melting as Sophie watched on. She loved being watched, always had. Slowly she began to circle her clit quickening the pace until she shuddered as her muscles clenched, her eyes closed, lips parted and a ‘Fuckkkk’ seeped from her mouth.Sophie’s breath caught in her chest at the sight of Paula’s release. ‘God you’re so beautiful when you cum,’ she whispered.Opening her eyes Paula smiled as she withdrew her hand and looking directly at Sophie slowly licked each finger clean. ‘Did you like that? Not such a distinguished law maker now, hey’ she smirked as she made her way round to the side of the bed carrying the ice bucket with her. ‘Now it’s your turn, I’m going to make you feel so fucking good’Sophie was so close to orgasm that she thought one touch from Paula would send her over the edge so when Paula took another cube from the ice bucket she shuddered in anticipation at what was to come. Taking the ice Paula placed it into her mouth and lent over Sophie pressing her lips against hers. Sophie buckled and contorted at the blend of sensations: the warmth of Paula’s mouth and the coldness of the ice. As Paula pulled away leaving the ice melting in her lovers mouth she smiled ‘Feels Good, doesn’t it?’Taking another ice cube Paula straddled Sophie and placed her hand firmly on her stomach letting the ice drip down her torso. Watching Sophie squirm Paula lent forward and placed warm kisses where the ice had been. She moved lower and lower until her tongue grazed Sophie’s knickers and she pulled them off, discarding them on the floor. God it felt so good. Next Paula took the champagne bottle from the bucket allowing the freezing water to drip all over her younger lover, she took a swig, filling her mouth, spilling it all over Sophie as she did so. Then once again Paula pressed her lips to Sophie’s parting them to release the liquid within. As the bubbles hit Sophie’s tongue she moaned into her lovers mouth loving the warmth of her tongue and the cold bubbles of the champagne. Sitting back Paula slowly poured more of the cold liquid over Sophie’s body enjoying the way the bubbles crackled against her skin. Slowly Paula followed the trail of bubbles down Sophie’s torso and inbetween her legs where she licked the champagne that had settled there. ‘You taste amazing’ breathed Paula as her tongue lapped at the champagne. By now Sophie was on the edge of oblivion, so when Paula took another ice cube and placed it on her clit her hips buckled before Paula had a chance to do anything else. ‘Mmmm’ moaned Sophie closing her eyes and gripping Paula’s hands as her clit pulsed and the ice melted into a puddle beneath her. ‘Wow’ breathed Sophie as she finally came to her senses.‘So you enjoyed it then?’ Questioned Paula into Sophie’s ear. ‘Do you really need to ask?’ Smirked Sophie as she rolled over to face Paula who had collapsed on the bed beside her. ‘You really are full of surprises.’ ‘Oh I’m full of surprises and there’s plenty more where that came from....If you’re willing to play.’

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‘Morning beautiful’ whispered Paula as she gently brushed the hair from Sophie’s eyes. ‘I really didn’t want to wake you but it’s 8 and we need to get over to the office.’ ‘Mmmm just 10 more minutes babe,’ ‘You really aren’t a morning person are you?’ Laughed Paula as she planted a kiss on Sophie’s warm lips. Leaning up Sophie wrapped her arms around Paula’s neck and pulled her down on top of her. ‘Why don’t you join me? Just for a bit’ ‘Because if I get back in this bed, there’ll be no getting us out.’ ‘But I wanted to repay the favour after yesterday.’ Said Sophie as her hands caressed the back of Paula’s neck. ‘That was one hot show you gave me.’‘Glad you liked it and I would like nothing more than for you to give me my own pivate show but we need to get to work.’ Replied Paula as she pulled away from Sophie’s grasp.‘Spoil sport’ groaned Sophie as she got out of bed and made her way to the shower. ‘No chance of you joining me in here then?’ ‘Nope, I’m already dressed Sophie. Some of us have been up since 7. I packed a change of outfit for you, it’s in the bathroom and I’ll order some room service. Anything you fancy?’ ‘Only you babe’ winked Sophie as she stepped into the bathroom. 20 minutes later and Sophie emerged ready for the day as Paula was folding and packing yesterday’s clothes. ‘You know you’re never going to be able to wear that outfit in the office again, don’t you? It’ll get me all hot and bothered.‘Well you’ll just have to learn to control yourself, won’t you.’ Replied Paula giving Sophie’s bum a gentle smack as she walked past to sit at the table next to her. ‘Now get some breakfast down you, while I check these emails.’ ‘God you are so bossy.’ Groaned Sophie.‘Am I? Sorry, does it annoy you?’ ‘No I’m only joking.’‘Seriously though, if you ever think I’m too over powering, please tell me. It’s just with my job I suppose I’m just use to being in charge and telling people what to do. ‘Hey, I was joking ok.’ Replied Sophie taking hold of Paula’s hands and linking their fingers. ‘Anyway I like it when you take control, especially in the bedroom. I’m learning lots.’ Smirked Sophie as she pulled her close.‘Ah so there are some advantages to dating an older woman then?’ ‘Definitely,’ grinned Sophie as she sat back down to eat her toast.A few minutes later Sophie shattered the silence ‘Shit Paula it’s 10 to 9 we better be going. How bad would that look? We tell everyone about us and then I’m arriving late with the boss.’

‘Yeah that would not look good’ agreed Paula as she shut down her laptop and gathered up their bags. Moving towards the door Paula grabbed Sophie’s hand ‘Just one thing before we go, how about you give me that private show tonight?’‘Don’t know if i’ll be up for it later.’‘Oh Sophie Webster you are such a tease.’ ‘Really, that’s rich coming from you.’ Laughed Sophie as she dragged Paula from the room......................................................... Arriving at the office together incited a few winks and nudges from their colleagues but both women were pleased everyone now knew about their relationship and everyone seemed really pleased for them. I mean it would have been stupidity on their part if anyone had voiced a concern but Sophie was pretty certain that everyone was genuinely ok with it. As for Ben, he’d made it into the office, although Sophie had no idea how. He looked rough, literally like he might throw up at any minute. Paula decided not to make a big deal out of it, she thought he’d suffered enough.At half 4 Paula decided she was finished for the day. Well not finished, her work was never finished but she was ready to start her weekend early and that was one of the perks of being the boss. She wanted to sort Theo’s room ready for tomorrow and fancied a relaxing bath before Sophie got back. Then she envisioned a night in front of the telly with a take away, a good bottle of wine and maybe if she played her cards right a surprise from Sophie.As she gathered her stuff together she couldn’t help but smile. She was really looking forward to the weekend. She was sure Theo would be fine about her and Sophie. He was so laid back about everything, unlike his sister, and he was always on at her to go out and meet someone. So now she had. Sophie wasn’t at her desk when she left so she sent her a quick message.Hi love just leaving now, where r u? U better not be slacking! I’ve got a few things to sort so leaving early. Shall we get a takeaway later? C u at home. Love you xx........................................................‘Babe I’m home, where are you?’ Enquired Sophie as she dumped some more of her stuff in the hallway. Slowly but surely she was moving in.‘Up here, I’m just getting out of the bath,’ called back Paula as Sophie made her way through to the kitchen to open a bottle of wine. ‘Hi love.’ Said Paula as she made her way into the kitchen wearing just her robe and her hair piled on top of her head. ‘Oh so this is what you get up to when you skive off work early is it? Early evening bubble baths,’ teased Sophie. Loving the fact that the robe was showing a generous amount of cleavage as well as her girlfriends toned legs.‘Yep, pretty much, I wanted to make myself presentable. You know just incase you felt like a repeat of last night.’ Winked Paula as she crossed the kitchen and wrapped her arms around Sophie.‘Oh really, so you just thought you’d come downstairs in something that was....very easy to take off in the hope that you might get some?’‘You know me too well.’ Smiled Paula. ‘So what you thinking? Want to work up an appetite?’ Questioned Paula as she started to undo her robe. ‘Not so fast lady,’ said Sophie as she grabbed Paula’s hand. ‘You were in control last night. Now it’s my turn.’ ‘Oh really, what do you have in mind?’‘Well follow me and you’ll find out’ Winked Sophie as she walked towards the lounge. ‘Sit,’ she commanded as she pointed to the sofa. Once Paula had sat down Sophie straddled the lawyer ‘I’m gonna be the one in charge now’ she explained.‘Really so how’s that going to work?’ Asked Paula as she reached up to start undoing the buttons on Sophie’s shirt.Sophie grabbed paula’s hands and brought them down to her sides. Holding them firmly Sophie leaned forward and whispered in Paula’s ear ‘So firstly you are not allowed to touch me unless I tell you too.’ ‘Argh what, Sophie you know I’m not going to be able to do that.’‘Yes you are, because your hands are going to stay right here, otherwise you won’t get what I know you so want’ ‘And what’s that?’ Breathed Paula already frustrated that Sophie had pinned her hands down. She wanted nothing more than to caress Sophie’s skin.‘Me using my hands and mouth to make you feel so fucking good,’ smiled Sophie as she repeated the words Paula had uttered to her last night. The choice of words wasn’t lost on Paula as she whispered, ‘You are learning fast. As it’s you, i’ll be a good girl.’‘You had better be,’ warned Sophie as she lent forward and pressed her lips to Paula’s already parted mouth. ‘Mmmm’ moaned the older brunette as Sophie’s tongue pushed into her mouth and her hand gently stroked the inside of Paula’s thighs. She knew this drove Paula crazy and she smiled as she squirmed beneath her. She knew it was killing Paula that she couldn’t touch her. Eventually she decided she couldn’t tease her lover any longer and her hand travelled to where she knew Paula needed it most. God Sophie loved how wet she was. She still couldn’t believe the effect she had on this amazing woman. ‘Ahh Soph,’ moaned Paula as Sophie continued to move her hand beneath the robe and began to place soft kisses along the laywers collar bone and down towards her cleavage. So engrossed in their antics neither lady heard the front door open or the footsteps through the hallway into the lounge until it was too late.‘Oh sorry looks like I’ve interrupted something. That’s a new position darling, I thought you always liked being on top.’ ‘What the hell...’ exclaimed Paula as her eyes flew open and Sophie sat up shocked at the sound of the man’s voice. ‘Well hello to you too. It’s been a while. I see you’re back dating women.’ Replied the man gestering towards Sophie who was trying her best to move off of Paula.‘Do you mind?’ Raged Paula as she hurriedly wrapped her robe around herself ‘Sophie I am so sorry.’‘Yeah sorry, I seem to have a habit of catching my wife mid shag.’‘Ex wife’ fumed Paula ‘How the hell did you even get in here?’‘Well our son’s in the car, I used his key, wanted to help him in with these.’ He explained putting the bags down. ‘So maybe you and your um ... girlfriend here better sort yourselves out before he comes in.’‘What?’ Exclaimed Paula jumping off the sofa and tying up her robe ‘I thought he wasn’t getting here until tomorrow.’‘Yeah well something came up. I’ll let him ex...’ ‘Hi mu...’‘Oh my god, what the hell happened to you?’

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Rushing towards Theo, Paula gently touched her sons check slowly inspecting his eye. ‘Come and sit down, do you need anything?’Wincing with pain Theo pulled away from his mum’s grasp and sat down on the sofa, glancing swiftly at Sophie but not saying anything. ‘Mum please don’t fuss, it looks worse than it is.’‘How the hell did this happen? And why didn’t you call me?’ asked Paula. ‘Because he called ME.’ Came the smug reply from Tim. Totally ignoring Tim, Paula continued to talk to Theo ‘But you were coming to stay here.’‘Maybe he thought you’d be too busy.’‘Sorry but can you stop answering for him, he’s 19 for gods sake.’ Said Paula her annoyance clear to see. Sophie had never felt more awkward in her life. What should she do? Here she was sat on the sofa while Paula, her ex and their son all argued around her. The only saving grace was the fact that she hadn’t let Paula have her way otherwise she’d have been sat there half naked. ‘Well Theo? I’m gonna need some answers. You can’t just rock up here with a black eye and what looks like a broken arm and expect me to not ask questions.’‘Ok, ok I called Dad because they wouldn’t let me leave the hospital on my own and I thought you might be in court. I didn’t want to worry you.’‘Well I wasn’t in court today and anyway even if I was it might have been nice to be informed that you were at the hospital. Why didn’t you go to a hospital in London?’‘I didn’t think it was that bad but when I got off the train my arm was so swollen I thought I’d better get an x-ray.’‘Right so that’s one question answered now you can tell me what happened.’‘Oh it was just a misunderstanding.’ ‘Bit of a big misunderstanding. What about?’ ‘It was nothing really I got into a fight with someone and well, this happened.’ shrugged Theo. ‘You should see the other guy.’ He added with a nervous laugh.‘Not funny.’ Came the stern reply. ‘No it’s not, but look Mum I feel like I’m on the witness stand being cross examined. All you need to know is I’m fine. Ignoring Theo’s comment Paula carried on with the questioning ‘Anyway I thought you weren’t coming back until tomorrow. Why the sudden rush to get back?’ ‘I just got an earlier train thought I’d make the most of coming home.’ Sighed Theo obviously tired of all the questions. ‘Anyway I’m starving what’s for dinner?’‘Yeah Paula what’s for dinner? Any better at cooking since I left?’ Piped up Tim. ‘Sorry but is there any reason why you’re still here?’ Shot back Paula. ‘Thought you were going to invite me to stay for dinner. Seeing as it’s been so long since we last saw each other. It’s got to be nearly a year.... Looks like a lot’s happened.’ Replied Tim glancing at Sophie. ‘Yeah there’s a reason we haven’t seen each other for so long. You hate me, remember.’‘Well is it any wonder.’ Muttered Tim under his breath. Right Paula certainly didn’t want to get into all this again. It had been three years for fucks sake and he still brought it up every time. ‘Well thanks for bringing Theo back I’m sure we’ll catch up again when Isla’s home. I’ll show you out.’ ‘Right see you mate, hope the arm heels soon. Well done with the uni results.’ Then turning to Sophie ‘Nice to meet you Sophie, maybe we’ll be better introduced next time.’‘Yeah bye.’ Mumbled Sophie not knowing what else to say. I mean the guy had just seen her straddling and pleasuring his nearly naked ex wife. ‘Yeah see ya dad, thanks.’ As Paula and Tim left the room Sophie could feel Theo’s eyes on her. Oh god how long was she going to be? Wondered Sophie as she heard muffled voices in the hallway.‘So you’re shagging my mum?’ Inquired Theo staring intently at Sophie. Sophie didn’t know what to say so she just stared back open mouthed as she felt herself burning up. Oh god did he hate her? This was so not how she’s wanted to be introduced to the family. As Theo started to chuckle Sophie realised he was messing with her. ‘Sorry to be so blunt. I couldn’t think of anything to say so thought i’d get straight to the point. Don’t tell mum I said that she’d kill me.’ Relaxing slightly Sophie replied ‘If you mean am I in a relationship with your mum then yes I am. Is that ok with you?’ ‘Fine by me. Although I seriously have no idea how she does it.’ ‘Does what’ asked Paula as she entered the room now dressed in a fitted white t.shirt and tight faded jeans. By dressing like that thought Sophie as her eyes scanned Paula’s body.‘Manage to pull such attractive women.’‘Theo, god you make it sound like I’ve had a string of women.’ ‘Oh yeah that does sound bad. She hasn’t. It’s just I always think she’s punching.’ ‘Oh thanks.’ Laughed Paula. ‘Do you want another black eye?’ ‘Hey your mum’s a very attractive women.’ ‘Yeah she’s alright I guess. So what’s the age difference between you two then? Cos I’m guessing you’re not in your forties Sophie.’ ‘Really?’ Questioned Paula as she glared at her son. ‘What?’ Shrugged Theo. ‘I’m very sorry about my son he tends to just blurt out whatever’s in his head.’ Yeah I’ve noticed,’ laughed Sophie.‘It’s 22 years if you must know.’ Said Paula. ‘Yeah mum you’re definitely punching. Does Isla know?’ ‘No’‘Well good luck with that. Let me know when you’re thinking of telling her cos I so wanna be here.’ And then turning to Sophie he added ‘Have you met my sister? Glancing nervously at Sophie, Paula so wished Theo would shut up. ‘She’s pretty highly strung. Hates the fact mum’s bi as it totally takes away from the drama of her being gay. Not that it’s a drama, nobody was that bothered, much to her disappointment.’‘Theo that’s enough,’ Warned Paula. ‘Ok, ok, so anyway you two will be a nice surprise for her when she gets back from discovering herself or whatever the fuck she’s doing.’ ‘Ok so food.’ Interrupted Paula ‘What take away shall we get?’ ..............................................................Luckily the rest of the evening was spent eating Chinese food, drinking wine and discussing Theo’s law degree. Although Sophie didn’t know what Paula and Theo were banging on about half the time she was just glad that the conversation had changed course.Well that was until Theo asked where the two of them had met. Sophie decided to let Paula do the talking. Wondering if she’d come clean to her son or use the lie Sophie had told her staff. ‘Well I could make something up but it’s probably best I just tell you the truth. Sophie’s the daughter of an old school friend of mine who I represented in a case a few months ago.’‘Is that even allowed? Sleeping with the daughter of a client?’ Exclaimed Theo. ‘Well it probably wasn’t my finest hour but we had a connection and I just felt I’d regret it if I didn’t see if Sophie felt the same.’‘So you made the first move? Check you out Mum. But how did you even know she’d be interested?’ ‘Ha see that’s a funny story,’ giggled Sophie who had had a couple of glasses of wine. ‘See I have meet your sister. My mum and Paula set me up on a kind of date with her. They asked me to join them for lunch and Isla was there.‘Oh god mum you didn’t.’‘Well it wasn’t really me, it was Sally's idea and she’s one hard woman to say no to so I just went along with it.’ Groaned Paula as she remembered the awful lunch. ‘And then you decided that you’d like a bit of Sophie here yourself, did you? God mum you couldn’t make this shit up.’ ‘Yeah well I could tell Isla wasn’t interested, she was far too busy organising her back packing trip and anyway there wasn’t any chemistry.’ ‘So you two started seeing each other once Isla had left?’ Questioned Theo. God he was just like his mother thought Sophie, enough already with the questions. ‘Well no, it was that same afternoon’ Laughed Sophie as she nudged Paula’s arm.‘God you don’t hang about do you.’ Laughed Theo staring in surprise at his mum. ‘Ha that’s what I said.’ Laughed Sophie. ‘Ok, ok can we just stop this now. So Theo that’s why I haven’t told Isla yet so if you talk to her please don’t say anything. Ok?’ ‘No worries, my lips are sealed, and for what it’s worth I think you make a great couple.’‘Really.’ Exclaimed Sophie and Paula together.‘Yeah I haven’t seen you this happy for ages mum.’ Smiled Theo. ‘Ah thanks darling, that means a lot.’‘Right and now I’m gonna get to bed, my arm’s killing me. Thanks for dinner mum.‘I know you missed my cooking,’ laughed Paula. ‘Well done on your results darling I’m so proud of you. Remember take it easy on the painkillers.’ ‘Will do. Night Sophie, it was lovely meeting you.’‘You too.’ Smiled Sophie.‘You can get back to your alone time now. Sorry we interrupted you earlier.’ Winked Theo as he left the room. ‘God that kid, I’m so sorry about him and his mouth.’ ‘Don’t apologise, it was lovely to meet him. He’s a right character.’‘Yeah you can say that again. He’s always been a handful, takes after me. I lost count of the amount of times I got called into the school office to talk him out of whatever trouble he’d got himself into. ‘Yeah he reminds me of you’‘Really’‘Yep same sense of humour and cheeky glint in his eye.’ Smiled Sophie as she gently stroked Paula’s bare arm.‘So I’ve only got myself to blame.’ Sighed Paula. ‘Looks like it,’ agreed Sophie. ‘Although on a serious note Soph I’m worried. He wasn’t telling me the truth earlier... about the fight. Why didn’t he get checked out in London? Why has he come back a day earlier than planned? And why not call me to pick him up from the hospital? Something doesn’t add up.’‘I’m pretty sure he answered all those questions babe, you did interrogate him pretty well.’‘Yeah but he was lying and he totally avoided saying what the fight was over.’‘Well I’m sure in the morning you can talk to him again. After a good sleep he might be more willing to share. He’s probably just embarrassed.’ ‘Yeah I guess you’re right. Come here you.’ Ordered Paula as she pulled Sophie into her. ‘Are you ready for bed too?’ ‘Yep, but I’m not really tired.’ Replied Sophie raising her eyebrows.‘Oh really and what do you have in mind?’ ‘Well I think we should start off where we were so rudely interrupted earlier don’t you?’ Whispered Sophie. ‘Mmm that sounds like a plan.’ Moaned Paula as Sophie took her hand and led her towards the stairs.

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It was 5 o’clock and Paula was wide awake. She’d always been an early riser but this was ridiculous. Rolling over she gazed at Sophie sleeping soundly next to her, god she was gorgeous, even when she was sleeping. She still couldn’t believe how lucky she was, getting to wake up next to her every morning. Looking at Sophie’s naked body brought back memories of the night before and how amazing Sophie had made her feel. She loved the fact she was seeing a new Sophie in the bedroom. One who was confident enough to take control and explore what turned her on. She was happy that she’d been the one to show Sophie a few things and she was looking forward to introducing her to more. Paula truly felt like Sophie was the person she was meant to be with. They had a connection. Despite the age difference, they enjoyed the same things, had the same set of values and firey temper, laughed at the same things and of course the sexual chemistry was off the charts. She’d taken a massive risk flirting with Sophie and it had nearly ended her career but she’d definitely made the right decision.Leaving Sophie to sleep Paula pulled on her jeans and oversized shirt and padded downstairs into the kitchen. Switching on the kettle she sat at the island waiting for it to boil. Might as well make use of the early morning and do some chores, starting with the washing. She’d put a load in the machine yesterday but hadn’t actually turned it on. Noticing Theo’s jacket chucked over the chair she thought she’d pop that in too, she doubted he’d ever washed it.As she checked the pockets she was shocked at the amount of crap they contained. Loads of receipts, lose change, cigarettes and lighter. She laughed when she saw they were the same brand she use to smoke, remembering the time she’d been called to the school as he’d been selling them to his mates. He’d been 12 at the time. Then her hand pulled out something she hadn’t expected to find. ‘Shit’ she whispered. An hour later and Sophie woke to an empty bed. Paula’s side was cold, she’d been up for a while. Sophie moaned, she would have liked nothing more than a little early morning sex session. Honestly she didn’t know what was the matter with her, she’d enjoyed sex with her previous partners, but now it was all she could think about. She put it down to the fact that sex with Paula was amazing and obviously the lawyer had a high sex drive which was definitely rubbing off on her. Right, well if she wanted sex she’d have to get out of bed and go look for it. Walking into the kitchen Sophie was surprised to see the bifolding doors to the garden open and Paula leant against the side of the garage. She was even more surprised when she saw her inhale deeply on a cigarette and exhale slowly blowing the smoke upwards into a thin ribbon. God she even made smoking look sexy thought Sophie and she hated the habit. After watching her take a few more drags Sophie spoke.‘Morning babe, I didn’t know you smoked.’ ‘God Sophie don’t creep up on me like that,’ Paula gasped as she stupidly tried to hide the cigarette, feeling like a naughty school girl. ‘I don’t, I mean I did but I quit years ago.’ Came the flustered reply.‘Yeah looks like it,’ smirked Sophie enjoying seeing Paula squirm. ‘Babe what’s the matter, this isn’t like you. Where’d you even get a cigarette from?’‘Theo’s pocket, I went to put his coat in the wash and started emptying the pockets....’ ‘And what, ya couldn’t resist lighting up?’ ‘No....it’s well... I found something else and I don’t know what to do about it and then before I knew it I was out here smoking. It’s what I use to do years ago when I needed to think. Come out here have a coffee and a cigarette.’ ‘So did it work?’ ‘No not really I just stink and feel light headed.’ Laughed Paula.Smiling Sophie agreed ‘Yeah you do stink, I’m definitely not giving you a kiss until you brush your teeth and grab a shower. Then we can have a chat about what’s bothering you.’ ‘Yeah sounds like a plan.’ Agreed Paula as she dropped the cigarette to the floor and headed inside. .......................................................‘Better?’ Inquired Sophie as she looked up from the magazine she was reading. ‘Much better, thanks love.’ Replied Paula as she stood towel drying her hair.‘Right so what have you found in Theo’s pocket that’s got you so worried?’ Heading round to the other side of the kitchen island Paula pulled open a drawer and held up a clear plastic bag.‘Is that what I think it is?’ Exclaimed Sophie.‘Well it’s highly unlikely to be a sherbert dib dab now is it.’ ‘Shit, so what are you gonna do?’‘Talk to Theo I guess’ came the weary reply. ‘I know that voice, what have I done now’ moaned Theo as he entered the kitchen half asleep. ‘Holy shit mum that’s one expensive coke habit you've got there’ he laughed as he eyed the bag Paula was still holding.All Paula could do was stare at him. ‘Alright take it easy, I’m only joking, it just looks like coke doesn’t it? He replied looking between Sophie and Paula. ‘Why are you both looking at me like that? Can one of you please tell me what me what’s going on?’

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‘Can WE tell YOU what’s going on?’ Came the incredulous reply from Paula. ‘How about you stop all the bullshit and start explaining where this came from,’ she raged shaking the bag of white powder in front of Theo. ‘Mum I really have no idea what you are going on about. Is that really coke? It’s not mine.’ ‘Not yours, and you really expect me to believe that?’ ‘Yeah I do, cos it’s the truth. Why don’t you ask your girlfriend here if she knows anything about it.’ ‘Don’t even think about trying to pin this on Sophie.’‘Yeah I wouldn’t go there if I were you Paula found it in your jacket pocket so it’s probaby best if you just come clean,’ warned Sophie.‘What? In MY jacket?’ Replied a bewildered Theo. ‘Yeah I thought i’d put your jacket in the wash, there’s a black mark up the side. Anyway I was emptying the pockets and found this.’ ‘Right mum you have got to believe me I have never seen that in my life. I have no idea how it got there.’‘It’s a pretty big bag how the hell did you not know it was there?’ ‘Jesus I don’t know, i’ve got all sorts of shit in those pockets. I promise you I don’t know.’‘Really? Because you know you can tell me don’t you. If you’ve got a problem or whatever. We can deal with whatever it is together.’ Replied Paula in a softer tone as she crossed the kitchen to stand in front of Theo. ‘I know mum but honestly it’s not mine. I mean I’m not saying i’m a saint and I’m gonna be honest with you and say I did have a line the other night but that’s a lot of coke. It must have cost a fortune.’‘Yeah well that’s what I thought. I’ve been sat here thinking all sorts. I mean you are always asking me for money and you’ve just come home looking like you’ve been beaten up. So what am I suppose to think?’ ‘Well you’ve worked it out then. I’ve obviously got a major coke habit and become part of some drug cartel.’ ‘Why do you always do this?’Do what?Make a joke out of everything, this is serious.’ ‘Sorry it’s just, what can I say I don’t know anything.’ ‘Right well you can start by telling me exactly what happened the other night because your ‘it was a misunderstanding story’ isn’t going to cut it now.’ ‘But mum I really have nothing to tell you, it all happened so quickly.’‘Well how about you tell me what you can remember.’ ‘Ok so I was having a drink at this bar yesterday night and the next minute I see Olivia having a run in with some guy at the bar. I walked over to see what was going on as he kept pulling at her arm, I asked what his problem was and the next minute I know he’d punched me in the face and I landed on my shoulder.’‘And that’s it? You didn’t do anything else?’ Asked Sophie. ‘No,’ glared Theo. ‘So who’s Olivia?’‘Just a girl i’ve been seeing, nothing serious.’‘And what did she do when this guy punched you?’ ‘She shouted at the bloke, can’t remember what she said. He walked off then she helped me up off the floor and told me to sit down and then she said she’d get some ice.’‘Then what happened?’ Asked Sophie. ‘Jesus you’re as bad as she is. Well I didn’t wanna sit down so I grabbed my coat and left. Went back to my halls.’‘You didn’t think about going to the hospital?’ ‘It didn’t really hurt at the time and I just sort of passed out.’

‘You do know mixing alcohol and cocaine can be lethal? For fucks sake Theo how could you be so stupid?’

‘Mum I really don’t need a lec...’

‘Shit what the hell was that?’ Asked Sophie looking up towards the ceiling and the source of the loud crash they’d just heard.

Have you got someone here?’

‘Yeah’ muttered Theo looking down at the ground.

‘Who the hell is it? You could have said something before we started having this conversation.’

‘Yeah sorry I didn’t think.’

‘Well who is it?’ Hissed Paula

‘Olivia.’

‘And what in God’s name is she doing here? I thought you said it was nothing serious.’

‘It isn’t.’

‘So why the hell is she in my house?’

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Hearing footsteps on the stairs the trio abandoned their conversation and Paula had just managed to hide the coke when a tall, slender blonde walked into the kitchen wearing what looked like one of Theo’s shirts. ‘Morning, I’m so sorry but I just knocked over the lamp in your room Theo. I thought I might have woken everyone up but it looks like you’re all in here. Hi I’m Olivia. You must be Paula I’ve heard lots about you.’ Smiled Olivia sweetly as she extended her hand. ‘Morning,’ said Paula shaking her hand. ‘If Theo had said you were coming I’d have made more of an effort with breakfast.’ She replied in a curt tone‘Yeah sorry to intrude it was a last minute thing, wasn’t it babe.’‘Huh, yeah I guess.’ Replied Theo looking uncomfortable.It was then that Olivia noticed Sophie sitting across the kitchen. ‘And you must be...’ ‘Sophie, she’s Sophie my mums partner,’ interupted Theo.‘Oh I thought you were... never mind. Well it’s nice to meet you too.’‘Yeah likewise,’ muttered Sophie while Olivia looked dubiously between the two women. ‘Problem?’ Remarked Paula.‘No not at all. I’m sure you make a lovely couple. Is there any coffee going?’ ‘Yeah help yourself.’ Said Paula accompanied by an eye roll at Sophie.Sensing the tension between the women Theo couldn’t wait to escape. ‘Well now you’ve all been introduced I’m gonna get a bath, my side’s killing me. Mum is there anymore paracetamol anywhere?’ ‘Bathroom cabinet I think.’‘Thanks, right i’ll see you guys in a bit.’As soon as Theo had gone Paula pounced. ‘So what brings you to Manchester? You must have arrived in the middle of the night, me and Sophie were up until late.’ ‘It was one of my friends birthdays so when Theo mentioned he was coming I thought I’d be cheeky and crash here so I didn’t need to get a hotel room.’ Explained Olivia.‘Oh right, I thought you said it was a last minute thing.’ Inquired Paula not wanting to let her off that easily. ‘Yeah that’s right.’ Shot back Olivia looking agitated. ‘Wow what a coincidence that your friend’s birthday was the same weekend Theo was coming home. What are the chances.’
‘Yeah it’s funny how things work out, but now I get to meet you guys too.’ There was that smile again.‘So are you and Theo together then? It’s funny, he’s never mentioned you.’‘Well we’ve been out quite a bit but we’re just seeing what happens.’ Replied Olivia looking uncomfortable. ‘Lovely, well it’s nice to meet you.’ Replied Paula picking up her coffee and taking a long sip. The whole time Paula had been interrogating her Olivia’s eyes had not stopped moving, scanning the kitchen. There was something definitely going on. Maybe if Paula left, Olivia might open up to Sophie.‘Right I’m going to get changed. I’m sure you two can find something to talk about while I’m gone.’ Smiled Paula as she got up and walked towards the door, eying Sophie as she left. Once she was sure Paula was out of earshot Olivia let out a low whistle. ‘Wow look at this place. I mean I know Theo said his mum was a barrister but fuck me this house is amazing.’‘Yeah well Paula’s worked hard, she’s got her own law firm.‘And you’ve landed right on your feet haven’t you,’ grinned Olivia. ‘What’s that suppose to mean?’ Shot back Sophie. ‘Oh come on Sophie surely you’re only with her for the money. I mean she’s a bit old for you isn’t she? And she seems...well, slightly stuck up. ‘Oh wow, so you’ve known us for all of five minutes and you’ve already sussed out our relationship.’‘Well she’s obviously only with you for one thing, isn’t she? She’s probably having some kind of mid life crisis and sees you as some kind of conquest.Sophie could not believe what was coming out of this girls mouth. ‘I think you'd better shut up. How dare you come in here and start making assumptions about our relationship.’‘Ah Sophie calm down. I’m only saying what everyone else is thinking. Anyway as lovely as this chat has been i’m gonna go back to bed now.’ And before Sophie could think of a comeback she’d left the room.Sitting down at the kitchen table Sophie poured herself another coffee. God she was so angry how could she come in here and talk to her like that. Although at the back of her mind was a niggling doubt. Is that how people saw their relationship? Did they think Sophie was only with Paula for her money and that Paula only wanted Sophie for one thing and once she’d had her fun she’d be gone? No Sophie this is ridiculous you know Paula loves you, she’s told you as much. Don’t let her comments get to you.‘You ok love? You look miles away. Where’s the charming Olivia got to?’ Came Paula’s sarcastic tone, cutting through her thoughts. ‘Charming, yeah that’s one word for her. What a complete bitch.’ Fumed Sophie. ‘Wow... ok, calm down what’s got you all het up?’ ‘Just the way she spoke about our relationship, she’s obviously got something against us being together.’ ‘And that bothers you why?’ Questioned Paula in a soothing tone, stroking Sophie’s arm.‘I just didn’t like what she was insinuating,’ ‘Well just don’t listen then,’ whispered Paula as she gently brushed her lips against Sophie’s. ‘All that matters is that we know how we feel about each other so...fuck everyone else.’ She uttered as she pulled Sophie in for a deeper kiss. ‘Mmm,’ moaned Sophie. ’Please don’t say fuck like that, you know how much it turns me on when you swear.’Laughing Paula pulled away, ‘Right well we can’t have you getting all horny now, we’ve got things to do. Look i’ve been thinking and there’s something not quite right going on here. So will you do me a favour? I need you to get Theo out of the house for a while so I can talk to Olivia.’‘Oh great and where am I gonna take him? Won’t that look a bit odd?’ ‘Why don’t you go to the cafe down the road they do a mean omelette. I bet Theo’s starving.’ ‘And what about Olivia? What if she decides to come?’ ‘I’ve got a pretty good idea that she won’t.’‘And what are you gonna say when he asks why you’re not coming?’‘I’ve just had a really important work email. So obviously I’ll need to stay here and sort that out.’ Winked Paula.........................................................Half an hour later and Paula’s plan had worked. It hadn’t taken much to persuade Theo to go to the Cafe and he didn’t even bat an eyelid when Paula said she had work. The sad thing was it had been a recurring event growing up, his mum needing to work and missing out. Paula’s theory about Olivia staying was also spot on. She’d heard her telling Theo that she wasn’t hungry and was just going to sleep. Sitting in her office Paula waited. If her hunch was right Olivia would start snooping round the house pretty soon. As if on cue Paula heard footsteps on the stairs, then in the hallway, heading straight for the kichen. Quietly Paula got up and walked to the door, peering into the kitchen. She’d placed Theo’s jacket on the back of the chair in front of the doorway and Bingo. Olivia has fallen for it. Walking down the corridor Paula stepped into the kitchen and waited until Olivia’s hand was in the pocket.‘Looking for something?’ She calmly inquired.

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‘For fucks sake, do you always creep up on people like that?’ Gasped Olivia as she jumped about a foot in the air.‘Sorry I wasn’t aware I had to announce my arrival. What with this being MY house.’ Exclaimed Paula glaring at Olivia ‘Well what are you looking for?’ ‘What? Oh well... I.. I wanted a cigarette. I thought I might find one in Theo’s jacket.’God she’s good thought Paula, got an answer for everything. ‘There’s a pack on the windowsill.’ Replied Paula as she walked over to retrieve the packet she’d taken out of Theo’s jacket earlier. ‘You’ll have to smoke outside though.’‘Yeah no worries.’ Came the agitated reply. ‘Here I’ll get the door. Mind if I join you? I could do with a break.’ ‘Um... yeah...well, I can hardly stop you. It is your house.’ Replied Olivia in a sarcastic tone.As Paula opened the doors and stepped outside she could tell Olivia was well and truly pissed off. Paula knew full well what the young girl had been looking for and fully intended to find out what was going on, whatever it took. Sitting down and taking a cigarette from the pack Paula lent back and tossed the packet onto the table over to Olivia who had reluctantly sat down next to her. Lighting up and slowing taking a drag Paula realised that this second cigarette of the day tasted so much better than the first. If she wasn’t careful she’d be back to her old habit. Right how was she going to play this? She needed to get Olivia talking and quickly before Sophie came back with Theo. She’d just have to get straight to the point. ‘So I’m guessing it’s coke I found in Theo’s pocket. I mean I’m no expert but that’s what it looks like.’Olivia turned to face Paula, cigarette halfway to her mouth, her eyes wide. ‘Well are you going to answer me or just stare at me?’ Snapped Paula, she was in no mood to be messed about. She was certain that this girl had planted coke on her son and she wanted to know why. ‘What have you done with it?’ Questioned Olivia. ‘Why? What does it matter to you? It was in Theo’s pocket so I’m guessing it’s his.’ ‘Please tell me, what have you done with it?’ There was more urgency in her voice now.‘Tell me why you’re so bothered?’ ‘Have you got rid of it?’ ‘Right we’re going to get nowhere if you keep answering my questions with questions. Now cut the crap and tell me what it’s got to do with you.’ Paula did not have time for this. Olivia sat back in her chair nervously pulling on her cigarette. Shit, shit, shit, she was going to have to come clean. She needed that coke. What the hell was she going to do if Paula had got rid of it? Who was she kidding of course she’d got rid of it.’ ‘It’s mine,’ she blurted out. ‘Right now we’re getting somewhere.’ Paula said relieved. So Theo had been telling the truth.‘Please tell me you’ve still got it. I need it.’ ‘Yeah I can see that but what I’m struggling to understand is if it’s yours how did it end up in Theo’s pocket? ‘Oh it was just a mix up that’s all.’‘And is it this mix up that caused my son to come home with a black eye and broken arm?’ Asked Paula, struggling now to keep the anger out of her voice.‘Yeah,’ whispered Olivia. ‘I’m so sorry, he wasn’t suppose to get involved.’ ‘Right so what happened and believe me Olivia you’re not getting it back until you’ve explained.’ ‘So you’ve still got it then?’ Asked Olivia more hopeful now. ‘Just keep talking.’‘Ok so the guy who punched Theo is my dealer. I couldn’t afford to pay him for any more coke but I was desperate. So ..I.. I stole it from him.’ Right well that explains why there’s so much of it thought Paula. ‘Go on.’ She prompted taking a drag on her cigarette.‘He realised it was gone before I could get out of the club so he confronted me and tried to search me. That’s when Theo came over to see what was happening.’Well at least the story checked out with Theo’s version of events. ‘And then he hit him?’ ‘Yeah he was fuming with me and Theo was just getting in the way. I managed to sneak the coke into his pocket when I went over to help him. Theo had no idea it was there.’ Explained Olivia. ‘I’m so sorry I got him involved, I was desperate.’
‘Why didn’t you just run after him? Get it back then? Instead of waiting and then needing to follow him all the way here?’ I’m guessing that is why you’re here?’ Olivia nodded ‘Yeah that was the plan but Jacob, that’s the dealer, wanted a chat. By the time i’d left the club Theo had gone and he wasn’t answering his phone or the door when I went round.’ Explained Olivia quietly looking down at her lap.‘Did he hurt you this Jacob guy?’ ‘No it’s fine, I can handle myself.’‘Yeah looks like it.’ Sighed Paula as she stubbed the cigarette out and walked inside to the kitchen drawer. She’d had an idea. Turning around she held out the bag of coke.‘So technically this isn’t yours, as you stole it.’’‘Please you’ve got to give it to me, I need it.’ ‘And what exactly would you be willing to do to get this back? Enquired Paula as she held the bag into the air. This was a dangerous move but Paula needed to do something to get this girl to see sense.‘Anything, I just need it back. I’ve got exams to study for. I can’t function without it, you don’t understand.’ ‘Anything?’ questioned Paula again, just to be sure.Olivia nodded.‘Fuck me.’ ‘What did you just say?’ exclaimed Olivia.‘You heard me.’ ‘Is this some kind of sick joke?’‘No you said you’d do anything and I’ve told you what I want.’ Replied Paula her heart pounding. ‘But I don’t ... I’ve never.. with a woman.’‘Ok so i’ll just dispose of this then.’ Said Paula calmly as she walked over to the sink.‘No, no don’t, I’ll do it.’ Came the panicked response from Olivia. ‘Come on then, I’ve always wanted to be someone’s first.’ replied Paula as she lent back against the countertop. As Olivia slowly walked towards her Paula could see the reluctance in her eyes. Surely she wouldn’t go through with it, would she? Suddenly Olivia had placed her hands either side of Paula’s hips and was pulling her close. Just as her lips were about to touch hers Paula pulled away, grabbing Olivia’s wrists and holding her at arms length. Olivia stared into Paula’s eyes, confusion etched on her face. ‘I don’t understand, why have you pulled away? I thought you wanted...’ suddenly she looked away, unable to hold Paula’s gaze.‘Look at me.’ Whispered Paula still holding the girl’s wrists. ‘Look at me’ she tried again shaking her. Slowly Olivia’s eyes found Paula’s. ‘You tricked me,’ she murmured. ‘Yes, because you need to see what your addiction is doing to you. You’re delusional, you’re not thinking straight. Why would I even suggest something like that? It makes no sense. I have a partner, you’re sleeping with my son for God’s sake.’ ‘I don’t know, oh fuck. Why’d you do it then?’
‘I had to think of something quickly, that I knew in ordinary circumstances you wouldn’t do. I saw the way you looked at Sophie and myself earlier, it’s clear that women aren’t your thing, especially older women.’ She smiled. ‘But you were willing to go there just to get your next fix. Now I’m not saying that sleeping with me is that awful’ She smiled again trying to relieve the tension. ‘But if you carry on like this who knows what you might do in the future? You need help.’It was then that the tears came, silently falling down Olivia’s checks. ‘I don’t know what to do,’ she sobbed ‘I’m falling apart, I’ve ruined everything.’ Enveloping the girl into a hug Paula let her cry it out. ‘Hey listen to me, we can sort this out. If you want to change you can. You just need to be strong ok.’Nodding Olivia pulled back from Paula. ‘Why are you being so nice to me? I’m a complete mess and I’ve been such a bitch.’ Sighing Paula replied, ‘Because you remind me of me. Now do you want to change? ‘Yeah of course, but...I don’t know how. I feel like I’m totally losing it. I don’t know myself anymore.’ ‘Are you willing to let me help you?’ ‘Yes.’ Whispered Olivia. ‘Right sit down there and get ready to talk.’ After sending a quick text to Sophie instructing her to keep Theo away and making a fresh pot of coffee the two women had sat down to chat. So far Paula had found out that Olivia was in her first year of law school having finished her degree the year before. She’d met Theo a few months ago through a mutual friend and they had met up a handful of times. Olivia hasn’t said as much but Paula could guess what they had met up for which would explain why Theo had been rather surprised when she’d invited herself to meet his family. Olivia had admitted that her drug use had started off as a bit of fun on nights out but had escalated pretty quickly into a full blown addiction. She now couldn’t go a day without a line. Her work was obviously suffering, she’d blown all of her student loan and her parents had started asking questions. In short she was a mess. ‘Ok so here’s the thing. You have two options. First option I give you this back’ stated Paula nodding to the bag which was now on the table in front of them. ‘And you go on your merry way. Get off your face for a few weeks then end up back where you started or... second option I can help get you into a drug detox programme here in Manchester. You go, have treatment, counselling, whatever and hopefully you get better.’ ‘You could do that?’‘Which option are we talking about here? Second option definitely. First option, not sure my conscience could take it.’ She already felt awful for the fact she’d purposely left Olivia alone in the kitchen with the bag of coke for a few minutes before they had started their chat. She needed Olivia to open up and knew if she had a line she’d do just that. She was pretty certain she had taken some as she seemed much more relaxed now.Olivia smiled. ‘ I guess I’ll take the second option. Thank you. You know you’re actually pretty cool’‘Why thank you. I have my moments.’ ‘I thought you’d be a right stuck up bitch.’‘I can do stuck up, if that’s what you want?’ ‘No, no this is good. But what I’m struggling to understand is why you’re bothering? You could have just given me a lecture about how I’m no good for your son, thrown the coke away and chucked me out.’‘Yep I could have done that but like I said you remind me of myself and luckily when I hit rock bottom I had people to help me out.‘But look at you. You’re a successful lawyer. You have an amazing house, kids, girlfriend. You have it all, how can you compare yourself to me?’ ‘Because I might have all of those things now but believe me in the past and actually not to distant past I’ve been known to hit the self destruct button.’‘Really? Are you just saying that to make me feel better?’‘No... believe me I wouldn’t do that. While I was away at uni I could have easily ended up in your shoes. I know you wouldn’t think it but I was actually pretty wild back in my younger days. If I hadn’t met my husband when I did, there’s no way I would have got through law school. He kept me on the straight and narrow. He saved me. Before him you name it I took it, anything to have a good night. Looking back I was completely out of control. God I really shouldn’t be telling you this, don’t repeat this to Theo.’ ‘No I won’t. Well it’s good to know I can come back from this.’‘Oh god yeah. Listen what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. You’ll get through this and you’ll be a better person because of it.’ ‘So what happened to your husband then? If he saved you why aren’t you together now?’ Inquired Olivia, she wasn’t sure why, but she suddenly wanted to know everything about the woman sat in front of her. ‘Oh wow I can tell you’re going to make a good lawyer.’ ‘Sorry I’m just curious. Is it because you realised you were gay?’ ‘No it’s when I realised he was too good for me. I messed him around. I wasn’t a very good wife, actually I was a really shit wife. I worked too much, played too hard, neglected him. I wanted some excitement, I wanted more so I lied, I cheated, I hit rock bottom again ... anyway sorry this isn’t about me.’‘But that’s it, you’re exactly right. That’s how I feel. Like i’m never happy, I’m always looking for something more. ‘See I told you. We’re not too dissimilar.’

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Finally two hours after Sophie had been told to get Theo out of the house she finally received a text from Paula.So sorry love things took a bit longer than expected but we’re sorted here now. Hope Theo has been behaving himself xx Actually Sophie had enjoyed her breakfast with Theo. He was really chatty for a bloke and so funny, the stories he’d been telling her had had her in stitches. Paula was right when she said he’d got himself into some scrapes. ‘Hey mum we’re back,’ shouted Theo as they walked through the door ‘Fancy a coffee?’ He asked as he popped his head into the study. ‘Oh where are you?’ He yelled again.God does this guy do nothing quietly? Thought Sophie as she smiled at Paula who had just walked into the hallway. ‘Hi you two I’m so sorry I couldn’t make it but something came up.’ ‘Yeah work, as always. You know when i’m a lawyer I’m going to have a rule. No working at weekends.’ Stated Theo.‘Actually darling i’ve not been working. I’ve been .... having a chat with Olivia.’ ‘Oh ok. She woke up then’ laughed Theo. ‘Seriously all that girl does is study, party and then sleep for days. ‘Yeah she woke up ages ago. Look Theo Olivia’s got something she needs to talk to you...’‘Oh fuck she’s not pregnant is she?’Rolling her eyes Paula replied ‘No she’s not pregnant but there is something she needs to explain to you so if you two go into the kitchen me and Sophie will make ourselves scarce.‘Mum you’re worrying me now. I don’t really know her that well. I mean I do like her but we’ve only, well you know ... and she’s a nice enough girl but sometimes she can be a bit weird and well I have no idea why she turned up here. It’s all a bit odd.’ ‘Well if you go into the kitchen she’ll explain it all.’ Glared Paula adding ‘be nice,’ as she ushered him down the hallway.‘What’s going on?’ Whispered Sophie now the kitchen door was open.‘It’s a long story,’ whispered back Paula as she dragged Sophie into the lounge. .......................................................‘Right so let me get this straight Olivia stole coke from her dealer, who then punched Theo. She then planted the coke on Theo who left the club before she could get it back so she followed him all the way to Manchester to find it.’ Summed up Sophie taking a deep breath ‘And you managed to guess this was what had happened?’ She added incredulously. ‘Well no obviously not but I had a feeling the coke was hers as soon as she appeared this morning. There was something shifty about her and I could tell Theo had no idea why she was here,’ explained Paula.‘So you set her up?’‘Yeah pretty much. I caught her going through Theo’s pockets.’ ‘So what’s going to happen now?’ Asked Sophie. ‘I’ve called and made an appointment for an assessment at the priory. We’ve used it for clients before so they said they’d take her later today. I’m probably going to need to pay for the treatment myself...‘You’re what?’ Stated Sophie. ‘Look she needs help and she needs it now.’‘Wow I can’t believe ....’ started Sophie slightly taken aback. ‘Believe what Sophie?’ Interrupted Paula‘Nothing, i’m just surprised that’s all. I mean this girl gave your son coke and she’s the reason he got beaten up. I didn’t think you’d be so understanding.’‘I know but let’s be fair I doubt Theo took much persuading and I feel a responsibility to look out for her, seeing as she opened up to me.’‘Well babe I think that’s really amazing of you. I’m just hoping she appreciates it.’‘Yeah I’m sure she does. You didn’t see her Soph she was in such a state and she’s promised to pay me back. I’ve said she can come and work for me once she’s qualified.’ ‘Well then it looks like it’s all sorted. Let’s just hope Theo’s ok about it all.’ ‘Yeah let’s hope so. I’m sure once he knows the full story he’ll realise she needs help and I have said our arrangement has nothing to do with him. I mean if they want to see each other again once her treatment’s finished then that’s up to them.’‘Come here you.’ Smiled Sophie as she pulled Paula in for a hug. ‘Have you been smoking again?’ She asked crinkling up her nose. ‘Yeah,’ replied Paula sheepishly looking at the floor.‘Babe is this gonna become a regular thing because I really cannot cope with this smell.’‘No I promise. I will never smoke again.’ Replied Paula her hands in the air.‘Ok well just remember if you do I won’t be going anywhere near you ok.’‘Well I think that’ll be reason enough for me to abstain then.’ Grinned Paula. ‘But seriously babe you’re doing a great thing. Most parents would have kicked Olivia out and told her never to come near their son again, not help get them into rehab. Theo and Isla are so lucky to have a mum like you.’ ‘Believe me Sophie there have been moments in their lives when they have definitely not been lucky to have me as their mum but I like to think that I’m making up for those times now.’ Sighed Paula. ‘Well I think you’re amazing’ beamed Sophie as she snuggled down, resting her head on Paula’s shoulder. ‘I’m sure Theo and Isla understand that your job meant you couldn’t always be there for them.’‘Yeah, thanks love,’ replied Paula knowing full well that it hadn’t always been her job that had kept her away.Paula was just wondering whether she should go and check if everything was ok when Olivia and Theo emerged from the kitchen. She could tell Olivia had been crying, she looked terrible. ‘So all sorted?’ Asked Paula.‘Yep it’s nice to know that for once none of this was actually my fault.’ Said Theo somewhat proudly. ‘Yeah well it’s a first,’ muttered Paula glaring at him and then turning to Olivia ‘Ignore him he’s trying to ease the tension by cracking jokes he does it all the time.’‘Yeah I know. Look Sophie I’m sorry, I owe you an apology. I was a complete bitch this morning. I had other things on my mind and I took my frustration out on you.’‘It’s fine. Now I know the whole story it makes sense. I bet the last thing you wanted to do was make small talk with me.’‘Yeah, I’m really not normally like that.’ Promised Olivia.‘Look it’s fine. Let’s just forget it.’ Smiled Sophie. ‘Right well, now everyone’s up to speed we better sort you out with some clothes. They’ll probably keep you in for at least a week and then go from there. You can borrow some of my stuff but Sophie’s clothes might be a bit better suited.’ Said Paula taking control of the situation.‘Look why don’t we go and get everything sorted.’ Offered Sophie. ‘Yeah that sounds great, thanks.’ Replied Olivia wanting to get going as soon as possible. ‘There’s a holdall in the top of the wardrobe Sophie use that.’ Instructed Paula. Once the two girls had left Paula turned to Theo.‘So everything ok? Look I’m sorry I got involved but I couldn’t just sit back and do nothing.’ ‘Mum it’s ok. God I do get myself into some situations, don’t I? It’s like trouble just follows me around.’ ‘Yeah well there’s never a dull moment with you around, that’s for sure,’ laughed Paula standing on her tiptoes to embrace her son. ‘I love you.’ ‘Yeah you too, but that’s the last time I go anywhere on my own with Sophie.’‘Why’s that? Don’t you like her?’ Asked Paula anxiously. The last thing she needed was for Theo to have a problem with Sophie. ‘No she’s great but I met two old school mates who thought she was my girlfriend. It’s pretty hard to explain that, no the stunning girl I’m with, who’s not much older than me, is actually dating my mum.’ ‘Oh yeah I can see how that might be difficult.’ Laughed Paula. ‘So apart from that she’s ok? And your ok with us?’‘Mum I’ve told you. Whatever makes you happy and I can tell Sophie makes you very happy so it’s all cool with me.’ .......................................................‘I’m back’ called Paula as she entered the house smiling as she smelt her favourite Indian take away coming from the kitchen.‘Hi babe, everything go ok? We couldn’t be bothered to cook so it’s take out again tonight but tomorrow we are definitely cooking.’ Announced Sophie as Paula collapsed into a chair and poured herself a large glass of red from the bottle already open on the table.‘Yes boss,’ grinned Paula. She loved the fact that Sophie was so at home in her house.‘So how did it go? Olivia all checked in or whatever they do there.’ ‘Yep all sorted they’re going to start the assessment tomorrow and go from there so hopefully she’ll get herself sorted. It’s up to her now. Anyway can we talk about something else, today has been so draining.’‘And what would you like to discuss?’ Asked Sophie as she sat sideways across Paula’s lap clasping her hands around the lawyers neck. ‘The weather, politics, current affairs, the contents of the trunk at the top of your wardrobe?’ ‘What?’ ‘You heard me,’ smiled Sophie as she pulled back and raised her eyebrows at Paula. ‘When I got the holdall out earlier I came across your little stash or should I say rather large stash of interesting adult toys.’‘Aah yes,’ said Paula not sure what Sophie’s views would be on such items. Some people loved to use toys to spice things up but Paula had found that others were rather intimidated by them. The last thing she wanted Sophie to think was that she wasn’t fulfilling her needs because nothing could be further from the truth. ‘Aah yes,’ mimicked Sophie. ‘You have quite the collection. I’m particularly interested in how you acquired the police handcuffs and I’ve got to be honest there’s a couple of things I’m clueless about, but I’m looking forward to learning.’ Winked Sophie as she leant forward and placed a kiss straight onto Paula’s slightly parted lips. ‘Oh wow I can see you’ve been having a good look,’ smiled Paula. ‘And you know...I’d be more than happy to show you how to use anything you’re unsure about.’ And there it was that voice, that sultry, sexy voice and Sophie was in heaven. ‘Mmmm,’ she moaned into Paula’s mouth. ‘You really are very naughty, aren’t you?’

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After what had been a rather eventful day it had been a lovely relaxed evening. Paula, Sophie and Theo had eaten delicious food, drank good wine and laughed lots, mostly at all the ridiculous stories Theo came out with and the equally crazy stuff Sophie had told them about Rosie. Paula was definitely keen to meet Sohie’s older sister, she sounded like a right character. Although it would probably be a good idea if Theo and Rosie were kept apart. Paula didn’t want to think about the trouble those two could get into together. ‘Right I know it’s only early but I’ve got to get to bed I’m exhausted.’ Announced Paula as she slowly got to her feet. ‘You coming love?’ ‘Yep actually think I will, I’ve drunk slightly too much wine. You guys drink way too quickly.’ Sophie moaned glaring at the two of them. ‘Hey we didn’t ask you to keep up with the pace.’ Laughed Theo. ‘No but you kept filling my glass up didn’t ya.’ Accused Sophie giving him a gentle nudge with her shoulder. ‘Oi easy, remember I’m injured. Right are you two off then? Because I wanna get comfy’ said Theo as he swung his legs onto the sofa and stretched out smiling cheekily. ‘Charming, right well remember you can’t take anymore painkillers now you’ve had a drink,’ Paula reminded him.‘Yes mum’ groaned Theo sneaking an eye roll at Sophie.‘I’m just grabbing a water babe do you want anything?’ asked Sophie as Paula headed to the stairs.’‘No I’m good thanks,’ Paula called as she watched Sophie disappear into the kitchen swaying her hips. She’d never tire of that view she thought as she headed upstairs.Walking through the bedroom door Paula stopped in her tracks when she saw what was all over the bed. Wow Sophie has been busy she thought as she went to take her make up off. A few minutes later Sophie entered the bedroom. ‘Did you not think it might have been a good idea to pack all this away before coming down for dinner?’ Smiled Paula as she leaned against the doorframe of the en-suite.‘Oh shit, sorry babe I forgot I’d tipped it all out. I didn’t think you’d mind. I was just curious, you have quite the collection.’ ‘It’s fine, i’m glad you’re interested’ replied Paula as she crossed the room towards Sophie. ‘It’s just, with Theo staying I don’t really want all this ... everywhere.’ ‘Yeah I get it. It does look like a small branch of Ann Summers displayed all over your bed.’ Smirked Sophie.‘Our bed’ corrected Paula as she moved closer to Sophie and placed her hands either side of Sophie’s hips pulling her close.‘And you know normally I’d be fine with it but there’s just some things a son doesn’t need to see.’ ‘Understood, sorry. Although why would he be in here anyway?’‘This is Theo we’re talking about. He wanders about like a child, no concept of personal space. He was in here yesterday rummaging around for paracetamol,’ explained Paula as she released Sophie and walked over to the bed. ’‘God there is quite a lot of stuff here isn’t there?’ She grinned as she looked down at the contents shrewn all over the bed. ‘I hadn’t realised.’ ‘Yeah I mean how many dildos does one women need?’ laughed Sophie as she joined Paula at the foot of the bed. ‘God Sophie I’ve only got three, those two are vibrators, completely different.’ Explained Paula as she sat on the edge of the bed. ‘So which one’s your favourite then?’ blushed Sophie. She still found it difficult discussing sex, even with Paula who had no problem with it whatsoever. ‘Hey are you blushing?’ Teased Paula as she picked up a glass dildo. ‘There’s no need to be embarrassed Sophie everyone has sex. Now this one is good, it’s not too big and it’s great for temperature play.’‘Temperature play?’ Questioned Sophie moving the stuff further into the middle of the bed so she could sit down. ‘Yeah you can heat it up and cool it down, it feels so good.’ Paula could tell Sophie wasn’t convinced. ‘You don’t need to use it internally if that’s what you’re worried about. You liked the ice didn’t you?’‘Yeah that was fun.’‘Well then I’m sure you’d like this too. Although having said that I prefer vibrators,’ Paula stated holding up her rabbit. ‘I’ve had many happy times with this,’ she smiled. ‘Looks a bit scary to me.’ ‘Oh Sophie believe me when I say this thing is amazing.’ Sophie didn’t look convinced. ‘I’ll take your word for it,’ she replied ‘and what the hell is this?’ Laughing Paula explained, ‘they’re kegel balls and I’m not surprised you don’t know what they are, you don’t need them yet.’‘Need them? Why would I need them?’ ‘Well after you’ve had kids, if you want kids that is. You might find that things aren’t as.. tight as they were before, so these help. Sort of a work out for your vagina.’ ‘Well you learn something new everyday. Right so is this similar then?’ asked Sophie holding up an egg shaped toy. Her embarrassment was slowly disappearing and she was getting rather into this. I guess it helped that Paula was just so matter of fact about everything. ‘Yeah now that’s one of my favourites.’ Grinned Paula as she reached past Sophie to pick up something from the bed. ‘It’s a love egg, it feels great and the best thing about it is that it’s remote controlled. So if you’ve got that in and I’ve got this’ smirked Paula waving the remote, ‘Then I’m in complete control of your orgasm, wherever we are.’ ‘What you mean you’ve used this when you’ve been out.’ Asked Sophie, her eyes wide.‘Yeah, it certainly gets you in the mood.’ ‘Yeah I bet.’‘Right so now help me out with this. I mean what the hell do you do with this?’ Paula was really giggling now, the faces Sophie was pulling. ‘Oh Soph was that in the trunk? I mean I’m not really sure what that is but I’m guessing it’s some kind of attachment for something, I’m thinking the Hoover.’‘Well thank fuck for that. I mean I was wondering.’ ‘Come here you.’ Smiled Paula as she reached over to pull Sophie into her arms. ‘Have I ever told you how utterly crazy I am about you?’ ‘No you haven’t,’ grinned Sophie staring into her eyes. ‘Even now you know how naive I am about this sort of stuff.’‘Even more so. I’m just hoping I haven’t scared you away.’‘Scare me away? Never, but it’s been an eye opener, I didn’t realised you were quite so .... experimental.’ ‘Well I have been sexually active for quite a few more years than you Soph and sometimes things just need spicing up a bit. I mean don’t get me wrong we have no problems in that department but there’s no harm in making it even better is there?’ ‘Yeah I agree, so I’m thinking how about we leave some things out of the trunk just incase we feel the need to spice things up.’ ‘Mmm sounds like a plan. I’ll let you choose.’‘Ok this’ll be fun,’ laughed Sophie as she jumped further onto the bed. ‘Well I’m sorry babe but I don’t think I’m ready for any of these just yet.’ She said as she put the dildos and vibrators back into the box. Then pausing she took out the glass dildo, ‘well maybe i’ll let you use this one.’ She smiled. ‘And we obviously don’t need this as neither of us has a cock. Do you still need these ball thingies?’ She enquired looking at Paula.‘Kegel balls, you tell me?’ Laughed Paula. She was loving the fact that Sophie had stopped blushing quite so much and seemed to be rather enjoying herself.‘Nah I think we’ll leave those but I do wanna keep these out,’ smiled Sophie putting the blindfold, silk scarfs and spanking paddle on the bedside table.‘Really so who’s going to take control when we use those?’ Questioned Paula, her voice taking on that sultry tone, she did so well. ‘Because I’m very....good with that paddle.’ She winked.‘Yeah I have no doubt you are.’ Agreed Sophie smiling intently at her.‘Why are you smiling at me like that?’‘Because you’re doing that thing with your voice.’ ‘What thing?’ ‘Oh you know full well, what thing.’‘I have no idea what you’re talking about.’ replied Paula holding up the handcuffs. ‘So are you keeping these out too?’ She asked, a cheeky glint in her eye.‘Ooh yeah I’d forgotten about those, you never did tell me how you aquired them.’‘Come on Soph I’m a solicitor. I’m always hanging around police stations, use your imagination.’ ‘Paula Martin you are so bad, and you’re still doing that super sexy voice thing.’‘Sexy voice thing?’ Questioned Paula.‘Yes,’ said Sophie glaring at her ‘Don’t act all innocent, you know full well what you’re doing. Right I’m keeping this out too’ stated Sophie as she added the love egg to the pile and placed the trunk on the floor. ‘Although just so we’re clear it’ll be me with the remote.’‘Oh Soph that’s not fair.’‘Oh I think it is. I can’t wait to see you squirm.’ ‘Really, well I can’t wait to see you handcuffed to this bed.’ whispered Paula as she inched her way closer to Sophie and slowly started to run her fingers up and down her bare arm. Sophie looked down at Paula’s fingers gently stroking her skin and then up into her eyes. God this woman knew exactly how to seduce her.‘I thought you were tired’ whispered back Sophie.‘Funnily enough I’m wide awake now,’‘So do you fancy showing me what you can do with some of this stuff then?’ Whispered Sophie, shocking herself with her boldness.‘You know nothing would give me greater pleasure but only if you’re sure.’‘Well let’s give it a go and see what happens.’

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‘Are you sure you want to do this?’ Paula asked softly in Sophie’s ear. Sophie nodded. ‘And you haven’t drunk too much? ‘No, I’m not gonna lie I feel relaxed but I’m not drunk, I know what I want.’ ‘Good because the last thing I want to do is take advantage and if at any time you want to stop just ask me and I’ll stop.’ Reassured Paula. ‘Okay,’ Sophie’s chest felt all fluttery and tingly as she anticipated what was to come. She’d never done anything like this before, whatever this turned out to be. All she knew was that she was curious and she trusted Paula implicitly so if she couldn’t do this with her then she never would. ‘Shall we start with these?’ Questioned Paula as she held up the handcuffs and blindfold. ‘Then maybe this?’ She asked again as she held up the paddle. ‘I promise I’ll start slowly.’‘Ok,’ answered Sophie not really sure how she was going to respond to any of it. ‘Look you just do what you think and I’ll let you know if I like it.’‘Sounds good,’ replied Paula as she walked over to the bedroom door and flicked the lock. ‘Just in case,’ she winked.

‘Now take off your clothes,’ she instructed as she walked back over to the bed and stood directly in front of Sophie. Her tone of voice had changed, it was more commanding now, more dominant. How does she do that? Thought Sophie as she slipped out of her jeans and pulled her T-shirt over her head. ‘Good’ breathed Paula as she took in the sight of Sophie in just her black lace bra and thong. Looking her up and down she resisted the urge to touch her and instead took her by the hand and snapping one of the cuffs firmly around her wrist she led her to the bed. Next she flipped Sophie around so her back was facing her and gently pushed her onto the bed. Linking one arm around the iron headboard she brought Sophie’s hands together and snapped the other cuff closed.‘Are you ok?’ asked Paula softly as she undid the first few buttons of her own shirt and lent over Sophie.‘Yes,’ replied Sophie in a low voice. ‘Are you not taking that off?’ She questioned nodding at Paula’s open shirt. ‘You know how much I love your boobs.’ ‘Sshh’ whispered Paula tracing a finger to Sophie’s lips. ‘First rule of this game, you don’t get to ask questions. And anyway in a minute you won’t be able to see me. Still want to do this?’ Questioned Paula again.‘Yes,’ confirmed Sophie. She felt shivery all over, being exposed and tied up was something she’d never experienced before but she trusted Paula and could already feel the adrenaline building. She was loving the thrill even before anything had started. Paula smiled as she held up the black silk blindfold. Slowly she knelt on the bed behind Sophie and bought it up to cover her eyes, wrapping it tightly round Sophie’s long brunette hair.On her knees with her eyes blindfolded and her hands bound Sophie felt a mixture of anticipation and fear. What the hell was Paula going to do now? Her question was answered seconds later when she felt Paula push her hair to the side and then trail her fingers lightly from the top of her neck all the way down her back, stopping at the base of her spine. Then there was a different sensation altogether when Paula used her nails to scratch the skin from her shoulders down to her lower back following the scratches with gentle kisses. Sophie couldn’t help but moan, blindfolded the tactile sensations seemed amplified, Paula had barely started and already she was aching to find out what she would do next. Paula could tell that Sophie was enjoying herself but didn’t want to move too fast knowing this was totally new territory for her. Then smiling Paula spotted Sophie’s glass of water on the bedside table, that’ll do, she thought as she dipped her fingers into the liquid. Good it was still cold. Holding the glass over Sophie’s back Paula flicked the icy water from her fingers onto the back of Sophie’s neck feeling her shiver slightly. As the water slid down the curve of her lovers back and goose bumps formed on her skin Paula let out a soft moan as Sophie arched her back. Picking up the paddle Paula hesitated. This was the part Paula wasn’t sure about. Some people loved it but for others pain wasn’t a turn on. Paula didn’t mind a light spanking when she was in the mood although if she was honest she much preferred to be the one in control. She was definitely more of a Dom than a Sub but she had been known to swap roles in the past.Lifting the paddle she checked she was using the satin side rather than the leather one that was sure to sting. Slowly she dripped more of the ice cold liquid over Sophie’s back while with the other hand she ran the satin side of the paddle over Sophie’s buttocks. Then lifting the paddle she slapped her ass three times. Sophie’s breathing got louder and she tugged on the cuffs but she didn’t say anything. ‘You ok?’ Came Paula’s smooth sexy voice from behind her. Sophie nodded. The slaps had been harder than she’d expected but she’d kind of liked it and she shivered in anticipation of what would come next. She didn’t need to wait long as Paula lowered herself to lick the water off of Sophie’s back. She could tell Sophie liked it as she moaned and arched her back again. Paula was so turned on now but she knew to control herself. Paula then used her nails again, this time between Sophie’s thighs as she kissed and sucked her earlobe. ‘Well it certainly looks like you’re enjoying this,’ she whispered, as her hands followed the curve of her butt. Picking up the paddle she spanked her again, slightly harder this time. Sophie sucked in a breath but didn’t seem to dislike it so Paula took this as a sign to continue. For the next few minutes Paula alternated between stroking, scratching and spanking her lover changing the order and intensity to keep Sophie guessing. ‘How you feeling?’ Paula asked as she lent forward, her chest touching Sophie’s back, as she kissed her neck, just below her ear. ‘Hmm,’ moaned Sophie, ‘good.... that was good.’Suddenly with no warning at all Paula untied Sophie’s hands but only so she could turn her over and cuff her again. Laying on her back Sophie felt even more vulnerable than before but kinda liked it because she knew she still had some kind of control. She could tell Paula to stop whenever she wanted to, but she didn’t want it to stop, not just yet. With Sophie laying on her back her mouth was just too tempting. Paula kissed her hard and deep, biting her bottom lip, she was so turned on now. Dipping her fingers back into the water the older brunette lay down next to Sophie and trailed her fingers down Sophie’s taunt stomach and over the fabric of her knickers. God she was soaking. ‘Tell me what you want,’ she moaned into Sophie’s ear her fingers tracing the outline of her thong.‘Hmm’ moaned Sophie, ‘I wanna touch you,’ ‘Not yet,’ Paula uttered as she finally slipped her hand inside Sophie’s thong, stroking her clit with her cold finger. ‘Fuck’ breathed Sophie in a husky tone. Smiling Paula moved so she was on her knees in front of her younger lover. Slowly hooking her fingers into the sides of her thong she pulled it down. Once her hands were free she opened her own trousers and found her clit, she was so wet she knew it wouldn’t take her long to come. Gently she moved her tongue across Sophie’s clit. ‘Come for me,’ she ordered in that sultry voice that Sophie couldn’t get enough of and with just a few more swipes of her tongue Sophie’s legs were spread and shaking as she screamed out. Watching Sophie ride out her orgasm was enough her Paula, a few circular motions with her fingers and she too was shuddering on the bed next to her lover. Once they had both recovered Paula reached up the bed and released the cuffs then set to work on the blindfold. Sophie blinked as she could finally open her eyes and even though her arms were slightly sore from being tied she threw them around Paula’s neck so she could kiss her. Sophie than ran her hands up and down her lovers back before slipping a hand under her shirt longing to feel the warm skin there.Once she had satisfied her need to touch Paula she pulled back staring into her eyes. ‘Wow that was...intense’ ‘Intense in a good way?’ Questioned Paula.‘Definitely in a good way’ moaned Sophie. ‘I’m so glad you liked it,’ whispered Paula as she pulled Sophie down onto the bed next to her. Where they lay in each other’s arms, just being.After a while Paula started to fidget. ‘Sorry but as much as I would like to stay like this all night, I really need a wee’ gasped Paula running to the en-suite.‘That’ll be your age,’ laughed Sophie as she lay back, totally contented in the middle of the bed.‘Oi you, less of the age comments please. This old gal has just giving you an intense orgasm so I’d be careful how you talk to her.’ Called back Paula. ‘Ah sorry babe, well if you hurry up I’ll return the favour,’ Shouted back Sophie.‘Don’t worry love, I sorted myself out.’ Smiled Paula as she stuck her head around the door. ‘When did that happened?’ ‘Ah see that’s the thing with being blindfolded, you have no idea what i’ve been doing,’ grinned Paula as she walked back into the bedroom and started to strip off her clothes.‘So what else did you get up to?’‘Well I wouldn’t drink that, if I were you,’ Winked Paula nodding at the glass on the bedside table as she slipped naked between the sheets and pulled Sophie into her arms.

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‘Morning gorgeous’ smiled Paula as Sophie padded into the kitchen still looking half asleep.‘How are you always so cheery?’ Groaned Sophie.‘I’ve been up for 2 hours so i’ve had more than enough time to get enough coffee inside me to sound cheery. I’ve caught up on all my emails and arranged my diary for next week so I can give you and Theo my full attention.’ ‘That’s great babe but you really need to get more sleep. You’re always up at the crack of dawn and stay up way later than you should.’‘Well maybe I’d get more sleep if I wasn’t sharing my bed with such an incredibly attractive young woman.’ Laughed Paula as she wrapped her arms around Sophie and nuzzled into her neck.‘Excuse me but I think you’ll find that you were the one who kept us up until all hours.’ Pointed out Sophie as she pushed back into Paula. ‘Only after YOU suggested I show you a few things.’ Whisered the lawyer against Sophie’s ear. ‘Mmm and that you certainly did,’ Smiled Sophie as she turned round to face Paula.‘But maybe you’re right, I should make sure I’m in bed with a Horlicks by 8 in the future.’ Suggested Paula as she cheekily slipped her hand inside Sophie’s dressing gown. ‘Oh I wouldn’t go that far, I was thinking of you just staying in bed a little longer in the mornings.’ Shivered Sophie as Paula’s cold hand brushed her hardened nipple. ‘Mmm is there ever a time when you’re not horny?’‘Er let me see,’ said Paula as she pretended to think. ‘Nope not when you’re around,’ she grinned. Sophie smiled and moved her hands around Paula’s neck pulling her in for a kiss. It started off as just a peck but soon turned into something more as tongues and hands started to explore.‘Morning,’ announced Theo as he entered the kitchen, seemingly completely oblivious to the fact that Paula and Sophie had both jumped apart and were frantically trying to pull themselves together. ‘Morning darling,’ said Paula glaring at Sophie as she tried to sort out her hair. ‘Anyone fancy a brew?’ asked Theo as he walked over to the sink to fill up the kettle.‘Um yeah thanks, I will,’ replied Sophie pulling her dressing gown tighter around herself. ‘Not for me I’ve had enough caffeine this morning thanks’ replied Paula as she sat down at the breakfast bar giving Sophie a smirk.‘Hey you do know you don’t need to pull apart every time I come into a room’ grinned Theo as he lent against the counter top waiting for the kettle to boil. Both women looked at each other, Sophie turning a deep shade of red. ‘I’m a big boy, I can handle seeing you two together. You don’t need to act like sneaky teenagers.’ Theo continued looking between the two women. ‘Yeah but isn’t it a bit weird, you know... seeing your mum with... well me?’ Stuttered Sophie. ‘No not really, why should it be? You’re in a new relationship I’d be worried if you weren’t all over each other to be honest.’Wow thought Paula, was this actually her son talking? She couldn’t quite believe how well he was taking this new relationship, he really didn’t seem bothered by Sophie’s gender or age. Who would have thought he could be so mature. ‘I mean you were only kissing it’s not like I’ve caught you having full on sex on the kitchen counter is it,’ Laughed Theo.And there it was. Why hadn’t he just stopped talking thought Paula as she said. ‘God you just never know when to stop do you?’ ‘What?’ I was just saying ...’‘Yeah we know what you’re saying Theo and we really appreciate the fact you’re on board with our relationship it really means a lot.’ Smiled Paula. ‘Yeah it really does,’ agreed Sophie. ...................................................................The rest of the morning was taken up by a food shop to buy in everything they needed to cook a roast that afternoon. Paula had the most amazing kitchen but by the look of the cupboards she hardly spent much time cooking. Now Sophie had officially moved in she had gone to town kitting her out with every spice and herb going. ‘You do realise I have no idea what half of this stuff is, never mind what to do with it?’ Confessed Paula as she helped Sophie unpack the shopping. ‘I mean they all look the same,’ she sighed waving around a fist full of leaves.‘Well babe you can’t excel at everything,’ teased Sophie. ‘We all have things we’re good at, mine just happens to be cooking while yours seems to be .... well you’re ok at all that lawyery stuff aren’t you. ‘Oh cheers, I’d hope I was good at that seeing as it’s my job. So is that it then? I’m just an ok lawyer. Anything I’m good at other than what I get paid to do? Asked Paula giving Sophie a playful nudge.‘Um well let me think,’ said Sophie cocking her head to one side. ‘You’re very good at eating the food I cook, and ordering take outs and.....’ Sophie’s voice trailed off as she felt Paula’s hand slowly move down her back.‘And,’ whispered Paula as she glanced sideways at her. ‘And you’re very, very good at getting me all hot and bothered.’ ‘Am I?’ ‘Mmmmm’ ‘Good well at least I excel in something.’ Winked Paula as she moved across to the fridge bending down right in Sophie’s line of vision so she got a great view of her arse. God she’s unbelieveable thought Sophie as her eyes roamed her body. ‘Why are you staring at me?’ Asked Paula as she turned back around.‘Oh you know full well why I’m staring... you are one major te....‘Mum your iPad’s buzzing’ shreaked Theo from the hallway.‘Ah shit I bet that’s Isla she did say she’d face time at some point over the weekend.’‘I’ll get it,’ exclaimed Theo bounding into the lounge and snatching the iPad off the coffee table.
‘Just as Theo had open the cover Paula entered the room. ‘Remember I haven’t told her about So....’‘Hey sis, how’s tricks?’ Beamed Theo as he accepted the call. ‘Shit what the hell happened to your face?’ Came the greeting from his big sister. ‘And why are you at mum’s? Been kicked out of uni?’ ‘Ha ha yeah you’d love that wouldn’t you but no I’m just back for the weekend, wanted to share my bad ass results and try and blag some more money,’ explained Theo winking at his mum. ‘So how’d you get the black eye? And is your arm in a sling?’‘Oh you know me, just a slight misunderstanding.’ ‘Yeah right it’s always a misunderstanding with you, so what you been up to since you got home?’‘Oh nothing that exciting, haven’t been able to do much so i’ve just been here chilling with mum and it’s been good meeting her new girlfriend.’ Oh great sighed Paula as she tried to get Theo’s attention from the other side of the room by waving her arms around and making a cutting motion at her neck.‘Mum I don’t know what you’re trying to say just talk, Isla won’t mind you interrupting.’ Oh great how fucking stupid could this kid actually get? Thought Paula. ‘Sorry Theo did you just say new girlfriend? She never said.’ Came Isla’s voice into the room. ‘Ah yeah,’ replied Theo apprehensively, suddenly remembering that his mum hadn’t actually told his sister she’d got a partner never mind the fact that it was Sophie. ‘Anyway never mind about all that how’s Cambodia? What you been up to?’ ‘Whoa Theo you can’t change the subject now. Has mum got a girlfriend?’ Questioned Isla the anger in her voice clear.‘Yes mum has,’ answered Paula still standing behind the iPad so she couldn’t be seen. ‘Catch up with your brother and I’ll explain in a bit.’ She said glaring at Theo as she left the room. ‘Yeah tell me all about your travels, what you been getting up to?’ Questioned Theo, hoping that his mum wasn’t too upset with him. So as Isla started wittering on about her recent travels Paula headed back into the kitchen to explain to Sophie that she was going to need to come clean about their relationship earlier than planned. ‘So Isla’s on FaceTime and Theo has just gone and put his foot in it about us,’ started Paula as she entered the kitchen.‘You what?’ Asked Sophie. ‘Yeah Theo’s let slip to Isla that I’m seeing someone. I’ve left them chatting so I could come and tell you I’m going to have to tell Isla about us now, rather than waiting until she’s back.’ ‘Oooo so I’m not gonna be your dirty little secret for much longer then.’‘Hey you were never that. You know why I wanted to wait. I just thought it would be better telling her face to face but I suppose at least this way she’ll have time to process it before she comes home. She’s due back in a couple of weeks.’ ‘Do you think she’s gonna take it badly then?’ Questioned Sophie nervously. ‘Well put it this way. Isla’s not forgiven me for how I treated her dad and she’s not best pleased I’m into women and then add in the fact that you’re only a couple of years older than she is. Then yes I do think she’ll take it badly.‘Great,’ moaned Sophie as she watched Paula walk back into the lounge wondering whether she should followed her or just keep out of it. Surly it would be better if Paula explained on her own? Sophie hovered in the kitchen for a couple of minutes before deciding that, no she needed to hear what was happening. I mean Theo was fine with them so surely Isla wouldn’t take it too badly. ‘Are you serious you’re in a relationship with that girl you tried to set ME up with. ‘Shrieked Isla from the computer screen. ‘So that’s why you agreed to let me go travelling. You were dead set against it until you saw Sophie then suddenly you couldn’t wait to get rid of me so you could jump into bed with her yourself. God mum you really are unbelievable.’Or maybe not, thought Sophie as she sat down opposite Paula tucking her feet beneath her. So this was going well. ‘Have you finished?’ Came the calm reply from Paula. ‘No not really, I haven’t even started on the fact that she could be your daughter. God isn’t she like the same age as me?’ ‘Three years older, but yeah she is a lot younger than me,’ muttered Paula. ‘But they get on really well together you wouldn’t know there was over twenty years between them,’ offered up Theo. ‘I think they make a cute couple.’ ‘Not helping’ mouthed Paula as she nudged Theo’s foot with her own while Sophie looked on smiling. Even though Theo had totally stitched them up she couldn’t help but like him. ‘Well you would be on board with this wouldn’t you, your morals are as loose as hers.’ Shot back Isla. ‘Excuse me,’ exclaimed Paula not quite believing what her daughter was saying.

‘What’s that suppose to mean?’ Shouted Theo ‘You know full well.’‘No actually I don’t, so come on let’s hear it.’ Raged Theo as he snatched the iPad off of Paula’s lap and glared at his sister. ‘Oh come on Theo how many one night stands have you had? You have a different girl every week.’‘And your point is? Just because you don’t do one night stands doesn’t mean they’re wrong. You know two consenting adults can do what they damn well want. And what the hell has this got to do with mum and Sophie? This isn’t a one night stand.’ ‘I’m just pointing out the fact that sex to you obviously doesn’t mean much and that’s why it doesn’t bother you that our mum was screwing around for god knows how long behind our dad’s back? She totally humiliated him and you couldn’t give a shit.’ Wow thought Paula as she mouthed ‘I’m so sorry’ to Sophie. Thank god she’d come clean about the affair otherwise this would have been an absolute nightmare not that it wasn’t a nightmare but Paula was well aware that it could have been a whole lot worse.‘It was three years ago Isla and what the fuck are you bringing that up for it has nothing to do with her being with Sophie?’‘I’m bringing it up because after what she did why should she be happy? She doesn’t deserve to be happy.’ Ah so that’s the reason Isla hates me being with anyone else, she doesn't think I deserve to be happy. Why hadn’t Paula realised this sooner. Pulling the iPad over from Theo’s lap Paula looked at Isla she’d had no idea that she still felt like this.‘Darling look at me, please look at me. I know I did a really shitty thing but please we need to move on. I’m sorry about everything that happened with your dad but I’m not going to apologise for falling in love again. I know you find my sexuality difficult but it is what it is and it’s not going to change. I know I did some stupid things when your dad left and made some bad decisions but I’d still like to think that I deserve a second chance.’ After Paula’s little speech the room was silent. Theo was still silently raging next to his mum while Paula just stared at the screen. Meanwhile opposite Sophie was trying to process exactly what Paula had just said. On the one hand she loved the fact that Paula had just told both her children she had fallen in love again but on the other hand she was wondering what other stupid things her girlfriend had done. It was Isla that finally spoke. ‘I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that... or Theo.
It was uncalled for..... it’s just it seems like when I went away to uni I had a complete family and while I was away it was destroyed... and you’d changed....’‘I’m sorry too and look when you get back we’ll sit down and I’ll tell you everything you want to know. You can ask me anything. Ok.’ Reassured Paula. ‘Yeah ok but I have a lot of questions, ‘replied Isla bluntly. ‘And look I’m sorry if I overreacted it’s just hard for me to get my head round. I mean one minute you’re setting me up with someone the next thing I know you’re telling me you’re in a relationship with them. You must admit that is a bit weird.’‘Yep i do realise that and that’s why I was waiting until you came home so I could tell you properly but someone here opened his big mouth.’ ‘I’m sorry,’ replied Theo ‘but just think if I hadn’t said anything we wouldn’t have know how little Isla thinks of our morals.’ Remarked Theo still clearly annoyed. ‘Sorry Theo I shouldn’t have said that either. You know it’s only because I’m jealous that the pair of you manage to pull so often.’ ‘Ok so we’ve all apologised. Sophie have you got anything to say sorry for cos now’s the time to do it.’ Laughed Theo.‘Ah shit I didn’t realise Sophie was there too. Sorry Sophie but I’m sure you can try and understand how strange this is for me.’‘It’s fine Isla, I get it.’ Called out Sophie.‘Oh and thanks for the book. It’s really come in handy.’‘Aah great, no problem,’ replied Sophie catching Paula’s eye as the two of them blushed remembering how Paula had aquired said book. ‘Right so now everyone’s apologised what time are you back on the 17th?’ Asked Paula desperately trying to change the subject. ‘Ah actually mum there’s been a change of plan I’m hoping to spend a few more months out here if that’s ok with you.’‘And how much is this going to cost me?’ Questioned Paula‘About 3 grand should cover it.’ ‘3 grand? You do know I’m not made of money don’t you? ‘Oh come on mum, you make that in a week.’ Umm not quite but even if I did why should I give it to you? ‘Because you’ve just dropped a bombshell on me and this is a once in a life time opportunity.’ Replied Isla smiling sweetly.‘Ok, ok i’ll send you the money but that’s it, no more.’ ‘Thanks mum, right I better be going my battery’s running low. I’ll call you again soon and remember I won’t forget about that chat so you better be ready to answer my questions,’ warned Isla.‘Ok no problem. See you sweetheart, love you.’‘Love you too, bye Theo, see you Sophie.’ ‘Bye,’ ‘Well that went well,’ announced Theo as the connection was cut. Yeah great thought Paula. Thanks to Theo she now had the delightful prospect of being quizzed by Isla on events from her past she’d rather forget.

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Paula let out a long sigh as she lent back in her office chair and kicked off her heels. She’d never been so glad to get back into work on a Monday morning before. The weekend had just been so draining, first the drama of Tim and Theo turning up unexpectedly, then the fiasco with Olivia and finally the row with Isla. It had all taken it’s toll and Paula was exhausted. She felt like she’d spent the whole weekend dealing with drama. God what must Sophie think of her family life? It was her first weekend of living with Paula properly and it had just been one problem after another. Maybe she should take her away next weekend so they could just be together without life getting in the way. Paula smiled as she caught a glimpse of Sophie coming into work. Paula had been up and out of the house by half 7, keen to get on with the case load piling up on her desk. Work had been her life for the past couple of years, she’d needed to keep herself busy to avoid filling her time with things she knew weren’t good for her. Now though she needed to delegated more. She knew she’d find it hard to let go but Sophie deserved her attention. Glancing at the clock Paula realised it was close to 9, nearly time for the morning briefing, hopefully Sophie would come into her office first and they could have the good morning kiss they’d missed earlier. Suddenly there was a knock at the door snapping her out of her thoughts ‘Come in’ called Paula, smiling when she looked up and realised it was indeed her favourite employee. ‘Hey,’ ‘Hey yourself,’ grinned Sophie. ‘Shall I prop the door open?’ Asked Sophie as was custom when everyone was due into her office. ‘No keep it closed a minute, I want to do something.’ Stated Paula as she slipped her heels back on and walked around the desk. ‘Come here you,’ she grinned as she pulled Sophie in for a kiss, pushing her lips firmly against Sophie’s she cupped her face before letting her hands slide down her shoulders. She wanted more but knew they didn’t have time so reluctantly she pulled away before things got too heated. ‘Well that was very nice,’ stated Sophie gazing at the solicitor. ‘I missed you this morning. Did you not listen to me when I told you that you need to sleep more?’ ‘I was up and I couldn’t lay around doing nothing so I watched you for a bit then thought I may as well head in here.’ Explained Paula lacing her fingers between the younger woman’s. ‘You watched me sleep?’ Questioned Sophie crinkling her brow.‘Yeah what’s wrong with that?’ Then after a slight pause, ‘Is that weird? Don’t you watch me?’ Sleep? Ha chance would be a fine thing, you’re never asleep long enough.’ ‘Oh very funny. I’ll sleep when I’m dead.’‘What’s all this about being dead?’ Questioned Mike as he bumbled into the office carrying an armful of files. ‘Excuse me but have you not heard of knocking?’ Exclaimed Paula letting go of Sophie’s hands and looking over at Mike. ‘Well I didn’t have a free hand did I, so I just kicked it and it opened.’ Offered up Mike. ‘Anyway I’m a partner in this firm I shouldn’t need to knock.’‘Oh you need to knock,’ grinned Paula. ‘You never know what might be going on in here.’ ‘Paula,’ warned Sophie, blushing slightly. ‘What? It was you who didn’t close the door properly.Dropping the files on the table Mike looked at the two women still standing very close together. ‘Oh I see,’ he replied with a knowing glance. ‘Don’t worry ladies I’ll make sure I knock in future wouldn’t want to catch you in a compromising position now would I.’ ‘No you wouldn’t,’ winked Paula. ‘Right let’s sort all this out, everyone will be here in a minute. You alright to have Ben with you this week?’ ‘I’m just gonna grab some water, anything else we need?’ Questioned Sophie.‘No we’re all good I think, thanks love.’As Sophie left, Mike turned to Paula. ‘So any reason why Ben’s with me next week?’ ‘Well seeing as both cases finished last week it seems like a natural time to change don’t you think?.’‘Yeah but we don’t usually swap interns unless there’s a problem. Is there a problem?’‘No, no problem’‘Paula?’‘Ok, ok. Ben seems to have a thing for me.’
‘Umm yeah I know. Although to be honest Paula it does seem like you may have led him on slightly. I mean I read one of Ben’s texts to Andy, it said something like ‘I’ve been drinking with the boss and she’s definitely gagging for it.’ Said Mike as he raised his eyebrows. ‘Yeah well I wanted to teach him a lesson for gossiping about me. I don’t want everyone here knowing what happened.’‘So you thought you’d show him you’re not that person anymore by making him think you’d sleep with him?’ Replied Mike clearly puzzled. ‘Yeah well I couldn’t help myself. I only flirted a bit.’‘Yeah right’ scoffed Mike. ‘I’ve seen you flirt... So Sophie knows all about this little game, yeah?’ ‘Yes she does and anyway it’s all sorted now, so shall we just forget it?’‘Just so long as you know what you’re doing.’ whispered Mike as the rest of the staff starting filing into the office and taking their places. ‘Morning boss, good weekend?’ ‘Lovely thanks, you?’ Asked Paula, glad to have put an end to her conversation with Mike.
Once everyone had found their seats and finished their hello’s Paula addressed the room. She noticed straight away that Ben wasn’t in. Maybe he’d decided not to come back thought Paula as she started the meeting. Stopping mid sentence Paula glanced over to the door. ‘Good morning, nice of you to join us.’‘Erm sorry traffic was a nightmare.’‘Funny that, it didn’t seem to be a problem for anyone else,’ came back Paula’s icy reply.‘No,’ stated Ben as he looked round the room wishing the ground would just swallow him up. ‘Sorry it won’t happen again.’ ‘Yeah well it had better not.’ Shot back Paula. She was actually rather impressed he’d come in at all. She thought that after Friday he’d make up some excuse and leave. Slipping into an empty seat Ben really wished he’d just called in sick but he didn’t want Paula to think he couldn’t handle her. Which to be fair he couldn’t and that’s what made her such a turn on.
Ben had found Paula attractive the first time he’d met her but having got to know her, he really did have it bad. She was one of those women that you couldn’t get out of you head. Over the weekend he’d had time to think about Thursday night and he couldn’t remember a time when he’d been so turned on without being touched.
And that kiss with Sophie, god that was hot. Sophie was one lucky girl. On the one hand Ben was fuming with the couple because they’d played him but on the other hand he’d enjoyed his time with Paula. Even though she’d embarrassed him he felt sure that she wouldn’t have acted the way she had if she wasn’t just a little bit turned on by it herself.Staring intently at Paula, Ben was trying to look like he was listening but in truth he had no idea what she was saying. All he could think about was how she’d look with her skirt hitched up round her thighs, bent over her desk with him taking her from behind. Or pushed up against the filing cabinet, legs wrapped around his waist, hands grabbing his hair as he fucked her into oblivion. God he bet she was an amazing fuck. What was it Sophie had said ‘sex definitely isn’t boring with her’ and after her antics on Thursday night he could totally believe it. He was willing to bet she loved to be in control and probably had a filthy mouth on her once she got going. ‘So Andy you’ll be shadowing me this week and Ben you’re with Mike.’Upon hearing his name Ben sat up straighter in his chair, he didn’t want to give Paula any other excuse to pull him up again. Great so Andy was going to be spending all his time with Paula while he was stuck with Mike, that’s all he wanted to hear.‘Ok so that’s everything, have a good week everyone.’ As chairs scraped back and everyone started to leave Ben reluctantly walked over to Mike. ‘So boss what’s the plan for today then?’‘Morning Ben, well you can start by grabbing me a coffee, black with two sugars then i’ll meet you in my office in say 20 minutes.’ ‘Yep no worries see you in a bit.’ Replied Ben as he made his way to the kitchen stealing one last glance at Paula as he left.‘Morning mate,’ smirked Andy as Ben entered the kitchen. ‘So any tips on how to handle Paula? What should I do if I find myself alone with her? She might try it on.’‘Oh fuck off Andy.’ He so wasn’t in the mood.‘What I’m only asking.’‘Winding me up more like. Look I know you think it was all in my head but I’m telling you she was proper flirting with me at the bar.’‘Ok whatever you say, but do you really think anyone believes you, now we know she’s screwing Sophie. Mike was definitely right when he said you weren’t her type.’ Mocked Andy as he left the kitchen. ‘You need to let this stupid crush go cos you’re making yourself look like a fool.’ Added Andy as he rounded the corner on his way to Paula’s office.Sitting down Ben let out a long groan. Great, now everyone thinks I’m a complete liar. Which I’m not, because Paula did actually come on to me, albeit with an ulterior motive and now everyone’s laughing at me. On Friday he’d been willing to let the whole thing go realising that they’d both made mistakes but now he was being made to look like some delusional love struck teenager, he wasn’t going to have it. Paula and Sophie were going to pay for making him look the fool. He wasn’t sure what he was going to do yet but he’d think of something.

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‘Hey mum,’ called Theo from his corner spot on the sofa as he heard the front door close. ‘Sophie’s busy in the kitchen. Good day at the office?’ Paula sighed as she slipped off her coat and shoes and left her work bag in the hallway. As much as she loved having her son staying she was getting rather irritated by the fact that all he did was laze around the house all day.‘Theo I’m not being funny but are you actually going back to uni?’ Asked Paula as she walked into the lounge finding Theo in his usual spot on the sofa. ‘I’m beginning to think that Isla might be right and you have been kicked out,’ she teased. It was Wednesday night and Theo was still back at home. ‘It’s reading week so I haven’t got any lectures and it’s student night in town tonight so I’m meeting up with the school lot.’ Explained Theo. ‘I’ll probably head back on Friday if that’s ok with you.’ ‘Hey don’t get me wrong I’ve loved having you here....’‘But...’‘But nothing, you know you can stay as long as you like. It’s just you’re gonna wear a hole in that sofa, haven’t you got anything productive you could be doing?’‘Naw not really,’ replied Theo stiflingly a yawn as he stretched out along the sofa. ‘Oh to be young,’ muttered Paula under her breath as she added, ‘Will you be in for dinner? We’re not eating until 8 though, Sophie’s family are coming over.’ ‘Ooh meeting the in laws,’ mocked Theo. ‘That’ll be interesting.’‘I’ve meet them before,’ snapped Paula.‘Oh yeah course you have, you went to school with Sophie’s mum didn’t ya? Isn’t that a bit weird?’ ‘No,’ exclaimed Paula before adding ‘well a bit, but it’s fine. Although it’s the first time they’ve been here so I suppose that’ll be a bit strange. So anyway are you staying for dinner or not?’ ‘What would you like me to do?’‘I couldn’t give a shit, but make up your mind so I can tell Sophie.’ ‘No ya all right i’ll eat at the pub. Although I might not have left by 8. Will that be ok?’ ‘Of course, why wouldn’t it be?’ ‘I dunno you might not want your future in laws to meet me. I mean you know what I’m like.’‘Well look, I’m sure even you can manage a polite hello and some small talk before you leave.’ ‘Yeah, I mean what could go wrong,’ laughed Theo as he jumped up off the sofa. ‘Right I’m grabbing a shower. You do know it’s nearly half 7, they’ll be here soon.’ ‘Shit, no I didn’t. Oh god Sophie’s gonna kill me. I promised I wouldn’t be late. What are you laughing at?’ ‘Nothing, well just the fact that I’ve never known you to be scared of anyone before.’ Teased Theo knowing exactly how to wind his mum up. ‘I’m not scared of Sophie.’ ‘Paula, babe is that you?’ Came Sophie’s voice from the kitchen. ‘Yeah, hi love.’ ‘Seriously you walk in at nearly half 7 and then stand around chatting. You do know they’ll be here soon.’ Shouted Sophie. ‘Yeah sorry I was just going to get changed then i’ll come and help.’ Called Paula already heading up the stairs. ‘Not scared?’ Mocked Theo watching his mum run up the stairs. ................................................................‘Hi Sally, Tim can I take your coats? It’s so lovely to see you both.’ Remarked Paula hanging their coats in the hall. ‘Oh thanks Paula, wow don’t you have a beautiful home. Isn’t it beautiful Tim.’ Gushed Sally trying to get a look up the stairs. ‘Yeah it’s great,’ agreed Tim.Laughing Paula replied ‘You’ve barely got in the door. Why don’t we head into the kitchen. I’ll give you the guided tour in a bit if you want?’ ‘Ooo yes please,’ said Sally as she followed Paula into the kitchen which was situated at the back of the house with stunning views of the garden. ‘Hey mum, Tim. Sorry I didn’t hear the door,’ apologised Sophie as she stirred the chilli. ‘How are you?’ She asked as she gave her mum a peck on the cheek. ‘Find it ok Tim?’ ‘I’m a cab driver Soph so i’ll pretend I didn’t hear that.’ ‘Woah look at this kitchen,’ gasped Sally. ‘It’s got those slidey door things all the way across the back, I bet that’s great in the summer.’ ‘My god look at the size of the fridge Sal.’ Shouted Tim gazing longingly at the huge American style fridge freezer. While Sally and Tim explored the kitchen Paula walked over to stand behind Sophie. Putting her hands on Sophie’s hips she lent over her shoulder ‘Mmm smells delicious love.’ ‘Yeah it does Soph, really good.’ Agreed Tim ‘I’m starving.’ ‘Me too,’ whispered Paula as she gently kissed Sophie’s cheek while Sally and Tim’s backs were turned.‘This is a stunning view Paula’ said Sally as she admired the garden.‘Why thank you, I wish I could take the credit but I can’t. One of Theo’s friends is a landscape gardener so he keeps it maintained for me. ‘Would you like a drink? Wine, beer, soft drink?’ Asked Paula as she headed over to the fridge.‘Ooo i’ll have a beer thanks,’ replied Theo as he wandered into the kitchen topless. ‘Funny how you turn up at the mention of alcohol.’ Called Paula over her shoulder and then turning round. ‘For gods sake Theo will you put a shirt on, we have guests.’ ‘Sorry, yeah hi. You must be Sophie’s parents, it’s lovely to meet you.’ ‘Close, mum and step dad and you must be Paula’s son?’ Replied Sally. ‘Yep, don’t worry she’s not got some random naked man roaming through the house. I’m Theo.’ ‘Pleased to meet you, that looks nasty,’ said Sally pointing to Theo’s arm. ‘Oh no it’s fine now, I just wanna get this stupid cast off.’‘Shouldn’t it still be in a sling?’ Questioned Paula. ‘Mum i’m not going out with my arm in a sling. But I do need a top. Do you know where my shirt is?’‘Where you left it.’ Replied Paula sarcastically. ‘And Theo before you drink that you haven’t had any painkillers today have you?’‘No mum, god chill out. I’m not taking any medication now. It doesn’t hurt anymore, it’s just annoying. Now any ideas where my shirt is?’‘If it’s a grey checked one it’s in the utility room,’ offered Sophie.‘Ah cheers Soph, you make a great second mum.’ Exclaimed Theo as he disappeared through a door at the end of the kitchen, totally oblivious to the effect his comment had had on the others. ‘So how about that tour now Paula,’ suggested Sally breaking the silence. ‘Um yeah ok, you coming Soph?’ Asked Paula. ‘Yeah just a sec. Tim keep an eye on this for me would ya’ said Sophie as she placed a lid over the wok ‘and grab yourself a beer from the fridge.’ ‘Don’t worry ladies i’ll keep him company,’ offered Theo as he appeared now fully dressed............................................................‘You really do have a lovely home Paula, so tasteful. And it’s huge.’‘Sal it’s not that big it’s only got four bedrooms.’‘Yeah I know but each ones got a king bed, walk in wardrobes and an en-suite,’ exclaimed Sally. ‘I mean how many bathrooms do you need?’ Laughing Paula replied. ‘Yeah it is a bit ridiculous.’‘Although there is one change I’d make if I lived here.’Oh god thought Sophie what’s she gonna say. Every bathroom needs a pedestal mat. ‘Mum’ she warned glaring at her. ‘No, go on Sally.’ Smiled Paula.‘Well I was just gonna suggest that if I lived here I’d make the second bedroom over looking the garden the master instead of the guest room. I mean it’s got the best views and it’s bigger than the rest so it makes sense.’ ‘Yeah,’ said Paula looking uncomfortable.‘Oh actually mum that does make sense,’ agreed Sophie looking at Paula. ‘Actually Sally that was the master at one time.’ ‘Oh’ exclaimed Sally knowing immediately what Paula was saying. ‘I didn’t realise you lived here with your husband.’‘No me neither,’ exclaimed Sophie. She wasn’t sure why but she’d just assumed Paula would have moved into a new house after her divorce.‘Yeah well, I love this house. I spent a lot of time getting it just how I wanted it so when I found out I could buy Tim out that’s what I did. And it meant the kids didn’t need to move.’‘Yeah makes sense I spose,’ muttered Sophie.Paula could sense that this new information had unsettled Sophie but she really didn’t want to discuss it now so instead turned to Sally. ‘Well I think you’ve seen everything now so shall we head into the dining room?’‘Lovely,’ smiled Sally, ‘I can’t wait to eat, i’ve missed your cooking Soph.’..................................................................‘Well that was great, thanks. I am well and truly stuffed now,’ declared Tim as he lent back in his chair.‘Yeah it was lovely thank you for cooking. Again.’ Stated Paula as she covered Sophie’s hand with her own and gazed fondly at her. ‘Glad you all enjoyed it but it wasn’t difficult,’ stated Sophie as she got up and started to collect up the plates. ‘Hey you, sit down and let me do this.’ Ordered Paula standing up and nudging Sophie playfully out of the way. ‘Why don’t you guys take the rest of the wine into the lounge while I finish up here. I’ll be in soon.’‘Yeah come on Soph you can show me how that ridiculously huge TV works then I can watch the second half of the football.’ Said Tim knowing full well the reaction it would get from Sally.‘You will not be watching the telly Tim we’re at someone’s house we’ll have a conversation.’‘Have you not spoken enough?’ Snapped Tim as he reluctantly followed the women. ‘Oi Tim you can watch it in here if you manage to escape’ stated Paula in a low voice. ‘I’ll leave the remote here.’ She grinned. Turning round Tim mouthed a ‘thanks’ and raised his thumbs.Ten minutes later and he was back just as Paula had finished loading the dishwasher. ‘Sally wants a water, says the wines gone to her head.’ ‘I’ll take the water’ offered Paula as she got a tumbler down from the cupboard and switched the tv on. ‘I’m sure they’ll be distracted for a bit if you want to stay in here.’ She winked as she left the room.‘There you go Sal,’ she said handing Sally her water. ‘So ladies what have I missed?’‘Nothing much mum’s just been giving me all the factory gossip.’ Signed Sophie. ‘Oh talking about the factory, any developments with Nick?’ Asked Sally leaning forward. ‘Nice try Sally but you know I can’t discuss that with you. Client confidentiality and all th...’ ‘Bzzt Bzzzt.’ ‘Wow that phone never stops does it? Paula you must be one very important lady.’ ‘Is that mine?’ Questioned Paula walking over to the windowsill. ‘I must have left it here when I was talking to Theo earlier.’ Grabbing the phone and unlocking it Paula noticed she had no less than eleven new messages all from the same number. Opening the messages, she quickly scrolled through them, her heart beating slightly faster with each one she read.

The words I’ve missed you, I’m back, I need to see you, swam before her eyes. Paula had deleted this number a long time ago but it was clear who these messages were from.

‘Everything ok babe? You’ve been starring at that phone for ages.’ Came Sophie’s concerned voice from across the room, snapping Paula back from her thoughts.

‘What...Oh sorry, yeah everything’s fine, just a work thing. I’ve just got to send a quick reply,’ lied Paula keeping her head down. She had no intention of replying but wanted to buy herself some time so she could regain her composure. Taking a few deep breaths she deleted the messages. ‘Right all done, so shall I get us another bottle of wine ladies?’

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Paula lay staring up at the ceiling, thinking. She felt like she hadn’t slept at all, just tossed back and forth all night. Luckily Sophie had drunk rather a lot so she’d been asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow, and hasn’t stirred all night. Paula on the other hand had made sure to go easy on the wine after receiving the text messages. She could have quite easily downed a bottle on her own but she knew from past experience that would have been a very unwise move. She needed to keep a clear head so she didn’t do anything stupid.Slipping carefully out of bed so as not to wake Sophie she headed down to the kitchen, she needed coffee. Paula had purposely left her phone downstairs last night so she wouldn’t be distracted by any more texts or tempted to reply. Now retrieving her phone her stomach lurched as she unlocked the screen and saw 5 new messages, all from the same number as before. Swallowing she brought up the texts. Yesterday 11:42
Paula, honey. Come on this is silly. I only want to talk.Yesterday 11:43
Meet me for dinner?Yesterday 11:55
Or just drinks?Today 5:50
I’ve missed you. I just want to catch up.Today 6:17
Ok if you’re not prepared to meet then I guess i’ll just have to come to you.Fuck no, that could definitely not happen thought Paula as her thumbs moved quickly over the keypad as she typed a reply. She hesitated, reading it back. Clear and concise, that will do she thought as she hit send.Paula knew that if she sat still for any longer she’d drive herself crazy, thinking. So as it was only half 6 and she wasn’t going into the office until 9 today she decided to go for a run, something she hadn’t done in ages. ..................................................................Jesus I’m so unfit thought Paula as she let herself into the kitchen through the back door 30 minutes after leaving. I so need to get more exercise.Glancing at her phone she noticed there was no response to her text. Still playing games she thought as she headed up to the shower. ‘Oh so you are still alive,’ laughed Paula as she walked into the bedroom to find Sophie wiggling around under the duvet.‘Ha you’re not funny,’ replied Sophie as she propped herself up in bed. ‘Have you been out?’‘No Soph I came to bed in my running gear last night, don’t you rememeber?’ ‘You’ve been out for a run?’ Exclaimed Sophie. God does this women never rest. ‘Yes, why is that such a shock?’ Asked Paula as she stripped off her top.‘Because it’s ...’ Sophie rolled over to look at her phone ‘ half 7 in the morning,’ she groaned. ‘Yeah well I was up and it’s sunny and I haven’t been running for months. God I’m not very fit.’ Moaned Paula tugging her leggings down. ‘Yeah well you don’t look not very fit to me,’ smiled Sophie as her eyes scanned Paula’s body.‘Umm that’s nice of you to say but now that I’ve got to keep up with you I really should start exercising more, you know raising my heart rate a bit.’‘Well if it’s help to increase your heart rate you want I’d be more than happy to help with that.’ Winked Sophie, now suddenly wide awake. ‘And what are you suggesting Webster?’ ‘Well we have a while before we need to get to work so I could join you in the shower.’‘Could you? Well you better get that lazy arse out of bed then.’ Called Paula over her shoulder as she made her way into the bathroom throwing her bra at Sophie on the way.Within a matter of seconds both women were in the shower the warm water cascading over their bodies as their tongues entwined and their hands explored. Usually it was Paula who took the lead but on this occasion it was Sophie who took control turning Paula away from her and slowly running her fingertips down her arms to her wrists which she held up and pinned to the wall in front of them. Watching the water pour through Paula’s dark hair, over her shoulders, and down her back was a massive turn on and Sophie could barely contain herself. Next Sophie reached for the soap and gently washed Paula starting at her hands and running her fingers between her own, moving slowly up her arms and across her shoulders. Sophie could feel Paula’s body shiver when she touched certain spots, and she watched transfixed as the bubbles run down her body, across over her ass and down her legs. Paula was being very good, for a change, keeping her hands where Sophie had placed them she was silent except for the soft moans and deep sighs that escaped her lips as Sophie continued to explore her body. Although Sophie could tell the solicitor wanted more as she slowly pushed herself back, finally touching Sophie’s skin, she swayed her hips against Sophie, god the feel of her wet skin felt so good. Sophie’s hands then moved up Paula’s sides to her breasts where her left hand cupped and gently squeezed her boob while her other hand moved downward, slowly trailing down her stomach, over her belly button, down further to where Sophie knew Paula needed her. There were no longer any bubbles on their skin, just the warm water cascading down between their bodies. As Sophie’s fingers found Paula’s wet folds Sophie felt her shift her weight, moving her legs to allow Sophie’s hand better access. Sophie couldn’t help but tease her as she dragged the back of her index finger forward and back over her wetness.
Sophie could tell Paula was getting frustrated ‘stop teasing me,’ she breathed as she took her hand off the wall and wrapped it around Sophie’s pulling her fingers into her. Meanwhile Sophie’s other hand gently circled her hard nipple which elicited another low moan from her lover. ‘Please Sophie, I need more, make me come,’ moaned Paula her voice thick with desire as the water rushed over their bodies. Sophie was more than happy to oblige as she traced little circles across Paula’s swollen clit and then dipped two fingers deep inside her as she whispered into her ear, ‘Is this what you want? You like it deep.’ ‘Mmmmm, Soph, I want to kiss you’ panted Paula as she stopped Sophie’s hand mid thrust so she could turn herself around. She then stepped back against the wall and quickly pulled Sophie close her tongue probing her mouth as she guided Sophie’s fingers back between her legs. ‘Fucking hell make me scream.’ Rasped Paula. Sophie didn’t need to be asked twice as her fingers found Paula’s g-spot and her tongue pushed deeper. God she tasted so good. After a few more trusts Paula’s body shuddered and her legs trembled all she could mumble was ‘oh....my...’ before her orgasm stole her words. Wow Sophie would never tire of hearing those sounds of pleasure. Once she’d regained enough composure Paula exclaimed. ‘Fuck me sophie Webster you are definitely very talented’ as she lent back against the cool wall.‘Told you I could help with getting your heart rate up.’ Laughed Sophie as she turned the shower off and stepped out, handing Paula a towel.

...................................................................
Half hour later and both women were downstairs eating breakfast still with twenty minutes to spare before they had to leave for work. God Paula felt like half the day had gone already, she was exhausted.‘Morning Paula’ came a quiet voice behind them. ‘Mind if I grab a coffee?’ God this house was like bloody Piccadilly, who the hell’s this now thought Sophie as she turned and saw a young brunette stood in the kitchen doorway. ‘Charlotte,’ exclaimed Paula as she jumped up and enveloped the girl in a hug. ‘Sophie this is Charlotte one of Theo’s school mates. Charlotte this is Sophie my partner. Everything ok? Did that son of mine behave himself last night?’ Asked Paula as she handed Charlotte a mug of coffee.
‘Yeah sort of,’ replied Charlotte laughing. ‘He’s not surfaced yet but when he does I reckon he’ll have the biggest hangov...’‘Was that the front door?’ Interrupted Paula poking her head over the side of her chair so she could look into the hallway just in time to see a flash of blonde hair.‘Ah yeah that’s probably Naomi.’‘Naomi?’ Questioned Sophie.‘Yeah Theo bought her back, met her in the club. She seemed nice enough.’‘Oh so are you not....’ ‘With Theo?’ Finished Charlotte. ‘God no he’s more like a brother to me. Right Sorry Paula but i’ve gotta get going I’ve got lectures this morning. Nice meeting you Sophie.’ And with that she left the kitchen. ‘Wow your house is crazy. Is it always like this when Theo’s here?’‘Pretty much.’‘And does he always have girls staying over?’
‘No not all the time. Why? Does it bother you?’ Asked Paula finding it quite a strange comment to make.

‘No it’s just he’s had two different girls in his bed in the past week.’‘Yeah and look I know what you’re getting at but he’s a big boy. As long as his with a consenting adult and being careful, because god help him if he makes me a granny at 49, then I’m fine with it. After all Sophie it’s just sex, let him have his fun.’ Stated Paula matter of factly.‘Yeah I know it’s just I find it weird that two complete strangers can just have sex, then that’s it. One does the walk of shame and they never see each other again.’‘Sophie have you never had a one night stand?’ ‘No,’ replied Sophie rather insulted that Paula would think she had. ‘Okay, okay, I’m just asking. I mean I’m pretty sure that if your mum hadn’t come home that first day we kissed, then things might have gone further.’ ‘Mmm yeah maybe,’ replied Sophie realising that she’d only waited a few days before jumping into Paula’s bed. ‘So how many have you had then?’ ‘Oooo hundreds,’ winked Paula as she got up and started to collect up her things. ‘Right come on we best be making tracks.’ .................................................................Sitting in traffic Sophie admired Paula’s legs. She loved her legs. How she could say she wasn’t fit was ridiculous. When Sophie reached 49 if she had a body like Paula she’d be more than happy. ‘You alright there?’ Smiled Paula as she noticed her looking.‘Yep, got a great view thanks.’ ‘Umm maybe I better start wearing trousers to work, I don’t want you ogling me and getting distracted.’‘You know you love it,’ teased Sophie. ‘Know what I did love, our amazing shower sex this morning. Maybe I should stay in bed
longer if that’s how you behave in the mornings.’ ‘Mmmm maybe you should.’ Replied Sophie as she rested her hand on Paula’s thigh and settled back to enjoy the rest of the journey.Pulling into the underground car park Paula heard her phone beeping to signal a new message had been sent. Getting out of the car she hesitated, ‘Soph, you go on up love, I’ve just got to have a chat with security.’‘Ok sexy, try not to distract me too much on your way into your office, you’re looking very hot today. Is that a new top?’ ‘No it’s not new but thank you. Now go before the boss has to give you a warning for being late.’ Glared Paula. As soon as Sophie was out of view Paula slipped her phone out of her bag. One new message and it was from him. Looking forward to it xxx

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Paula was still deep in thought as she walked along the corridor towards her office so she jumped when she heard her name. ‘Paula you got a minute?’ Asked Mike sticking his head around his office door as she walked past.‘Everything ok?’ She answered uneasily, Mike hardly ever bothered her unless there was a problem. Entering his office Mike gestered for her to sit down, right something was definitely up, why was he making her sit down?‘You alright Mike? Has something happened?’ ‘I just wanted to let you know, that well.... ok there’s no easy way to say this....So i’ll just come out with it, James has moved back to Manchester.’ ‘What he’s living here?’ Exclaimed Paula. ‘I thought he was just visiting.’ ‘Oh so you know. I didn’t think you’d still be in touch with him?’ Exclaimed Mike. ‘No.’ Answered Paula softly looking at the floor. ‘Paula you can’t seriously still be seeing him, not after everything that happened.’ Stated Mike incredulously. ‘I’m not. I said no didn’t I.’ Replied Paula twisting her hands together. ‘So how’d you know he was here then? Last thing you knew he’d moved to London. You haven’t seen him for what, nearly two years.’ ‘Yeah that’s about right.’ ‘Well now I know you’re lying.’ Said Mike abruptly. ‘What?’ ‘Paula I know you two have meet on at least one occasion since he moved to London. Remember my wife’s friends with his, And they talk. She knows you two met up in a hotel in London a few months after they moved.’Oh fuck. ‘Ok I hold my hands up, we spent one night together after he moved. I was down in London meeting up with a friend who lectures at king’s collage. I’d had a few drinks, I was lonely, it was easy to call him....’ Paula’s voice trailed off as she looked down at the floor again.... shit. ‘You know for an intelligent women you really can make some fucking stupid decisions.’‘Yes ok, I agree that was fucking stupid but it was just that once. I promise. I deleted his number after that night and hadn’t heard from him since.... until yesterday... ‘ Paula admitted.‘Yesterday? What happened yesterday?’ ‘He bombarded me with messages, completely out of the blue. He wants to meet up...’ added Paula looking up through her lashes at Mike. She felt like a naughty school girl who’d just been caught out in a lie. ‘What,’ exclaimed Mike. ‘God he’s only just split up with Karen and he’s messaging you.’ ‘They’ve split up?’ Questioned Paula trying not to sound too desperate for details.‘Yeah looks like she’s finally come to her senses. Only took her 24 years to get rid of the cheating bastard,’ scoffed Mike. ‘Hopefully she sticks to her guns this time. Looks like it’s over for good, he’s found a place back here and she’s keeping the house in London.’‘Oh right,’ was all Paula could say. So she’d finally left him. Paula thought they’d be together forever. When Karen had found out about their affair she’d had him back. According to Mike she’d told everyone James had begged her to give them one last try, that he’d do anything to save his marriage, hence the move to London. ‘So where are you meeting him then?’ ‘Who said I was?’‘Oh come on Paula. Where that man’s concerned you lose all rational thought.’ Spat Mike.‘Ok, ok so I am meeting him, but only to tell him that I’m in a relationship and I’m most definitely not interest. The only reason I agreed to meet is because he threatened to come to me and there’s no way I want him anywhere near here or the house.’ Explained Paula. ‘You don’t look convinced.’ She continued as Mike just stared at her. ‘Well here you go, read the messages for yourself.’ She offered as she opened the texts and almost threw her phone across the table at him. Picking up the phone Mike scrolled through the messages until he reached Paula’s one and only text. ‘Ok I’ll meet for drinks. Usual place 6 o’clock.’
‘Are you sure this is wise? Just remember what he did to you.’ Mike warned as he looked up from the screen. ‘It wasn’t all his fault.’ ‘And there you go defending him,’ snapped Mike. ‘Do you love Sophie? ‘Of course I do.’ ‘Well then how about you start showing it. I can’t condone what you did to Tim but I know how unhappy you were and can sort of understand why you cheated but now you’re the happiest I’ve seen you in years and that’s because of Sophie. Please didn’t destroy what you two have.’‘Have you quite finished?’ Glared Paula indignantly.‘Yep,’ nodded Mike.‘Right so all I’m going to do later is meet him, explain I’m with Sophie and I’m happy. Maybe tell him he had his chance but blew it, then leave.’ She explained. ‘I totally understand why you’re worried about me, I mean it was you that had to pick up the pieces, but I’m totally over him and there is nothing he could say or do that will make me change my mind. Ok?’ ‘Ok just so long as you know what you’re doing.’ Sighed Mike. ‘Right is that everything? Are you finished with the interrogation? Can I start work now?’‘Yeah. Look I’m sorry but you know I’m only looking out for you, don’t you?’‘Yeah I know and you know I’ll always be forever thankful for what you did for me but I’ve changed. I’m not that person anymore. Like you said I’m happy and I really don’t intend to fuck it up.’ ................................................................Paula spent the rest of the morning sorting through paperwork, making phone calls and sending emails. After three hours she felt like she’d actually accomplished something so thought she’d treat herself and go for a wander. She was feeling horny, god at the minute she was horny all the time. She smiled as she saw Sophie staring between two sheets of paper and her computer screen, she looked so cute when she was concentrating. ‘Good to see you hard at work,’ she said as she perched on the edge of Sophie’s desk, knowing full well that her skirt had risen dangerously high up her thighs and her top today was rather low cut. Glancing up Sophie took in a deep breath. God this woman is going to be the death of me she thought as she looked down at Paula’s hand placed over hers. ‘I’m always hard at work unless a certain somebody comes and distracts me.’ Murmured Sophie feeling the warmth spread between her legs. ‘And who would that be?’ Teased Paula. ‘You know very well,’ smirked Sophie. ‘And what about if that someone wanted you to see them in their office in a couple of minutes.’ Whispered Paula. ‘Then I would say I’ll be right there,’ smiled Sophie.‘Good,’ breathed Paula grazing her fingers over Sophie’s hand as she stood up. Then leaning down so Sophie had a great veiw straight down her top. ‘Don’t keep me waiting.’ Exactly two minutes later there was a knock at the door. ‘Come in,’ answered Paula already on her feet as Sophie entered, checking the door was definitely closed.‘Mmm perfect timing,’ murmured Paula as she grabbed Sophie round the waist and pushed her onto her desk, sitting down in the chair in front of her. Sophie’s eyes were wide as she saw the lust in Paula’s. ‘I want to taste you,’ she commanded in her deliciously sexy voice. Sophie loved the fact that with Paula there was no messing around, when she wanted something she just went and got it. Sophie shuddered as Paula’s hands traveled up and under her skirt until they found the sides of her knickers. Then ever so slowly she gently teased them down, until they were on the floor, her eyes never leaving Sophie’s. Oh my god thought Sophie as her fingers gripped the edge of the desk and her legs parted, her feet resting on the arms of Paula’s chair. In the past she would have been so worried about anyone coming into the office that she wouldn’t have considered doing anything like this. However now the thought that someone could knock on the door at any time was actually a huge turn on. Running her hands up the insides of Sophie’s thighs Paula bent her head. ‘Do you want me to make you come Sophie?’ ‘Mmm’ moaned Sophie.‘I didn’t hear you,’ whispered Paula so close now that Sophie could feel her breath on her wetness. God she was so wet. ‘Yes... fucking yes... you know I do,’ gasped Sophie as Paula licked her lips and leant forward her warm, wet tongue replacing her hot breath.
Slowly she swirled her tongue in little circles down one side of Sophie’s pussy and then up the other, never quite dipping her tongue inside but pushing hard enough so that the pressure of every swirl made its way right to her clit.Sophie moaned as she tried to lift herself up against Paula’s mouth. She wanted to feel her soft, wet lips around her clit. She wanted Paula to suck it into her mouth while she flicked at it with the tip of her tongue. Sophie looked down and pleaded with her eyes for Paula to make her come but she just smiled. Then keeping eye contact she plunged her tongue inside the younger brunette, lapping up her juices. She could tell Sophie was riding on the edge of her orgasm, and she wanted to make her squirm. Sophie’s legs tingled and twitched as Paula took her closer and then backed her away. She was teasing Sophie now and Paula loved it. Laying back on the desk Sophie was in ecstasy as she let Paula’s hands roam her body while her tongue continued to lick her from top to bottom stopping to circle her clit with every lick. Sophie spread her legs wider to invite Paula in completely. She had totally forgotten where she was, all she could think about was how fucking good she felt right now. Suddenly the licking stopped as Paula pulled Sophie’s clit inside her mouth and sucked on it. It was then that Sophie lost control as she felt wave after wave of pure bliss pulse up her legs and through her body as she thrust her pussy against Paula’s mouth with each suck on her clit. As Sophie looked down their eyes met, and Sophie could feel Paula’s lips form a smile against her. ‘You are so bad,’ breathed Sophie as she slowly regained her composure. ‘I’m bad? I think you’ll find you’re the one with your legs spread on the boss’ desk,’ she smirked as she wiped her mouth. ‘I really should have closed that blind.’ ‘What the fuck,’ exclaimed Sophie as she literally jumped off the desk. ‘Really?’ Questioned Paula laughing. ‘You really think i’d have done that with the blind open.’‘Shit Paula you really are something else do ya know that?’ ‘Sorry I couldn’t resist. Here you better have these back.’ She smiled as she held up Sophie’s knickers. ‘Thanks,’ replied Sophie as she wriggled into them. I really need to remember to keep spare knickers in my bag she thought. ‘So are you coming to lunch? I think most of us are off to the pub.’‘No love, thanks but i’ve really got to get on here. I’ve already had a much longer break than I meant to.’ She winked. ‘Can you grab me one of those wraps I like on the way back?’ ‘Yeah no worries. Are you back late tonight?’‘Should be home around seven i’ve got a few things to catch up with but then I thought we could go out for dinner with Theo seeing as he’s heading back to uni tomorrow.’‘Yeah sounds good. Now get back to work. No more distractions,’ laughed Sophie as she went to leave the office.‘Sophie,’ Paula called softly after her. ‘I love you.’ Sophie smiled, ‘Right back at ya babe.’................................................................‘So you didn’t fancy the pub either?’ Asked Mike as he entered the kitchen and saw Paula nursing a mug of coffee staring into space. ‘What?.... No, got too much on. Nick Tilsley is definitely hiding something and it’s driving me crazy.’ ‘So is that all that’s on your mind? Or are you thinking about seeing James again? I take it you’re still set on your little meeting later?’ ‘Yes Mike I’m still meeting him but like I told you I need to meet him so he leaves me the fuck alone.’ ‘I’ve been thinking and how about I come with you?’ ‘Come with me? God Mike you really don’t trust me do you?’ ‘No,’ admitted Mike.‘Ok look I promise i’ll call you as soon as i’ve left him. We’re meeting at 6 so if you haven’t heard from me by half past you have my permission to come and find us.’‘Right ok, it’s a deal.’ ‘Problem is, you don’t know where we’re meeting.’‘Ah see that’s where you’re wrong I bet you’re meeting at the Grange.’‘How the fuck do you know that?’ Exclaimed Paula.‘Good guess. You said in your message about meeting at the usual place and the Grange is the nearest decent hotel near the courthouse.’ ‘Shit, you’re good.’‘Yeah I know, and I’ll bet you something else as well, hundred quid says he’s booked a hotel room.’ ‘Yeah well if he has he’ll be enjoying it on his own won’t he.’ Snapped Paula as she put her coffee cup in the sink and left the kitchen. ‘Shit sorry Paula I didn’t see you there,’ exclaimed Ben as he walked straight into her.‘Whoa why are you in such a hurry. I thought everyone was at the pub?’‘Yeah they are I just came back to get my wallet. Completely forgot it was in my jacket hanging on the back of the door.’ Explained Ben waving his wallet in the air as he walked off down the corridor. ‘Well next time try facing the way you’re walking.’ ‘Yeah boss, will do,’ assured Ben as he made his way to the staircase. Once in the stairwell he pulled out his phone, found Notes and typed 6pm The Grange. He was rubbish at remembering times and places and this was one event he had no intention of missing.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Paula was sat in her car outside The Grange. It was already five past 6 but she wanted to make an entrance, she wanted to make him wait for her. She knew that he would have arrived early, and no doubt be sitting in his usual spot at the bar, probably checking out all the other women, because that’s the type of man James was. He was a player. Paula had known James for as long as she’d know Mike, about 10 years. They’d all worked at the same law firm until James had decided to become a Judge but they’d all kept in touch, meeting every couple of weeks or so mostly to play squash then go for a few drinks. James had always flirted with her and she’d enjoyed flirting back, just enough to keep him interested but she had never succumbed to his charms. That was until one night around three years ago.Paula had been having a shit week. Isla was threatening to leave uni, Theo wasn’t doing any revision for his exams and she’d been called into the school about him bunking off, her mum was ill and to top it off work was full on. Paula was on the edge. The night in question she’d come home from a long day at work to Tim moaning, lately he was always moaning. They’d had a blazing row about her going out but she’d said she just needed a break. She’d stormed out of the house still in her work clothes and got to the gym in a foul mood. She then spent the next hour taking all her anger out on that tiny ball her mood not improved by the fact that James kept making reference to her temper. At the bar later she just wanted to forget about how shit her life was so instead of having her one usual drink so she could drive home, she ordered a bottle of red. Lately she’d been drinking a lot. Mike and Carol left early leaving James and Paula alone. Looking back Paula probably knew at that point that her and James would end up fucking. After sharing another bottle of red the flirtatious banter and glances ramped up and before long James’ hand was wandering up her leg. Her and Tim hadn’t slept together for weeks, it was probably the longest she’d ever gone without sex and quite frankly Paula was gagging for it. So when James began to whisper in her ear exactly what he’d like to do to her, Paula reciprocated and before long they were doing exactly what they had both promised in the back of James’ car and god was it good.Paula had no intension of their night together turning into a full blown affair. She’d had one night stands in the past and knew from office gossip that James had done the same so she was surprised a few days later when he wanted to meet again. And that’s how it had started and continued for just over 4 months. James would call or sometimes Paula and they’d meet for sex, plain and simple. Paula had thought about ending things a few times but if she was honest she was enjoying herself. She’d known for a while that her marriage was over and surely Tim could sense it too, so who was she really hurting? Turns out rather a lot of people got hurt, including herself. Stepping out of the car Paula’s stomach flipped. God how many times had they come here together? And why the hell had Paula suggested meeting here. It so gave James the wrong impression but maybe that’s what she wanted to do? Lead him on, make him think she still wanted him, which she didn’t, oh god it was going to be so weird seeing him again.Right, game face on. Remember what he did to you, you’ve so got this she said to herself as she walked through the doors and into the bar. Yep she’d been right he was at the bar looking as calm and relaxed as always.‘Wow hello you,’ greeted James as he looked her over from head to toe his eyes lingering where they shouldn’t. ‘You’re looking good.’ He added as he softly kissed her on the cheek, his hand brushing lightly against her lower back. ‘Hello James,’ Paula replied stopping herself before she returned the compliment. Although he was looking good she had no intention of letting him know. As she slipped off her jacket, sat down on the bar stool and crossed her legs she was fully aware that James was watching her every move. It felt good that even after nearly three years she still grabbed his attention.‘So how have you been?’ Inquired James as he signalled the bar tender over.‘Good thanks, yeah really good. The firms doing well so i’ve managed to cut back a bit at work....’ she paused as the barman asked what they were drinking.‘Sorry Paula a glass of red or are we going straight for the hard stuff?’ Questioned James. ‘Small glass of red thanks. I’m driving.’Once James had ordered and their drinks had been poured he turned his attention back to her.
‘Sorry, so the firm, it’s all going well then? I’m so pleased.’ ‘Yeah and you? What brings you back to Manchester?’ Paula wanted to know if he’d actually tell her about Karen or not. ‘Ah... yeah well.. so me and Karen are finished, looks like it’s for good this time.’‘Oh what a shame,’ came Paula’s sarcastic reply. ‘Who was she?’ ‘Why does there have to be a someone?’ ‘Because I can’t imagine you ever changing your ways.’ ‘Ok there was a someone, well a few but I haven’t stopped thinking about you.’ ‘Oh please, you really think I’m going to full for that. After what you did.’‘Yeah I know, look I know I was an arsehole but I was trying to save my marriage.’ ‘Oh well that’s ok then. Don’t worry about the fact that it was my husband who caught us in bed together. Then as if that wasn’t humiliating enough he then had you sharing all the sordid details with everyone making it look like I was some kind of nymphomaniac who he couldn’t satisfy.’‘Oh come on Paula that’s not far from the truth.’ Smiled James. ‘Anyway you wanted to leave him so didn’t I just do you a favour?’ ‘Excuse me I think it was you that did most of the chasing and I can certainly think of better ways to tell someone you’re leaving them.’ Remarked Paula. ‘So go on then tell me what happened with Karen. I thought you two would be together forever. I mean she’s forgiven you for every other affair, why was this different?’‘Ah well it was obviously karma because she caught me in a rather compromising position with one of her work colleges.’‘Seriously? Do you ever learn?’ ‘Yeah it wasn’t my finest hour and it’s kind of difficult to talk yourself out of something when they’ve been caught red handed.’ ‘yep it’s pretty shit,’ agreed Paula. ‘So you’re back in Manchester for good then?’‘Yeah looks like it, so I was wondering if....’
‘If I’m going to be stupid enough to start seeing you again?’ Finished Paula glaring at him.
‘Yeah pretty much. Come on Paula we were good together.’‘And what exactly did we do together apart from fuck?’ Replied Paula bluntly.‘Well not much’ laughed James ‘but we were very good at it.’‘Mmm’ was all Paula could manage.‘What does mmm mean? Come on we had fun didn’t we? And it was definitely the best sex i’ve ever had,’ whispered James grinning. ‘Yeah right you would say that, you’re trying to get me back into bed. You’re hardly going to say I was shit.’ ‘I’m not lying,’ replied James as he stared directly into her eyes.‘Well now I don’t know whether to be deeply offended or flattered.’ Queried Paula.‘Definitely flattered, it’s a compliment,’ remarked James. ‘Look I think we could have something really good together.’ He stated softly as his hand covered hers.Looking down Paula pulled her hand away. ‘Well it’s a pity I’m with someone else then isn’t it.’‘And? Come on Paula we both know that doesn’t mean anything.’ ‘Oh wow, see that’s where you’re wrong because unlike you I am capable of staying faithful in a relationship.’ Seethed Paula. ‘So come on then, who’s the lucky bloke anyone I know?’‘No you don’t know her,’ replied Paula emphasising the her.‘Oh....Ok.. So that’s surprising.’ Faltered James. ‘Why? You know I like women.’‘Yeah I know, although you never did indulged me in my threesome fantasy did you,’ teased James.‘No, I told you Paula doesn’t share.’ she smirked remembering just how much it had turned James on knowing she’d been with women.‘Yeah I remember, although i’ll forgive you seeing as you did partake in plenty of my other fantasies.’ Replied James cheekily as he gave her a wink. ‘So tell me all about her then.’ ‘You don’t need to know any details. Just that I’m very happy.’ ‘Bet she’s not as good as me though. I still remember how you begged me for more.’‘Wow is everything with you about sex?’ ‘Pretty much, it’s important. So is she?’ Questioned James again. Right Paula had heard enough, she needed to get out of here and back home to Sophie. Taking a few sips of wine she beckoned for James to lean forward, ‘Oh she’s very good....Like I said I’m very happy...We’re at that stage where we can’t keep our hands off each other...We’ve fucked twice today already.’ ‘Really,’ murmured James clearly turned on.Then leaning closer Paula couldn’t resist adding in her seductive tone, ‘You know how much I like sex at work.’ ‘In your office?’ Asked James his breathing deeper now.‘Mmm, on my desk,’ ‘Seriously Paula what are you doing to me.’
‘Getting my own back,’ grinned Paula, ‘and now I’m going home to spend the evening with my extremely gorgeous girlfriend. Did I mention.... she’s very good with her.... tongue and she owes me for earlier.’ ‘Oh what, Paula you can’t just leave me in this state,’ groaned James. ‘Oh I most certainly can, but come on, I think i’ve given you more than enough to think about. You’ll have to use the hotel room i’m pretty sure you’ve booked, to sort yourself out.’

‘Mmm’ moaned James.

Good that had shut him up she thought as she got off the stool and put her jacket on. ‘It was lovely catching up. I’m sure I’ll see you in court some time,’ she stated as she stood in front of him. Then as she slowly trailed her hand up his leg she whispered in his ear ‘Just remember James you had your chance and you blew it,’ and with that she turned and headed straight to the door. ‘Whoa’ breathed Ben as he held a drinks menu in front of his face as Paula walked past. That women does not mess about he thought as he finished the last of his beer. He hadn’t heard any of the conversation but by the look on James face it hasn’t gone his way.Ben had wanted to be at the hotel to catch Paula cheating so he could prove to everybody he’d been right about her, and although nothing had actually happened the photos on his phone told a different story. Scrolling back through them now there were definitely photos that could be very incriminating.The first one showed James giving Paula a kiss on the cheek, innocent enough apart from the fact his hand was placed on her bum. The second picture showed only their backs but it was clear that James’ hand was resting on top of Paula’s. While the third had captured Paula and James with their heads inches from each other, eyes locked together and James’ tongue licking his lips. Finally and probably the most incriminating of all showed them both from the side. James still sat down, Paula standing very close, her head bent forward leaning close to his ear and her hand unmistakably grabbing his thigh, centimetres from his groin.What was that quote about photos Ben thought to himself, that’s it ‘every picture tells a story. So the question now was what story was he going to tell?

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

As Paula pushed through the doors of the hotel she had the biggest grin on her face. She’d done it, she’d finally got one over on James. He’d always been able to talk her round in the past but not this time. This time she’d shown him that she wasn’t going to be playing his games anymore and that was because of Sophie.‘What the hell,’ she sighed as she got nearer to her car and saw Mike leaning up against it.‘Wow you actually came.’ She stated in astonishment. ‘Haven’t you got better things to be doing with your time than keeping track of me?’ ‘No not really and you’re lucky, I was only going to give you a couple more minutes then I was coming in to find you. You said half 6 it’s 27 minutes to now’ Retorted Mike as he made a point of looking at his watch ‘And god help that man if I had come in.’ ‘Mike calm down, I’ve told you before it wasn’t all his fault,’ Paula replied quietly as she looked at the floor, adding, ‘what happened.’ ‘Yeah well he played a pretty big part in it.’ ‘Right ok, whatever, can we stop talking about it now please,’ snapped Paula clearly embarrassed.‘Yeah sorry, so what happened?’ ‘I did exactly what I said I’d do and he did exactly what you thought he’d do. God Mike what the hell did I ever see in that man?’ She sighed.‘I’ll tell you exactly what you saw in him excitement, danger and a way out.’ Explained Mike counting the three reasons off on his fingers. ‘A way out?’ ‘Yeah if you ask me you wanted to get caught. You’d had enough. Tim was always too nice for you.’ ‘Too nice? Great thanks.’ Said Paula a little hurt. ‘Oh come on Paula you know what I mean. You always wanted more, he wasn’t exciting enough for you.’ ‘Yeah maybe you’re right,’ Sighed Paula. ‘I did love him once you know.’‘Yeah I know, so are you telling Sophie about this little meeting?’ ‘I should do shouldn’t I?’ Admitted Paula.Mike nodded, ‘and while you’re at it you should tell her everything. I mean if you’re serious about her it’s a pretty big secret to keep.’
‘Yeah I know and I do want to tell her but I’m scared Mike.’ Confessed Paula looking anywhere but at him. ‘I just don’t want her to think any less of me. She’s only seen the confident, self assured, together Paula not the fucked up mess of three years ago.’ She explained wringing her hands and looking at the floor. ‘What if she leaves me? Decides I’m not worth all the hassle. I mean I’m a divorced mother of two, that’s enough baggage, without adding all my other problems.’ Finished Paula finally making eye contact.‘Look what happened doesn’t make you any less of a person. It just shows you’re human. I’m sure Sophie will understand, you had so much to deal with.’ Then realising from Paula’s face she wasn’t convinced he added, ‘Anyone would have struggled. We all go though rough patches.’‘Yeah I suppose,’ said Paula softly, ‘although I hit a rough patch and make things a hundred times worse.’ ‘Yeah well, you don’t help yourself but you’re working on it and I really think Sophie’s good for you. Oddly enough, although she’s younger than you she’s the only person i’ve seen who can keep you in check.’ He smirked.‘Yeah she does. I really do love her Mike. I don’t know what i’d do if she left me.’
‘Paula you don’t need to keep convincing me about your feelings. I can tell you do, so just be honest.’ Replied Mike in his soft calming tone.‘Right, yeah I will...’ decided Paula. ‘Although not tonight. It’s Theo’s last night before he goes back to uni and .....‘Paula,’ warned Mike.‘Yeah ok, I’ll do it at the weekend....I promise.’ ‘Right good. Now stop jabbering at me and get home, have some fun with that girl of yours and I’ll see you in the morning.’ ‘Thanks Mike, but you are seriously going to have to stop stalking me.’ She smiled as she gave him a hug. ‘I’m not in that place anymore,’ she said as he pulled away and started to walk towards his car. ‘No more stupid decisions.’ She called after him. As Mike raised his hand to show he’d heard he really hoped for Paula’s sake that it was true. I mean she looked fine now but god when he remembered the state she was in, it was a wonder she was still alive. Mike would never understand how someone with so much going for them could be so self destructive...................................................................

As Paula parked on the driveway she felt like a weight had been lifted. She’d decided on the way home that at the weekend when Theo was back at uni she’d tell Sophie the whole story of what had happened. She knew it wasn’t going to be easy but Mike was right, Paula needed to be honest. She hated it when Sophie put herself down and made out like Paula was so perfect when she was far from it. ‘Hey love I’m home, something smells good.’ Announced Paula as she entered the house. It felt so good to have someone to come home to. ‘Hey babe, ahh are those for me?’ Exclaimed Sophie glancing at the flowers Paula was holding.‘Yes indeed they are. On the way home I thought I can’t believe I’ve never brought you flowers, so here you go’‘They’re beautiful, thank you.’‘So where’s Theo then? I thought we were going out for dinner.’‘Ah yeah well it turns out that Naomi might not just be a one night thing after all, he’s out with her again so looks like we’ve got the house to ourselves,’ grinned Sophie. ‘So I thought we could have a meal, snuggle up with a film or maybe .....have an early night? ‘Sounds perfect,’ replied Paula grabbing her by the waist and pulling her close, ‘Just what I need.’ She whispered as she gently pushed her lips against Sophie’s. The kiss was slow and passionate and soon Sophie’s hands were tangled around Paula’s neck as her hands started to roam up and under Sophie’s top. ‘Mmmm babe as much as I am enjoying this I need to check on the food,’ groaned Sophie as she reluctantly pulled away.‘I could do with getting changed anyway before we get too carried away.’ Replied Paula with a wink as she left the room to go upstairs. Once she’d watched the older woman leave Sophie checked on the chicken in the oven then moved to the hob to start on the pasta. Once it was boiling she lent against the counter and picked up her phone. She probably had a few minutes to catch up on her social media before needing to plate up. That’s weird thought Sophie as her WhatsApp notifications appeared, why’s Ben sending me photos? Looking through the photos for the first time Sophie didn’t really take in what she was looking at, it was only once she’d looked again that she thought she was going to be sick. What the fuck?Just thought you’d like to know what your girlfriend’s really like. Read the message under the last picture.Shit. When were these even taken thought Sophie as she scrolled through the photos again much slower this time and that’s when she realised Paula was wearing the clothes she had just gone to get changed out of.‘So what wine shall we have with dinner? Red or white?’ Paula enquired as she breezed into the kitchen. Looking fucking gorgeous in faded jeans and a black low cut T-shirt.

Why did she have to look so good thought Sophie as she asked, ‘So tell me again why you’re late.’ ‘I caught up with someone I used to work with, went for a drink.’ Replied Paula without missing a beat. ‘So red or white? ‘I’m not bothered.’‘Hey what’s the matter?’ Asked Paula covering Sophie’s hand with her own. ‘What’s the matter?’ Scoffed Sophie pulling her hand away. ‘The matter is you’re fucking lying to me, that’s what.’‘What’d you mean?’ Asked a very confused Paula. ‘I’m gonna ask you again and I want an honest answer Paula, where have you been?’ asked Sophie trying really hard to keep her anger in check. ‘I’ve just told you I met up with someone I use to work with.’ Well it was hardly a lie and she really didn’t want to go into it all now. ‘Wow you’re good,’ remarked Sophie, ‘Obviously all the practice you’re had, but I know you’re lying so you need to start talking.’ You do not act like that around a work colleague, even one you’re friends with thought Sophie.Why was she being like this? God this was like Tim all over again. He’d always known when she was lying. Right I’m going to need to come clean she thought. Taking a deep breath she confessed. ‘James, I met up with James.’ ‘Aah the notorious James. So we’re calling him a work friend now are we? Just going to gloss over the fact he was the guy you were fucking behind your husbands back for however long.’ Raged Sophie. ‘Now do you want to tell me what you were doing?’‘I’ve told you, we were having a drink.’‘Having a drink you left the office at four and didn’t get home until gone seven, pretty long drink.’‘I had meetings before hand, check my diary,’ said Paula becoming defensive. ‘Sophie can you just calm down, come and sit down and we’ll talk about it. It’s not what you think.’‘Not what I think, so you’re not screwing him again then, because that’s what I think.‘No of course I’m not. Look I know it sounds bad but it’s all totally innocent. I was going to tell you.’‘So why didn’t you?’ Spat Sophie. ‘Maybe it’s due to the fact that your idea of totally innocent is very different to mine because to me it doesn’t look like you’re just having a drink. To me it looks like you couldn’t keep your hands off each other.’ She fumed as she shoved her phone in Paula’s face, who just stared at her. ‘Go on then, look at them.’ As Paula held the phone up she slowly scrolled through the photos. Shit, where the hell had these come from. Fuck they look so bad, oh god especially the last one. ‘Look Sophie I can explain, it’s really not what it looks like.’ God why did everything always go so wrong? How did she always get everything so wrong?‘Oh sorry silly me I must just be imagining the hand on your arse, his hand over yours, the looking into each other’s eyes, your hand practically groping his cock.’ Sophie was shaking now she couldn’t believe they were actually having this conversation.‘Sophie please can we just talk about this. I know those pictures don’t look great but honestly nothing happened...’‘No we can’t... because I don’t want to hear your excuses right now Paula. Done nothing wrong and I’m suppose to believe that? With what I know about your past.’

‘Please Sophie,’ begged Paula as she reached out to grab Sophie’s arm as she brushed past her on the way out of the kitchen. ‘I would never do anything to hurt you.’

‘No Paula...I can’t.. I can’t be here....right now.’ Managed Sophie as tears welled in her eyes ‘We...I need some space..’ she stammered as she picked up her bag and coat and headed for the door. ‘I wouldn’t bother waiting up.’ Were Sophie’s last words as the front door slammed shut behind her.

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As Sophie walked into Martin Solicitors she felt sick. She’d hardly slept all night and hadn’t eaten anything since lunch yesterday. After storming out of Paula’s she hadn’t known what to do or where to go. She’d thought about going back but she didn’t want to say anything in the heat of the moment that she’d regret. So instead she’d called a cab and gone back to Coronation Street. Back to her dads. She’d thought about heading to her mums but she knew she’d end up venting about Paula and that would be a mistake. Although her mum seemed ok with their relationship now she knew that if she got any inclination of Paula hurting her little girl that would be it, she’d be straight round there. So she found herself in her old bedroom back at her dads. It was easier to lie to him. She’d just said that Paula was on a business trip away and she didn’t fancy being in the house on her own. Luckily Kevin was off out on a date so once Jack was in bed she’d been able to wallow in peace. She’d looked through the photos about a hundred times in close detail until she didn’t know what to think anymore. She had so many questions running through her head. Why had they met up? How often did they meet? God maybe they’d never stopped seeing each other? And then, where had Ben taken the photos? Had he followed her? Set her up? She’d thought about messaging him so many times but knew that’s what he wanted. It was twenty past 9 when she got to her desk but she really didn’t think Paula was in any position to call her up on her lateness. Even though she was still angry with her she felt her heart sink when she looked into Paula’s office and didn’t see her at her desk. She must be in court thought Sophie or an early meeting, there was no way Paula wouldn’t be at work, even after what had happened.Sophie tried to get on with her work but she couldn’t concentrate she kept glancing towards the door hoping Paula would appear. At half 10 she couldn’t bear it any longer, all morning she’d resisted looking at Paula’s diary but she couldn’t do it any longer. Pulling yesterday’s page up on the screen Sophie scanned Paula’s appointments for the previous afternoon. Shit she’d been telling the truth she’d had two afternoon meetings one at half 4 with Nick and the other at half 5 at the court. I mean she could have skipped them thought Sophie but she knew deep down that Paula would have been at those appointments. As she clicked back to the current day Sophie noticed that Paula wasn’t out this morning in fact she had two clients booked in, one in ten minutes time and the other an hour later so where the hell was she? As Sophie contemplated whether she should call her the phone on her desk rang. ‘I’ve got a Mr Carlton out here saying he’s got an appointment with Ms Martin shall I send him though?’ ‘Er no not yet....Can you give me a minute I’ll see where she’s got to, I’ll get straight back to you. Just tell Mr Carlton she’s at court, thanks Hannah.Sophie picked her phone up and called Paula’s number. Straight to voicemail. Now she was getting worried, Paula was a workaholic why wasn’t she here and why wasn’t her phone on? She thought Paula would have wanted to see her after the messages she’d left her last night.Mike, I’ll go and find Mike, he’ll know where she is. There’s obviously been some mix up thought Sophie as she walked towards Mike’s office and knocked on the door.‘Come in,’ called Mike from behind his desk which was covered with papers, documents, empty coffee cups and other various bits of crap. Sophie had often wondered how the hell he found anything.‘Sophie what can I do for you this fine morning.’ Beamed Mike looking up at her from behind his computer screen. ‘Well actually Mike I was wondering where Paula’s got to. See there’s nothing in the diary about her being out this morning and she’s got a client waiting. I’ve tried calling but her phone’s going straight to voicemail.’‘Ah that is strange. So did you both come into work together or did she have an early meeting’ asked Mike.‘Um well I don’t know?’ Admitted Sophie.‘What do you mean, you don’t know? Surely you came into work with her or you didn’t? You are living together now aren’t you?’ ‘Yeah but the thing is Mike I didn’t stay at Paula’s last night. I was at my dads.’‘Oh ok...but I thought you had Theo’s meal last night, what with him going back to uni. I know Paula was really looking forward to it.’ ‘Yeah she was and we did’ said Sophie quietly ‘but Theo ended up going out with some girl he met the other night and well... me and Paula had a fight.’ Oh god thought Mike maybe Paula had taken his advice and told Sophie everything and she’d taken it badly. Looking at Sophie closely she didn’t look great. Her skin was pale and she had dark circles under her bloodshot eyes, she’d definitely been crying and looked like she’d been up most of the night. Right how was he going to play this? He wanted to know what they’d argued about but couldn’t exactly just come out and ask. ‘So was it bad then?’ ‘What’ asked Sophie puzzled.‘The argument was it a bad one? Sounds like it might have been if you left for your dads.’ ‘Yeah pretty bad’ mumbled Sophie looking at the ground. ‘Look i’ve had Hannah on the phone she’s got a Mr Carlton waiting downstairs to see Paula what shall I tell her?’ ‘It’s ok, i’ll go and sort it, why don’t you go and grab yourself a coffee and sit in here for a bit. You look like you could do with some peace, I know what that reception can be like.’ Smiled Mike as he left the office. As soon as he got outside he was on his phone ringing Paula. Shit, straight to voicemail. God Paula please don’t have done anything stupid. Hopefully the argument was over something silly and Paula had just gone to a meeting she’d forgotten to put in the diary. Yeah right who was he kidding. ...................................................................Ten minutes later and Mike was back in his office explaining to Sophie that he’d managed to reschedule Mr Carlton’s appointment after he’d refused to see anyone else other than Paula and that he’d cancelled the rest of her appointments for the day. If Paula did make an appearance he was sure they could be rearranged although he was doubtful that she would. ‘What do you know about James?’ Questioned Sophie suddenly. ‘James?’ Inquired Mike looking across at Sophie. ‘How much did she know? Why was she asking? ‘Well I... myself and Paula use to work at the same firm as him, we were all friends.’‘Did you know they were shagging?’ Asked Sophie bluntly. ‘Um well no we weren’t working together when they started to.. a... um.. well you know.’ ‘So when did you find out?’ Pushed Sophie. ‘Sophie look all this is in the past...’‘Yeah that’s what I thought but she met up with him yesterday...’Shit so she had told her. Maybe Mike had been wrong maybe she shouldn’t have said anything. I wonder how much she knows? ‘So what did Paula tell you?’ ‘Yeah well that’s the problem she didn’t tell me anything.’ Right, now Mike was really confused if Paula hadn’t told her then how the hell had she found out? ‘I got sent these’ explained Sophie handing her phone to Mike.Mike was silent as he scrolled through the photos. Well it was clear why they’d had an argument. ‘Look Sophie I know these look bad but I can promise you this was all James.’‘Even the last one? For gods sake, look where her hand is.’‘Yeah ok I admit it doesn’t look great but it’s probably just the angle of the photo.’’Do ya think?’‘I don’t think, I know. Where did you get these from?’ If James had framed Paula after everything else he’d done he really wouldn’t be responsible for his actions.‘It was Ben, he must have been out and happened to be in the same bar.’‘Hmm,’ replied Mike, a likely story. ‘So what happened after you saw these, what was Paula’s explanation?’Sophie looked down and played with her hands. She reminded Mike of Paula. ‘Well to be honest I didn’t give her much chance to explain. I was just so angry. She kept telling me it was innocent but I wouldn’t listen and then... I just stormed out.’ Oh god this was getting worse. ‘So have you spoken to her since?’‘No,’ replied Sophie feeling guilty. ‘She left a few voicemails but I haven’t replied.‘Do you mind if I listen to them?’ Asked Mike, looking quite concerned.‘Um yeah ok if you like. There was nothing private in the messages and Mike and Paula had been friends for years thought Sophie as she handed over her phone.Message 1- 9:13pm ‘Sophie I know you are angry with me and you have every right to be but please come home, so I can explain.Ok that didn’t sound too bad thought Mike feeling reassured. Message 2 - 10:34pm ‘Please Soph... Don’t be like this I know I should have told you....but I wanted to wait...until I could explain properly....I love you.’Right well she’d been drinking that much was clear but at least what she was saying was still rational. Right final message. Message 3 - 12:02am ‘Soph it’s me....again. I love you... I don’t know what else to say... Please don’t leave me.. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you... I don’t want anyone else... I made a mistake....A stupid fucking mistake ....I’m so sorry... I always end up fucking everything up... There must be something wrong with me...I, I....’She does not sound good thought Mike as he pulled the phone away from his ear. ‘And she hasn’t tried to contact you since that last message just after 12?’ ‘No, when I finally decided to call her back around one her phone just kept going to voicemail.’‘Right Sophie I’m going to head round to hers now just to see if she’s there. You stay here incase she comes into the office.’‘Mike are you ok?’ Asked Sophie. ‘I mean I’m sure she’s fine, I bet she’s meeting a client as we speak.’‘Yeah i’m sure you’re right, it’s just weird that she’s not answering her phone that’s all.’ Explained Mike trying to keep his voice steady. ‘I’ve got to head over that way anyway, so it’s no problem, I’m sure everything’s fine.’As Mike walked down the corridor towards the stairs he really hoped he was right. He didn’t want to alarm Sophie but he was worried, really worried. This was exactly like before.‘Hannah can you cancel all my morning appointments, something’s come up.’ ‘Yeah will do Mr Langley and is Ms Martin still not available?’‘No she’s not, thanks Hannah.’ Replied Mike walking quickly towards the staircase, calling Paula’s number again as he went. ‘The person you are calling....’ Shit Paula answer your phone, for fucks sake. If she’d done something stupid Mike would never forgive himself.

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Paula had started drinking pretty much as soon as Sophie had left. She’d thought about going after her and did follow her as far as the end of the driveway but when Sophie hadn’t even looked back Paula decided to give her the space she obviously needed. A decision she regretted about 20 minutes later. Walking back into the house Paula had turned off the oven and thrown the over cooked pasta into the bin. She’d then gone straight to the wine rack, retrieved a bottle of red and a glass and headed for the lounge. Opening the bottle she tucked her feet up under herself and poured herself a generous glass. As soon as she drank the first two mouthfuls she knew she’d drink until she forgot, because that was what Paula did. Her councillor had concluded that she wasn’t an alcoholic but did abuse alcohol. Well Paula could have told them that for nothing. She didn’t need alcohol day to day but when something went wrong Paula hit the bottle, big time, but to be honest that was the least of her problems. Taking another gulp of wine Paula found her phone and started to scroll through her photos. God Sophie was so gorgeous. She thought back to that first time she’d met her in the Bistro, she’d liked her as soon as she’d shaken her hand. Thank god Isla had been more interested in going travelling because Paula had known then that she had to see Sophie again. When Sophie had kissed her first she’d really had to resist the urge to take her right there on the sofa. She laughed to herself now as she remembered using the ‘just a client I’m trying to pin down’ comment, she’d liked that one. If she was truly honest with herself that’s all she thought Sophie would be, someone she’d have some fun with, then move on from, like all of her partners in the past two years. But Sophie was different she wasn’t just someone Paula wanted to fuck she was someone she wanted to get to know, spend time with, share her life with. Yes, lust had turned into love very quickly with Sophie. Then why the hell had she done what she’d done? Why the hell did she keep doing this? Why were her relationships never simple? Why hadn’t she just shown Sophie James’ texts? Been honest? Then none of this would have happened. God, hindsight was such a wonderful thing. Paula was on her third glass of wine when she tried to call Sophie the first time. She wasn’t surprised when the phone went to voicemail. ‘Sophie I know you are angry with me and you have every right to be but please come home, so I can explain.’ Looking at the clock it was still early and Paula was hoping that Sophie would walk through the door at any minute wanting to know exactly what had happened. And Paula would tell her everything because she couldn’t bear to lose her. Over an hour had passed and Paula still hadn’t heard from Sophie she was well into her second bottle of wine now and her mind was racing. She’d gone from feeling guilty over her actions to anger about how Sophie had got those photos. She’d been so shocked at seeing them that she hadn’t even thought to ask who’d sent them. So who the fuck had sent them? Had that bastard James set her up? She wouldn’t put it past him, although he had no idea about Sophie never mind have her number. So the only other person who knew she was there was Mike but surely Mike wouldn’t have done that, he’d helped her through so much, he wanted to see her happy because then he’d be able to stop worrying about her. Suddenly it hit her ... Ben... It was fucking Ben.. He must have overheard her conversation with Mike when he’d ran into her outside the kitchen. God did he hate her that much? Right well if there was one thing that wasn’t happening it was that shit splitting her and Sophie up.... Paula reached for her phone again... ‘Please Soph... Don’t be like this I know I should have told you....but I wanted to wait...until I could explain properly....I love you.’ Why wasn’t she answering her phone? Maybe Paula should go to Sally’s see if she was there. No that was a stupid idea, Sally would kill her. She’d promised not to hurt her and here she was doing exactly that. She was hurting Sophie like she’d hurt Tim because that was what she did.... Two bottles of wine down and she was on the vodka now. It was always Vodka when she got in this state, there was no way she’d waste good bourbon on getting smashed. Now she’d reached the point of no return and she was craving more ... that high. That feeling of complete euphoria. It had been nearly three years but that overwhelming urge was still there.
Maybe if she called Sophie once more, maybe this time she’d answer. No still voicemail ‘Soph.. it’s me....again. I love you... I don’t know what else to say... Please don’t leave me.. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you... I don’t want anyone else... I made a mistake....A stupid fucking mistake ....I’m so sorry... I always end up fucking everything up... There must be something wrong with me...I, I....’ Paula’s brain couldn’t function anymore. She didn’t have anymore words. She could feel the negative thoughts overtaking. Sophie hates me so much she won’t even answer my calls. Isla’s on the other side of the world and still despises me for what I did to her dad and the only person who doesn’t hate me would rather be fucking some girl he’s just met, wonder where he gets that from?
Right Paula couldn’t just sit here any more, surely there was something in this god damn house she could take to make her, not feel like this. Maybe Theo had some painkillers left from the hospital? She wasn’t sure what he was taking and she doubted they would be what she was craving, she was sure Tim would have made sure of that, but it was worth a try. After ransacking Theo’s room she hadn’t found anything and now she just felt worse for going through her sons stuff. God she thought this was over. Wasn’t nearly dying enough to stop her behaving like this? Obviously not. And that’s when she remembered... downstairs in the kitchen, in the cupboard, she hadn’t got rid of it and she doubted anyone else would have. Heading into the kitchen slightly unsteady on her feet now she opened the cupboard, no it was still there. Shit she thought as she sat down at the island with the bag of white powder, she hadn’t taken coke for years but right now maybe this was what she needed...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Mike’s heart was racing as he drove towards Paula’s, the journey felt like it was taking forever. Why was there so much traffic? He felt like he was going back in time to nearly three years ago when he’d received that awful text from her. Luckily he’d been awake when the 1am text came through, luckily he knew her well enough to know that it was a cry for help and luckily there’d been no traffic. That night he’d driven round to Paula’s in a blind panic, circling the house when he arrived to find a way in, relieved to find the doors at the back of the house open. He’d never forgotten searching the house and the dread he’d felt going up the stairs Please don’t let this be the same prayed Mike as he finally drove up the driveway. It was at times like this that Mike was thankful Paula wasn’t too security conscious, so could never be bothered to shut the electric gates. As he came to a stop on the gravel drive he didn’t know whether to be relieved or worried when he saw Paula’s car. Ringing the doorbell he couldn’t keep still, he guessed it was the adrenaline. He waited a few seconds before looking through the window which wasn’t helpful as the shutters were closed. Walking round to the back of the house he tried all the doors, nothing, he wasn’t going to be as lucky as last time. Ok right, think. That’s when he spotted the alarm at the back of the house and remembered a conversation he’d had with Paula, well an argument really ages ago. He’d asked her why Theo hadn’t called into the office recently to which she’d replied that he no longer had to stop by to pick up keys as she’d left a spare one in the shed. Obviously Mike had told her it was ludicrous to have a state of the art alarm system if you were just going to leave a back door key in an unlocked shed but Paula had argued that no one knew it was their and if Theo came by the office yet again she’d end up killing him. So that had been the end of that conversation. Entering the shed Mike uttered a small prayer, please let the key still be here. Yes, thank god she hadn’t listened to him. Retrieving the key Mike ran over to the back door that led into the utility room. Opening the door he waited, well the alarm hadn’t gone off although that didn’t necessarily mean she was in, not if she’d left in a hurry and forgotten to set it. He made his way through a doorway into the downstairs toilet that finally ended up in the hallway. Paula’s house was a maze and why the hell anyone needed so many bathrooms was beyond him. ‘Paula, it’s me Mike.’ He yelled as he stood in the hallway. Nothing. He quickly pushed open the lounge door, oh great this wasn’t a good sign he thought as he spotted two empty wine bottles on the coffee table and half a bottle of vodka laying on its side by the corner of the sofa. Shit, Mike had only ever known Paula to drink Vodka once before.‘Paula,’ he shouted again as he raced back into the hallway and after a quick look in the dining room he entered the kitchen. Why did she have such a bloody big house he thought as he rushed round to check the other side of the island and that’s when he saw it. A thin line of white powder on the worktop. Shit Paula what the hell have you done? Not wanting anyone else to see it Mike brushed it onto the floor with his hand and after he’d glanced once more round the kitchen he made his way back into the hallway. Oh god he’d have to go upstairs, please don’t let it be like last time. Mike gripped the banister when he realised he was shaking. On the landing he rushed to where he’d found her before. He knew it wasn’t her room anymore, she’d turned it into the guest bedroom after what had happened, but maybe that’s where she’d be again. Tentatively he opened the door. Nothing. Mike let out a breath he hadn’t realised he’d been holding. Next was Isla’s room, all clear. Then Theo’s, no nothing although he’s room looked like it had been burgled. Clothes were everywhere, drawers pulled out, even the bin had been tipped out. Strange, although this was Theo so maybe not so strange.
Right that only left one room, Paula’s and now Sophie’s. Another deep breath, he turned the handle and stepped inside. ‘Paula’ he called just incase he’d totally over reacted and she was curled up in bed. Nothing. The bed had been slept in, that much was clear and what looked like Paula’s work clothes were on a chair in the corner but apart from that, there were no other clues that Mike could see. What now? Bathroom? ‘Paula’ he called as he entered the room. No she wasn’t there either, so where the hell was she? Halfway down the stairs he heard a key in the lock, thank fuck for that he thought as he stopped on the stairs, ‘Paula where the fu....Oh Sophie hi.’ ‘Mike?’ Exclaimed Sophie as she visibly jumped. ‘Shit you scared the crap out of me. Everything ok? Where’s Paula?’So Paula hasn’t turned up at the office. Shit so where the hell was she and what the hell was he going to tell Sophie. ‘Umm I don’t know.’‘What do’ya mean ya don’t know, how did you get in?’ ‘With the spare key from the shed,’ confessed Mike as he came down the remaining few stairs.‘Ok,’ stated Sophie slowly ‘So why did you feel the need to let yourself into Paula’s house when she’s not here?’ ‘Because I needed to check she wasn’t...’ Mike stopped himself realising he’d said too much, ‘Why are you here anyway? ‘No Mike I asked you first, and you’re really starting to scare me now. If Paula’s not here, it must be like I said and she’s meeting a client somewhere, yeah?’ Said Sophie trying to reassure herself more than anything. ‘Mmm,’ agreed Mike unconvincingly. ‘So you haven’t said, why are you here?’‘I live here,’ shot back Sophie. ‘Ahh sorry Mike that was uncalled for... I couldn’t concentrate at work, thought i’d come back here in my lunch break...Just incase... She was here....I really need to talk to her.... I feel awful... I should have answered my phone...Where is she? Stammered Sophie her voice finally breaking.‘I don’t know,’ sighed Mike feeling for Sophie. ‘But you know something. Something’s happened that you’re not telling me. Have you been in touch with her? Is she leaving me?’ Sophie asked softly unable to look at Mike, a single tear running down her cheek.Oh god what do I do now? Thought Mike. Should he stay and comfort Sophie or go looking for Paula and if he did the latter what would he tell Sophie and where would he start looking? ‘No she’s not leaving you, did you even listen to those messages? Paula loves you so much, it’s just...well it’s complicated..’ ‘Look Mike if Paula’s in trouble, then you need to tell me....I have a right to know.’ Ok Mike had made a decision he had to tell Sophie about Paula’s past. He justified his choice by the fact that Paula had said she would tell her anyway and Mike needed to think about what to do next, he couldn’t waste time trying to cover things up. Anyway Sophie might have some ideas about where she’d be. ‘Ok Sophie lets go and sit down,’ stated Mike calmly as he guided Sophie into the lounge and over to the sofa. Once they were both sitting down he softly started to explain. ‘Sophie you’re right I am worried about Paula. The thing is that she has a tendency to.. well.. ok so....’ ‘Mike please just spit it out ok, whatever it is i’ll deal with it.’ ‘Ok, right...Yes so I’ll just say it. So Paula’s a recovering addict.’ Mike swallowed and looked at Sophie. ‘You what?’ Came Sophie’s baffled response‘Yeah look I know it’s a lot to take in but...’

‘Addict? What’s she addicted to? I mean I know she likes a drink but I hardly think she’s an alcoholic and she doesn’t seem the type to do drugs. I mean not now, maybe when she was younger..’ Sophie knew she was jabbering but this just made no sense.‘Sorry look it’s not as bad as i’ve made it sound. Let me explain.. Painkillers, she was addicted to prescription painkillers. She was prescribed them at first after an accident, she certainly didn’t set out to abuse them but she had a lot to deal with in a short space of time and she found they helped so she increased the amount she was taking until she couldn’t function without them... ‘Shit,’ exclaimed Sophie running her hand through her hair. ‘So what happened, how did she stop?’ This was the last thing Sophie had expected Mike to come out with.‘Well that’s the thing Sophie she stopped because she had no choice. She took an over dose. It was me that found her. She didn’t come into work and nobody could contact her, it wasn’t until one the next morning that she sent me a message, she’d been drinking and ...’‘Painkillers? Over dose? Drinking?’ Questioned Sophie her mind trying to process what Mike was telling her as as she looked at the two empty wine bottles, noticing for the first time the bottle on the floor. ‘Missed work?’

‘Yes Sophie.’ Confirmed Mike.

‘But you don’t think she’d do anything like that again do you? I mean we only had an argument...’

‘Yeah I know you’re probably right. I’m probably just over reacting.’

‘But what if your not?’ Asked Sophie as the colour drained from her face.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sophie just sat, staring, still trying to process what Mike had told her. ‘Sophie, Sophie,’ called Mike softly as he placed a hand on her shoulder and gave her a gentle shake. ‘Are you ok? Look I know it’s a lot for you to take in, maybe I shouldn’t have told you. I’ve just made you worry now... I’m sorry...’‘What,’ answered Sophie, slowly snapping out of her trance. ‘No Mike it’s fine I’m glad you told me. It’s just so unexpected. Paula always seems so...so together, I just really can’t get my head round it. She’s a solicitor for fucks sake aren’t you lot supposed to be sensible? ‘Like I said earlier, Paula didn’t mean to get hooked on painkillers. It crept up on her and she used them to cope during a really difficult time. Addiction can happen to anyone, having a high powered job doesn’t make you exempt.’ ‘Yeah I guess, it’s just surely she realised it wasn’t the best idea.’ ‘Look I don’t know the whole story but I think a similar thing happened while she was at university, so it must be something she struggles with, but only she can explain. All I will say is Paula finds it hard when she feels like she’s loosing control of a situation. When she can’t put something right.’‘You’re hardly in control when you’re popping pills or drinking though are you?’ Reasoned Sophie.‘No, true but then I suppose the reason people use drugs and drink is to forget about their problems... Forget they’re not in control...God I don’t know...’ sighed Mike feeling totally out of his depth.‘But she can put this right though, she can talk to ....’ Sophie suddenly realised though that she hadn’t allowed Paula to talk, to explain herself, she’d just gone off on one and stormed out, then ignored her. Oh god if she’s done anything stupid this will all be my fault thought Sophie. ‘Mike I pushed her away I didn’t let her explain....’ Sophie was sobbing now. What had she done?‘Look listen to me this has all been a misunderstanding and can easily be fixed. I know Paula didn’t do anything with James because I was there waiting for her. She was literally with him for quarter of an hour, twenty minutes tops. He contacted her, wanted to meet up, basically his marriage is over and his moving back to Manchester. He was trying his luck and Paula met him to tell him there was no chance, that she’s with you. Ok? So stop worrying.’‘But the photos?’‘The ones Ben took? The person who would like nothing more than to see Paula suffer for the embarrassment she put him through. Yeah ok Sophie, you believe those..’ ‘So you think I’m being stupid?’ ‘Yep you’re both as bad as each other. So when she walks through that door soon, which she will do, I’m going to bash both of your heads together. Do you hear me.’‘And I will gladly let ya... I just want her back here, safe.’ ‘Right so you can help me by seeing if there’s any clues about where she’s got to. Maybe check to see if her work stuffs gone, what clothes she’s wearing? I don’t know?’ ‘Yeah good idea, i’ll go and check.’ Said Sophie wiping her eyes with the backs of her hands and heading towards the hallway. She needed to be productive because just sitting here doing nothing was driving her crazy.’ A couple of minutes later and Sophie was on her way back to the lounge, head down, shoulders slumped. ‘I couldn’t find anything. Although her lap top and work bag are in the study, so it doesn’t look like she’s meeting a client.’ Explained Sophie forlorn. ‘What are you doing?’ She asked puzzled as she entered the lounge and she saw Mike on his stomach looking under the sofa.‘Ah ha.’ He yelled as he pulled himself up. ‘Well at least we know why she’s not answering her phone,’ he explained as he brandished Paula’s iPhone in the air towards Sophie. ‘Must have slid under the couch at some point.’ Sophie grabbed it and immediately rushed to the kitchen where she knew her phone charger was plugged it. Waiting impatiently she tapped her nails on the counter. ‘Come on, come on,’ she muttered as the red battery flashed on the screen. ‘Anything?’ Questioned Mike as he entered the kitchen. ‘Just waiting for the battery,’ explained Sophie just as the phone lit up. Snatching it off the counter Sophie tapped in the code, smiling as she remembered how she’d told Paula off when she’d found out her pass code was her birthday. Right text messages, nothing. Recent calls the three calls to Sophie were listed but after those there was one more, for station cars. Paula had called a cab at 12:33. ‘Shit,’ sighed Sophie.‘What? What’s the matter?’ Asked Mike nervously.‘She called a cab half hour after her last message to me Mike. You don’t think she’s gone to... to see...’ Sophie couldn’t finished the sentence, she couldn’t say it out loud, she felt sick. .......................................................‘Ahh shit’ moaned Paula as she rolled over in bed. Right that was it, she was never drinking again, ever. God she was nearly 50, surely she should have learnt by now that drinking two bottles of wine and god knows how much vodka wasn’t going to make anything any better. As she opened her eyes she slowly looked around taking in the strange surroundings. Fuck, where the hell was she? Not at home that was for sure. Looking under the duvet her worst fears were answered. She was naked. Oh god she hadn’t, had she? Well this wasn’t a hotel room so she definitely hadn’t called James. Had she called anyone else? No she was pretty sure she’d only tried to call Sophie. Shit what had happened? Where was her stuff? ‘Paula,’ came a soft voice from the doorway. A woman’s voice. ‘Hey’ groaned Paula unsure who the woman was as she couldn’t lift her head off the pillow to look, although the voice did sound familiar. Oh please god don’t have done anything stupid because Sophie is the best thing that’s happened to you in ages thought Paula. Surely she hadn’t gone to bed with this woman but if she had there was no way she’d be able to talk herself out of this one.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘You gave me one hell of a scare last night turning up out of the blue like that,’ the woman explained as she entered the room.’Oh thank god,’ sighed Paula, as she recognised the voice. She was at Abi’s, a women she’d met on a group therapy course at rehab. Her councillor had insisted she attended the sessions and although Paula had thought they were a load of bollocks, she’d made a friend for life. This was good because she knew she’d definitely not slept with Abi. ‘What, mmm...How did I even... God I didn’t drive did I?’ Asked Paula in a panic.‘No you didn’t drive, Paula you could barely walk,’ smiled Abi. ‘I still have no idea how you did it but you arrived in a cab.’A cab? No she had no clue. ‘Oh god,’ she sighed as she tried to sit up and failed miserably, flopping back down on the bed. ‘Have you got my phone?’‘No you arrived with nothing, you owe me eight quid by the way, for the cab.’ ‘So I literally just turned up?’‘Yep.’‘With nothing? No house keys.’‘Nope.’ ‘Oh wow, so did I say much? Last night?’‘Say much? God I couldn’t shut ya up. Although you weren’t making much sense. Something about James, Sophie, that you’d fucked everything up. The usual shit people come out with when they’re pissed.‘And I was definitely just pissed? I hadn’t taken anything else? ‘I dunno do I. I’ve never seen you high, anyway where would you get drugs? Weren’t you hooked on prescription pills? I bet you wouldn’t know where to score even if you wanted to,’ teased Abi. ‘Oh god I remember now. I raided my sons room.’ ‘Why, he on drugs too?’‘No,’ replied Paula slightly offended. ‘He got beaten up, I thought the hospital might have given him some stronger painkillers but I don’t think I found anything.’‘So there you go then, its fine,’ reasoned Abi. ‘No it’s not. I remember now, I went downstairs to the kitchen...There’s a bag of..... in the cupboard.’‘Sorry a bag of? Didn’t quite catch you.’‘Coke,’ whispered Paula.‘Ah yeah I forgot you’re a lawyer, always a bag of coke in the cupboard. Shit Paula.’‘Ha ha very funny. It’s not mine,’ replied Paula glaring at Abi when she raised her eyebrows ‘and before you ask it’s a long story, for another time.. Anyway I think I... maybe I did a line? Oh god I can’t remember. What time did I get here?’ ‘Just before one I think.’‘Right well I remember phoning Sophie at midnight and if I called a cab and made it here, maybe I didn’t.’ ‘Ok so you’re gonna drive yourself crazy with the whole did I didn’t I thing, so let’s just forget it. Anyway we haven’t got time for this, you’ve gotta get ready, your meeting’s in half hour.’‘My what?’ ‘Yep, you my friend have a meeting at the clinic, no need to thank me.’ ‘Oh Abi please say I haven’t. Look we’ve just established that it’s highly unlikely I did take anything so I’ll be fine,’ reassured Paula. ‘Oh no no,’ began Abi waggling her finger ‘You and me both know that you need to talk through what got you into this state in the first place.’ ‘Oh you’ve changed,’ mocked Paula.‘Yes I have. Got my kids back now ain’t I and I am not screwing up again and neither are you.’ ‘But i’ve talked things through with you. You just said you couldn’t shut me up last night so it’s fine. I know what i’ve got to do. Go home and have the chat with Sophie.’ ‘Yeah that’s great babes but you look like absolute shit and like I said the fact that you don’t know whether you actually used or not is quite a worry so you need to go and talk it though.’ Explained Abi ‘Please, do it for me.’‘Ok, ok i’ll go but please tell me it’s not with Val, it’s like talking to my mother.’ ‘No not Val, Jeff, so at least you’ll have a bit of eye candy while you pour your heart out.’ Paula smiled ‘Thank you.’ ‘No need, you helped me out, now I help you that’s what friends are for. Now get that naked butt out of bed.’ ‘Yeah Abi about that, why am I naked?’‘Not a clue but you started taking your clothes off as soon as I bought you in here. Gave me quite the show. You know if you were my type you might have got lucky,’ Winked Abi as she left the room. ‘Oh shit,’ groaned Paula. .......................................................After hurriedly getting changed into yesterday’s clothes and borrowing a pair of Abi’s sunglasses so she could actually open her eyes Paula had let Abi drive her to the clinic. She really didn’t think she needed to talk to anyone, she knew she’d been an idiot and she knew what she had to do, but maybe it wouldn’t hurt getting some help with how to go about telling Sophie.‘God is that the time?’ Exclaimed Paula as she noticed the digital display on the dashboard.‘Yeah quarter to 11 your appointment’s at 11.’‘Oh wow I should call work, make up some excuse as to why I’m not in.’ ‘Aren’t you the boss?’ Asked Abi. ‘Well yeah, but even so...’‘Even so nothing, surely having a day off’s one of the perks of being in charge.’‘Yeah I suppose but I should call Sophie. She might be worried, can I borrow your phone.’‘Yeah sure.’ Replied Abi handing her the phone. ‘Code’s 2307.’Paula punched in the code and brought up the keypad, shit.‘You alright? Having second thoughts?’‘No I don’t know her bloody number do I. It’s just saved in my phone,’ explained Paula angry with herself for the fact she didn’t even know her girlfriend’s number.‘Ah yeah that might be a problem.’‘Never mind I’m sure she’s not that bothered anyway. I’ll probably get home and find she’s moved all her stuff out. It’s probably a blessing this happened, she’s too good for me anyway and way too young.’ ‘Too young, why how old is she?’ Exclaimed Abi. ‘Twenty six,’ ‘Whoa twenty six, check you out. Paula Martin the cougar.’ ‘Abi don’t.’ ‘Don’t what? You should be well chuffed. I know I would be.‘Yeah well I don’t know what she saw in me in the first place so now I’ve gone and done this it gives her an excuse to leave.’‘Oh yeah cos I mean I have no idea what she sees in you. It must be awful for her, having such an intelligent, funny, caring and hell I’m just gonna say it, very attractive partner,’ laughed Abi ‘and as for what you’ve done I still don’t really get what that is? I mean from what I could work out last night you met an ex to tell him you didn’t want to get back together with him.’‘Yeah that’s pretty much it,’ agreed Paula. ‘Right so stop feeling sorry for yourself,’ ordered Abi as she pulled up right outside the centre. ‘Go in there, have a chat, get it all off your chest, sort out what you’re gonna say to Sophie and i’ll pick you up in an hour.’‘No, Abi you really don’t need to wait.’‘I know I don’t but I’m gonna, right out you get.’.................................................................Exactly sixty seven minutes later and Paula was back in the car, breathing a sigh of relief. She always hated the thought of a counselling session as they bought up things she’d rather not talk about but obviously that was the whole point of them, and she did feel much better.‘Hey you,’ greeted Abi ‘Better?’ ‘Better.’‘Home?’ Abi had been to enough sessions herself to know the last thing Paula would want was more chat.’‘Please,’ said Paula closing her eyes. ‘You’re gonna need to give me a bit more than that, remember you’ve never let me round your house.’ ‘Hey that’s not true, there’s just never been a reason for you to come to mine. What with looking after the twins and everything.’‘I’m only joking, but come on, I’m gonna need the address I’ve always wanted to see where all the posh people live.’‘Do you even know me at all? Me?’ Posh?’ ‘No, well I know your not proper posh, but I bet you've got a massive house if that car you drive’s anything to go by.’ Paula smiled, you always knew where you were with Abi. ‘15 Hattern Lane’ she muttered as her eyes closed again. ........................................................‘Wow,’ exclaimed Abi under her breath as she drove through the gates and onto the gravel drive. She’d never been friends with anyone who even owned their own house never mind had a detached one with electric gates. I so should have listened at school she thought as she nudged Paula awake. ‘Honey we’re home and it looks like you’ve got company.’‘What...Who..’ questioned Paula as her eyes flew open. ‘Oh god Mike, I forgot about Mike.’
‘Mike? And Mike is? Another ex you forgot to mention?’ ‘No, no nothing like that he’s an old friend, you meet him, at the office, he, he...’ ‘Nope don’t remember him so what’d he do? Just spit it out.’ ‘He found me, the last time... called an ambulance.. shit I should have called him. I bet he’s been worried sick.’ ‘Paula I’m not being funny but your over dose was nearly three years ago why would he be worried?’‘Because I’m not in work and I’m always in work.’ ‘What like everyday?’ ‘Yeah, everyday and if I’m not in the office, I’m in court or with a client.’‘Wow you are one hell of a fun chick,’ mocked Abi. ‘So why doesn’t he think you’re just out of the office?’ ‘He’s probably checked my diary.’‘Right now he just sounds like a stalker.’ ‘My online diary,’ explained Paula rolling her eyes. ‘Did you not learn anything when you temped for us?’ ‘Naw not really, I think we both realised that when you politely asked me to leave after three days.’ ‘Yeah right,’ replied Paula distracted. ‘Earth to Paula,’ called Abi as she waved her hand in her face. ‘So are you going in or what?’ ‘Yeah in a minute, I’m thinking.’ ‘About what? I’m not being funny but I have got to pick the twins up at half three.’ ‘I’m thinking that if Mikes car is here but he’s not in it then he must be inside and that means Sophie must be home.’‘Whoa so Sophie lives here? Fast work, I like it.’ ‘You really aren’t helping.’‘Sorry, but what exactly are you needing to think about?’‘About telling Sophie, everything.’ ‘Listen’ replied Abi taking Paula’s hand. ‘It’ll be fine she’ll understand, once you explain, and you’ll get though it. I promise.’ She said as she squeezed Paula’s hand then added, ‘Just think how great the make up sex is gonna be.’ Smiling Paula took a deep breath. ‘Right wish me luck,’ she muttered as she got out of the car. ‘Babes you’ve got this,’ called Abi through the open window as she headed out of the driveway.
‘Mmm’ thought Paula as she walked up to the door. Let’s hope Abi’s right.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Paula hesitated as she went to ring the bell. God this was odd knocking on her own front door. She could feel the anxiety building inside her or was that the alcohol. Right here goes nothing she thought as she brought her finger down on the bell and stood back from the door. As the door flew open Paula hadn’t quite expected the reaction she got. ‘Babe thank fuck you’re ok,’ yelled Sophie as she launched herself at Paula practically knocking her off the step. ‘Mike, Mike she’s here,’ yelled Sophie as she dragged Paula through the doorway. ‘Are you ok? Where the hell have you been, we’ve both been worried sick.’‘Yeah you gave us both a scare when you weren’t at work to meet Mr Carlton this morning.’ Explained Mike in a stern tone. Paula could tell he was pissed off and he had every right to be. ‘I’m so sorry,’ replied Paula looking between them ‘I should have called, let you know I wouldn’t be in.’ ‘Yeah a call would have been good, although judging by the look of you and the empty bottles in the front room I’m guessing that would have been difficult,’ retorted Mike. Paula looked towards him, god he had the same disapproving look her father use to give her, although Mike was only a few years older than her. ‘Yeah,’ agreed Paula quietly. ‘So where have you been?’ Questioned Sophie again, worried that Paula hadn’t answered the question. Shit she’d called him hadn’t she or hooked up with someone else.‘I went to stay with a friend.’ Explained Paula knowing by the looks on both their faces that neither of them believed her. ‘I stayed at Abi’s.’ She’d hoped to see some recognition on Mike’s face but got none, so added. ‘You know Mike the woman who covered reception for a few days, you must remember, she was terrible.’ ‘Oh yeah, that Abi, the one you met at...’
‘Yeah’ whispered Paula looking sideways at Sophie. ‘Look Mike would you just give me a minute with Sophie please.’ ‘Yeah I’ve got a few calls to make anyway but I need a word before I leave. Alright if I make them in there?’ Asked Mike nodding towards the kitchen.’‘Yeah sure I’ll be through in a minute.’ Stated Paula wondering what he was going to say.Once Mike had disappeared into the kitchen Sophie turned to Paula, she had to ask ‘So Abi? She just a friend? Have you two ever?.. You know.’ Sophie hated having to ask but the truth was she still didn’t fully trust Paula and knew it would play on her mind if she didn’t.‘Oh god no, it’s not like that. She’s just been a really good friend over the past few years. We’ve helped each other out through some tough times.’ ‘Sorry...But I had to ask.’‘It’s fine Sophie, I’ve broken your trust, I understand.’ Then looking at the young brunette she took both her hands in hers. ‘Sophie I am so sorry for yesterday. I didn’t think. I should have told you I was meeting James. I guess I just wanted to...no needed to see him face to face to hear what he had to say and to tell him I wanted nothing more to do with him. I know the photos look bad but I promise you, nothing happened.’‘I really wanna believe you.’ Stated Sophie softly, staring into Paula’s eyes. ‘I’m sorry I walked out, I should have given you a chance to explain.’Paula dropped Sophie’s hands and lent back against the wall. ‘Yeah well I’d have probably done exactly the same in your position,’ sighed Paula. ‘Look there’s things I need to tell you... about the past, but it’s going to take a while so can I grab a shower and get changed? Then I promise we’ll sit down and I’ll tell you everything ok?’‘Yeah ok, that sounds like a plan,’ agreed Sophie ‘Although I think I know what you’re going to say. Mike told me about....Finding you.. here... He’s been so worried.’‘He told you?’ Asked Paula unsure whether she was angry or glad that he’d told her.‘Yeah, well not everything, obviously, just the main bits. Please don’t be mad with him I made him tell me.’‘I’m not mad, just... oh I don’t know....embarrassed,....ashamed....’ said Paula wringing her hands and looking anywhere but at Sophie.‘Right you do not need to feel any of those things,’ said Sophie as she gently stroked Paula’s cheek and turned her head to face her. ‘Do you understand? I’m so sorry you had to go through all that, it must have been awful, I can’t imagine.’
All Paula could do was nod.‘Look why don’t you go and see what Mike wants. Then go and get sorted and I’ll be here whenever you’re ready to talk.’ Stated Sophie gently.‘I don’t deserve you,’ replied Paula as she headed down the hall to the kitchen.Mike was on the phone with his back to her when she entered but ended the call as soon as he saw her. ‘So how you feeling, really?’ asked Mike.‘Like absolutely hell. My head’s pounding and I just want to curl up in a ball and sleep but Sophie deserves an explanation so it’s not an option.’ ‘Why’d you do it?’ ‘Because I’m an idiot and once I’d opened one bottle of wine I couldn’t stop.’‘And the cocaine? Where did that even come from?’ ‘Cocaine?’ Questioned Paula her heart pounding. She really thought she must have seen sense last night and not taken anything.‘Paula don’t treat me like a fool. I’ve been going out of my mind. You do realise I still have nightmares about that night don’t you? I thought you were fucking dead. Well you practically were. I really don’t think, even now, you realise how ill you were.’Wow Paula had no idea Mike felt like this. She’d just assumed he’d found her, called an ambulance, travelled to the hospital, called Tim and left, end of. She hadn’t realised the impact it had had on him.‘God Mike I’m so sorry I didn’t realise....’‘No, well you wouldn’t, would you...We’ve never spoken about it. It’s just I still feel so guilty that I didn’t notice anything. Back then I was probably one of the people that saw you the most and I didn’t have a clue. I mean I knew you were stressed... but I had no idea....’‘Hey, stop talking, right now, because that’s complete bollocks. You didn’t know because I was very good at hiding it. I’m the idiot for bottling everything up, ok, so please never think that you could have done anything, because you couldn’t. No one could. I’m just grateful I text you that night. I must have known you’d come.’‘Yeah, so why not this time? You could have called, you could have spoken to me.’ ‘Good question, and I have no idea. Although to be honest I don’t actually remember much about last night. Wait a minute how do you know I took coke?’‘What?’ Replied Mike puzzled. ‘How did you know.’‘Because you left a line on the counter just there,’ explained Mike waving his hand towards the counter top.Walking over to the island Paula sat on one of the stools and closed her eyes. Mike looked on as he noticed a smile cross her lips.‘I wouldn’t be smiling if I was you, what if Sophie had seen it?’‘I’m smiling because I remember what happened. I got the bag out of the cupboard and put a line on the counter and I was going to do it but then I was scrolling through my phone and I’ve got these quotes on there. That I read whenever I feel like I’m losing control, silly I know... Anyway I was reading them and then I came across a note from Abi at the bottom. She’d put something like ‘If you’re reading these shit quotes you must be in trouble so how about meeting up with me instead.’ So I didn’t do it I called a cab instead, I remember sitting on the sofa and calling one.’‘That explains why we found your phone under the sofa,’ mused Mike. ‘And why I ended up at Abi’s because that did seem a bit strange.’‘Ok well i’m glad it looks like you only got paralytic but where the hell did the cocaine come from? Please say you've not got a problem with that now.’‘No it’s a very long story. It belongs to a friend of Theo’s, she’s actually in rehab now. Did you find the bag?’‘No but to be honest I didn’t look, just brushed what was on the counter into the floor so Sophie didn’t see.’‘Thanks.’ Replied Paula as she started to open the cupboards. ‘Got it,’ she stated as she came to the fourth cupboard, pulled the bag out and walked over to the sink. ‘I should have done this when I found it,’ she remarked tipping the contents down the plug hole.‘I don’t even want to think about how much money that would have cost.’ Exclaimed Mike.‘Yeah it’s a good job she stole it then,’ remarked Paula raising her eyebrows.‘You what?’ Replied Mike shocked.‘Yeah you couldn’t make up some of the problems this family deals with. Right, now that’s sorted I’m going up for a shower. I’ve told Sophie I’m going to tell her everything when I’m done.’‘Ah yeah about that.... She knows about the painkillers.. Sorry but I had to explain why I’d broken into your house.’‘You broke in?’ ‘Well not really. I used the handy key in the shed.’ Laughed Mike.‘See told you it was a good idea.’ Smiled Paula. ‘Look I’m going to go, leave you two alone. I’m glad you’re ok but if you do decide to get shit faced again and not come into work, can you just let me know yeah,’ smiled Mike. He didn’t know what it was about Paula but he just couldn’t stay cross with her for long. ‘Will do,’ smiled back Paula. ‘Ok I’m going up. Thanks for looking after Sophie. I’ll see you on Monday. Have a good weekend.’‘Not coming into the office then? It’s only just after one.’ Teased Mike.‘Yeah think I’ll pass,’ called Paula halfway up the stairs ‘and I’m pulling rank and saying you better not go back in either.’‘You don’t have to ask me twice,’ shouted Mike up the stairs as he opened the lounge door to say goodbye to Sophie.‘Sophie i’m go...’ Mike stopped as he noticed Sophie wiping away tears. ‘What’s the matter? She’s home now, everything’s going to be ok.’‘Yeah,’ mumbled Sophie not sounding convinced.‘I’m sorry I’ve made you feel like this, it was me over reacting. All that’s really happened is you had a fight, one of you walked out the other got pissed, it happens.’‘But Mike it’s not even that. It’s everything. I feel like ever since I moved in it’s been one thing after another. First Theo gets beaten up, then Olivia shows up, Ben has a vendetta against us, James is on the scene again, Isla hates her mum because of me and now Paula’s got all these secrets in her past. It’s just really hard. I only moved in a few weeks ago.’ Sighed Sophie as she finally took a breath. ‘And I thought my family was bad.’Mike smiled, ‘Wow yeah that is a lot, but if you’re worried this is normal for Paula, it’s not. To be honest life’s been pretty dull for her over the past couple of years. Once she came out of the Priory she threw herself into work. She hardly ever went out, stopped smoking, drinking even went so far as to give up coffee, although I had to tell her that was a step too far.’’Sophie had to laugh at this, god Paula without coffee; that would be unbearable. ‘It’s good to see you smile. Look I can see a lot’s happened lately but you two are great together and as for what’s been going on it looks like everything is pretty much sorted now. Theo’s back at uni, so you won’t have any of his dramas, Ben’s internship only lasts a few more weeks and neither of you took the bait and contacted him so his little plan backfired. Paula’s told James she wants nothing to do with him so hopefully he takes the hint and Isla will come round once she knows how happy you make her mum, so it’s all sorted and as for the past, it’s the past. Let Paula explain and then forget about it and move on.’ ‘Wow you know what you’re wasted as a solicitor,’ smiled Sophie looking up at Mike. ‘Thank you, Paula’s lucky to have you as a friend.’‘And I’m lucky to have her as a boss. You ok now?’‘Yeah better, thanks.’‘Good, right I’m off so you two can make up. Have a lovely weekend. I’ll show myself out.’ ‘Well ya showed yourself in,’ teased Sophie as Mike left the lounge.Flopping back on the couch Sophie really hoped Mike was right and they could sort things out. One thing Sophie did know was that as much as she was trying, she just didn’t trust Paula and without trust could they have a relationship?

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Paula worked slowly into the lounge and just stood staring at Sophie, sleeping. She looked so peaceful and was obviously exhausted so Paula let her rest while she went to make coffee. She needed to wake herself up as her talk with Sophie was probably going to take a while. God she was dreading it, where did she start? Jeff had said it might be a good idea to ask Sophie what she wanted to know and go from there, although that would mean her having to answer some difficult questions. Right Paula stop procrastinating, you need to do this she told herself as she entered the lounge and placed two mugs of coffee on the table. Sophie stirred and slowly opened her eyes, stretching the whole length of the sofa. ‘Sorry have I been asleep long?’ Apologised Sophie as she swung her feet over the side of the sofa so she was sitting up. ‘Have you put makeup on?’ She yawned crinkling her nose as she looked at the solicitor. ‘Maybe a bit,’ admitted Paula. ‘Sophie I looked like shit.’ ‘But it’s only me here.’‘Yeah but it makes me feel better, ok.’ ‘Ok, but you know you look stunning whatever.’ ‘Wow have you been drinking now?’ Laughed Paula as she sat on the sofa next to the young brunette, tucking her legs underneath her as she turned to face her.‘No, I think you drank enough for both of us last night. Seriously I’m surprised you’re not in hospital.....shit...sorry,’ Sophie nervously tried to apologise. ‘I didn’t mean, oh god.’ ‘Hey it’s ok. I know what you mean, I did go a bit crazy. That’s my problem I don’t know when to stop,’ Sighed Paula.‘No,’ murmured Sophie and then there was silence, both women just sat staring, not sure what to say.In the end it was Paula who spoke. ‘So look I know Mike’s told you some of the details about what happened but if you want me to fill in the blanks I will or I can start with what happened when I met James? Look whatever you want to know.’ Promised Paula as she lent forward and picked up her coffee, passing a mug to Sophie, ‘thought we could both do with the caffeine.’ ‘Yeah thanks.’ Said Sophie taking the mug. ‘Ok so I guess what I really want to know is why you met up with James again, after all this time when you’re with me.’ ‘I met him because he suddenly sent me loads of messages completely out of the blue. Do you remember when your mum and Tim were round and my phone kept going off? Well that was him. At first I didn’t reply but then he said he’d come to the office or the house and I just panicked and said I’d meet him.’‘So why didn’t you tell me. I would have understood.’ Asked Sophie taking a sip of coffee.‘I don’t know, I suppose I thought it would just be easier if you didn’t know. Tim was always so jealous, even before the affair, so I never told him what I was doing because it just ended in an argument, so I guess I just did the same with you.’ ‘What did he want?’ Mumbled Sophie already sure she knew the answer.‘He’s split up with his wife. She caught him with one of her work colleagues. I mean the man is such a player, he’ll never learn. I really have no idea what I saw in him. Anyway he was trying his luck, wanted to see if we could start seeing each other again.’ ‘And what did you say?’ Asked Sophie looking down into her lap, at her hands around her coffee cup.‘I can’t seriously believe you’re asking me that question.’ Replied Paula staring at Sophie, god she really doesn’t have any idea how I feel about her, she thought. ‘I was with him for all of twenty minutes. I just wanted to show him that he couldn’t talk me round like he’s done in the past. I guess I wanted him to see I’ve changed. I told him I was with you and that I was happy and that was it, I left.’‘What do you mean that he couldn’t talk you round? Paula Martin is not easily talked round.’ ‘No not now but back then I needed to feel like someone wanted me so when he called to meet up, most of the time I did. I was flattered that he wanted to spend time with me because believe me, my husband sure as hell didn’t. ‘But in the photos, you both look pretty cosy,’ ‘Sophie, look he made advances but I didn’t respond, obviously Ben isn’t going to send you photos of me snatching my hand away from under his is he?‘Spose not,’ Shrugged Sophie.‘Look I don’t know what else to say but I promise you I don’t want James or anyone else for that matter. I want you,’ said Paula softly as she caressed the back of Sophie’s hand and looked into her eyes. ‘I think you’re amazing. Just tell me what I need to do to make things right and I will. I really want us to work. ‘Yeah me too,’ agreed Sophie, ‘but if we’re gonna be together I need you to be honest with me, about everything, including the past, ok? Paula nodded.‘Starting with telling me how the hell you managed to get addicted to painkillers?’ ‘Well I certainly didn’t do it intentionally,’ sighed Paula. ‘It all started when I had an accident on holiday nearly three and half years ago. Me and Tim had decided to go on a make or break holiday, we were in a really bad place so we thought going away might help. Anyway on the fourth day of the trip I ended up in hospital.’‘Oh god what happened?’ This must have been the accident Mike was on about.‘I fell off a horse.’‘You fell off a horse? Exclaimed Sophie. ‘Yeah don’t laugh, it fucking hurt.‘Oh god, sorry. It’s just the thought of you riding a horse,’ sniggered Sophie.‘Oi you, I can ride.’‘Well you obviously can’t babe, you fell off.’ Stated Sophie trying so hard not to laugh again. .’‘True, it was pretty bad too. I ending up needing an operation on my wrist, I broke it in two places.‘Ouch’‘Yeah ouch. It was the most painful thing ever, worse than childbirth I reckon. Anyway that was when I was first prescribed Tramadol.’‘And that’s what you had an addiction too?’ ‘Yeah although not straight away. I used it properly at first, for the pain but then over time I stupidly took more and more until I couldn’t stop taking it as the withdrawal symptoms were so bad.’ ‘So how long did you take it for?’‘Well I was taking opioid painkillers for nearly eight months,’‘Wow ok, so what, were you just prescribed them? Surely a doctor would know how addictive they are.’ Paula hesitated this was going to be difficult. Leaning forward she put her cup on the table, buying herself some time. ‘Well at first I was prescribed them. The accident happened in America and to be honest if you’re paying they’ll give you anything out there. I got way more tablets than I would have been given here. Then once I came home I got another prescription from my doctor but when I had a check up appointment and asked for more she was reluctant to give me any. I didn’t make a big deal about it but a few days later I saw a private doctor who wrote me a prescription. That’s probably when I should have asked for help but I didn’t. I now know I was suffering from depression and the drugs helped me forget everything and for a while they made me happy. But I needed more and more to get the same effect so I ended up visiting different doctors and that’s when... I...I’ Paula’s words started to catch in her throat.‘When you what? You can tell me.’ Reassured Sophie putting down her mug and taking Paula’s hand in her own. ‘My mum died, she had cancer, stage four there was nothing they could do. She wouldn’t go into hospital so she was being cared for at home, she died in her sleep. It was me that found her and while I was waiting for the doctor I saw her pain medication on the side and couldn’t help myself, so I took it. I hardly had any tablets left and it had got to the stage where I was eating them like sweets. I then went looking and found two more bottles of liquid morphine, just sitting in a cupboard. I think she’d been hiding it, god knows why but she was a bit weird like that, about taking medication, not like me hey,’ laughed Paula nervously.‘Shit Paula, I’m so sorry about your mum. It must have been awful for you.. finding her.’ ‘Yeah’ replied Paula gulping down the lump that had formed in her throat. ‘Still doesn’t excuse what I did.’ ‘No, but you must have been desperate.’‘I was but at the time I didn’t even think it was wrong. I still couldn’t see that I had a problem. I kept telling myself I was still taking them for the pain in my wrist, but in reality my wrist had got better in a few months. It’s crazy when I think about it now.’‘When did this all happen?’‘My mum died two weeks after Tim caught me with James. ‘So you were taking these painkillers the whole time you were with him?’‘Yeah, I’d been taking them for nearly three months before we, well before that night. I remember because it was the first time i’d played squash since the operation. Luckily it was my left wrist I injured so I could still do most things, I only took a week off work.’‘Right so when did.. what led up to you.. To Mike finding you?’ ‘Do you mean how did I end up nearly killing myself?’ Said Paula matter of factly, ‘you can say it.’‘Yeah,’ whispered Sophie ‘although you don’t need to be so blunt about it.’ ‘No, it’s just easier to talk about it like that. I suppose Tim catching me and James together was the catalyst but it was a whole host of things that eventually tipped me over the edge. I had to deal with everyone at work finding out about the affair. There were rumours flying around court and James was quick to tell everyone how it was me that came on to him. Then god knows how but Isla found out so I had her screaming down the phone at me. I was visiting my mum nearly every day and I had a massive case going to court. I was physically and emotionally exhausted but instead of taking time out I just tried to carry on.Tim moved out a few days after the affair was exposed, he went to stay with his brother, took Theo with him. That meant I was on my own every night so I began drinking which didn’t mix too well with the large dose of Tramadol I was taking. Quite frankly looking back I have no idea how I was functioning. Then my mum died and that was it. I found the morphine. I can’t really remember the nine days between her death and the funeral. It was all a blur. I was still going into work everyday but I’d been taken off the case I was working on as the boss didn’t think I was up to it, funny that.I took an overdose two days after the funeral. I think the final blow was the visit I had from Karen, James’ wife. ‘Oh shit,’ sighed Sophie, ‘what did she want?’ ‘Basically to tell me what a bitch I was and did I not realise that I’d ruined her life, that she had kids. She made out like it was all my fault. She said James had told her that I’d trapped him by saying that if he didn’t continue our affair I was going to say he’d forced himself on me. It was all a load of bollocks but I was in such a bad place I just agreed with her so she’d leave.‘Then I came in here grabbed a bottle of vodka and went up to bed. I still had a bottle of morphine left and I remember I sat on the bed and just thought. I can’t do this anymore....I don’t want to be here....’‘So it wasn’t an accident?’ said Sophie more to herself than Paula, the realisation setting in.‘No,’ Whispered Paula looking at Sophie her eyes filling with tears. ‘I just wanted to not feel anything anymore, I thought everyone would be better off without me.’‘But what about your kids?’ Asked Sophie softly.‘Sophie when you’re in that dark place, you’re not thinking rationally. At that moment in time I was convinced nobody would miss me if I wasn’t here, and that actually, life would be a lot easier for everyone.’ Explained Paula as silent tears trickled down her cheeks. It had been a while since she’d recalled the events of that night.‘Oh god babe, you must have been so scared.’ Said Sophie as she looked at the pain etched on Paula’s face, forcing back her own tears.‘No not really. Actually once I knew what I was going to do I felt much better, Strangely. It was like I finally had a plan.’ She explained as she wiped away the tears.‘So what made you text Mike?’ ‘Yeah see this is funny.’ Said Paula smiling slightly. ‘He was the only person who’d text me that day to see how I was, so I...I remember thinking I’d better reply. You know I always reply to messages.’ Laughed Paula. This made Sophie smile. ‘It was true Paula did always reply.’ ‘So I just wrote. I’m sorry. And that’s the last thing I remember until I woke up on a trolley in the back of an ambulance.’ ‘Wow,’ breathed Sophie as the tears suddenly broke free. ‘Thank god you’re so efficient,’ she laughed through the tears as she rubbed at her cheeks, ‘And that Mike got your message and knew to come here. ‘Yeah Mike is one amazing guy, i’ll never be able to thank him enough. Hey come here you,’ exclaimed Paula, pulling Sophie in for a hug. ‘There’s no need to cry, I’m ok, I’m here, everything turned out ok.’ ‘Yeah I know, but I just... I can’t believe you ever felt that bad.. that you wanted to.... And...and.’ Sophie was crying uncontrollably now.‘Hey what’s the matter?’ Asked Paula.‘Aidan....I didn’t reply to his message.... It was all my fault.... If I’d replied...’Paula had no idea what Sophie was going on about but she knew it must be something bad for her to get herself in such a state. Paula pulled her close and rocked back and forth trying to soothe her. It took a while but eventually the sobbing stopped and Sophie pulled away and looked up at Paula. ‘I should have replied,’ she stated softly. ‘Love I really want to help you but I’ve got no idea what you’re on about.’ ‘My friend Aidan, he... he committed suicide, last year. He text asking me to meet him and I didn’t...I didn’t even reply and then the next day his dad found him....If i’d just replied he might have talked to me... I could have saved him...’ ‘Right now listen to me,’ ordered Paula grabbing Sophie by the shoulders. ‘I don’t know all the details but I’m telling you now there is nothing you could have done, ok. Even if I’d talked to someone that night I wouldn’t have listened. Mike didn’t stop me doing what I did, he just happened to get to me before it was too late. You are not to blame for anyone else’s actions, do you hear me.’ ‘Yeah,’ stated Sophie softly. She hadn’t thought about Aidan in a while but hearing Paula’s story had just brought it all back. She still found it so difficult to understand how someone could do something like that. She was so thankful that Mike had got to Paula in time. ‘I’m so pleased you sent that message.’ ‘Yeah me too,’ agreed Paula. ‘Don’t get me wrong the month I spent in rehab was one of the hardest in my life but when I look at what i’ve achieved in the last couple of years, I think i’ve managed to turn it around.’ ‘Definitely,’ agreed Sophie, ‘I’m so glad I met you.‘Really? I thought you’d want to run a mile.’
‘No, why would you think that? We’re all a bit broken.’ ‘Yeah,’ smiled Paula liking the analogy. ‘So does that mean you’re sticking around then?’ She asked.‘If you promise not to keep anything from me again,’ replied Sophie sternly. ‘I promise.’ ‘Well then, looks like I’m here to stay.’

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Sophie and Paula walked hand in hand deep in their own thoughts. It had been Paula’s suggestion to go for a walk, she still felt a little worse for wear and thought the fresh air might do her good so she’d persuaded Sophie to take a stroll through the forest that backed onto the end of the garden. They’d hardly spoken but it wasn’t awkward, it had been really nice to just spend some time together with no drama.‘We should get a dog,’ said Sophie suddenly turning to face Paula, an excited expression plastered across her face.‘A dog?’ Questioned Paula laughing.‘Yeah what’s so funny?’ ‘Nothing, it’s just less than twenty four hours ago I was convinced i’d blown it and you’d left me, now here you are wanting to get a dog together. Have you ever owned a dog? It’s a big commitment.’ ‘No, I just thought it’d be cute,’ admitted Sophie. To be honest she’d not really thought about it in much detail she’d just pictured them walking a dog through the woods together. ‘Yeah it would be cute,’ mimicked Paula earning herself a dig in the ribs from Sophie. ‘Oi you, I’m just saying it’s not so cute when it’s shitting all over the house and wants walking twice a day in all weathers.’ ‘Ah yeah good point, maybe we’ll just go for walks together more often then, minus the dog.’‘Yeah i’d like that,’ stated Paula squeezing Sophie’s hand. ‘Right I think we’d better be turning back, we’ve actually walked quite a way and I’m starving.’ ‘Yeah let’s head back and order in an early dinner. Do ya fancy pizza?’ ‘Ooo pizza, yeah perfect hangover food,’ grinned Paula. ‘I’ll start the diet on Monday.’ ‘You don’t need to diet.’ ‘Mmm but I do need to lay off the booze for a bit, so I’ve decided to stop drinking, not permanently, don’t think I could do that, but for a while.’ ‘You don’t have a problem with alcohol though, do you?’ Asked Sophie apprehensively. ‘No, but if i’m being honest I probably could have, so it’s something I need to be aware of. My counsellor today asked how much I was drinking and when I thought about it the amount has crept up.’‘Counsellor? I didn’t realise you saw a counsellor.’ Replied Sophie rather shocked.‘Yeah, I go every few months, just to check in, see how everything’s going. Abi called and made an emergency appointment for me today, she thought it was best, given the circumstances....’ ‘Yeah,’ agreed Sophie, ‘So is everything ok?’ ‘Yes Sophie, everything’s good. It just seems I have a rather addictive personality, hence why I need to just keep an eye on things.’ ‘Addictive personality?’ ‘Yeah I have a few of the personality traits that are common among people who have addictions. My counsellor has said that given my past there’s no way I should have been prescribed opioid painkillers. Although to be fair I did argue the fact that no doctor would have known about that. The counsellor argued that they should have asked,’ Paula shrugged. ‘ I probably wouldn’t have told them the truth anyway.’Past? Oh god what is she going to say now? Then Sophie remembered that Mike had mention something about Paula struggling at university. ‘Past?’ Murmured Sophie glancing questioningly at Paula. ‘At uni I had a mad few months, although it wasn’t just one drug then it was anything I could get my hands on. I went through a really rough breakup, so I just went off the rails a bit.‘What happened? With the break up I mean’ ‘What happened was Rachel,’ scoffed Paula. ‘She was my girlfriend of nearly two years, the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, the reason I didn’t speak to my mum for nearly a year. Suddenly just as we were planning on going travelling together she decided that she couldn’t be with me anymore because her family would disown her if she came out as gay. I thought she was joking at first but no she wasn’t. Her family were more important than me, the woman that had given up her own family to be with her.’‘Oh god Paula that’s terrible, what a bitch.’ ‘Yeah I was devastated at the time, I felt like my whole world had fallen apart. So to deal with it I got completely wasted.....a lot. I took drugs, drank too much, slept around....This probably isn’t what you want to hear but I said I’d be honest.’‘No it’s fine we all do crazy things when we’ve been treated badly. I mean when I thought Sian was cheating on me I got pissed and fell off a church roof onto a car.’‘Shit Sophie, oh my god, were you ok? What happened?’ ‘Well it was touch and go for a bit, I spent some time in intensive care but I pulled through, obviously, I’m here now,’ smiled Sophie as she danced around waving her arms, making Paula laugh. ‘So see it’s not just you that makes stupid decisions.’ ‘No, but I do make rather a lot. I’m fine when I’m dealing with everyone else’s problems. I mean it’s my job but as soon as I have to deal with my own I just find it really difficult.’ ‘Yeah well you’re with me now, so you don’t need to deal with anything on your own,’ reassured Sophie as she grabbed Paula by the hand and pulled her close. ‘And I’m not going anywhere because you are too damn hot to be apart from,’ grinned Sophie as she gave Paula a quick kiss on the lips. ‘Wow smooth,’ laughed Paula as she wrapped her arms around Sophie’s waist. ‘So is that all I’m going to get? A quick peck, surely if I’m that hot I deserve slightly more than that.’ Smirked Paula moving her hands round and grabbing Sophie’s bum. ‘Oh you’re going to get so much more than that but right now I need a wee and something to eat, race you back to the house.’ And with that Sophie jogged off allowing Paula a perfect view of her pert round bum. ................................................................‘Would have helped if you’d taken these with you,’ laughed Paula as she finally arrived at the back door to her house and dangled the house keys in front of a dancing Sophie.‘Shit Paula, just open the door, I’m gonna piss myself in a minute,’ moaned Sophie. ‘Sorry couldn’t resist, there you go,’ replied Paula as Sophie rushed past her into the utility room while Paula made her way into the kitchen. Right, food Paula thought to herself as she poured herself a glass of water. Where’s the iPad? They could order off that App she’d downloaded the other day. Must be in the lounge she pondered as she scanned the kitchen unable to see it. As she walked down the hallway Paula thought she could hear voices but it wasn’t until she opened the lounge door that she realised who it was and what they were doing. ‘Whoa, shitting hell’ she exclaimed closing her eyes while simultaneously trying to shut the door, there were some things that just couldn’t be unseen.

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Paula didn’t quite know what to do with herself once she’d closed the door. She could hear lots of movement and muttering and knew it wouldn’t be long before the two people emerged so it would probably be best if she wasn’t standing right behind the door when that happened. This was going to be awkward thought Paula as she walked back to the kitchen.‘What’s the matter,’ asked Sophie as she came out of the toilet and found Paula sitting at the kitchen table, staring into space.‘Theo’s here,’ stated Paula bluntly. ‘Ok,’ replied Sophie slowly, not sure what the significance of that revelation was.‘He’s in the lounge with someone.’‘Right. Paula what’s the problem.’ ‘Well the problem is I’ve just seen slightly more of my son and his guest than I would have ever wanted to see.’ ‘You what?’ Asked Sophie slightly puzzled.‘Oh Sophie you are so naive, i’ve just caught Theo and some girl in there... mid shag,’ explained Paula pointing towards the lounge.‘Oh,’ muttered Sophie trying to suppress a giggle.‘Yeah oh, I didn’t know where to put mys...’‘Mum i’m so sorry, I didn’t think... I didn’t think you’d be back.. you’re always out...Why aren’t you at work?’ Explained Theo as he burst into the kitchen pulling a t-shirt on.’ ‘Oh I’m so sorry I left work early. Silly me, obviously I should have informed you of my plans,’ snapped Paula. ‘Theo I’m not being funny but you do have a perfectly good bedroom you can use to .... Um... well entertain your guests.’ ‘Yeah well I would have gone in there but it looks like a bomb’s gone off in it. I couldn’t even see the bed.’Shit thought Paula, she’d totally forgotten she’d not sorted his room out. ‘Ahh yeah that’s my fault, I was looking for a charger.’ Charger? Thought Sophie, there’s like three in our room? Why would she have been in Theo’s room? ‘That’s fine mum but did you have to make such a mess?’‘Sorry I was in a rush but to be fair I thought I had longer to tidy it up, you were suppose to be leaving for uni this morning. What happened?’ ‘Olivia called didn’t she,’ explained Theo as he pointed towards the lounge. ‘Wanted to see if I was still in Manchester, asked if she could head back to London with me.’ ‘Oh that’s Olivia?’ Asked a surprised Paula. ‘I though it was... what happened to the girl that was here the other night?’ ‘Naomi? Yeah she was just a bit of fun,’ explained Theo grinning.‘Well I hope she knows that,’ snapped Sophie. ‘I thought you were really into her, I mean you cancelled our meal to go out with her.’ ‘Yeah Soph, it’s all cool,’ said Theo smiling, ‘she just wanted a bit of fun too.’‘You are such a slut, you do know that don’t you?’ Retorted Sophie. ‘Do Olivia and Naomi know what you’re like? Because I certainly wouldn’t want to sleep with you if I knew.’ ‘Sophie,’ exclaimed Paula really not wanting to delve any further into her son’s sex life.‘Say what you mean hey Sophie don’t hold back,’ laughed Theo, ‘I take it we’re not into one night stands then, no?’ ‘No, I’m not,’ glared Sophie, ‘And another thing what’s Olivia even doing here? I mean I know what she’s been doing here,’ explained Sophie turning red, ‘But she should still be in rehab shouldn’t she’ asked Sophie looking at Paula. ‘Nah she said they discharged her and she’s all sorted so she’s coming back to uni with me.’‘Theo she’s only been at the Priory a week, there’s no way she’s fine. You’re usually there for at least two week and that’s just the detox, then there’ll be loads of follow up appointments.’ ‘Usually, mum since when did you know about getting clean?’ Laughed Theo.Well that answered a question Sophie had been meaning to ask Paula. Who knew about her addiction and it was now obvious her kids had no idea what had happened to her. Glancing over at Paula Sophie could tell she was uncomfortable. ‘I’m pretty sure your mum’s right Theo I think it’s highly unlikely she’s better after a week.’‘Well she seems back to her old self,’ shrugged Theo.‘Is she still in the lounge?’ Asked Paula. ‘Yeah she said she’ll be out in a minute.’ Replied Theo only half listening as he was raiding the fridge.Pointing towards the lounge and mouthing ‘I’m going to talk to her,’ Paula left the kitchen hoping that Sophie would distract Theo long enough for her to suss our Olivia.She knocked on the door before entering, which was completely ridiculous, this was her house for fucks sake. ‘So Theo tells me you’ve finished rehab.’ she started as she watched Olivia bending over to tie her laces. ‘Oh hi again,’ jumped Olivia as she turned round to face Paula, ‘Sorry about earlier, it’s good to see you again. How’s the firm going? Any juicy cases?’ ‘So how are you?’ Asked Paula ignoring Olivia’s questions.‘Yeah I’m good,’ replied Olivia avoiding Paula’s gaze. ‘Clean?’‘Yeah haven’t had a line in a week.’ ‘You are such a bad liar,’ scoffed Paula.‘What?’‘You’ve taken something today, I can tell.’‘No I haven’t.’‘Olivia I’ve just caught you screwing my son on my lounge floor and you’re acting like it’s completely normal. Most people would at least be slightly embarrassed by that, I know I would be. Not to mention the fact your pupils are the size of fucking dinner plates.’ Olivia stood staring at the floor, well at least now she was starting to look ashamed. ‘Look Paula I can’t do it. I tried and I can’t. I felt like fucking shit in there.’ ‘And what did you expect? That you’d go in, take some magic medicine, go to sleep for a bit, wake up and you’d be cured?’ Stated Paula sarcastically.‘No, but I didn’t think it would be that hard.’ ‘Well i’ve got news for you. It is hard. It’s fucking hard,’ said Paula raising her voice, she could not believe she’d walked out. ‘So when did you leave?’ ‘Yesterday morning.’‘For fucks sake Olivia you managed four days another couple and you would have been over the worst,’ sighed Paula.‘Yeah well maybe I’m not like you after all. Look I tried but I can’t do it so if you give me back what you took from me, I’ll be on my way.’ ‘You what?’ ‘My cocaine, you better still have it.’‘No of course I don’t still have it.’‘Used it already have you?’ Quipped Olivia.‘Don’t be ridiculous,’ replied Paula indignantly.‘I don’t believe you,’ remarked Olivia. ‘What was it you told me in our little heart to heart, something along the lines of, there was a time when I’d take anything. Maybe the temptation of a bag of coke sitting in your kitchen cupboard got too much,’ leered Olivia.By now Paula was really finding it difficult to keep her temper in check. Part of that was because she was fully aware that Olivia’s accusation wasn’t far off the mark and it disgusted her that even after all her therapy she’d still nearly relapsed. ‘Yeah maybe you’re right Olivia, I couldn’t live with it in my house but I didn’t take it, I tipped it down the sink,’ informed Paula, enjoying the look of horror appearing on Olivia’s face. ‘See we are the same you and me, we’re both addicts but the big difference is I chose to do something about my addiction. I chose to live through absolute hell for a month to get clean, to have a better life. To keep all this.’ Stated Paula waving her arms around. ‘You threw my coke down the sink?’ Was all Olivia said as she looked incredulously at Paula. ‘Get out,’ stated Paula firmly as she stared at the young girl in front of her.‘What?’ ‘I’ve poured my heart out to you and tried to help you and you’ve just thrown it back in my face. So you heard me, I don’t want you in my house.’‘When you give me the money you owe me for that coke i’ll gladly leave.’ Replied Olivia folding her arms.Paula smiled, ‘You’re actually serious aren’t you?’ ‘Yep, do you have any idea how much money that would have cost.’ ‘Yes I do actually and it’s probably about the same price i’ve just paid out for your week in rehab, that you’ve not even been bothered to finish, so I think we’re just about even.’ ‘I never asked you to pay.’ ‘No you didn’t, I did it because I wanted to help you. I believed you wanted to change but obviously I was wrong. So now I’m doing what I probably should have done the first time you were here and I’m asking you to leave.’‘Fine,’ shouted Olivia as she gathered her stuff together and stormed towards the door. ‘Maybe you need to spend your money on sending your precious son to rehab next time.’ Mumbled Olivia as she extended her arm to grab the door handle.‘What did you just say?’ asked Paula grabbing Olivia’s outstretched arm. Olivia turned to look at Paula and whispered ‘Oh you heard me.’ Then looking at Paula’s hand squeezing her arm she added, ‘See everyone thinks Theo’s all sweet and innocent, bit like you, but you know as well as I do that looks can be deceiving.’‘What are you talking about?’ Asked Paula suddenly realising she was squeezing Olivia’s arm quite tightly. ‘Maybe you need to have a little chat with Theo about what he’s been getting up to at uni. I think you’ll find he’s taking after his mother,’ spat Olivia. ‘Now take your hand off me,’ she ordered as she pulled the door open and headed down the hallway leaving a speechless Paula staring after her.

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‘Was that the door?’ Yelled Theo from the kitchen snapping Paula from her thoughts.‘Erm yeah, Olivia had to go,’ shouted back Paula as she desperately tried to decide how she was going to deal with the knowledge she’d just been given. Right just ask him said Paula to herself as she walked back into the kitchen.‘What’d you mean she had to go?’ Asked Theo glaring up at his mum as Sophie looked on anxiously. She could tell by Paula’s expression that something had gone on. ‘She had to go because I asked her to leave,’ replied Paula trying to get a closer look at her son. She couldn’t tell if he was high, he seemed to be acting the same as usual and his pupils didn’t look dilated but it was hard to tell as his eyes were so dark unlike Olivia’s bright blue ones. ‘What do you mean you asked her to leave. It wasn’t because you caught us... well you know together.... was it?’ Stammered Theo. ‘No Theo, god no. I mean it wasn’t what I was expecting to see when I walked into my lounge but you know I’m no prude.’‘So why then?’ Questioned Theo completely confused. It was his mum who’d decided to help Olivia in the first place and now here she was kicking her out.‘Theo I asked her to leave because she’s taken cocaine. She’s not clean at all. She left rehab yesterday morning and she’s obviously been using. I mean can’t you tell?’‘No she just seemed back to normal but then I’ve probably only ever seen her off her face,’ admitted Theo. ‘Yeah well when I confronted her about it she didn’t like it. Can you believe she asked for that cocaine back I found in your pocket.’‘Oh shit I’d forgotten about that, did you give it to her?’‘No of course I fucking didn’t. Anyway I haven’t got it.’ ‘What? Where is it then?’ asked Sophie starting at Paula.‘I disposed of it, I didn’t want it in the house,’ answered Paula, glaring at Sophie, knowing full well what she was thinking. ‘Right, no course not,’ replied Sophie feeling bad that she’d even considered that Paula would have done anything else with it.‘Well do you know where she’s gone? Maybe I should go after her,’ asked Theo looking worried.‘Or maybe you should stay here and tell me why the fuck Olivia thinks I should be sending you to rehab,’ shot back Paula. ‘What,’ exclaimed Theo and Sophie together. ‘Yeah she seems to think you could do with a stay in the Priory. Care to tell me why she might think that?’ Questioned Paula trying to keep her voice level. ‘I’ve got no idea.’‘Really, so she’s just made it up?’‘Yeah I can imagine she’s pissed at you so thought she’d try and wind you up and it seems to have worked,’ scoffed Theo. ‘And you’re definitely not taking anything? Because you know you can tell me.’‘Mum haven’t we already had this conversation and haven’t I already told you that I’m not on drugs. i’ve dabbled yes, but nothing more. Do you want a full list because I can tell you, I’ve had three lines of coke, smoked some weed, taken a pill in a club, which was beyond stupid and something I won’t be doing again and I smoke and drink, probably too much, but what can I say I’m at uni, I’m sure you did the same.’ Finished Theo finally taking a breath. ‘Is that what you want to hear’ Paula sighed and looked up at her son, ‘I’m sorry, what can I say, I worry.’ ‘Yeah and that’s fine mum but I can’t believe you’ve just accused me of being some kind of junkie. Do you really think I’m that stupid to get myself hooked on drugs? You two are unbelievable, I changed my train time so I could say goodbye before I left but I’m beginning to think I shouldn’t have bothered. In the space of half hour I’ve been branded a slut and a druggie, thanks guys.’ ‘‘Theo I’ve said I’m sor...’‘‘Yeah and I heard you,’ interrupted Theo. ‘Look I need some fresh air and I might just have a cigarette, and before you have a go at me for smoking remember the ten a day habit you use to have.’ And with that Theo pushed back his chair and made his way out to the garden. ‘Well I completely fucked that up didn’t I,’ exclaimed Paula as she ran her fingers through her hair. ‘Olivia’s probably scoring as we speak and my son’s not talking to me, great.‘No you haven’t babe. You tried to help Olivia but obviously she’s not ready to help herself. You did way more than anyone else would have done.’
‘‘Yeah I guess.’ Sighed Paula. ‘‘And as for Theo you’re allowed to be concerned about your son. He’ll see that once he’s had a chance to cool off.’ Reassured Sophie as she squealed her partners hand.‘But I shouldn’t have even asked, I should trust him, It’s just hard. You know it’s been proven that addiction is genetic, don’t you. Even before Olivia said anything I’ve always worried that Theo could have a problem and if he did it would be because of me.’ ‘‘Hey, right stop this right now. What were you telling me earlier? You are not to blame for someone else’s actions.’ ‘It’s a bit different when you’re their mother though, you feel a responsibility, that if they mess up it’s your fault,’ admitted Paula tears forming in her eyes. ‘Well when I climbed onto that roof it wasn’t my mums fault, I decided to do it not her, and anyway Theo hasn’t actually done anything. Maybe you need to give him some credit, and yourself, he’s a great guy.’‘Even though he is a man slut,’ smiled Paula, blinking the tears from her eyes. ‘Yeah,’ said Sophie softly, ‘I can’t believe I actually said that out loud.’ ‘Hey don’t worry about it I’m sure he’s been called worse, as long as he’s not hurting anyone.’ ‘Yeah I guess. I really need to loosen up, don’t I?’‘No I like it that you have your morals, just don’t expect everyone else to stick to them,’ warned Paula. ‘Right I’m going to freshen up and then we need to order dinner, I am literally starving. When Theo comes in tell him I’ll change his ticket and drive him to the station tomorrow if he wants to stick around for dinner, that’s if he’s still talking to me.’.................................................................‘You ok?’ Asked Sophie tentatively when Theo came back in, she didn’t know him well enough to judge whether he was still in a mood.‘Yeah I’m fine, sorry you got caught up in all that, she just does my head in sometimes. I know she means well but I just wish she’d trust me a bit more,’ explained Theo as he grabbed a beer from the fridge and opened it with his teeth. ‘Want one?’ ‘No I’m good thanks,’ Sophie had already decided she’d join Paula and stop drinking for a while too, she’d had a few too many hangovers lately. ‘I do know what it’s like, my mum’s the same. Maybe it’s because we’re the youngest. You have to remember you’re still her little boy, she’ll always want to look out for you.’ ‘Yeah I know and to be fair I’ve been a right little shit in the past so I probably wouldn’t trust me either,’ grinned Theo. ‘But I am telling the truth about the drugs.’ ‘Glad to hear it,’ said Sophie. ‘And look I’m sorry about what I said earlier about Olivia and Naomi obviously it’s none of my business who you choose to sleep with. I shouldn’t have been so judgemental.’‘Apology accepted,’ smiled Theo. ‘At least your accusation was justified unlike me mums. Anyway let’s forget it all, yeah.’‘Yep sounds like a plan,’ agreed Sophie glad that Theo was so easy going.‘Where is mum anyway? I better leave in a minute if I’m gonna make my train.’ ‘Why don’t you stay tonight? Your mum said she’d drop you at the station tomorrow if you don’t need to get back. I think she’d like to spend some more time with you before you go.’ ‘Yeah I guess, I’m not busy until tomorrow night so I suppose I can stay. Although what are we having for dinner? She’s not cooking is she?’ Asked Theo pulling a face.‘No she’s not cooking,’ laughed Sophie. ‘We’re getting pizza.’ ‘Well in that case count me in.’ ‘Count you into what?’ Asked Paula as she strolled into the kitchen in her Pjs, which consisted of shorts and a vest top. Sophie couldn’t help but groan inwardly knowing that if Theo hadn’t been there Paula wouldn’t have stayed dressed for very long.‘Sophie’s persuaded me to stay for pizza.’ ‘Great,’ replied Paula as she moved behind Theo’s chair and lent over him. ‘Does this mean I’m forgiven then?’ ‘Yeah, you know me, I can’t stay cross for long but please mum can you just trust that I can actually make good choices.’‘Yes I promise I’ll trust you and just to prove how much, i’ve transferred three grand into your account. It’s not fair that Isla gets money and not you.’‘Ooo three grand how much cocaine can I buy with that?’ Laughed Theo.‘Don’t push it,’ smiled Paula as she gave him a gentle nudge. ...................................................................It was eight o’clock and the three of them were sprawled out on the sofa having consumed their body weight in pizza. ‘I don’t think I’m ever going to be able to eat again,’ signed Sophie.‘No I think we might have ordered slightly too much food,’ laughed Theo. ‘And there’s still some left for breakfast.’ ‘It was her fault,’ accused Sophie pointing to Paula who’d fallen fast asleep on the sofa about ten minutes ago. ‘She went crazy on the two for one offers.’ ‘Mmm she never eats pizza unless she’s hungover,’ stated Theo. ‘Did you two have a heavy night last night?’ Oh god thought Sophie please don’t start asking questions I’m such a crap liar. ‘Yeah a bit,’ replied Sophie vaguely. ‘This is gonna sound weird but I’m glad she’s drinking again and not doing any more crazy detox, healthy lifestyle things like she was doing a while ago. She was a fucking nightmare.’ ‘Really, why?’ Sophie enjoyed learning more about Paula from Theo she liked how he just always, said it like it was.‘Oh when her and dad split up she went away for ages, to find herself. When she came back she stopped smoking and drinking and went for ridiculously long runs, she even gave up coffee at one point, which was a step too far. She was boring as fuck to be honest.’Sophie laughed, ‘So you prefer her now?’‘Totally, she was a nightmare when she was with me dad too. I hardly ever saw her, she worked constantly and when she was here they’d just argue. In my opinion them breaking up was the best thing that ever happened. It took a good year for her to sort herself out but she’s much happier. And I’m glad she’s got you now. I used to worry about her being on her own.’‘So was she on her own the whole time then.. I mean after....’ ‘Well no not completely, Sophie that would be crazy. She divorced my dad over two years ago. She’s had a fair few partners...but nothing... serious..’ Suddenly Theo realised what he’d said, ‘Well when I say few I literally mean like a couple...’Sophie smiled at Theo trying to backtrack, ‘It’s ok I do understand Paula has a past.’ ‘Although I will say no one has had quite the effect you’ve had. She’s definitely smitten,’ smiled Theo looking over at his mum sleeping soundly.‘Me too,’ grinned Sophie, ‘she’s really special. I just hope it works.’‘And why wouldn’t it?’ ‘I dunno I suppose the age gap is my main concern.’ ‘Well I really wouldn’t worry about that, age is but a number.’‘Yeah you think that and we think that but not everybody is so understanding. Take Isla for example.’‘Oh god Soph you don’t wanna worry about what other people think and I know for a fact mum couldn’t give a shit about anyone else’s opinion. That’s one thing I really admire about her, and I’m sure when Isla’s home in a couple of weeks she’ll be fine.’ ‘A couple of weeks?’ Questioned Sophie sitting up to look at Theo. ‘Yeah she’s coming back on the 21st.’‘But today’s the 7th.’‘Yeah Soph well done, so that’s a couple of weeks.’‘Does your mum know?’‘Oh yeah, probably not. Seems like she’s met some woman out there, who, can you believe it is from Manchester, so I think she’s coming back with her. It’s funny cos I’m sure I know her from somewhere. Anyway Isla will probably face time and tell mum over the weekend so probably best to just let her tell her.’‘Yeah fine,’ mumbled Sophie not really listening. She was more concerned about the fact that she only had two weeks of Paula all to herself. She better make the most of them.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Paula let the warm water cascade down her body as she let out a moan. God she needed sex. As her hands moved over her breasts she felt how hard her nipples had become. Well it was no wonder, she had been thinking about all the deliciously naughty things her and Sophie were going to get up to once Theo was back at uni. Paula had been up at 6 as usual but instead of sitting around drinking coffee waiting for Sophie to stir like she normally did she’d been for a run, managing nearly 5K. This wasn’t bad considering she’d hardly done any exercise lately, apart from the pathetic half hour run she’d attempted a few days ago. On her return she had hoped to find Sophie awake but she was still fast asleep, so disappointed, she’d headed to the shower on her own. Moving her hands further down her body Paula traced her fingers between her thighs, thoughts of Sophie filling her head again. God it hadn’t even been 48 hours since she’d last tasted her but she was gagging for it. ‘Mmmmm’ she moaned as her fingers found her clit, ‘Ahhhh’ she breathed at the sweet pleasure she felt as she rubbed and fingered herself, feeling the dampness start to build. Her mind the whole time thinking of Sophie and how much she wished it was Sophie’s tongue pushing inside her rather than her own fingers. Paula pushed deeper and deeper as she craved to feel the ultimate pleasure. More and more she played and teased until finally it started, the full, sheer ecstasy she craved. She wanted to see how long she could last but she was struggling to keep her hand in place, it wasn’t long before she couldn’t take any more and she began to relax. Finally leaning back against the cold wall, still feeling some of the pleasure, she released her fingers and straightened up. God that felt good.Five minutes later Paula entered the bedroom even more horny than before her orgasm, if that was even possible. Towel drying her hair she looked at Sophie sleeping soundly, god I wish I could sleep like that she sighed as she walked through to her wardrobe and quietly looked through her clothes. She had to take Theo to the station in a bit but after that she was planning on having a day in with Sophie, just the two of them, with no interruptions and she couldn’t wait. Hmmm what was easy to take off? Thought Paula as she rummaged through her clothes, finally settling on a black, low cut, loose fitting dress with buttons down the front, definitely easy access she thought with a grin.‘Theo are you up? We’re leaving in half hour.’ Paula called as she walked past her son’s room.
‘Yep, mmup.’ Mumbled Theo still half asleep.
‘Do you want a smoothie?’ God hell no thought Theo knowing that his mum’s idea of a smoothie wasn’t just blended fruit. ‘No thanks, I’ll grab something on the train.’ He yelled back.

.............................................................Paula had just finished blitzing up her smoothie when unbeknownst to her Sophie had strolled into the kitchen and stood watching her from the doorway. God what the hell was she drinking Sophie thought to herself as she quietly crept up behind her. ‘Morning sexy,’ breathed Sophie as she wrapped her arms around Paula’s waist and nuzzled her neck.‘Oh jesus,’ jumped Paula as Sophie laughed in her ear. ‘Don’t creep up on me like that you nearly gave me a heart attack.’ ‘Sorry I couldn’t resist,’ grinned Sophie as she trailed fluttery soft kisses along Paula’s jaw line. ‘What ya drinking?’ Asked Sophie pulling a face as she looked at the bright green mixture in the glass. ‘Just a green smoothie, want some? It tastes like absolute shit but I’ve figured that must mean it’s good for me.’‘Well babe as much as you’re selling it to me I think I’m gonna pass,’ laughed Sophie as Paula turned round to face the younger brunette and took another sip of her drink, pulling a funny face.
‘You know you don’t have to drink that don’t you? Shall I make us a coffee?’ ‘No, I’m not drinking coffee today I’m trying to detox,’ announced Paula proudly.‘Oh god,’ sighed Sophie.‘What,’ exclaimed Paula, ‘I though it’d be a good thing.’ ‘Yeah, but just don’t go doing all this healthy eating crap for too long yeah, Theo reckons you were a right boring fuck last time,’ explained Sophie, adding quickly when she noticed Paula’s face, ‘Don’t shoot the messenger they were Theo’s words.’‘Oh were they and when were you two talking about me?’ Questioned Paula glaring at Sophie. ‘Anything else he’s told you that I should know about?’‘We were just chatting last night. He was really worried about you, you know after the divorce and everything. He didn’t like the thought of you being on your own.’ ‘Ah that’s sweet,’ ‘Yeah although to be fair it seems you weren’t on your own that much,’ smiled Sophie.‘And what’s that suppose to mean?’ ‘Oh I think you know what I mean.’‘No I don’t,’ teased Paula. She knew exactly what Sophie was getting at but she loved the fact she could wind her up so easily.Sophie sighed ‘Ok I’m just gonna come out and ask you.... and you don’t have to tell me.....but how many partners have you actually had?’ ‘Are we talking partners or the number of people I’ve fucked.’ Said Paula bluntly leaning back against the countertop and looking directly into Sophie’s eyes as Sophie just stood staring back. ‘Why are the numbers that different?’ Asked Sophie the shock evident from her tone of voice and the way her eyes had widened. ‘Maybe’ laughed Paula ‘Why do you want to know anyway?’ she inquired slowly trailing her fingers up the insides of Sophie’s arms. ‘Does it matter?’ ‘No not really, I’m just curious. Like I said you don’t need to tell me.’ ‘But you’re curious,’ whispered Paula as her hands reached Sophie’s shoulders and she interlocked them behind her neck. ‘What if you don’t like my answer?’ She purred as her fingers caressed the back of Sophie’s neck sending a shiver down her spine. ‘It won’t change anything, I’m just interested,’ breathed Sophie.‘Ok let me think.’ Oh wow thought Sophie she doesn’t even know her number. Paula cocked her head to the side and looked up, then releasing her hands from around Sophie’s neck she started counting off on her fingers ‘one, two, three, four,’ there was a slight pause then more counting this time in her head. Sophie just stared as she saw Paula’s lips moving and her fingers still counting. After about thirty seconds of this Sophie couldn’t take it any longer. ‘What number are you actually up to? I thought everyone just knew this straight away.’Paula held up a finger ‘ssh you’ll make me lose count, twenty eight, twenty nine, thirty.’ ‘Shit,’ breathed Sophie, ‘Are you still going?’ Paula couldn’t do it any more, the look on Sophie’s face was priceless and she burst out laughing. ‘Sophie I stopped counting properly about ten seconds after I started and even then I didn’t need to count,’ explained Paula. ‘What,’ snapped Sophie.‘Oh Soph come on don’t be like that, I couldn’t resist,’ smiled Paula as she grabbed Sophie and pulled her into her. ‘Your face was a picture.’ ‘I can’t believe you’ve just done that.’ ‘And I can’t believe you actually believed me. You really did think I was a complete slut didn’t you.’‘No,’ blushed Sophie ‘but you are very convincing.’ ‘Come here you,’ smiled Paula as she pulled Sophie in for a kiss. ‘Mmmm,’ moaned Sophie as Paula’s tongue pushed into her mouth and her hand wandered up into her shirt. ‘When do you need to leave for the station?’ Breathed Sophie against Paula’s lips, feeling the heat rising between her legs. ‘Soon,’ moaned back Paula reluctantly withdrawing her hand before they got too carried away, which was just as well seeing as Theo entered the kitchen at that exact moment.‘Morning ladies,’ he grinned as Sophie quickly straightened her shirt and Paula turned away to regain her composure. ‘Not long now until you have the house all to yourselves,’ he winked. ‘Right mum are you ready?‘Yep all set, do you need a hand with your stuff?’ ‘Nope it’s cool, I’ll just go grab it.’Once Theo had left Paula turned back to Sophie, ‘The answer’s eleven.’ ‘What?’ Asked Sophie completely confused.‘Eleven, the number of people I’ve slept with.’ ‘Oh right,’ answered Sophie, not quite sure what to say. ‘Yeah and just incase you’re wondering about exact numbers you’ve tipped the balance in favour of the women,’ winked Paula. ‘Mum I’m ready,’ yelled Theo dropping his rucksack on the floor in the hallway.‘Please be careful, remember your arm’s still in a cast,’ stated Paula as Theo came into view.‘Yes, thank you mum I’m well aware of the fact I still can’t move it. I can not wait until this thing comes off, it’s a fucking nightmare,’ moaned Theo. Then turning to Sophie ‘It’s been so lovely meeting you, sorry about all the drama. Next time I come home I’ll try not to bring any drug addicts with me,’ he joked as he pulled Sophie into an embrace, ‘Look after her for me’ he whispered into Sophie’s ear. ‘Will do,’ replied Sophie smiling. ‘Right let’s go, we really don’t want to rearrange this train ticket again,’ said Paula nudging Theo down the hall. Once he’d opened the door and started down the steps she quickly turned to Sophie pushing her gently back against the wall ‘You better me ready for some amazing make up sex when I get back because I don’t know about you but I don’t plan on leaving our bedroom for the next two days.’

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sophie ran out of the lounge as soon as she saw Paula’s car drive through the front gates. She’d been keeping watch from the sofa, not wanting to miss her return. Standing in the hallway she smiled as Paula’s legs emerged from the car, she had her wedges on and her legs looked fucking amazing. How did I get so lucky she thought as Paula swung her bag over her shoulder and made her way up the front steps. She was just reaching out to put her key in the lock when the door opened, and there stood Sophie wearing nothing but Paula’s silk black robe.‘Well hello,’ smirked Paula as Sophie grabbed her hand and led her into the hallway.‘You told me to be ready and boy am I ready,’ flirted Sophie as she closed the door and pushed Paula up against the wall, sightly harder than she meant to. Although judging by the glint in the solicitor’s eyes she seemed to like it. Wow thought Paula as she pressed herself against the wall and dropped her bag to the floor. Sophie hadn’t even touched her yet but her chest was already tight and her breathing heavy. ‘You certainly are ready aren’t you,’ she remarked as she brought her hand up to Sophie’s face, and stroked the corner of her jaw, god she was stunning. Sophie placed her hand over hers and almost instinctively their fingers interlocked and their lips drew close.‘I’m all yours,’ breathed Paula against Sophie’s mouth as the young brunette ran her fingers up into the thick strands of Paula’s hair and pulled her gently by the base of her skull further into the kiss. In return, Paula trailed her fingers down Sophie’s back finally clutching at her hips to pull her even closer the robe falling open slightly to reveal what awaited her.Sophie had intended to lead Paula upstairs as soon as she got home but now they’d started she couldn’t bear to pull herself away, even to take the short walk to the bedroom. As their tongues roamed each other’s mouths Sophie’s hand slinked under the edge of Paula’s dress, skirting the bare skin of her thigh. As Paula groaned into her mouth Sophie could feel her wetness building, she loved the fact she could reduce Paula to a quivering mess in just a few minutes. Slowly Sophie’s nimble fingers teased higher between the solicitor’s leg and the hem of her dress until gently they moved in and up towards the swollen silk of her knickers. Paula gasped against Sophie’s neck as the young brunette traced the line of her slit with torturous care, and opened the first two buttons on her dress so she could kiss down the valley between her breasts. Paula’s clit throbbed with earnest against the middle seam of her knickers as Sophie’s fingers danced over the silk once more. When Sophie finally slid her knickers aside and dipped her middle finger between her folds, it took all of Paula’s concentration not to cum immediately. Sophie smiled as she was met with a gush of approval. ‘Feel good?’ Enquired Sophie smiling.‘So good,’ breathed Paula as Sophie slid her finger up to Paula’s throbbing clit and traced mindful little circles around and around gradually adding more pressure to her stroke. Paula buried her face into Sophie’s shoulder stifling a desperate moan into her neck. As Sophie increased the speed of her touch Paula squeezed her forearm tight, Sophie took this as a sign to continue exactly what she was doing, Paula was so close. In a matter of moments Paula’s hips bucked as her head teetered to and fro against the wall. ‘Fuck...Soph....As Sophie stood back to admire her handiwork, the solicitor’s eyes flashed open and she lunged at Sophie kissing her passionately, biting down on her bottom lip as she guided her over to the staircase. Pushing her onto the third step Paula knelt down in front of her, looking up at her with lust filled eyes. Sophie parted her legs and lent forward running her hand through Paula’s hair and down her face. Catching Sophie’s thumb in her mouth Paula sucked it in deep, running her tongue along the knuckle, causing Sophie to shiver in anticipation at what was to come.Slowly Paula leant forward and pulled at the sash around Sophie’s robe casting an appreciative eye over her body as the robe easily fell open. Looking directly into Sophie’s eyes Paula ran her hands up the insides of her legs prising her knees apart. Sophie’s breath was heavy and rapid, she couldn’t wait to feel more of Paula’s tongue on more of her.Paula’s breath was hot and teasing as she kissed up the length of Sophie’s inner thigh, ever closer to her aching core. Sophie could feel her smirk as she licked once, twice, between every fold. Sucking in the bud of her clit, Paula held it in the warmth of her mouth causing Sophie to open her eyes in shock at the sudden change in sensation. God Paula was good at this she thought as she admired the lawyers tongue as it moved in and out of her field of vision. It was then that she noticed that although one hand was squeezing her thigh, Paula’s other hand had made its way between her own legs. Sophie bit her lip to stifle a groan, she loved it when Paula pleasured herself.Suddenly without warning Paula sat back and smiled up at Sophie, her knees were killing her but she wasn’t about to tell Sophie that. Instead she moved up the stairs trailing feathery kisses up Sophie’s stomach then slowly licked around her nipple, finally closing her warm mouth over it. Sophie moaned instantly. It felt so good, everything Paula did felt so good thought Sophie as she instinctively squeezed her eyes shut to focus as much as she could. Paula continued slowly licking and sucking her way up to Sophie’s collar bone and then along to her earlobe where she bit it approvingly and whispered in her ear, ‘You’re perfect you know that don’t you?’ Sophie could only groan as she tasted herself on Paula’s tongue as she kissed her passionately while reaching her hand between Sophie’s legs as she teased at her entrance with one, then two fingers. The tips of her fingers massaged at her opening as Sophie’s hips rose in anticipation. Paula didn’t waste time as she slid her fingers deeper and deeper until she was as far as she could reach with every thrust, curling her fingers up to Sophie’s belly button every time she slid out. She knew Sophie was close so nibbled at her neck as she began to drag the orgasm right out of her younger lover.Sophie’s palm pressed against the banisters, her eyes scrunched and her jaw clenched while her legs started to twitch violently as her hips fell down following the harsh yet extremely welcome release. ‘Fuck me,’ breathed Sophie when she could finally talk.‘Yes please,’ grinned Paula as she sat next to her on the stairs gently caressing her hand. ‘We didn’t even make it to the bedroom.’ Stated Sophie leaning back onto the step.‘No we didn’t, that was your fault,’ accused Paula.‘My fault, it was you being all sexy as you got out of the car. And don’t think I don’t know that you purposely wore that dress and them wedges to seduce me.’ ‘Seduce you? I think you’ll find it was YOU that pushed ME up against the wall as soon as I came through the door,’ reasoned Paula. ‘Not to mention the fact that you were dressed like that,’ she added as her eyes roamed over Sophie’s body. ‘Yeah ok, I hold my hands up, I just can’t get enough of your body,’ laughed Sophie.‘Likewise,’ agreed Paula. ‘So what do you say we move this into the bedroom?’‘I would say that’s a very good idea Ms Martin,’ replied Sophie jumping up and holding her hand out for Paula. ‘Well come on then, what ya waiting for?’

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘Can every weekend be like this?’ Pleaded Sophie as she rolled over and wrapped an arm around Paula’s waist spooning into her. ‘Mmmm, I wish’ breathed Paula as she rubbed her foot up and down Sophie’s bare calf. ‘Do we have to go into work tomorrow? I’ve heard the boss has been in a really good mood all weekend’ murmured Sophie as she nipped at Paula’s ear. ‘So she probably wouldn’t mind too much if some of her employees had a longer weekend,’ smiled Sophie as she ran a hand up Paula’s naked thigh. ‘I’m sure she wouldn’t,’ smiled Paula, ‘But they’d have to enjoy the day on their own as some people have court first thing in the morning.’
‘Oh babe, can’t someone else do it?’ Moaned Sophie.‘No they can’t,’ sighed Paula. ‘And you’ve got your mum to thank for that, I’m representing Nick tomorrow.’‘Oh jeez thanks mum.’ ‘Yeah can you please tell her to stop finding me work. I mean, I know she thinks she’s helping, but Nick Tilsley? If I have to endure that man for much longer.....I will kill him,’ said Paula rolling over to face Sophie.‘Oh babe I’m sorry, come here,’ laughed Sophie as she pulled at her waist and moved in for a kiss.It was Sunday evening and Paula and Sophie were both naked in bed, where they’d been for the majority of the weekend. To say the make up sex had been great would have been an understatement, they literally could not keep their hands off each other. ‘Seriously this weekend has been amazing,’ grinned Sophie.‘Yeah it has,’ agreed the solicitor her forehead practically touching Sophie’s.‘I mean I didn’t think it was physically possible to cum that many times in the space of 48 hours,’ stated Sophie.‘No.’‘Hey babe you ok?’ Asked Sophie concerned. ‘You’re not saying much.’ ‘I’m fine, I’m just thinking.’‘Thinking? Bout what?’ ‘About how lucky I am that i’ve met you and how sorry I am for everything.’ ‘Sorry for what?’ ‘Oh you know, Thursday mostly and then the way I dealt with everything, it wasn’t very mature of me.’ ‘Hey I told you, it’s forgotten and in a weird way I’m glad it happened. It meant you had to open up, talk about everything.’ ‘Yeah, I’m pleased you know,’ agreed Paula.
‘You were too bloody perfect anyway, there had to be some dark secret hidden away somewhere.’‘I’m far from perfect.’ ‘Well you look pretty perfect to me,’ grinned Sophie as she peaked under the duvet, her eyes glancing appreciatively over Paula’s body. ‘Oi you, don’t start that again. I really don’t think I can go again,’ moaned Paula. ‘What,’ exclaimed Sophie, ‘Did I just hear correctly? Paula Martin has just turned down sex.’
Laughing Paula replied ‘Yep, it’s a first, but I am well and truly knackered. You have worn me out.’ ‘Wow I’m gonna take that as a compliment,’ smiled Sophie.‘Please do,’ grinned Paula. ‘I’d still like a cuddle though, but can we go to sleep? I know it’s like only 9 but I’ve got a really early start, seeing as I haven’t done a thing to get ready for court.’
‘Yep I’m pretty tired too,’ admitted Sophie. ‘Babe you should have said though if you needed to work over the weekend, you know I wouldn’t have minded.’ ‘Work? When it’s the first time we’ve had the house to ourselves in a week. Sophie I know I’ve got a job to do but given the choice between making mad passionate love with you or looking over Nick’s ridiculous police statements I know what I’d choose every time.’ ‘Wow you make me feel so special,’ quipped Sophie.‘Oh you know what I mean. Now get in that bathroom, I don’t know what you do in there but you always take forever.’ As predicted Paula had managed to get her work outfit and bag ready and checked her emails in the time it took Sophie to make it into bed. ‘How are you so efficient?’ Asked Sophie eyeing the clothes hanging up and the satchel on the floor.’ ‘Practice,’ grinned Paula, ‘Although It helps that I don’t spend 20 minutes in the bathroom.’ Sophie didn’t even bother to respond to the comment. It was a running joke that she took ages to get ready for anything. As she slipped into bed beside her girlfriend and into her arms Sophie could not be happier. She wished they could stay in this moment forever but knew that before long something would come along to test them again. That was life. There was already one thing playing on Sophie’s mind and she know she wouldn’t sleep if she didn’t talk it though.‘Paula?’‘Yes,’ replied Paula knowing from her tone that Sophie wanted to discuss something.‘What are we going to do about Ben?’ ‘What do you mean?’ ‘What do you mean, what do I mean? Asked Sophie propping herself up on her elbow and glaring at Paula. ‘He followed you to a bar and took photos of you. Don’t you think that’s a bit fucking strange.’ ‘Yeah slightly,’ smiled Paula trying to ease the tension.‘It’s not funny, I think he’s kind of obsessed with you.’‘Oh Sophie don’t be stupid. He was just trying to be clever and it backfired. He wanted to get back at me for making him look like a fool but it hasn’t worked, has it?’‘Well it nearly did.’‘Yeah but if you think about it he actually did us a favour.... Well not initially and I know I gave you and Mike a shock but it got us talking... eventually.’ ‘So would you have told me? If he hadn’t sent the photos would you have told me.... everything?’‘Yes, I’d already spoken to Mike about telling you but I was going to wait until Theo was back at uni. So just think if it hadn’t been for Ben we’d have been arguing all weekend instead of shagging. So him being a prick actually did us a favour.’ ‘Hmm interesting way of looking at it,’ said Sophie. ‘But aren’t you angry with him? He tried to split us up.’ ‘But it didn’t work, did it? You didn’t reply to him did you?’ ‘No I was too shocked and I didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of a response.’‘And you didn’t see him in work on Friday?’‘No, luckily he was out. Mike had sent him to the police station to follow up on something or other.’ ‘So he hasn’t got the reaction he wanted.’ ‘Well no, but that’s what’s worrying me. He might try again.... To split us up I mean. He’s definitely got a crush on you, probably not helped by all the flirting you’ve done,’ stated Sophie raising her eyebrows.‘Yeah in hindsight that probably wasn’t my best idea but I didn’t think he’d actually tell everyone he thought he was in with a chance and he knows now I was only messing around.’ ‘Mmmm I’m not sure he does. I reckon he seriously thinks that if we’re not together he’ll be in with a chance.’ ‘Well he’s delusional then. Look we’ll just show him tomorrow that we’re rock solid and i’ll make it clear I’m not interested, ok?’ ‘Ok.’‘Good, anyway he’s only with us for another month, then we’ll be shot of him.’ ‘Another month?’ Groaned Sophie. ‘It’ll fly by, now stop worrying and come and keep me warm.’

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘Beeep.....Bweeep.....Bweeep’ Paula let out a long groan and rolled over to silence her alarm, smiling as she gazed over at Sophie who hasn’t reacted at all to the sudden noise. Paula didn’t think she’d had such a good nights sleep in ages even if it was only half 5. ‘Right coffee and work,’ she said to herself as she slipped quietly out of bed.A couple of hours and 3 espressos later and Paula was up to speed with Nick’s case. She was still certain he was hiding something from her but even so she was pretty sure that with the psychological report she’d obtained he would soon be a free man. ‘Morning babe,’ greeting Sophie as she padded into Paula’s office, ‘All sorted for later?’‘Yep I think I’ve pretty much got it covered,’ she grinned as Sophie sat across her lap and pulled her in for a kiss.‘Of course you have, you’re one of the best lawyers in Manchester.’‘Just one of?’ Queried Paula.‘Well yeah, but obviously the hottest.’‘Oooo I think you just about saved yourself there,’ said Paula as Sophie gave her one last quick peck and jumped off her lap. ‘Come on, you betta get ready, we need to leave soon,’ ordered Sophie as she pulled Paula from her chair. ‘Yes boss,’ smiled Paula, ‘I won’t be long.’

.................................................................
‘What are you smirking at?’ Questioned Paula as she looked up from her phone and across at Sophie. They’d just got into work and had made a quick detour to the staff kitchen for yet another coffee before Paula had to get over to court. ‘Just enjoying the view, you know you really are looking extremely hot today. I love it when you’re dressed for court.’‘Do you?’ Questioned Paula her eyebrow raising suggestively. She’d just had an idea, so putting down her phone she moved to stand in front of Sophie placing her hands on the wall either side of her shoulders, she lent in close, ‘And why’s that then?’ The solicitor purred into her ear.‘Paula don’t...Not here,’ stammered Sophie. She could tell by Paula’s gaze that she was up to no good, she had that mischievous twinkle in her eye.‘You started it,’ murmured Paula as she lent forward to place the softest of kisses on Sophie’s slightly parted mouth causing her to shudder. ‘You should know by now you can’t say things like that to me and expect nothing to happen,’ continued Paula as she traced her fingers slowly down Sophie’s neck and between her breasts.‘Mmmm,’ groaned Sophie, ‘Why are you even in here anyway, I can bring the coffee into your office.’ ‘Don’t you want me here then?’ Breathed Paula into Sophie’s ear.‘No it’s not that, it’s just dangerous being alone with you for too long.’ Paula laughed against Sophie’s mouth as she began to circle her nipple through her top, pressing her thigh between the younger woman’s legs. ‘Yep you’re in real danger, being alone with me,’ she smirked. Yeah and don’t I know it thought Sophie, feeling the wetness between her legs. Thanks to you I’m gonna spend the entire day in a state of arousal, not being able to do a thing about it. Finally the kettle boiled, not that either woman made any attempt to make the coffee. Sophie because she couldn’t as Paula still had her pinned against the wall and Paula because she had a hidden agenda.‘Paula what if someone comes in?’ whispered Sophie nervously.‘Isn’t that half the fun,’ replied Paula smiling as she pushed herself further against Sophie, enjoying the effect she was having on the younger woman. ‘Now are you going to let me kiss you?’ She Whispered, her lips inches from Sophie’s. ‘Spose it would be rude not to,’ grinned Sophie as Paula ran her tongue along her lips. Slowly she parted them to allow Paula to explore her mouth, her eyes closing as she settled into the kiss. Yet again Sophie had totally succumbed to Paula’s charms.A few moments later and Sophie’s eyes flew open at the sound of the door. She tugged at Paula’s waist as the door opened but Paula didn’t seem too bothered as she gently bit down on Sophie’s lip, sighing as she finally pulled her lips away when she sensed someone had entered the room. Smirking at Sophie Paula turned round to face the intruder, her arm still wrapped around Sophie’s waist. ‘Morning Ben,’ she greeting nonchalantly, slowing rubbing her lips together, savouring the kiss. ‘Good weekend?’Meanwhile next to her Sophie wasn’t so relaxed. Her cheeks were stained red as she desperately tried to tuck her shirt back in, all the while knowing that her nipples were still very much erect, please don’t let Ben notice she thought to herself. Ben glanced quickly at the two women jealous of the fact that they had obviously just shared a kiss, a passionate kiss judging by the state of Sophie. ‘Yeah morning,’ he mumbled walking over to the kettle. Shit he’d been trying to avoid seeing the pair of them together and he’d not even made it to 9 O’clock, great. He knew Sophie had seen the photos he’d sent, so what the hell was going on?‘Right I’d better get to work,’ explained Paula as she released Sophie. ‘Can you bring my coffee through?’ She asked, trying to convey through her eyes that she was sorry about leaving her alone with Ben, although now she’d made it clear to him that her and Sophie were still very much together she really did need to get on with some work.As Sophie glared at her Paula slipped from the room and down the corridor. ‘Thanks for that Mike,’ she called as she stuck her head into his office.‘For what? Replied a puzzled Mike looking up from his cluttered desk.‘For never making your own coffee and being such a creature of habit,’ grinned Paula.‘Ok I have no idea what you’re on about but happy to be of service. And may I say you’re looking much better this morning, good weekend?’ ‘Excellent,’ winked Paula as she continued on to her office. ...................................................................Back in the kitchen Ben didn’t waste anytime getting straight to the point. ‘So she’s managed to talk herself out of it then?’ He shot at Sophie as soon as Paula was out of earshot. ‘Talk herself out of what exactly? Those photos you sent were hardly conclusive to her cheating, were they?’ ‘Oh Soph, have you heard yourself you’re delusional. I was there remember.’‘Yes and why exactly were you there?‘It’s a bar Sophie, I was having a drink.’ ‘Yeah right,’ scoffed Sophie.‘Look I was out and happened to see Paula looking rather over familiar with someone that wasn’t you and thought you needed to know.‘She was having a drink with an old work colleague,’ stated Sophie unsure what Ben knew about Paula’s drinking companion.‘Well yeah, although I think I’d call the man she was fucking behind her husbands back for half a year more than just a work colleague.’Shit how did he know that and half a year? Paula had told her it was four months. ‘You look surprised. Is that because you didn’t know who he was or because you didn’t think I’d know? Because I can tell you I know a lot about Judge James Carter.’ ‘Of course I know who he is,’ snapped Sophie as she turned to make the coffees, ‘but just because they have history it doesn’t mean they’re going to jump back into bed together does it?’ ‘No that’s true but to be honest Sophie from where I was sitting, they certainly looked like they could have carried on where they left off.’ mocked Ben.

‘Well they didn’t did they and the reason they didn’t is because Paula told him she’s with me now and that she’s not interested.’ ‘Just as long as you’re fine with the fact that your girlfriend’s going to be working in such close proximity to the man she was unfaithful with then that’s fine,’ stated Ben looking carefully at Sophie as she concentrated on pouring the milk. ‘Yeah it’s fine,’ replied Sophie swallowing hard as she tried not to show Ben that this was the first she’d heard of it. ‘I trust Paula.’‘Do you? Well I suggest you tell your face that because judging by that look it seems like you’re not one hundred percent sure.’ Quipped Ben. ‘And you do really need to be sure you can trust her what with James starting back at court today.’ ‘What?’ Asked Sophie wanting to check she’d heard right. ‘You did know he was starting back today?’No Sophie didn’t know that, she’d only just learnt that he’d be working there at all, and now she was fuming. ‘Look Ben what is it you want me to say?’ ‘Sorry Sophie I didn’t mean to upset you. It’s just that when me and James were chatting he sa...’‘You what? Snapped Sophie, ‘You were talking to him?’ ‘Well yeah, we got chatting at the bar a couple of minutes after Paula left so I asked him who the lady was and do you know what the arrogant fucker said?’ ‘No but I’m sure you’re gonna tell me,’ said Sophie with a sigh of irritation. ‘He said she’s someone who knows I’m no good for her but who can’t resist me.’

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘She can’t resist me, who the hell does he think he is? Gods gift?’ spat Sophie as she picked up the coffees whilst glaring at Ben. Right now, she could quite easy slap him round the face and she didn’t condone violence.‘Hey don’t get all pissed with me, I’m trying to look out for you.’ Replied Ben all sweet and innocent, he made Sophie sick. ‘Yeah ok Ben, looking out for yourself more like. Why don’t you just keep your nose out of my business.’‘Ok, I’ll leave it.’ Replied Ben holding his hands in the air. ‘I just thought you had a right to know what he’d said, especially since they’ll be bumping into each other a fair bit I imagine. I mean you don’t know what they could be getting up to do you?’‘Really Ben I think you’ve made it quite clear,’ shot back Sophie as she turned to leave the kitchen before she did something she’d regret.‘I’m just saying Soph there’s obviously an attraction there and they managed to keep it under wraps for months last time.....What’s to say they wouldn’t do it again,’ remarked Ben as Sophie silently left the kitchen, the mugs held in vice like grips between her fingers. ................................................................‘Your coffee,’ said Sophie coldly as she placed the mug on Paula’s desk.‘Problem?’ Questioned Paula as she gazed up to look at Sophie, immediately realising there was by the way Sophie was clenching her jaw. ‘When were you going to tell me James was back working at the court?’ Sophie asked slowly trying to keep her voice steady. She was at the point where she didn’t know whether she wanted to scream or cry and was desperately trying not to do either. ‘Erm I don’t know, I just assumed you’d realise. I didn’t think I needed to make it clear.’ ‘No you wouldn’t, would you,’ scoffed Sophie. ‘And what’s that suppose to mean?’ Snapped Paula not liking Sophie’s tone. ‘It means that maybe you didn’t tell me because you didn’t want me to know.’ ‘And why would I not want you to know?’ Asked Paula well aware what Sophie was implying but wanting to see if she’d actually come out and say it. ‘Well come on Sophie, spit it out. What do you think I’m going to do?’ Goaded Paula as she fixed Sophie in a stare. ‘Nothing,’ sighed Sophie, suddenly realising that she’d just given Ben exactly what he wanted. ‘It’s just I looked a right twat just now in front of Ben when he delighted in telling me it was James’ first day back today.’ ‘Well that’s news to me,’ replied Paula taking a sip of coffee as she started to gather up her things for court.‘So you didn’t know?’ ‘No why would I? And why would I care?’ Retorted Paula as she sorted though the files on her desk. ‘I couldn’t give two fucks what that man’s up to and neither should you. Now calm down and give me a kiss before I go.’ Sophie rounded the desk and pulled Paula into her arms, kissing her slowly. ‘I’m sorry, it’s just Ben really knows how to wind me up.’ ‘Really I hadn’t noticed,’ grinned Paula. ‘Ha very funny, I’m sorry I shouldn’t let him get to me but he just has this way of making me think the worst.’ ‘Mmm well look I know i’ve not made it easy for you to trust me, but you really do need to believe me when I say I have no interest in that man at all. ‘Ok,’ signed Sophie looking up at Paula, she so wanted to believe her but there was still a little niggling doubt that she just couldn’t shake. Come on Soph you need to let this go she told herself.
‘Right so are we good? Can I go now or are you still fucked off with me?’ ‘No I’m fine,’ smiled Sophie ‘Although there is just one more question before you go,’ said Sophie pulling back and looking into Paula’s deep brown eyes. ‘You knew Ben was going to come into the kitchen earlier didn’t you?’ Paula tilled her head to the side and grinned, ‘might have done,’ she smirked. ‘Paula,’ exclaimed Sophie giving her a gentle push.‘What? I wanted him to know we are still very much together despite all his best efforts. There’s nothing wrong with that.’‘No, spose not’ agreed Sophie, ‘although you could have warned me.’ ‘What and spoil all the fun,’ teased Paula as she pulled her satchel onto her shoulder flicking her hair back. ‘Right i’ve got to dash,’ she announced giving Sophie another quick kiss. ‘And do me a favour Soph stay away from Ben.’ ..........................................................‘So mum rang earlier and told me Nick’s back on the street,’ said Sophie as she plonked herself down next to Paula who’d collapsed on the sofa as soon as she’d got in. ‘So another good result then.’ ‘Yep he got a two year suspended sentence after he pleaded guilty. I honestly couldn’t believe it when he finally confessed it was his idea to take the money. I knew he was bloody hiding something. He’s just lucky the judge was lenient and took into account his medical condition and the fact he has no previous convictions.’ ‘Babe can I just say you don’t actually sound too happy that you got him off.’ ‘Well that’s just it love I didn’t did I? He confessed to the judge he’d lied to me. The whole thing was a complete waste of time.’ ‘Yeah I spose,’ sighed Sophie not really sure about all the legal stuff. To her it seemed ridiculous that Nick who had confessed to the crime was a free man while David was facing four months in prison. The whole thing made no sense, but she didn’t think now was the time to go into it with Paula. ‘So any other news?’ Inquired Sophie.Paula sighed and rubbed her eyes, ‘If you mean did I see James then the answer’s no and i’d prefer it if you just came straight out and asked me.’ Replied Paula slightly irritated. It had been a long day and the last thing she needed was to be quizzed by Sophie. ‘Wow there’s no need to bite my head off, I was only making conversation.’ ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to snap,’ apologised Paula as she took Sophie’s hand in hers, ‘It’s just I’ve got a lot on this week and it’s only Monday and I already feel exhausted.’ ‘And I’m not helping,’ mumbled Sophie.‘No your fine, it’s me. I just had such a great weekend and now it’s back to reality.’ ‘Well I may have something that will cheer you up,’ announced Sophie smiling over at the solicitor. ‘Ryan’s doing a gig at a club in town and i’ve got us tickets, it’s on Friday night so you can let off some steam after your hard week.’ ‘Clubbing?’ Questioned Paula pulling a face.
‘Yes clubbing,’ replied Sophie not seeing the problem. ‘You want to go clubbing with me?’ ‘Yes who else would I want to go with? I mean there’s other people coming with us but why wouldn’t I invite you? You’re my girlfriend.’ ‘Yeah Soph and it’s great you want me to come but won’t I be a bit out of place?’ ‘Out of place?’ ‘Yes Sophie think about it, who else is going?’
‘Well me, Alya, Bethany, Emma...’‘And i’m what at least twenty years older than everyone else’ ‘So?’ ‘So you don’t care?’ ‘No, anyway Ali and Maria might be coming.’
‘I could be Ali’s mum,’ shot back Paula.‘Right will you stop this. I don’t give a shit how old you are you’re coming with me and you’re gonna have a fantastic time.’ ‘Ok, ok i’ll come but I’m not sure the others will be too pleased about me coming. What with me being a distinguished law maker.’ Smiled Paula putting on her posh voice.‘Well you’ll just have to show them your naughty side then won’t you,’ grinned Sophie.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘Whoa,’ exclaimed Sophie looking up from her phone as she heard Paula enter the kitchen.‘Is that whoa good or whoa what the fuck?’ Questioned Paula as she hovered in the doorway ‘because I can get changed.’ ‘Get changed are you crazy, you look amazing,’ beamed Sophie as she raked her eyes over the solicitor, her eyes lingering on her cleavage.It had taken Paula nearly two hours to get ready and most of that time had been spent on working out what to wear. She definitely wouldn’t fit in tonight if she rocked up wearing her usual attire which she supposed would be described as smart casual. In the end she’d opted for black skinny jeans which were so tight it had taken her the best part of a minute trying to wriggle into them and a rather daring low cut cream top that she hadn’t worn in years but once she’d found the right bra she figured she could just about pull it off. She completed her look with a blazer, obviously, this one black with a satin trim which she wore with the sleeves rolled up. Looking in the mirror she carefully finished applying her lipstick, she’d gone for a dark smoky eye so kept her lips nude with a peach gloss, finally she put in her dangly hoop earrings. Standing up she’d slipped on her silver Loubouton heels, which she’d found hidden in the back of Isla’s wardrobe and had taken one last look in the mirror before heading downstairs, slightly nervous at what the evening had to offer.‘So I scrub up ok, do I?’ Winked Paula as she walked over to the fridge.‘Oh you most certainly do,’ said Sophie approvingly as her eyes followed Paula across the kitchen.‘So are you actually going to put some clothes on? Inquired Paula. ‘‘Well I would but someone has been hogging the bedroom. When I peeked round the door earlier you had clothes all over the bed and were making weird noises so I though it best to leave you to it.’ ‘Yeah sorry about that. Prosecco?’ Asked Paula as she turned round with a bottle. ‘Ooo yes please,’ laughed Sophie as the cork popped and Paula put the bottle to her lips to stop it from spilling everywhere. ‘Although I thought we were off alcohol?’ ‘Off alcohol on a night out? Are you crazy? I think I’ve proved I can live without a drink.’‘Hey you don’t have to prove anything to me.’‘Yeah I know,’ smiled Paula, ‘but sometimes I just need to prove it to myself,’ she replied pouring two flutes. ‘Here’s to us,’ she toasted taking a long slow sip of her drink. ‘To us,’ repeated Sophie taking a sip and leaning forward to kiss Paula her gown opening as she moved forward.‘Mmmm,’ groaned Paula as the bubbles mixed with the warmth of Sophie’s tongue. ‘We can always stay in if you’re not going to go and get changed any time soon,’ teased Paula as her hands snaked around Sophie’s waist. ‘But then you’ll have got all dressed up for nothing.’ ‘Oh I think I could live with that,’ smiled Paula against Sophie’s neck. ‘So what do you say? How about I wiggle out of these ridiculously tight jeans and we take this bottle upstairs,’ suggested Paula into Sophie’s ear as she bit down on her lobe. ‘Hmm as tempting as that sounds we are going out,’ stated Sophie as she pulled back and looked at Paula. ‘Look I know you’re not really up for this but you’ll have a good night once we get out.’ ‘Ok, ok, I know you’ve said, so get your backside upstairs and go and get ready,’ grinned Paula.‘Right I’m going, I won’t be long. Call a cab to come get us in twenty minutes.’‘Yep, will do.’ ‘And Paula.’ Shouted Sophie already halfway up the stairs. ‘What?’ ‘Don’t go drinking all the Prosecco.’ .......................................................Exactly fifteen minutes later and Sophie was back downstairs dressed in a very short gold sparkly t shirt dress with a low back and strappy shoes. ‘Well hello you,’ complimented Paula from her position behind the kitchen island. Sophie did a little twirl, ‘so you approve?’ ‘Mmm very much so, you look great, but then you always look great.’ ‘Flattery will get you everywhere,’ smiled Sophie as she picked her glass up again. ‘So are you starting to wind down a bit?’ Asked Sophie. She’d been worried about the solicitor this week, her working days had been ridiculously long and Sophie knew she hadn’t been sleeping. ‘Yeah I’m fine, there’s just a really important case going to court next week and I really need to be on my A game. It could be massive for us.’ ‘Is this the Langley one? The woman who got conned out of paying all that money to a guy she’d never even met,’ scoffed Sophie.‘Yep that’s the one and unfortunately there’s many more women like her,’ sighed Paula. ‘So we get this right and there could be plenty more cases coming our way but that’s enough about work. I want to forget about it and just enjoy spending time with you.’‘Yep me too, right no more shop talk,’ agreed Sophie as Paula’s phone lit up signalling the arrival of the cab.

....................................................................

As the cab pulled up outside the club Paula’s insecurities returned. She’d dropped Isla off here not too many months ago, shit she’d better not bump into any of her friends. At least they didn’t need to queue as Ryan had got them queue jump passes. She’d be fine once she got a few more drinks inside her she thought as Sophie reached for her hand and dragged her through the entrance. She just had to keep reminding herself that Sophie didn’t care about her age and she wanted her here. Once they’d got through security they made their way to the bar it was still pretty early, well half ten so the bar was practically empty.‘Oh look there’s Ryan and Ayla,’ announced Sophie as she caught sight of them at a table over in the corner. ‘Hey Soph, thanks for coming,’ grinned Ryan as he embraced Sophie in a hug, swiftly adding ‘and you,’ as he looked towards Paula.‘Thought we’d at least get a table up there,’ mocked Sophie as she pointed up to the VIP area. ‘Surely as one of the Djs you could get us access? I’ve always wanted to see what it’s like.’ ‘Yeah alright Soph this is one of the biggest clubs in Manchester and I’m just the warm up act. I’m only playing for an hour and even then they might kick me off.’ ‘Oh shut up Ryan you’re great,’ gushed Alya.‘Even so,’ sighed Sophie ‘Couldn’t your mate have sorted it?’ ‘Look Soph when someone like Eddie Rafferty asks if you’d like to play at their club you don’t start asking for favours you just say yeah,’ Laughed Ryan. ‘Eddie Rafferty? Questioned Paula making sure she’d heard correctly.‘Yeah that’s the guy. I did a few gigs at one of his clubs when I was out in Ibiza. Why he a mate of yours?’ Mocked Ryan. ‘No the name just rings a bell,’ replied Paula, ‘So what time are you on then?’ She asked quickly changing the subject. ‘Half 11 so I’ve got a while to get a few drinks in, steady the nerves. Right I’ll get the first round in, what’s everyone having?’ Asked Ryan. ‘Orange juice please,’ replied Alya.‘Vodka, lemonade thanks.’ Answered Sophie‘And a whiskey and coke for me, thanks Ryan.’ Smiled Paula.As the ladies all took seats around the table and Ryan made his way to the bar Paula was still shocked that it seemed like this club was owned by none other than Eddie Rafferty. ‘Babe,’ came Sophie’s voice snapping her out of her thoughts.‘Sorry what? Questioned Paula ‘I was miles away.’ ‘I was just saying I can’t believe David got four months in prison and it turns out it wasn’t actually him, that took the money’ ‘Well it’s not that simple, there’s more to it, but well that’s the legal system for you, sometimes it’s just not fair,’ agreed Paula. ‘But doesn’t that really annoy you?’ Questioned Alya, ‘I mean the fact that innocent people get off and real criminals can walk free.’ ‘Yes obviously it does,’ replied Paula, ‘But you just need to trust in the jury and hope they make the right decision, based on all the facts they’re given at the time.’ ‘Yeah I know, but even so, surely it must get to you if you know someone’s guilty but you just can’t prove it,’ continued Alya.‘Yeah that can be frustrating,’ stated Paula curtly.‘And then what about if you’re defending someone but you have a feeling they did it, what do you do then?’ Asked Alya obviously really interested to know Paula’s thoughts. ‘Then in that situation you don’t ask too many questions, you just do what you’re paid to do,’ replied Paula trying really hard not to snap. Sensing Paula was getting rather irritated by Alya’s line of questioning and knowing she was trying to forget about work Sophie was desperately trying to think of a way to change the subject when Ryan appeared with the drinks. ‘Look here’s Ryan make space on the table, it looks like he’s brought shots,’ yelled Sophie slightly too enthusiastically.‘Ok ladies here you go,’ stated Ryan as he passed round the drinks, ‘and I got us a cheeky tequila to go with it.’ ‘Oh god Ryan, it’s only early, I’ll be on the floor,’ groaned Sophie.‘Oh come on Soph, we’re on a night out, you are such a light weight.’ Complained Ryan as he put the shots and lime in front of Sophie and Paula. ‘Yeah come on Sophie I thought you were going to show me a good time,’ winked Paula as she licked the back of her hand just below her index finger and picked up the salt. ‘What?’ She exclaimed as Ryan and Sophie both stood staring. ‘You sure know what you’re doing there don’t you,’ remarked Ryan. ‘Looks like we have a tequila pro amongst us.’Laughing Paula replied ‘I have been known to like a shot or three. Now come on you two.’ ‘Ugh’ exclaimed Sophie as she sucked hard on the lime. ‘I don’t know why I let you talk me into this,’ she moaned as she looked at Ryan and Paula both smiling as they bit into their limes. ‘Does that not taste disgusting to you?’ She questioned.‘Nope tastes good,’ replied Ryan laughing. ‘I concur,’ smiled Paula. ‘I never get the whole drinking stuff that makes you wanna throw up,’ remarked Alya. ‘No,’ agreed Sophie ‘I think I’ll stay off the shots for now. So Ryan what can we expect to hear you playing later? Do you take requests?’ Asked Sophie. ‘I’m just nipping to the loo,’ whispered Paula as she squeezed past Sophie to get out.‘Ok babe it’s over there,’ replied Sophie waving her hand over to the other corner of the club as she turned back to chat with the others.Once she was sure Sophie was deep in conversation Paula made her way over to the bouncer standing at the bottom of the raised VIP area. Please let this work thought Paula as she confidently stated. ‘Hi I’m here to see Eddie Rafferty‘And you are?’ Questioned the bouncer staring down at her. ‘Paula Martin.’ ‘He expecting you?’ ‘No but once you tell him I’m here he’ll want to see me,’ said Paula sounding a lot more confident than she felt. ‘Stay there,’ stated the guy as he motioned someone over to stand in his place while he disappeared upstairs. Well at least her hunch had been right and he was here thought Paula as she stood waiting, hoping the bouncer didn’t take too long, she didn’t want Sophie to worry. A couple of minutes later and the guy was back. ‘He said he’d see you, follow me.’

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘Well, well look who it is, the formidable Ms Martin, this is a surprise,’ greeted Eddie Rafferty as he stood up and held out his hand. ‘How the hell are you?’ ‘Paula please,’ she smiled as she shook his hand, ’I’m good thanks, you?’‘Yeah, can’t complain. I must say you’re looking good,’ complimented Eddie as he looked the solicitor up and down. ‘Well thank you but that’s hardly difficult, last time you saw me I was dressed in my gown and wig so anything’s an improvement on that.’ ‘Yeah and what a day that was, I think I celebrated for a week straight.’ ‘And I slept for a week,’ replied Paula remembering how exhausted she’d been once all the adrenaline had worn off. ‘I’m actually quite surprised you remembered my name.’ ‘You’re joking aren’t you. I was looking at what? Ten plus years inside. You literally saved my arse, how could I forget you. I’m kinda shocked you remember me though.’ ‘Listen if you knew how much blood, sweat and tears went into your case you’d know there’s no way I could forget your name. It took me forever to find that loophole.‘ ‘And aren’t I glad you did, although I was paying you enough’‘Yeah, well good lawyers don’t come cheap,’ grinned Paula. ‘Actually it was partly because of your case that I decided to go it alone and start up my own law firm. You do know everyone thought you’d get sent down.‘Yep, including me to be fair, but I knew if anyone could get me off it’d be you.’‘Yeah, well you’re lucky I like a challenge.’
‘So look I don’t want to sound rude but what the hell are you doing in here? I didn’t think this place would be your kind of establishment.’ ‘Really,’ laughed Paula, ‘Can’t see me as a clubbing kinda gal?’ Eddie smiled, remembering how much he’d liked Paula back when she was representing him. She wasn’t like other lawyers, all stuck up and pompous and he’d known straight away she was good at her job, there’d been no question about that. The first police interview had proved she knew her stuff and was a force to be reckoned with but also that she knew how to talk to people without making them feel like they were beneath her and that was a skill. ‘Funnily enough I would have said no, although looking at you tonight I can see there’s more to you than meets the eye.’ ‘Oh there’s so much you don’t know, we lawyers are party animals, it’s a well known fact.’ ‘Yeah I can quite believe it, so who you here with? The whole of chambers out there?’‘Actually my girlfriend dragged me along, she’s a friend of Ryan’s, the DJ guy, said he knew you from Ibiza. That’s how I found out you owned this place, you’ve done very well for yourself.’
‘Yeah I’ve done alright for someone on trail not so long ago for money laundering. Looks like you’ve made a few changes too, own company now and weren’t you married?’ ‘Yeah, but how did you know I was...? ‘Just something I always notice,’ explained Eddie pointing to Paula’s bare ring finger.’ ‘Ahh ok,’‘So you’re a friend of Ryan?’ Asked Eddie raising his eyebrows.‘No not me, I’m not exactly his favourite person, but like I said, Sophie my partner is, so she’s dragged me along.’‘Yes Ryan, not sure he’s my favourite person right now he’s literally been doin my head in about getting a gig here and if it’s not him bugging me it’s his girlfriend.’ So that would explain the lack of VIP treatment thought Paula, Eddie’s only booked him to shut him up. ‘Yeah I think Alya’s been on at him to be more proactive,’ explained Paula wondering how she could move the conversation round to her getting a VIP table. ‘Ahh that explains it. Look Paula I’m really sorry but talking about being proactive I’ve got to get going, I need to head up to check out the security cameras. We’re had a few problems lately and I just want to make sure everything’s under control, but please head up to the VIP lounge. I’ll get someone to make sure you and your friends are looked after, unless there was anything else you wanted?’No that was pretty much it thought Paula as she smiled, ‘No just wanted to do a bit of networking. So if you ever hear anyone’s in need of a good lawyer send them my way, Martin Solicitors.’‘Of course, will do. Make sure you have a great night, yeah. I’ll go and let Sarah, head of the lounge, know you’re on your way. She’ll take good care of you.’ ‘Thanks that’s really generous.’ ‘It’s the least I can do.’ .................................................................‘Where the fuck have you been?’ Raged Sophie as she came across the bar to meet Paula. ‘You’ve been gone ages, everyone’s here.’ ‘Sorry, but I do have a really good excuse. I think you’re going to like what I have to tell you.’‘This better be good Paula, I’ve been searching for you everywhere.’ ‘So I’ve only gone and got us a booth in the VIP area.’ ‘What?’ Exclaimed Sophie, ‘How the hell did you do that?’‘Well it helps if you have friends in high places,’ grinned Paula, loving the look on Sophie’s face.‘What friends have you got?’ Scoffed Sophie, ‘You hanging around with footballers and actors I don’t know about?’ ‘No nothing that glamorous but I was Eddie Rafferty’s defence lawyer when he went on trail in 2015.’ ‘What the guy that owns this place?’‘Yeah that’s where I’ve been. I knew he’d probably be here, he was always very much hands on in his other businesses so I went to see if he remembered me and it turns out he does.’ ‘So we can just go upstairs and hang out?’ Asked a gobsmacked Sophie. Laughing Paula pulled Sophie close, ‘Yes we can just go and hang out.’Suddenly Sophie’s face fell, ‘Oh but what about the others? We can’t leave them.’ ‘They’re coming too the table’s for everyone,’ grinned Paula as Sophie’s eyes grew wide. ‘They are going to lose their shit,’ proclaimed Sophie. Giggling Paula replied ‘Well I’m glad I could be of service. Why don’t you go and tell them the good news. I’ll meet you up there.’‘I love you, ya know that don’t ya?’ Grinned Sophie as she held Paula’s cheeks and planted a massive kiss on her lips. ‘I won’t be long.’ ........................................................Five minutes later and Sophie and Paula were sitting in a plush booth surrounded by lush velvet cushions and mirrored walls. Alya and Ryan had joined them as well as Bethany and Emma who were late as Bethany had only just finished her shift at the Bistro.‘I cannot believe we’re up here,’ squealed Emma. ‘If I do not bag myself a footballer tonight I never will.’‘Maria is gonna be so pissed off she missed this,’ chimed in Bethany as she posed for yet another selfie. ‘I’m so glad you forced me to come Emma, I was so tired after work I was going to give it a miss.’‘Oh god I think this is for us,’ squirmed Paula as a scantily clad young girl carried over a bottle of champagne with a sparkler in the top sending the girls screaming. She set it on the table then lent close to Paula whispering into her ear ‘Eddie’s told me to let you know everything’s on the house so order whatever you want.’‘What did she want?’ Asked Sophie glaring at the girl as she moved closer to Paula. ‘She was just letting me know that whatever we want is on the house,’ explained Paula raising her eyebrows. ‘Oh wow babe this is the best night ever,’ gushed Sophie who had literally not stopped smiling since Paula had told her the news.‘Yeah it is pretty cool,’ agreed Paula who was feeling much more relaxed in their current spot. The VIP lounge had an older clientele so she’d stopped worrying about being the oldest person in the building or that she’d bump into one of her children’s friends. Leaning further into Sophie Paula added, ‘Although can you please keep that information to yourself I don’t want Eddie thinking I’m taking the piss when Ryan orders dozens of shots.’ ‘Yeah ok, that’s probably best,’ said Sophie as they both looked over at Ryan who was pouring everyone a generous glass of champagne, ‘Although we’re gonna get a few cocktails right?’ ‘Oh yeah love, it’d be rude not too,’ winked Paula. ‘Right everyone got a drink? Wish me luck, I’d better go,’ announced Ryan as he jumped up from the table. ‘You guys better be on that dance floor.’‘Good luck,’ shouted Alya as she raised her glass, ‘You’re gonna smash it.’‘Yeah good luck,’ chorused everyone as Ryan bounded over to the DJ booth which was situated on the other side of the lounge overlooking the rest of the club. ‘Right, before I hit the dance floor I’m just going to make a detour past that table over there,’ Emma informed the group as she stood up and smoothed down her skirt.‘And why that table?’ Enquired Alya turning round to get a better look.‘Because that table is full of fit footballers, I recognise the one sat on the left,’ explained Emma smiling.‘My left or your left?’ Asked Bethany.‘Does it matter?’ Remarked Emma, ‘Just get up and come with me, you as well Alya, it’ll look better if there’s a few of us.’ ‘Ok but we need to be on that dance floor in a bit, supporting Ryan,’ reminded Alya. ‘Yes and we will be, come on.’ Replied Emma impatiently.As the three woman got up and left the booth Sophie’s hand wandered up the inside of Paula’s thigh. ‘Alone at last,’ she breathed into her ear.‘Mmmm’ whispered Paula as Sophie’s finger traced the middle seam of her jeans. ‘You are so bad Sophie Webster.’ ‘Are you complaining?’ Murmured Sophie, loving the way Paula took a sharp intake of breath as she applied more pressure.‘No, no complaints from me,’ smiled Paula as she turned to Sophie placing a gentle kiss onto her warm lips.‘Right well, that’s enough of that,’ murmured Sophie as she sat back removing her hand from between Paula’s thighs.‘What?’ Questioned a rather irritated Paula already aching from the loss of Sophie’s touch, ‘You are such a tease.’‘Yeah well I learnt from the best,’ winked Sophie loving the fact she was the one in control. ‘There’ll be plenty of time for that later, but right now we need to go and dance.’‘Dance?’ Repeated Paula scrunching her face up.‘Yep dance, you heard Alya.’ ‘Can I just finish my champagne first I don’t think I’m drunk enough to dance.’‘Oh stop being a spoil sport and come here,’ groaned Sophie as she almost dragged Paula to the dance floor champagne glass in hand............................................................

‘Wow I haven’t danced like that in years,’ announced Paula as she plonked herself back in the booth surprisingly worn out, ‘God I need a drink, cocktails?’‘Now that is a great idea,’ agreed Bethany as she grabbed the menu off the table.The next few minutes were spent ordering cocktails and congratulating Ryan on his set which had gone surprisingly well. Then before she’d realised it Paula found herself sitting at an empty table. Where the fuck’s everyone gone? She wondered. ‘Tequila?’ questioned Ryan sitting down and setting a shot in front of Paula who was still trying to work out where everyone had got to. ‘Where’d they go?’ She asked as she licked the back of her hand and shook on the salt.‘Emma and Bethany are over trying their luck with the footballers again, Alya’s in the loo and Sophie’s... actually I’m not sure where she is?’ Realised Ryan as his eyes scanned the room.‘Oh well, she knows where we are, Cheers,’ announced Paula as she licked the back of her hand and downed her drink in one, finishing with a suck of lime. ‘Come on Ryan, keep up,’ she ordered as she nodded at his full glass. As Ryan was downing his shot Paula finally caught a glimpse of Sophie. She was over by the bar talking to a young brunette. Paula couldn’t see her face as they had their backs turned but she could quite clearly see that she had an amazing body and they looked quite cosy.‘So when did you become such a tequila pro?’ Asked Ryan finishing his drink. When Paula just nodded in response to his question Ryan followed her line of vision and realised why. ‘God trust Kate to turn up two hours late, I bet she’s already pissed,’ he commented.‘That’s kate?’ Questioned Paula who’d only met her briefly in the Bistro. ‘Yep,’ replied Ryan suddenly remembering that Kate and Sophie had had a thing before Paula had come on the scene. Did she know?‘They look good together, don’t they?’ Remarked Paula as she continued to look at the two woman deep in conversation.Shit how was he suppose to answer that? Did she want him to answer? Wasn’t that a weird thing for a partner to say?‘‘Huh?’ Answered Ryan playing dumb.‘They do though don’t they? Much better suited than Sophie and me,’ continued Paula. ‘Sorry Paula I’m not sure what you want me to say?’ Admitted Ryan. ‘You do know they had a thing before you two and it didn’t work out. I think Kate cheated on her with Rana.’ ‘Yeah I know, I just mean...well Sophie and me and the whole age gap thing, I’m just not sure I’m being fair on her. Maybe she needs to be with someone younger.....Someone who wants the same things.’ ‘Are you crazy.’ replied Ryan turning abruptly to face Paula, ‘Sophie is besotted with you, you’re the best thing that’s happened to her in ages.’‘Well that’s nice of you to say but wasn’t it you that couldn’t stop with all the ageist jokes when we first got together?’ ‘She told you?’ Exclaimed Ryan looking sheepish. ‘Yes she told me.’ ‘Yeah well that was before I knew how happy you made her and if you ask me I think you’re really suited. Sophie’s always been old for her years and you certainly don’t act your age so you meet in the middle.’ ‘Is that a compliment?’ Asked Paula laughing.‘Yes, now stop all this nonsense and let’s have a good night the proper DJs are on now,’ smiled Ryan.‘Yeah,’ nodded Paula, still not one hundred percent convinced that Sophie didn’t deserve someone with a lot less baggage than her.‘Look who I found,’ yelled Sophie suddenly appearing at the table, her hand interlocked with Kate’s as she waved it in the air. ‘Paula you remember Kate don’t you? From the Bistro and Kate this is my sexy older lover Paula,’ she slurred as she practically fell into Paula’s lap.

‘Wow ok Soph...Now that’s an introduction,’ smiled Paula as she helped Sophie to sit down beside her. ‘How the hell have you got so drunk?’

‘No idea,’ giggled Sophie. ‘Must be the shots.’

‘But you’ve only had one,’ replied Paula puzzled.

‘Actually three,’ piped up Ryan, ‘She had two when you disappeared earlier.’

‘Make that four she’s just had another one at the bar,’ added Kate.

‘Ahh shit, Sophie are you gonna be ok?’ Asked Paula looking concerned.

‘Never felt better, now come on let’s dance,’ shrieked Sophie as she dragged Paula to her feet. ‘I love you so much do ya know that.’

‘And I love you too,’ whispered Paula as she allowed Sophie to drag her back to the dance floor as questions regarding their long term future still swirled in her head.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘WhereamI?’ groaned Sophie as she slowly opened her eyes blinking at the sunlight streaming through the window. It took a few moments but she finally realised she was laying on Paula’s sofa. Oh shit she had no idea how she’d got home. The last thing she remembered was dragging Paula onto the dance floor, what time had they got in? And why wasn’t she in bed? And where was Paula? So many questions.Slowly she pulled herself to a sitting position, surprisingly she didn’t feel as bad as she thought she would given the fact she was on the sofa fully clothed and couldn’t remember a thing about how she’d got there. Right time to find Paula and piece together the final parts of her evening. Looking out into the hallway she didn’t have to go far as she heard movement from Paula’s office.‘Please don’t tell me you’re working?’ Moaned Sophie as she put her head round the corner of the door.‘Well good afternoon, how you feeling?’ Greeted Paula swerving the question as she swung round in her chair to face her.‘Oh god what time is it?’ Questioned Sophie trying to see the time on the computer screen.‘It’s nearly 1,’ smiled Paula, ‘But i’ll let you off seeing as we didn’t make it home until about 4.’ ‘4 Wow... I can’t remember much....’ Sophie admitted, ‘Although I do remember I had an amazing night, thank you.’ ‘Will you stop thanking me, it was nothing, just calling in a favour from a client.’ ‘Yeah I know but it was a bloody good favour,’ laughed Sophie. ‘I didn’t do anything too embarrassing did I?’ She asked tentatively, not sure she really wanted to know the answer.‘Depends what you consider embarrassing?’ Grinned Paula.‘Oh blimey, was I that bad. Do I even want to know?’ ‘No I’m only teasing, you were great, the real life and soul, it was good to see you so happy.’ ‘Really?’ ‘Yes really.’‘And how did we get home? Was I sick? I’m usually sick.’ ‘No you weren’t. I think you were too busy trying to seduce me.’‘Oh god what was I doing?’ Asked Sophie cringing. ‘Well you tried to get your hand down my pants but there was no way that was going to happen, those jeans were so bloody tight, so instead...’‘Oh no what did I do?’ Paula laughed, ‘You proceeded to tell me in a very loud voice exactly what you were going to do to me when we got in, you made the cab driver blush.’ ‘What was I saying?’ Gasped Sophie not usually one for that sort of thing.‘Oh just exactly what you were going to do once you’d got me out of my jeans...With your hands and your mouth,’ smirked Paula raising her eyebrows suggestively. ‘I didn’t,’ gasped Sophie, totally surprised by her actions, what had this woman turned her into?
‘We didn’t get a cab from Street Cars did we?’ If it turns out she knew the driver she’d be mortified.Paula really wanted to wind Sophie up but looking at her shocked expression she thought it best not to. ‘No we got a cab outside the club.’ ‘Well that’s one good thing I suppose. So did I fulfil my promise when we got in then?’ Shit she really couldn’t remember a thing.‘No you didn’t,’ said Paula with a sigh of irritation. ‘I went to get you a glass of water, I was only gone two minutes and when I came back you were sparko on the sofa.’‘Oh sorry, well maybe once I’ve had a quick shower I could make it up to you?’ She teased. ‘Maybe?’ Questioned Paula, ‘Believe me Webster after the state you left me in last night there’s no maybe about it.’ ‘Ok, ok I’m sorry, I will definitely make it up to you,’ she promised with a wink as she left the room.‘Well you better,’ called Paula after her.......................................................‘20 minutes later and a refreshed Sophie, wearing just her robe, padded back into Paula’s office, ‘So are you ready for a break?’ She purred into the solicitor’s ear as she lent over her from behind running her hands over her shoulders and down over her breasts. ‘Mmmm, I think I could be persuaded to take a break,’ she moaned as she sat back in the chair and looked up at Sophie who was gently squeezing and caressing her nipples over her T-shirt, loving the way they hardened under her touch. ‘You are pleased to see me aren’t you Miss Martin,’ she smirked as she moved her hands down to the arms of the chair and twisted it round so Paula was now facing her, nipples very much erect through her thin white T-Shirt. ‘I’m always pleased to see you,’ she smiled looking up at Sophie from under her lashes, the lust clear for Sophie to see. ‘So what are you going to do with me now?’ She murmured as she bit down on her lip and uncrossed her legs causing Sophie to take a deep breath. ‘Take you to bed and fuck you senseless,’ replied Sophie casually as she turned on her heel and left the room, smiling as she heard Paula let out an audible groan. ‘Well are you coming,’ she shouted out as she started up the stairs.’‘Oh fuck, nearly,’ muttered Paula as she followed Sophie up the stairs, her clit already throbbing.Once in the bedroom Sophie walked round the bed to Paula’s side and picked up the purple vibrator she’d noticed when she got out of the shower. ‘So did you have fun without me last night?’ She questioned as she waved the vibrator in the air, raising an eyebrow.‘Yeah it wasn’t bad,’ teased Paula as she stood across the bed from Sophie, ‘Obviously I would have preferred you, but it did the job.’‘Hmm did it?’ Replied Sophie eyeing the toy in her hand and looking back at Paula. ‘It’s rather big isn’t it?’ ‘Are you jealous?’ Questioned the older brunette as she rounded the bed and pulled Sophie into her arms, ‘Because you know the only reason I used that was because you’d got me in such a state and there was no way I was going to be able to sleep until I’d taken care of myself.’
‘Why this? Why not use your fingers?’ Asked Sophie. ‘Because I was tired and it does the job quicker, I was thinking about you the whole time,’ she said softly as she brushed her fingers along Sophie’s arm, trying to work out if she was cross or curious. ‘Show me,’ ordered Sophie surprising herself with her bluntness. ‘Show you?’ Replied Paula taken aback. ‘Yeah I wanna see how you get yourself off when I’m not around,’ responded Sophie matter of factly. ‘Whoa lets just get one thing straight, I haven’t used this since we started seeing each other,’ explained Paula still unsure how Sophie felt about her using the vibrator. ‘Why do you want to watch?’ ‘Because I’m eager to learn and I wanna see what turns you on,’ whispered Sophie as she shyly looked at Paula and bit the inside of her lip.So she wasn’t annoyed with her just interested thought Paula as she took the vibrator from her hand and placed it on the bed. ‘Ok I’ll show you.....But first kiss me,’ she whispered as she placed her lips on Sophie’s, and waited for her to make the first move. Slowly Sophie opened her mouth and slid her tongue against Paula’s lips sending a wave of arousal directly between her legs. Paula responded with a low moan as she opened her mouth and started to kiss her younger lover back. It was slow and sensual as their tongues explored each other’s mouths and their fingers caressed their clothed bodies. Finally Paula broke away and pushed Sophie back down onto the foot of the bed. ‘So you want to watch?’ She murmured as she pulled her T-shirt up and over her head all the while looking intently at the beautiful young woman looking up at her. Next she reached for the zipper on her jeans but was stopped by Sophie, who gently moved her hands to her sides and took over, easing the zipper down and pulling the jeans down over her thighs and to the floor. Meanwhile Paula reached behind her back and unclasped her bra letting it full to join the other discarded clothing.Gazing up, Sophie’s eyes raked over Paula’s body, god she’s so hot she thought as took in the sight of her dressed only in her cotton knickers. Picking up the vibrator Paula walked round the side of the bed and lay down propping herself up on the pillows so she could make eye contact with Sophie.Looking on eagerly Sophie drew in a deep breath as Paula picked up the vibrator and turned it on running it first down between her breasts and then slowly over her pink nipples, circling each one. She let out a soft moan as she moved the vibrator slowly down her stomach to finally rest on her clothed pussy. Pinching her nipple she used her other hand to move the vibrator up and down her folds as she felt the wetness soak through her knickers.Gazing over at Sophie she lifted her hips and started to pull the last remaining item of clothing off, helped by Sophie who dropped them to the floor. Spreading her legs a little she shivered as her wet pussy was exposed to the air and she moved the vibrator over her centre, letting out another small groan. Sophie watched transfixed as the vibrator hummed in her girlfriends hand as she rubbed it in small circular motions around her clit.‘Mmmm,’ she moaned as she slipped the vibrator inside herself and began moving it in and out, at first taking in only the tip but slowly building up until most of the toy was inside her. Sophie wasn’t sure she’d like seeing Paula penetrated by something so cock like but she actually found it a massive turn on and found herself reaching her hand down to touch herself, finding she was already soaked. As Paula thrust the vibrator back and forth nearing her orgasm Sophie suddenly had the desire to take over, she wanted to tip her lover over the edge. Crawling up the bed she lay down next to her, looking at the sheer pleasure on her face as she ran her fingers gently over her hardened nipple causing Paula to smile and groan again. She reached out for Sophie’s hand and placed it between her legs where it met the soft silicone of the vibrator, ‘Make me cum,’ she murmured softly.Sophie gripped the vibrator as Paula released her hand, slowly she moved the toy forward and back, ‘Deeper Sophie, I need it deeper,’ groaned Paula as she arched her back trying to meet Sophie’s trusts.‘I don’t want to hurt you babe,’ whispered Sophie as she pushed the sex toy deeper until it was almost fully inside her.‘You won’t,’ she breathed feeling her orgasm coming closer as her walls began to clench around the vibrator. ‘Fuuucccck Soph,’ screamed Paula as she gritted her teeth and grabbed at the sheets, her legs shaking as she let the ripples pulse through her body. Sophie sat up and watched as Paula rode out her orgasm, the vibrator still humming quietly on the bed, ‘Good?’ She questioned with a smile.‘So g....’ started Paula as they were interrupted by the sound of a phone. ‘Ah shit is that mine?’ ‘Must be,’ replied Sophie looking to see where the sound was coming from, ‘I don’t even know where mine is.’‘Can you grab it quick, it’s in my jeans pocket,’‘You’re actually going to answer your phone now?’ Asked a baffled Sophie as she jumped off the bed and found the phone which had come loose and was lying on the floor. ‘Is it Isla?’ Asked Paula quickly turning off the vibrator and sitting up. ‘Yeah but it’s FaceTime so maybe just call her back?’ ‘Give it here quick,’ motioned Paula as she grabbed the corner of the duvet and wrapped it around herself. ‘Hi darling,’ she said as her daughters face appeared.‘Hi finally caught each other,’ came Isla’s reply. ‘Yeah sorry about earlier I had a rather late night,’ apologised Paula, ‘I did try to call back but couldn’t get hold of you.’ So that was why she wanted to take the call thought Sophie. ‘Oh right, yeah the signal’s crap here,’ explained Isla. ‘Mum you alright? You look really flushed.’‘Yeah I’m fine,’ replied Paula quickly, glancing up at Sophie who was stood just out off shot, trying not to giggle. ‘Just got back from a run, I was just on my way for a shower,’ continued Paula without hesitation.‘Oh right, well take it easy yeah, you don’t wanna over do it.’ ‘Yes, ok thank you, I’m not quite past it just yet.’ Replied Paula indignantly as Sophie walked off chuckling into the bathroom. ‘So what you been up too? You haven’t called for a while.’ ‘Sorry mum I haven’t really got long, I’ve got a train to catch. I just wanted to let you know i’m coming home on the 21st.’‘21st? As in this coming Friday?’ asked Paula somewhat surprised.‘Yeah, that is ok...isn’t it?’ She said fretting that her mum didn’t sound exactly thrilled. ‘Yes of course darling, I’m just surprised, you said you were staying for an extra two months, has something happened?’ ‘Yeah sort of.....I’m met someone and can you believe it they live in Manchester, it’s like fate. Ahhh mum I can’t wait for you to meet her, I know you’re gonna really like her. Anyway she’s been away for nearly a year so wants to come home and i’ve said I’ll come back with her.’‘Wow, ok,’ stuttered Paula trying to take it all in. ‘When did you two meet? You haven’t mentioned her before.’ ‘We’ve been travelling together for about a month but I wasn’t sure how serious it was gonna be, but we just get on so well, she’s perfect,’ gushed Isla. ‘Well then I can’t wait to meet her and I can’t wait to have you home,’ smiled Paula.‘Thanks mum, right i’d better go, sorry it was only a quick chat but I’ll be home soon boring you with all my tales. Say hi to Sophie for me.’ ‘Yeah will do, love you.’ ‘You too, bye,’ waved Isla and then she was gone. Signing, Paula lay back on the bed, her little girl was coming home. Would this mean she’d have to have the dreaded conversation with her or would she be too besotted with this new girlfriend to remember what Paula had promised? Hopefully it would be the latter. ‘So you’ve just been on a run have you?’ Smirked Sophie as she entered the bedroom, and joined Paula on the bed. ‘You are such a good liar.’‘Oh so what do you think I should have said? Yeah I’m fine darling, this is my freshly fucked look.’‘Well no obviously not. I just can’t believe you did it so seamlessly.’‘Yeah well sometimes lying is necessary,’ she stated quickly, not liking where this conversation might go. She was well aware that Sophie still didn’t completely trust her so really didn’t want to highlight the fact that, yeah she was a pretty good liar, she’d had a lot of practise. ‘So Isla’s all loved up with some girl she’s met, who, can you believe it comes from Manchester.’ She continued changing the subject.‘Oh really, what are the chances? replied Sophie looking out of the window. ‘Hey, you ok?’ ‘Yeah I’m fine....’‘You’re not.’‘No, ok I’m just worried about Isla coming home and how she’s gonna be with me and everything.’ ‘How’d you know she was coming home?’ Asked Paula puzzled. She was pretty sure Sophie wouldn’t have been able to hear their conversation from the bathroom and she hadn’t said anything about Isla coming home. ‘What?’ Replied Sophie quickly realising she’d messed up. ‘You heard me and Sophie can I just say now that you ARE a really shit liar so just tell me.’ ‘Sorry I’ve known for a week. Theo told me the night before he left but we both thought it would be best for Isla to tell you.’ ‘Oh ok,’ said Paula not really sure how she felt about her son and partner having secrets. Not that it was really a secret.‘I thought Isla would call last weekend but when she didn’t I hoped she’d changed her mind.’ ‘You know she’s gonna be ok when she comes home... you know about us. She’ll be too loved up to even notice us,’ reassured Paula taking Sophie’s hand. ‘She said to say hi.’ ‘Did she?’ Asked Sophie not sure whether Paula was just trying to make her feel better. ‘Yeah, I really do think she’ll be fine. And remember you’re not the only one worried about her coming home. I promised to tell her everything that happened after Tim and I split, so that’ll be an interesting conversation.’‘Oh yeah, I forgot about that, so are you gonna tell her everything?’ ‘Yeah, I’ve been thinking about it a lot and I think I have to.’‘She’ll understand.’Yeah let’s hope so,’ signed Paula pulling Sophie in for a hug.‘So she’s definitely coming back next Friday?’ Asked Sophie slightly downhearted. ‘Yep, so I suggest we make the most of having the house to ourselves,’ grinned Paula as she tugged the cord around Sophie’s gown.‘Mmmm my thoughts exactly,’ smiled back Sophie as she lent forward to place a soft kiss on Paula’s lips. ‘Hold on,’ pulled back Paula. ‘Is this why you’d hardly let me leave the bedroom last weekend? You knew we only had two weekends left on our own didn’t you?’ ‘Yep,’ confessed Sophie ‘And now we’ve only got one so will you shut up and come here...’

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‘Do you have to get up,’ groaned Sophie as Paula tried to disentangle herself from her lovers arms. They’d spent the rest of the afternoon in bed, making love, chatting and laughing mostly about Sophie’s antics the previous evening but now unfortunately Paula had work to do. ‘Yes love, I’m sorry but I’m in court Monday morning and I still have loads to go over, I’m sorry.‘It’s ok, I know you have to work and I really do admire you, you know, for being so focused. I don’t think I could be so disciplined.’ ‘Thanks love but I’m sure you would be, if others were relying on you to do a good job, that and the fact that if I don’t work I don’t make any money,’ added Paula as she finally managed to get off the bed. ‘I’ll work for a few hours, then we’ll grab dinner, yeah? Questioned Paula as she walked into her closet to get changed. ‘Yeah no worries, I’m sure I’ll find something to occupy my time,’ shouted back Sophie as she lay back against the pillows feeling her eyes closing. ....................................................................Ahhh shit what time is it? Thought Sophie as she slowly opened her eyes realising the room was now much darker than when she’d closed her eyes a few seconds ago. Reaching out for her phone to check the time she realised that she’d not actually used or even seen it since? Since when? Had she looked at it earlier when she’d woken up on the sofa? No she hadn’t. Wow how had she lasted all day without her phone? That was a first. It must still be in her bag from last night she thought as she slipped out of bed and picked up her gown which had been discarded on the floor. Not even bothering to disturb Paula she walked past the closed office door and into the lounge where she found her bag slung over one of the armchairs, half the contents spilling out onto the seat. She had a quick rummage but her phone wasn’t there, maybe it had fallen out? Nope it wasn’t on the floor anywhere or under the sofas. Shit where had it gone? When did she last have it? It must have been last night at the club? Right well now she’d have to disturb Paula, she couldn’t live without her phone and maybe Paula would know what she’d done with it. ‘Hi babe,’ she called softly as she opened the door of the study having made a detour past the kitchen. ‘Thought you could do with a shot of caffeine.’ ‘Ahh thanks love, yeah I could definitely do with waking up,’ signed Paula looking up from the mountain of papers stacked up on her desk to take the steaming mug from Sophie. ‘What time is it anyway?’ ‘No idea,’ confessed Sophie, ‘I can’t find my phone.’ ‘And that means you don’t know the time?’ Laughed Paula, ‘There are these things called clocks, that sort of help with that,’ she mocked.‘Yeah ok, I am aware of that but i’ve been rather distracted trying to find my phone. Do you remember when I had it last?’‘You definitely had it on the dance floor in the club because you kept trying to take photos of everyone but then I can’t remembering seeing you with it after that. Have you checked the lounge? You did come in and just chuck your bag in the corner, smiled Paula remembering how Sophie had stumbled into the house clinging onto her for dear life. ‘No it’s not there, I checked. Do ya reckon I could have left it in the club or what about the taxi?’ ‘It could be anyway. I’d say call the cab firm but i’ve got no idea what company it was. You could try calling the club? ‘Yeah although I doubt it’s there, shit what am I gonna do without my phone? It’s like I’m missing an arm.’‘Oh wow how will you cope,’ gasped Paula trying unsuccessfully to hide a smile.‘Paula don’t joke it’s not funny, i’ve got everything on that phone.’ ‘Sorry, right so is all your stuff backed up on the cloud or where ever the hell it goes?’ ‘Yeah of course,’ replied Sophie looking at Paula like she was crazy.‘Ok sorry, i don’t get how it all works, right well can’t you just call and block your phone or whatever and then get a new one?’ ‘Yeah looks like I’m gonna have to, right I’d better make some calls,’ moaned Sophie as she made to leave the room. ‘You betta be finished with all that soon because I’m starving,’ she added before she huffed out of the room. ..................................................................‘All sorted?’ Questioned Paula as she slipped onto the sofa beside Sophie tucking her legs beneath her. ‘Yeah although my phone company can’t send me out a new phone until Monday evening at the earliest maybe even Tuesday so I’m pretty pissed off that I’m not gonna have a phone for potentially three days.‘Yeah that is shit,’ agreed Paula as she held out her phone, ‘So why don’t you have mine while you’re waiting for your new one.’ ‘But what are you gonna do? You can’t not have a phone.’ ‘Yeah I can, I’ll use my work one. Nobody of any importance ever calls me anyway and believe me I’d rather not have a phone than have you mopping around.’‘You’ve got a work phone?’ ‘Yes Sophie, what do you think I take my work calls on? Do you seriously think I give out my personal number to everyone?’ ‘No but i’ve never seen a work phone.’ ‘Yeah you have, all the time. It just looks like my own one. So do you want this or not?’ ‘Yes please, you’re right I would drive you crazy if I couldn’t check my social media.’‘Ahh and there was me thinking it would mean we could keep in touch when I’m out of the office.’ ‘Oh yeah, that as well,’ Grinned Sophie.‘Great now we’ve got that sorted please tell me you’re free tomorrow,’‘Yep of course I’m free, it’s Sunday, a day of rest,’ Grinned Sophie ‘Or in our case hopefully a day in bed, with lots of hot passionate sex.’ ‘Wow Sophie you are insatiable, we’re just spent most of today in bed.’ ‘Yeah well, all I’m gonna say is I wasn’t like this before I met you.’ Replied Sophie raising her eyebrows.‘Oh right and what is that suppose to mean?’‘Just that, you only have yourself to blame, if I’m wearing you out.’ ‘I’m keeping up aren’t I? Just...’ ‘Yeah just,’ mocked Sophie. ‘So what are your plans for tomorrow? Do you need me out of the house so you can concentrate? I know this case is really important.’ ‘No not at all, quite the opposite actually. I need you to come and help me relax. I’ve booked us a spa afternoon. I’m driving myself crazy going over and over this case, sometimes you can be too prepared, so tomorrow I just wanna switch off.’ ‘Hmm, well I spose I could be persuaded to get out of bed if it means helping you relax,’ grinned Sophie...................................................................‘Right so I’m thinking a swim, sauna, full body massage then finish with a manicure, pedicure what about you?’ Asked Paula as she finished pulling the straps of her swimming costume up and rearranged her boobs so they weren’t spilling out the top. ‘Sounds good,’ replied Sophie smiling as she watched Paula adjusting the costume.‘What are you smiling at?’ ‘Just looking forward to spending the day with you, wearing that,’ explained Sophie as she raked her eyes over Paula’s body in her low backed costume.‘Hey, you can be such a perv sometimes,’ exclaimed Paula as she gentle swotted Sophie’s bum, ‘I’m hardly anything to look at. You on the other hand, in that bikini are gonna have everyone ogling,’ smirked Paula as she pulled on her robe and turned to leave.Oh babe you really have no idea how hot you are do you? Thought Sophie as she followed Paula out to the swimming pool. ‘Do you come here a lot?’ Asked Sophie as they both shrugged off their robes and placed them on two of the loungers by the side of the pool. Sophie had noticed that most of the staff they’d pasted had been overly friendly to Paula and one had even greeted her by name.‘Yeah I think people are trying to work out who you are, I’ve only ever been on my own, usually before a big case, helps me sort my head out.’ Explained Paula as she walked down the steps into the pool, which only had four other people in, all swimming slow lengths. ‘I’m privileged then,’ smiled Sophie as she went to sit on the edge of the pool.‘Aren’t you coming in?’ Asked Paula as she swam over to where Sophie was perched, her legs dangling in the water.‘Maybe in a bit, I’m not much of a swimmer,’ admitted Sophie, ‘I’d rather just watch you,’ she grinned. ‘Ok suit yourself, i’ll just do a few lengths,’ said Paula, ‘Then we can hit the sauna.’Sophie spent the next few minutes watching Paula swim slowly up and down the pool admiring how graceful she looked. When Sophie swam she looked like she was half drowning. ‘Hey I haven’t seen you here before,’ came a voice snapping Sophie out of her daydream.‘Oh sorry are you talking to me?’ She questioned looking over to see a well toned, young guy pulling himself out of the pool.‘Yeah,’ he replied walking over to the lounger just behind Sophie to grab his towel. ‘And I’m sure I would have noticed someone as gorgeous as you around.’ Blushing Sophie replied ‘No I’ve not been before, it’s nice.’ ‘Mind if I sit?’ Asked the guy already bending down. ‘No sure, go ahead,’ offered Sophie as she looked around to see where Paula was. Finally she spotted her at the other end of the pool, it looked like she too was chatting to someone. ‘Ahh looks like my son’s taken a shine to your daughter,’ pointed out the man leaning against the side of the pool.‘What?’ Exclaimed Paula not having seen the exchange between Sophie and the young man. Then following the mans gaze she replied ‘Oh no that’s not my daughter,’ ‘No? Oh sorry my mistake I thought you came in with her.’ ‘Well yeah I did, but I’m not her mother,’ explained Paula causing the man to frown, ‘So I’m afraid to say your son’s wasting his time, if he’s trying to chat her up, that is.’ This caused the man to frown even more. Oh wow thought Paula, is it really that difficult to grasp? ‘I’m her partner,’ continued Paula waiting for the penny to drop. It took a couple of seconds but then she could see he’d finally got it. ‘Ohh so you and her are together?’ Questioned the man, a smile forming on his lips. ‘Yes,’ replied Paula bluntly, ‘And if you’ll excuse me I think she needs rescuing.’ As Paula swam up to where Sophie was sitting she could tell that her girlfriend had just had a similar conversation. This was based on the fact that the guy watched her swim the whole length of the pool and then just as she was reaching them he make his excuses and left. ‘So did you just have the awkward, how do you know her then, conversation?’ asked Paula as she stood in the shallow end looking over at Sophie. ‘Yep, we’ll be the talk of the pool now,’ grinned Sophie.‘Mmm,’ murmured Paula as she climbed the steps out of the pool. ‘Does that bother you?’ She asked concerned as she picked up a towel to wrap around herself and sat on the lounger. ‘No not at all, you?’ Replied Sophie sitting down next to her. ‘No I like being talked about, shows you’re interesting.’ ‘Exactly,’ smiled Sophie leaning forward to plant a kiss directly on Paula’s lips. She wanted to show her that she really didn’t care what anyone else thought. ‘Right is it sauna time now?’........................................................Five minutes later and Sophie and Paula found themselves alone in the sauna. They were both sitting on the middle bench, facing each other, their backs against the walls, legs outstretched, slightly overlapping.‘Mmm this is good breathed Sophie as she felt her muscles relaxing.’‘Mmmmm’ agreed Paula as she lent back against the wood feeling the tension drain from her body. ‘I’ve always thought how amazing it would be to fuck in a sauna, have you?’ Questioned Paula opening one eye to glance over at Sophie.‘Paula,’ exclaimed Sophie as she sat up straighter on the bench.‘What? Sorry did you want me to say make love? Although I wouldn’t make love in a sauna i’d definitely fuck. It’d be all hot and sweaty.... passionate. Don’t you think?’ ‘Can you please stop saying fuck like that...It’s making me go... you know?’ ‘Turning you on, am I?’ Smirked Paula as she gently rubbed her foot along Sophie’s outstretched leg, slowly moving her way further towards her crouch. ‘Paula don’t, anyone could come in,’ whispered Sophie who was squirming on the bench, already feeling the wetness between her legs, as Paula’s toes met her bikini bottoms.‘That’s half the fun though, isn’t it?’ Came back the seductive reply just as the sauna door opened. It was the father and son from earlier. ‘Not interrupting anything are we ladies?’ Smiled the older man as his eyes wondered over their entwined legs.‘No we were just leaving,’ replied Paula as she turned to Sophie, ‘Our couples massage is booked for half past.’ ‘Well enjoy,’ smiled the man as he held the door open for the ladies to exit. ‘Oh we intend to,’ grinned Paula as she took Sophie’s hand.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The spa yesterday had been amazing and Paula and Sophie had found themselves in a very relaxed mood when they arrived home. They’d spent the evening cuddled up on the sofa watching cheesy films and eating tasty treats. The perfect evening. Now though it was Monday morning and although it was still only early the day had already delivered two pieces of bad news. The first being at 6 that morning when Paula’s phone had started ringing before her normal half 6 alarm. It was her personal phone which was strange and she immediately panicked thinking it was one of the kids, however once she’d managed to lean over a still sleeping Sophie and retrieve her phone she realised the call wasn’t for her. The contact on the screen read ‘dad’ and seeing as Paula’s dad had been dead for over ten years, it definitely wasn’t for her. Sophie must have told a few people about her lost phone and given them Paula’s number. She decided she’d have to speak to Kevin as the call must be important and she knew she wouldn’t have time to rouse Sophie. ‘Hello Kevin, it’s Paula......Yeah sorry Sophie’s still asleep...... Can I take a message.....Oh god that sounds serious....Yep I’ll wake her up now.....She can take my car and meet Tim there.....Is he at the hospital now?.... Ok.... Well send her my love, I hope it’s nothing serious....Bye.’

‘Oh god thought Paula as she ended the call and looked down fondly at Sophie, hoping that Sally’s condition wasn’t too bad.‘Sophie, darling... time to wake up,’ said Paula gently as she shook her awake, not quite believing that she’d managed to sleep through the entire phone conversation.‘Morning,’ smiled Sophie at the sound of Paula’s voice, ‘What time isit?’‘Sorry it’s only early but your dad’s been on the phone.’ ‘My dad?’ Questioned Sophie as her eyes shot open, ‘Why?’ ‘Tim’s at the hospital, he had to call an ambulance for your mum. She’s been up most of the night with really bad stomach pains. Apparently they got so bad this morning she could barely walk.’ ‘Oh fuck,’ gasped Sophie, ‘Well did he say anything else? What do they think it is?’ She asked sitting herself upright, now fully awake. ‘Kevin didn’t know, they need to run tests. I just told him you’d meet Tim at the hospital.’ ‘Err yeah ok, shit I need to jump in the shower,’ said Sophie, her brain imaging all sorts as she pulled back the duvet and swung her legs out of the bed.‘Listen Sophie I’d come to the hospital with you but I’m due in court first thing, but take my car....’ Paula’s voice trailed off as she was suddenly unsure what to say next.‘No babe it’s fine, I’ll jump in a cab, there’s never any parking at the hospital anyway,’ replied Sophie, the worry evident in her voice.‘Ok if you’re sure.’ Replied Paula taking Sophie’s hand in hers. ‘She’ll be ok, I’m sure everything will be fine,’ Paula reassured her as she gently squeezed her lovers hand.‘Yeah,’ whispered Sophie.‘Look you go get yourself ready and I’ll make you breakfast to have on the way. Try not to worry.’ .......................................................Paula had made sure Sophie got off ok and then frantically rushed around getting everything ready. She was usually so organised in the morning but last night she’d been too intent on spending quality time with Sophie to pack for court. After their lovemaking the last thing she’d wanted to do was get out of bed so instead she’d figured she’d just do it the morning. She always had loads of time. Well it turned out, not so much time this morning.After a quick stop at the office to collect a couple of files Paula entered the courthouse, just after half nine, and it was then that she’d received the second piece of bad news. Not anything nearly as bad as Sally being taken ill however it was the last thing Paula needed. She’d just been informed that Judge James Carter would be overseeing the court case. Bloody marvellous. She’d successfully avoided bumping into him last week and now she was stuck, for fuck knows how long, with seeing him everyday.The last time they’d been in a court room together had been during their affair. When James had made it quite clear what was going through his mind when she took the stand, and it definitely wasn’t on what she was saying.It had been a high profile case, one that Paula had won and she’d celebrated by getting extremely drunk. She’d been shagging James throughout the entire case which of cause was highly unprofessional but just seemed to add to the thrill. However the night of the win was the first time Paula had been the one to call James. She’d booked the hotel room, he’d come running and she’d answered the door wearing nothing but a smile. Yep that trail was definitely the turning point in their affair, James had done all the chasing before that and he’d finally managed to drag her down to his level.Shaking her head to clear her mind Paula went to change. ‘It is what it is,’ she said to herself a few minutes later as she entered the courtroom. ‘You can’t change it so you’ll just have to grin and bear it.’

..............................................................Over on the other side of town Sophie sat anxiously in the hospital waiting room. She’d seen her mum briefly when she’d arrived, but now her and Tim had been ushered out while they ran some more tests. They’d been assured that her condition wasn’t serious but she’d looked terrible and the pair couldn’t help but worry. ‘Want a cuppa?’ Questioned Tim. He was finding it increasingly difficult to sit still, he needed something to keep him busy. ‘Yeah ok,’ replied Sophie, ‘I’ll wait here.’ With nothing to do she pulled Paula’s phone from her pocket to update her and ask how the trail was going. She’d been so preoccupied this morning that she’d totally forgotten to wish her luck. Looking at the phone Sophie smiled when she saw there were six new text messages on her girlfriends phone. For someone who said that no one messaged her she was sure getting plenty of messages today.

Sophie typed out a quick text to Paula’s work phone. ‘Thanks for this morning babe, sorry I haven’t text sooner. I meant to catch u before u went into court but I haven’t had a minute. Mum’s still having tests but the doctors have all reassured us it’s nothing serious, doesn’t stop us worrying though. Hope this morning goes well I’m sure you’ll smash it, you always do. Try and ring me at lunch if u get a minute. Love you xxx’

Once Sophie had hit send she sat looking at the incoming messages. She didn’t want to pry but she couldn’t help but read the first line of the texts as they appeared below the names. Most of them were pretty straight forward. Tim had text twice and seemed to be asking about plans for the weekend. Oh god did this mean Sophie would have to meet him again? Paula and Tim didn’t seem like they saw that much of each other and unlike her own divorced parents who got on well, paula’s relationship with Tim seemed rather strained so the weekend was sure to be a joy. Theo had also text asking about Isla coming home so maybe he’d be joining them. Wow a whole family affair. At least Theo would try and ease the tension if there was any. Next there was a message from Abi that simply read. ‘All good?’ And another from a delivery company informing Paula a parcel would be arriving today. Finally there was one from an unknown number. ‘Looking forward to today, it’s ages since we....’ and that was all Sophie could see without opening the message. Sophie reread the message a few times. It could be totally innocent but then again, who would be looking forward to today? It was a Monday, Paula was in court, there was nothing to look forward to. Sophie closed the messages and sat for a while thinking. She tried to forget what she’d read, annoyed with herself that she’d been snooping. After a few minutes she decided she couldn’t just forget about it and needed to know more. She opened the phone, found the message and before she could debate it any longer she tapped it open.

‘Looking forward to today, it’s ages since we shared a courtroom. Just like old times. Can’t wait to see you in action. You know how turned on it makes me xx’Well it certainly wasn’t innocent, thought Sophie as she stared at the screen. This was obviously James, well it had better be James otherwise Sophie had even more people to get jealous over. So it looked like Paula wouldn’t be able to avoid him any longer, seeing as it looked like he was the judge for the trail. Great, so at this precise moment Paula was in the same room as that complete prick. She couldn’t bear to think about him lusting over her. The fact that he’d seen Paula naked, been intimate with her made her feel physically sick. A great start to the week this was turning out to be.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Well that had gone a lot better than expected thought Paula as she left the courtroom during the lunch break. She hadn’t been worried about the case as she knew she’d done absolutely everything she could to prepare, as she always did. No she was relieved that there hadn’t been any awkwardness between herself and James. Although to be fair she should have remembered that regardless of what was happening between them outside the courtroom, James was always professional. Oh he’d tell her exactly what had been going through his head during court when they were alone in his office or car or hotel room but he kept his feelings very much hidden while at work, making him very good at ..... cheating.Paula smiled as she read Sophie’s text 5 minutes before she was due back in court. She’d wanted to call her during the break but as often happened she’d needed to check paperwork, make calls, meet with the defence barrister the list was endless. A quick text would have to suffice until she left for the day. At least it seemed like whatever was wrong with Sally wasn’t too serious. Hi Love, thanks for your text so sorry I haven’t had time to call, as always I’ve been rushed off my feet. Hope you’ve had some more news about your mum and the doctors have worked out what’s wrong. I’ll call for an update when I can. Love you xxx Right time to get back into court. Let’s hope the afternoon was as straight forward as the morning. She had a few more witnesses to call and then it would be the turn of the defence. Hopefully, unless something unexpected turned up this case would be over by the weekend, fingers crossed.....................................................................It was just after 12 when Sophie, Tim and Sally were given the results of Sally’s tests. The ultrasound scan Sally had undertaken when she was admitted had detected gallstones and so given the acute pain she was experiencing a further CT scan had been done. It was this CT scan that had shown high levels of calcium in her gallbladder which meant that surgery was needed. Sally had been booked in that afternoon to have a laparoscopic cholecystectomy which the doctors explained was keyhole surgery to remove her gallbladder. ‘Thank god for that,’ sighed Tim with relief as he held Sally’s hand in his, ‘Seriously love the look of you earlier I honestly through you were gonna peg it.’ ‘Tim,’ exclaimed Sally glaring at him and then across at Sophie. ‘It really wasn’t that bad love, it was all a lot of fuss over nothing.’ ‘Yeah, cos being doubled over in so much pain that you can’t talk is totally normal,’ scoffed Tim. ‘Yeah, alright it did hurt a bit but no more than contractions. You really didn’t need to call an ambulance.’ ‘Mum was you not just listening to them doctors? Of cause he needed to call an ambulance. You need an operation. Today,’ highlighted Sophie relieved that the doctors had assured them the operation would solve everything but obviously still apprehensive about it. ‘Yeah well I’ll be ok. It’s only a little op, they said the recovery’s only 10 days.’‘Mmm yeah well we’ll see how you go, it sounds like a big operation, they’re removing an organ.’ ‘Oh Tim stop fusing I’ll be fine. Look Sophie would you mind popping over to ours to pick me up some bits for when I come round? I would send him but heaven knows what he’ll bring back,’ moaned Sally as she rolled her eyes at her husband.’ ‘Sure no problem. Tim can I take the car? If I leave now I should get back before they take you into theatre.’Sophie had been so busy rushing home to pack her mums stuff that she hadn’t even thought to check her phone until she sat down once again at the hospital. Her mum had just gone into theatre and her and Tim had an anxious wait ahead of them. Tim had gone off in search of coffee again so Sophie pulled out Paula’s phone. What messages would await her this time? There were four new messages. Sophie ignored the others and opened Paula’s text. Typical, Paula had been too busy to call, although to be fair Sophie probably wouldn’t have had time for a chat anyway. She noticed there wasn’t any information about the case and that Paula had failed to mention who the judge was. This caused her to worry slightly but she had to tell herself that Paula never text her about ongoing cases and that she was hardly going to concern Sophie with details of her work while her mum was in hospital. She typed back a reply. ‘Not to worry about not calling I probably wouldn’t have been able to talk anyway. Mum’s been rushed in for an emergency operation to remove her gallbladder. She’s just gone down now so I’ll be at the hospital until she comes round which I’m guessing will be around 6 but I’ll let u know. Call once u r out of court. Love u xxx Sophie hit send and scrolled back through the last three received messages. One was from the delivery company, informing Paula her package had been left with a neighbour. The other two were from him. One she could read without opening the text because it simply had three words that read ‘still smashing it.’ The other text was longer the only part she could read said ‘You know this morning has been excruciating, watching you,’ Shit she’d have to open it to see the rest but to be honest she was past caring about what Paula would think about her reading her messages so she opened it to reveal the whole text. ‘You know this morning has been excruciating, watching you, wanting you. I’ve been thinking about all the times you teased me. You are such a tease. Do you remember when you told me, just before court, you weren’t wearing any knickers? God I could hardly contain myself. We had so much fun, we could again?Oh for fucks sake, thought Sophie this guy is obsessed. Surely he could find someone else at the courtroom willing to fuck him. Why was he so determined to have Paula? Because he can’t thought Sophie, because she’s with me now and he hates that fact. Sophie really wanted to text back, but she wasn’t sure how to play it. Did she pretend to be Paula? Text back herself? No she’d wait and hope to god that Paula told her he was the judge on her case. Sophie hated to admit it but she still didn’t fully trust Paula, so this thought Sophie, would be a test..........................................................The afternoon had gone smoothly and Paula was heading out of the courtroom by half 4, very pleased with how the first day had gone. Usually she’d stop to have a chat with the other barristers but today she just wanted to get out of court as soon as possible. She didn’t want to run the risk of bumping into James. Twenty minutes later and she was safely behind the wheel of her car checking her phone, three texts, eight emails and a voicemail, great. The first text she opened was Sophie’s, shit so Sally needed an operation she wasn’t expecting that, Sophie must be so worried. Right she’d give her a quick call to let her know she’d head over to the hospital to sit with her. Sophie answered the call on the first ring. ‘Hey babe.’ ‘Wow that was quick,’ exclaimed Paula not sure that Sophie would even be able to answer the phone. ‘Yeah sorry, I’ve just finished texting me dad and Rosie, keeping them up to date.’ ‘So what’s the news? Sally still in theatre?’
‘They’re just told us she’s gone up to recovery. The op was a success so just waiting for her to come round now.’ ‘Ahh darling that’s great news. I bet you’re so relieved, look I’ve just finished in court so I can drive over and sit with you for a bit until your mum’s ready for visitors.’ ‘Thanks babe that’d be great. Look I better go I haven’t got much battery left on this phone
and Rosie or my dad might phone. I’ll see you in a bit.’ ‘Ok bye love, I shouldn’t be long, half hour tops.’ Paula sighed as she ended the call. Well thank god Sally was ok. Right Paula looked at the other two texts one from Hannah and one from Mike, which meant something was up at work. Great this was all she needed. Hannah’s text had been sent at half three and simply read ‘Can you call me when you get a sec, thanks’ the other from Mike had been sent half an hour later. ‘Paula I know you’re in court but as soon as you get out I need to talk to you.’ Oh shit this was not sounding good what the hell was so important that her secretary and her partner had both text knowing she was in court. Seeing the voicemail was also from Mike she didn’t even bother to listen to it, instead she called him straight away.‘Mike this had better be important,’ she started as soon as he answered the phone.‘And hello to you too and yes it is important, you know I wouldn’t bother you otherwise,’ came a rather pissed off Mike. ‘Yeah sorry, ok what’s the problem,’ apologised Paula. She hadn’t meant to snap, it was just that this was the last thing she needed. ‘The problem is we have a rather intoxicated girl in our reception area shouting her mouth off saying she’s your daughter and she’s not leaving until she speaks to you.’ ‘Sorry what?’ Asked Paula totally puzzled. ‘Who the fuck is it?’‘Well I’ve been to ask her name and what she wants but she keeps insisting she’s your daughter and needs to speak with you. Obviously I’ve told her I know she’s not your daughter but she’s not having any of it. I think we’re going to need to call the police.’‘And she’s definitely not a cli.... shit,’ breathed Paula before she’d finished for sentence. ‘Mike is she tall with blonde hair?’ ‘Yeah that’s her, who the fuck is she and what shall I do with her?’ ‘It’s Olivia,’‘Olivia? Am I suppose to know her?’ Asked a puzzled Mike. ‘No she’s the girl I told you about. The one who’s cocaine I had in the house, the one who was in rehab.’ ‘Ahh,’ exclaimed Mike, piecing the information together. ‘Well she’s not in rehab now and it looks like she’s either pissed or high.’ ‘Probably both and yeah I know she’s not. Jesus I can’t believe she’s still in Manchester. Right I’m on my way. Tell her I’ll be there in ten minutes.’
Paula put the car in gear and sped out of the car park, so much for meeting Sophie. As she raced to the office she tried to call Sophie to let her know the change of plans, hoping that she’d understand. Shit voicemail. ‘Hey Soph I’m so sorry but something’s come up at the office I really need to go in and sort it out. Hopefully I won’t be long. Love you.’

.....................................................................
Walking into the reception area at work Paula could feel the anger building inside already and she’d not even seen Olivia yet. How dare she come to her place of work. What the hell did she want? As soon as she rounded the corner Olivia spotted her and was up out of her chair. ‘Oi you, I need to talk to you.’ She shouted making Hannah flinch. ‘Hello Olivia,’ responded Paula as calmly as she could. ‘If you’d like to come with me we’ll talk in my office,’ she continued as she guided her by the elbow through the door, stealing a quick glance at Mike as she went. ‘Right,’ started Paula as she shut her office door. ‘What the fuck are you doing here?’‘I need some money,’ stated Olivia her eyes flitting around the room.‘And?’ Questioned Paula not actually believing that Olivia had asked for money again. ‘And you’re going to give it to me,’ replied Olivia Confidently. ‘Really and what makes you think I’m going to give you money? I’ve already given you enough.’
‘Oh you will, because if you don’t I’m gonna tell everyone out there,’ she said waving her hand towards the corridor ‘Exactly what type of woman they’re working for.’‘Ok and what type of woman would that be?’
‘A thief, a liar and an addict,’ shot back Olivia.‘Recovering addict,’ corrected Paula ‘What?’ Snapped Olivia, not expecting that response. ‘Well if you’re going to go and tell everyone you might as well give them the correct information,’ said Paula nonchalantly as she sat down behind her desk and switched on the computer. She may as well check her emails while she was here. ‘So you’re admitting to being a thief and a liar.’
‘Well I spose I did steal your cocaine, although that was for your own good and I have been known to lie, hasn’t everyone? So if you want you go and tell everyone, knock yourself out,’ offered Paula as she turned to look at the computer screen. When Olivia hadn’t moved after a few seconds Paula glanced up. ‘Well what are you waiting for?’ Olivia let out a long sigh, ‘Its not going to work is it?’ ‘If you’re referring to the whole blackmailing me thing, then no it’s not because we both know you have nothing to blackmail me with.’‘No,’ whispered Olivia staring into her lap. Shit this was a complete disaster what did she do now? Luckily while she was trying to work out her next move there came a knock at the door and the man who’d spoken to her earlier summoned Paula out into the corridor. ‘Everything ok?’ Asked Mike nodding towards Olivia. ‘She looks a lot calmer now, god when she first got here we couldn’t shut her up. What does she want?’ ‘Oh she’s just tried to blackmail me,’ remarked Paula raising her eyebrows. ‘She’s just realised though, it’s not gonna work,’ added Paula as she looked at her through the window. ‘Shit Mike what am I gonna do with her?’ Mike followed Paula’s gaze to see Olivia slumped in the chair in front of Paula’s desk. ‘She’s training to be a lawyer you know.’ ‘Mmmm not for much longer if she carries on like this,’ mused Mike. ‘Look I just wanted to let you know I’m leaving now, I’ve got to pick my youngest up from football but I can stay if you want?’ Mike didn’t want to let his child down but he knew that if Paula needed him he would sort something out. ‘God no Mike you go. I’m gonna try and persuade her to go back to rehab. Hopefully she’ll listen, I’ll see you tomorrow yeah.’ ‘Yeah, well ok if you’re sure. Ben will probably be here for a bit, if you need a hand.’ ‘From Ben? I think I’ll be ok,’ laughed Paula as she turned to go back into her office. Right she seriously needed her head testing but she had to try once more to help Olivia. She’d not said anything to anyone but she’d been feeling guilty since their altercation the other day, maybe this was her chance to put things right.

......................................................................Back at the hospital Sophie had just finished visiting her mum on the ward. Sally had come round quickly after the op so Sophie and Tim had been able to see her fairly quickly. She was still on the groggy side so they hadn’t stayed long and Sophie had hoped Paula would be waiting for her, but she wasn’t. She said she wouldn’t be long thought Sophie fishing her phone out of her pocket and seeing she had a voice mail from Paula, how could she have missed that? Great thought Sophie as she listened to the message. What could be so important that she needed to go into work? And that’s when she saw the text. Another one from him. Sophie opened the message straight away not bothering to see if she could read it or not. ‘Well that was a good start to my working week. Getting to spend all day with you. Feel free to pop into my office on your way out.... We could try my new desk out for size or I could come to you, see your new office, that would be different. And Paula you know ignoring me doesn’t work.’
Sophie froze. All sorts of ideas swimming through her mind. Don’t jump to conclusions she told herself. Paula hasn’t seen any of these messages so she wouldn’t know to meet him, would she? Right there’s a simple way to solve this, I’ll call her and she can explain why she’s had to go into work and that will be that. Sophie called Paula’s work phone. She waited and waited and then it went to voice mail. Fuck. It looked like she’d need to stop off at work on her way home.

...............................................................Over at Martin Solicitors Paula had just started to make some headway with Olivia when she noticed someone she really didn’t want to see enter the waiting area.

‘Sorry Olivia will you just give me a minute,’ interrupted Paula as she picked up her office phone. ‘Hi Hannah why is Judge Carter here?’ She asked tapping her nails on her desk....’I see, ok and he didn’t say anything else?’ ...... ‘No that’s fine, yeah have a lovely evening.’

‘I’m so sorry Olivia but I’ve just got to go and deal with something. It won’t take long, are you ok to wait here?’

‘Yeah that’s fine,’ replied Olivia still in shock that Paula was bothering to even talk to her never mind help her after the stunt she’d just pulled.

‘I’ll be back in a minute,’ reassured Paula as she got up and headed to the door.

‘What do you want?’ She greeted James as she stood in front of him, her arms crossed.

‘Hello Paula that’s not very friendly is it,’ replied James looking her over from head to toe. ‘I need to talk to you about the case, is there somewhere more private we could go?’ He said nodding to her office.

‘No we can’t use my office,’ said Paula ‘I’m in the middle of something.’

‘Well somewhere else then?’

Oh for fucks sake thought Paula just wanting to get rid of him. ‘Right following me,’ she instructed as she lead him into one of the free meeting rooms. ‘You can have 5 minutes,’ she said looking at her watch. ‘What’s the problem?’

....................................................................

Well she’s still here thought Sophie as she got out of her cab in the underground car park and walked past Paula’s car. Time to find out what the hell was so important,

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sophie couldn’t be bothered to wait for the lift instead she ran up the stairs two at a time. She wasn’t sure why she was in such a rush because if Paula was with James it would literally kill her but she needed to know. Bursting into the waiting area she found that most people had left for the evening. She crossed the room to Paula’s office, she could tell from the reflection in the window that her computer screen was on but there was no sign of her. Right where would she be? Kitchen thought Sophie as she made her way down the corridor. ‘Oh hi Soph, we missed you today,’ greeted Ben as he came out of Mike’s office almost bumping into her. ‘Everything ok?’ He smirked knowing that if it was it wouldn’t be in a minute when he delivered his news. ‘Yeah I’m fine, just looking for Paula, she’s not in her office.’ ‘No,’ replied Ben relishing the moment.‘No? So do you know where she is?’ Asked Sophie really not in the mood for Ben’s games. ‘Yeah she’s in the conference room.’He explained, ‘Although she probably won’t want to be disturbed.’ ‘Why? Who’s she with?’ Sophie’s heart was pounding. The grin on Ben’s face said it all. ‘Judge James carter, I think.’ Sophie bit the inside of her lip to stop herself from going off on one. ‘How long have they been in their meeting?’ She asked trying to get her voice under control. ‘Oooo long enough,’ replied Ben with a wink.‘What the hell is that suppose to mean’ shot back Sophie. ‘Nothing it’s just weird, don’t you think that she’s taken him off to a secluded room?’ Mused Ben very much enjoying himself. ‘Oh fuck off Ben, haven’t you got something you need to be doing?’ Fumed Sophie as she barged past him and continued on down the corridor, past the kitchen and towards the conference room.‘Yeah probably but winding you up is so much more fun,’ called out Ben as Sophie rounded the corner. .................................................................Inside the meeting room Paula was just as agitated. ‘Well come on James I haven’t got all evening, what’s going on with the case that’s so important you couldn’t have called or dropped me an email?’‘The case?’ Questioned James puzzled. ‘Yes the reason you’re here,’ snapped Paula. ‘I’m not here for the case,’ stated James ‘As well you know,’ he whispered taking a few steps towards her. ‘What?’ Came Paula’s annoyed response, she really didn’t have time for this shit.‘Oh come on Paula don’t tell me today didn’t bring back memories,’ He stated simply reaching for her hand. ‘Don’t touch me,’ said Paula through gritted teeth as she pulled her hand out of his reach. ‘Today was just another day in court, it makes no difference to me whether you’re the judge or not.’ ‘So you weren’t tempted just a bit?’‘Are you serious? After everything I said the other day? Did you not hear me? I’m... with.... someone ....else. I don’t actually know how much clearer I can make it.’ She said exasperated. ‘Now I’d like you to leave,’ she demanded holding the door open. She really didn’t want to be in a confined space with this man any longer. Sophie halted in her tracks as the door to the conference room opened. Shit she hadn’t thought about what she’d say to Paula about just turning up at work. She waited racking her brains for an excuse, before they emerged from the room, but no one appeared, instead Sophie could hear raised voices. ‘I’m not going anywhere, like I said the other day when we meet and in my texts. We were good together we could be again. I think I’m in love with you Paula.’ ‘Oh for fucks sake James. You are not in love with me. You’re in love with the idea of starting our relationship again, if that’s what you could call it. You get off on it, on all the sneaking around, the excitement, the deceit.’‘And you don’t?’ Scoffed James. ‘You were worse than me, all the cheeky looks in court the messages, the photos. You loved it and don’t say you didn’t otherwise you wouldn’t have kept coming back for more.’ ‘Yeah well that was then, and this is now. I didn’t care who I was hurting back then. I may have been married but I didn’t love Tim... Now I’m in love, to the most amazing woman, who means the absolute world to me and there is no way that I would ever do anything to jeopardise my relationship with her. So please this needs to stop.’ Sophie leant back against the wall and let out a breath she didn’t realise she’d been holding. ‘Well she’s definitely passed the test,’ thought Sophie with a smile. ‘Ok, ok, I’ll stop,’ replied James, ‘But you know you’ll get bored soon, you always do and then you’ll want a man and come running back to me.... I can’t imagine this girlfriend of yours can sat.....’Right that was it, who the fuck did this absolute tosser think he was? Sophie was going to have to show him exactly what Paula saw in her. ‘Can what?’ Questioned Sophie glaring at James as she entered the room and turned towards Paula. ‘Hi babe,’ ‘Hey darling what are you do....’ started a shocked Paula just before Sophie gave her a kiss directly on her lips, lingering far longer than she normally would. Then standing next to her lover, her arm around her waist pulling her close, she lied, ‘I was on my way back from the hospital so thought I’d come in and see if I could help out. Ben pointed me in this direction, that’s when I over heard you. So come on then James what is it you can’t imagine me doing?’For once it seemed like James was lost for words as he stood staring, looking back and forth between the two women. ‘This is your girlfriend?’ He asked ignoring Sophie’s question. ‘Bit young isn’t she?’ The jealousy clear in his voice.‘Yes, this is Sophie my girlfriend and yes she is rather young, lucky me,’ grinned Paula, looking lovingly at Sophie as she proudly introduced her. ‘And just to answer your question I most certainly am not bored, she’s very talented’ smiled Paula giving Sophie a squeeze. ‘So if there’s nothing else? I’ll see you in court tomorrow,’ finished Paula.
‘No there’s nothing else,’ answered James with a sigh of realisation. ‘Yes I’ll see you in court’ he confirmed eyeing the closeness of the two woman. ‘I’ll see myself out.’ It was clear that Paula’s new relationship was serious, she was in love.....She wouldn’t be coming back to him this time....No this time James had lost her.....For good. ‘Well it was lovely to meet you,’ offered Sophie sarcastically and then unable to resist, ‘Maybe there’s someone else at the court who’ll help you test out your desk,’ she added with a wink as James gave her a cold stare and retreated from the room. Turning to Sophie, Paula had a puzzled expression on her face ‘And what was that last comment?’ She asked looking suspiciously at Sophie. ‘What?’ She said innocently.‘What?’ Asked Paula, knowing full well Sophie knew what she was on about. ‘Oh come on Sophie that’s not your style, what was that about the desk?’ ‘Oh I was just letting him know that I saw the texts he sent you today. It was just a cheeky warning.’ ‘He’s been sending me texts?’ Asked Paula incredulously. ‘He never said. He was so professional in court I thought he’d got the message.’ ‘No, well he wasn’t very professional in the messages,’ scoffed Sophie ‘And when you ignored him he messaged to say he was coming here.’‘And that’s why you came here?’ Said Paula softly, now it all made sense.‘Yeah,’ whispered Sophie, ‘I’m sorry.’ ‘Why are you sorry?’ ‘Because a part of me thought that maybe I’d’
‘Catch us together,’ finished Paula.‘Yeah,’ admitted Sophie feeling awful for thinking once again that Paula would cheat on her especially after hearing how much she loved her. ‘Are you cross with me?’ ‘No I’m not cross. I’m just pleased he finally realises how much you mean to me and the fact that he’s seen how amazingly hot you are is no bad thing,’ smiled Paula as she gave Sophie a soft kiss.
‘So why were you here then?’ Asked Sophie pulling back from the kiss.‘Shit, Olivia,’ exclaimed Paula, looking at her watch and flying past Sophie and out the door‘Olivia?’ Questioned Sophie as she chased after Paula who was practically running down the corridor to her office.‘Fuck,’ she sighed as she opened the door to reveal an empty room, ‘She’s gone,’ announced Paula as Sophie came into the office. ‘What’d you mean she’s gone? Why was she here?’ ‘Oh she thought she’d try her hand at blackmailing me. You know tell my staff I’m a junkie that kind of thing,’ explained Paula matter of factly as she walked behind her desk to shut down her computer.‘Oh wow the nerve of that girl. I hope you told her where to go,’ raged Sophie. After everything Paula had done for her and this was how she repaid her. ‘No not exactly, I was trying to get her back into rehab, yes I know,’ sighed Paula as she saw the expression on Sophie’s face, ‘I can’t help it, I want to fix her.’ ‘I know you do babe and that’s commendable but she needs to want to help herself, yeah? So please stop beating yourself up about it, ok?’ ‘I know, I know’ said Paula softly as she grabbed her bag and coat. ‘Oh god I’ve not even asked how’s your mum?’ She questioned as she turned off the lights.‘Yeah surprisingly well considering she’s just had an emergency op, how was court?’ ‘Yeah not too bad, just been a long day,’ groaned Paula as they waited for the lift. ‘I can not wait to crawl into bed.’ ‘Mmm sounds good,’ signed Sophie giving Paula a little nudge as the lift signalled it’s arrival. Once the doors had closed Sophie couldn’t help but lean in for a kiss taking Paula by surprise as she pushed her against the wall of the lift. ‘Sophie,’ gasped Paula as she moved her head back to allow Sophie better access to her neck. ‘What the hell’s got into you?’ ‘Just keeping you on your toes, I wouldn’t want you getting bored with me now would I?’ She breathed as she trailed wet hot kisses down Paula’s neck and into her cleavage. ‘Mmmmm’ agreed Paula as Sophie’s hand reached between her thighs pulling her knickers aside. ‘Fuuuckk,’ she gasped as Sophie coated her fingers with her wetness and slipped two fingers inside her.God she was always so wet, so ready, thought Sophie as she whispered into her ear ‘I know what you like,’ as she buried her fingers deep inside her, curling them slightly to reach Paula’s most sensitive spot. All the while looking into her deep brown eyes as she continued to thrust, changing the tempo from fast to unbearably slowly, smiling as Paula raised her hips to meet her hand.‘Soph.....I .....I .... Jesus Christ woman,’ Paula practically screamed as she buckled beneath Sophie’s expert fingers only a few minutes later. ‘Good?’ Asked Sophie as she felt Paula’s shudders subside. ‘Do you really need to ask?’ She panted trying to regain her composure. ‘Emergency button?’ She questioned as she grinned at Sophie.‘Mmmmm,’ laughed Sophie, ‘I’ve always wanted to do that.’ ‘Have you?’ Asked Paula somewhat stunned. ‘Yeah there’s no need to sound so shocked. I can be naughty too,’ she teased. ‘Mmm, I can see,’ moaned Paula pulling Sophie towards her for a kiss. ‘Just so long as you know my relationship with you is completely different from the one I had with him.’‘What do ya mean?’ Well I can only imagine what kind of things he’s been texting and if I were you I wouldn’t believe half of it,’ warned Paula.‘Oh that’s a shame.’ ‘A shame?’ Asked Paula bewildered.‘Mmm I was wondering when you were going to whisper in my ear that you weren’t wearing any knickers,’ grinned back Sophie. ‘He didn’t?’ Blushed Paula.‘Oh he did, wanted to remind you how much of a tease you could be.’ ‘Oh god, I’m so sorry,’ apologised Paula pulling Sophie close.‘It’s not your fault he’s a complete knob,’ remarked Sophie as she caressed the back of Paula’s neck.‘Well no, but that’s the last thing you wanna read about.’ ‘So you’re not annoyed that I read your texts?’ ‘No why would I be?’ Said Paula quickly. ‘I have nothing to hide from you Sophie. I really hope you can see that now..... All I want is you.’ ‘Good because I’m not planning on going anywhere,’ reassured Sophie looking straight into Paula’s eyes.‘Well to be fair Sophie neither of us are going anywhere for a while because you’ve stopped the bloody lift. You do know it takes ages to start up again.’ ‘Does it?’ Questioned Sophie a mischievous grin forming. ‘I wonder what we can do to pass the time....?’

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘Right that’s it, I’m done. I’m taking the week off,’ announced Paula as she breezed into Mike’s office and plonked herself down in a seat. It was late on Thursday afternoon and Paula had just returned from court. ‘Good,’ replied Mike as he sat back in his chair, ‘We’ve all been telling you for months that you need to take some time off. It must be fate this trail finishing in record time. Means you’ll be able to spend some time with Isla.’ ‘Yeah I know it’s about time I had a break and I don’t think Isla would have been best pleased if I couldn’t pick her up from the airport. Although Tim’s got the raging hump now as it means he doesn’t get to do it. Honestly that man, he moans that I work all the time then when I’m not working that pisses him off too, I can’t win.’‘Mmmm well I don’t think you’ll ever be able to do right by him, that man has certainly never heard the phrase forgive and forget.’ ‘Tell me about it,’ sighed Paula. ‘So when’s Isla’s flight due in? Bet you can’t wait to see her, how long’s she been gone?’ Asked Mike.‘Her plane lands just after one so perfect traffic wise. Can you believe it’s been just over six months and you know as much as we both get on each other’s nerves I’ve really missed her. I can’t wait to hear all about what she’s been up to.’‘And a lots happened for you too, how do you think she’s going to take seeing you and Sophie together?’‘Between you and me I’m thinking not great. You know how badly she reacted when I told her I was bi and she’s not seen me in a relationship with a woman before, so who knows? Admitted Paula shrugging her shoulders. ‘It’s probably not going to help that Sophie’s so young but only time will tell. Fingers crossed there’s no dramas. ‘Well someone’s looking down on you so hopefully it’ll be fine. I mean how lucky is it that the trail finished today?’‘I know I was dreading having to tell Isla I was in the middle of a case. Although to be honest the defence had nothing, the evidence was overwhelming. He should have pleaded guilty months ago and saved everyone the hassle but there’s no telling some people and it’s good for us so I shouldn’t complain.’‘And James? How did that work out? He hasn’t tried it on again has he?’ Probed Mike his disdain for the man clear in his tone.‘No all totally fine,’ lied Paula, she hadn’t told Mike about any of the shenanigans on Monday and didn’t intend too, it would only infuriate him and since James had stayed out of her way since Monday she figured he’d got the message. ‘Purely professional.’ ‘Good, your chat at the hotel obviously worked. So what have you got planned for the weekend then? A massive welcome home bash?’
‘Yeah something like that,’ groaned Paula. ‘We’re all out for dinner on Saturday evening.’
‘And by all....’‘I mean all of us. I really have no idea why Isla thinks these family meals are a good idea but she wants us all there so that’s what we’ll do.’ ‘I’m sure it’ll be fine, just don’t drink too much, hold your tongue and when you do speak say nice things,’ advised Mike, ‘You’ll be fine.’ ‘Mmmm thanks for the advice, I will try my hardest but you know none of those things come easy,’ smiled Paula as she rose from the chair. ‘Right I’d better be going I have a million things to do. I’ve left clear instructions with everyone but please ring me if there’s any problems.’ ‘Paula just go and enjoy some time with your daughter. This place can function without you. We’re all fairly capable of doing our jobs.’ ‘Yes I am well aware of that Mike I did employ everyone. It’s just....You know I find it hard to let go.’ ‘Yep we know you’re a control freak but even control freaks need a rest, so goodbye we’ll see you next month.’ ‘Next month, shit that sounds like ages,’ she fretted. ‘Paula shut up and just go. Can you not see I’m up to my eyes in it.’ ‘Ok...ok I’m gone...I’ll probably drop Sophie in one morning next week anyway so I’ll pop in then and see....’ ‘God woman will you just leave, anyone would think you’re leaving for six months.’ ‘Right yeah sorry, I’m going.’ Replied Paula as she finally closed the door.‘Jesus,’ breathed Mike as the door closed, she really was hard work sometimes.‘Right you ready for home?’ Asked Paula as she stopped by Sophie’s desk. Looking up from her computer screen then over at the clock, Sophie replied, ‘Well technically I have twenty two minutes before I’m allowed to go home.’‘Twenty two minutes hey? Well I’m sure that on this one occasion the boss will make an exception, if it means you keeping her company on the journey home.’‘I thought the boss didn’t like to show favouritism,’ smirked Sophie, looking up at Paula from under her lashes. She enjoyed playing these games with Paula and she knew the older woman secretly loved it when she was cheeky.’ ‘Oh she doesn’t usually.....But I happen to know that she’s aching to spend some alone time with her gorgeous girlfriend.... So I don’t think she’s too bothered about following the rules today.’ And with that Paula walked towards her office making sure to exaggerate the swing in her hips. ‘I’ll see you down by the car in five minutes,’ she added without even looking back as she entered her office.Precisely seven minutes later both ladies were seated in Paula’s car heading for home. ‘So you’re horny for me are ya?’ Teased Sophie as Paula pulled out of the car park.‘Darling I’m always aroused when I’m in your company, but even more so today seeing as we’ve hardly spent any time together since Monday. What with the court case and you visiting your mum. I just want to spend some time with you while we’ve still got the house to ourselves.’ Sophie laughed, ‘It’s only been three days babe, I thought as you got older your libido dwindled, you’re like some sex crazed teenager half the time.‘Oi enough of the old and I am quite capable of not having sex if that’s what you want. I don’t want you thinking I’m only with you for your body.’ Laughed Paula as she stole a glance at Sophie.‘Oh we are having sex,’ grinned Sophie, ‘Did I not tell you I AM only with you for your body and your skills in the bedroom so ...’ ‘Oh gee thanks, you sure know how to make a gal feel special.’‘Babe you know I’m joking, you’re pretty perfect in every way,’ said Sophie turning in her seat and twirling her hair around her finger. ‘Apart from the fact that you work too much and are far from a domestic goddess.’ ‘Ahh see that’s where you’re wrong because I’ve just told Mike I’m taking the week off and I’m cooking tonight,’ replied Paula smugly.‘Wow, you’re actually taking time off, you feeling ok?’ ‘Yeah well I think I should spend some time with Isla. I was working loads on your mums case before she went away and what with this trail finishing it was perfect timing. I’ve managed to delegate my other cases and....’‘Paula you don’t need to explain it to me. It’s nice that you’re taking some time off, Isla will appreciate it. I’m more interesting in what the hell you’re going to cook me.’ ‘Ah well see I only have about three things I can actually cook well and I realised the other day that you’ve sampled none of them so tonight I’m cooking seafood linguine.’ ‘Seafood linguine? Interesting, I look forward to tasting it.’.................................................................‘Do you have to sit there and watch me? You’re making me nervous,’ moaned Paula as she looked across the island at Sophie.‘Sorry babe, it’s just such a shock, actually seeing you do something in the kitchen other than just make coffee or serve up takeaway,’ mocked Sophie as she watched Paula chopping tomatoes and chilli.‘I can cook you know, it’s just I never have the time or inclination. I just find it boring.’ ‘Well then I’m very honoured,’ laughed Sophie picking up her phone. ‘Do you think you could have ordered a bigger phone?’ Commented Paula, ‘It looks like a bloody TV screen.’ ‘Yeah I know it is rather big, but then I get to see your face practically full size when you call me,’ smiled Sophie as she pulled up Paula’s contact photo and waved it at her.‘Jesus Soph you could have chosen a better picture you can see all my winkles,’ exclaimed Paula. ‘Hey they are not winkles they are laughter lines and you only have a couple round your eyes, I think they’re cute.’ ‘Cute?’ Questioned Paula glaring over at Sophie.‘Yes cute,’ said Sophie again as she got off the stool at the end of the counter and walked round to stand behind Paula. Wrapping her arms around her waist she nuzzled her hair away from her neck so she could whisper in her ear ‘I think you are very cute and extremely sexy and right now I think you need to stop what you’re doing so I can show you just how much I love you.’ ‘Really,’ giggled Paula as Sophie’s hands slid under her shirt and up to her breasts, ‘And you said I was the sex crazed one,’ moaned the solicitor as she lent back against Sophie, her breath catching as Sophie bit down on her ear lobe. ‘Are you complaining?’ Breathed Sophie as she turned Paula around and started to undo the buttons on her shirt.‘No complaints,’ moaned Paula as Sophie began to plant hot wet kisses over her collar bone leading down towards her breasts while her hands
unclasped her bra. Paula threw her head back, eyes closed, mouth open as Sophie slowly licked around a hardened nipple then drew it into her mouth smiling against her skin as she heard the older woman moan. God she loved the way she could work Paula into a frenzy in just a few short minutes. Slowly Sophie kissed her way back to Paula’s lips, biting one and then dipping her tongue into her open mouth, ‘Come with me,’ she murmured as she pulled Paula over to the dining table. ‘Sit,’ she commanded as she pushed her back onto one of the chairs. Paula obeyed sitting back in the chair as she watched the younger brunette kneel before her. Sophie had no idea what had come over her, she was never normally this dominant, but seeing the want and need in Paula’s eyes spurred her on. Slowly she ran her hands up either side of Paula’s legs hitching her skirt up as she went to reveal the tops of Paula’s hold ups. Sitting back she took the time to savour the slight, god she’s so sexy she thought as she gently tugged at her knickers sliding them down her thighs and onto the floor. Paula took a sharp intake of breath as Sophie bent forward and placed a kiss to the inside of her knee then began kissing oh so slowly up the inside of one thigh then the other. Paula parted her legs and moved forward allowing Sophie better access.‘Fuck,’ Paula moaned, as she arched her back away from the chair as Sophie’s wet tongue took its first hard swipe. Oh. Oh sweet heaven. Paula gasped and lifted her hips, shoving herself desperately against Sophie’s mouth her hands in her hair pulling her closer. Sophie worked her tongue in small tight circles around Paula’s clit until she was on the edge just about to let go, and Sophie knew it.... So she stopped. Paula choked back a gasp. ‘No,’ she whimpered, ‘No…please…’‘Tell me what you want,’ ordered Sophie her mouth just inches from her clit. ‘Fuck Sophie.... Please…make me come…please...’ begged Paula her voice barely a whisper.
Sophie looked up into Paula’s eyes and without breaking eye contact pushed her tongue firmly against her clit, smiling as she felt Paula shudder.‘Oh good god,’ groaned Paula as Sophie sat back to admire her handy work wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, savouring the taste. ‘Jesus I’ll have to cook more often if that’s the effect it has on you. You are insatiable.’ ‘Yeah I know,’ agreed Sophie, ‘I really don’t know what’s come over me lately.’ ‘Well whatever it is, I like it,’ laughed Paula sitting up and reaching round to do up her bra. ‘I’m sorry but do you mind if we eat before I return the favour? I’m bloody starving and it looks like I’m gonna need to keep my energy levels up.’ Smiling Sophie replied ‘I’ve worked up rather an appetite too, so get cooking you.’ ‘Yes boss,’ replied Paula as she stood up and straightened out her shirt. ‘Aren’t you going to put those back on?’ Asked Sophie glancing towards Paula’s discarded underwear. ‘Is there any point? They’ll only be coming off again once we’ve eaten,’ replied Paula with a grin..................................................................‘Tonight has been so lovely,’ signed Sophie as she gazed up at Paula. Both ladies were on the sofa, Paula sitting up and Sophie laying with her head in her lap.‘Yeah it’s been great,’ agreed Paula as she twisted Sophie’s hair around her fingers. ‘And who knew that you’re actually a pretty good cook,’ praised Sophie.‘Mmmm, why thank you. And who knew that you could be so dominant.’ ‘Looks like we both have a few hidden talents,’ chucked Sophie. ‘And thanks for dessert, that was one hell of an orgasm.’ ‘Well I had a few favours to repay didn’t I?’
‘Hmm,’ answered Sophie slightly distant. ‘Hey you ok? What you thinking?’ ‘Oh it’s nothing,’ replied Sophie not wanting to spoil their evening. ‘No tell me, if there’s something wrong I want to know,’ insisted Paula.‘I just suddenly thought that when Isla’s back it’s gonna be different isn’t it? I mean we won’t be able to do this?’ ‘Won’t we? Replied Paula puzzled, ‘Why not?’ ‘Because it’ll be weird, I’ll feel weird being with you ....Like this....In front of her.’ Paula shifted under Sophie and looked down into her eyes, ‘Sophie you’re my partner there’s nothing to feel weird about. It would be odd if we weren’t like this, wouldn’t it?’ ‘Yeah it’s just, I don’t want to make Isla feel uncomfortable. I mean this is her home, you’re her mum....’‘Yes and she’s twenty three, like you said she’s not my baby any more. She’s got to understand that I have a life and who I chose to live my life with is quite frankly none of her business, ok,’ stated Paula with conviction.‘Yeah ok,’ replied Sophie softly, looking up at Paula. ‘I love you, and no ones opinion of us is going to change that, right.’‘Right,’ agreed Sophie as she snuggled into Paula’s lap. ‘So we carry on as normal,’ confirmed Paula as she stroked up Sophie’s arm. ‘Although maybe try to resist fucking me in the kitchen if Isla’s around.’ ‘Paula,’ exclaimed Sophie as she swatted her arm away. ‘What? That was all your doing earlier,’ smiled Paula cheekily as she tickled Sophie under her ribs. ‘Oh babe don’t,’ giggled Sophie as she tried to pull away from her. ‘You know I’m...’ ‘Know you’re what?’ Questioned Paula innocently as she planted a kiss on her open mouth and before long the two were once again wrapped in each other’s arms sharing a passionate kiss.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘Shit,’ gasped Paula as the scolding coffee fresh from the machine poured over the countertop splashing the back of her hand. ‘Shit, shit, shit’ shouted Paula again snatching her hand back and wincing at the pain as she rushed to run it under the cold tap. That would teach her for trying to do ten things at once. ‘Hey babe you ok?’ Called Sophie as she entered the kitchen having heard Paula’s outburst from the hallway. ‘God are you ok?’ She asked as she rushed to the sink where Paula had her hand under the running water.‘Yeah I’m fine,’ lied Paula through gritted teeth, ‘I’ve just got loads to do this morning and while trying to multitask, unsuccessfully, I’ve managed to scald myself on my coffee.‘ ‘Let me see,’ Said Sophie firmly as she carefully moved Paula’s arm away from the water. ‘Shit, that looks nasty, are you sure you’re ok?’ ‘Yep it feels much better now,’ said Paula as she reached to turn off the tap.‘I don’t think so,’ ordered Sophie moving her arm under the water again. ‘That needs to stay there for at least another ten minutes.’ ‘Ahh Soph come on, I’ve got stuff to do I can’t stand here for the next ten minutes.’ ‘Paula, ten minutes out of your day is not going to make any difference and your hand will feel a lot better for it, so just stop arguing and stay there.’ ‘Wow you are so bossy,’ complained Paula glaring at Sophie but keeping her arm where it was.‘Yeah well sometimes I’ve gotta be. Now is there anything I can help you with before I leave for work?’ ‘You could quickly clean that up,’ stated Paula pointing with her free hand at the coffee that had spilt onto the counter. ‘Right no problem,’ answered Sophie as she quickly blotted the spill with kitchen roll. ‘Anything else?’ ‘Nope not unless you’ve got time to sort out Isla’s room?’ ‘No fraid not, unless it can be done in ooo four minutes,’ replied Sophie glancing at the clock. ‘I’m joking, I’ll go and do it after I’ve stood here for the next eight minutes,’ groaned Paula. ‘Anyway what needs doing? You been ransacking her room for phone chargers too?’ Asked Sophie with a knowing look. Sophie was pretty sure she knew what Paula had been doing in Theo’s room the other day and it was most certainly not looking for a charger. Paula avoided Sophie’s gaze, she knew Sophie knew why she’d been in there and the shame was almost too much. ‘No, don’t need a charger anymore,’ she replied with a shy smile. ‘I know,’ said Sophie gently as she stoked her cheek and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. ‘I’ll see you tonight, keep me updated on Isla’s arrival. ‘Yeah I will,’ breathed Paula as Sophie turned to leave. ‘Love you,’ called Sophie as she breezed out of the kitchen. ‘Right back at ya,’ said Paula her arm still under the running water. .................................................................Paula stood nervously outside arrivals glancing up every few minutes at the information board. Where the fuck was Isla? Her plane had landed nearly an hour ago and there was still no sign of her. Paula tried her phone once more, voicemail again. How long did it take to get off a plane and collect a backpack? Just as she was debating going to ask someone if there’’d been some kind of delay she caught sight of a purple rucksack and dark hair. Isla’s bag was purple, wasn’t it? Paula followed the head through the crowd of people until she was just a few metres away. ‘Isla,’ called Paula as she saw Isla glancing around, looking everywhere but at her. ‘Mum,’ smiled her daughter as she hurried over to where Paula stood just at the end of the barrier and threw her arms around her neck, squeezing her tightly. ‘Sorry I couldn’t see you for looking,’ she apologised as she finally let go of her. ‘Miss me?’ She asked with a cheeky grin. ‘Course I’ve missed you,’ smiled Paula surprised that she actually had tears in her eyes. ‘I’ve had no one to argue with,’ she added wiping her eyes with the back of her hand as she gave her daughter a quick look up and down.‘Mum are you crying?’ Asked Isla shocked, her mum hardly ever cried, if anyone was going to cry it would usually be her dad. He was a massive softy whereas her mum always tried to keep things together. ‘Me cry? No just got something in my eye,’ smiled Paula before quickly changing the subject, ‘You look great, like a totally new you.’‘Yeah I feel like a completely different person and you’re not looking too bad yourself.’ ‘Why thank you, So how was it? I need to know everything. Isn’t your girlfriend here I thought you were coming back together?’ Asked Paula looking around to see if she’d missed something. Isla’s smile dropped, ah shit thought Paula she’d only been off the plane two minutes and she’d already put her foot in it. ‘No she’s gone to catch a connecting fight, her mum lives in Tenerife so she’s gone to stay with her for a week.’ ‘Oh ok, is that why you were so bloody long getting through arrivals?’ Questioned Paula smiling. ‘Yeah, we’ve been saying goodbye.’ ‘But everything’s ok with you both, yeah?’ Asked Paula wondering why Isla still didn’t look too happy. ‘Yeah it’s fine, great. I’m just being silly,’ she replied ‘Wanna tell me about it?’ Offered Paula as she linked her arm through her daughters and started looking for the short stay car park signs. Isla sighed, as she let her mum guide her by the arm through the airport. ‘It’s just she didn’t actually tell me she was going back to visit her mum until we were on the plane. I thought she was coming straight back to Manchester.’ ‘Oh,’ said Paula understanding why that would have pissed her off. ‘We’ve spent the past two months solid together and it’s just gonna be strange not seeing her... and well I though she might have asked me to go with her, you know.’ ‘Yeah,’ agreed Paula, ‘Although look maybe it’s a good thing. You can both spend some time with your families and then you’ll really appreciate seeing her again.’ ‘Yeah I know,’ said Isla quietly.‘Look a week’s gonna fly by, yeah? So come on cheer up,’ said Paula giving Isla’s arm a squeeze. ‘Now where the hell did I park the car? She wondered aloud, really wishing she’d stopped for two seconds to note down the parking area. .................................................................It had taken Paula well over ten minutes and a hell of a lot of cursing before they’d finally located her car but she figured it had been worth it as Isla had found it hilarious. ‘I’m so glad my misfortune entertains you so much,’ quipped Paula as she fastened her seatbelt and looked over at her daughter. ‘I’m sorry,’ grinned Isla, as Paula put the car into gear and followed the signs for the exit. ‘But you’ve got to admit, it is kinda funny. I mean considering you’re so intelligent you do royally fuck up the simplest of tasks.’
‘I’m not that bad,’ said Paula defensively, then added ‘Am I?’ ‘You are bad, I can come up with at least three examples off the top of my head.’ ‘Ok, go on,’ challenged Paula. ‘Well there was that time you took me to the wrong cinema for that birthday party and the time when you left our pack lunch on the roof of the car and drove off, and oh my god, the best one,’ laughed Isla barely able to contain herself now ‘The time we went swimming and you forgot to take the locker key out and someone stole your boots, do you remember?’ ‘Yes I remember, they cost me a bloody fortune. I had to drive home in my socks,’ smiled Paula pleased to see her daughter so happy, even if it was at her expense. ‘Maybe you’ve got a point. I’m surprised you remember all that though.’ ‘Course I remember, it was always chaos whenever we went anywhere with you.’ ‘What do you mean?’ ‘Well you were always so organised and relaxed for work and then on the odd occasion you took us out it was carnage.’ Paula sighed remembering how stressed she used to get when she took the kids anywhere on her own. She thought they’d been too young to realise but obviously Isla hadn’t been. ‘I’m sorry.’ ‘Sorry?’ Questioned Isla puzzled ‘Why you sorry, they’re great memories.’‘Yeah but there’s not many of them are there?’ ‘Well no and to be honest in the past I’ve resented the fact that you were always working when we were growing up but going away and meeting so many different people has made me realise that me and Theo are lucky.’ ‘Lucky? How’d you work that out?’ ‘Well the fact you have a great career, have set up your own company it’s shown me how to be a strong, independent woman. Not to mention the fact that you’ve provided us with everything we’ve ever wanted, a nice home, holidays, put us both through uni, paid for me to go travelling the list is endless. Some of the people I met, wow the amount of student loan they have is astounding.’ Paula was slightly taken aback, this did not sound like the Isla that had left home six months ago. The Isla who picked an argument with her at every opportunity and who blamed her for everything. ‘Thanks, but it still doesn’t make up for the fact that I should have been there more.’ ‘We had dad, it wasn’t like you left us running wild. You had to work, I get that now. Although let’s not pretend that barristers need to work away overnight quite as much as you did,’ added Isla glancing over at her mum.Paula kept her eyes fixed on the road, her face neutral, she wasn’t going to give Isla the satisfaction of seeing her squirm. God she was her fathers daughter, always snidely reminding you of your shortcomings. In the end she softly said ‘I did love your dad you know, it was just difficult.’ ‘I know, it’s just a pity you didn’t divorce years ago.’ ‘Yeah,’ agreed Paula thinking that maybe she should try and explain why she had stayed away so many nights. She knew what Isla thought she was doing and what Tim had thought at the time. However back when the kids were younger she hadn’t come home simply because she didn’t want an argument. She didn’t want to see the disgust on Tim’s face when he realised she’d been drinking or have to answer the hundreds of questions he would throw at her as soon as she walked through the door. Why was she so late? Where had she been? Who had she been with? It had just been easier to stay away, she didn’t want the kids to hear them argue, she didn’t want to be accused of things she hadn’t done. All she was guilty of back then was working hard and wanting to go out and let her hair down once in a while with work colleagues.But what would be the point in trying to explain? No one would believe her, least of all Isla. In the end she had cheated, it didn’t matter how many times, or with how many people, she was guilty, she’d done it, so instead she said ‘So you’ve realised that maybe I’m not such a complete bitch then?’ ‘Yeah something like that,’ smiled Isla. ‘And another thing while we’re having this rare heart to heart, thank you for the way you treated me when I came out.’ ‘What? Isla that was nearly ten years ago. Why you bringing that up now?’‘Because I’ve done a lot of growing up since I’ve been away and I can see what an absolute cow I was to you. Instead of taking it as a positive thing, that my mum understood how I was feeling and what I was going through I just found it so weird that there was this whole part of you that I didn’t know. I felt like I’d prepared myself for you and dad to go mad and when you didn’t... I didn’t know how to react. Does that make any sense?’ ‘Yeah it does, I totally get that you were confused, anxious, hormonal.... I just thought it would help, for you to know I’d been through the same thing, realising I was different, not knowing how people would react, being scared of my own feelings. It’s a huge step to take, to tell everyone but I didn’t want to make a big deal of it, your sexuality is one part of you, it doesn’t define who you are.’ ‘Wow when did you become so good at all this emotional stuff?’ Since I started seeing a shrink thought Paula but instead she said ‘Since you started listening.’‘Yeah I should have listened to you more,’ she said quietly. ‘Look can we start again. Forget all those horrible names I called you, the nasty things I said? I met a girl while I was away who hasn’t spoken to her mum for nearly two years because she can’t except that she’s gay. I mean what the fuck is that about?’ ‘Well some people are just narrow minded,’ said Paula, ‘She’s better off not having her in her life if that’s her opinion.’ ‘Yeah that’s what I said. But it got me thinking, here I am with the most supportive mum, who totally gets me and I’m spending my whole time being angry with her.’ ‘Yeah well I know in the past I haven’t exactly made it easy for you to like me.’ Sighed Paula. ‘Look I’ve taken the whole of next week off work so if you’re up for it we could spend some time together, just the two of us. We’ve never spent much mother daughter time together so maybe it’s about time we start. ‘Yeah I’d like that,’ smiled Isla.‘Good that’s a plan then. Now can we please stop with the deep and meaningful and can you please tell me all about your trip. I can’t wait to hear what you’ve been up to’ ‘Oh wow where do I start?’ Sighed Isla.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘Hey babe,’ greeted Sophie as she wandered into the kitchen, chucking her work stuff in the corner. ‘Hey,’ replied Paula looking up from her phone. She was sitting at the island, coffee in front of her, catching up with her messages, ‘Everything ok at the office?’ Sophie chuckled, she was wondering how long it would take for Paula to ask that, ‘I’m under strict instructions not to answer any questions about work,’ smiled Sophie as she looked around the kitchen. ‘Don’t worry the coast’s clear, Isla’s gone for a lay down, so you can come here and give me a kiss, I’ve missed you.’Sophie smiled nervously kissing the older woman on the lips. ‘How was the drive? Everything ok? Isla ok?’ She asked as she pulled back and looked at Paula who kept her arms wrapped round her waist. ‘Yep all good apart from the fact that I forgot where I’d parked the car, I swear we must have walked around that car park about three times.’‘You lost your car?’ Came Sophie’s bewildered response, ‘How the hell did you manage that? It’s bright red. Did you not take a photo of the parking level and aisle?’‘No obviously not and that’s a good idea I’ve never thought to do that,’ admitted Paula as Sophie rolled her eyes. ‘Welcome to the twenty first century,’ she mocked.
‘Oi there’s no need to be like that. Anyway it kind of helped cheer Isla up. She was pretty down about her girlfriend not coming straight back to Manchester with her. We actually had a really lovely chat.’‘Ahh that’s good, but I thought that was the whole reason she came back early, because of this girl no?’
‘Yeah well turns out she’s gone to visit her mum for a bit hopefully she’ll be back in a week, fingers crossed. I really couldn’t bear it if someone else messed her around.’‘Well I’m sure everything’ll be fine,’ reassured Sophie really hoping it was, as she was kind of hoping that this new girlfriend would keep Isla in a good mood. ‘So at least you’re on better terms now?’
‘Well for the minute yeah, not sure how long it’ll last but it’s a start.’ ‘Yeah, baby steps,’ replied Sophie as she reached round her back for Paula’s hands unlocking them so she could go and pour a coffee.’‘Ahh,’ winced Paula as Sophie touched her injured hand.‘What?’ Asked Sophie concerned as Paula pulled away and grabbed her hand. ‘Shit your hand, is it that bad?’ ‘No it’s fine it’s just you pressed right on it,’ explained Paula.‘Where let me see,’ asked Sophie as she gently took Paula’s wrist. ‘Babe that looks so sore, are you sure you don’t need to see a doctor?’ ‘No it’ll be fine in a couple of days,’ insisted Paula.‘Well let me kiss it better,’ responded Sophie smiling as she brought Paula’s hand up to her mouth and slowly brushed her lips along her wrist then down across the back of her hand causing Paula to giggle. God Sophie loved that sound. Next she began to nibble along the back of Paula’s index finger grazing the skin with her teeth until she reached the tip which she softly licked then drew into her mouth, eliciting a moan from Paula. Suddenly Sophie heard a cough behind her, shit she thought as Paula pulled her hand away and composed herself, ‘Hey darling, you feeling better?’ She questioned as Isla entered the kitchen and stood on the other side of the island looking between the two women. ‘Yeah I thought I’d better get up or I won’t sleep later, is there any coffee left?’ She asked glancing at her mums mug. ‘Yeah take a seat and I’ll make a fresh pot, do you want one Sophie?’ ‘Go on then,’ replied Sophie feeling slightly uneasy, had Isla seen anything when she came into the kitchen? She hoped not. ‘It’s great to see you again, how was your trip?’ Began Sophie trying to start a conversation. ‘Bet you had an amazing time,’ she continued as Isla looked her up and down and Paula moved across the kitchen to make the coffee.‘Yeah it was pretty amazing,’ gushed Isla, ‘Best experience ever. I should really thank you for persuading my mum to let me go, although I’m pretty sure she had an ulterior motive for wanting me out the way,’ she added glancing over to see if her mum was going to take the bait.Across the room Paula’s shoulders tensed as she spun round to look at her daughter. ‘Isla you hardly needed my permission, you’d already made up your mind you were going and I’m sure you could have talked your dad into giving you the money.’ ‘Yeah probably, but it did seem like you changed your mind rather quickly after our visit to the Bistro.’
‘Yeah well Sophie talked a lot of sense ‘ reasoned Paula. ‘Well in that case thank you Sophie for your wise words,’ replied Isla in a sarcastic tone before adding ‘And thanks for the book it really came in handy, although I’m sorry but I can’t return it, I gave it to another traveller, didn’t have any room in my backpack.’ ‘No worries, I’ve got no use for it anyway it’s hardly like I’m gonna be going travelling any time soon,’ explained Sophie wondering how her asking Isla a simple question about her travels had turned into this.
‘No, not now you’re all settled in here,’ smiled Isla as Paula brought the coffee’s over. ‘And is that going to be a problem?’ Asked Paula as she sat back on her stool. ‘No, no problem, I’m sure it’ll be great having Sophie around. It’ll be like having an older sister.’‘Isla,’ warned Paula really wishing her daughter would just give it a rest.‘What? It’s true though isn’t it. I mean come on, I bet you’ve been mistaken for mother and daughter on more than one occasion,’ continued Isla sipping her coffee.Sophie and Paula gave each other a knowing glance before Paula decided she had to nip this in the bud now. ‘Look Isla I know you’re not totally on board with our relationship and that’s fine. It’s going to take time for you to get use to the idea but while you are getting use to it you need to be respectful and stop with all the snide little comments, ok?’ Said Paula trying really hard to keep her tone even. ‘Ok, ok I’ll try. I did really mean what I said earlier. I have grown up a lot, it’s just... It’s just different isn’t it. It’s going to take time.’ Then turning to Sophie she added, ‘No offence.’ ‘None taken,’ replied Sophie ‘And look if it makes it easier I can move...’ ‘No please stay,’ interrupted Isla putting a hand on Sophie’s arm, and looking at her mum she said. ‘I’ve apologised for being a bitch so now I need to stop acting like one. Who am I to dictate who you have a relationship with. That’s one thing you’ve never done with me. Maybe I’m just a bit jealous that you’re both here together while Jo’s fucked off to Tenerife without me,’ smiled Isla trying to make up for her snide comments. ‘Jo, so the mystery woman has a name,’ exclaimed Paula.‘She’s not a mystery.’‘Well you didn’t talk about her much in the car,’ reasoned Paula. ‘You didn’t ask,’ Shot back Isla. Wow thought Sophie looking on, it was easy to see why these two had trouble getting on. ‘Only because I didn’t want to piss you off, sometimes it’s hard to know what I can say to you without you biting my head off,’ explained Paula. ‘No it’s fine you can ask I’ve just been on the phone to her actually and cleared the air, she’s back in Manchester next week.’ ‘So does she live close by?’ Asked Sophie thinking that it was amazing how you could go half way round the world and end up dating someone who lived just up the road.’ ‘Yeah not far. She’s originally from Ireland but she came to uni here and just stayed.’ ‘Ooo what year was she in? Some of my mates might know her,’ said Sophie trying desperately to make conversation. ‘I doubt they will, she left in 2008.’ ‘Oh right,’ said Paula quickly doing the maths and thinking that Isla had no right to say anything about her and Sophie when her girlfriend must be at least ten years older than her, although she wasn’t going to say anything. ‘What did she study?’‘Business and economics, she worked in banking for a while, but she’s been travelling for the past year, she’s not sure what she wants to do now though.’ ‘Wow banking she must be intelligent,’ said Sophie to no one in particular. ‘Yeah although you wouldn’t think it when you meet her she’s all over the place, that’s how we meet. She’d gone to the wrong station to catch her train so ended up coming along with me and another girl. We hit it off straight away.’ ‘Ahh well I’m glad you’ve found someone and that they live so close, it must be fate. I can’t wait to meet her.’ ‘Thanks mum I think you’ll definitely get on. Right so I’m gonna go and get a nice long hot bath.’ ‘Ok darling anything you fancy for dinner?’ ‘Pizza,’ replied Isla straight away as she headed to the door ‘Oh and mum has dad been in touch about the change of plans for tomorrow?’ ‘Yeah I think he’s text but I haven’t had a chance to read it yet.’ ‘Right well we’re heading out for an early dinner now about five so dad and Lorraine can come back here to look at all my photos, I’m gonna do a slide show on the TV to save me showing you all individually. That’s ok isn’t it?’‘Well it’s a bit late now if it isn’t,’ replied Paula trying to hide her annoyance. ‘It seems like you and your dad have got it all sorted.’ ‘Yeah we were just texting yesterday and thought it made sense.’ ‘Yeah it’s fine,’ signed Paula as Isla left the kitchen. ‘I’ll let your brother know yeah?’ ‘Oh yeah, please, I forgot about him,’ shouted back Isla. ‘Well that went well,’ stated Paula glancing down at Sophie who was just sat in silence sipping her coffee.
‘You think?’ Replied Sophie not sure whether Paula was being sarcastic or not. ‘Yeah it could have gone a lot worse believe me,’ stated Paula.‘Yeah I can quite believe it,’ sighed Sophie. ‘So this family dinner sounds like it’ll be fun.’ ‘Oh yeah they are great, especially as Lorraine’s coming, now she is a delight.’ replied Paula and this time Sophie knew she was being sarcastic.‘I take it she’s Tim’s partner.’ ‘Yep and if you think Isla’s hard work you haven’t seen anything yet. She hates me and makes no attempt to hide the fact.’ ‘Why does she hate you?’ ‘Probably because of what Tim’s told her about me, she hardly knows me,’ scoffed Paula.Oh hell thought Sophie this is gonna be an absolute nightmare. ‘Do I need to come tomorrow? Am I not just gonna make things worse? I mean we’ve only been together six months, is it too soon?’ ‘Whoa, no you don’t, you are not getting out of it that easily,’ smiled Paula as she got off her stool to stand behind Sophie and wrapped her arms around her waist. ‘I need you there with me.’ She breathed against Sophie’s neck as she leaned into her. ‘You are coming.’

‘Oh am I?’ Smiled Sophie as she turned round to face Paula.

‘Yes you are, if Isla will insist on playing happy families then I want you by my side because something’s bound to kick off, it always does.’

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘Wish me luck,’ mumbled Paula under her breath as she took Sophie’s hand and followed Isla into the restaurant with Theo following on behind. ‘It’ll be fine, I love you,’ whispered back Sophie as she gave Paula’s hand a squeeze and prayed to God it would be. In bed that morning Paula had still been complaining about the whole family meal and how she didn’t get why Isla insisted on getting everyone together when it always ended in arguments. Sophie tried to explain from her point of view, having divorced parents herself that she just wanted her mum and dad to get on. She’d told Paula that seeing her own mum and dad being on such good terms was a comfort to her and that even though they weren’t together anymore they both loved her and Rosie to pieces and would always do their best for them. Paula had thought about it for a while and agreed that it was definitely time to end all the bad feeling between herself and Tim and just focus on their children. They’d spent so long being angry that they’d forgotten how lucky they actually were. Paula had made a promise to Sophie that she would really try today and might even talk to Tim and try and clear the air. It was ridiculous that they’d been divorced for two years and still couldn’t really have a civil conversation together. Tim and Lorraine were already at the table when they arrived so everyone said their hellos. It was clear to see that Isla and her dad were very close as she rushed straight over to him and gave him a massive hug. Sophie nervously stood next to Paula waiting to be introduced as although she’d meet Tim before it hadn’t really been the best of introductions. ‘Tim, Lorraine,’ greeted Paula, ‘Sorry we’re late but you know what Isla’s like, we were all sat in the car waiting for her.’ ‘Yep we’ve all spent hours waiting for that child,’ agreed Tim. ‘Hello Sophie it’s good to see you again.’‘Hi,’ replied Sophie feeling her cheeks redden as she stood awkwardly not knowing what to say. Luckily Tim looked just as uncomfortable so he left the ladies to it and went to give Isla some money to head to the bar. Then he sat down with Theo who’d just shouted Hi and plonked himself at the end of the table. ‘Not to worry about not being on time, we thought we’d get here early just to make sure they kept the table, we knew you’d be running late,’ replied Lorraine looking Paula up and down.Paula forced a smile and took a deep breath, ‘Looks like you know us too well.’ Then turning to Sophie she said ‘Lorraine this is Sophie, Sophie Lorraine, I’m sure Tim’s already told you about us.’‘Yes, he did mention it, I thought he was exaggerating about the age gap but obviously he wasn’t. How old are you Sophie?’ Sophie could feel Paula tense up beside her and thought she’d better answer before Paula opened her mouth, she didn’t want Lorraine thinking she couldn’t stick up for herself. ‘I thought it was rude to ask a woman their age but seeing as you seem so interested Im 26.’ Paula smiled sweetly at Lorraine as she watched her eyes widen, ‘Right so now that’s sorted shall we sit down I’m starving,’ said Paula as she guided Sophie to the table. Once everyone had sat down and ordered conversation turned to Isla’s travels and Theo’s studies. Sophie didn’t really join in too much but instead watched and listened which was fascinating. It was obvious that while Isla seemed to like Lorraine, Theo wasn’t too keen, only answering her questions with a couple of words. This was probably due to the fact that it was very clear that Lorraine didn’t like Paula. Now obviously Sophie would be biased and she had no idea what had happened in the past but to her it seemed like Paula really was trying to make an effort. Her and Tim were actually talking to each other and it was lovely seeing them both laughing with Isla and Theo. So what was Lorraine’s problem? The food arrived fairly quickly and they all tucked in while making small talk. They continued to discuss Isla’s trip and what modules Theo had chosen to take, how Paula’s company was doing, Lorraine’s recent school inspection and the fact Tim had started lecturing at the university again. Everyone seemed to be getting on well and Sophie had started to relax. Maybe Paula had been exaggerating about how bad these gatherings actually were. ‘I’m going to the bar to get another drink can I get anybody anything?’ Announced Lorraine as she stood up.‘I’ll have the same again,’ requested Theo holding up his pint glass.‘Are you getting another bottle?’ Asked Tim.‘Yeah if we’ll drink it, Paula will you have a glass?’ ‘No I’m fine with this thanks.’ She said holding up her water. ‘Why didn’t you just get a cab? It’s not like you to not drink.’ Questioned Tim. ‘No I’m fine I’ll have a drink back at the house.’ ‘Sophie what can I get you?’ Asked Lorraine. ‘Umm I’m not sure I’ll come to the bar with you and give you a hand.’ Both ladies made their way over to the bar leaving the foursome to carry on talking.‘So do you have children?’ Asked Sophie really wanting to engage Lorraine in conversation so she’d stop glancing back at the table. ‘No I don’t, never really had time for kids. My job was always pretty full on and I didn’t have a husband like Tim to just palm my kids off on.’ Oh wow thought Sophie taken aback, she’s jealous. ‘Well I hardly think Paula just palmed her kids off and anyway they’re his kids too. They were a team,’ explained Sophie.‘Look no offence but how the hell do you know?’ Spat Lorraine. ‘I hardly think Tim had a say in the matter, she decided her career was more important than his and off she went.’ ‘Sorry but when did you and Tim meet?’ Asked Sophie slightly confused.‘What?’ ‘I thought you’d only met Tim about two years ago.’ ‘Yeah that’s right two years, we got together after Paula’s affair,’ stuttered Lorraine. ‘Right,’ said Sophie not totally convinced.’ So you have no idea what their relationship was like either, do you?’ Questioned Sophie watching her carefully.‘No,’ said Lorraine quickly, visibly relaxing as the barman came to take their order. Sophie looked on as Lorraine gave their order, she wasn’t buying what Lorraine had just told her so when she’d finished Sophie continued ‘So how did you meet?’‘Sorry Sophie but why all the questions?’ Shot back Lorraine turning to glare at her.‘Just making conversation, that’s all,’ replied Sophie innocently.‘Well I really don’t think for one minute you’re interested in mine and Tim’s relationship so can you just drop it.’ She warned as she quickly picked up two drinks from the bar and hastily walked back over to the table.Sophie picked up the bottle of wine, ‘Can you just put all this on the tab,’ she asked the barman as it was clear Lorraine had completely forgotten to pay. She obviously had other things on her mind.Back at the table Sophie ignored Lorraine and instead joined in the conversation with the others. ‘What have we missed,’ she asked.‘Ohh we were just deciding on what we’re going to have for desert,’ smiled Paula as she slowly ran her hand along Sophie’s thigh under the table. Sophie gave her a smile ‘Were you, and what have you decided? No wait let me guess,’ said Sophie picking up a menu and looking at the options. ‘Well it’s got to be the chocolate fudge cake hasn’t it,’ she laughed. ‘Oh you know me so well,’ grinned Paula as she looked fondly at Sophie.Tim smiled over at the pair of them. He thought it was going to be awful having to watch his ex wife with someone else and had been dreading today, but actually he found himself pleased that Paula was so happy. She’d been though so much and maybe her being with Sophie would mean he’d stop feeling so guilty. ‘You don’t change do you,’ he said. ‘Do you remember that time when you were pregnant with Isla and you ate that whole chocolate cake?’ ‘Oh god yeah, I was about 8 months and was just eating everything in sight. I felt so sick after,’ laughed Paula. ‘Yeah well I’m not surprised it served 6 people and you had it balanced on your bump just eating it straight out the box.’ ‘Ahh mum that’s disgusting,’ exclaimed Isla although she was laughing.‘Yeah well, when it comes to chocolate I just don’t know when to stop,’ admitted Paula giggling. ‘Yeah it’s not just chocolate,’ mumbled Lorraine.
‘Sorry what was that Lorraine? I didn’t quite catch what you said,’ enquired Paula as all eyes turned to look at the two women. ‘I just said most of us are like that with chocolate,’ smiled Lorraine looking round the table.‘Oh right, it’s just it sounded like you said something else,’ accused Paula in an icy tone as Sophie squeezed her knee under the table reminding her to keep her cool.‘No, I was simply agreeing with you,’ stated Lorraine looking slightly nervous.‘Oh right, my mistake,’ smiled Paula picking up her water and slowly taking a sip to compose herself, while the others seemed to let out a simultaneous sigh of relief that the conversation would go no further. God thought Sophie looking at Paula, You really didn’t want to make an enemy of Paula Martin.’ .........................................................................By half 8 they were all back at Paula’s standing round the kitchen island toasting Isla’s safe return with Prosecco. There had been no more altercations between the two women and due to the alcohol everyone seemed more relaxed. ‘Right is everyone ready to see my photos now?’ Asked Isla.‘Oh yeah why don’t you go and sort everything out and we’ll be through in a minute,’ suggested Paula while Theo let out a loud groan.‘How many photos are we going to have to sit through?’ he moaned.‘You don’t have to sit through any,’ shot back Isla, ‘Although you do need to help me get the right setting on the TV.’ ‘I didn’t say I didn’t want to look at your photos I was just wondering how many beers to bring in with me,’ replied Theo as he followed his sister through to the lounge carrying a four pack of bud.‘I just need to use the toilet before I get comfy,’ announced Lorraine as she placed her glass on the side and headed through the utility door. ‘Right well I’ll go and help the kids set up,’ offered Tim leaving Paula and Sophie alone.‘You ok?’ Questioned Sophie as she wrapped her arms round Paula’s waist and pulled her close.‘Yeah fine, although my hand’s been hurting think it was the driving.’ Explained Paula as she wiggled her fingers and stretched her hand out.’‘Yeah it still looks really red,’ said Sophie as she looked down at the back of Paula’s hand. Shall I grab you some....’ ‘‘Soph, mum do you know where the remote’s gone for the telly,’ shouted Theo as he poked his head round the door. ‘Didn’t you have it last Sophie?’ Asked Paula as she opened the kitchen drawer looking for the paracetamol. ‘Oh yeah I think I put it on the shelf under the coffee table, I’ll come and help you look.’ Theo and Sophie had just left the kitchen when Lorraine came back in. Standing behind Paula she watched as Paula popped two pills from their foil pack and knocked them back with a swig of Prosecco. ‘Are you ok?’ Asked Lorraine making Paula jump, she’d completely forgotten she’d been in the loo.‘Yeah I’m fine, why?’ Asked Paula defensively as she went over to the bin to dispose of the empty pack. ‘You’re just a bit jumpy?’ Replied Lorraine picking up her glass and walking over to Paula. ‘No it’s just I’d completely forgotten you were in there and.. and,’ Paula suddenly wondered how Lorraine had known where the bathroom was, it wasn’t like it was in an obvious place and she hadn’t asked anyone. ‘And?’ Questioned Lorraine.‘And you just surprised me that’s all.’ ‘Sorry, l didn’t mean to startle you, are you coming into the lounge?’ ‘Yeah, shall I top up your glass,’ asked Paula holding up the Prosecco bottle.’ ‘Yeah, lovely thanks.’

........................................................................
For the next half hour everyone sat in front of the TV looking at photos from Isla’s trip and asking various questions. There was no denying Isla had an amazing eye for photography and rather than be bored by the holiday snaps everyone was really interested in them, even Theo. ‘Sorry Isla will you excuse me for a minute, this drink’s going straight through me, carry on without me I won’t be long,’ said Lorraine as she got up and left the room. A few minutes later and she still wasn’t back. ‘Does anyone fancy a top up?’ Asked Paula wanting an excuse to go in search of Lorraine, she didn’t like the fact that she’d been left to her own devices, she didn’t trust that woman. ‘Yeah,’ mumbled everyone in response.‘Oh and mum bring us in some crisps,’ called Theo just as Paula got to the door. ‘Jesus child, where do you put it all?’ Laughed Paula as she shut the lounge door and headed down the hallway but instead of walking straight into the kitchen she headed into the utility room which you could get to from the hallway as well as the kitchen. She noticed straight away that the bathroom door was open so Lorraine wasn’t in there, sticking her head back out into the hallway she wasn’t there either. Where the hell was she thought Paula as she had visions of her riffling through her wardrobe.Entering into the kitchen from the utility room Paula stopped dead and watched as Lorraine reached into the bin and pulled something out. It was the paracetamol wrapper from earlier. She watched silently as Lorraine pulled it apart and read the back then scrunched it up in disgust. Just as she was about to throw it back in the bin Paula spoke. ‘Disappointed?’ She asked, having worked out what Lorraine had hoped she’d find.‘What?’ Exclaimed Lorraine as she spun round to face Paula, trying to hide the wrapper in her fist. ‘Don’t pretend you didn’t hear me, and don’t pretend you’re not really disappointed that that’s not an empty packet of Tramadol,’ spat Paula.‘I really have no idea what you’re talking about,’ began Lorraine turning red. ‘Bullshit,’ snapped Paula, ‘You were being weird earlier when you came into the kitchen asking me if I was ok. It wasn’t like you.’ ‘Ok, ok you’ve caught me, I was looking through the bin,’ replied Lorraine opening her hand and showing her the foil packet. ‘But it’s only because I was worried about you. I saw you popping a few pills with your Prosecco and you were jumpy when I came in so I wanted to make sure you weren’t back on.. Well you know.’ ‘You were worried about me?’ Repeated Paula incredulously. ‘Why the fuck would you be worried about me? You hate me.’ ‘No I don’t... I might not like you that much but I don’t h....’ ‘Hey here you both are, everything ok? We wondered where you’d both got to.’ said Tim immediately sensing everything was not ok. ‘No it’s not,’ raged Paula. ‘I’ve just caught you girlfriend here going through my bin because earlier she saw me taking some tablets and has immediately jumped to the conclusion that I’m back using painkillers again.’ Explained Paula finally drawing breath. ‘Now my question to you would be why the fuck does she know about my addiction when our kids don’t even know?’ Said Paula through gritted teeth, trying desperately to keep her voice down. ‘You’re not are you?’ Questioned Tim looking concerned. ‘Seriously,’ said Paula slowly as she glared at her ex husband. ‘You seriously think I’d start taking that shit again after everything I went through, are you insane?’ ‘Well no, but I just thought.... I wanted to check....Look I’m sure Lorraine was just looking out for you,’ began Tim not knowing what to say. ‘I very much doubt that, but then, I’m not really bothered about her intentions. What I would like to know and what you still haven’t answered is why you thought she needed to know about my past? It’s got nothing to do with her.’ ‘Well actually it’s got a lot to do with me,’ piped up Lorraine as she picked up Theo’s half finished Prosecco from earlier and drank it down in one, swaying slightly. ‘Look darling will you just let me and Paula handle this. You’ve had a lot to drink, why don’t you go back into the lounge and join the others,’ suggested Tim looking worried.‘Oh no... No you don’t, what do you mean?’ Asked Paula as Lorraine turned to leave. ‘What has it got to do with you?’ ‘Well I was the one that answered Tim’s phone that night. It was me that spoke to the nurse.’

‘What are you talking about?’ Snapped Paula completely baffled.

‘The night you overdosed. It was me that woke him up, because well he was in bed with me.’ ‘What?’ Said Paula slowly as she processed what Lorraine had just said, ‘But you didn’t even know him then....You met after our divorce... You...’ ‘No we didn’t,’ admitted Lorraine, ‘See we’ve known each other for a long time, a very long time.’ ‘What? As friends, yeah?’ Replied Paula willing Lorraine to say yes but knowing she wasn’t going to. ‘No not as friends,’ confirmed Lorraine as Tim squirmed in the corner. ‘How long?’ Seethed Paula clenching her fists.‘Seven years,’ replied Lorraine so matter of fact.Paula stood in silence, this could not be happening. ‘Seven years? Seven fucking years,’ she raged looking at Tim who was just stood staring at the floor. ‘Is this true? Tim is this true? Answer me,’ She screamed, visibly shaking now. ‘Yes,’ confirmed Tim keeping his eyes fixed on the floor.‘You fucking bastard,’ yelled Paula as she grabbed an empty glass and hurled it across the room.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘So that’s Jo I take it,’ asked Sophie as a new photo filled the screen of Isla with her arm around a brunette with the most amazing green eyes Sophie had ever seen. ‘Yeah that’s her,’ gushed Isla. ‘I wish i’d taken more photos of us but she doesn’t like having her photo taken. Can you believe it?’ ‘Wow if I looked that good I wouldn’t stop taking selfies,’ laughed Sophie.‘Tell me about it, I certainly hit the jackpot this time, she is absolutely stunning.’‘You know she looks really familiar,’ mused Theo, ‘How old is she? Is there any way I’d know her? Maybe she’s one of my mates sisters or something?’‘She’s 36 and I really doubt you know her.’ ‘36 shit what is it with all these age gap romances? Maybe I need to find myself an older woman,’ laughed Theo. ‘At least mum can’t say anything about you dating someone older.’ ‘No she’s definitely won the age gap contest,’ shot back Isla, ‘sorry Soph.’ ‘Why you sorry it’s true,’ laughed Sophie, shit she’d drank way too much Prosecco the bubbles had gone straight to her head. ‘Where is everyone?’ Asked Theo, suddenly realising that everyone that had left the room hadn’t come back. ‘Is there another party happening somewhere that we don’t know about? Or maybe people are just slowly leaving one by one to get out of looking at your ugly mug in HD,’ laughed Theo trying to wind up his sister.‘Oh Shut up, you know I thought you’d grow up when you went to uni but it turns out you’re still a prick,’ shouted Isla as she threw a cushion across the room, missing Theo by a mile. ‘Some things will never change. I’ll always be a prick in your eyes and you’ll always be a shit shot,’ teased Theo. ‘Seriously do you think we should go and see what’s keeping them, you don’t think they’re having words again do you?’ Asked Sophie slightly worried, they had been gone quite a while. ‘Yeah mum’s probably burying Lorraine under the patio as we speak,’ joked Theo. ‘I’ll go and give her a hand.’ ‘Theo,’ exclaimed Isla, ‘Don’t say things like that.’ ‘Oh Isla I’m joking, although I wouldn’t blame mum if she did, that woman’s always making snide little comments about her, but then you and dad do the same so you probably haven’t even noticed.’Jesus thought Sophie these two are a bloody nightmare. ‘Right well I need to have a wee, so I’m gonna see where everyone is, are you two coming?’ ‘Naw if they’re arguing I can’t be bothered to get involved, just make sure you grab me some crisps yeah Soph.’ ‘Right well I’m not staying in here with him, I’ll come and get a water.’As Sophie opened the door the sound of raised voices drifted down the hallway, well one raised voice which belonged to Paula and she did not sound happy. ‘Shit that’s mum,’ signed Isla, ‘What the hell’s happened now?’ Suddenly there was the unmistakeable sound of glass breaking and then silence. Before Sophie and Isla had even moved Theo was up off the sofa and running down the hallway. ‘Mum what the fuck’s happened? Are you ok?’ He yelled as he burst through the kitchen door the girls following close behind. .........................................................................Paula was stood with her back to Tim her hands flat on the top of the island, her elbows locked. Her head was down and she was clenching her jaw. She hadn’t even looked up when Theo yelled. ‘Mum can you hear me,’ Theo said again as he rushed over to his mum with Sophie just behind him.‘Paula are you alright?’ Said Sophie softly as she gently placed an arm around her, ‘You’re shaking.’ ‘Is SHE alright?’ Scoffed Lorraine who’d sat herself down at the dining table, another full glass of Prosecco in front of her. ‘She threw the glass, you should be asking how we are, she could have seriously injured one of us.’ ‘What the hell happened?’ Shouted Theo spinning round to glare at Lorraine and then at his dad who was stood silently over in the corner. ‘Why’s she in such a state?’ When no one spoke Theo looked like he was going to seriously lose it. ‘Will one of you tell me what’s gone on.’ ‘Ask your dad,’ said Paula, surprisingly calm now, as she took a deep breath and slowly raised her head. ‘Dad?’ Questioned Isla from the doorway looking for answers. Her mum throw a glass? She was usually so calm and collected. It wasn’t like her to lose control like this.‘What’s the matter cat got your tongue?’ Snapped Paula when Tim remained silent. ‘Well are you going to tell them about your little secret or shall I? You fucking hypocrite.’‘Paula please don’t do this,’ pleaded Tim pathetically. He couldn’t quite believe that after keeping their secret for all this time Lorraine had just blurted it out like that. Why hadn’t he stopped her before she’d said too much?‘Secret? What secret?’ Asked Isla totally confused.‘Will someone just tell us what the fuck is going on,’ repeated Theo again, running out of patience.‘You called me every name under the sun when you found out about my affair and now you want me to keep my mouth shut. Really?’ Challenged Paula glaring at Tim. ‘It’s hardly the same is it? I caught you fucking that arrogant tosser in OUR bed, what the hell did you expect me to do?’ Asked Tim, angry now, as he thought back to the day he’d walked in on them both. He’d heard Paula’s loud moans of pleasure as he’d walked up the stairs, a sound he’d not heard in a very long time and then a mans voice telling her how amazing she was and he’d seen red. He remembered so clearly walking into the room, taking in the scene. His wife pinning James to the bed, holding his hands above his head, like she’d done so many times to him. God she’d never looked hotter in a silk robe she’d never worn for him, riding out her orgasm on top of James, a man he already despised.‘Not the same? How is it not the same? In my opinion it’s worse. You’ve been in a relationship together for the last SEVEN years,’ Shouted Paula totally exasperated. ‘What?’ Exclaimed Isla and Theo together.‘Oh Yeah, it seems your dad, Mr holier than thou has been seeing Lorraine here for much longer then he’s lead us to believe.’ ‘Paula please, look kids can you give me and your mum a minute? We need to talk.....In private.’ ‘Sorry do we? Why in private? Anything you want to say you can say in front of them.’‘Yeah dad you were quite happy to tell us all about mum so I don’t see why we should leave now,’ piped up Theo. ‘You made them believe it was me that had destroyed our family with all my lies and deceit and now I find out that you’d been cheating on me for years. Talk about Pot, kettle, black,’ Seethed Paula.‘Oh Paula don’t give me all that shit, how many other men and women were there before James? You were always out, always working away, never around, you expect me to believe there was no one else?’‘Yes, yes I do because I was your wife and I was faithful to you.’ ‘Apart from when you were screwing James,’ pointed out Lorraine. ‘Will you just shut up,’ spat Paula ‘And you’re hardly in a position to judge me. Enjoy sleeping with my husband did you?’ Good, that’s shut her up thought Sophie as she watched Lorraine stare at Paula then pick up her drink. Should she say something? What would she say? No best to stay quiet, Paula was quite capable of defending herself. ‘So there was no one else?’ Said Tim quietly. Paula had always said there was no one but he’d never believed her. He saw the way men and women looked at her, he knew she could be a massive flirt. They’d got together at uni while she’d been with someone else, she’d never been at home, he’d been so sure. Paula flung her hands in the air, seriously how many times could she tell him the same thing. ‘No there was no one else. Like I have told you hundreds of times before there was only James and we were together for all of four months not four fucking years,’ laughed Paula she couldn’t believe the audacity of the man. ‘God I still can’t quite get my head round it. I mean why the hell did you stay with me? Why agree to go to America? What was all that bollocks about trying to work through things? Why didn’t you just leave me?’ ‘I don’t know,’ sighed Tim shrugging his shoulders. And that was the truth he didn’t know. He’d asked himself that question over and over again and could never find an answer. ‘You know I’m never going to forgive you for this, don’t you. You turned my own children against me. You ...You know what I went through when you left and you still didn’t say anything, you made me believe everything was all my fault.’ ‘Oh Jesus Paula give it a rest. You can’t blame Tim for everything. The reason you went through what you did was because you’re an addict and you’ve only got yourself to blame for that. Don’t try and guilt trip him. If you’d paid him more attention he would never have looked elsewhere,’ stated Lorraine simply.Paula spun round to glare at the woman she could quite easily slap right now. ‘Well maybe if he hadn’t accused me every time I stayed out late then maybe I would have made ....’‘What did you just say?’ Interrupted Theo who had only just managed to process what Lorraine had said.
‘Which bit?’ Asked Paula. ‘No not you, Lorraine what did you say? Something about mum being an addict, do you mean addicted to her work?’ Oh great Paula had thought if she just ignored Lorraine's comment then no one would say anything but trust Theo to be on the ball. ‘Oh sorry have you not told them Paula? About your little problem.’ ‘You know I haven’t,’ seethed Paula thinking how easy it would be to commit a murder right now. ‘I thought it was just the overdoes they didn’t know about.’ ‘Overdoes? Mum what the hell is she on about?’ Questioned Isla.‘Right Lorraine that’s it you need to stop,’ stepped in Sophie looking at Tim, willing him to make Lorraine stop.
Why was he just letting her talk? Hadn’t Paula suffered enough?‘Mum what’s she talking about? You’re not an addict what the fuck are you addicted to?’ Retorted Theo. The last thing Paula wanted was for her kids to hear about the lowest point in her life from Lorraine so she jumped in before the evil bitch could open her mouth again. ‘She’s talking about my addiction to painkiller medication, although she’s making it sound like I was some kind of crackhead.’ ‘Well they’re opioids aren’t they? All the same thing if you ask me,’ stated Lorraine matter-of-factly. ‘Well no one is asking you, are they? Now Tim, Lorraine I’d like you to leave,’ ordered Sophie really trying hard to stop herself from screaming. How the hell had Paula managed to keep it together?‘Mum how can this be true? How could we not have known?’ Asked Isla, a bewildered expression on her face. ‘Well it’s true and I promise I will tell you everything,’ said Paula softly turning to Isla, ‘But right now I need these two to leave before I end up having to represent myself in court on trail for GBH.’‘It’s fine we’re going,’ said Lorraine sensing that Paula wasn’t joking. ‘Come on darling it looks like Paula’s got a lot of explaining to do,’ she sneered draining her glass and heading for the door.‘I’m so sorry,’ apologised Tim grabbing Paula’s arm on his way out, ‘For everything.’ ‘Yeah me too,’ sighed Paula looking directly at her ex husband. ‘I must have been a right fucking bitch for you to choose her over me,’ she said as she shrugged her arm out of Tim’s grasp. ‘Now get out of MY house.’

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‘Aaaaarrr,’ let out Paula running a hand through her hair as she heard the front door close. ‘I knew there was a reason I never liked that woman,’ she sighed leaning her elbows on the countertop and resting her chin in her hands taking a few deep breaths. ‘I never liked her either, what an absolute bitch,’ seethed Theo opening the fridge and grabbing another beer.‘You ok,’ asked Sophie tentatively as she gently stroked the back of Paula’s neck running her fingers down her spine. ‘Can I get you anything?’‘Large whiskey wouldn’t go a miss, I still cannot believe what has just happened.’‘I can’t get my head round it,’ uttered Isla still in complete shook. ‘Why because it’s dad? You seemed to get your head round mum cheating fairly quickly, how long was it you didn’t talk to her for?’ Paula closed her eyes and sighed again, ‘Please you two give it a rest.’ ‘Not just about dad,’ exclaimed Isla glaring at her brother and then turning to her mum. ‘I don’t understand how you could have been addicted to medication and we never knew about it. I mean how the hell do you hide something like that?’ Asked Isla bewildered.‘Ah yeah I thought you’d concentrate on that and not on the fact that our dad was sleeping with another woman behind mums back for god knows how long,’ began Theo before Paula even had a chance to open her mouth. ‘You always take his side. Don’t you remember how he treated her? He’s an absolute arsehole,’ raged Theo pacing the kitchen.‘Theo don’t...’ Began Paula but was interrupted by Isla. It seemed her children had a lot to say.‘Are you having a fucking laugh? Of course his behaviour is utterly unforgivable but what I’m more concerned about is the fact our mum has obviously gone through hell with this addiction, she took a god damn overdose and we had no idea,’ screamed Isla suddenly bursting into tears.‘Hey darling, it’s ok,’ exclaimed Paula rushing over to envelope Isla in her arms. Christ she’d never seen her like this. ‘It’s ok, please don’t cry,’ soothed Paula stroking her hair. ‘No it’s not ok mum, how did I not know?’ Asked Isla between sobs. ‘I should have known, I could have done something.’ ‘Right stop, stop right now,’ said Paula taking Isla by the shoulders and shaking her until she looked at her. ‘You couldn’t have done anything, no one knew. I was very good at hiding it. Anyway you were at uni, you hardly ever saw me and before you even think about saying anything to Theo he had exams and I was working all the time, we may have been living in the same house but I hardly saw him either. This was nobody else’s fault but my own, ok? So please don’t blame yourself that’s the last thing I want.’ ‘Did dad know?’ Questioned Theo taking a swig from his beer.‘No, no one knew, I’ve just told you.’‘When was this? Wouldn’t you have needed to go to hospital? After you know...’ whispered Isla. ‘Look I understand you have lots of questions and I will answer them, but can I just have a few minutes, would you mind.’ Asked Paula suddenly overcome with emotion. ‘No it’s fine,’ said Theo, ‘I’ll go and fix you a drink, then shall we sit in the lounge? It’ll be more comfortable.’ ‘Yeah good idea, thanks,’ replied Paula smiling softly at Theo, appreciating the fact he wasn’t going to argue. ‘Isla come on, let’s give her some space,’ said Theo as he strolled out of the kitchen.’ ‘I’ll be through in a minute,’ reassured Paula as Isla hesitated in the doorway. As soon as Isla had left Paula rushed over to the door and shut it then leant her forearms against it, head down. ‘Shall I go too?’ Questioned Sophie unsure whether Paula meant for her to leave too. Paula shook her head but kept it down, her shoulders shuddering. ‘Babe you ok?’ Asked Sophie for the second time that evening knowing it was a stupid thing to say but not knowing what else to do. ‘No,’ cried Paula taking a deep breath as she turned around. Sophie could see straight away the tears in her eyes and rushed over to her. ‘Hey it’s ok, you don’t have to be strong for me,’ soothed Sophie as she embraced Paula, squeezing her close. ‘I just can’t believe it, I don’t even know why I’m crying, it’s just.... It’s all... How could I not have known? It’s just a lot to take in,’ stammered Paula, tears freely falling down her cheeks now.‘Of course it is,’ reasoned Sophie, ‘You’ve just had a major shock. It can’t have been easy to hear all that.’ ‘No,’ agreed Paula wiping her eyes with the back of her index finger. ‘But it’s silly isn’t it, it all happened so long ago.’ ‘Yeah but it’s still bound to hurt, he lied to you, they lied to you for a very long time,’ reasoned Sophie hating seeing her girlfriend so upset.‘Yeah,’ agreed Paula with a shrug. ‘Well at least one good thing’s come out of tonight.’ ‘And what’s that?’ Asked Sophie slightly puzzled. ‘Well I don’t need to find a way to tell the kids about my past now it’s been done for me, I just need to answer their questions and it’ll be done, out in the open. I should have told them ages ago.’ ‘Yeah there is that,’ smiled Sophie. ‘So look I’m going to leave you to it, that is unless you want me here, but I’m thinking this is something you need to do just the three of you. It’s still early so I’m gonna go and see how my mum is, make sure she’s not doing too much after the op.’ ‘Are you sure? Don’t feel you have to leave, you’re part of my family now too.’ Replied Paula linking her arms around Sophie’s waist. ‘Yes I’m sure,’ said Sophie gently as she traced her fingers along Paula’s cheek, an eyelash had come lose and was resting on her cheek so she gently brushed it onto her finger.‘Shit I bet I look awful.’ ‘No you don’t you look gorgeous, you always look gorgeous. Here make a wish,’ said Sophie as she showed Paula the eyelash balanced on her fingertip.Paula giggled, she use to do this with her kids when they were small. Closing her eyes she lent forward and blew gently. Before she could open her eyes she felt Sophie’s lips tenderly on hers, ‘I hope your wish comes true,’ whispered Sophie as Paula slowly opened her eyes. ‘I love you,’ whispered back Paula smiling through the tears. .........................................................................Paula took a deep breath and opened the door. Here goes she said to herself as her children smiled up at her, moving aside to let her sit in her favourite spot. She was pleased to see a large scotch waiting for her and picked it up cradling it in her hands. ‘So tonight has certainly been eventful,’ she began.‘Yeah just a bit,’ smiled Isla. ‘Look I’m sorry for the way I reacted.... I...’‘Right stop,’ said Paula holding up her hand. ‘Will you stop saying sorry ok, none of this is your fault.’ ‘Mum can you please just tell us what happened, the truth yeah,’ said Theo wanting to hear the truth from his mum now that Lorraine and her poisonous tongue had left.‘Yeah the truth,’ said Paula softly as she tucked her legs underneath herself and got comfy. ‘Right so I’ll just start,’ said Paula looking down at her lap and running her finger around the top of the glass. Shit this was going to be difficult. She took a deep breath and began. She pretty much relayed the same story she’d told Sophie almost a month ago. She was grateful in a way that she’d told the story so recently, sort of like a run through. She told them everything barring two details. One being where she’d got the medication the night of the overdose, she didn’t think her kids needed to know she’d stolen from their nan. Instead they believed all of her medication had come from private doctors. The second piece of information she chose to omit was the fact that the overdose had been intentional. She couldn’t tell her kids that at that moment in time she’d wanted to die. It would break them. There were only two people who knew the truth, her counsellor and Sophie and that was the way it was going to stay. Instead she said that she’d been in a state, taken too many tablets and drank rather a lot of vodka. ‘Vodka?’ Exclaimed Theo causing Paula to laugh. ‘I know how unlike me, I must have been really depressed,’ laughed Paula taking a sip of whiskey enjoying the burn at the back of her throat. ‘This isn’t funny,’ retorted Isla, not quite believing that the pair of them could laugh about such a thing. ‘No of course it’s not darling, it’s just sometimes it’s easier to use humour,’ explained Paula looking over at her son. She knew he was hurting she could see it in his eyes. ‘So anyway that’s it, that’s what happened. That’s why I was in such a bad way, you know after your dad left and then nan dying, it all got too much.’ ‘The holiday?’ Said Theo suddenly, ‘The one you went on with James.’ ‘What?’ Said Paula, confused, she’d never been on holiday with James. When was this supposed holiday?‘You were in rehab weren’t you,’ finished Theo looking over at Isla who looked down at her hands. ‘It was a couple of days after the funeral, you were gone for ages.’‘Yeah,’ whispered Paula. ‘I was at the Priory for nearly four weeks.’ ‘What an utter bastard.’ Seethed Theo. ‘Hey, look don’t be cross with your dad I asked him to make something up, I didn’t want you to know.’ ‘Yeah but he could have just said you’d gone away he didn’t need to say you were with him,’ spat Theo.
‘Yeah that was out of order,’ agreed Isla softly. ‘You know that was part of the reason why she didn’t talk to you for so long,’ revealed Theo looking at Isla to speak. ‘He’s right. I couldn’t believe you’d chosen to spend time with him over us. You knew how upset I was about nan and I was just so angry that you could just up and leave,’ admitted Isla starting to cry again. ‘Please don’t,’ said Paula softly as she wiped her daughter’s tears then took her hand. ‘Look I think it’s pretty clear that me and your dad have both made huge mistakes. Neither of us are perfect but listen to me.’ She continued, taking Theo’s hand too. ‘Please don’t be too hard on him.’ ‘Are you fucking serious?’ Exclaimed Theo glaring at his mum. ‘Yes I’m being serious. I’m not saying you can’t be angry but when that passes please don’t punish him for too long. You only get one dad and his done so much for you both.’ ‘Wow I can’t believe you’re being so reasonable. After what he did,’ said Theo in shock.Paula sighed ‘Look it’s in the past and he did put up with a lot of shit. I wasn’t a great wife or mum....’ Paula’s voice trailed off. ‘Right stop that right now,’ said Isla mirroring her mums words and making them all laugh. ‘Listen I love you two so much,’ said Paula squeezing both their hands. ‘I just want you to be happy. I don’t want anymore drama, ok? I just want everyone to get on. Well get on as best we can.’ ‘It’s a deal,’ said Isla dropping her mums hand and throwing her arms around her for a hug. When she’d finally released her Paula looked at Theo. ‘I’ll try,’ he shrugged still not understanding how his mum had seemed to forgive his dad so quickly. ‘Thank you,’ said Paula as she squeezed his knee.The trio sat in silence for a while each lost in their own thoughts. It had been one hell of an evening but at least everything was now out in the open. Paula would have a lot to tell her counseller at their next session. He’d been suggesting she tell her children for a long time. Part of the healing process he’d said.‘Right are we all good? Asked Paula after a couple of minutes, ‘Anymore questions?’ ‘No but there might be once I’ve had some time to, you know think about things,’ explained Isla. ‘Yeah i understand, it’s a lot to take in.’‘Look actually I’m gonna go to bed, I’m shattered. Do you mind?’‘No of course I don’t darling, as long as you’re ok?’ ‘I’m fine, I just need to sleep. I love you,’ she said as she gave her mum another big hug and climbed wearily off the sofa. ‘Night sis.’ ‘Yeah night,’ murmured Isla as she left the room. ‘Bet she feels like shit now,’ said Theo once his sister was out of earshot. ‘Why?’ Asked Paula taking another sip of her drink. ‘Oh come on, she was awful to you after dad, she hardly spoke to you for about a year and now she’s found out you were ill and she feels guilty. ‘Yeah well she was hurting and I wasn’t exactly ill.’ ‘Yes you were. Addiction is an illness I can’t imagine you wanted to become dependent on pills to get you through the day.’ ‘Well no, but...’ ‘But nothing,’ shot back Theo as he looked fondly at his mum, ‘Oh god please don’t cry, I can’t handle crying.’
Paula smiled, ‘I’m sorry, they’re happy tears, I promise... I’m just so relieved...’‘Yeah I’m glad you told us,’ whispered Theo, then after a pause, ‘This is why you helped Olivia isn’t it and why you had a massive go at me the other day when you thought I was on drugs.’‘Yeah,’ confessed Paula. ‘You know you really don’t need to worry about me and I think you’ve done an amazing job with Olivia she really owes you a lot.’ ‘It’s my job as your mum to worry. I’ll always worry and as for Olivia I just wish I could have done more. I can’t believe she ran off the other night just when I thought I was getting throu....’‘You did get through to her. She called me a couple of days ago, said she was going back to rehab. After your chat she called her parents, they knew something was wrong and came to get her straight away, checked her into a rehab clinic where they live the next day. Sorry she told me to tell you but I completely forgot. She said to say thanks for listening and for giving her a second chance, oh and she’s sorry for being a complete bitch.’
Paula laughed, ‘Yeah she was a bitch but I’m so glad she’s told her family. Hopefully this time she’ll stay long enough for the treatment to work.’ ‘Well I’ve heard detox is tough.’ ‘It’s hell,’ whispered Paula looking down at her drink.
Theo looked over at his mum, he was so proud of her. ‘Come here,’ he said opening his arms.Paula smiled and embraced her son, ‘Thank you,’ she muttered against his shoulder.‘Right do you want me to sit with you some more or....’ Theo’s voice trailed off he didn’t really know what his mum wanted and didn’t want to do the wrong thing. Did she want company, space? ‘I’ll be fine now thanks, Sophie should be home in a bit so I’ll just wait up for her. I could do with some time on my own.’‘Ok well as long as you’re sure,’ checked Theo as he gave her a kiss on the cheek. ‘I’m sure, night,’ she said as he got up to leave. Once the door had closed she drained the remaining liquid in her glass and sighed, throwing her head back onto the sofa. ‘What a night’ she said under her breath. Please let that be the end of the drama for a while,’ she thought as she closed her eyes and tried to relax.

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‘Morning babe,’ greeted Sophie as she entered the room with a cup of coffee. ‘Errr morning,’ groaned Paula her face planted in a pillow, ‘What time isit?’ She asked rolling over to face Sophie.‘Just gone 9,’ replied Sophie putting down the mug and laying down next to Paula. ‘You alright? You were tossing and turning all night. I thought after our antics when I got in you’d be ready for sleep.’ Paula smiled remembering how Sophie had used her considerable skills to help her relax. ‘Yeah I know, me too, but I guess I just had a lot to think about,’ she said stroking Sophie’s hair. ‘Yeah I know babe, like I said it’s a lot to take in.’ ‘Umm I just can’t believe he managed to hide his infidelity for so long. I must have been walking around with my bloody eyes closed.’ ‘Yeah well be was probably a bit better at hiding it than you. I mean whatever possessed you to....You know...with James....Here?’ ‘Oh Soph I have no idea.’ Sighed Paula rolling over and starring up at the ceiling. ‘I’ve asked myself that question over and over. Maybe deep down I wanted to be caught out, who knows? My brain definitely wasn’t firing on all cylinders. Not that I’m making excuses... What I can’t get my head round is why he agreed on the trip to America why didn’t he just tell me then? That it was over. It makes absolutely no sense.’ ‘No,’ mused Sophie, ‘Maybe he didn’t know what he wanted? Who he wanted?’ Shrugged Sophie. ‘Now his brain definitely wasn’t working when he chose that bitch over you, I mean look at you. How could he not want you?’ ‘Yeah well you are slightly biased,’ smiled Paula. ‘And you are fucking hot,’ complimented Sophie as she lifted the duvet to take a peck at Paula’s naked body. ‘Oi, can you stop ogling me please.’ ‘Sorry I just can’t help it you know how much your body turns me on but obviously it’s not just that it’s also the fact you’re just a much nicer person than her. I mean she might be bitter but it’s hardly your fault that she didn’t have kids is it.’‘Ahh is that why you think she hates me so much’ questioned Paula as she rolled onto her side propping herself up on her elbow.‘Yeah she practically said as much in the pub while we were at the bar. Something along the lines of how her job was always really full on and her husband wasn’t like Tim who’d just drop everything to look after the kids. She said you decided your career was more important and left him to it.’ ‘Right,’ said Paula softly.‘Hey what’s the matter? Lorraine not having kids has nothing to do with you. I am not gonna let you feel bad about this.’‘I don’t feel bad about that but I do fell a tad guilty about Tim. I mean he did put his career on hold for me and....’‘And nothing Paula. Men do it all the time. Women stay home and raise the kids and it’s fine but as soon as a woman wants to continue her career it’s seen as a bad thing. I’m sure at the time it was the best decision. What does Tim even do?’ Paula laughed at this, loving the way that Sophie was sticking up for her. God she loved this woman. ‘His degree’s in some kind of maths, to be honest I’m not really sure, maybe something in banking. He lectures at the university and has done some secondary school teaching.’ ‘Right well there you go, he didn’t even know what he was gonna do and meanwhile he’s married to you. Someone who can make an excellent career and earn a good wage to support the whole family so it was a no brainer wasn’t it.’ ‘Yeah it was,’ agreed Paula. She really needed to stop with all the guilt. Tim had made her feel so guilty for so long and he wasn’t going to do it anymore. shaking her head to rid her of her thoughts she asked, ‘Are Theo and Isla up?’ ’Yeah they’ve just surfaced. I left them arguing in the kitchen. Are they like that all the time?’ ‘Yep pretty much,’ signed Paula, ‘What are they arguing about?’ ‘You, I think. As I left Isla was quoting statistics at Theo about addiction.’ ‘Oh fuck,’ groaned Paula burying herself in the pillow again. ‘See this is why I didn’t want them to know. Theo won’t want to talk about it and Isla will want to know everything and then she’ll accuse him of not caring and aaaah.’ She screamed into the pillow.‘She’s just worried about you,’ reasoned Sophie running her fingers through Paula’s hair. ‘Yes I know but I’ve dealt with everything, it’s in the past I really don’t want to drag everything up again.’ ‘Well your behaviour a couple of weeks ago shows that you may not have totally left everything behind you,’ pointed out Sophie. ‘Oh, that was just a bump,’ shrugged Paula ‘I just drank slightly too much.’ ‘Mmm, you think?’ frowned Sophie not 100 percent convinced that Paula had battled all her demons but now probably wasn’t the time to go into it. ‘So any plans for today?’‘Thought I’d take Isla and Theo out somewhere fun before Theo needs to head back. You are going to come with us, aren’t you?’ ‘If you’re all ok with that I’d love too.’ ‘Sophie please stop, of course it’s ok if you come out with us. Jesus you’ve met their other step mother.’‘Step mother?’ Replied Sophie wrinkling her nose.‘Too soon?’ Laughed Paula as she rolled into Sophie’s arms.’ ‘Isla’s like only three years younger than me.’ ‘Yeah I know, that is a bit weird isn’t it.’‘See I told you it was weird.’ ‘Yeah it’s just to me she seems so much younger than you. You seem more mature, like you’ve got your head screwed on. Whereas Isla’s a bit, oh I don’t know all over the place.’ ‘So you see me as much older than my years,’ gee thanks,’ declared Sophie. ‘Well now you know how it feels when you keep banging on about me being old.’ ‘Yeah fair point. Ok look let’s make a deal. We never mention our ages again because it’s not important. I mean so what if I’m only three years older than your daughter and you’re two months older than my mum! We work and that’s all that matters.’‘Couldn’t have put it better myself,’ grinned Paula. ‘Now come here and give me a kiss before I have to face my kids.’........................................................................‘Morning,’ greeted Paula brightly as she breezed into the kitchen half hour later already showered and ready for the day. ‘How did you sleep?’ She asked Isla who was sitting staring into her cereals. ‘Not great,’ replied Isla as she watched her mum busy herself making toast. ‘Mum....’ she began.Ahh shit thought Paula she knew that tone. Isla was preparing herself, she had questions.‘So I was goggling addition last night and....’Ahh fuck thought Paula, here we go.‘And I... Well is there anything that me and Theo need to know? You know about you medically?’ ‘No why? What do you mean?’ ‘Well you haven’t done any lasting damage have you? I mean with the pills... There’s no permanent damage? I don’t know like with your liver or whatever.’‘No darling, I was given a clean bill of health. I was lucky,’ replied Paula remembering how at the time she hadn’t felt that lucky. ‘Ok well that’s good and is there anything that doctors would need to know like if anything happened to you?’ ‘Well I suppose not to give me certain drugs but everything would be in my medical records so you don’t need to worry.’ ‘Right yeah course it would,’ said Isla softy, staring into her bowl again. ‘Is that it or is there anything else?’ Asked Paula knowing there was something and dreading what it was. ‘It was an accident, wasn’t it?’ Questioned Isla in almost a whisper. And there it was the question she’d been dreading because she knew she’d have to lie again. ‘Yes look I told you I just mixed the tablets with alcohol, I’m sure you’ve read up on the dangers of doing that.’‘Yeh,’ admitted Isla. ‘Right then you know how the body can react and that’s what happened with me,’ said Paula with conviction
hoping Isla would believe her because there was no way her children were ever going to find out the truth.‘So you never said who found you? Was it dad?’God how many questions was she going to ask? It should be her going into law not Theo thought Paula. ‘No it wasn’t dad.’ ‘James?’ ‘No not James, it was Mike.’ ‘Who’s Mike? Shit mum was this some other guy?’ ‘No,’ exclaimed Paula, hurt that her daughter still thought so little of her. ‘Mike from the office, who I work with.’ ‘Oh right, sorry, it’s just.....How did he find you?’ Jesus thought Paula as she closed her eyes, another lie. ‘I didn’t turn up for work he came over to check on me and well he um... he saw me through the window, called an ambulance....’ Right now please let it go thought Paula holding her breath. ‘Oh right ok.’ Paula let out a breath, ‘Does that answer everything?’ ‘Yeah mostly, sorry it’s just I’d rather ask than drive myself crazy thinking.’‘Hey you don’t need to apologise and you’re right it’s best to ask,’ agreed Paula wrapping her arms around her daughter. ‘Yeah well Theo didn’t think so. He told me to give it a rest and that you wouldn’t want it all dragged up again. It’s like he doesn’t care,’ explained Isla looking up at her mum from her chair. ‘He cares, he just deals with things differently. Where is he anyway?’ ‘He went out for a fag.’‘Right so he’s dressed then?’ ‘Yep, why?’ ‘Because we’re all going out so you better go and get dressed, Sophie will be ready soon and I wanna leave as soon as.’ ‘Why? Where we going? ‘Get ready and you’ll find out.’

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‘Where the hell are we going?’ Moaned Theo from the back of the car.‘Yeah mum we’ve been in here for like an hour and the back of this car is hardly roomy,’ added Isla.‘Well at least you agree on something,’ laughed Paula looking over at Sophie who was sitting just as uncomfortably in the front seat. She’d told Paula to let Theo have the front but she would have none of it. ‘We’re nearly there now,’ reassured Paula as she pulled off the motorway. ‘Mum we’re not are we?’ Questioned Isla as she looked up at the sign at the turn off.‘Oh yes we are,’ squealed Paula smiling. ‘Alton Towers? Are you kidding me?’ Groaned Theo. ‘Nope and you can stop acting like that, you love this place as much as me and Isla.’ Sophie looked over at Paula and laughed when she saw the excitement on her face. ‘Are you a bit of an adrenaline junkie then?’ She asked immediately regretting her choice of words.‘Is she? Jesus you wait, once she gets into a theme park she’s like a big kid,’ joked Theo. ‘And this one,’ he said digging his sister in the ribs. ‘Yep, ok I hold my hands up I do love a a good roller coaster,’ laughed Isla. ‘Yeah well you had to inherit one thing from your mother,’ added Paula smiling into the mirror at her daughter, ‘So Sophie you up for it?’ Sophie looked around the car at all the grinning faces, ‘Spose so,’ she replied not entirely sure she was, but thinking that she’d better join in the excitement. Shit she’d never really been on anything that exciting, a ride on the Big Dipper in Blackpool was about her lot and she’d heard the rides here were on another level. As they drove closer Isla was already on her phone downloading a park map and reading reviews. ‘Wow mum they’ve got three more rides since we came last time and one looks amazing.’ ‘Ooo what are they called? I heard about one that has 14 loops.’ ‘Yeah that’s here, the Smiler, it’s called.’ ‘Oh shit Sophie you do know they’re going to be like this all day don’t you. It’ll be one ride after the next,’ groaned Theo. ‘Ahh stop moaning, we can’t help it if you can’t keep up with the pace,’ mocked Isla. ‘It’s not my fault they make me feel sick.’ Oh wow thought Sophie as she sat back in her seat watching Paula smile as she drove into the car park while Theo and Isla continued bickering in the back, this is going to be an interesting day. .........................................................................‘Fucking hell babe have you seen the size of that drop!’ Exclaimed Sophie as she stood looking at Oblivion which she’d been informed by her absolute nutter of a girlfriend was the most iconic ride in the park. ‘Paula I really don’t think I can go on that, I’m literally shitting myself just looking at it.’ ‘Oh you’ll be fine,‘ laughed Paula as she dragged Sophie towards the fast track lane. Another thing Sophie had learnt today was that Paula didn’t do queuing. She’d just paid out a bloody fortune for queue jump passes for all the top rides even though Sophie had told her she wasn’t sure she had the stomach for any of them. ‘Soph this is one of the best rides you can’t come to Alton Towers and not give this one a go, you’ll be fine,’ assured Isla as they continued on down the line.‘Yeah even though they make me wanna puke this one is a good one,’ added Theo. ‘Right well it looks like I’m doing it then, doesn’t it,’ announced Sophie as they neared the front. At least she’d get to squeeze Paula’s hand on the way round. As the coaster came to a stop Sophie wondered what the hell she was doing, she was literally shaking but kinda excited at the same time. As she sat in the seat and pulled the harness over her head she looked over at Paula grinning next to her. ‘You’ll love it, I promise,’ insisted Paula as she grabbed Sophie’s hand. .........................................................................‘So?’ Questioned Theo as they walked down the path leading from the ride. Sophie hadn’t said anything since getting off which was slightly unnerving. ‘I don’t think I can actually speak, I think I’ve lost my voice, did you hear me screaming?’‘Just a bit love and I think you may have crushed my hand,’ announced Paula as she held up her hand and flexed her fingers. Luckily it wasn’t the one with the scold as she was sure it was going to bruise. ‘Oh god sorry babe I didn’t even notice, I was just so terrified but sort of in a good way.’‘Yeah Soph we can see,’ laughed Isla. They’d just got to the photo kiosk and Isla was looking at their photo. Her and Theo had their arms in the air and while her mum had her eyes open and was grinning Sophie’s were squeezed shut. ‘How the hell can you stick your arms in the air like that?’ Exclaimed Sophie, ‘I kept my eyes shut the whole way round!’‘See exhibit A,’ teased Paula as she pointed to the photo. ‘But you made it out alive, so time for another?’ ‘Maybe, it depends what’s next on the agenda?’ Asked Sophie apprehensively. ‘It’s got to be Nemesis, another classic,’ announced Theo. ‘Oooo yeah that’s my favourite,’ chimed in Isla. ‘Right so compared with that one, what’s this Nemesis like?’ ‘Well it goes upside down a few times so depends how you feel about that,’ winked Paula as they made their way through the crowds. .........................................................................‘Right that’s it, I’m done.’ Announced Theo as they departed the fifth ride of the day. ‘I actually feel like I’m gonna throw up. I need a glass of water and a seat.’ Thank god for that thought Sophie who was thinking the same thing but didn’t wanna spoil everyone’s fun. ‘Yep, I’m with you on that,’ she agreed. ‘Yeah we should probably grab some lunch, I’m starving.’‘Jesus mum how can you even think about food?’ Questioned Theo looking slightly pale. ‘Quite easily,’ laughed Paula as she guided Theo inside a restaurant and into a chair. ‘Right what’s everyone having?’ ‘Water and a packet of plain crisps,’ groaned Theo as he slumped forward with his head in his hands. ‘Isla?’ ‘Cheeseburger and a coke please.’ ‘Argh,’ moaned Theo again. ‘Seriously why the hell’d you go on all these rides if they make you feel like shit?’ Asked Sophie genuinely bemused. ‘Cos I like em,’ replied Theo smiling weakly, ‘I’ll be alright in a minute.’ ‘He’s always suffered from travel sickness, bless him,’ mocked Isla patting his shoulder. ‘Get off me,’ shot back Theo shrugging her away.‘Right you guys stay here and I’ll go and grab everything, Sophie what you having?’ ‘I’ll come with you,’ replied Sophie quickly, not wanting to sit with the squabbling siblings. After a few minutes of deep breathing Theo sat back in his chair. ‘Feeling better?’ Asked Isla with a slight smirk. ‘Yeah, but don’t pretend like you’re bothered.’ ‘Oh jeez I’m just making conversation, so shall we sit here in silence.’ ‘Can do,’ replied Theo. After a minute or so and with no sign of their mum or Sophie Isla spoke again. ‘So what do you reckon of mum and Sophie then?’Theo grinned he knew Isla would bring this up at some point. He thought it would have been sooner but this morning she’d been busy bombarding him with all her addiction research. ‘I think they make a great couple,’ smiled Theo wanting to wind his sister up. ‘Do you?’ Questioned Isla glaring at him, ‘Or are you just saying that to piss me off?’ ‘No I think they’re good for each other. I honestly haven’t seen mum this happy in years and obviously it helps that I know this opinion will irritate the fuck out of you.’‘So you don’t think it’s odd then that she’s so much younger than mum? I mean mum went to school with her mum for fucks sake.’ ‘Yeah well that is fairly unconventional, yes’ admitted Theo ‘But if Sophie and mum are fine with that then who are we to judge?’ ‘Oh wow get you being all ok with everything,’ snapped Isla ‘I can’t help it if I think it’s strange and I bet that’s the view of most people. What the hell does someone my age want going out with mum?’‘Oh god Isla stop being so judgemental, Sophie obviously likes her, they get on well and mum’s an attractive woman, I know a few of my mates who’d definitely like to give her one.’ ‘Seriously?’ Glared Isla.‘What? It’s true,’ shrugged Theo.‘Right firstly how the hell do you know that and secondly doesn’t that just gross you out.’ Theo laughed, his sister was so easy to wind up. ‘I know because it came up one time in a game of truth or dare, you know if you had to shag someone’s mum who would it be? Or something along those lines and no to be honest it never bothered me, I’d rather my mates fancy my mum than say she’s a minger,’ reasoned Theo. ‘You are unbelievable, you know that,’ exclaimed Isla. ‘Look I’m just trying to point out that just because you wouldn’t look twice at someone that much older it doesn’t mean it’s wrong. Anyway your girlfriend’s a good ten years older than you....’‘Yeah but she couldn’t have given birth to me, she doesn’t look like my mum.’ ‘Well no but Sophie does act a lot older than you so I really don’t see a problem. Maybe once you’ve spent a bit more time with them you’ll feel differently.’ ‘Umm I am trying but I think that’s highly unlikely,’ mused Isla.‘Well you’re gonna need to figure out how to be ok with them because I can tell you now Sophie ain’t going anywhere,’ Theo finished under his breath as the two ladies walked back towards the table, trays overflowing with food.............................................................................‘Right we need to go on something a little more chilled now,’ announced Isla as she lent back in her chair after stuffing her face with burger. ‘Agreed,’ chimed in Paula. ‘River rapids?’ Suggested Theo ginning at his sister. ‘How did I know you were gonna say that,’ glared Paula. ‘Oh come on mum it was funny.’ ‘No it was not funny, I was drenched,’ exclaimed Paula. Then turning to Sophie, ‘These two decided to gang up on me. They managed to weigh the boat down so it would spin round just as we went past the waterfall. It was literally like someone tipping a bucket of water over me.’ Sophie suppressed a giggle, ‘Aw babe that’s not nice.’ ‘No it’s not,’ agreed Paula, ‘Although you could sound a bit more sincere,’ she smiled. ‘Anyway I’m wearing this white t shirt for a reason. You two get me wet today and the whole park gets to see what bra your mum’s wearing.’ ‘Eugh mum,’ shouted Isla as she nudged her in the shoulder. ‘We really don’t need that image.’ ‘Good well you won’t be playing that trick again then will you. Right come on, to the rapids. Lead the way,’ instructed Paula gently pushing Isla ahead so she could walk next to Sophie. ’I dunno I’d quite like to see what bra you’ve got on,’ whispered Sophie as she walked close to Paula.This made Paula smile, she loved it when Sophie flirted, it was so cute. ‘Just to see it?’ Questioned Paula raising her eyebrows, ‘I’m hoping that later you’ll be ripping it off!’

..........................................................................The next couple of hours were spent queuing for the more sedate rides which Sophie was rather pleased about as she wasn’t sure how many more thrills she could take in one day. Despite having to make small talk and worrying about saying or doing anything Isla would take offence to Sophie was having a great time and it was lovely to see a different side to her partner. Usually she only got to see work Paula or lover Paula so this was different, this was carefree, fun Paula.‘Right I guess we better start making a move soon, we don’t wanna catch rush hour,’ announced Paula as she looked at her watch.‘Oh mum we haven’t been on the Smiler yet,’ exclaimed Isla, ‘We can’t go without doing that.’ ‘Shit no I completely forgot, ok let’s make that the last one yeah.’‘Mum do ya know what I really don’t think I can face it. I don’t wanna feel ill on the journey back so I’m gonna sit this one out.’ ‘Is this the one with the fourteen loops?’ asked Sophie.‘Yep,’ grinned Isla, ‘It holds the world record.’ ‘Right, yeah you know what babe I’m gonna sit this one out too. I’ve had enough of going upside down for one day.’ ‘Ok love, to be fair I’m not sure my hand could take it,’ laughed Paula as she gingerly wiggled her fingers, she could swear she could see a faint bruise covering her knuckles.‘Lightweights.’ Mocked Isla as she looked at her phone, ‘Looks like it’s just you and me then mum, last two standing, it’s over this way, you two coming to watch?’ ‘Yeah sure,’ said Theo giving Sophie a knowing look..............................................................................‘Fucking hell look at the state of that,’ exclaimed Sophie as she stood staring up at the twisted metal of The Smiler. ‘I’m glad you said you didn’t wanna go on it, I think I might have bottled it at the last minute otherwise.‘ Theo looked over at Sophie and laughed. He really liked her and although he couldn’t deny that his mum’s choice of partner had initially surprised him he could totally get why his mum wanted to be with her. ‘What you laughing at?’ Asked Sophie catching Theo out of the corner of her eye. ‘You,’ replied Theo, ‘You make me laugh.’‘In a good way, yeah?’ Replied Sophie raising an eyebrow. ‘Yeah in a good way.’ ‘Well that’s good at least I’ve got one of my girlfriends kids on my side,’ she groaned.‘Hey Isla will come round, she’s just funny about these things.’ ‘These things? Has she said anything to you?’ ‘Only about how she thinks it’s weird, the whole age thing. Mum knowing your mum that kinda thing,’ shrugged Theo trying to play it down. ‘I’m sure once her girlfriend gets back she’ll be fine, she’s probably just jealous.’ ‘Yeah I hope you’re right,’ sighed Sophie. ‘Well at least it looks like she’s getting on better with your mum. What was the issue with them two?’ ‘Oh I don’t know they’re always arguing about something. They hardly talked for a year after everything that happened with my mum and James. Obviously Isla feels terrible about it now seeing as it was dad doing the dirty way before mum and what with....Well you know....Everything we found out last night. She must be feeling pretty awful.’‘Yeah,’ agreed Sophie. ‘I also know now that Isla didn’t take mum being bi very well. No idea why but I kinda remember arguments, I was only nine at the time so mum didn’t tell me anything until I was older. Well actually even then I sort of just found out by accident and it really wasn’t that big a deal. Maybe cos I’m a guy or was older, I don’t know, it just never really phased me.’ Sophie smiled, ‘Yeah Paula told me the story about how you found out and just took it in your stride.’‘Mmm,’ murmured Theo suddenly distracted. ‘You ok?’ Asked Sophie, Theo looked as pale as he’d done earlier getting off the roller coaster. ‘What? Oh yeah sorry, I’ve just.... Oh nothing it doesn’t matter. Sorry where were we? Yeah so mum and Isla it’s complicated.’ He sighed and it’s about to get a whole lot more complicated he thought.

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‘Who knew sitting on your arse all day could be so exhausting,’ exclaimed Theo as he flopped onto the sofa. They’d just made it back from the park after a two hour journey and everyone was shattered. They’d all headed straight for the lounge where they were all lifeless on the sofa, no one could be bothered to move. ‘Yeah well think of me I’ve done nearly four hours of driving, at least you just had to sit there.’ ‘I did offer to drive.’‘And I told you and keep telling you, there is no way I am ever letting you behind the wheel of my car,’ laughed Paula. ‘What time have you gotta be at the station?’ ‘I’m catching the 8:37 train so I’ve still got about an hour. How about I make us all coffee then we can finish looking at your photos,’ suggested Theo. ‘You wanna look at more of my photos?’ Questioned Isla, ‘You looked bored as hell yesterday.’‘Well I was bored after sitting through that many but I wanna see the rest and mum missed loads of them.’ ‘Yeah come on put them on, Theo help her set it up.’ ‘I’ll make the coffee,’ suggested Sophie. She could do with spending ten minutes on her own. ‘You sure love?’ Asked Paula as she looked sleepily up at her. ‘Yep, be back in a bit.’ ‘Right you’re gonna need to go back quite a few coz mum missed loads,’ instructed Theo as the photos came on the screen. The last thing he wanted to do was look at these again, it was bad enough the first time but he wanted mum to see the picture of Jo, he wanted to see her reaction. He was pretty sure he was right but he needed to make sure before he left for uni. ‘Did you see these ones?’‘Nope,’ replied Paula as she gazed at the photos flicking across the TV, ‘Whoa hold up, go forward, I’ve seen these. Yeah start from here, instructed Paula as she settled herself back on the sofa tucking her legs beneath herself, like she always did to get comfy. Meanwhile Theo positioned himself on the opposite sofa so he could watch her closely without anyone noticing.After a few minutes Theo had completely zoned out. Every island in Thailand looked the same and he really wasn’t that bothered. Suddenly the appearance of his sister in a yellow sun dress caught his attention, she’d been wearing that in the photos of her with Jo. Right he needed to concentrate, there were only a few photos with her in and only one close up so he needed to make sure his mum was paying attention. ‘Coffee’s up,’ called Sophie as she nudged the door open with her knee. Oh for fucks sake, talk about timing thought Theo as Sophie blocked everyone’s view of the telly. ‘Here you take these,’ she said passing the mugs to Paula and Isla and then taking a quick glance at the TV. ‘We’ve seen these ones haven’t we?’ ‘Yeah but mum hasn’t,’ explained Theo quickly ‘And you’re right in the way,’ he said shooing her back. ‘Oh sorry, I didn’t realise,’ apologised Sophie heading back to the kitchen just as Jo appeared on the screen.‘Oh mum this is Jo, hold up there’ll be some clearer pictures in a minute. I was saying to Sophie and Theo the other day that she’s not in many. She hates having her photo taken, so there’s only a few.’ Theo looked over at his mum, so far there hadn’t been any reaction but he knew even if there was, it would be subtle, so he’d need to watch closely. He wished he could pause the image but he didn’t want to make it obvious. ‘Ahh here’s one of us together.’Paula’s heart started beating slightly faster as she looked at the woman grinning back at the camera with her arm slung casually over her daughter’s shoulder. Dear god please don’t let that be who I think it is she thought as she momentarily closed her eyes, hoping that when she opened them she’d see a totally different face. No such luck, her wishful thinking didn’t work, when she opened her eyes she was met with an even clearer image, there was no denying it. Shit! Joanna she mouthed to herself as she took a gulp and managed a half smile. ‘She looks lovely darling.’It’s definitely her then thought Theo sitting back in his seat. He knew it was, he never forgot a face. Now this was going to be interesting, how was his mother going to play this?‘What’d I miss?’ Called Sophie cheerily as she made her way back in with the other drinks. ‘Nothing much we’ve just seen the photos of the lovely Jo again,’ said Theo taking the mug from Sophie. ‘When’s she back Isla?’ ‘This Friday,’ said Isla a huge grin on her face. ‘I can’t wait for you to meet her mum.’Theo bit the inside of his cheek and gazed down at his lap, think she already knows her quite well he thought as he desperately tried to stop himself from laughing. ‘Yeah,’ agreed Paula smiling weakly, what the fuck was she gonna do? This was possible one of the worst situations she had ever found herself in. She picked up her coffee and sipped it slowly giving herself something to do while she tried to look like she was interested in the rest of the photos, a million questions swimming through her head. What would she do when Joanna turned up? Would she recognise her straight away? Of course she fucking would, it hadn’t been that long really, what eighteen months or so. Would she say something? Surely not, should she say something? Jesus no. Did it matter? No it would be fine, they just wouldn’t say anything, right sorted. Yeah right who was she kidding?‘You ok babe?’ Asked Sophie as she gently shook Paula’s knee.’ She could sense that she wasn’t very relaxed.
‘Hmm yeah,’ muttered Paula as she snapped out of her thoughts. ‘Isla can you just pause these for a bit I need a quick wee.’ She said as she got up off the sofa, she just needed five minutes. As she got up she noticed Theo watching her and smirking. Shit did he know? No he couldn’t, he never saw her, did he? Oh god if he knew she’d never hear the end of it.Paula walked into the toilet and closed the door. Crossing the room she stopped in front of the mirror and stood looking at her reflection. This could only happen to me she sighed. I must have done something seriously fucked up in a past life to have such bad luck she thought as she took a few deep breaths. Right I can’t hide in here all evening she said to herself as she splashed her face with water, right game face on. ‘Where’s Isla gone,’ she asked as she entered the lounge. ‘Oh she had a call from Jo so she’s ran upstairs,’ explained Sophie. ‘Right,’ replied Paula picking up the coffee cups to take them back into the kitchen.‘Mum d’you think you could give me a lift to the station?’ Called Theo just as she was about to leave.
‘Yeah that’s fine, when do you wanna go?’‘Can we leave in five, I’ve just checked and there’s been an accident on the ring road so it might take a bit longer.’ ‘Yeah no problem,’ sighed Paula.‘Hey babe why don’t I take Theo back, you look shattered,’ said Sophie. ‘Err sorry Sophie would you mind if mum did it? It’s just I want to ask her advice on a couple of things for one of my case studies. No point having a mum as a lawyer if I can’t use her expertise,’ he grinned. ‘And you’re telling me now, that you need help?’ Asked Paula incredulously.‘Well there’s hardly been a good time, has there?’
‘Well no,’ agreed Paula, ‘Right go and grab your stuff and make sure you say bye to Isla.’ ‘Thanks,’ he called as he made his way up the stairs.
‘Come here you,’ said Sophie as she took Paula’s hand and dragged her into a hug. ‘I had such a good time today,’ she smiled as she lent forward to place a soft kiss on the lawyers lips.‘Did you?’ Questioned Paula uncertainty in her voice. To be honest she’d been worried that spending the weekend with her kids might have wanted to make Sophie run a mile. ‘Yeah, I really did. I love learning new things about you,’ she smiled as she kissed her again, this time more deeply.‘Ready,’ announced Theo as he ambled down the stairs. Making both woman smile. ‘Right see ya Soph, look after mum yeah,’ he instructed as he pulled her into an embrace.‘I will,’ grinned Sophie.‘And just ignore Isla if she’s being a cow.’ Sophie smiled, she was going to miss him. Why couldn’t he be the one living here whilst Isla went off to uni? Although to be fair, today hasn’t been that awkward. Maybe after finding out about everything Isla would go easy on her mum or was that just wishful thinking‘Right come on, if the traffic’s as bad as you say, we need to get going.’...........................................................................‘Right so what exactly is it you need my help with? Give me an outline of the case and I’ll see if I can give you any pointers,’ offered Paula once she’d manoeuvred the car out of the driveway.‘Mum there’s no case study.’ Admitted Theo. ‘Well there is but it’s fine. I lied to you because I want to discuss something else with you, on your own,’ started Theo as he twisted round in his seat.‘Ok so what is it you want to know?’ Asked Paula hoping it was more questions about yesterday but already knowing it wasn’t.‘So you know?’ ‘Know what?’ Questioned Paula, shit he so knows, this is gonna be a complete nightmare. Right play dumb. ‘Sorry but I have absolutely no idea what you’re wittering on about. I’m guessing you’ve got more questions about the other night?’ ‘No, I think we’ve pretty much covered all that. I know Isla might want to know all the details but I’m happy with what you’ve told me, we don’t need to go over it again.’‘Right so what is it? You’re starting to worry me now. Why are you looking at me like that?’ ‘Because I know mum...about Jo....and I’m just wandering how long you’re gonna pretend that you haven’t worked out that I know.’Paula took a sharp intake of breath, shit she thought as her hands gripped the wheel slightly tighter. ‘How’d you know? Was it obvious when I saw her photo?’‘No probably not to anyone else but to me it was. I recognised her yesterday but couldn’t quite remember where I knew her from. Then earlier today I realised I’d had a lovely chat with her one morning after she’d stayed over, with you,’ explained Theo.‘Right,’ breathed Paula wishing the ground would just open up and swallow her. She was hoping that this secret would stay between her and Joanna but obviously that wasn’t going to be the case.‘So now I’m sort of intrigued,’ grinned Theo. ‘What was the deal between you two? A relationship, one time thing? Just how many times have you slept with your daughters girlfriend?’

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‘You’re loving this aren’t you?’ ‘Oh come on Mum you’ve got to admit it is kinda funny,’ admitted Theo sniggering. ‘No it’s not funny. It’s a bloody nightmare and can you please not say, slept with your daughter’s girlfriend it makes it sound like something from one of those god awful daytime TV shows you watch.’ ‘Sorry,’ apologised Theo seeing the worried look on his mums face, ‘I spose it’s not really that funny, so come on then spill.’ ‘You really think I’m going to tell you? Shot Paula ’Anyway how do you even know? I didn’t think you’d ever seen her.’‘Well that answers my first question, of how many times because I thought she’d only been over once,’ said Theo raising his eyebrows.Despite the situation Paula had to smile at this, ‘God you’re gonna make a good lawyer.’‘Why thank you, I must take after my mum, I’ve heard she’s pretty good.’ Replied Theo with a cheeky grin. ‘So did you tell her she had to keep the noise down on all her other visits,’ ‘Theo,’ exclaimed Paula blushing as she suddenly remembered the awkward kitchen scene the night after she’d brought home a very drunk Joanna. ‘So that’s why you remember her.’ ‘Yeah well, it’s not everyday you find out your mum’s bisexual is it?’ ‘No spose not,’ agreed Paula. ‘But you weren’t in when she left,’ said Paula more to herself than Theo.
‘No but she came into the kitchen for a bit. She needed a glass of water. I got her some tablets. She said she had a banging headache. Talked to me like it was totally normal that she’d be wandering round the kitchen with my mum’s dressing gown on.’ ‘She never said,’ replied Paula thinking it was a bit odd that she’d met her son but never thought to say anything. ‘And neither did you.’ ‘No well I think I was probably still in shock. It was literally like twenty minutes after you’d casually told me you’d spent the night with a woman.‘Yeah look I’m sorry you found out about me...Like that. It’s just there never seemed a good time to tell you...’‘Hey it’s fine....it’s cool. You know me,’ shrugged Theo ‘I’ve always been fine with it.’‘I know and that’s great but I should have been more open with you.’‘Yeah well I’m sorry too. I should have just told you about Jo but I wasn’t totally sure it was her and I wanted you to see the photo before I left so I could talk to you about it. The last thing I wanted was for you to come face to face with her....’ ‘No it’s fine, thanks. You did the right thing. Can you imagine if I hadn’t been pre warned and Isla had just shown up with her. Now that would have been a fucking nightmare.’ ‘Yeah well at least now you’re prepared. So come on then, how’d you meet?’ ‘You’re not gonna let this go until you’ve heard every little detail are you?’ ‘Nope, so come on we’ve got nothing else to talk about and we’ll be at the station in a minute, so get on with it.’‘There never was any traffic was there?’ ‘No,’ grinned Theo, ‘So come on I’m genuinely interested in how you manage to pick up all these hot women considering you never go anywhere.’‘Jesus Theo you know of three women and you’re referring to it as ‘All these women?’ ‘Ok so slight exaggeration but they’ve all been very attractive and young. You’ve definitely got a type haven’t you,’ teased Theo. ‘So don’t leave me hanging, where’d you meet?’ Paula sighed, she really didn’t want to go into all this right now but she’d just apologised for not being honest with him in the past, so she could hardly refuse to answer his questions now. ‘Ok so initially we met at court, because as you know I don’t go anyway,’ said Paula rolling her eyes ‘But then we bumped into each other in the bar across from court. Shock horror I know, but I do actually go out sometimes!’ ‘Ok, ok so you go to the bar across the road from where you work I apologise, so did she work at the court?’‘No she worked in a bank.’‘Right so now I’m confused if she works in banking, how’d you meet her in court? Were you representing her? Because I think that would be frowned upon.’ ‘Yes thank you,’ snapped Paula as she let out a groan, Jesus now she knew what it felt like to be bombarded with questions. ‘If you must know she was a witness in a fraud case I was working on.’ ‘Oh was she,’ grinned Theo, ‘You know you really are slightly unprofessional. First a judge, then a witness now a clients daughter.’ He stated counting them off on his fingers. ‘So what was it? She help you win a case and to thank her you take her to bed?’ God he’s loving this thought Paula, well if he wants to know what happened I’ll bloody well tell him. ‘No, more like I cross examined her at trail, completely destroyed her credibility and won the case. Then a couple of weeks later she approached me in the bar after one to many drinks and wanted to know how I slept at night knowing that a guilty man had walked free. We had a heated discussion, I bought her a drink and then she ended up in my bed. Is that enough information for you?’ She asked as she pulled up at the traffic lights and glanced over at her son. Good that’s shut him up she thought. ‘Right well, yeah that answers that question, but you still haven’t told me what the deal was with you two?’ ‘Oh I don’t even know...’ sighed Paula ‘We were....She was....’‘Were you two, like together? A proper couple?’ Shit this wasn’t at all what Theo was expecting. He just assumed they’d just spent a couple of nights together. Not that they’d actually been an item. ‘I wouldn’t exactly say proper couple, I mean nobody knew about us but yeah we were together for a while, about three months probably.’ ‘Three months.’ Repeated Theo trying not to sound shocked but failing miserably. ‘How come I never saw her again then?’ ‘Well you were out a lot and anyway I only saw her once again after you spoke to her.’
‘So how come you split up?’‘Dunno,’ shrugged Paula.‘You don’t know?’ Questioned Theo suspiciously.‘No I don’t. We went out for dinner a couple of days after the night you saw her and then I just never heard from her again.’ ‘Did you not try to get in touch?’ ‘Well yeah obviously but I didn’t wanna look desperate. I called a couple of times but she didn’t answer. She never came into the bar again so I just figured she’d got bored, moved on.’ ‘And you didn’t find it odd?’ ‘Yeah of cause I did but I was caught up at work. I didn’t have time to go chasing her,’ came Paula’s angry reply as she fixed her eyes on the road ahead. Looking over at his mum Theo could tell she was hurt, shit now he felt guilty for taking the piss. ‘I’m sorry I thought she was just a bit of fun I didn’t realise you were serious.’ ‘God Theo it was hardly serious,’ shouted Paula gripping the wheel and taking a deep breath to calm herself down. ‘Yeah I was fond of her, we had a laugh. I thought we were good together, but she obviously thought differently. Now can we just drop it.’ ‘Yeah sorry I didn’t mean to upset you.’ ‘You haven’t, and can you stop apologising, it’s fine. Well actually no it’s not fucking fine is it. I’ve had a sexual relationship with my daughters girlfriend it couldn’t get much worse could it?’ Breathed Paula as she ran a hand through her hair. ‘Shit, why do things like this always happen to me?’

Theo sat and stared silently out of the window, sensing that this was a rhetorical question but after what he felt was an appropriate amount of time he couldn’t help but ask. ‘So any ideas what you’re gonna do when you see her again?’ Paula tensed and let out a breath, ‘I have absolutely no idea.....’

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‘Can you please just say something, you’ve been staring at me for ages,’ said Paula as she finally stopped pacing up and down the bedroom and came to a stop in front of Sophie, her hands on her hips. ‘Sorry babe, it’s just quite a lot to take in. I don’t really know what to say,’ shrugged Sophie. It literally was one thing after another with this woman thought Sophie as she struggled for some words of wisdom.‘Right well thanks for your help,’ snapped Paula immediately regretting her tone. ‘Alright there’s no need to get arsey with me. It’s not my fault.’‘No sorry I know it’s not and I know it must be hard for you. What can I say I’m just the gift that keeps on giving when it comes to my past,’ sighed Paula as she finally sat down on the bed and reached for Sophie’s hand. ‘Yeah you can say that again. There’s never a dull moment with you, I mean I thought my family had drama but it’s got nothing on you. I mean seriously what are the chances? Must be at least a million to one and then some.’‘Yep, I keep wondering what I’ve done wrong to deserve such shitty luck. Just when I think things are going well with Isla this happens.’ ‘Mmmm it’s not the best,’ agreed Sophie rubbing her thumb over Paula’s knuckles. ‘Bit of an understatement there love, she will go absolutely ape shit if she ever finds out.’ ‘But I don’t see why, she can’t blame you for this. I mean it’s just crazy bad luck,’ reasoned Sophie.‘Well I know that but believe me she’ll find a way to make it my fault. She’ll say I shouldn’t have had a relationship with a witness or someone younger or someone oh I don’t know,’ exclaimed Paula throwing her arms up, ‘with green eyes for god’s sake. No trust me she will completely overreact.’ ‘Well how will she find out? Theo’s not gonna say anything and I won’t so that just leaves you and Jo.’ ‘True and I don’t think Joanna will say anything. I’m guessing she won’t want to tell her new girlfriend that she’s screwed her mum and obviously I’m not gonna say anything. I mean Jesus I haven’t got a death wish.’ ‘No but you might find out you still have feelings for this Jo when she gets back,’ whispered Sophie looking down at her hand in Paula’s.‘What? Are you serious?’ Questioned the lawyer staring over at Sophie. ‘Yes,’ answered Sophie lifting her head up to meet Paula’s gaze. ‘You said yourself she left you so if she hadn’t you might still be together.’ ‘No, no we wouldn’t. It was just a bit of fun.’‘A bit of fun for three months?’ Replied Sophie clearly not convinced.‘Yes,’ answered Paula with a sigh of irritation. ‘And what if she decides she made a mistake and wants you back?’ ‘Sophie please, she left me without even bothering to say why, I hardly think she’ll want to rekindle our romance. Anyway I’m with you. I have absolutely no desire to be with Joanna. She’s with my daughter for fucks sake what kind of mother do you think I am?’ ‘Right so if she wasn’t with Isla then....?’ ‘No Jesus Sophie stop twisting things. I have no feelings for her whatsoever. I love you. Where the hell has all this come from? I wish I hadn’t bloody told you now,’ sighed Paula pulling her hand away from Sophie’s. Shit she was trying to do the right thing. After an awkward silence Sophie spoke, ‘I’m sorry. I’m glad you told me. It’s just....I guess, I’m just.....I’m jealous,’ admitted Sophie. ‘Jealous? Why the hell are you jealous?’ ‘Because she’s stunning,’ said Sophie softly. ‘Have you seen yourself?’ pointed out Paula.‘She’s clever.’ ‘Well I have no idea how you worked that out seeing as you haven’t even met her but you’re clever and add to that kind, funny, caring, honest,’ continued Paula as she checked the list off on her fingers. ‘Do you need me to go on?’ ‘I’m not fishing for compliments.’ ‘I know you’re not but I’m just trying to point out that to me you are practically perfect.’ ‘Only practically?’ Smiled Sophie.‘Yeah well there’s always room for improvement,’ grinned Paula as she held out her hand for Sophie. ‘Hey come here, you do know you’re being utterly ridiculous.’ Sophie took Paula’s hand and gazed across the bed at her, ‘I can’t help the way I feel. I don’t want to meet someone who’s been with you, been intimate with you. It makes me feel inadequate.’ ‘You are not inadequate, far from it, but yeah I take on board that it’s odd. I mean I didn’t feel too great watching you with Kate when we were at the club.’ ‘What?’ Questioned Sophie crinkling her brow, ‘What do you mean with Kate?’ Shit had she done something? ‘Well I watched you at the bar with her, being all giggly and she kept touching your shoulder and being all flirty and look I’ll admit it I didn’t like it.’‘You never said.’ ‘Yeah well what was I gonna say? Stop talking to your ex it’s making me uncomfortable, It’s making me feel old. It’s making me jealous, which may I just add I do not usually get.’ ‘Sorry I didn’t realise.’ ‘Hey you have nothing to be sorry for. You were talking to a friend. You weren’t doing anything wrong. It was me and my insecurities.’ ‘So you’re saying I need to get over myself?’ ‘I’m saying you need to trust me, ok.’ ‘Mmm ok, I do trust you,’ said Sophie, not totally sure whether it was Paula or herself she was trying to convince. ‘Good. Right so now can we get to bed.’ ‘Yeah it’s been a long day,’ agreed Sophie as she moved off the bed and went round to get under the covers. ‘Long weekend,’ groaned Paula as she joined Sophie between the sheets and snuggled into her back wrapping her arms around her waist. ‘Let’s hope there’s no more revelations for a while.’ ‘Mmm,’ murmured Sophie as she entwined her legs with her lovers. ‘That would be good, I don’t think I could cope with anymore surprises.’ ‘No, me neither. I’m sure things will settle down now.’ ‘Yeah well they better bloody do,’ moaned Sophie shivering as Paula’s hot breath touched the back of her neck. ‘Mmmm I’m gonna miss you in the office this week.’ ‘Oh I’ll probably be back by Wednesday, I can’t stay away from the place for too long,’ smiled Paula as she moved a hand up and under Sophie’s pyjama top cupping a breast and giving it a little squeeze.‘I thought you was tired?’ ‘Who said anything about being tired I just said can we go to bed,’ purred Paula into Sophie’s ear as she rolled a nipple between her thumb and forefinger.’ ‘Ahh babe some of us have gotta get up for work in a minute.’ ‘Soph it’s half 10,’ teased Paula, ‘But hey if you’d rather sleep then...’ she began starting to withdraw her hand.‘Whoa stay right there,’ warned Sophie as she grabbed the lawyer’s hand and moved it back up to her breast. ‘I never said stop did I?’‘Ahhh so you do want to play?’ whispered Paula as her thumb skimmed Sophie’s hardened nipple. ‘Always,’ murmured Sophie as she felt the older woman’s hand run down her torso and slip into her pyjama shorts. How could I ever resist you? Thought Sophie as she arched back against Paula’s hand, a soft moan escaping from her parted lips.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘What I wouldn’t give to be back in there with you,’ groaned Sophie as she hastily pulled on her trousers.‘That can be arranged.’ Cooed Paula as she watched Sophie get ready from her propped up position in bed. ‘Just get in late or better still call in sick.’ ‘You are unbelievable, you’re my boss, you should be setting an example,’ pointed out Sophie as she hunted in the wardrobe for a top. ‘It wasn’t that long ago you pulled me into your office for my tardiness.’ ‘Mmm but today I’m not your boss I’m just your very horny girlfriend who would really rather prefer it if you weren’t leaving to rush off to work,’ teased Paula as she let the bedsheet slide lower revealing more flesh.‘Oi I can see what you’re doing and it’s not gonna work. The whole point of you taking the week off is to spend time with Isla not me,’ Sophie reminded her as she pulled her top over her head. ‘So I suggest you get up, have a cold shower and enjoy your mother daughter time.’ ‘Spoilsport,’ sulked Paula as she watched Sophie gather up her stuff. ‘At least come here and give me a kiss before you leave.’ ‘Nope, you’ve had your morning kiss and I know if I get too close to that bed I’ll be back in it,’ grinned Sophie, loving how much Paula wanted her right now. ‘Wow you really are very disciplined aren’t you. I guess I’ll just have to take care of myself then,’ continued Paula as Sophie packed the last few bits into her bag.‘Yep I guess you will, because I’m out of here,’ stated Sophie as she swung her bag over her shoulder and headed out the door. The last thing she needed was people thinking she was getting an easy ride because she was screwing the boss. ‘Love you,’ called Paula just as Sophie reached the staircase.’ ‘You too,’ grinned Sophie, ‘Now get your lazy arse out of bed.’ .........................................................................‘Right so as you can see Paula isn’t with us this morning she’s taking a well deserved break so while she’s away, I’m in charge,’ started Mike trying to show his authority and failing miserably as cheers rang out around the office. ‘Yeah alright Mike,’ called Josh, one of the junior lawyers. ‘That’s what she’s letting you think. We all know she’s still calling the shots.’ ‘Yep and you would be absolutely right,’ laughed Mike, ‘So no pissing about while she’s gone because you know she’ll find out. Ok so if everyone’s ready I’ll run us through the week.’Sophie smiled as she began taking the minutes, she could see why Paula liked Mike. He was a good man and contrary to what people thought Sophie knew that Paula needed him. She knew she often asked for his advice, not that she always took it but she did listen. She knew that Mike had and would do anything for Paula. That she trusted him implicitly. Yes Mike was good for Paula because for Sophie it was becoming increasingly obvious that there weren’t many people that Paula let in. The meeting went on for the usual fifteen minutes or so with Mike going through what everyone was doing for the week. Who was in court, in meetings etc. and then it was time for everyone to get on with their day. Sophie got up, pushed in her chair and made her way to the door. ‘So you not taking some time off too?’ Asked Ben as he reached the doorway at the same time as Sophie.
‘No,’ replied Sophie bluntly. ‘Lovers tiff is it? She gone away without you?’‘No she hasn’t gone anywhere,’ said Sophie walking back to her desk. ‘So what happened with James last week? I haven’t have a chance to ask, it’s just been go, go, go,’ continued Ben as he casually sat on the corner of Sophie’s desk. ‘Catch them fucking, did ya?’ ‘Yeah, that’s right I caught them at it. Which totally explains why I’m still working for her. Are you actually for real?’ ‘Alright steady on, I was joking. Wow you need to lighten up,’ said Ben, ‘So where is she then? And why aren’t you with her?’ ‘You are so nosey.’ ‘Yep that’s me,’ replied Ben not making any attempt to move, even after Sophie tried her best to ignore him. ‘Jesus if you must know her daughter just got back from travelling so she’s spending some time with her.’
‘Oh right,’ replied Ben, ‘I didn’t know she had a daughter. How old is she?’ ‘And why is that relevant?’ Snapped Sophie. She really wasn’t in the mood for any more gibes about herself and Isla being nearly the same age, it really was wearing thin now. ‘Just wondering,’ replied Ben raising his eyebrows suggestively. ‘Oh god you are unbelievable,’ sighed Sophie knowing exactly what he was thinking.‘Oh come on, we both know I fancy Paula and what’s the next best thing if not her daughter?’ ‘You really are something else aren’t you?’ Exclaimed Sophie. ‘But look I’ll tell you now she’s really not going to be interested.’ ‘And how can you be so sure?’‘Because she’s gay,’ explained Sophie matter of factly, as she watched Ben’s face. ‘You have got to be kidding me?’ ‘No, not kidding,’ smiled Sophie.

............................................................................
‘So what do you want to do today?’ Questioned Paula as she looked over at her daughter. It was already half 10 and they were both still sat in their pyjamas. ‘You know you really didn’t have to take time off work for me,’ replied Isla as she looked up from her phone. ‘Yes I know I didn’t but I wanted to. I actually did really miss you while you were away. It got me thinking we should make more time for each other....I should make more time...’‘Mum please let’s not go through all this again we had this talk in the car the other day. I feel so bad about how I treated you after the whole affair thing. I had no right to say the things I did. I had no idea what was going on in yours and dads relationship. I can’t believe he let me go on and on about it when all along it was him.....’ ‘Isla stop you’re gonna drive yourself crazy with it all. It’s forgotten and if it makes you feel any better I deserved to be called all those things. I was a selfish bitch. I didn’t think about you and Theo and I should have done.’‘Yeah well neither did dad.’‘No, but two wrongs don’t make a right.’ ‘But you were high on drugs,’ blurted out Isla. ‘Oh darling,’ laughed Paula, ‘I appreciate you trying to stick up for me but I knew what I was doing and I certainly wasn’t high on drugs. Most of the time I was taking painkillers to function, feel normal and then to block things out,’ explained Paula. ‘Don’t, don’t cry again,’ she pleaded as she looked over at Isla swallowing hard, her eyes welling up. ‘Come here,’ she said opening her arms. ‘I love you mum,’ said Isla softly as she buried herself in her shoulder breathing in the familiar scent.
‘Oh darling I love you too.’

.............................................................................It had been a long day and Sophie was fit to drop when she walked through the door at six. She’d had such an exhausting weekend what with all the drama on Saturday night, then the day trip and finally all the Sunday night revelations. It seemed it was just one thing after the other lately. ‘Babe are you in?’ She called as she walked into the kitchen. The house was silent and Paula’s car wasn’t in the drive so they must still be out. Sophie poured herself a drink, kicked off her shoes and made her way to the lounge plonking herself down on the sofa. It was weird being here without anyone around. She felt uncomfortable, like she was intruding.Just as she was wondering whether she should make a start on tea her phone rang. It was Rosie. Oh god what the hell does she want? Thought Sophie as she reluctantly answered the face time call. ‘Hi babes, it’s me,’ announced Rosie as her face filled the screen. ‘Hey,’ greeted Sophie trying to sound excited to hear from her sister but not really having the energy. ‘Well don’t look too pleased to see me.’‘Sorry it’s just been a long day after a rather full on weekend, sighed Sophie. ‘Yeah you do look pretty rough babes.’ ‘Gee thanks.’ ‘Sorry but you know I’m always honest. Ooh I love that lamp.’‘What?’ Questioned Sophie already regretting her decision to answer her phone.‘That lamp behind you, it’s cool. Where are you?’ ‘I’m at Paula’s’ ‘Oh yeah I forgot you moved in. Well tell her I said she has great taste.’‘I’m sure she’ll be delighted,’ mumbled Sophie under her breath,’‘Sorry what? I didn’t quite catch that?’‘Nothing, it doesn’t matter. So what’s new with you? Isn’t it like midnight or something there?’ ‘Erm yeah it’s like, hold on,’ said Rosie as she looked at her watch. ‘Wow it’s quarter past 3.’ ‘Quarter past 3 in the am? What the hell are you doing up?’ ‘Haven’t gone to bed,’ laughed Rosie. ‘Can you not tell I’ve just got in from a night shoot.’ She explained as she moved the phone to show Sophie her outfit. ‘You like?’ ‘Yeah it’s great,’ sighed Sophie really not that interested. ‘So mum’s doing well if that’s why you’re calling.’ She added wishing Rosie would just get to the reason her calling so she could get off the phone. ‘Ahh yeah, oh that’s good.’ Replied Rosie making it obvious to Sophie that that wasn’t the reason for her call. It seemed like she’d totally forgotten that just last week Sophie was phoning to tell her their mum was about to go into theatre. ‘You have called mum haven’t you?’ Asked Sophie. ‘Yeah of cause, she told me everything was fine, just a minor op.’ ‘Minor op? Rosie she had to have an emergency operation.’ ‘Yes ok, no need to go on about it. Wow Sophie you do like to overreact don’t you? So anyway would you like to know my amazing news?’ ‘No not really,’ mumbled Sophie.‘Sorry babes the connection’s not great you seem to be breaking up, can you hear me?’ ‘Yes I can hear you,’ Groaned Sophie. ‘Look can you just get on with it I want to get tea started.‘Aah proper little house wife aren’t you.’ ‘Rosie,’ warned Sophie.‘Right ok, ok so are you sitting down because I have a little proposition for you......’

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘Well hello I was wondering when you’d be back?’ Smiled Mike leaning back in his seat. ‘Can you not just relax, sit back and let us do all the hard work.’ ‘No,’ replied Paula as she pulled up a chair across from her partner and sat down. ‘And to be fair I’m pretty amazed I’ve managed to stay away this long.’‘Paula it’s Thursday morning,’ chuckled Mike. ‘Yeah well, you said it yourself I’m a control freak, I just needed to check a few things.’ ‘Check a few things?’‘Mmm,’ replied Paula not willing to elaborate, ‘Anyway I’m not stopping I just thought me and Isla could do with a break from each other. We’ve had a shopping trip, been to a spa, out for lunch, to the cinema, had our nails done, there’s only so much we can do together before we start driving each other nuts and I really don’t want that to happen.’‘So things are better between you then?’ ‘Yeah we’re getting there.’‘That’s good to hear so did she have an amazing time?’ ‘Yeah she did. She can’t stop going on about it. I feel like I went with her, the amount I’ve heard about it.’‘Ahh that’s good and how’s she dealing with you and Sophie? ‘Yeah you know, there’s been a few comments but we’ve had a few chats and we’re making progress.’ ‘And the meal, everything went well? You took my advice? Didn’t kill Lorraine?’ ‘Oh well,’ sighed Paula ‘Very nearly, you will not believe what the fucking cow did this time.’ ‘Ooh let me guess, spike your drink? Spill red wine all down you, accidentally on purpose? Make distasteful comments all night about lawyers? Am I close? ‘Nope I wish. So firstly she took great delight in revealing that her and Tim have been screwing for seven years and then she went on to tell my kids I was an ex junkie and that I’d taken an overdose.’ ‘Whoa what?’ Exclaimed Mike, his face a picture. ‘You are shitting me?’ ‘I shit you not. I told you she’s a complete and utter bitch.’‘So wait hold up, wow I have so many questions I hardly know where to begin. Did you say her and Tim have been at it for seven years?’ ‘Yep, and stupid little me knew nothing about it.’ ‘I can’t actually believe it. The utter bastard, after the way he treated you.’ Scoffed Mike.‘Yeah I know.’‘Oh Paula I’m so sorry.’ ‘Please Mike don’t pity me. I really don’t want to waste any more of my energy on that hypocritical arsehole.’ ‘No... So the other stuff how did that all come out? You only meet up for dinner.’ Asked a bewildered Mike. Honestly the stories this woman could tell. Paula sat back and sighed, ‘Haven’t got to be anywhere anytime soon have you?’ ‘No, come on, tell me, what the hell happened?’.........................................................................Sophie read the text from Rosie again. Hi babes. Nice chatting the other day. Have you come to your senses yet?! It’s happening in a month so you don’t have long to decide, just think how much fun we’ll have! Yeah right thought Sophie more like how much trouble you’ll get me into. ‘Hope you’re not texting on company time?’ Came the whisper in her ear. ‘Jesus!’ Jumped Sophie as Paula came round to the front of Sophie’s desk laughing. ‘Sorry, I couldn’t resist.’‘What you doing here? I didn’t see you come in?’ ‘No you weren’t at your desk, skiving again probably,’ smiled Paula. ‘I just came in to check in with Mike. I thought it was best to give Isla some space so I got bored.’ ‘Bored? Have you not heard of watching telly?’ ‘Mmmm but it’s not the same without you to snuggle,’ smiled Paula. ‘Smooth,’ grinned Sophie. ‘So you staying to work?’ She asked eying Paula’s black skinny jeans and casual jumper. ‘Nope actually I’m going round to see your mum.’ ‘My mum?’‘Yes Sophie she’s been ill and I feel terrible I haven’t been over to see her. That ok?’ Asked Paula defensively. ‘Yeah spose it’s just a bit strange you seeing her without me.’ ‘No it’s not.’‘What you gonna talk about?’ Asked Sophie slightly nervous at the prospect of the two of them talking alone.
‘We’ll find plenty to talk about. I’ve known her a long time remember.’ ‘Yeah alright don’t remind me,’ groaned Sophie. ‘Oh darling don’t be like that. You should be happy that I’m making the effort. I don’t want there to be any bad feeling between us,’ explained Paula as she glanced around the office. Then sure that the coast was clear she lent across the desk to give Sophie a soft kiss on the lips.
Ben slowed his steps as he rounded the corner and caught the end of the lovers kiss. ‘Fuck,’ he hissed under his breath as he took in the sight of Paula bent over Sophie’s desk in her skinny jeans, god she looks good.
‘Hi boss, you back already?’ Paula rolled her eyes at Sophie as she stood up and without glancing in Ben’s direction replied, ‘Ben how many times have I told you to drop the whole boss thing and no I’m not back I just came in to check on a few things. I trust everything’s going well?’ ‘Yes everything’s fine. Actually if you could spare a few minutes I’ve got a few quest....’‘Ben I’m going to stop you there. I just told you I’m not back at work as you can probably tell by my attire so can you take these questions to Mike? I’m sure he’d love to help.’‘Umm yeah....Ok....Sorry....I just....I’ll see you Monday,’ stuttered Ben as he made his way off down the corridor. ‘Wow he has it so bad,’ exclaimed Sophie.‘What?’ ‘Oh come on you must see the way he looks at you and he’s always got questions have you noticed? Oh Paula have you got a minute,’ mimicked Sophie. ‘Oh Soph just ignore him. I do. Right I better dash,’ said Paula as she glanced at her watch. ‘I’ll see you tonight. ‘Yeah see you later,’ replied Sophie trying to hide her irritation. Obviously she knew her mum and Paula had been friends since school but she really didn’t like it rubbed in her face. The fact that her girlfriend was older than her mum was something that Sophie would rather forget. .........................................................................‘Will you sit down and let me do that, you’ve just had surgery,’ said Paula as Sally pottered around the kitchen making coffee.‘Oh I’m fine, it was all done through keyhole I’m going back to work next week.’ ‘Next week? Is that not too soon?’ ‘No, I’m going stir crazy doing nothing,’ groaned Sally.‘Yeah I bet, I don’t understand how people don’t work, it would drive me mad.’‘I can imagine. I couldn’t believe the amount of messages you got when we came over. Your phone never stopped.’‘Mmm,’ agreed Paula, thinking think god you don’t know who the messages were actually from as she said, ‘I am trying to cut back.’ ‘Well make sure you do, Sophie doesn’t want to come second place to your work.’‘And she doesn’t,’ snapped Paula not liking Sally’s tone. ‘Has she said something? Because she seems fine with my working hours.’ ‘No she’s not said anything I’m just making you aware.’ ‘Ok, thanks I’ll bear it in mind,’ replied Paula biting her tongue as Sally handed her a coffee. ‘Shall we go and sit? It seems like I haven’t seen you in ages,’ said Sally as both ladies made their way through to sit on the sofas Paula hiding a grin as she sat in the exact spot she’d sat in the afternoon Sophie had first kissed her. ‘I’m sorry I haven’t been over sooner. It’s just what with court,’ shit thought Paula as soon as she’d said it don’t give her any ammunition..... ‘And Isla coming home I haven’t....’ ‘Don’t be silly, we’re all busy and Sophie’s been keeping me updated.’ ‘Has she?’ Questioned Paula wondering what Sophie had been saying. ‘No need to look so alarmed she’s just told me how busy you’ve been but by the look on your face there’s obviously been other things going on,’ guessed Sally glancing at Paula as she took a sip of coffee.‘Oh no....Well you know just the usual family dramas, nothing major,’ shrugged Paula with a forced laugh.‘Yeah how’s it been with Isla coming home? How has she...Well what does she think about...’ ‘About me and Sophie?’ Finished Paula. ‘Pretty much the same way you felt about us but I think she’s coming round to the idea. Hopefully.....Like you are now?’ Questioned Paula hopefully.‘Hmm, yeah like I am now,’ repeated Sally slowly. ‘You are ok with us now, aren’t you?’ Asked Paula tentatively. ‘I suppose,’ sighed Sally. ‘Well as happy as I’m ever going to be.’ ‘And what’s that suppose to mean?’ ‘Well, just that you’re not who I would have picked as a partner for my daughter but it’s you she’s chosen so if I don’t want to lose her I need to go along with it, don’t I?’ ‘Right well thanks, at least I know where I stand.’ ‘Oh come on Paula I’m sure Isla’s had girlfriends you’ve not thought were suitable.’ Mmm thought Paula the current one for a start. ‘I mean think of it from my point of view, you were the last person I ever expected to start a relationship with my daughter. I mean I didn’t even know you were gay.’ ‘No well I’m not gay so...’ ‘Yeah ok, bisexual whatever, the point is I had no idea you’d be remotely interested in Sophie. I feel so stupid for not seeing what was happening right under my nose.’ ‘Oh believe me I can relate to that feeling. If it makes you feel any better I found out at the weekend that Tim had been cheating on me for the last four years of our marriage so...’ ‘Really oh wow that’s awful,’ said Sally with genuine sympathy. ‘Yeah so please don’t think you have the monopoly on feeling stupid.’ ‘I tried to set you up with my ex husband,’ groaned Sally, ‘I mean god what was I thinking?’ ‘Yeah well if I hadn’t been seeing your daughter at the time it might have worked out,’ smiled Paula then catching Sally’s unimpressed expression she added, ‘Sorry, look I didn’t come here for an argument. I came to see how you are because I really hope we can still be friends. We got on ok the other week when you came over didn’t we?’ ‘Yeah. Look I am really trying but I guess I still find the age thing hard and I know how much you work, I just want what’s best for my daughter but I suppose if Sophie takes Rosie up on her offer then it’ll really be a test of your relationship so....’ ‘What?’ Asked Paula.‘Well I mean I know she probably won’t go but .....’ Oh god she doesn’t know thought Sally as she took in the bewildered look on Paula’s face. ‘Sorry go where? What are you talking about?’

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘Isla!’ Shouted Paula as she arrived back from Sally’s and stood in the doorway pulling off her boots. ‘Isla?’ She called again from the foot of the stairs as she wandered down the hallway. No answer, she must have gone to visit one of her friends thought Paula as she made her way through to the kitchen shrugging out of her leather jacket as she went. Once in the kitchen she walked straight over to retrieve a bottle of red from the rack and a glass from the draining board then sitting at the kitchen table she poured herself a large glass. ‘Shit shit shit,’ she shouted out loud to the empty house as she stared at the glass, running a hand through her hair.. No Paula it’s four o’clock in the afternoon and you’re in a shit mood. There is only one way this will end and that’s badly, she rationalised as she pushed the glass aside. Right a run, that’s what she’d do, she’d go for a run and think.Twenty minutes later and Paula was out in the fresh air pounding the dirt as she made her way along the woodland path which zigzagged through the forest behind her house. This was a much better idea than getting shit faced on her own on a Thursday afternoon she thought as she gritted her teeth and powered on, her mind swimming with a hundred thoughts.It had been on their walk a few short weeks ago that she’d admitted to Sophie that she wasn’t good at dealing with her own problems and here she was again struggling. She’d been so angry when Sally had told her about Rosie’s offer, annoyed with herself that she’d let on to Sally that she knew nothing about it. Sally had acted like it had been a mistake but she knew what she was doing, had she wanted to show Paula that maybe her and Sophie weren’t as solid as she thought they were? And why hadn’t Sophie said anything? Surely being asked to be your sister’s PA half way round the world was something you discussed with your partner? But then Paula obviously wasn’t a great partner was she. Tim had been screwing Lorraine behind her back for four years and she’d been none the wiser. Four fucking years she still couldn’t believe it. She was putting on a brave face but it hurt, the fact he’d been so deceitful for so long. The way he’d always gone on at her about cheating, taken the moral high ground. What the hell would have happened if he hadn’t caught her with James? Would he still be seeing both of them now? The thought repulsed her, that her husband had been sleeping with her and fucking someone else. At least when she’d been seeing James her sex life with Tim had been a distant memory, and to think she’d thought he’d just gone off sex not that he was getting it elsewhere. If she never saw that man again it would be too soon.Then there was Joanna. Paula really had no idea what she’d done wrong there but it was obviously something bad for her to have just buggered off with no explanation. God she hadn’t thought about her in ages. What the hell was going to happen when she saw her again? She’d made out to Theo and Sophie that it would all be fine and Joanna definitely wouldn’t say anything but what if she did? What if she took one look at Paula and flipped her lid? She was a fiery character and it was a fairly plausible outcome. How much had Isla told her about her life? Does she know I’m her mum? If she didn’t she would do as soon as Isla brought her to the house. Oh Jesus she’d been putting all these thoughts to the back of her mind but with Joanna returning to England tomorrow it was now inevitable that they’d come face to face at some point. Maybe she should have just come clean to Isla when she’d first seen the photo, but then what the hell would she have said? Shit why was everything always so complicated? And now to top off everything what was she going to do about her and Sophie? Was it true what Sally had said? Had she been neglecting Sophie? Putting work before her? She’d put her daughter before her but then that’s what mums did. Isla and Theo would always come first, was that going to be a problem? Paula had thought everything was going well with the two of them but if everything was fine why hadn’t Sophie told her about Rosie’s amazing offer? Maybe she just hadn’t found the right time? Yeah right who was she kidding? Sally had said she’d found out at the weekend so Sophie had had plenty of time to tell her. Has she not mentioned it because she’s already declined the offer or because she wants to go but doesn’t know how to tell me she’s leaving me for nine months pondered Paula as she slowed to a jog. Wow nine months could Paula cope without her for that long? Well she’d have to, she couldn’t stop her from going. God if an opportunity like this had come Paula’s way in her twenties she’d have grabbed it with both hands. Slowing down she continued to mull things over as she made her way home and by the time she’d arrived at her back door she’d made a few decisions. The first being that whatever happened Isla was not going to find out about her relationship with Joanna, whatever it took. They had only just started to build bridges and the last thing Paula wanted was for her daughter to find out she’d lied to her again. Secondly she was going to take Sophie out for dinner tonight in the hope that she’d tell her about Rosie’s offer and if she didn’t Paula would just come right out and ask her. Finally although it pained her to admit it, her counsellor had been right, a bit of fresh air and exercise really did clear your mind. Although she might reward herself with the glass of red later while she had a bath. .........................................................................‘Wow babe this is a bit posh init?’ Whispered Sophie in Paula’s ear as they were led through the restaurant to their table, causing Paula to stifle a giggle. ‘Ms Martin I hope this table will be sufficient?’ Said the waiter as he pulled out her seat. ‘Yes lovely thank you,’ replied Paula sitting down while the waiter attended to Sophie pulling her chair out and laying a napkin across her lap. ‘Would you like to see the drinks menu?’ ‘Always,’ replied Paula with a cheeky smile. ‘Lovely,’ he replied passing Paula the thickly bound book he was holding. ‘We have sea bass on special tonight if you’re interested. I’ll be over shortly to take your order. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask.’ ‘We won’t, thank you,’ replied Paula as she opened the drinks menu. ‘Jesus how many types of drink are in there?’ Asked Sophie staring at the bulky menu.‘Oh you’d be surprised the first ten pages or so are just the red,’ commented Paula glancing at the pages.‘Shit,’ said Sophie, ‘I wouldn’t know where to start!’ Paula laughed again, ‘Well I’m no expert.’ ‘Well you know more then me so I’ll have whatever you’re drinking.’ ‘It should really depend on what you’re eating so what do you fancy?’ Sophie picked up her menu, ‘There’s no prices on any of this.’ ‘No,’ smiled Paula. ‘So how do I know how much it costs?’ ‘You don’t.’ ‘But I wanna know,’ ‘Why? It’s my treat have what you want,’ encouraged Paula.‘Yeah but I don’t wanna take the piss do I?’ ‘Sophie you’re my girlfriend, why would you be taking the piss? I want to treat you. ‘Yeah but....’‘Yeah but nothing. I feel like I haven’t really seen you all week and this is my way of making up for it. Ok? So just choose whatever you fancy please,’ ordered Paula glaring at Sophie across the table.‘Ok well if you insist I’ll have the prawns and steak medium rare,’ smiled Sophie as she placed the menu on the table and gazed over at Paula. How could she leave her for nine months? ‘Oooo good choice I think I’ll join you in the steak but I’m gonna go for the scallops although that doesn’t help with our choice of drinks. It’s usually white with fish and red with red meat.’ ‘Umm yeah so what about rose? Meet in the middle,’ reasoned Sophie.Paula smiled, ‘Perfect, so which one do you fancy there’s a few to choose from,’ said Paula as she flipped through the pages. ‘Oh I don’t care they all taste the same to me,’ laughed Sophie as her eyes took in the other diners. This was definitely a very posh gaff judging by the looks of everyone else. ‘So ladies are you ready to order?’ Asked their waiter who seemed to appear from nowhere. ‘Ahh yes please,’ answered Paula as she gestured at Sophie to order while she scanned the rose selection.
Once they had both ordered conversation turned to the events of the day. Sophie chatting about what had been happening in the office and Paula about her visit to see Sally. At one point Paula had contemplated telling Sophie that Sally had mentioned Rosie’s offer but then she held off wanting to see if Sophie would mention it herself, she didn’t. ‘So I’ll probably come into work tomorrow,’ announced Paula as their first course arrived. ‘Why?’ Questioned Sophie as the waiter topped up their wine. ‘If it was me I’d just have Friday off and start fresh on Monday,’ explained Sophie as she speared a prawn onto her fork.‘Yes well I’d rather be all set and ready to go on Monday morning. You know I don’t like not knowing what’s going on and anyway I think Isla needs some space.’‘Space? You’ve hardly seen her today. Is everything ok between you? You haven’t had an argument have you?’ ‘No, nothing like that,’ said Paula quickly, ‘Mmm these scallops are delicious, do you want one?’ ‘No I’m ok babe but I do want to know why you’re suddenly avoiding Isla.’ ‘I’m not.... It’s just...’‘Isn’t Jo coming back tomorrow?’ Said Sophie, suddenly realising why Paula might be on edge. ‘Yeah,’ groaned the lawyer ‘And Isla’s asked me if she can pick her up from the airport.’ ‘Right,’ stated Sophie not quite sure where this was going. ‘In my car,’ added Paula hoping the penny would drop. ‘Oh,’ said Sophie slowly, ‘And Jo knows what car you drive?’‘Yep,’ ‘She probably won’t remember though will she?’
‘No maybe not but she did make a few comments about it.’‘Well that’ll teach you for having a flash car,’ smiled Sophie.‘Yeah,’ said Paula weakly, ‘The thing is if she doesn’t already know I’m Isla’s mum then it’s gonna be a bit.....’ ‘Look babe can I just stop you for a minute. There’s no way you’re gonna be able to hide this. Isla’s gonna want to bring her home and introduce you so you’re going to come face to face at some point.’ ‘I know that but I’d rather...Oh I don’t know...This whole situation is such a mess,’ Paula sighed running a hand up the side of her cheek.‘Yeah I know it’s not the best but look maybe if she works out who you are before you meet then it won’t be such a shock and she’ll be able to cover it up easier.’
‘I spose there is that, anyway look forget I said anything. I want tonight to be about us.’ ‘Hey it’s fine what kind of girlfriend would I be if you couldn’t share your worries with me?’ Said Sophie softly as she reached for Paula’s hand across the table. ‘Look I’m sure everything will be fine, for all you know this Jo might do another runner.’ ‘Ahh now that would be good,’ smiled Paula.‘Well she’s got form,’ said Sophie as she silently wished for that exact scenario.‘Mmm, anyway enough about that, have you got any more news?’ Asked Paula casually, hoping that Sophie would see this as the right time to tell her about Rosie’s proposition.Sophie sighed ‘You know don’t you?’ ‘I don’t know depends how many things you’re keeping from me?’ ‘I’m not keeping things from you,’ shot back Sophie wishing she’d come clean to Paula earlier. ‘Well you could have fooled me.’‘I just haven’t told you yet, god I’m gonna kill my mother. I take it she told you?’‘Yep, I think she rather enjoyed finding out I knew nothing about it.’ ‘I’m so sorry.’ ‘Yeah me too. Your mum can’t wait for our relationship to go tits up and you keeping things from me doesn’t look great does it?’ ‘Well no but in my defence Rosie only told me about it on Monday evening and I didn’t want to add to all your stress. You’d had a tough weekend.’ ‘Right so you discussed it with your mum instead?’ Replied Paula, the hurt clear in her voice.‘I didn’t, Rosie must have told her,’ explained Sophie feeling terrible. ‘Oh ok,’ well at least that was something thought Paula. ‘So what are you planning on doing? It’s an amazing opportunity. ‘Yeah it is but I’m not going,’ stated Sophie decisively. ‘No?’ ‘No.’‘Why not?’ ‘Why not? My mum did explain that it’s for nine months didn’t she?’ Asked Sophie slightly puzzled. ‘Yeah,’ ‘What and you’d be ok for me to leave for nine months?’ Said Sophie rather surprised. ‘It’s not up to me, it’s what you want to do and if you want to go then I’m not going to stop you.’ ‘Yeah well I don’t.’ ‘Right ok, so you’ve told Rosie that then?’ ‘Well no,’ hesitated Sophie, ‘But I will do,’ ‘Hmm,’ ‘What’s hmm suppose to mean?’ ‘It means that if you really didn’t want to go you’d have said no straight away,’ explained Paula.‘No it means that my sister can be very persuasive and she wouldn’t let me say no straight away,’ corrected Sophie.‘Ok, well just make sure you’ve really thought it through before you give her an answer, yeah.’ ‘Yeah,’ said Sophie quietly. ‘And darling I appreciate it was a tough weekend but I’d rather you’d told me. She hasn’t invited you on a weekend trip to Ibiza, this is a big deal.’ ‘Yeah I’m sorry.’ Replied Sophie feeling guilty especially since Paula was making such an effort to discuss her feelings with her. ‘Right well you’ve told me now and we’ve discussed it so just promise me you’ll really think about it and talk to me, ok?’ Said Paula in a soothing tone. ‘Yeah ok,’ agreed Sophie pleased that it looked like the conversation was coming to an end. ‘Right so are you gonna finish those prawns because if you’re not....’ Said Paula as she lent over with her fork towards Sophie’s plate.

‘Hey don’t even think about it,’ smiled Sophie as she tapped Paula’s fork away with hers.

Paula smiled back, she’d leave the discussion there. She’d said what she wanted to say, now it was up to Sophie to decide what she was going to do.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘Well good morning Ms Martin,’ smiled Sophie as she entered the kitchen at just after half seven.‘Ms Martin? What’s got into you?’‘Well you’re all dressed up in your sexy work clothes aren’t ya, I’ve missed seeing you looking all authoritative,’ confessed Sophie as she walked over to stand in front of her girlfriend. ‘Have you? So you’ve missed me being the boss,’ grinned Paula as she pulled Sophie in for a kiss.‘Mmm,’ groaned Sophie as she pushed her tongue further into Paula’s mouth, ‘You know you can dominate me any time you like.’ ‘Just as long as it’s not after midnight,’ laughed Paula as she lent back in Sophie’s arms. ‘Yeah sorry about last night I was just so tired. I don’t think rose agrees with me.’ ‘No,’ concurred Paula, ‘But maybe if I can make time in my schedule later you can pop by...’ Whispered the lawyer moving her mouth to Sophie’s ear, ‘And I’ll show you just how dominating I can be.’ ‘I’m sure I could manage that,’ Shuddered Sophie as Paula’s hand trailed down her spine.‘Good,’ murmured Paula placing a soft kiss on Sophie’s plump lips as the younger brunette’s hand slipped under her shirt to cup a breast. ‘Mmmm,’ groaned Paula as she pushed her lover against the countertop and deepened the kiss. ‘Ahem,’ came a sound from behind them.‘Shit,’ breathed Sophie as she pulled away from Paula keeping her back to Isla, she’d completely forgotten about her. ‘Oh morning darling,’ greeting Paula as she hastily tucked her shirt back in, ‘You’re up and about early.’ ‘Yeah,‘ answered Isla bluntly, ‘Any coffee in that pot? ‘Yep I’ve just made it,’ replied Paula reaching for a mug.‘Morning Sophie,’ said Isla, a cold undertone in her voice. ‘Umm....Yeah morning,’ Replied Sophie still beetroot red. ‘So how come you’re up before nine? This is most unusual,’ teased Paula trying to lighten the mood as she handed her daughter a coffee.‘I’m meeting Jo at the airport this morning so....’‘Ahh yes, I’d completely forgotten,’ lied Paula.‘Yeah I was gonna ask if you’d thought anymore about me taking the car but as it’s obvious you’re heading into work I guess you’re gonna need it.’‘No it’s ok we can grab a cab can’t we Sophie?’ ‘Yeah, that’s fine,’ answered Sophie giving Paula a knowing glance.‘What? Are you sure?’ ‘Yeah it’s fine just don’t tell your brother.’‘Great thanks mum,’ grinned Isla. ‘I better go grab a shower,’ she announced as she skipped out of the kitchen.‘Oh god,’ groaned Sophie as she watched Isla leave. ‘What is it with your family catching us in the act?’Paula laughed, ‘Well if you will jump me every chance you get.’‘Me?’ Questioned Sophie pointing at her own chest. ‘It was you that went all sultry on me.’ ‘Ah right, yeah it was all me. You had no part to play in it whatsoever, did you?’ Teased Paula as she grabbed her around the waist again. ‘I promise I will never try to seduce you again.’ Sophie grinned, ‘Steady on, I wasn’t complaining I was merely stating a fact.’‘Stating a fact? You’ve been hanging out with lawyers for far too long.’Sophie chuckled, ‘Yeah you’re probably right.’‘So does that mean we’re still on for later then?’ Asked Paula raising an eyebrow. Sophie grinned, ‘Do you really need to ask?’ .........................................................................Sophie looked up from her computer for the hundredth time that day as she heard Paula’s heels click down the corridor behind her. God she really did spend far too much of her working day tracking Paula’s movements. For example she knew that Paula had been in a meeting with Mike for the past 12 minutes and that although it was half 2 she hadn’t had any lunch.Just as the lawyer was about to pass her desk Sophie glanced up hoping that she’d be able to have a couple of minutes of her girlfriends time, but no such luck. Just as she sensed Paula behind her Ben appeared from the office opposite. ‘Ah there you are, can I have a quick word? It’s about the Thomas case.’ ‘Do you have to?’ Snapped Paula as she passed Sophie’s desk and walked over to her office door. ‘It really won’t take long, it’s just I’ve found a discrepancy in the report and Mike’s got a meeting at half 2.’ ‘Isn’t there anyone....Oh come on then quickly,’ sighed Paula as she opened her door and gestured Ben through. Then turning to Sophie she said ‘I’m waiting on an important call, if a Mr Dawson calls can you put him straight through?’ Asked Paula with a wink as she closed the door. Sophie leaned back in her chair and smiled, this was the phrase Paula used when she wanted Sophie to get her out of a long meeting. It meant when I look bored shitless phone and then I can make my excuses. Right she’d let Ben have 15 minute then Paula was hers. .........................................................................‘Brring.....Brrring....’ ‘Yep,’ answered Paula as she looked out at Sophie glancing round the office.‘You’ve been in there rather a long time and I’m starting to get jealous. I thought you were going to show me some preferential treatment today?’ whispered Sophie as she smiled. Paula bit down on her lip she loved it when Sophie instigated sex. ‘’Ok thank you Sophie can you put him through?’ Then cradling the phone on her shoulder she glanced up at Ben. ‘Sorry I need to take this, we’re done here though yeah?’ ‘Yeah pretty much,’ mumbled Ben shuffling his papers together.Paula nodded as she started up her pretend call. She could hear Sophie giggling at the other end as she kept the line open. The last thing they wanted was for the phone in Paula’s office to actually ring. As Paula pretended to listen and replied every ones in a while with legal jargon she was beginning to think that Ben might never leave. What the hell was taking him so long? Finally after what seemed like forever he gave a little wave and slipped out of the office. Sophie quickly replaced the phone as he turned his back to close the door.Sophie gave it five minutes then walked across to Paula’s office where she gently knocked on the door.‘Come in,’ called the lawyer as she smiled up at Sophie from behind her desk, ‘Thanks for helping to get rid of him.’ ‘Oh believe me it was purely for selfish reasons,’ replied Sophie as she took a seat. ‘And what reasons would they be?’ ‘Well you did promise that if I came by .....That you’d you know...’ ‘Mmm yeah I did didn’t I,’ finished Paula grinning. ‘So shall I close the blind? Asked Sophie eagerly. ‘No leave it open,’ instructed Paula as her eyes scanned Sophie’s body. ‘But aren’t we going to....Well you know...’‘Going to what? Sophie just come out with it, why have you gone all shy on me?’ ‘Oh I don’t know?’ Shrugged Sophie thinking that it was probably because they were at work or the lack of alcohol. ‘So come on then what did you have in mind?’ Sophie shifted uncomfortably in her seat, ‘I thought earlier... what you said at home....Don’t you want to now?’ ‘Oh Sophie you know I love fucking you over this desk but we’ve done that numerous times before. I want to try something different.’ ‘What?’ Stammered Sophie not sure where the hell Paula was going with this. ‘I want to make you cum without even touching you,’ she explained in her velvety soft voice. ‘Right,’ whispered Sophie ‘And how you gonna do that then?’ ‘By telling you exactly what I want to do to you.’ Oh fuck thought Sophie as she felt her clit begin to throb. ‘Ok,’ she gulped as she looked into Paula’s big brown eyes. Paula smiled and licked her lips as she stared back at Sophie. ‘So when you came wandering in here what did you want from me?’ Continued Paula as she pushed her chair slightly back and crossed her legs. She loved the idea of having this kind of conversation with Sophie while her staff walked past totally oblivious.
‘‘You know what I wanted,’ stated Sophie, not entirely happy that anyone could look into the office. Did Paula not realise people could lip read?‘‘Tell me,’ commanded the lawyer.Sophie took a deep breath, she did have her back to the door, ‘I wanted you to go over to the blind like you’ve done countless times before, pull it down then pin me against that wall.’ ‘‘And then what?’ ‘‘I thought you were going to be telling me that,’ smiled Sophie.‘‘I thought you said I could dominate you anytime I liked.’ ‘‘You really do have an answer for everything don’t you?’ ‘‘Yep,’ smiled Paula as she followed Ben across the office with her eyes. ‘‘Who you looking at?’ Asked Sophie.‘‘Just Ben wandering around getting on with his work, if only he knew,’ smirked Paula as she fixed her eyes back on Sophie. ‘‘You’re getting off on this aren’t you?’ ‘‘Mmmm,’ confessed Paula. ‘The thought of everyone thinking we’re just having some kind of mundane conversation when really I’m telling you exactly how I want to fuck you is getting me rather wet, yes.’ Sophie raised her eyebrows, even though by now she knew what Paula was like she was still slightly shocked. ‘Go on then,’ encouraged Sophie, ‘Tell me.’ Paula smiled glad that Sophie was onboard. ‘You know if I had you pinned to that door I’d be sucking at your earlobe and fondling your breasts by now,’ she breathed as she watched Sophie shudder. ‘Then my hot.... wet..... mouth would plant kisses down your neck while my fingers undid the buttons on your shirt,’ continued Paula, her words drawn out, her voice so sexy.
‘Jesus Paula, I think I will literally cum in a minute.’
‘Good that’s the plan,’‘You’re serious aren’t you?’ ‘Mmmm,’ said Paula softly. ‘Then before you knew what was happening my mouth would be around a nipple.....My hand sliding up your thigh....Your skirt would be bunched round your waist and my fingers.... would be gently stroking you through your knickers.’ Sophie gulped and looked over at Paula who was leaning slightly back in her chair watching Sophie getting more and more aroused, every now and again taking a glance through the window of her office. She squeezed her thighs together trying to hold back her orgasm but feeling how wet she was only turned her on even more. She gave a slight moan and shifted in her seat. ‘Can you picture it?’ Asked Paula gently biting on her bottom lip.‘Mmm,’ moaned Sophie again, ‘I’m so wet.’ ‘Me too,’ murmured Paula as she too shifted slightly in her chair. ‘We’re kissing deeply now our tongue’s entwined as I push my hand inside your knickers and trail my fingers gently downwards slipping one....then two inside your hot, wet.....’ Suddenly Paula stopped and turned her eyes to her computer screen, ‘shit.’‘What?’ Sighed Sophie as she snapped her eyes open. ‘Mike’s walking this way, and it looks like it’s something important.’ ‘Oh fuck,’ groaned Sophie as she sat up straighter in the chair and tried to compose herself, ‘I was so close.’ There was a knock and then Mike was in the room, not bothering to wait to be invited in. ‘I don’t know why you bother knocking seeing as you never wait for a reply,’ snapped Paula. Mike looked between the two ladies, ‘Well I’m not interrupting anything am I? I did look to make sure it wasn’t a client.’ ‘This better be good Mike,’ shot Paula irritated that her plans had been ruined. ‘Oh it is....’ said an eager Mike. ‘I’ve just got off the phone to that environmental company I was telling you about and they’ve agreed to go with us, this could be really big Paula.’‘Wow yeah this is massive,’ exclaimed the lawyer her eyes lighting up. ‘Exactly, so anyway their head guys coming in at 5 so I thought you’d want to be in on the meeting.’ ‘Definitely.’ ‘So shall we head down to the conference room now and I can get you up to speed with what I have so far.’ ‘Yep great, look you go ahead I just need to finish off here.’ ‘Oh right, yeah ok,’ mumbled Mike seeming to have forgotten that Sophie was even in the room. ‘I’ll see you in there, don’t be long there’s lots to get through.’ He ordered as he left the room.‘Wow sounds interesting,’ started Sophie as she got up to leave. ‘Yeah it’s a massive case,’ agreed Paula as she too got up and followed Sophie to the door, grabbing her hand and spinning her around once she’d made sure they were clear of the window. ‘I’m sorry we had to cut that short,’ she whispered into Sophie’s ear, ‘I was rather enjoying myself.’ ‘Mmmm, I could see that,’ smiled Sophie as she looked at Paula’s hand caressing hers, ‘Now haven’t you got somewhere you need to be.’ ‘Yeah much to my disappointment, but we’ll carry this on later yeah.’ ‘Yeah, I look forward to it.’ Murmured Sophie as she rubbed her finger over Paula’s knuckles, ‘See you later.’ .........................................................................‘Mum is that you?’ Called Isla as Sophie walked down the hallway just after six. ‘No it’s just me, Paula’s still at the office,’ called Sophie as she continued down the hallway and into the kitchen finding Isla cooking. ‘A big case has come up and she’s still in a meeting.’ ‘Oh right,’ replied Isla somewhat deflated. ‘I said I’d cook.’ ‘I’m sure she won’t be too late, mmm it smells good, what is it?’ ‘Thai green curry.’ Stated Isla bluntly as Sophie walked over to the fridge to grab a coke. Well this is awkward she thought as she contemplated whether to stay or make a quick exit. She opted for the latter thinking that it would be better if she made her excuses and left now rather than stay and it become impossible for her to leave without looking rude. ‘I’m just going to grab a shower,’ stated Sophie as she made her way to the door. ‘Fine,’ replied Isla, ‘Dinner will be ready in half hour, I’m gonna dish up whether mum’s here or not.’ ‘OK great, I’m sure she will be,’ replied Sophie as she almost ran out of the kitchen. Twenty five minutes later and Sophie was out of the shower and making her way back downstairs. It was silly trying to avoid Isla, they lived in the same house and Paula wasn’t going to be there all the time. She at least needed to make an effort even if Isla was making it difficult.‘What do you see in my mum?’ Asked Isla looking up from the stove as Sophie walked back into the kitchen. Wow one thing you could say about the Martins, they definitely weren’t backwards in coming forwards thought Sophie as she sat on one of the stools facing Isla ‘Probably the same things that most people see when they’re in love with someone,’ replied Sophie trying to keep her voice level, she really didn’t want an argument. ‘Good answer,’ replied Isla as she continued to stir the curry, ‘But the thing is most people aren’t in love with someone who’s twice their age.’ ‘No, but then I don’t like being like most people.’ ‘So you agree it’s weird then?’ ‘No I don’t think it’s weird, I think it is what it is. Me and Paula have fallen in love and it really shouldn’t matter how old we are.’ ‘No spose not,’ agreed Isla slightly taken aback at Sophie’s answers. She thought she’d hit a nerve but obviously not. ‘Anyway you’re hardly one to talk isn’t Jo like ten years older than you?’ ‘Yeah, but that’s different isn’t it, it’s not like she’d be mistaken for my mum.’‘True but then on the rare occasions that has happened Paula always puts them straight,’ replied Sophie with a knowing look.‘Right well that’s told me then,’ said Isla as she set about plating up. ‘I see some things haven’t changed since I’ve been away, mum’s still working late, doesn’t it piss you...’‘Hey, I’m so sorry I’m late,’ announced Paula as she burst through the door dumping her stuff in the corner before walking over to Sophie and planting a kiss on her cheek, ‘This smells delicious darling,’ complimented Paula as Isla set about dishing up.‘Mmm, she’s definitely a better cook than you,’ teased Sophie as they made their way over to the table each carrying a plate and a glass of water. ‘Oi how’d you know that you haven’t even tasted it yet.’ ‘Well babe it’s really not that difficult,’ replied Sophie earning a gentle smack on her backside from Paula. ‘Good job you’re not with me for my cooking then,’ winked Paula as they both sat side by side while Isla took a seat opposite, rolling her eyes.‘So how’d today go?’ Asked Paula after swallowing a spoonful, ‘Mmmm this is really good.’ ‘Thanks,’ replied Isla as she tried it herself. ‘Yeah it’s really nice,’ agreed Sophie taking a large gulp of water, but bloody spicy she thought wondering how she’d be able to eat the whole thing as she watched Paula and Isla happily eat theirs. ‘So you haven’t said, did you pick up Joanna...Jo from the airport ok?’ Asked Paula taking a quick look at Sophie.‘Yep she got back ok, it was so good to see her,’ beamed Isla. Shit thought Sophie I didn’t even ask maybe that’s why she’s more pissed at me than normal.
‘That’s good and you found the car ok?’ Grinned Paula. ‘Yes mum I found the car ok because I have this thing on my phone called a camera so I took a photo of where I’d parked it,’ she explained sarcastically. Sophie couldn’t help but laugh at this, ‘See I told.....’
‘Don’t,’ warned Paula as she knew exactly what Sophie was going to say. ‘So was she impressed with the car then?’ Asked Sophie looking for any information that would suggest Jo had worked out that Isla’s mum was Paula. ‘Not really, if I’m honest it didn’t really have the desired effect.’‘No?’ Questioned Sophie pushing for more information. ‘She commented that an ex girlfriend of hers used to drive one just like it, which sort of put a dampener on things,’ explained Isla. ‘Ah yeah I bet it would,’ agreed Sophie as she felt Paula tense beside her. ‘I mean it was just a throw away comment but it’s the last thing you wanna hear about isn’t it, an ex?’‘Mmm,’ nodded Sophie knowing the feeling all too well.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘Oh babe you’re not wearing that are you?’ Asked Sophie as she sat on the bed watching Paula carefully put the finishing touches to her make up. ‘Yeah why? Don’t you like it?’ Replied Paula turning slightly to look at the black dress hanging over the wardrobe door. ‘No quite the opposite I like it very much, makes your tits look great,’ grinned Sophie as she climbed off the bed and made her way to stand behind the lawyer. Paula looked up as Sophie began to massage her shoulders, ‘But I don’t want you wearing it because I don’t want anyone ogling you at this posh dinner you’re going to.’Paula laughed, ‘Yeah highly unlikely and anyway this is coming from you? My immensely attractive girlfriend who’s going out in a skirt that barely covers her arse.’ ‘I’m gonna wear tights,’ stated Sophie as her hands reached forwards and down inside Paula’s robe to squeeze her boobs. ‘I should bloody hope so,’ exclaimed Paula as she took a deep breath. ‘Sophie please don’t....I’ve got to leave soon...’ ‘Do you have too?’ Whispered Sophie, ‘You could just be late, a couple of minutes won’t matter,’ she teased as her thumb and forefinger found Paula’s erect nipple. ‘Mmmm it’s not the being late I’m worried about it’s the turning up in a total state of arousal,’ moaned Paula as she reluctantly grabbed Sophie’s wrists and pulled her hands away from her flesh.‘I’m sure you’ve got a few minutes to spare,’ grinned Sophie staying exactly where she was. Paula looked in the mirror at Sophie, as she screwed the lid on her mascara and placed it back in the bag. Sophie could tell she wanted her, she couldn’t resist sex. ‘I have exactly five minutes.’ Said Paula slowly as she turned round on the bench to look up at Sophie.‘Five minutes is all I need,’ replied Sophie with a smirk as she dropped to her knees, enjoying hearing Paula’s breath hitch as she parted her legs. There wasn’t anytime for messing around so Sophie went straight to work, her tongue probing deep into her lover. God she loved the taste of her. A couple of minutes later and Paula was on the brink, another couple of circles and Paula’s legs were clamping around her shoulders her hands grabbing the back of Sophie’s neck pulling her closer. ‘Fucccccck, yeeeeesssss,’ groaned Paula as Sophie brought her to climax in record time. ‘Jesus, you are so fucking good at that,’ she panted as Sophie sat back on her heels, a big grin on her face.‘Told you I’d only need a few minutes.’‘Mmmm,’ agreed Paula, ‘I am one luckily lady. ‘Yeah well don’t you forget it.’ ‘Hey why would I forget it? I don’t know what’s got into you this week but I like it.’ ‘Yeah I dunno, I guess the fact you’ve been working so much means that when I do see you I want to remind you what you’re missing.’ ‘Oh darling I definitely know what I’m missing and I’m sorry it will only be for a short while. It’s just this case is a big deal and.....’‘You don’t need to explain, just be sure to show me how much you’ve missed me later yeah.’ ‘Oh I certainly will,’ winked Paula, ‘Now once I’ve sorted myself out will you help me into this dress?’ ‘Only if I can have a kiss.’ ‘Ooo I think I can manage that, just so long as it’s just a kiss.’

...........................................................................
‘You look very nice,’ complimented Isla as Paula walked into the lounge ten minutes later looking for her phone.‘Thanks,’ said Paula suspiciously as she started to search the room. Why was Isla being nice? What did she want? ‘Muuumm?’ There it was that tone that said I want something. ‘What?’ ‘Can I borrow your silver Louboutins?’ ‘What you mean the ones I found stashed at the back of your wardrobe while you were away?’ ‘Ah yeah I must have forgotten to put them back.’
‘See that’s the thing I don’t remember you asking to borrow them.’ ‘No,’ replied Isla cautiously. ‘So after you’ve worn them this time can you put them back?’‘Yep will do,’ grinned Isla, her mum was such a soft touch at the minute. ‘So where you off to looking all glam?’‘Oh it’s a work thing, I’m going to a gala night for an environmental company I’m representing.’ ‘Sounds riveting,’ replied Isla sarcastically. ‘Yes I know it probably won’t be the most thrilling of evenings but if we want the work I have to make the effort.’ Explained Paula as she started lifting cushions off the sofa, ‘Ahh here it is,’ she stated as she placed the phone it her bag. ‘Sophie I’ve found it,’ she called out the doorway, ‘I’m leaving now have a good night.’‘She not going with you?’ ‘No Sophie’s off into town one of her mates is a DJ she’s going to meet up with him.’ ‘Oh right, were you not invited?’ smirked Isla, Jesus the thought of her mum in a club. ‘If you must know I was invited but I’d already said I’d go to this thing with Mike.’ ‘Right well probably for the best. I can’t imagine it would be your thing. You’d probably spend all night moaning about the music.’ ‘I have you know that last time I .....’‘Drank more tequila than anyone else and had some very impressive moves on the dance floor,’ laughed Sophie as she entered the lounge. ‘See,’ pointed out Paula, ‘I’m not the total embarrassment you seem to think I am.’ ‘Mmmm well I think I’ll just take Sophie’s word for it. You trying to be cool is something I’d rather not see.’
‘Oh right, ok, well if I’m so uncool why are you always borrowing my shoes?’ ‘Having expensive taste in heels does not make you cool mum,’ teased Isla as she got to her feet, ‘Right I hope you both have a good evening I need to go get ready. Jo’s taking me out for dinner and she’s told me to dress up so I’m expecting good things.’ ‘Well enjoy, are you staying out?’ Asked Paula as Isla reached the doorway. ‘Yeah probably, I did ask if she wanted to stay here but she said she’d prefer to go back to hers. Spose as she’s got her own place it makes sense. Right see you tomorrow some time.’‘Yep ok bye,’ muttered Paula as she shouldered her bag.‘Oh and mum,’ added Isla poking her head round the door again. ‘I’m gonna ask Jo over for dinner on Sunday.’
‘Agh Isla I’ve got loads....’ ‘Don’t give me the ‘I have loads of work’ line. You need to eat and I’m cooking so it’ll only be a couple of hours out of your day.’ ‘Right well I guess....’ began Paula as Isla left the room again. ‘Lovely,’ she called as she started up the stairs.
‘Great,’ groaned Paula looking a Sophie, ‘Looks like Jo’s coming for dinner.’‘Yep,’ sighed Sophie, ‘This’ll be interesting,’ she muttered under her breath.

...........................................................................
‘Don’t you think you better go steady on those?’ Questioned Mike as he nodded at Paula’s glass. ‘No I don’t,’ snapped Paula. ‘This is dull as shit and I had a bit of bad news as I left the house which I’m trying to forget about.’ ‘Bad news?’ Asked Mike concerned. ‘Oh it’s nothing,’ reassured Paula as she saw the look on Mike’s face. ‘Just another stupid predicament I’ve got myself into.’ She explained as she drained her glass.
‘Wanna talk about it?’ ‘Not really but you know me I’ll have told you everything by the end of the night. Another drink?’.........................................................................‘Penny for them,’ Asked Ryan as he slumped in the seat next to Sophie and passed her a drink. ‘What the hell is that?’ Asked Sophie staring at the bright blue liquid.‘Fuck knows but they’re on offer, cheers,’ sang Ryan as he held up his own blue cocktail. ‘Yeah cheers,’ said Sophie absentmindedly.‘Oh Jesus crack a smile will ya, what’s wrong? You still debating whether to take Rosie up on her offer? Although I have no idea what there is to think about.’ ‘Sorry what?’ ‘I was just saying have you told Rosie you’re going to join her yet?’ ‘No and I told you I haven’t decided.’ ‘Well you better make up your mind, you need to let her know by next weekend don’t you?’ ‘Yeah.’‘Look if you’re worried about Paula, she’s a big girl. I’m sure she can cope without you for a while.’ ‘Yeah I know but can I cope without her?’.........................................................................‘Fuck Paula you really do find yourself in some sticky situations don’t you,’ exclaimed Mike as Paula finished explaining the whole situation with Joanna. ‘Yep,’ she sighed as she finished her drink and looked around the room to see where the waiter had gone.‘No you don’t,’ warned Mike as he watched Paula’s eyes roam the room. ‘I think you’ve had enough.’ ‘Ahh come on Mike we’ve spoken to the top man, we’ve got the job, now we can let our hair down.’ ‘No now I can get you in a cab home before you lose us said job,’ smiled Mike. He’d always liked drunk Paula and on many nights had been highly entertained by her antics but tonight they needed to be professional. ‘Oh you are such a spoil sport,’ groaned Paula as Mike pulled her into a standing position.‘Come on let’s get you some fresh air,’ he smiled as he placed his arm gently round Paula’s waist and guided her into the car park. ‘Sit there a minute while I phone a cab.’ But before Mike had even got his phone out Paula had grabbed his arm, ‘What the fuck am I gonna do Mike? This dinner is going to be a disaster. Isla’s bound to guess we know each other. What was I thinking keeping quiet?’ ‘Yeah well that was pretty stupid you should have come clean straight away, but you didn’t, so you’re just gonna need to see what happens, not much else you can do,’ shrugged Mike. ‘Anyway you’re pretty good at hiding the truth so you might me ok,’ he added with a raise of his eyebrows.‘Yeah but it’s not just me, is it? If Joanna let’s anything slip Isla is going to kill me.’ ‘Hey she’s not going to kill you, and you never know she might not find out.’ ‘Yeah right, Mike this is me you’re talking to I have literally the worst luck.’ ‘Hmmm,’ agreed Mike thinking that she was probably right.

...........................................................................
‘Sophie don’t you think you better go easy on those drinks?’‘Nope the exact opposite, I am going to get smashed.’ Laughed Sophie as she flung her arms around Ryan’s shoulders. ‘Going to?’ Questioned Ryan as he prized her arms off his neck. ‘Are you going to be alright? I need to start my set in a minute. ‘Yeah I’ll be fine, the girls have just come in. I’ll go join them.’ Ryan glanced over to the bar where he saw Bethany and Emma, they were usually pretty sensible so hopefully there’d keep an eye on her for him. ‘Ok well I’ll see later then, stay off the shots.’ ‘Yep dad, will do,’ laughed Sophie as she made her way over to the bar. ‘Yay you’re here,’ squealed Bethany as Sophie joined them. ‘Paula not with?’ ‘No she’s at some boring gala night thingy, so it’s just me,’ explained Sophie, then seeing the disappointment on their faces added. ‘Oh I’m sorry am I not good enough?’ ‘No it’s not that, it’s just we kinda hoped we could go up there again,’ grinned Emma as she pointed up to the VIP balcony.‘Yeah,’ sighed Sophie, ‘That was a great night.’‘Doesn’t matter though we’ll have a good night down here with all the other ordinary folk,’ laughed Bethany. ‘What you drinking Sophie?....Sophie?’ ‘Huh? Sorry I was miles away.....Look I’ll be back in a minute I’ve had an idea.’ .........................................................................‘That was so good,’ smiled Isla as she retrieved her coat from the back of her chair.‘Yeah it was yum,’ smiled back Jo taking Isla’s hand as the pair walked out of the restaurant, ‘Fancy going on somewhere? There’s a great bar not far from here.’ ‘Yeah sounds good although I can’t walk far in these heels.’ ‘No,’ agreed Jo, ‘Although they are fab, haven’t seen those online, when did you get them?’ ‘Oh they’re probably really old,’ explained Isla slightly embarrassed. ‘They’re my mum’s although she never wears them so.....’ ‘You might as well,’ finished Jo. ‘Good shoes need to be worn not hidden away.’ ‘Yeah my sentiments exactly and talking of my mum do you fancy coming over for dinner this Sunday? Say if you’d rather not, I know it can be....’ ‘I’d love to,’ replied Jo quickly, ‘I’d like to meet your mum and....Sophie is it? They both sound interesting.’ ‘Interesting, hmm I’m not sure either of them are very interesting but hopefully you’ll get on ok, with my mum at least.’ ‘Oh I’m sure I will, a woman with such good taste in shoes is definitely a woman after my own heart.’

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

After a couple of failed attempts Paula finally managed to find the keyhole and let herself in. Leaning on the door handle she turned to wave at Mike who was still sitting in the cab watching her. ‘Jesus,’ she breathed as the cab finally pulled away, she could just imagine what he was thinking. Right water I need water she thought as she kicked off her heels and made her way down the hallway swaying slightly as she went. Once she’d fixed herself a pint of water she sat at the counter and slowly drank. Thank god Mike had dragged her away when he had otherwise she’d probably have started on the tequila. ‘Oh hell,’ she groaned, she really needed this meal to be over with. It was driving her nuts not knowing what would happen. She finished her water and after she’d polished off two slices of toast was feeling much better. Checking her phone she saw it was almost midnight, she didn’t expect Sophie in for a while yet so thought she may as well head up to bed. Once upstairs she hurriedly took off her makeup, brushed her teeth and discarded her clothes and leaving them in a heap on the floor finally slipped between the sheets. She was so tired but she had one more task before she could sleep. Reaching for her phone on the bedside table she smiled as Sophie’s beaming face lit up the screen. Hi love hope you’re having a good night I’m in bed and ready for sleep but feel free to wake me up when you get in! Love you xxx. And with that she turned the light out and was asleep within minutes. .........................................................................‘Shhhhh,’ whispered Sophie to the front door after she’d slammed it shut and started to make her way unsteadily up the stairs. Throwing open the bedroom door she smiled as she watched Paula sleeping soundly. She is so fucking gorgeous she thought as she made her way over to the bed tripping over a heap of clothes and falling rather ungainly onto the lawyer. ‘What the fuck!’ Screamed Paula as Sophie collapsed on top of her giggling loudly. ‘Jesus woman you scared the hell out of me. What the fuck are you doing?’ Asked Paula as Sophie continued to giggle as she stared down at her. ‘Soz think I fell over,’ whispered Sophie slowly as she scrambled up so she was straddling Paula, who reached out a hand to turn on the bedside light.‘You had a good evening I take it?’ She smiled as the light illuminated Sophie grinning down at her. Even though her hair was a mess and her mascara was smudged Sophie still looked bloody amazing in Paula’s eyes.‘Yeah was good, would’av been better with you there but we made the most of it,’ slurred Sophie as she moved the bedsheet down Paula’s body. ‘Mmm are you naked?’ ‘Looks like it,’ replied Paula as Sophie pulled back the sheet further. ‘Care to join me?’ ‘Yes pleased,’ laughed Sophie as she jumped off the bed. ‘Let me strip for you,’ she suggested as she pulled down her tights. ‘Yeah ok if....’ ‘Jesus Soph are you ok?’ Asked Paula concerned as Sophie stumbled into the dressing table.‘Yep I’m good....I’m good,’ giggled Sophie as she bent down to pull her tights off nearly falling over. ‘Jesus how do people make getting out of clothes sexy?’ ‘I don’t think strippers wear tights,’ pointed out Paula as Sophie continued to sway to music only she could hear. ‘I’m sure from here on you’ll be grand,’ laughed Paula as she watched Sophie dance around in front of her. It was obvious that Sophie was still pissed, she had a confidence about her that alcohol had definitely played a part in. By the time Sophie was naked Paula was well and truly aroused and couldn’t wait to make good on the promise she had made earlier. ‘Come here you,’ she grinned grabbing Sophie’s hand and pulling her into the bed. ‘You are so god damn sexy you know that don’t you?’ She whispered as she moved Sophie’s hand between her legs, ‘Just feel what you do to me and that’s before you’ve even started to touch me,’ breathed the lawyer. ‘Wow I am good,’ laughed Sophie as she felt the wetness between Paula’s legs as she slowly began to trail two fingers over her hardened clit.‘Mmm you are very good,’ smiled Paula as she grabbed Sophie’s hand and reluctantly moved it away. ‘But tonight is about about you,’ she whispered as she placed her lips on Sophie’s savouring the taste. ‘Well I’m not going to complain about that, you do give extremely good kisses,’ complimented Sophie her eyes still closed as she licked her lips as Paula slowly pulled away to look at her.‘Oh you know I can do much more with my mouth than just give kisses,’ smirked Paula as Sophie opened her eyes.‘Well go on then, what the hell are you wasting time looking at me for? I’ve been waiting for this all night,’ moaned Sophie as Paula started to laugh, god she loved it when Sophie gave it to her straight. ‘Jeez stop laughing and get that very skilful tongue of yours exactly where you know I want it,’ demanded Sophie as she gently pushed Paula’s head down between her legs. .........................................................................‘Oh my god is it possible to have a two day hangover? I still feel like absolute shit.’ Groaned Sophie as she rolled over in bed on Sunday morning. ‘Well considering you were probably still drunk yesterday morning I’d say yes,’ grinned Paula as she placed the coffee on the bedside table and reached down to kiss Sophie’s forehead. ‘What time is it?’ ‘Just after 10. Is there anything I can get you before I get some work done?’ ‘Mmm just your naked self back in this bed please,’ purred Sophie as she patted the sheet beside her. ‘I wish but you’re going to need to wait until tonight. I have things to do and to be fair I think I’m still recovering from the other night.’ ‘Well you did promise to sort me out when we got in.’ ‘Yeah Soph but I’d been asleep for three hours when you finally rolled in and jumped on me, scaring the absolute shit out of me. You’re lucky I didn’t have a heart attack.’ ‘Sorry,’ ‘Hey don’t be sorry I liked it.’ Grinned Paula, ‘What better way to be woken up than by you giving me my own private strip show.’ ‘Oh gawd,’ sighed Sophie covering her face. ‘I bet that was a sight.’ ‘Mmmm a really good sight, you had some great moves,’ laughed Paula. ‘Did I?’ Questioned Sophie raising her eyebrows. ‘Yep I particularly liked the part where you pulled your tights down but forgot to step out of them and crashed into the dressing table.’ ‘Ahh shit that must be how I got the bruise on my hip.’ ‘Mmm probably but boy once you’d got out of them there was no stopping you,’ grinned Paula remembering how domineering Sophie had been and the fact that she’d very much enjoyed it. ‘Well I don’t remember much about that but I’m glad we had fun. So what time did we eventually go to sleep yesterday then?’ ‘Think it was about half 5,’ recalled Paula. ‘There really was no stopping you once we’d started. ‘Wow really? No wonder I’m so tired,’ yawned Sophie as she snuggled down under the duvet.‘Soph you slept for most of yesterday and all night, you are not tired.’ Pointed out the lawyer as she nudged her partner, ‘Just hungover and you better sort yourself out ready for this dinner later.’‘Oh god,’ groaned Sophie, ‘Do we have to? Can’t we just sneak out of the house and leave them to it?’ Pleaded Sophie as she looked up at Paula with those puppy dog eyes.‘I would like nothing more, believe me but Isla’s downstairs already preparing and to be honest I’d rather just get it over and done with. I keep going over and over different scenarios in my head, I’m driving myself crazy.’ ‘So what’s the best scenario then?’ ‘Well obviously that Jonna has worked everything out and isn’t surprised to see me and we act like we’ve never met,’ explained Paula casually.‘And the worst?’ ‘Ahh see here there are many possibilities and I’m not sure which would be worse. I’m just hoping we don’t get to find out,’ sighed Paula.‘Hey I’m sure it’ll be fine and if it’s not and the shit hits the fan then I’m here,’ shrugged Sophie. ‘Yeah I know, thanks. And look I do realise that this is gonna be pretty difficult for you too so .....’ ‘Oh don’t worry about me I’m getting use to dealing with all your ex’s,’ said Sophie with a raise of her eyebrows. ‘Don’t look at me like that. And it’s hardly ALL my ex’s.’ ‘Well no but three’s pretty good going and let’s just say I’m slightly more wary of this one.’ ‘There’s no need.’ ‘Hmm, well I couldn’t very well compare myself to two middle aged men but a woman in her thirties now that’s a whole lot easier.’ ‘Sophie their is NO comparison, I’ve told you this,’ said Paula with conviction. ‘Yeah I know, but with Isla there it’s not even like I can flirt outrageously with you is it? You know to show her that you’re mine.’ ‘I’m yours am I?’ Smiled Paula. ‘Yes you are and I want her to be clear about that.’ ‘Look I’m sure there’ll be ways we can show Joanna how loved up we are, if that’s what you want,’ smirked Paula ‘But I really don’t think she’ll be remotely interested in me anymore and I’m definitely not interested in her, ok?’ ‘Yeah ok.’ ‘Right so I’m gonna go and get a couple of hours of paper work done. You need to drink that, then get in the shower, you’ll feel loads better.’ ‘Yeah well I couldn’t feel any worse. How come you don’t get hangovers? It’s so unfair?’ ‘I’ve told you before, lots of practise and you really just need to push through them. When I was younger I’d be drinking until all hours then be up at 6 to be ready for court. Looking back I actually have no idea how I did that.’‘Blimey, well thank god all I’ve gotta do is sit and eat a meal but I’m definitely laying off drink for a while especially those of the blue variety.’ ‘Blue?’ Quizzed Paula.‘Yeah Ryan kept buying me these god awful cocktails.’ ‘And you’re wondering why you still feel ill?’ Laughed Paula. ‘Although think I might join you in the not drinking too, I did have way to many on Friday night. Right I really need to get some work done. We good here though yeah?’ ‘Yeah we’re good,’ confirmed Sophie as Paula left the room..........................................................................‘Mum are you coming downstairs? Jo’s going to be here in a bit and I can’t find the gravy jug thing.’ Shouted Isla on her way downstairs.Paula rolled her eyes at Sophie. ‘Be there in a minute I’m just getting changed,’ she lied as she sat on the edge of the bed already in a change of outfit. She didn’t think Isla would approve of her meeting her new girlfriend in the yoga pants and vest top she’d been wearing all day so she’d changed into faded skinny jeans and a baggy V necked black top.Sophie turned to stare at the lawyer, ‘You’re going to have to go down there at some point.’‘Yes thank you, I’m well aware of that,’ snapped Paula as she rubbed her hands down her thighs, her hands were sweating, god why was she so nervous? This was bloody ridiculous. ‘Sorry,’ she sighed as she looked up at Sophie. ‘Right I’m going,’ she announced as she practically jumped off the bed. ‘I’ll see you downstairs.’ ‘Yeah I’ll be down in a bit I just need to finish off my makeup.’ ‘Right, yeah....Well I’m off to look for a gravy boat.’ ‘It’s in the cupboard under the island on the left,’ replied Sophie looking into the mirror as she applied her blusher. Paula stopped at the door and turned back to Sophie, ‘I love you,’ she smiled before leaving the room. .........................................................................‘Mmmm something smells good,’ complimented Sophie as she walked into the kitchen ten minutes later. ‘Thanks,’ replied Isla sticking her head out through the dining room doorway. ‘Do you know where mum is?’ ‘Hasn’t she come down?’ Asked Sophie wandering if maybe Paula had decided to slip out. ‘Oh no she came down a while ago but now she’s buggered off again. Do you think she’s ok? She seems a bit stressed lately.’ Oh god thought Sophie Isla’s already picked up on something. ‘Oh yeah she’s fine,’ said Sophie quickly before adding, ‘It’s probably just this case she’s started working on, it’s going to be massive and you know what she’s like about work.’ ‘Yes Sophie I know what she’s like about work I have lived with her my whole life,’ snapped Isla. ‘Yeah sorry, look she’s probably in her office, I’ll go check,’ offered Sophie before making a quick escape. Jesus this meal was going to be a bundle of laughs. Sure enough Paula was in her office. She was sat in her chair her back to the door, staring at a black computer screen. Sophie knocked gently on the open door before she entered the room, ‘Hey,’ she whispered softly as she lent against the door, ‘Thought you weren’t drinking,’ she questioned as she spotted the empty tumbler on the side, scotch at four in the afternoon wasn’t a good sign. ‘Yeah I know,’ whispered Paula softly, ‘I’ll stop tomorrow but there’s no way I’m going to be able to do this without a drink.’ ‘Right,’ replied Sophie. She was worried about Paula’s drinking but now really wasn’t the time to have that discussion. Now they just needed to get through whatever was going to happen once Jo walked through the door, which would be anytime soon. ‘Come on, she’ll be here in a minute.’ Stated Sophie as she reached out for hand towards Paula, ‘OK?’ ‘Yep I’m good, let’s do this,’ declared Paula as she grabbed Sophie’s hand. ‘I’ve found her,’ called Sophie as the two woman walked along the hallway hand in hand back to the kitchen.‘Sorry, I just remembered I had a quick email to send but I’m all yours now. What can I do?’ offered Paula in a cheery tone as she lent on the kitchen counter.Sophie watched as Isla rolled her eyes, ‘You can start by putting these on the table and then choosing the wine, think you can cope with that?’ ‘Ooo think I can just about manage that,’ teased Paula, as she took the salt and pepper from Isla’s hands. ‘Hey can we please be friends I don’t want to meet your new girlfriend when you’ve got the hump with me.’ ‘I haven’t got the hump, I’m just stressed. I want this meal to go well, without you running off every ten minutes to check emails or whatever.’‘Sorry work is finished, done, forgotten, I am now all yours.’ ‘Good, because believe it or not I do value your opinion and I’d like it if you could get on with at least one of my girlfriends.’ ‘Hey I’ve got on with your girlfriends, sort of. It was just the last one I had a problem with and turns out I was right about her. ‘Mmm you must have some kind of sixth sense,’ mused Isla.‘Yeah well maybe I have, right I best get on with my jobs,’ she winked.‘Anything you want me to do?’ Asked Sophie as Paula walked into the dining room. ‘Ah yeah could you.......’ The shrill of the doorbell stopped Isla mid sentence. ‘Check on the potatoes,’ she finished as she put her knife down and walked off to get the door just as Paula returned from the dining room.
‘Right this is it, the moment of truth,’ she whispered to Sophie as she made her way over to the wine rack, trying to act casual while her heart was pounding.Yep this is it thought Sophie the time has come for me to meet the gorgeous woman you were screwing for three months, I can hardly wait. ‘We’re just back here,’ Sophie could hear Isla saying as they came down the hallway. ‘Right so this is obviously the kitchen and this is Sophie.’

‘Hi,’ both women quickly muttered as they gave each other the once over.

‘And... Shit has mum disappeared again?’

‘What?’ Asked Sophie puzzled as she closed the oven door and turned round to view the rest of the kitchen.

‘Nope I’m right here,’ announced Paula as she stood up from where she’d been retrieving a bottle of wine from the bottom of the wine rack. ‘Hi,’ she greeted Jo cheerfully as she walked over to place the bottle on the counter top, her hand outstretched, ‘It’s nice to meet you.’

‘Hi Paula,’ replied Jo staring intently at her.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

If looks could kill then Jo would well and truly be a gonna thought Sophie as she watched the scene playing out before her. It seemed to take forever but was probably no more than a second before Jo reached out and shook Paula’s outstretched hand. ‘It’s good to meet you, I’ve heard lots about you,’ smiled Jo her fingers gently grazing the back of Paula’s hand as they pulled apart.‘All good I hope?’ Questioned Paula as the two woman continued to stare at each other over the worktop. ‘Mostly,’ she replied as she finally managed to tear her eyes away from Paula to smile at Isla as she started to speak. ‘Would I say anything bad about you?’ Teased Isla as she pulled out a stool for Jo to perch on. ‘Oh I know you would,’ stated Paula getting a corkscrew out of the drawer while Jo started to rummage around in the large bag she’d placed on the counter, closely watched by Sophie who was sat on the stool opposite. God her eyes are amazing thought Sophie and her skin, and her hair how the hell is it that glossy? Fuck she’s way out of my league.‘This is for you,’ Jo offered as she finally stopped rooting around in her bag and placed a bottle of tequila on the counter in front of Paula.‘Tequila? Why’d you buy my mum tequila?’ Exclaimed Isla looking at her like she’d gone mad. ‘Why not?’ Asked Jo.‘Because you usually bring wine or flowers to a Sunday roast not bottles of Tequila.’ ‘Oh right sorry I didn’t realise there was an etiquette,’ laughed Jo. ‘I’m sorry Paula do you not like tequila,’ she asked innocently. ‘No I like it,’ said Paula blushing slightly as she glanced sideways at Sophie. ‘See there you go not such a stupid gift after all and it looks like you’re pretty covered for wine,’ stated Jo as she nodded at the impressive wine rack.‘It’s a very kind gesture thank you,’ replied Paula as she placed the bottle into a free space in the rack. ‘Now when you have a wild night you can think of me,’ grinned Jo her green eyes sparkling. Sophie watched carefully as a knowing look past between the woman. It lasted a split second but it was there and it made Sophie uneasy. ‘Wild night? Yeah right,’ scoffed Isla. ‘Although hold up didn’t you say she was necking Tequila when you went out the other week Sophie?’ ‘Yeah you’d be surprised,’ said Sophie flatly.‘See there you go,’ stated Jo as she gestured towards Paula, ‘Your mum obviously does know how to party.’‘Mmm...’ muttered Isla not convinced. ‘So hun what you cooking?’ Jo asked as she turned her attention back to Isla who was checking on the dinner. ‘Smells delicious.’ Paula winced slightly at the term of endearment. The only person to call her hun had been Jo and it felt strange to hear her calling Isla it. She reached up for a wine glass and poured herself a glass of red, taking a large swig. Jesus this is going to be a long evening she thought as she glanced at Sophie. She didn’t look impressed and rightly so. Fuck. ‘Can I get you something to drink?’ Paula asked Jo knowing she’d have a glass of red. She’d nearly poured one automatically before stopping herself. It was so weird seeing her again, sitting in her kitchen. Shit the last time she was here they’d.....Oh god don’t think about it. ‘Please, I’ll have a glass of that red, thanks,’ replied Jo snapping Paula from her thoughts. ‘Yeah and me please,’ called Isla as she continued checking on the food. Paula busied herself getting more glasses and pouring the wine, well aware that Sophie hadn’t spoken much, instead spending her whole time looking Jo up and down. ‘Here you go,’ she said trying to act completely normal but not sure she was pulling it off. Was she being overly cheery? Asking enough questions not enough? Fuck this was a nightmare.Jo picked up the glass and bought it to her nose smelling the deep red liquid, ‘Cabernet Sauvignon? Am I right?’ She asked Paula smiling at her over the top of her glass. ‘Er yeah,’ replied Paula feeling Sophie’s eyes watching her. ‘Mmm my favourite,’ she smiled. ‘You have good taste.’ You have good taste? Wow Sophie could hardly watch what was happening. How had Isla not picked up on anything? Surely she could see her girlfriend was flirting with her mum? Paula shifted uncomfortably, ‘Anything you want me to do to help?’ She asked Isla ignoring Jo’s comment and instead walking over to place a glass of wine in front of her daughter. ‘No I think I’m all set to serve up in a bit. Why don’t you and Sophie go and chill for a bit and Jo can help me out here.’ ‘I thought I was the guest? Can’t I go and chill?’ Asked Jo twirling a strand of hair around her finger. ‘No you can sit right there and watch me,’ cooed Isla as she smiled affectionately at her girlfriend.

...............................................................................
‘Well this is going to be an interesting evening,’ spat Sophie as she poured what remained of the bottle of wine she’d bought with her from the kitchen into her glass. ‘I thought you weren’t drinking?’ Said Paula as she watched Sophie take a large gulp, ‘That’s why I didn’t....’
‘I wasn’t, but believe me I’m going to need a few drinks if I’m going to get though this dinner without killing her.’‘Yeah, well at least she’s not said anything,’ pointed out Paula. ‘She might as well have. When you have a wild night you can think of me,’ mimicked Sophie. ‘I mean Jesus I don’t wanna think about what went on between you two and a bottle of Tequila.’‘Sophie don’t,’ Whispered Paula looking at the floor. ‘Sorry am I making you feel uncomfortable?’ Snapped Sophie. ‘This whole thing is making me feel uncomfortable,’ exploded Paula.
‘Oh well poor you,’ stated Sophie, ‘How the fuck do you think it’s making me feel? She can’t keep her eyes off you.’ ‘Sophie this isn’t my fault. Believe me I wish I could be anywhere else right now.’ ‘Mmm,’ answered Sophie ‘Well what I don’t get is how the hell Isla’s not noticed anything?’ ‘She’s not being that bad Sophie, it’s only because you know that you’re reading too much into things.’‘Really right sorry for over reacting.’ ‘No I’m not saying that, I’m just saying.....Oh I don’t know what I’m saying,’ sighed Paula as she sat on the sofa. ‘She’s always been a massive flirt, she’s just playing games.’ ‘Playing games?’ scoffed Sophie. ‘And what is she hoping to achieve?’ ‘I don’t know do I, I’m not her.’ ‘No,’ muttered Sophie trying to stop herself imagining the pair of them together, flirting outrageously, each trying to outdo the other. Paula had certainly met her match there. ‘I’m sorry,’ murmured the lawyer looking up at Sophie. ‘I don’t know what else to say.’ Sophie looked down at Paula and let out a deep breath. ‘It’s not your fault, I shouldn’t take my anger out on you, it’s not fair. You haven’t done anything wrong,’ explained Sophie as she sat beside Paula taking her hand in hers. The older woman ran her thumb over Sophie’s. ‘Look I promise if I get the chance I’ll put her in her place ok.’
‘Yeah if you could that’d be great,’ smiled Sophie
‘Mum food’s on the table,’ called Isla from the kitchen.‘Right time for round two,’ sighed Sophie as she reluctantly let go of Paula’s hand, got up off the sofa and followed the older woman into the dining room. .........................................................................‘This looks great,’ complimented Paula as she sat down at the table, opposite her daughter while Sophie took the seat next to her facing Jo. Had Paula done that on purpose thought Sophie? To make it harder for Jo to make eye contact with her.‘Yeah Isla, it does look good,’ agreed Sophie forcing herself to sound cheerful.‘So does she take after you then?’ Asked Jo looking at Paula, ‘I mean cooking wise,’ she added with a smile, causing Sophie to clench for jaw. You know she can’t fucking cook like you know everything else about her, she thought to herself. ‘God no,’ laughed Isla as she helped herself to the veg in the middle of the table, ‘She can barely boil an egg.’ ‘Ok thank you,’ smiled Paula, ‘No I’m not the greatest of cooks.’ ‘Oh well I’m sure you’ve got other talents,’ replied Jo giving Paula a quick glance as she lent over the table to reach for the potatoes. Jesus thought Sophie as she started dishing up her own food, it’s relentless. ‘I don’t know babe that meal you cooked the other night was lovely.’ ‘Pasta was it?’ Asked Jo as she poured gravy onto her meal. Sophie looked over at Paula, had she cooked Jo the same meal? ‘Yeah funnily enough it was,’ admitted Paula. ‘Just about anyone can manage pasta though can’t they.’‘Yeah, just about,’ laughed Jo causing Sophie to wonder if yet again there was some in joke between them.Sophie noticed Paula take a deep breath, ‘So anyway moving away from my lack of culinarily skills, tell us, what did you two get up to while you were away? I bet you have loads of funny stories.’ ‘Maybe a few,’ grinned Isla looking at her mum. ‘Although not all of them are fit for your ears though,’ she said as she shot a warning glance towards Jo. ‘Oh so you not gonna tell your mum about the incident in the Bangkok nightclub then?’ ‘Fuck no and you’re not going to either,’ exclaimed Isla starting to blush. ‘Oh I’m sure it’s nothing she hasn’t seen or heard before,’ teased Jo. ‘Don’t worry darling there are some things a mother really doesn’t want to hear and I’m pretty sure this is one of them,’ said Paula as she started to eat. ‘Everyone’s entitled to their secrets,’ she added as she shot a quick glance at Jo. ‘Why don’t you start with telling us how you met, I don’t think I’ve heard the whole story.’ So thanks to Paula’s question as they started to eat the conversation turned to travel, the couple keeping Sophie and Paula entertained with stories of their antics abroad. It reminded Sophie of the times Paula had reminisced about her own travels and despite her feelings towards Jo she actually found herself listening intently to all the wonderful tales. ‘Sophie have you done much travelling?’ Asked Jo as the ladies finished their food. ‘No not really, I’ve done a bit in America, I went to visit my sister in Miami but I haven’t been to anywhere that different from here really, although I’d like to.’ ‘You should, it’s such a great experience. I’d definitely recommend it, wouldn’t you?’ asked Jo nodding towards Isla.‘Yeah definitely any opportunity you get you should one hundred percent go.’ ‘Yeah maybe I will,’ replied Sophie. ‘I’m thinking about doing Africa next,’ stated Isla.‘Oh are you?’ Remarked Paula. ‘Yep.’‘And how are you going to afford that?’ Scoffed Paula. ‘I’ll get a job, save for a bit then go,’ replied Isla matter of factly.‘Seems you have it all worked out.’ ‘Yep pretty much,’ Said Isla grinning at her mum.‘Have you done much travelling Paula? Asked Jo. ‘You strike me as a woman who’s been around a bit. Oh god sorry I didn’t mean.....That didn’t sound right... Sorry.’ Sophie couldn’t help but roll her eyes. Sorry? She wasn’t sorry at all, she was loving this.Paula pursed her lips, ‘Yeah I’ve travelled quite a bit, although haven’t done much for a while,’ she said managing a tight smile.‘Well no I guess you don’t get much time, what with being a lawyer, Isla’s told me how successful you are.’‘Yeah well I love my work, I’ve put a lot into it.’‘Mmm a bit too much,’ mumbled Isla.‘So what kind of law do you work in?’‘Oh god do we have too?’ Groaned Isla.‘Fraud mostly but I deal in other stuff too.’ Replied Paula wondering where this was going. Jo knew all about her job, it’s how they’d meet for fucks sake, so why all the questions?‘Defence or prosecution?’ Continued Jo, she wasn’t going to let up. ‘Tends to be defence but again I do both.’ ‘Very talented aren’t you,’ complimented Jo with another smile.‘No not really most lawyers do both,’ replied Paula bluntly. ‘I bet you’re a formidable force once you get into court,’ commented Jo taking a sip of her wine. Sophie could tell she was in her stride now and enjoying keeping Paula on her toes. ‘Well you have to have a certain presence in a court room, I’m there to do a job, get to the truth,’ said Paula tightly, she didn’t like where this conversation was going. ‘Mmm you know you really remind me of the defence barrister who questioned me.’ ‘Really,’ replied Paula reaching for her wine glass, her heart pounding. ‘Yeah, she gave me a very thorough cross examination,’ explained Jo the innuendo clear in her voice. Fuck thought Sophie looking on, she’s gonna spill, this is where she tells Isla she’s screwed her mum. Oh god it was like watching a car crash in slow motion. ‘Maybe it was me?’ Replied Paula sitting back in her seat and taking a long sip of her drink.Shit why was she saying that? Now she’s just goading her thought Sophie. ‘Sorry hold on,’ interrupted Isla, ‘Have you been on trial?’ She asked staring at Jo. ‘What?’ Questioned Jo looking blankly at Isla as if only just remembering she was there. ‘God no hun, I was called as a character witness for a fraud case when I worked at the bank.’ ‘Oh right, thank god for that, I thought you were gonna say..... Well I dunno.....I thought you were going to reveal you’d been in prison or something.’‘No nothing like that,’ laughed Jo.‘You know it could very well have been you mum. How long ago was it? Was it here in Manchester?’ Asked Isla. ‘You’ve done loads of fraud cases haven’t you, you’re never bloody out of court.’ ‘The trial was here in Manchester at the crown court in town, would have been nearly two years ago now,’ explained Jo.‘Yeah could have been me then,’ replied a blasé Paula. ‘I cross examine a fair few people though, so I obviously don't remember many of them,’ she smiled. ‘I only tend to recall those that have had an impact on me. You know the ones that have been significant,’ she finished, emphasising the last word. Jo smiled sweetly across the table but it was obvious Paula’s words had pissed her off. ‘No you know what? The more I look at you the more I’m thinking it wasn’t you,’ mused Jo.‘Oh right, funny though, that you were probably in the same building at the same time. It’s such a small world isn’t it?’ Pondered Isla. ‘Sure is,’ agreed Sophie smiling over at Jo as she felt Paula’s hand squeeze her thigh.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It was just after five when Paula slipped out of bed leaving Sophie sound asleep. She’d been awake for ages mulling things over in her head, not getting anywhere so she thought she might as well get up. After silencing her 6am alarm she headed to the shower, wondering what the new week ahead would bring. Once showered she pulled on her robe and padded downstairs. Putting on some coffee she sat at the kitchen table and waited, going over the events of last night in her head. Once the god awful conversation regarding the court case had finished Jo had thankfully laid off and the rest of the evening had passed without further incident, but it had left Paula confused and unsettled. Would Jo play these games every time they met? Paula didn’t think her nerves could take it if that were the case. Maybe she should just come clean, now that would surprise Jo. The coffee signalled it was ready and Paula set about making what would probably be the first of many cups throughout the day. ‘Morning,’ came the voice behind her. Paula froze, ‘Fuck,’ she sighed under her breath, instinctively pulling her robe tighter. ‘I didn’t realise you’d stayed over,’ she replied as she turned to face the door. ‘You said you had to go.’ ‘Yeah I know, changed my mind.’ ‘Right, well I need to go and get ready,’ said Paula, very aware that she was naked under her robe and that it was rather on the short side. ‘Don’t feel you need to get changed on my account,’ smiled Jo.‘You’re getting off on this aren’t you?’ Accused Paula as she hugged her arms around her body. ‘I mean I know men have weird fantasies about this kind of thing...’ ‘No,’ exclaimed Jo quickly. ‘I’m just pointing out that it’s not like I haven’t seen it all before,’ she murmured.‘Before we were a couple, now you’ve just spent the night in my daughter’s bed’ replied Paula through clenched teeth, ‘It’s inappropriate.’ ‘Yeah, but...’ muttered Jo staring at the floor.‘No stop...’ interrupted Paula holding up her hand. ‘I have no idea what the fuck you’re playing at but you need to stop. If you’re going to keep on seeing Isla, then you need to forget that there was ever anything between us. I’m now your girlfriend’s mum nothing more, so all the comments need to stop, now,’ warned Paula as she made to leave the kitchen. ‘Paula.’ ‘What?’ She snapped as she reluctantly turned back.‘I need to talk to you. I want to explain,’ said Jo softly.‘Explain? What is there to explain?’‘My behaviour, my feelings, the situation. Please Paula just hear me out.’ Paula took a deep breath, she must be mad. ‘Ok. Let me get changed, I’ll be back down in a bit, you know where everything is so.....’ Paula’s voice trailed off.‘Yeah,’ said Jo, ‘Thank you.’

...........................................................................
Half hour later Paula was back in the kitchen, suit on, hair blow dried, make up done. ‘Right you have twenty minutes,’ she said tersely as she went to fix herself another coffee. The previous one sitting untouched on the side. Jo turned uncomfortably in her seat so she could see Paula, but she didn’t speak. Instead she watched as she made her coffee. She hadn’t changed much, in fact she looked better than when they were together. She’d gained a bit of weight, not much but it made her look healthier and her hair was cut differently, shorter so it sat on her shoulders, framing her face. ‘What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue?’ Questioned Paula as she picked up her coffee and turned so she was facing Jo. ‘I’m just trying to find the words?’ ‘Trying to find the words? That’s a joke, you had plenty to say last night,’ pointed out Paula, trying hard not to think about how good Jo looked. She’d always been one of these woman who didn’t need to make any effort. Even though she had no make up on and her hair hadn’t seen a brush she still seemed to glow. The fact that she was wearing the tiniest pair of shorts also hadn’t been lost on Paula and she was struggling to keep her eyes from roaming over her legs. God she had great legs. ‘I wasn’t that bad.,’ shot back Jo.‘Not that bad? The wild Tequila night, the choice of wine, the bad cooking, the thorough cross examination,’ listed Paula as she counted off the references Jo had made to their relationship the night before.‘Yeah well I’d had rather a lot to drink before I got here,’ admitted Jo.‘Don’t make excuses, you knew exactly what you were doing. What I don’t get is what exactly you were trying to achieve? Did you want Isla to find out about us? Where you trying to provoke me into saying something, wind up Sophie? I just don’t get it.’ ‘I don’t know?’ ‘You don’t know? Come on don’t give me that bollocks.’ ‘Ok, ok I probably went a bit too far but after the nod to the night we both got shamelessly drunk doing Tequila shots I couldn’t help myself,’ admitted Jo as she gazed at Paula. ‘You do remember that night? It was the first time we.....’ ‘Yes of course I remember,’ snapped Paula trying desperately not to think about it. Jesus the thoughts she was having right now were so wrong. Yesterday she’d been able to squash them, probably because of the presence of Sophie and Isla, today it wasn’t so easy.
‘Sorry, but you know what I’m like. Seeing you again I don’t know I....I couldn’t help but flirt with you. It’s what we did isn’t it? What we both got off on.’‘Yes when we were together,’ whispered Paula walking over to shut the kitchen door which she’d only just realised was slightly ajar. ‘Not during fucking Sunday dinner with my daughter and girlfriend sitting there, Jesus. Do you have any feelings for Isla at all?’ ‘Yeah I really like her. Did like her, do like her. Oh I don’t know. Fucking hell this is so messed up,’ groaned Jo as she slumped down on the kitchen counter, head in her hands.‘Oh you think,’ hissed Paula sitting down on one of the stools opposite.‘Look it was a mistake for me to come. I realise that now,’ admitted Jo as she lifted her head. ‘I should have finished with Isla as soon as I found out she was your daughter but ....’’Yep probably would have been the best idea,’ snapped Paula as she picked up her coffee and took a few sips.‘But we’d already booked the tickets home. I had no idea you were her mum until a couple of weeks before we came back. I mean she’d spoken about you. Well moaned about your relationship with Sophie so I knew you were bi and a lawyer and that you lived in Manchester but it wasn’t until I saw you on FaceTime that I realised it was you. When I saw your face I couldn’t quite believe it. I had to make out I was ill because I was in such a state.’ ‘So surely if you were in such a mess why not make some excuse and walk away? ‘Because we’d already made plans to come back together and..... I didn’t know what to say. I thought about telling her the truth but that would have just freaked her out. I mean god imagine finding out the person your sleeping with has been with your mum, now that’s just fucked up.’‘Yes thank you I’m well aware of that. It’s not too great finding out your daughter’s sleeping with one of your ex’s.’‘No well despite what you might think it’s not been a bundle of laughs for me either.’ ‘Ok lets not make it a contest. Let’s just agree the whole situation is crazy and that telling Isla is not an option.‘Yep agreed.’ ‘Although at the time you didn’t actually have to say anything did you? You could have done a disappearing act, you’re good at that,’ pointed out Paula. ‘I nearly did. That’s why I went to see my mum on the way back home to give myself time to think but I figured I’m always running away from things and maybe just this once I should do the right thing. Isla cut her travels short for me and I felt I owed it to her to finish with her face to face.’‘Well that’s big of you, makes a change,’ quipped Paula, ‘But the problem is you haven’t finished with her have you?’ ‘No.’ ‘In fact you’ve done the complete opposite. You’ve come round to meet her mum and have a cosy Sunday lunch. It’s hardly giving off signals that you want to end it, is it? ‘No.’ ‘Then why the fuck do it?’ Exploded Paula fed up with getting nowhere. ‘Because I wanted to see you again,’ whispered Jo. ‘Why? You walked out on me without so much as a breakup text. Why the hell would you want to see me?’ ‘Because I realise now that I never should have left like I did and I wanted to apologise.’ ‘To apologise? And you thought by coming over here and making me feel uncomfortable all evening was the best way to do that?’ ‘No of course not. I had no intention of doing what I did, acting how I did. I don’t know what came over me.’
‘So you always gift people bottles of Tequila do you?’ Asked Paula raising her eyebrows. ‘‘Only if they drink their shots like you,’ said Jo grinning over at Paula. ‘‘There you go again,’ smiled Paula unable to stop herself. ‘Sorry I just can’t help it.’ ‘No,’ agreed Paula. She too was finding it difficult not to come back with some kind of innuendo but she knew if she started down that road it would be hard to go back.‘Look I thought that maybe if I came here and
saw you again under different circumstances then maybe despite our past I could continue my relationship with Isla but as soon as I saw you I knew that would be impossible. Seeing you again just reminded me of all the fun we had and I guess I wanted you to know that I hadn’t forgotten that we were good together.’‘Yeah we were,’ whispered Paula. Seeing you yesterday was so hard. All I wanted to do was touch you, feel your lips......You do things to me Paula ....Make me feel things......I can’t help that .....Yesterday I couldn’t even kiss Isla because all I could think about was you....’

‘Don’t, don’t say any more,’ murmured Paula, looking away. ‘Sorry I just....’ ‘Why did you leave me?’ Asked Paula suddenly. She’d always assumed it was because Jo had simply gone off her but judging by the way she was talking, that wasn’t the case. Jo sighed ‘This sounds so stupid now but it was after a chat I had with your son, right here actually.’ ‘With Theo? Why? Oh god what did he say?’ Groaned Paula.‘No nothing, it wasn’t him. It was just the fact that it wasn’t until I saw him that I realised you and me were so different. I know you told me you had kids but up until then I’d not really given it much thought. You’d never really seemed that much older than me, but hearing this man say he was your son was just really weird.’ ‘So you ended things because of the fact I’ve got kids?’ Asked Paula puzzled.‘No I finished with you because I realised that you’d already done most of the things I wanted to do. You’d travelled, got married, had kids. You were on the next phase of your life. You’re youngest child was hoping to go off to uni, you were building up your business. I just didn’t see a future for us.’ ‘Right and you didn’t think to tell me all this?’‘I don’t know, I guess not,’ shrugged Jo, ‘I wanted to go and have an adventure. I wanted to build up my own collection of stories like you. I realised that I was 34 and I hadn’t really had much life experience. I’d gone from school to collage to uni to work and I wanted to live a little. Travel the world before settling down.’ ‘And I stopped you from doing that?’ ‘Paula you asked me to move in with you. Everything was moving too fast.’ ‘I did?’ ‘Yeah don’t you remember? That last meal we had together? Although to be fair you had been drinking. It’s odd but you always seemed very drunk on Thursday evenings. You use to phone and ask me to meet you in random bars and you’d always be three or four drinks down by the time I met you, even though it was still only early.‘Counselling sessions,’ muttered Paula. ‘What?’ Asked Jo.‘Counselling sessions,’ Paula repeated, ‘They were always on Thursday afternoons. They bought up a lot of shit so....’ ‘Oh I never knew you were in counselling.’ ‘No, well it’s not something I wanted to talk about back then.’ ‘And is everything ok now?’‘Yeah I’m much better thanks.’‘Paula I had no idea...I’m so sorry. God I feel even worse now for just leaving.’ ‘Don’t be. I’m sorry for making you feel stifled. It wasn’t my intention.’ ‘No I know. I was a coward. I just thought if I told you, you’d try and make me stay and when you stopped calling after a week I figured you actually weren’t that bothered, so I booked my ticket and off I went.’‘I was bothered but I was busy with work and I was angry when you didn’t return my calls. Then I went to visit a friend in London and did something stupid. After that I realised I probably didn’t deserve you and I deleted your number.’‘What did you do?’ ‘Slept with an ex,’ shrugged Paula. ‘I wasn’t in a very good place back then so....’ Jo smiled, ‘Maybe if times had been different.’‘Maybe,’ sighed Paula, ‘So what are you going to do about Isla?’‘I’m gonna have to talk to her, come up with a reason to end it. I do really like her and.... well I think we could have been good together but....I like you more,’ confessed Jo with a small smile.Paula smiled back then immediately hated herself, Isla was gonna be heartbroken. ‘And I need to have a chat with Sophie too. We have things that we need to discuss.’There was silence for a moment, the two ladies catching each other’s eyes, holding their gaze far longer than they should have, an awkward tension hanging in the air before Paula finally spoke, ‘I need to go...’ she swallowed hard, ‘Before I do some.....’ she couldn’t finish the sentence.‘Yeah,’ nodded Jo, ‘I’ll see you hun.’ ‘Yeah....’ And with that Paula got up and left, leaving Jo deep in thought.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Paula watched as Sophie walked across the office. Fuck she didn’t deserve any of this. She hated herself for the thoughts she’d had earlier. It felt as if she’d cheated on her which she hadn’t... She wouldn’t.... But talking to Jo, just the two of them, had stirred up feelings that she couldn’t seem to shake. Paula averted her eyes from Sophie and tried to focus on the screen in front of her. She had a shit load to do and wasn’t getting anywhere fast. Suddenly a knock on the door jolted her from her thoughts, and then Mike was in the room. ‘Hey, good weekend?’ he greeted as he walked over and sat down opposite her. ‘How was the head on Saturday?’ ‘Yeah not great,’ admitted Paula remembering how Mike had had to help her home. ‘Sorry about that.’ ‘No need to apologise. And I take it Sunday lunch went ok? I mean you’re still alive so that’s a good thing right?’ Paula smiled, ‘Sunday lunch was interesting.’ ‘Interesting? I’m gonna need a bit more than that? Does Isla know?’‘No,’ hesitated Paula.‘I’m sensing a but.’ ‘Jo’s going to finish with her.’ ‘But that’s a good thing no? I mean obviously not great for Isla but she’ll get over it and this is better for you.’‘Yeah,’ said Paula slowly. ‘You don’t seem convinced,’ stated Mike watching her closely. ‘Paula has something else happened?’ ‘No nothing,’ said Paula quickly not meeting Mike’s eye. ‘Is that the case file you want me to go over?’ She asked nodding at the brown folder in Mike’s hand.‘Err yeah,’ he replied looking carefully at Paula. ‘Here you go, if we could meet after lunch to discuss it, that would be great.’ ‘Yeah no problem,’ agreed Paula as she picked up her pen and opened the file as Mike made for the door but just as he was about to leave he turned back.‘Paula,’ ‘Mmm,’ muttered the lawyer not looking up.‘Word of advice. You have a good thing going with Sophie. Don’t fuck it up.’ And with that he left the room.
Paula groaned and dropped her pen, leaning back in her chair she closed her eyes. I know I do, she thought to herself, but does Sophie have a good thing going with me? .........................................................................‘Fancy a spot of lunch?’ Asked Paula as she lent on Sophie’s desk. It was one o’clock and she’d only just left her office. She’d tried telling herself it was because she was too busy but she knew it was because she’d been trying to avoid Sophie. ‘Well hello. Where did you get to this morning? You didn’t even say goodbye?’ ‘You were still asleep and I didn’t want to wake you.’ ‘Jesus what time did you get in?’ ‘Just after seven, I had loads to get done. I’ve got a meeting after lunch with Mike and I hadn’t prepared.’ ‘Are you alright? You look tired,’ asked Sophie concerned. ‘I’m fine, just a bit stressed with this new case. It’s a complicated one but I’m on top of it now. So you coming with me or not? I only have 45 minutes but I’d like to spend some time you.’ ‘Love to, let me just quickly send this,’ replied Sophie nodding at the computer screen. Paula waited, looking at Sophie as she focused, she looked so cute when she concentrated. After a couple of minutes Sophie clicked off the computer. ‘Right I’m all yours,’ she grinned. ‘Where do ya fancy eating?’ ‘Pub over the road ok? I haven’t really got time to go far and they always rush out our orders.’‘Your order,’ corrected Sophie. ‘I’ve noticed they always seem to give you preferential treatment,’ she smiled as she grabbed her jacket. ‘Yeah well they know a busy woman when they see one,’ grinned Paula, ‘Right you ready? Let’s go.’........................................................................The two woman ordered their lunch without even bothering to glance at a menu, then taking their drinks, made their way over to the furthest booth and sat down facing each other. Paula quickly glancing at her watch as she took a sip of her fizzy water. ‘It’s only a meeting with Mike I’m sure he won’t mind you being a few minutes late,’ reasoned Sophie. ‘Yeah I know, it’s just I’ve got back to back meetings after I meet him so it can’t over run.’ ‘You’ve only been back five minutes and you’re already working flat out.’ ‘Yeah well this is what happens when I take time off,’ laughed Paula. ‘Spose it doesn’t help that we had such a busy weekend.’ ‘No,’ muttered Paula, really not wanting to talk about Sunday again. Sophie had already spent ages the previous evening analysing Jo’s behaviour, asking endless questions. So do you think she’s got the message? Do you reckon she’ll do that every time you meet up? Surely she’ll finish with Isla now? Do you think she’ll tell her? In the end Paula had decided the only way to shut her up was to stick her tongue down her throat. Which had worked nicely and they’d spent the rest of the evening rolling around in bed, thoughts and opinions of Jo forgotten. ‘I think Jo stayed over last night,’ stated Sophie, pulling Paula away from her thoughts. ‘Did she?’ Asked Paula taking a sip of her drink. ‘Yeah I know she said she was leaving but I’m sure I heard them chatting in Isla’s room.....I hope she heard us if she did.’ ‘What?’ Asked Paula not really following what Sophie was saying.‘I hope she heard you last night, you know you were pretty noisy babe and until I heard their voices earlier I didn’t realise quite how thin the walls in your house are.’ ‘You hope she heard me?’ Questioned Paula.‘Yeah when I made you cum, I hope she heard you scream my name. After her antics at dinner I want her to know your mine now. That she had her chance and blew it.’ ‘Yep that she did,’ smiled Paula as she felt Sophie’s bare foot rub over the top of hers then continue up her calf, sending a shiver up her spine.‘Was I really that loud?’ ‘Mmm,’ confirmed Sophie. ‘You always are when you drink wine.’‘Really?’ Mused Paula as she lent forward to take Sophie’s hand in hers. ‘Have you been analysing me?’ ‘Yep,’ grinned Sophie, ‘I also know bubbles make you giggly and spirits turn you into a horny fucker.’ ‘Wow you really do know me very well don’t you?’ Smirked Paula. ‘Sorry to interrupt, one chicken salad and one prawn sandwich on brown,’ announced the waitress as she placed their orders in front of them.‘Thanks,’ replied both ladies as they pulled the plates towards them. ‘Yep I definitely wait much longer when I’m not with you,’ confirmed Sophie as she took a bite of her sandwich. ‘Maybe we should have lunch together more often then,’ smiled Paula as she picked up her fork. ‘You wouldn’t always be ten minutes late back from lunch then.’ ‘Hey I’m not always late,’ shot back Sophie. ‘No not always,’ teased Paula as both woman got stuck into their lunch. .........................................................................Fifteen minutes later just as they were finishing up Paula’s work phone rang, ‘Sorry love but I need to take this,’ she apologised before answering the call. ‘Yes this is Paula Martin - Hello - Sorry which date? - Friday? - The forth? - Yes?’ Paula glanced over at Sophie a look of confusion and maybe annoyance on her face, Sophie couldn’t tell. ‘Do you have the receipts? - No I’m not questioning anything I just need them for expenses - Ok - Yes if you could email them over now and I’ll get it paid immediately - I can assure you this will not happen again - I thought it had been dealt with - Ok - Thank you - Goodbye.’ Paula slowly placed the phone back on the table, took a deep breath and looked over at Sophie. She didn’t look happy.‘What?’ Asked Sophie bewildered. ‘That was a woman called Sarah, she’s the manager of the VIP lounge in True.’ ‘Right,’ replied Sophie now even more baffled. ‘What’s she ringing you for?’ ’Yeah well she probably should have called you, but then, it’s not your number on my business card is it?’ ‘Paula what are you on a......’ oh shit this had something to do with Friday night when she was at the club. Shit she didn’t think Paula would find out. ‘Ahh.’ ‘Ahh, yeah have you remembered now?’ ‘Oh come on babe I only gave the bouncer your name and one of your cards, said I knew Eddie Rafferty so we’d get a VIP table. I didn’t think it would matter. There were loads of spare tables and once he’d gone away and checked he just let us straight up.’ ‘So you used my name to get a table,’ confirmed Paula folding her arms. ‘Yeah I’m sorry I should have told you. It’s just the others seemed so disappointed when you weren’t with me and I guess I felt.... That I.....I wanted to impress them?’‘Does that explain the £475 bar tab too?’ Asked Paula trying to keep her voice down.‘What?’ Exclaimed Sophie almost choking on her drink. ‘You heard me?’ ‘Paula I really have no idea what you’re talking about?’ ‘Sophie you left without paying the tab and apparently the card behind the bar had expired.’‘Honestly I have no idea what you’re talking about. They asked me for a card to put behind the bar but we all bought our own drinks separately up at the bar, what the hell cost £475?’ ‘That’s what I’m going to find out,’ exclaimed Paula as she opened her phone and checked her emails. ‘Ahh here we are. Two bottles of champagne and it looks like three rounds of Sambuca.’ ‘And that cost nearly £500 quid!’ Exclaimed Sophie.
‘Well the champagne cost £150 a bottle.’ ‘Oh my god I’m so sorry. There must be some mistake.’‘Some mistake? So you didn’t drink any champagne the other night?’ Asked Paula skeptically. ‘Oh god I don’t know? Maybe?’ ‘Maybe? How can you not remember it comes to the table with a fucking sparkler in it!’ ‘Well yeah now I’m thinking about it after a few too many blue cocktails I do vaguely remember holding a champagne glass but then I could be getting mixed up with the night we were there.’ ‘Jesus Sophie how could you be so stupid?’ ‘Look I said I’m sorry.’‘Your sorry, right so that’s ok then, is it? The fact you used my name and then didn’t even bother to tell me. This is my reputation Sophie. How does it look the fact that I’ve left without paying, I’m a fucking lawyer who specialises in fraud. This is fraud.’ ‘Oh come on babe that’s a bit of an exaggeration. Can’t you just tell them someone must have used your name. They can’t expect you to pay for someone else’s drinks.’ ‘They can if they were ordered to my table and you drank them. Do you really think I want to make a big deal over this? Rafferty was doing me a favour the other night. I don’t want it to look like I’m taking the piss.’ ‘So what you gonna do?’ ‘The only thing I can do, pay the bill and apologise. I’ve already said there must have been a mix up.’ ‘I’ll pay you back the money,’ promised Sophie. ‘Oh grow up Sophie it’s not about the money it’s the fact you used my name and didn’t even bother to tell me. I’ve worked my arse off to build up my client base, I can not have that ruined by you wanting to impress your mates.’‘Like you, you mean?’ Shot back Sophie, she couldn’t believe Paula was being like this.‘What?’ ‘Oh come on Paula you telling me you didn’t enjoy everyone sucking up to you?’ The big shot lawyer who can get whatever she wants because she knows a few people and she’s loaded.’ ‘Yeah well at least I’ve earned that right,’ spat Paula getting up and gathering her stuff together. ‘I’ll pay the bill on the way out shall I? Just incase you forget,’ and with that she walked away leaving Sophie totally gobsmacked.

......................................................................‘Fuck,’ screamed Paula once she was back in the safety of her office. What the hell was that all about? Why had she gone off on one like that? Then the realisation hit her like a brick. Shit. This was guilt. She’d jumped on Sophie’s mistake so she could feel better about herself. Jesus she’d told her to grow up, she’d talked to her like one of her kids. Taking a few deep breaths Paula rummaged around in her bag for her credit card, pulling up the email from the bar she sent over her bank details. Great lunch that had turned out to be, she was £500 quid down and she’s just stormed out on Sophie. Fan-fucking-tastic.Glancing up at the clock Paula realised she was already five minutes late to meet Mike. Taking another deep breath she collected her paperwork and made her way out of her office past Sophie’s empty desk. Knocking on Mike’s door she entered and dropped herself into a seat at the table spreading the documents out in front of her. ‘Good lunch?’ Commented Mike as he sat down, a half eaten sandwich clutched in his hand. ‘Some of us don’t get the luxury of a lunch break.’ ‘Yeah well I wish I hadn’t bothered,’ snapped Paula as she clicked her pen, open shut, open shut, open shut.
‘Is everything ok?’ ‘No Mike it’s not really, but before you ask I really don’t wanna talk about it so can we just get on with this? I’ve got to be in court at half 3 then I’m seeing another two clients after that. I really don’t have time to think about my personal life right now. ‘Right ok, well I’m here if you need me.’ ‘Thanks,’ replied Paula in a softer tone as she smiled up at her friend.

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Sophie looked down at the tiny pieces of beermat scattered all over the table and suddenly realised she had no idea how long she’d been sat in the booth trying to take in what had just happened. She should probably be getting back to the office but she really couldn’t be arsed to move. She knew she’d made a mistake not telling Paula about Friday night but she really hadn’t thought it was gonna be such a big deal. Surely Paula knew it wasn’t her that had racked up that bill, she knew she wouldn’t do that, didn’t she? Suddenly the shrill of her phone jolted her from her thoughts, scaring her half to death. Picking it up she she took one look at the screen and inhaled a deep breath before answering, ‘Hello Rosie.’
‘Oh hi babes I didn’t expect you to answer.’ ‘So why ring me then?’ Snapped Sophie. ‘So I could leave a voicemail.’ ‘Right well now you can talk to me.’‘You ok? You don’t sound too good.’ ‘I’m fine. Look Rosie what do ya want I’m due back at work.’ ‘Babe your shagging the boss I hardly think you need to worry about being a bit late.’ ‘Rosie,’ said Sophie though clenched teeth.‘Ok sorry I’ll get to the point. I need to get your visas sorted out so I was just wondering when your thinking of flying out.’ ‘I haven’t even agreed to come yet.’ ‘Sophie come on this is absolutely ridiculous. I am offering you an all expenses round the world trip and you still can’t make your bloody mind up. Honestly any other person would jump at the chance.’‘I know but....’ ‘But what? What is bothering you?’ ‘Rosie I can’t just leave Manchester for nine months just like that.’ ‘It’s hardly just like that and anyway it’s nine months. It’s not forever. What are you so bothered about?’ ‘My whole life’s here.’ ‘Yes and it will still be there when you get back.’ True, Rosie did have a point. The main reason she was staying had just stormed out on her and told her to grow up. ‘Do you still need to know by Friday?’ ‘At the absolute latest.’ ‘Right ok I’ll let you know.’‘You keep saying that,’ whinged Rosie.‘Yeah I know but this time I promise I will. Now I need to go.’ ‘Ok bye babe, I can’t wait to see you.’ Sophie smiled, ‘Goodbye Rosie,’ she said firmly as she ended the call and sunk back against the padding of the booth, as usual Rosie had perfect timing. Sophie had been thinking loads about her sister’s offer ever since her conversation with Ryan at the club. At first she’d dismissed her idea without giving it much thought but the more she talked to other people the more she realised that maybe she’s been too quick to write it off. Listening to Isla, Jo and Paula talk about their travels yesterday had ignited a spark in her that she never realised existed and now after chatting to the ever persuasive Rosie she was beginning to think that actually maybe she should give the trip serious consideration.

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It was just after six when Paula finally made it back to the office, completely exhausted. She hadn’t heard from Sophie all day but then to be fair Sophie hadn’t heard from her. Stopping at Sophie’s desk Paula placed her files down and pulled out her phone, she was guessing Sophie had gone home and hoped she’d tried to call her or at least send a text but there was nothing. ‘Hey,’ called Mike as he past Paula, his coat on, briefcase in hand. ‘I’m just joining a few of the others over the road, you look like you could do with a drink, fancy joining us?’ Paula looked down at the phone in her hand and back up at Mike. ‘Yeah ok just give me a minute while I dump this in the office. ...................................................................‘Isla I have no idea why your dad wants to see you. I haven’t spoken to him - So why don’t you call him - Why are you asking me, it’s not my decision - So you not seeing Jo tonight then? - Ok don’t bite by head off.’ Ben leaned back against the wall watching as Paula paced back and forth her phone to her ear. From his vantage point he could tell she was pissed off, and a pissed off Paula was a very sexy Paula. God he could watch her all day. Shit she was coming his way. ‘You got another one of those?’ She asked nodding at the cigarette in his hand.‘Umm yeah, hold on,’ replied Ben as he fumbled for the pack in his pocket. ‘Here,’ he offered giving her the packet. ‘Thanks,’ she said as she took a cigarette and swapped the pack over for the lighter he was holding out. Ben watched intently as she brought the cigarette to her lips and lit it, closed her eyes and took a long pull drawing the smoke into her lungs and then taking a long exhale. ‘God I miss smoking,’ she confessed as she opened her eyes, ‘But it’s such a bad habit.’ ‘Yeah,’ agreed Ben taking a drag on his own cigarette, not really sure what to say. They stood side by side staring out into the night for a while smoking, until he couldn’t take the silence anymore. ‘Bad day?’ ‘Yep.’ ‘Phone call top it off? You looked quite annoyed.’
Paula smiled, ‘No that was just my daughter wanting me to make decisions for her then biting my head off for asking a simple question.’‘Kids hey, who’d have em?’ Paula smiled, ‘How old are you?’ ‘Twenty three,’‘And what do you imagine doing in the next ten years?’ Ben turned to face Paula looking at her suspiciously, why was she asking him that? ‘Umm dunno I’ve not really thought about it too much. I guess finishing my studies and getting into a good law firm would be a good start,’ he shrugged. ‘And aside from your career?’ ‘Well I’m hoping when I finally start earning a decent wage life will be a haze of wine, women and song.’ ‘Don’t we all,’ replied Paula with a cheeky smile as she glanced at Ben out of the corner of her eye.‘Well life’s for living isn’t it. Don’t want any regrets.’
‘Totally agree,’ replied Paula watching the thin line of smoke from her cigarette snake through the darkness. ‘So do you have any then? Regrets I mean?’ Asked Ben as he watched Paula stare into space. ‘Jesus, now that’s a question,’ sighed Paula as she blew out a ribbon of smoke. ‘I suppose I’ve made a lot of mistakes but then I imagine most people my age have and to be honest if I had my time again I’d probably still do things the same, it’s how you learn isn’t it. So no, no regrets.’ ‘That’s good I hope I can say that when I’m older,’ said Ben as he flicked his cigarette butt into the darkness. ‘Look I know I’ve been an absolutely dick at times but I just wanna say that I really look up to you, you know, what you’ve achieved and everything. I’ve learnt a lot from working with you.’ Paula listened her eyes growing wide, wow was this the same Ben? ‘Thanks,’ she replied, ‘And you have definitely grown up A LOT.’ ‘Are you flirting with me?’ Grinned Ben raising his eyebrows. ‘No,’ smiled back Paula. ‘Right yeah, just checking, but this does mean I’m going up in your estimations?’

‘Yeah, but don’t get me wrong, you’re still irritating, it’s just you’re growing on me,’ smirked Paula as she dropped her cigarette to the floor and made to go back inside. ‘Thanks for the cigarette.’ ‘Anytime boss,’ winked Ben making Paula roll her eyes.‘Ahh you were doing so well,’ she sighed as she walked inside.

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‘Right so now everyone’s gone you can tell me what’s up,’ demanded Mike as he placed another scotch in front of his colleague and good friend. ‘It’s nothing,’ ‘Nothing? Paula you were acting weird this morning, you came back from lunch in a foul mood, you’re on your fourth scotch of the evening and you’ve been smoking which definitely confirms you’re stressed.’ ‘Jesus Mike please don’t give me a hard time,’ groaned Paula as she wrapped her hands around the glass in front of her. ‘I’m not but I am worried about you. It’s got something to do with Sunday hasn’t it?’ Paula looked up at Mike from under her fringe. ‘Partly,’ she admitted. ‘Well come on then, spill.’ ‘Look Mike it’s late, you should really be getting home.’‘And what about you? Shouldn’t you be getting home? Won’t Sophie be wondering where you are?’’‘Probably not,’ sighed Paula, ‘We’ve had a row.’
‘Something that can be fixed?’ ‘Yeah.’ ‘Right well then, go home and put things right.’
‘It’s not that simple.’ ‘Why not?’ Paula took a long sip of her drink then looked up at Mike, a sadness in her eyes, ‘Because I think I need to let her go.....’

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Paula watched as the city centre past by her window, a million and one things running through her head. Mike had been brilliant earlier, as always, listening to her ramblings. He didn’t say much but instead just let her talk until she’d pretty much decided what she needed to do.The cab pulled up outside her house around half 9 where she paid the driver and got out, feeling slightly queasy. She hadn’t eatten anything since lunch and now had a shit load of whisky swirling round her stomach. Walking up the steps she slowly opened the door and made her way through to the kitchen. She needed to eat.Sophie watched as Paula climbed out of the car appreciating the view she got of her legs and cleavage as her coat slipped open. Shit even when she was annoyed with her she still wanted to shag her senseless. Sophie heard the click of the door but didn’t move. Would Paula come in search of her or wait for Sophie to come to her?’ Well someone’s in thought Paula as she hung up her coat and dumped her bags in the hallway. She needed to speak to Sophie but didn’t think she could face her without eating first. If indeed it was Sophie that was in, it could very well be Isla that had deactivated the alarm and Sophie could have chosen not to come home at all.Walking into the kitchen Paula opened the fridge and stood inspecting the contents. She found a leftover bowl of pasta and set about heating it up wondering how best to start the conversation with Sophie, obviously an apology would be a good start. Taking a fork she sat down and started to eat. God this took her back to before she’d met Sophie when she’d spent too many evenings eating microwave meals for one. Was she really ready to start doing that again? She’d nearly finished her food, her stomach settling a bit when Sophie entered the kitchen. ‘You’re late,’ she said simply as she pulled out a stool to sit opposite Paula.‘Yeah, sorry I went for a couple of drinks over the road, got chatting, you know how it is. Where did you get to earlier? You weren’t at your desk when I left.’ ‘Nope that would be because I didn’t come back to work.’ ‘Oh right,’ whispered Paula. ‘No one said. ‘Yeah well, when you’re no one important it’s way too easy to skive in that place.’ ‘Hey you’re important.’ ‘Am I?’ ‘Ahh darling of course you are, you’re one of the most important people in my life,’ smiled Paula her voice cracking slightly. ‘I’m sorry about earlier I shouldn’t have gone off at you like that. It was completely uncalled for.’ ‘No it’s fine I shouldn’t have used your name it was a stupid thing to do. I really didn’t think it through,’ stated Sophie. ‘Look like you explained it was a heat of the moment thing and you weren’t to know that someone would take advantage,’ reasoned Paula. ‘So you don’t think it was me then that racked up that bill.’ ‘No of cause not.’ ‘But when you left you said.....’‘Yeah I know what I said but I don’t believe for one minute it was you. You wouldn’t do that.’ ’Good, because the last thing I want you to think is that I’m some kind of gold digger or something because you know that’s not why I’m with you. I know other people might think it and that’s bad enough but ....’‘No I know,’ stated Paula simply as she gazed over at Sophie.‘Well good cos I meant what I said I’ll pay you back. I know you said it wasn’t about the money but it’d make me feel better beca.....’ ‘Sophie,’ butted in Paula, ‘I said I don’t want you to pay me back. I know you’re not with me for my money. I know it was a stupid mistake. I know you’re sorry. Now can we forget it,’ smiled Paula watching the relief on Sophie’s face. ‘So I’m forgiven then?’ Grinned Sophie. ‘Yes you’re forgiven. Am I?’ ‘Yeah’ replied Sophie, ‘Well that was painless, I’m so glad we sorted that out I really don’t like pissing you off. You’re very intimidating when you’re angry.’ ‘Yeah well it’s my job to be intimidating,’ replied Paula following Sophie with her eyes as she watched her walk around the counter, where she stopped behind her and wrapping her arms around her waist, nuzzling into her neck. ‘So how bout we go and make up properly then?’ Whispered Sophie into Paula’s ear as she started to plant gentle kisses down her neck her hands wandering to untuck her shirt. Paula shivered as Sophie continued her assault on her neck her hands roaming up under her shirt. ‘Sophie I need to.....mmmm...’ breathed Paula as Sophie’s hand cupped a breast. ‘I need to talk to you,’ she said quickly removing Sophie’s hand before her body succumbed completely to her touch. ‘What is it?’ Asked Sophie. This was totally unlike Paula, normally when Sophie made advances she’d respond immediately, usually trying to dominate the situation but not now. Now Paula was actually pulling away. Paula twisted round on her stool, immediately racked with guilt, as she saw the look on Sophie’s face. ‘I though we were ok. Have I done something wrong?’ Asked Sophie softly.Shit she couldn’t do this, not now, not like this. ‘No not at all it’s just....’ fuck she needed to say something, anything. ‘I’ve been smoking,’ she blurted out for want of a better excuse.‘Fuck Paula I thought you were gonna say something a bit more important than that.’ ‘Yeah sorry I just..... I didn’t want you to kiss me and.....’ ‘You are so funny, you know that don’t you?’ ‘Why?’ Asked Paula puzzled. ‘You’re some bad arse lawyer and you get nervous telling me you had a cigarette.’ ‘Yeah well I know how much you hate me smoking and you can be pretty scary too when you’re cross,’ smiled Paula.‘Oh babe I have nothing on you,’ laughed Sophie ‘But why you smoking? You told me you quit years ago.’ ‘Yeah I did, but sometimes I can’t help but give in to temptation, what can I say,’ shrugged Paula. ‘Well as long as it’s just once in a while,’ warned Sophie as she pushed her body in between Paula’s legs and ran her hands up her thighs smiling when she felt Paula shudder.‘Mmm just once in a while,’ repeated Paula as she felt Sophie’s hands run further up her thighs, her skirt moving higher, exposing more flesh, Sophie pushing her body closer to hers. Shit she’d been so sure about what she was going to say, she’d rehearsed a speech in the car for fucks sake and now she’d bottled it. ‘You are so sexy,’ moaned Sophie into the lawyer’s ear as she moved her hands and made for the buttons on Paula’s shirt. Leaning back away from her so she could take in the view she slowly undid the first button. Paula did nothing, just sat and watched her, looking from Sophie’s fingers then up to her face. It turned her on so much when Paula simply let her undress her, especially when she was still dressed for work, a place where she was so dominant, yet here she was surrendering herself to Sophie. Paula sat back and watched as Sophie slowly undid the buttons on her shirt. She was so breathtakingly gorgeous and Paula was so unbelievably aroused right now it was ridiculous. How could she have even wasted one second lusting after Jo, Jesus what the hell was wrong with her? She needed her head testing. It wasn’t for her to decide what was best for Sophie. Maybe Sophie didn’t need to go off and find herself, maybe she knew exactly what she wanted already. Not everyone’s the same, maybe she was content with Paula and always would be. Paula shook her head, snapping herself back to the present. She took a sharp intake of breath as Sophie, now finished with her shirt, squeezed a breast and brought her lips crashing down on Paula’s, her tongue pushing into her mouth, Paula responding, her tongue clashing with Sophie’s as she felt Sophie tweak a nipple. ‘Jesus Soph.’ Sophie smiled against Paula’s lips and released her mouth. ‘Mmm you taste good, not a hint of smoke but scotch, am I right?’ Guessed Sophie. ‘Mmm I may have had a few glasses,’ admitted Paula as she sat back against the stool her shirt open, skirt pushed high up her legs. ‘Look what you’ve done to me, I’m a mess.’ ‘Yeah a hot mess though,’ laughed Sophie as she ran a finger between Paula’s cleavage as she started to lean forward bending her head towards Paula’s breasts.,’Soph,’ groaned Paula as she put a hand on her shoulder stopping her from moving closer.‘Jeez what is it this time?’ Asked Sophie frustrated as she looked at Paula.‘Is Isla in?’ ‘No she’s not so we have the house to ourselves,’ smiled Sophie as she wrapped her arms around Paula’s neck. ‘Right well that means she could be back soon so we’re gonna need to continue this upstairs.’‘Ahh didn’t think of that, but it’s late, she’s probably at Jo’s,’ reasoned Sophie wishing that Paula would shut the hell up and just fuck her already. ‘She’s not, she went to see Tim, so she could walk through that door any minute now and after she probably heard me cum last night, I’d rather she didn’t find us fucking in the kitchen.’ ‘God no,’ exclaimed Sophie, realising for the first time that it was highly possible Isla had heard. ‘Shit I didn’t even think about Isla, I was so intent on wondering if Jo had heard you.’ Paula laughed, ‘Yeah I realised that when you mentioned it earlier but don’t worry I haven’t been on the wine so I’ll be good and keep the noise down tonight.’‘Not too good, I hope,’ smiled Sophie as she moved to let Paula slip from the stool. ‘Well I’ve been drinking scotch,’ replied Paula wrapping her arms around Sophie’s neck as she raised her eyebrows, ‘So we’ll need to see if you’re right about me being a, what was it you said earlier? A horny fucker,’ finished Paula drawing out the last word as she removed her arms from round Sophie’s neck and taking her hand in hers guided her towards the door.Sophie let herself be led from the kitchen, her eyes fixed on Paula’s hips, she was sure they were swaying just a little more than usual. God I’m one lucky girl she thought as she followed Paula into the hallway and up the stairs. Shit had she made the wrong decision? She’d been so sure after meeting with Ryan in the Bistro earlier and then calling Rosie back to give her the much anticipated news. She’d felt so excited, so sure she’d made the right choice but now she couldn’t help but think that maybe she hadn’t. Nine months was a long time, could they survive that long apart? And more pressingly how the fuck was she going to break the news to Paula?

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sophie rolled over and wrapped an arm around a still sleeping Paula, snuggling up to her back. It was only early but Sophie had been awake for a good while, thinking. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d woken up before Paula and it was cute hearing her gently snoring next to her. Last night had been amazing as per usual. Sex with Paula was always amazing, she just knew exactly how to turn her on, bringing her to orgasm over and over. Last night she’d used her fingers, her tongue and a dildo which had been a new experience, one that Sophie had instigated, much to Paula’s delight. Well Sophie figured if she was going to be leaving in a week she may as well experiment a bit. Sophie would miss Paula terribly when she left but she figured they’d be able to text everyday and video call and if Paula could get time off maybe she’d come out and meet her? And it was like Ryan had said, nine months out of the whole of her life was nothing. This was a once in a life time opportunity and she would be nuts to miss out. Paula stirred, and pulled Sophie’s arm tighter round her naked torso. ‘Good morning gorgeous,’ whispered Sophie as she nuzzled the lawyer’s neck. Paula smiled, ‘How come you’re awake already’ She mumbled as she stretched out a hand to look at her phone. Ten to 6. ‘Did I not wear you out enough last night?’ smirked Paula. ‘Oh babe you definitely wore me out. I really enjoyed my new toy.’‘Good, I’m glad you’re relaxed enough now to feel comfortable trying new things,’ said Paula as she turned to face Sophie propping herself up on an elbow. ‘And I love that I get to be the person to introduce you to them,’ smirked Paula as she ran her foot up Sophie’s calf. ‘Now as much as I would love to stay here with you all morning I need to get in the shower unless you wanna get in there first? You’re never normally up.’‘No you go, maybe I’ll come and join you in a bit.’ Paula smiled, as she stretched and got out of bed, kicking the dildo out of the way as she made her way to the bathroom, ‘Toys on a week night whatever next,’ she said with a chuckle. .........................................................................‘Sophie do you know where my work phone is? Sophie?’ Questioned Paula again as she walked along the hallway rummaging through her satchel. No answer. Looking up she saw that Sophie was sitting at the island with her back to the door and was seemingly so engrossed in whatever she was looking at on her phone that she hadn’t heard her at all. Paula walked nearer and due to the ridiculously large phone screen saw that she seemed to be looking at holiday photos. Sophie was still oblivious to the fact Paula was only a couple of metres behind her so she walked closer. The photos looked like they were of Rosie. Paula had only seen a couple of photos of Sophie’s sister but there was definitely a family resemblance. Paula could see why she was a model and it looked like she was having an amazing time away, every photo seemed to have a background more fantastic than the last. Paula stood for a few more seconds before she finally asked
‘What you looking at?’ Over Sophie’s shoulder.Sophie jumped up from her phone, ‘Jesus don’t creep up on me like that,’ she gasped as a flash of pink swept past her. Paula hadn’t worn her pink blazer for ages and it reminded Sophie of when they’d first started seeing each other. Wow who would have thought back then that five months later they’d be living together. ‘I didn’t jump up on you. I asked you a bloody question as I walked down the hall and you ignored me.’ ‘Ahh sorry what did you ask?’ ‘Nothing it’s all right I’ve found it now,’ explained Paula as she held up her phone which she’d found on the windowsill ‘So what’s so interesting?’ Asked Paula nodding towards Sophie’s phone? ‘Oh nothing much,’ replied Sophie switching it off and placing it in front of her. ‘So you ready to go?’ Asked Paula as she poured a quick coffee and took a sip. ‘Umm yeah what time’s the cab coming?’ Asked Sophie slightly distracted. ‘Half past, that ok?’ Asked Paula as she set about gathering up her stuff.’ ‘Yep fine...... Paula...’ asked Sophie slowly. ‘Yeah daring.’ ‘Are you busy later? I mean after work? Will you have loads to do or....’ ‘Umm shouldn’t need to do much, no. Why?’ ‘Can we have a chat.’ ‘A chat?’ Questioned Paula her eyebrows raised. ‘Sounds ominous.’ ‘No it’s nothing bad, well it’s... I just.....’ stuttered Sophie looking at her phone. ‘I wanna talk something through with you......’ ‘Right,’ replied Paula thinking she knew what the conversation might be about, ‘Ok I’ll try and get back from court as soon as.’ .........................................................................It was nine thirty and Paula was just heading out of the office to make her way over to court when her personal phone signalled she had a message. She’d better check that before court, it could be Isla. She’d heard her come in last night but had been otherwise engaged and as usual Isla hadn’t been up when they’d left. Paula had sent her a quick message earlier asking how the chat with her dad had gone so hopefully she was replying to that. She wanted to check she was ok seeing as it was the first time Isla had spoken to Tim since the incident the other week. Slipping behind the wheel of her car she pulled the phone from her bag. Nope it wasn’t Isla but that was strange it was an unknown number. Paula wasn’t going to bother reading the message but then curiosity got the better of her and she opened the text.Hi hun I got ur number from Isla’s phone hope u don’t mind. I just wanted to give u a heads up that I’m finishing with her tonight. I can’t spend anymore time with her knowing I still have feelings for u. It’s not fair. I’ll keep ur name out of it. The last thing I want to do is cause u any problems. Have u spoken to Sophie yet? xxx Paula sighed, just when she thought she’d sorted her head out something came along to set her brain in motion again. So Jo was finishing with Isla and by the looks of it Sophie was planning on travelling to the other side of the world, unless of course there was another reason why she suddenly needed a chat. Paula hesitated for a while then typed out a reply, pushing send before she changed her mind. Right she didn’t have time to think about this now she needed to get to court..........................................................................Paula lay back in the bath and sighed, it had been a busy day in court and all she really wanted to do now was get into her pyjamas, cosy up with Sophie and watch rubbish on TV but she knew she couldn’t do that. She knew instead she was going to need to talk to Sophie.

Downstairs Sophie was clearing away from dinner having shooed Paula off to have a bath so she could go over what she was going to say one more time. Why the hell was she so nervous? It had been Paula that had told her to really think about Rosie’s offer, so she’d only done what she’d suggested, surely if she didn’t want her to go she would have said.‘Want a coffee?’ Asked Paula as she walked into the kitchen twenty minutes later her hair up, navy satin PJ set on. ‘Yeah please, think I need one, I’m half asleep.’ replied Sophie.‘We can leave this for another time, if you want to sleep on it.‘No I’d rather do it now.’ ‘Ok well I’ll make the coffee, you go and sit.’ ‘Ok,’ agreed Sophie as she jumped off her stool. A few minutes later Paula set two mugs down on the coffee table along with a box of chocolates and sat next to Sophie where she tucked her feet under her and twisted to face her. ‘Right what do you wanna chat about?’ Asked Paula already pretty certain she knew. ‘Ok....’ started Sophie twisting her hands in her lap, ‘So you know Rosie asked me to go and work for her, well not really work for her it’s more like just being around really. I mean from what I can gather I think the hardest part about the job would be getting her out of bed in the morning. Anyway you know she gave me a few weeks to let her know what I was going to do and that when we went to the restaurant I said I wasn’t going to go and you told me to think it through and well I’ve thought about it a lot and I’ve spoken to a few people and well obviously I wanted to talk it over with you before I do anything but.....’ ‘You’ve decided to go,’ finished Paula smiling across at Sophie. ‘Yeah,’ whispered Sophie as she looked up to meet Paula’s intense stare. ‘Well I think you’ve made an excellent choice. It’ll be an amazing experience and you’d be a fool not to go.’ ‘Really?’ Smiled Sophie, the relief clear on her face.‘Yes really,’ laughed Paula as she saw Sophie’s eyes light up. ‘Oh babe thank you so much. It’s the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make but I figured we can make it work can’t we? I mean we can text and face time and I was even thinking if you can, you should come and meet us somewhere. How cool would that be? Have you travelled round Asia much? I’m sure we could work something out, Rosie won’t mind.’ ‘Sophie,’ said Paula softly as she smiled at the young brunette’s excitement. ‘Yeah?’ Questioned Sophie not liking the expression on Paula’s face.‘I don’t want to come out and meet you and I certainly don’t want you face timing me every five minutes.’ ‘What?’ Said Sophie her face falling. ‘Oh darling don’t look at me like that.’ ‘But....So what are you saying?’‘I’m saying that I think you need to get out there and live a little.’ ‘But I can do that and still be with you,’ reasoned Sophie. ‘No you can’t Soph. I want you to go on this big adventure without me,’ explained Paula. ‘You know we’re at different stages of our lives. I want you to have fun not worry about me. I don’t want you thinking you have to report back to me, I want you to be free to....‘Free? Free to do what exactly? Meet someone else?’
‘Well no, hopefully not, but if you do then.....’ ‘Don’t you love me anymore?’ Murmured Sophie completely confused. ‘Oh Soph I’m doing this because I love you,’ said Paula softly, tears welling in her eyes as she reached out for Sophie’s hand. ‘Well you’ve got a really weird way of showing it,’ scoffed Sophie as she moved her hand away. ‘Just admit it, you’ve had enough of me haven’t you and this is an easy way out,’ accused Sophie as tears started to stain her cheeks. ‘Go on just admit it,’ she goaded. ‘No I won’t because it’s not true,’ explained Paula blinking back her tears. ‘I’m doing this because I don’t want you to turn around in however many years from now and end up resenting me.’ ‘Well don’t you think that’s up to ....’ ‘Mum, mum! Where are you?’ Came Isla’s voice down the hallway, she didn’t sound happy.Fuck talk about timing, thought Paula as Isla came crashing through the door. ‘You ok?’ Asked Paula wiping her eyes and looking over at Sophie who was doing the same.‘Do I look ok?’ Snapped Isla as she paced the lounge, she’d obviously been crying too and her hands were bunched into fists at her sides.‘Well no,’ admitted Paula knowing full well what had happened but not quite expecting this reaction. She knew there’d be tears but why was Isla so angry. ‘What’s the matter?’ Questioned Sophie, ‘Do you want me to get you anything? I can make you a drink,’ offered Sophie as she made to get up. She could do with an excuse to leave the room and go and compose herself. ‘No I’m alright thank you,’ replied Isla finally taking a seat across the room, ‘Sophie you don’t need to leave.’ ‘It’s fine I need to....’‘Soph will you just sit down,’ cried Isla. ‘Isla,’ Warned Paula as she carefully watched her daughter. ‘What the hell’s got into you? What’s happened?’ Isla sighed and looked directly at her mum ‘It’s Jo she’s finished with me.’ Sophie looked from Isla and then at Paula waiting to see what she’d say. ‘Oh love I’m so sorry.’ ‘What happened?’ Asked Sophie quickly.‘Same old story, she’s cheated on me. I mean what is it with me and relationships? Can no one stay faithful?’ She seethed her eyes not moving from Paula even when Sophie started talking. ‘She’s cheated? She’s only been back a few weeks,’ exclaimed Sophie alarm bells ringing.‘Yeah I know it was with an ex. Apparently they bumped into each other and realised they still had feelings for each other. Can you believe I actually said it didn’t matter, that we were all allowed to have feelings for our ex’s, I mean how desperate am I?’ laughed Isla. ‘And that’s when she told me she’d fucked her last night, so yeah that’s pretty shit,’ sighed Isla glaring at her mum. Sophie snapped her head round to face Paula, lost for words, as she watched Paula’s face. This could not be happening. Paula had no idea what to say all she could think of was what the hell had Jo been thinking. Why had she said that? ‘I don’t know what to say Isla apart from she obviously doesn’t deserve you.’ Sophie looked down at her fingers twisted together in her lap, she hadn’t? She wouldn’t, would she?‘No she doesn’t...But she deserves you,’ spat Isla glaring at Paula as Sophie’s blood ran cold. ‘Two cheats together, you’ll make a lovely couple.’ Paula’s heart quickened, ‘What?’ She exclaimed. ‘She told you this ex was me?’ Isla shock her head and laughed. ‘She didn’t need to mum, I found the messages on her phone.’

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‘No, no Isla you have got this all wrong. This is a complete misunderstanding.’ ‘Misunderstanding?’ Repeated Sophie feeling physically sick. ‘You seriously have the nerve to sit there and deny it.’ ‘Well she’s hardly gonna admit it is she? She only does that when she’s caught red handed,’ provoked Isla.‘You promised me,’ said Sophie quietly. ‘You promised me that there was nothing between you, that you didn’t have feelings for her anymore.’ ‘What? Sorry, what did you just say? Stuttered Isla, ‘You knew?’ she asked bewildered as she glared at Sophie, and to think she’d felt sorry for her. ‘Yeah I knew about their relationship but......,’ muttered Sophie feeling terrible. Shit this was really rubbing salt into the wounds. ‘Wow so you thought you’d tell your girlfriend here you’d fucked MY girlfriend but didn’t think I needed to know? No? I mean why should you tell me I’m only your daughter. Shit this is so fucked up,’ raged Isla. ‘Isla it was ages ago. I hadn’t seen her for over a year until Sunday and ......’ ‘And then you realised you still couldn’t resist each other, is that it?’ ‘No, nothing’s happened,’ said Paula again, at a total loss for words. ‘Well Jo says otherwise,’ snapped Sophie.‘Sophie please this isn’t true you have got to believe me. Jo’s made this up. How could I.... I was with you last night.’ ‘You were out late,’ shot back Sophie, ‘You’ve just sat here and practically split up with me, told me to go off and have fun. Why would you do that unless there was someone else?’‘Oh for fucks sake I did not spend last night with Jo. I haven’t seen her since yesterday morning.’ ‘Yesterday morning? You didn’t say. You made out you didn’t know she’d stayed over.’Paula looked between her daughter and Sophie and closed her eyes. This seriously could not be happening. How could she make them both see that nothing had happened. She took a deep breath, Sophie and Isla watching on. ‘Come on mum we haven’t got all night, I think you owe both of us an explanation.’‘Isla there is nothing to explain,’ sighed Paula not knowing what else she could say. ‘What actual evidence have you got?’ ‘Oh here she goes, into lawyer mode,’ snapped Isla, ‘She always does this.’ ‘Come on tell me,’ urged Paula. She wanted to make them both see that there was no proof. ‘Ok so how about the fact Jo’s told me she’s screwed her ex and Sophie’s just confirmed you’re her ex. I’ve seen messages on her phone and now Sunday lunch makes a lot more sense. I thought I was just being paranoid but no my girlfriend was flirting with you. I am so fucking stupid.’ ‘Please don’t say that, you’re not stupid. Yes me and Jo were in a relationship but it ended over a year ago and yes we have exchanged text messages but only.....’‘You have been texting her,’ said Sophie quietly.‘Yes,’ said Paula slowly, ‘But only....’ ‘You know what Paula, how about you shut up. I can not believe I was actually gonna sit here and listen to you, give you the benefit of the doubt, but you are so full of shit,’ raged Sophie as she got up and made for the door.‘Sophie please,’ pleaded Paula as she tried to grab Sophie’s wrist to pull her back.‘Don’t touch me,’ seethed Sophie pulling her arm away. ‘I can not sit here and listen to any more lies,’ she screamed, tears now streaming down her face. ‘I’m so sorry Isla,’ she uttered as she rushed from the room. Paula looked longingly at the door wiping tears from her cheeks, Isla staring at her, ‘Seriously why are you crying? You’ve bought this on yourself, no one’s going to feel sorry for you.’ Paula sniffed and swallowed hard trying to compose herself. She wanted so badly to go after Sophie and beg her to listen to her but she knew that Isla needed answers too. ‘I haven’t done anything wrong,’ she whispered again. ‘Do you really think I would do that to you? To Sophie?’ ‘No I didn’t but the facts don’t lie.’ ‘What facts?’ Shouted Paula, frustrated that she couldn’t get Isla to listen. ‘There are no facts because it didn’t happen.‘Jesus mum, Jo told me.’ ‘No she didn’t. She didn’t say my name did she? You’ve assumed.’ ‘But you just admitted you’re her ex.’‘Yeah but I haven’t sleep with her, Jesus. The only thing I’m guilty of here is not telling you we had a relationship. Nothing else,’ said Paula adamantly. ‘But the text messages, I read....’ ‘What? What did you read Isla? Let me guess you snuck a quick look at her phone and barely read them. You just saw my number and read the first couple of lines.’ Isla shifted nervously, shit why was she always right? ‘Yeah so, I got the general gist.’ ‘Which was?’ ‘That you have feelings for each other and that she was going to finish with me and you with Sophie.’Paula laughed, ‘Wow you really have got it all worked out haven’t you. Do you actually want to read the texts properly.’ ‘What?’ Said Isla, this wasn’t what she’d been expecting. ‘Wait there,’ instructed Paula as she left the room. Where did I leave it? She thought as she entered the kitchen. ‘Ahh got it,’ she said as she snatched up her phone just as she heard the front door slam shut. Shit, who was that? She rushed back down the hallway ‘Great,’ she sighed as she looked out of the window to see Sophie’s back retreating down the driveway. Fuck. Should she chase after her? No Isla was waiting for answers, the least she could do was give her them and hope that once she’d convinced her daughter nothing had happened Sophie would be ready to listen too. ‘Here you go,’ she said as she tossed the phone over to Isla. I’ve unlocked it. Look at the messages and this time you can take as long as you like,’ offered Paula as she sat back down on the sofa, this time next to her daughter. Isla looked uncertainty at her mum but opened the messages. She reread them through, twice. ‘I can’t spend time with her knowing I still have feelings for u.’ And ‘maybe u would have waited for me,’ flashed before her eyes.Paula sat and watched, she felt terrible for Isla but she had to prove to her daughter that she hadn’t done what she was being accused of. Isla switched off the phone and placed it on the table. ‘Doesn’t prove you didn’t sleep with her, these messages were sent this morning.’ ‘Oh Isla come on, I did not spend last night with Jo. The last time I saw her was in the kitchen here yesterday morning. You called me last night. I was at the pub....’
‘You asked me if I was seeing Jo, why’d you do that? Was it so you could go and see her?’ Accused Isla even though she was beginning to realise that maybe she’d got it wrong. ‘Really? You really think I would do that? Come on this is completely ridiculous. I asked if you were seeing her because I wanted to make sure I was around if she split up with you.’ ‘Oh gee how good of you,’ retorted Isla. ‘Look Isla I know I should have told you about us. I can see that now but that is the only thing I am guilty of.’
Isla stayed silent and then suddenly let out a laugh ‘Oh my god I’ve just.....You WERE the lawyer weren’t you?’ ‘Yes,’ whispered Paula.‘Wow you’re a very good actress aren’t you? Either that or I’m a complete fool.’ ‘No you’re not a fool. I am, for not telling you sooner.’ ‘So tell me....’ ‘What?’ ‘Tell me what happened between you, back then and since Sunday.’ Paula hesitated, ‘.....Ok.’ ‘Although I spose you want to go after Sophie.’
‘No, no it’s fine. I’ll tell you, if that’s really what you want. If that will convince you I’ve done nothing wrong.’‘What about Sophie?’ ‘It’s ok, I’ll talk to her later. She probably needs some time to cool off anyway.’ That’s if she ever talks to me again she thought. ‘So what do you want to know?’......................................................................
An hour later Paula had finally finished. She’d told Isla everything, more than she probably needed to but she wanted to be sure that she believed her. ‘And you promise me that’s everything? The whole story.’‘Yes.’‘How did I not work it out?’ Groaned Isla. ‘She made a comment about the car, she bought you Tequila, she was really interested in your relationship with Sophie... I...’ ‘Listen there was no way you could have known, please don’t beat yourself up about it. I should have said something as soon as I knew but I didn’t know how to... and then we decided it would be best if she just finished with you, kept my name out of it and you’d be none the wiser,’ shrugged Paula. ‘Although to be fair I thought she could have come up with something a little more inventive. I mean why the hell did she tell you she’d slept with her ex?’ ‘Probably because she knows it’s the one thing I wouldn’t excuse. I’d already said I’d forgive her for still having feelings for an ex because I know if I saw Kayla again all the feelings would still be there,’ admitted Isla.
‘Oh darling, really? After everything she put you through?’ ‘Yeah I know mum, I’m pathetic, but I still love her. I never got over her and all this with Jo..... I was trying so hard to move on....You know.....,but when she told me that she’d cheated I just felt angry, not upset, just so fucking angry that it had happened again.’ ‘Hey come here,’ said Paula softly as she opened her arms and pulled Isla in for a hug. ‘She was your first love, it’s bound to hurt.’ ‘Yeah I guess, but it shouldn’t, not after this long.’
‘It’ll pass. I promise. It will get better and you will meet someone and you will be so happy,’ soothed Paula as she stroked her daughter’s hair. ‘Yeah I hope so,’ whispered Isla as she breathed in her mother‘a scent. ‘Jo wasn’t the one. I knew that as soon as we started spending time together here, in Manchester it was different.....still doesn’t make it any easier though....knowing I’ve come second place to my mum.’Paula tensed and closed her eyes as she continued to stoke her hand down Isla’s hair. ‘I’m so sorry,’ she whispered. .........................................................................
Paula wiggled her wrist and checked the time on her watch 23 minutes past 11. Isla had made her way up to bed about half an hour ago and in that time Paula had managed to eat the entire box of chocolates that had been forgotten on the coffee table and had checked her phone at least fifty times hoping for a reply from Sophie, but nothing. She was wide awake and didn’t know what to do with herself. Should she text Sophie again? Call her? She wouldn’t answer so what was the point.She got up and walked out to the kitchen and just stood there not really knowing what to do next. It was pointless going to bed because she knew she wouldn’t sleep. She was seriously contemplating getting the scotch out but she knew that would be a mistake. She had court in the morning and needed to keep a clear head, but maybe if she just had one glass, it might make her drowsy. Yeah right who was she trying to kid? She scanned the kitchen once more and noticed her car keys on the side. I’ll go for a drive maybe that’ll help me think and it’ll stop me from drinking she thought as she snatched up the keys and made for the door. Twenty minutes later and she found herself sitting in her car parked up on Coronation Street. She hadn’t meant to come here, well at least she didn’t think that had been her intention? But maybe it had? She lent back in her seat and looked out into the night. It was quiet, very quiet. Well it would be, it was nearly midnight. Shit what the hell was she going to do about Sophie? She’d well and truly screwed up this time. Would Sophie even want to talk to her? When was she leaving? Fuck she was leaving. The realisation hit her like a hammer as a lone tear trickled down her cheek. Oh pull yourself together she thought as she brushed the tear aside. What the hell was she doing here? She didn’t even know if Sophie was here and what was she going to do? Start hammering down Kevin and Sally’s doors scaring them shitless if Sophie wasn’t there. No she needed to go home to bed.As she moved position to start the car a light in the distance caught her eye. It was coming from the Bistro. She squinted into the night and turned on her headlights. Was that? Yeah it was.... It was Sophie. She leant further forward and saw that she was holding the door open. She seemed slightly unsteady on her feet and it looked like she was calling to someone. Then another figure emerged and started fumbling with the lock. Was that? Shit it was. Paula carried on watching as the pair giggled together, Sophie stumbling slightly then leaning on her companion for support. A few seconds later and they were heading in the opposite direction, a protective arm wrapped around Sophie’s waist. Paula rested her head back and drew in a deep breath, she couldn’t hold it together anymore, tears welled in her eyes and this time she let them full.....

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‘Wow you look like shit,’ commented Isla as she walked past her mum and went straight to pour a coffee.‘Why thank you and good morning to you too. Have you only surfaced to tell me how terrible I look?’ ‘Sorry it’s just you look.....You’re not going in today are you?’ ‘Yep I’m in court at 10. So I guess I better go and try and make myself look presentable, some makeup might help,’ said Paula as she drained her second coffee of the morning. ‘Did you speak to Sophie?’ Asked Isla tentatively just as Paula reached the door.‘No, she’s not replied to my texts and I think she was probably otherwise engaged last night.’ ‘What’s that suppose to mean?’ ‘Oh nothing, hopefully I’ll see her later, I mean she can’t avoid me forever. She’ll have to come and pick her stuff up at some point.’ ‘Pick her stuff up?’ ‘Yes, she’ll need it for when she goes away.’ ‘Away where’s she going?’ ‘Oh right, yeah you missed that part of the conversation, she’s going to go and work with her sister. She’s leaving for nine months. Starting in Asia I think.’ Isla stared blankly at her mum. ‘As a model?’ ‘No not as a model,’ said an impatience Paula, wondering why the hell was she standing here having this conversation when she was already running late? ‘To help her out, sort of like a PA I think. All I know is it’s a brilliant opportunity and one Sophie couldn’t turn down.’‘Well yeah totally,’ agreed Isla, ‘But where does this leave the two of you?’ ‘Well considering that before you came home yesterday I’d implied we should have a bit of a break while she was away and she now thinks I want to get back with Jo that probably leaves us, let me think,’ said Paula slowly tilting her head as if thinking, ‘Split up,’ she reasoned.
‘Oh right,’ whispered Isla. ‘Why’d you suggest a break?’ ‘Because..... Because, oh Isla I don’t even fucking know anymore,’ sighed Paula as she threw her arms in the air. ‘I was trying to do the right thing but now everything is a total mess.’‘Well go and fix it,’ stated Isla. ‘You want me to fix things with Sophie?‘ uttered Paula, nearly speechless. ‘I thought you’d be happy if we split up. You hate us together and don’t say you don’t because I know you do.’ ‘Yeah ok so I’m not your biggest fan but I can see you both make each other happy, and at the end of the day isn’t that what’s important?’ Paula just stared at Isla, now completely lost for words. ‘Mum you gonna say something?’ ‘Why you being so reasonable? Jo’s just finished with you, I thought you’d hate me.’ ‘No I don’t hate you. You should have told me but I sort of see why you didn’t and it’s made me realise that I’m not over Kayla yet. I mean Jo was great and I did really like her a lot but it had only been a couple of months. It wasn’t like she was the love of my life or anything.’‘Right,’ muttered Paula.‘Although I’d appreciate it if this was never spoken about again. I mean the fact that we’ve......With the same......’ ‘Totally agree,’ said Paula, then glancing at the oven clock, ‘Shit I really better get going,’ she exclaimed as she made to head back upstairs to finish getting ready. ‘Mum,’ shouted Isla.

‘What?’ Called back Paula already at the stairs.

‘Go and see Sophie.’ .........................................................................
By the time Paula had finished in court and made it back to the office it was after six and Sophie’s desk was empty. Well she did leave at half 5 if indeed she’d been in at all. Paula dumped her files in her office and went in search of Mike.She finally found him in the meeting room just finishing up. ‘Hey, how’s today been?’ She asked as she lent in the doorway her arms folded. ‘Oh hi,’ replied Mike looking up, ‘Yeah good, you? Everything ok in court? All on track?’ ‘Yep, expert witness did their job today, they definitely helped cast an element of doubt, so we’ll see.’ ‘Good glad it’s going well, but you look tired you should go home and rest.’ ‘Yeah I know I just came to pick up Sophie but I must have missed her?’ Fingers crossed she’d been in work otherwise Mike would have a shit load of questions and Paula really wasn’t in the mood. ‘Yeah she was leaving when I showed my client out. She’s been half asleep today too, heavy night was it?’ ‘Yeah something like that,’ muttered Paula. ‘Anything to do with our conversation the other night? I didn’t get a chance to ask you yesterday.’‘Sort of,’ signed Paula, ‘But it’s complicated, we’re still sort of in the middle of it.’ ‘Right ok, so maybe you need to go home and finish it,’ advised Mike not liking the look on Paula’s face, she looked lost. ‘Mmmm, I should,’ she decided, turning to leave. ‘Sophie asked me today how late you’d stayed in the bar on Monday.’ ‘What?’ Asked Paula turning on her heel.‘She wanted to know how long we’d been chatting, so I told her you left around nine.’ ‘Did she?’ Nodded Paula clenching her teeth, wow she really didn’t trust her. She couldn’t believe Sophie had checked up on where she was. ‘That would have fitted with what you told her, yeah?’ ‘Yes,’ snapped Paula, ‘Because it’s the truth or do you think I’m sneaking off to visit other people too.’ ‘No I’m just checking you got in the cab and went straight home because if you didn’t.....Well.......’ ‘I went straight home,’ shot Paula, ‘And that’s exactly where I need to go now.’.........................................................................‘Sophie, Isla?’ Called Paula as she walked through the front door. Nothing. Shit someone’s in thought Paula as she strolled down the hallway checking in every room on her way. Nothing. Then upstairs and into her room where she half expected to see Sophie packing her bags. Nothing. ‘Isla? Are you here?’ She called again as she knocked on her daughter’s bedroom door. ‘Isla?’ Fuck it, she would never usually walk into Isla’s room without being invited but she needed to know where Sophie was.
‘Isla,’ she shouted again as she entered the room. ‘Jesus mum, do you wanna knock first,’ replied Isla as she took her headphones out. ‘Sorry, I was calling but you obviously couldn’t hear me have you seen Sophie? Has she been back?’ ‘Not that I know of but then I’ve had these in.’ ‘Right ok, don’t worry. I think I’m gonna head out then. See if I can find her.’ ‘Yeah ok, I’ll see you later. Hope everything goes ok,’ said Isla as she went to replace her headphones, ‘Oh mum,’ she called just as Paula was about to close the door. ‘Yeah?’ ‘Theo’s coming home this weekend, he called earlier.’ ‘Right,’ replied Paula completely distracted as she closed the door. .........................................................................After a quick check around her room to see if any of Sophie’s stuff had gone Paula was back out and sitting in her car. Well Sophie hadn’t come back to collect anything so she must have gone back to her dad’s.Pulling up outside Kevin’s Paula took a deep breath and got out of the car. How was she going to play this? Would Sophie have told him anything? Jesus she might not even be here she might still be with.... Paula shook her head as she rang the bell and stepped back. ‘Kevin hi...’ she started as Kevin opened the door. ‘Hi,’ he greeted back not offering anything else. ‘Is Sophie here?‘ Asked Paula as she shifted uncomfortably. ‘No,’ said Kevin bluntly before adding, ‘She was here yesterday, wanting to collect some more of her stuff. God knows how much more she’s got up there but she left soon after. Have you two had a row? She seemed upset, I did ask if she wanted to talk about it but she just left.’ ‘Right, any idea where she went?’ ‘No sorry, have you tried Sally’s?’ ‘No,’ muttered Paula really not wanting to go over to Sally’s but knowing that in all likelihood that was where Sophie would be. ‘I guess I’ll head over there now, thanks,’ replied Paula as she made to leave. ‘Hey, you know whatever’s happened between you I’m sure you can work it out,’ offered Kevin.‘Yeah thanks,’ replied Paula. A few minutes later and she was stood outside number 4. She raised her hand to ring the bell then hesitated, was this a good idea? She turned to leave not wanting to make a scene but then what was she going to do? Just go home? And do what? She made a second attempt to ring the bell this time pressing the button.
Sally opened the door. ‘Oh it’s you,’ from Sally’s tone it was obvious she’d heard from Sophie. ‘Yep it’s me,’ announced Paula ‘Please don’t look at me like that.’ ‘Oh wow you really do have a cheek, after what you’ve done?’Fuck why the hell had Sophie told her. ‘Come on surely you don’t think I’d do something like that?’‘Well no but then I didn’t think you were the type of woman who would seduce the daughter of an old school friend, so there you go.’‘Seduce?’ Laughed Paula ‘Oh believe me Sophie made it quite clear what she wanted.’ ‘Whatever,’ snapped Sally really not wanting to hear anymore. ‘So is she here then? Can I talk to her?’ ‘Yes she is and no you can’t,’ replied Sally pulling the door closer.‘Don’t you think you better ask her?’ ‘Mum it’s fine,’ came Sophie’s voice behind Sally causing Paula’s stomach to flip. Sally turned to look at her daughter, ‘I thought you said....’ ‘Yeah I know but I’ve calmed down a bit since then, you can let her in.’ Sally reluctantly opened the door to let Paula through, the two lover’s eyes meeting briefly before Sophie turned to enter the living room. There was an awkward silence as Paula and Sophie stood either side of the sofa just looking at each other while Sally pottered around the kitchen. Finally Paula couldn’t take the silence anymore, ‘So did you just come straight here last night or.....’
‘Yeah, well I went over to me dad’s first to collect a few bits but Jack had a mate sleeping over so I decided to come and stay here,’ explained Sophie glancing over at her mum. Paula would have known she was lying even if she hadn’t seen her outside the Bistro, she had a habit of wringing her hands together when she was lying.‘Oh right,’ replied Paula her eyes moving between Sophie and Sally and back again. She took her bag off her shoulder and placed it on the sofa indicating to Sophie that despite the frosty reception, she was staying.
‘Mum I thought you were meeting Tim in the Rovers,’ Sophie called through to the kitchen.‘Yeah I was but I can stay if you need me,’ replied Sally leaning over the island. ‘I’ll be fine thanks.’ ‘Well if you need anything, we’re just across the road ok,’ said Sally as she walked through to where the women stood, staring daggers at Paula. ‘You upset her again and you’ll have me to answer to.’‘I won’t,’ said Paula softly as Sally gave her daughter a hug, picked up her jacket and bag and made for the door. ‘Call me,’ Sally mouthed to Sophie as she left. When Paula heard the front door click shut she let out a breath, ‘Wow I forgot how scary she can be.’
‘Yeah well she’s looking out for me, doesn’t want me getting hurt,’ replied Sophie bluntly, her arms folded across her chest as she sat down on the sofa. ‘Darling that’s the last thing I want.....To hurt you,’ replied Paula moving her bag and taking a seat next to Sophie.‘Then why do you constantly feel it’s ok to lie to me?’ ‘I don’t.....I ’ ‘You’ve been texting Jo behind my back,’ sighed Sophie exasperated with the fact that Paula really didn’t seem to be getting it. ‘Worked out I’m not sleeping with her then?’ Shot back Paula. ‘Yeah,’ said Sophie looking at the floor. ‘So did you decide this before or after you checked out my story with Mike?’ ‘What?’ ‘I know you asked Mike what time I left the bar on Monday. You just had to check didn’t you? Couldn’t just take my word for it?’Wow Sophie couldn’t believe Paula’s tone, she actually had the nerve to be annoyed with her. ‘No I couldn’t, because although I was pretty certain you wouldn’t, there was a niggling doubt.’‘That I’d gone off and fucked my daughter’s girlfriend and then came home and slept with you? You seriously think I’d do that?’ Sophie looked at Paula, ‘Well when you put it like that, no of course I don’t .... But.....’‘But what? You should have known it wasn’t true, there should have been no doubt.’ ‘Yeah well maybe I would have believed you if I hadn’t just learnt you’d been texting each other and that you’d seen her on Monday morning when you said you hadn’t,’ pointed out Sophie. ‘Yeah fair point but I said I could explain, I can explain.’ ‘But you shouldn’t need to explain,’ exploded Sophie. ‘I should be able to trust you and I don’t, so I don’t really see there’s anything else left to say.’ ‘What do you mean? Of course there’s stuff to say...’ ‘Not really, I’m leaving in a week, so we may as well just split up now.’ Paula stared at Sophie, ‘So that’s it then?’ ‘Paula there’s no trust. You’ve lied to me, you’ve humiliated me. I don’t think I’d believe anything you said now anyway.’ ‘Right so I’ll just go shall I?’‘Yeah probably for the best,’ uttered Sophie.Paula stood up, she knew better than to push it, Sophie was upset, she’d made it clear she wasn’t going to listen so what was the point? As sophie walked over to the door she slipped her phone out of her bag and pushed it down the side of the sofa before getting up. Sophie wasn’t going to listen now but she couldn’t leave things like this. ‘Will I see you in work?’ ‘Yeah I’ll work until the end of the week. Then I still have holiday to take so I’ll use that to work out my notice, if that’s ok?’ ‘Umm yeah, ok, that’s fine,’ wow she really had thought this all through.

‘I’ll try and stay out of your way. It shouldn’t be too difficult, I know you’re in court so I’ll hardly see you. I’ll sort out collecting my stuff soon,’ replied Sophie, breathing deeply to stop the tears. ‘If that’s what you want,’ said Paula softly as she made her way to the door, not quite believing that this was happening. ‘Can I ask you a question before I leave?’ She said as she opened the front door. ‘Yeah,’ shrugged Sophie wishing she’d just go, this was the most painful thing she’d ever had to do, the last thing she wanted to do was drag it out. ‘Why do you think I lied to you?’‘What?’ Questioned Sophie, ‘What kind of question is that?’ ‘Just answer me. Why do you think I didn’t tell you about talking to Jo on Monday or texting her.’ ‘Isn’t it obvious?’‘Just answer the question.’ ‘Because you had something to hide.’ ‘And that’s the only reason people lie is it?’ ‘Most of the time yeah,’ replied Sophie completely confused about where this conversation was going, surely this was just making Paula look worse.‘So is that the reason you lied to me about where you stayed last night?’ ‘What?’ Exclaimed Sophie.‘Well I know you didn’t stay here because I saw you leaving the Bistro with Kate and you weren’t heading back here.’‘You saw me?’ Said Sophie averting her eyes. She had come looking for her, she did care. ‘Mmm so what are you hiding?’ ‘Nothing, nothing happened, I just....’ Sophie stopped talking and moved her eyes back to Paula’s. ‘You don’t need to explain, Look I’m gonna go. I’ll see you,’ murmured Paula as she turned and walked away. ‘I just didn’t want you to get the wrong idea,’ finished Sophie as she watched Paula head back towards her car. And that’s when the question made sense......

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sophie closed the front door and rested her head against it, her shoulders shaking as she cried. She couldn’t believe she’d actually gone through with it. That she’d ended things. It was the last thing she wanted but after speaking to her mum and Kate they’d made her see that trust was the most important thing in a relationship and if they didn’t have that, what was the point? After a few minutes, involving a lot of deep breathing, Sophie finally made her way back into the living room and threw herself onto the sofa. Laying on her back she stared up at the ceiling. She’d been so happy yesterday when Paula had told her she’d made an excellent choice to go away, all Sophie had wanted was for Paula to be ok with her decision. Then it had all gone horribly wrong. Sophie just didn’t understand why they couldn’t stay together while she was away, plenty of people had long distance relationships, why couldn’t they? Because Paula wanted to get back with Jo, surely that was the only explanation. She was planning on splitting up with Sophie then once she was on the other side of the world, she would get back with Jo. Sophie sighed, it had all sounded so plausible yesterday when she’d been angry but the more she went over it in her head the more she realised that surely Paula wouldn’t have hurt her or Isla like that. Fuck this was such a mess. Realisation had hit Sophie, she was such an idiot, why did she always listen to other people? She should have heard Paula out, given her the chance to explain. She’d just made it clear, in a very clever way, that people lied for all sorts of reasons and she’d just let her walk away. What the hell was wrong with her? Sophie had been so upset and angry last night when Paula hadn’t bothered calling, she’d taken it as more evidence that she was guilty. Yeah she’d sent a text but it had just said, ‘Call me I can explain.’ Sophie thought she might have come looking for her but she hadn’t and by ten o’clock Sophie had gone to the Bistro to meet Kate. When Paula had asked earlier about where she’d stayed she’d felt so guilty about lying but she hadn’t wanted her asking questions, making a big deal about it, getting the wrong idea. Stupidly Sophie had gone back to Kate’s after one too many drinks and had promptly fallen asleep on the sofa. She’d woken up at seven, just about managing to drag her sorry arse back to her mums for a quick shower before going into work. But Paula had come to the street, only to see her drunk and falling into the arms of another woman. Sophie couldn’t believe she’d been so calm about seeing her with Kate. She could have accused Sophie of all sorts and who would have blamed her? But she hadn’t she’d simply pointed out that Sophie was just as capable of lying as she was. She trusted that nothing had happened so why couldn’t Sophie do the same? There were so many thoughts swimming around her head now that she was beginning to get a headache so she closed her eyes and stretched out her legs, feeling something hard as she pushed her feet against the arm of the chair, something cold. She sat up swinging her legs over the side of the sofa and looked between the arm and the cushion. A phone? Paula’s phone? Sophie retrieved the phone and sat staring at it, flipping it over and over in her hands. It was her personal phone. How had it got there? Must have slipped out of her pocket thought Sophie as she turned it on. The screen illuminated with a picture of herself and half of Paula grinning back, Sophie smiled, Paula could never take a selfie that included them both, always managing to chop off a bit of one of them. Sophie knew the pin, she hesitated. Part of her really wanted to see what those texts had been been about. Even though she’d practically dismissed the idea of Paula getting back with Jo she was really struggling to see how the texts could be innocent. But what was the point now? It was too late. .................................................................Paula sat in her car and tried to take deep calming breaths, she’d been so sure that she’d be able to talk Sophie round. Make her see things from her point of view. She hasn’t expected that reaction. For her to make everything so final. Did Sophie really think they could leave things like this? That Paula would just walk away? She pulled out her work phone, may as well pass the time doing something productive she thought as she scrolled through her emails. She hadn’t looked at them all day and it helped to settle her, to do something mundane. She replied to a few and looked up at the clock. It had been twenty minutes, should she go back now? Leave it a bit longer? One thing was for sure she wasn’t going home until she’d tried speaking to Sophie again. Five minutes later Paula got out of the car, glancing in the direction of the pub. How long would Sally and Tim stay out? It had been nearly an hour, hopefully they’d see her car still parked up and wouldn’t rush home? Paula walked purposefully up to the house and knocked before she lost her nerve. Shit she was so anxious, just like the time she’d come asking for the book. Don’t fuck it up this time, she muttered as she saw Sophie approaching the door. .........................................................................‘Another white wine?’ Questioned Tim nodding his head towards the bar.‘I don’t know Tim I think I’d better get back,’ said Sally nervously. ‘I think I’ve given her long enough.’‘Oh leave em hey love, let them sort out whatever it is they need to sort without you meddling.’ ‘Tim I am not meddling, you saw the state of Sophie yesterday, she was beside herself. I’m not gonna let that woman talk her way out of this one. You heard what she’s done.’ ‘Allegedly done and I’m not sure Sophie’s all that innocent didn’t you just say she’d told Paula she spent the night at ours when that’s a lie. We both know she was at Kate’s. I mean what went on there?’ ‘Who’s side are you on here? It’s Paula that’s slept with her daughter’s girlfriend.’ ‘Well I’ve heard it all now,’ snorted a shocked Jenny, as she popped her head round the booth to collect the empty glasses. Tim rolled his eyes at his wife, ‘Before she was with her daughter,’ added Tim quickly, ‘Not that it’s any of your business.’ ‘You know I’ve never liked that woman, not sure why but she always looks a bit smug, you know.’ ‘Yeah she does have that look about her,’ agreed Sally.‘Oh that’s a nice way to talk about the woman who kept you out of prison,’ said Tim glaring at his wife.‘Yeah well obviously I’ll always be grateful for that but it doesn’t cancel out the fact she went behind my back and started sleeping with my daughter.’ ‘I hardly think she needed your permission,’ muttered Tim. ‘Now that is one relationship I just can’t seem to get my head round,’ mused Jenny still standing at the table.
‘Are you still here?’ Questioned Tim glancing up at the barmaid. ‘Alright I was just saying,’ remarked Jenny as she walked away. ‘Why are you sticking up for her?’ Snapped Sally as she drained her glass.‘Because you and me both know how besotted Paula is with Sophie and I just don’t think she’d do anything to threaten that.’ ‘So Sophie’s lying?’ ‘No.... I didn’t say that, I’m just saying Sophie admitted she’d walked out before getting all the facts so let’s just see what happens.’ ‘Mmm well there’s no smoke without fire, something must have been going on and I’m going back to find out what,’ declared Sally as she shouldered her bag and made to get up. ‘No you’re not. Sit down and have another drink, let Sophie and Paula have a bit of time on their own. Sophie won’t thank you if you go barging back in there now.’
Sally glared at her husband but sat back down, maybe he did have a point, ‘Alright but just one more, then I’m going.’

...........................................................................Sophie pulled the door open and stared out at Paula, so shocked to see her back so soon that she didn’t know what to say. ‘I think I left my phone here,’ stated Paula softly as she gave Sophie a slight smile. ‘Yeah you did. I’ll get it,’ replied Sophie as she left Paula on the doorstep and went back to pick up the phone. ‘Here you go,’ she said as she held it out. She wanted so much to say something else but she didn’t, she just stood there. Paula looked at Sophie’s outstretched hand holding out her phone but she didn’t take it. ‘Can I come in?’ She almost whispered. Sophie nodded, but still didn’t say anything she just turned and walked back into the house. Paula took a deep breath and stepped over the threshold closing the door behind her.‘Is it ok if we sit down?’ Asked Paula as Sophie hovered in front of the coffee table. ‘Yeah ok,’ replied the young brunette sitting at one end of the sofa while Paula sat at the other. ‘Look I can’t leave things like this. I know you said you didn’t want me to explain but I’d like too, so if you’d just listen...’‘It was clever what you said earlier,’ cut in Sophie suddenly finding her voice, ‘About lying and you’re right people lie for all sorts of reasons. I didn’t tell you about staying at Kate’s because I didn’t want you to jump to conclusions, there was nothing to tell so there was no point.....’Paula nodded but didn’t say anything.‘We went out for drinks at the Bistro and I went back to hers and fell asleep on her sofa,’ explained Sophie taking a deep breath, she was glad she’d got that off her chest. ‘Ok now you can talk, why didn’t you tell me about Jo?’ ‘Same reason.... There was nothing to tell.’ ‘But you’d literally just been talking about splitting up with me, then I find out you’d spoken to Jo on Monday morning when you made out you didn’t even know she’d stayed over and Isla had seen the text messages....’ Sophie sighed, ‘What was I suppose to think?’Paula tucked her hair behind her ear and looked directly at Sophie, ‘I agree it doesn’t look good but I promise you I haven’t done anything with Jo, I wouldn’t.’ ‘So why did you suddenly wanna split up with me? If not for Jo then why? I don’t get it,’ said Sophie sadly as she hung her head.‘Right ok, I’m gonna be completely honest with you, will you look at me Sophie?’Reluctantly Sophie looked straight into Paula’s eyes, ‘I’m listening,’ she said as she turned to face the lawyer. ‘Right so yes the reason I suggested a break is because of Jo.... But not in the way you think,’ added Paula quickly when she saw the look in Sophie’s eyes. ‘Go on.....’ ‘I did have a chat with Jo on Monday, early on Monday. I couldn’t sleep so I came down stairs around five and she came into the kitchen, she wanted to apologise for her behaviour and explain a few things. I asked her why she’d left me.’‘And?’ ‘And she explained it was because she felt like she hadn’t done all the things she should have done in her life while she was young. That she wanted to go off and travel and have new experiences before settling down....And it got me thinking that maybe you would want that too. I saw the way you listened so intently to stories of Isla’s travels and I didn’t want you thinking you had to stay here because of me. Soph we are at entirely different stages of our lives you know and at some point I was gonna hold you back. So that’s why I said what I said. I saw you looking at Rosie’s photos and you were lost in them. I knew you wanted to go away and I wanted to make it easier for you.’‘Am I not worth waiting for?’ ‘Oh darling of course you are but I want you to be sure that I’m worth it. Sophie I’m gonna be fifty soon, I’ve been back packing, got married, had kids, had my career, got divorced. Whereas you have so much of your life to live and I want you to be sure that you want to live it with me.’‘Of course I do. If you asked me to stay I would.’
‘But that’s just it I don’t want you to stay for me and then grow to resent me in years to come. To look back on your life and ask what if? I’d rather we break for a while now so you can be sure.’ Sophie thought for a while, it made sense in a weird way, but something was still bugging her.... ‘So what were the texts about? It seems like you both said everything that needed to be said, why were you still in contact with each other after that?’ ‘We were just making things clear but you’re still holding my phone, why don’t you look for yourself.’ Sophie glanced down at the phone in her hand, then back at Paula who fixed her eyes on hers. ‘No I trust you, if you’re telling me they’re nothing then I believe you,’ she said handing the phone over. Paula smiled and took her phone back, she opened it up and scrolled to the messages, ‘Just take a look anyway, yeah, just so we can move on,’ explained Paula handing back the phone. Sophie looked down, there were three messages, the first was from Jo: Hi hun I got ur number from Isla’s phone hope u don’t mind. I just wanted to give u a heads up that I’m finishing with her tonight. I can’t spend time with her knowing I still have feelings for u. It’s not fair. I’ll keep ur name out of it. The last thing I want to do is cause u any problems. Have u spoken to Sophie yet? xxx Thanks for letting me know about Isla, I’ll make sure she’s ok. No haven’t spoken to Sophie yet I’m going to speak to her later. I think she’s already decided to go and meet her sister abroad and after our discussion I think it’s for the best. I hope I made this clear yesterday but just to be sure, you do understand there can never be anything between us don’t you? Yeah I know there can never be an us.... I can tell how much you love Sophie, she’s a lucky girl. I wish I’d told u how I was feeling before I left, then maybe u would have waited for me..... Look after Isla for me xx
Sophie read through the messages, so that had been the extent of it then. A conversation in the kitchen where Jo had admitted she still had feelings for Paula, well that much was obvious, then a few texts to wrap things up. Sophie sighed, ‘I’m sorry,’ she whispered as she passed the phone back. ‘I should have believed you, it’s just...’ ‘You have nothing to be sorry for. It’s me.... I’m just not very good at relationships.....’ Shrugged Paula. ‘I always seem to fuck em up. Tim didn’t trust me either.’ ‘Yeah well I wouldn’t blame yourself too much, I think we both know your husband’s an absolute dick.’ Paula laughed, god she loved this woman so much.
‘Thanks for trying to make me feel better but I’m the common denominator here and YOU are by no means a dick.’ Sophie smiled, ‘No but I am insanely jealous.’ ‘There’s no need to be.’ ‘So what now?’ ‘Now you go and travel the world and have an amazing time and I’ll be right here when you get back, if you still want me.’ ‘I’ll still want you,’ said Sophie with conviction.‘We’ll see, you might meet someone else, someone better.’ ‘I won’t.’ ‘Well look whatever happens when you’re away, I don’t wanna know about it. Ok.. I don’t want you to feel guilty about anything, just have fun. We’re on a break.’ ‘A break? So does that mean YOU get .....’ ‘Sophie, I’m doing this for you, so you can make up your mind,’ said Paula with a glare. ‘I have no intention of doing anything with anyone.’Sophie smiled, ‘I love you.’ ‘Love you too.’‘You know what this reminds me of?’‘No what?’ Said Paula softly. ‘Our first kiss, when you came round pretending to pick up that book for Isla, you sat right there and told me you hadn’t come round for the book that you’d come to see me again. God the way you looked at me, my heart was racing.’ ‘Glad it wasn’t just mine,’ grinned Paula remembering the scene all to well. ‘You were nervous too?’ ‘Course I bloody was, to be honest I was quite shocked when you kissed me.’ ‘Yeah well if you see something you like, you should just go for it, don’t you think?’ grinned Sophie as she leant forward and planted a soft kiss on Paula’s lips.
‘Mmm,’ agreed Paula against Sophie’s mouth, ‘Very wise words indeed,’ she whispered before cupping her cheek and pulling her closer.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘Sophie will you get a move on up there the cab’ll be here in a minute.’ ‘Yes ok mum. I’ll be down in a sec,’ replied Sophie through gritted teeth, Jesus she couldn’t even go for a piss in this house without being harassed. Taking one last glance in the mirror to check her eyes didn’t look too red she left the bathroom and walked slowly down the stairs. ‘Have you got everything?’ Fussed Sally as Sophie doubled checked her carry on bag. ‘I have all the important stuff right here,’ replied Sophie as she patted the bag, ‘Anything I’ve forgotten I’m sure I can borrow from Rosie.’ ‘Right....yeah sure. Sorry it’s just you know how I worry.’ ‘Yes I know mum but I’m a big girl now and I’m quite capable of packing a couple of bags,’ replied Sophie as she nervously checked her phone. ‘Everything ok?’ ‘Yeah I’m just wondering why Paula’s not here yet. I said I was leaving at six, if she’s got stuck in court I’ll kill her.’ ‘She’ll be here, anyway did you two not say your goodbyes last night?’ ‘Mmm,’ grinned Sophie, ‘We did, but it would be nice to have her here to wave me off.’ ‘You know I really don’t get you two. Are you split up or not? Because I thought you said last week that you were having a break but you’ve been over there most of the weekend.’ ‘Yeah we’re on a break,’ replied Sophie casually. ‘We’ve decided to have a bit of time apart while I’m away and then we’ll get back together when I’m back.’ ‘Oh right simple as that?’ Questioned Sally. ‘What do you mean by that?’ ‘Nothing,’ replied Sally not wanting to get into an argument just as Sophie was leaving but she didn’t think it was gonna be quite as simple as Sophie thought. ‘Shall we wait outside, your dad’s bringing Jack over to say goodbye.’‘Yeah,’ agreed Sophie taking another quick glance at her phone. Paula hadn’t text to say she’d been held up so she must be on her way. She pocketed her phone and heaved her backpack onto her back, Jesus what the hell had she packed?Sophie dumped her pack on the pavement and looked up and down the street, where was she? Just as she was about to give up Sophie saw Paula’s car round the corner, thank god. She watched as the car came to a stop and Paula emerged. Sophie could see the lawyer was slightly flustered and was still in her court attire, ‘You ok?’ She asked jogging across the road to meet her.‘Yeah I’m so sorry I’m late, I couldn’t get away, the judge wanted to finalise a few things. In the end I just left.’‘You just left?’ Asked Sophie shocked.‘Yeah, I’ve left Ben in charge.’‘Ben?’ ‘Yeah, he’s actually a very capable lawyer and James is the judge so he knows I wouldn’t have left unless it was a real emergency.’‘But this isn’t an emergency, you said goodbye last night and may I just add what a goodbye,’ grinned Sophie. Paula laughed, ‘Well I don’t want you forgetting me that easily,’ she smirked. ‘But if you don’t want me here, I can always go?’ Said Paula making to get back into the car. ‘Oi you’re not going anywhere,’ smiled Sophie as she grabbed Paula’s hand, ‘I’m glad you made it, I would have hated to leave without seeing you one last time. Now come on because I do have to go,’ said Sophie as she linked arms with Paula and walked back across the street to where her family were standing ready to say their goodbyes.‘Hey give us a hug you,’ said Kevin as Sophie approached. Oh god this is gonna be so hard thought Sophie as she buried her head in her dad’s shoulder. Then moved on to her mum.‘Stay safe, Sophie’ muttered Sally wrapping her daughter in a tight hug, ‘Keep in touch with me.’ Sophie nodded, ‘I love you,’ she whispered as she pulled away, she was already crying and she couldn’t even look at Paula yet so she turned to her brother. ‘Gonna miss ya,’ said Jack as she enveloped him in a hug.Sophie laughed, ‘I’m gonna miss you horrible lot,’ she confessed as she looked at her family gathered on the pavement. She’d said goodbye to everyone, there was only one person left. She finally turned towards Paula and threw her arms around her neck. Paula pulled her close breathing in her scent, ‘Just promise me one thing yeah, you have a blast,’ she whispered into Sophie’s ear before she moved her hands round to cup her face. She wanted to kiss her so badly but wasn’t sure Sophie would want that, not with everyone looking on. Sophie gazed into Paula’s deep brown eyes she wouldn’t normally do this in front of her whole family but fuck it, she wasn’t seeing them for a while. She grabbed Paula’s neck and pulled her in for a kiss, a long lingering kiss. ‘I love you,’ stated Paula simply when they finally parted.‘I love you too,’ whispered Sophie stepping back. ‘Right I really promised myself I wouldn’t cry,’ she sighed wiping away the tears. Finally with one more look at Paula Sophie walked towards the cab giving Tim a quick hung on the way, ‘See ya,’ he muttered. Sophie gave a little wave as she opened the door of the cab. ‘Have a safe journey,’ called Kevin as Paula wiped away the lone tear that was running down her cheek.‘Could do with a bit more air in those tyres Barry,’ pointed out Tim as he kicked the tyre, trying to lighten the mood. Sophie smiled and pulled the door shut, immediately turning around for one last wave as the cab pulled away. She watched as everyone waved back, getting smaller and smaller until eventually the cab turned out of Coronation Street and they were gone. Shit this was it then? No going back now she thought as she settled back into the seat..........................................................................
‘I still don’t get why she wouldn’t let me drive her?’ Wondered Kevin as they watched the cab disappear round the corner. ‘Yeah she declined my offer too,’ said Tim.‘And mine,’ chimed in Paula. ‘She said something about wanting to say goodbye to everyone all at once, in her own time, not rushed at the airport.’ ‘Yeah makes sense,’ shrugged Kevin. ‘Right we better be getting back Jack, you’ve got homework to get finished.’ ‘Oh dad do I have....’‘Yes you do, come on,’ said Kevin as he put his hands on Jack’s shoulders to start guiding him home. ‘See ya everyone. Sal let me know if you hear from Soph before me.’ ‘Yeah will do,’ promised Sally as she watched them go. ‘Right well that’s it then,’ she sighed to know one in particular, ’Both my babies, gone.’‘Mmm,’ agreed Tim. ‘Fancy a quick drink in the Rovers?’ ‘Tim is that all you can think about? Having a drink?’ ‘No love, we can go home if you’d prefer, just thought it’d take your mind off it.’ ‘Mmm, go on then I’ll come for a quick one.’‘Lovely, Paula you coming?’ Tim asked. ‘What?’ Questioned Paula hearing her name but not really knowing why?‘We’re going to the Rovers, you fancy a drink?’ ‘Umm no, it’s ok I better be getting back,’ she said not really sure Sally would want her tagging along.‘Come for a quick drink,’ Sally said linking her arm through Paula’s. She could tell how upset she was and with Sophie gone she probably wouldn’t be seeing her for a while. Paula looked at Sally slightly shocked at her friendliness and squeezed her hand. ‘Thanks I will, but just one, the kids are cooking.’ .........................................................................
‘Hey Jenny I’ll have a pint, a white wine and a gin and tonic please,’ ordered Tim as he lent on the bar looking back at his wife and Paula deep in conversation.
‘You ok?’ Asked Sally as she looked carefully at her friend.‘No not really,’ confessed Paula. ‘Nine months is a fucking long time.’ ‘Yeah it is, but if it’s meant to be then it will be.’‘Didn’t think you’d say that.’‘Yeah well you’ve sacrificed your own happiness for Sophie’s and I admire that.’‘The other day you wanted to kill me.’ ‘Yes well at the time I thought you’d cheated on my daughter so please forgive me if I wasn’t overjoyed to see you.’ ‘Mmm, with my daughter’s girlfriend, I mean really?’ ‘Drinks ladies,’ announced Jenny with a raise of her eyebrows, as she placed the drinks on the table.‘Where’s Tim?’ Questioned Sally as she looked round the pub.‘I said I’d bring these over so he could have a chat with Steve,’ explained Jenny eyeballing Paula. ‘Everything ok?’ ‘Yes fine thanks,’ replied Paula staring back until Jenny broke eye contact. Why did she always look at her like that?‘Sophie get off ok?’‘Yep she’s just left, can’t believe that’s both of them gone now,’ replied Sally taking a sip of her wine. ‘Yeah well at lea....’ ‘Sorry that’s me,’ interrupted Paula as she rummaged around in her bag to find her ringing phone. She finally found it and looked at the screen. Fuck what the hell did he want? She’d have to answer it. ‘Hello - No I can’t really talk now - What is it? - is it one of the kids? - No - Right well if it’s important I suppose I could meet up - Yes - Ok - Ok - Friday - Yeah bye.’ Paula ended the call, put her phone down and picked up her drink.‘Everything ok?’ Asked Sally as both ladies stopped talking and turned to face her. ‘Yeah,’ replied Paula taking a sip of her drink, both women still looking at her, obviously wanting more information. ‘It was my ex husband,’ stated Paula as if that explained everything. ‘Ex husband? So you were married?’ Said a surprised Jenny.‘Yes,’ Said Paula looking at up her, ‘For nearly twenty years is that a problem?’ ‘No I just thought, I mean with you being gay.....’
‘I’m not gay,’ stated Paula staring at Jenny, Jesus this woman really pissed her off. ‘Oh,’ said Jenny, clearly puzzled. ‘Right then,’ she replied clearly feeling awkward. ‘Well I best be getting back,’ she said as she moved away from the table and back to the bar. Sally looked over at Paula, ‘There was no need for that.’‘Why not? It pisses me off when people assume things.’ ‘Look I know you’re upset about Sophie and this call from Tim looks like it’s come out of the blue but you didn’t need to take it out on Jenny.’ ‘Yeah you’re probably right but she irritates me.’ Sally laughed, ‘I don’t think she’s too keen on you either.’ Paula smiled, ‘Oh sorry for being stroppy, it’s just I’m still getting my head round the fact that Sophie’s actually gone. That I’m not gonna see her and now I’ve agreed to meet up with Tim, why the fuck have I done that? It’s just gonna end in a row. It always does.’ So you’ve got no idea what he wants to talk about?’ ‘Nope,’ sighed Paula. ‘I haven’t spoken to him since I threw him out a few weeks back and even before that we were only just about civil to each other. I wish we could be more like you and Kev, you know, there as a unit for the kids.’ ‘Well maybe that’s why he wants to meet, to talk things though, clear the air?’ ‘Yeah maybe?’ Said Paula as she finished her drink. ‘Right I really need to be heading off I promised the kids I’d be back by seven.’‘So I guess I won’t be seeing you for a while.’ ‘No I guess not,’ replied Paula shrugging into her trench coat. ‘Not unless you go getting yourself into trouble again,’ she smiled as she flicked her hair out of her collar.‘I could let you know how Sophie’s getting on, if you want.’ ‘No, don’t do that, it’s fine, I’d rather not hear about what she’s getting up to if I’m honest with you. Think I’d find it harder.....’ Paula‘a voice started to break and she knew she had to leave. ‘Right I’ll see you then,’ she smiled as she reached over to hug Sally. ‘Yeah see you, look after yourself yeah.’ Paula nodded and turned to leave, ‘Bye Tim,’ she called over as she left the pub and walked out into the cool night air..........................................................................‘Sorry I’m late,’ Paula called down the hallway as she arrived home half an hour later. ‘It’s ok you’re just in time, we’re just plating up,’ shouted Isla from the kitchen.‘Well she’s plating up and I’m just sitting here drinking,’ explained Theo as his mum entered the kitchen. ‘Nothing new there then,’ stated Paula as she picked up the bottle of wine on the side and poured herself a generous glass.‘Sophie get off ok?’ Asked Isla as Paula kicked off her shoes and flung her blazer over the nearest chair. ‘Yeah I only just about bloody made it though, had to leave the intern in charge at the court.’‘I bet that went down well,’ smirked Theo.‘Yeah well needs must,’ said Paula, ‘Mmm darling this smells so good, what is it?’ ‘Just some chicken dish I threw together,’ smiled Isla, ‘It’s really not that difficult.’ ‘Yeah well it is if you literally have no clue about cooking.’ ‘I will never know how you’ve reached the age of 49 and still don’t know how to cook.’ ‘Oh that in itself is a skill,’ laughed Paula. ‘Right you done because I’m starving,’ stated Theo as he jumped down from his stall. .........................................................................‘That was so good,’ complimented Paula as she finished off her last mouthful, ‘Thanks.’ ‘Yep that was pretty good sis,’ agreed Theo.‘Why thank you, you two are on clearing up duty,’ smiled Isla as she looked at them both. ‘This has been nice, hasn’t it? Just the three of us.’ ‘Yeah it has,’ said Paula as she looked at her children. ‘Thanks, both of you for being here, it’s just what I needed.’ ‘So how have you left things with Sophie then?’ Asked Theo as he picked up his beer. ‘Well we’re on a break right now so I guess I’ll just see how she feels when she gets back.’ ‘Nine months though mum, that’s a long time. I mean Jesus you could have a baby in that time,’ pointed out Theo, ignoring the glare from his sister.‘I think I’m pretty much past my baby making days, Theo,’ laughed Paula.‘Mmm you’d think so wouldn’t you?’‘What?’ Asked Paula slightly puzzled.‘Theo don’t,’ warned Isla. ‘Don’t what?’ Asked Paula looking between her two children. ‘Right what’s going on? Who’s pregnant?’ ‘Shit Theo what the hell is wrong with you? You just can’t help yourself can you?’ ‘It was you that drew attention to it with your ‘Don't Theo,’ he mocked as his sister sighed, ‘Anyway she’s gonna find out at some point.’ ‘Yes I know that but maybe right now wasn’t the best time.’ ‘Right stop arguing, can one of you just tell me what’s going on please.’ ‘Dad’s having a baby,’ blurred out Theo. ‘What?’ Exclaimed Paula. ‘Well obviously not Dad that would be a miracle but Lorraine is, so me and Isla get to be siblings again at the grand old ages of 19 and 23.’‘And your dad gets to be a dad again at 51,’ pointed out Paula. ‘Fuck.’ ‘Yeah I know it’s crazy isn’t it.’ ‘Mmm just a bit, how old’s Lorraine?’‘Not as old as you,’ pointed out Theo, tact not being one of his strong points. ‘42 I think,’ answered Isla, looking at her mum. ‘Are you ok?’ ‘Yeah, I’m fine, like Theo said I was gonna find out at some point. That must be why he called earlier, he wants to meet up on Friday, I was wondering why. Although no idea why he feels the need to tell me in person.’‘Well I know when I met up with him last Monday he said he was going to call you. He feels bad about how things were left, I think he wants to talk things over.’ ‘Ahh how good of him,’ snapped Theo. ‘I wouldn’t blame you if you never spoke to him again.’ ‘Theo don’t, he’s trying to make things right.’ ‘Is he? Or does it just want to gloat? Look at me, my life’s fucking amazing. I’m having a baby, what’s new with you?’ ‘So I take it you still haven’t spoken to him?’ ‘Nope and I’m not likely too, He keeps leaving voicemails and texts but I’m ignoring them. He told me about the baby in a voicemail.’ ‘Oh Theo for gods sake just go and see him.’ ‘Why? I’ve got nothing to say to him.’ ‘Because he’s your dad and whatever’s gone on between us, is between us, it shouldn’t effect your relationship with him.’ ‘So you’re just gonna forget what he did then?’ ‘Yeah you know what, yes I am. We both did things we shouldn’t have done. We both hurt each other, but I want us to move on. Sophie’s parents are divorced and believe me when I hear some of Sophie’s stories there’s been a lot of drama for them too but today they both took her out for lunch, they were both there to say goodbye. They both seem to get on really well and that’s what I want for me and your dad. To put everything that’s happened in the past, behind us, and just concentrate on being the best parents we can be. Isla smiled, this was exactly what she wanted. For her mum and dad to stop hating each and just get on. She’d love to be able to relax when they were all in a room together. ‘I’d like that too,’ she said softly. ‘Theo?’ Questioned Paula looking over at her son. ‘Do you think you could talk things through with your dad?’ ‘Hmm I dunno?’ ‘Will you just try? Please for me?’‘Oh all right,’ sighed Theo if it would make his mum happy he’d talk to his dad, ‘But I’m not promising anything.’ ‘Great,’ smiled Paula. ‘Now did I spy chocolate fudge cake in the fridge this morning?’ ‘Yes you did,’ smiled Theo.‘I thought you could probably do with it,’ said Isla.
‘And you thought right, now how about one of you gets me a spoon, don’t worry about a plate I’ll eat it straight out the box.’ ‘Oh mum you are disgusting,’ laughed Isla as Theo went over to get the cake and three spoons. ‘So you don’t want any then?’ Asked Theo as he placed the cake in the middle of the table and passed his mum a spoon.‘Well technically I’m still getting over a break up too, so give me one of those,’ ordered Isla as Theo ripped open the box. Paula smiled as she dug her spoon into the cake. It was gonna take a bit more than chocolate cake to get over Sophie leaving but she figured it was a good place to start....

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘Mike I’m heading off,’ announced Paula though the open door as she walked past his office. ‘You got a minute?’ called Mike as he looked up from his paperwork.Paula glanced at her watch and took two steps back, ‘What?’ She asked as she hovered in the doorway. ‘How are you?’ ‘I’m fine,’ shot back Paula, ‘Why?’ ‘Just asking, got any plans for the weekend?’ ‘Nothing much, probably catch up on some paperwork, see what Isla’s up to.’ ‘Look I’m nearly finished up here, fancy getting a drink before I head off? I think some of the others are over the road. We could celebrate your win.’ ‘Actually Mike I’ve gotta be somewhere, can we do it another night?’ ‘Ahh yeah sure, where you off to? Anywhere nice?’ Mike was rather surprised that Paula had made plans but it was good that she wasn’t just moping around now Sophie was gone.‘No not really, it’ll probably be a disaster,’ admitted Paula.‘Ok....Now I’m intrigued.’ ‘I’m meeting up with Tim.’ ‘Tim?’ ‘Yes you remember him, my ex husband, father of my children.’ ‘Yes ok, forgive me if I sound surprised it’s just you two haven’t exactly been on speaking terms since you split up.’ ‘I’m well aware of that, which is why I said it’ll probably be a disaster, but he called and wants to meet, so being the grown up that I am I’ve said yes and we’re going for a drink.’ ‘Right well good luck with that.’ ‘Yes thank you, now I better go, I don’t want to be late and piss him off before we’ve even starting talking do I?’ ‘No you don’t, right you best get moving. ‘Mmm, see you Monday, don’t stay too late,’ warned Paula as she left the doorway and made her way down the corridor. .........................................................................
Paula walked into the bar pretty pleased with herself, she was bang on time. Tim being Tim was already there ordering a drink at the bar. ‘Hey,’ she greeted him, gently touching his back as she sidled up to him. ‘Oh hi,’ replied Tim looking surprised. ‘Wow you’re right on time, court finish early?’ ‘No not in court today and I actually managed to leave the office on time.’ ‘That’s a first.’ Don’t rise to it you’ve only just got here. ‘Yeah well I work for myself now, so it’s easier to get away.’ ‘Ahh yes I’d forgotten you’re the big boss now.’ ‘Mmm, finally.’ ‘What you drinking?’‘Umm red wine please.’ The pair stood in silence while the drinks were ordered and poured. It was weird being out just the two of them. The last time had probably been when Tim had arranged to meet her in her lunch break to give her their divorce papers.‘Thanks,’ said Paula picking her glass up, ‘Shall we go and sit? My feet are killing me.’ Tim looked down at Paula’s feet, ‘Not got your trainers in your bag then?’ Paula laughed, ‘No, I tend not to wear them much nowadays.’ ‘I always thought you looked cute in your trainers.’‘Yeah well cute’s not exactly the look I’m going for, shall we?’ Offered Paula as she pointed to a table over in the far corner.They both sat opposite each other, Paula crossing her legs as she picked up her drink and took a long look at Tim, he looked good, he always looked good. That was one of the things that had caught her attention all those years ago. Most of the men at uni looked a right mess but not Tim he was always well presented and he had the kindest smile that reached all the way to his eyes. Tim watched Paula carefully. She looked good, as always. The sharp black trouser suit and crisp white shirt showed she meant business while her dark nail varnish and one hooped earring hinted at her more alternative side. She was the most attractive woman in the bar by far, but then she always was. That was probably one of the reasons he found it so hard to be married to her. He could never quite believe that she’d chosen to be with him. ‘So,’ started Paula, ‘You wanted to see me?’‘Yeah,’ answered Tim looking down at his pint, shit why was he so nervous? He was talking to the woman he’d been married to for twenty years not some stranger. ‘So the thing is.....I wanted you to know...’ ‘That Lorraine’s pregnant,’ finished Paula watching as Tim sighed and looked up at her.‘Yeah, how’d you know?’ ‘You told Theo.’Tim laughed, ‘Yeah right, well I didn't know if he’d been listening to my messages or just deleting them.’ ‘He’s listened to them and read all your texts. He may be acting like he’s never gonna speak to you again but he will, in time.’ ‘Hopefully,’ sighed Tim. ‘You know you didn’t need to tell me this face to face though surely you knew one of the kids would tell me.’
‘Yeah I know but I thought after everything that happened, you know with the.....’ ‘Miscarriage? You can say it,’ said Paula softly.‘Yeah, I just wanted you to know, that’s all.’ ‘Well I’m very happy for you. You always wanted a third so now it’s happening you must be over the moon.’ ‘This wasn’t planned, this was a complete and utter shock.’ ‘Tim you don’t need to explain.’ ‘No, but I know how utterly devastated you were when we lost our baby and I just wanted you to know that I haven’t forgotten....’‘Tim it’s fine.’ ‘No it’s not fine, we had a baby, don’t call it a miscarriage it was a baby.’ ‘It was a late miscarriage, Ok. Please I don’t want to talk about it.’ Tim sighed, ‘You know this is probably why our marriage fell apart, because we didn’t talk enough about that or anything really. You just carried on like nothing had happened. You didn’t even tell the kids.’ ‘Why would I want to tell a thirteen and nine year old that their sibling had died when they didn’t even know I was pregnant, Jesus I didn’t even want to keep it at first.’ ‘No I know but you changed your mind, you’d got your head round the idea and I remember you talking about how this time you’d be around more, you’d be able to take longer maternity leave, you were looking forward to it.’ ‘Yeah well it wasn’t meant to be was it?’ Said Paula quietly, wanting to put an end to the conversation. She’d always felt like it was her fault the pregnancy had failed, that it was punishment her the fact she’d booked a termination behind her husband’s back. Even though she hadn’t been able to go through with it she still felt guilty. A counsellor had made her see sense but it was still painful. ‘No, I know but it still didn’t make it any easier,’ replied Tim sensing that Paula didn’t want to go into it and that was fine, he’d just wanted to acknowledge it had happened.‘What do you mean it’s probably why our marriage fell apart?’ Asked Paula suddenly, ‘Are you saying our marriage was shit for that long?’ ‘No but it changed things, you changed.’ ‘No I didn’t,’ shot back Paula defensively.‘Well maybe not straight away, but I wanted to try for another baby, you didn’t, so we argued about that. Then it wasn’t long after that you got promoted at work so you were working even more, staying out late, you had even less time for us.’Paula sighed, ‘Tim you know why I worked long hours, we agreed that you would look after the kids and I would go out to work. It made sense.’ ‘I know I just didn’t think you’d need to work quite so much. You were hardly home. Then there was all the socialising.’ ‘Yeah well there were quite a few client dinners but you know sometimes I was out drinking to celebrate a win. You work so fucking hard for these cases that when you get a result you want to let lose a little, have a bit of fun before the next case sucks all the energy out of you.’ ‘Yeah trouble is I know what happens when you let lose.’ ‘Oh right and what’s that?’ Paula could feel herself getting worked up, she was only just about managing to hold it together. ‘Oh come on Paula I was with you at uni remember.’ Paula laughed, ‘So you’re comparing the professional 40 something lawyer with the 23 year old fucked up student, really?’ ‘Look all I’m saying is I know what you’re like when you’ve been drinking, you’re a big enough flirt anyway but get a few drinks down you and ......’ ‘And what?’ ‘You know what.’ ‘No I don’t.’ ‘You fucked me when you were with Ian.’ ‘So because of that, I was fucking everybody in the office? Is that it? Do you have any idea what it’s like to be constantly questioned and accused of something you haven’t done?’ ‘Do you have any idea what it’s like to be married to you?’ Shot back Tim. ‘To watch you have this amazing career, to see you go out looking bloody gorgeous knowing that half the office probably do want to get you into bed.... I was jealous... Ok and I couldn’t help but think the worst.‘I really doubt that many people looked twice at me, but even if they did, I was with you, I was married to you. Jesus when me and you got together I’d been with Ian for how long? A couple of weeks? It was hardly serious. Anyway you knew I was with him but it didn’t stop you, and he was one of your best mates.’ ‘Yeah well what can I say you were very persuasive and I’d always had a thing for you. I just didn’t think it would ever happen.’ Despite the situation Paula had to smile, ‘Mmmm I can still remember the look on your face when you saw me sneaking out of his room.’ ‘Yeah well I though you were gay didn’t I. You’d only ever been with Rachel and then suddenly you were shagging everyone.’ ‘I was not shagging everyone,’ exclaimed Paula. ‘I just went through a time of discovery.’ ‘Oh that what we’re calling it?’ ‘Yes and just incase I haven’t said it enough, I will say it one last time,’ said Paula slowly. ‘Once we were together properly I never did anything with anyone else.’ ‘Until James?’ Paula rolled her eyes ‘Yes until James but by then you were already screwing Lorraine so I guess that doesn’t count,’ she said staring straight at him. ‘Like another drink?’ She needed to stop the conversation for a bit before she said something she’d regret, after all she was here to build bridges not start yet another argument. ‘Yeah go on then.’ ‘You still drinking Bud?’‘Mmm,’ nodded Tim as Paula got up to make her way to the bar. Probably best to have a breather before she grilled him about Lorraine, which he had a feeling she would do. He knew they both needed to talk about things in order to move on but it was still going to be difficult. Tim sat back in his seat finishing his pint as he watched his ex wife ordering the drinks. She’d just finished talking to the bartender when a man came and wrapped his arm around her waist. She turned and they greeted each other kissing each other’s cheeks. They spoke for a few minutes, she laughed and tucked her hair behind her ear. He placed a hand on her shoulder and she touched his arm. They were just chatting but Tim could feel the jealousy building. He closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths opening them when he sensed she was back.‘So who was the guy at the bar?’ He asked as Paula placed the drinks down and took a seat. ‘Just a fellow barrister.’ replied Paula taking a sip of her wine. ‘Oh right,’ replied Tim watching the man as he walked over to stand with a group of men at the other end of the bar, glancing over at Paula before he joined their conversation.Paula followed Tim’s gaze, Jesus, ‘Tim you do know we’re not married anymore so you really don’t need to glare.’ ‘I’m not,’ replied Tim defensively.‘Anyway I wouldn’t look over too much he might just think you’re interested.’ ‘What? Oh is he?’ ‘Gay? Yeah.’ Smiled Paula. ‘So tell me, Lorraine? How did that all start?’ ‘You really wanna know?’‘Yep, look I agreed to meet up with you because I actually want us to get on and if we’re gonna do that we need to be honest with each other, so come on, tell me, how did you two really meet?’‘I did some supply teaching at her school, you know when Theo went off to secondary and didn’t need me around as much. I’d been working there for about six months when we got chatting after school, it started from there really.’‘Did she know you were married?’ Asked Paula bluntly. ‘No, not at first I said we’d separated. Look it was a slow burn thing, she was going through her divorce I was lonely we just liked each other’s company, we were friends at first. I didn’t suddenly jump into bed with her. We just spent more and more time together until....’ ‘You jumped into bed with her,’ finished Paula.‘Yeah,’ admitted Tim shifting uncomfortably, ‘But it wasn’t about the sex ‘So how often did you see each other?’ ‘Does it matter?’ ‘I’m just trying to work out how I didn’t know.’‘You didn’t know because you were never at home and once Isla had gone off to uni and Theo was more independent I was on by own most evenings so.....’ ‘You spent more time with her,’ said Paula softly.‘Yes.’ ‘‘Why didn’t you tell me? finish things, move on. You thought I was cheating on you and you were seeing someone else, surely the logical thing to do would be to end things, no?’ ‘‘Yeah but I still loved you. I desperately wanted things to work out.’ By sleeping with another woman? Thought paula but she didn’t say that instead she asked ‘Is that what the trip to America was all about?’ ‘‘Yeah I was going to tell you about me and Lorraine in the hope you’d confess to something, then we’d have this amazing holiday and forgive each other and live happily ever after, what a fucking joke.’ ‘Mmm there’s two problems with that plan. One I hadn’t actually cheated then, so if you had told me I would have killed you and two you didn’t factor in me falling off a horse and getting addicted to tramadol, making things ten times worse between us.’ ‘Yeah well there is that,’ smiled Tim. ‘So come on then what happened with you and James?’ ‘God me and James, now that WAS just about the sex, stated Paula as she took a long sip of her wine. ‘Oh right.’ ‘Don’t say it like that. You were always accusing me of screwing around, so in the end I did. You hadn’t touched me in months so when he started showing me some attention I was flattered,’ shrugged Paula.‘Well it would have helped if you’d been at home.’ ‘No don’t say that, I may have been home late but I was always in our bed, laying next to you....Wanting you,’ said Paula softly. ‘Jesus the amount of nights I tried to initiate something and you just rolled over. It was like I repulsed you.’ ‘You didn’t, it’s just....’ ‘You were with someone else, I get it.’ ‘I’m sorry. I was just so lonely.’ ‘Yeah me too. I just needed something physical, I wanted someone to touch me, to want me. To make me feel like I was attractive because believe me I’d felt like shit for so long. ‘I didn’t realise you felt like that, you never told me.’
‘No.... Well it was difficult to talk to you. It was like every time we were in the same room we’d just argue about everything and anything. I was going to tell you about James I just.... There was never....’‘A right time.,’ finished Tim knowing exactly how she felt. ‘Yeah,’ whispered Paula, ‘And I am truly sorry you found out like you did.... It was unforgivable.’ ‘Yeah it was quite a shock. It’s not exactly what you expect to find when you come home from work early.’
‘No...’ ‘But I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did, especially involving the kids. I realise now how awful it must have been when Isla stopped talking to you. Not speaking to Theo is killing me.’ ‘Yeah well he’ll come round, I said I was never gonna forgive you and yet here we are. Anyway he’s not as stubborn as Isla,’ remarked Paula, ‘And you’re a great dad, he knows that.’ ’Thanks, and it’s good to see you and Isla back on track again. She told me you’d told them everything about.... Look I’m so sorry Lorraine let slip about your addiction like that, I have no idea what the fuck she was thinking.’ ‘I’m pretty sure I do,’ Muttered Paula. ‘Look it’s fine I should have told them ages ago and I guess in the end having my hand forced was probably the best thing to happen. It’s all out in the open now.....’‘You know I’ve never been more scared then on my way to the hospital that night......’ ‘Tim don’t, I really don’t wanna talk about it. It’s in the past, I fucked up, I got better, end of.’‘Right yeah so like I was saying it must be nice to have Isla home.’’Mmm it is although we’ve had another little set back but I think we’re getting through it.’ ’Oh god what’s happened now?’ ’Hasn’t she told you about Jo?’ ’No why? What’s happened.’ ’Ahh, you’ve not spoken to her since last Monday have you?’ ’No, I’ve been away, what’s happened with Jo?’
’It’s a long story,’ groaned Paula.’That’s ok I’ve got all night.’ ’Won’t Lorraine be wondering where you are?’
’No she’ll be flat out on the sofa by now, all she does lately is sleep.’’Ahh yeah the joys of being pregnant.’ ’Mmm but what about Sophie you two not got any plans?’’Oh wow there really is so much you don’t know.’
’Well I’ll get us another drink and you can fill me in.’
’Yeah alright,’ agreed Paula watching Tim get up
and walk away. Wow she couldn’t quite believe they’d managed to get through all that without an argument.
They’d definitely made progress. Hopefully this was the start of a reconciliation, she couldn’t be bothered to fight anymore.......................................................................
’Jesus Paula I mean honestly, it could only happen to you.’ ‘Yeah I know right? I mean of all the lesbians in all the world,’ she laughed as she drained her second whiskey of the evening. ‘But you and Isla are ok now?’ ‘Yeah I think the whole thing made her realise she’s still not over Kayla so I think that helped.’ ‘Kayla, god she really was a nasty piece of work wasn’t she?’ ‘Yep, but she was her first love and it’s difficult.’
‘Yeh I spose, so how long’s Sophie away for then?’
‘Nine months,’ moaned Paula. ‘Oh wow!’‘Yep she only left on Tuesday and I’m already missing her like crazy.’ ‘Maybe you could fly out and visit?’ ‘Mmm,’ agreed Paula, not wanting to tell him they were actually on a break. ‘I like Sophie she seems good for you.’ ‘Really,’ replied Paula slightly shocked.‘Yeah I mean you shouldn’t work but you do and if I’ve got to see you with someone else I’d rather it was her than someone like James.’ ‘Yeah well I guess it’s easier to see me with a woman you can’t......’ ‘No it’s easier seeing you with someone who isn’t an arrogant tosser,’ smiled Tim. ‘Now shall we have just one more drink for the road?’

.............................................................................Paula nursed her drink and looked over at Tim, ‘You gonna be ok? You don’t usually drink scotch.’ ‘No, I only ever drink it with you,’ smiled Tim, ‘You’re a bad influence.’ Paula laughed, ‘God do you remember on our honeymoon when we started drinking old fashioned’s and we didn’t realise quite how strong they were until we tried to walk back to our villa. It took us about two hours.’ ‘Yeah well it didn’t help that you wanted to stop off for a swim.’ ‘No, but that was fun wasn’t it.’ ‘Yeah it was, we’ve had loads of good times it’s just a shame they’ve been overshadowed by all the shit.’‘Mmm,’ agreed Paula as they both sipped their drinks Paula swirling the ice round her glass. ‘We might have fucked it all up but we do have two gorgeous kids.’ Tim looked up, ‘Yeah that we do, they’ve both turned out alright haven’t they?’ ‘Yeah they have, although blimey do you remember what a little shit Theo was? The amount of times we were up that school.’‘You need to think yourself lucky you didn’t do the school run. Jesus it was so embarrassing when he was in juniors, I was called in to see his teacher nearly every bloody day,’ sighed Tim. ‘Yeah I remember, trouble with Theo was he got bored easily so just started causing mischief. He loved being the class clown didn’t he? I don’t think half the teachers knew what to do with him.’‘No you’re probably right. They didn’t know how to tackle you either.’ ‘What’s that suppose to mean?’ Tim laughed, ‘I remember the look on the teachers faces when you turned up for a meeting. You always argued Theo’s case. ‘No I didn’t.’ ‘Yeah you did, you probably never even realised. Take that time he was caught selling your cigarettes to the year tens, he was only thirteen. You told them it showed he had great entrepreneurial skills!’ Laughed Tim. ‘Yeah well it did,’ grinned Paula ‘They wanted to suspend him for that.’ ‘Yeah and what did they end up doing after your little speech’‘They gave him two weeks worth of after school detentions. Which was a win win for everyone. Theo would have loved to be suspended so his punishment was harsher for him but it meant the incident didn’t go down on his record and you didn’t have him hanging around the house for a week.’
‘Mmm a win win,’ smiled Tim. ‘At least Isla’s never caused us much trouble.’‘No she’s always been the good one, takes after you,’ smiled Paula. ‘Yeah probably,’ agreed Tim. ‘Do you remember when she sat us down to tell us she was gay?’ ‘Yeah I still can’t believe she was only fourteen I was so proud of her. I was 22 before I finally managed to tell my mum.‘Her face when we said we were both fine with it, she didn’t quite know what to do did she?’ ‘No but then we always knew didn’t we? Well I did. She never showed any interest in boys whatsoever and I’m pretty sure she had a crush on her English teacher, Mrs Quinn, but then to be fair who wouldn’t,’ smiled Paula. ‘I hope she finds someone soon. She deserves someone special.’ ‘Yeah she will, but you gotta kiss a few frogs before you find the one,’ reasoned Paula draining her glass. ‘Right well as lovely as this is, I really need to be getting home.’‘Yeah me too, but it has been nice hasn’t it?’ ‘Yeah it has, we definitely needed to talk it all through. It may have taken us three years but we got here in the end,’ laughed Paula as she grabbed her jacket from the back of the chair. ‘You coming to the cab office?’ ‘Yeah,’ smiled Tim as he got up to join his ex wife, feeling slightly dizzy as he reached round to pull on his jacket..........................................................................Paula quietly closed the door, wincing as she heard the click of the lock. She stood in the hallway leaning against the wall to take off her heels and walked slowly down the hallway, she needed a glass of water. She’d only made it halfway when she was met by both her children coming out of the lounge.‘And what time do you call this?’ Asked Theo in his best stern voice. ‘What?’ Asked Paula as she tried to focus on the pair of them.‘Have you been with dad all this time?’ Asked Isla staring at her.‘Yep,’ replied Paula.‘Since half six?’ She exclaimed.‘Yep,’ ‘And you haven’t killed him?’ Asked Theo quite taken aback.‘Nope, we actually had a very grown up conversation,’ stated Paula simply as she swayed slightly.‘Are you pissed?’ Asked Theo watching his mum suspiciously.‘Maybe very slightly, yes,’ declared Paula blinking a few times to stop the room from spinning.‘So everything went well then?’ Asked Isla smiling over at Theo. ‘Yes everything is fine, me and your dad are fine everything is fine. Now why are you two not out. It’s Friday night for fucks sake.’ ‘See I told you she wouldn’t care if I was here or not,’ grumbled Theo to Isla as Paula made her way into the kitchen to grab a bottle of water. ‘Right mum, glad everything’s fine, I am now going out, like you say it is a Friday,’ shouted Theo as he glared at his sister. ‘Don’t wait up,’ he whispered as he walked past Isla and down the hallway while she made her way into the kitchen to see her mum necking a bottle of water. ‘So you and dad are really ok?’ Asked Isla again, she couldn’t quite believe that it had gone so well. ‘Yeah I really think we turned a corner tonight. It actually turned out to be a rather pleasant evening, reminiscing,’ smiled Paula, ‘But now I’m sorry darling but I really need to sleep,’ explained Paula as she walked to the door stopping to give Isla a kiss on the top of her head as she left. ‘Yeah ok, night,’ said Isla softly as she watched her mum leave the kitchen. Wow finally after all this time maybe her parents had finally forgiven each other.....

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‘Why don’t you go home? I can finish up here.’ ‘No it’s ok, we’re nearly done,’ replied Paula as she brought the papers she’d just printed back to the desk. ‘Anyway what would I do if I went home?’ ‘Umm get some rest,’ suggested Mike. ‘You look like you could do with an early night.’‘Oh jeez thanks.’‘Well I’m just saying you look a bit tired, maybe you’re coming down with something.’ ‘I’m just not sleeping that well,’ admitted Paula. ‘Ahh right well why don’t you do something with Isla tonight? I always find going to the cinema helps me sleep, might work for you?’‘Mmm could try that another night but she’s going over to Tim’s this evening.’ ‘So how’s everything going with you guys? You all still taking?’ ‘Yep believe it or not all of us went out for dinner last weekend for Isla’s birthday. Me, Tim and the kids and we actually had a good night. After a lot of persuading Theo finally spoke to his dad and they’ve talked things through. I think he realised that if me and Tim could both forgive and forget then he needed to as well. ‘Ahh good I’m really pleased, you couldn’t have carried on like you were.’ ‘No,’ replied Paula knowing her and Tim should have sat down together so much sooner but it was done now and that’s all that mattered. ‘So what’s keeping you up then? Why you not sleeping?’ ‘Oh you know me I’m not a great sleeper anyway but I’ve got a lot on with these new cases and we’re gonna be two lawyers down soon,’ explained Paula knowing that was a pile of bullshit. She wasn’t sleeping because she was missing Sophie, missing seeing her face everyday, hearing her giggle, feeling her lips on hers, snuggling up to her, making love. It had been nearly two months now and she still hadn’t got use to not having her in her bed. She woke up in the night sometimes and reached out for her only to feel the cold sheets and she absolutely fucking hated it. Mike knew Paula was lying, yes Ben and Andy were leaving but they’d coped before they arrived and they didn’t have any more cases than usual. The two interns had worked way over their agreed time and if anything it was sometimes more stressful having them around. ‘We’ll cope, we always do. Shall I arrange leaving drinks for the boys tomorrow? Just something over the road?’
‘Yeah, fine whatever you think,’ replied Paula distracted. ‘Right is that everything we need for tomorrow?’ ‘Yep should be.’ ‘Great so I’m just going to go and read over these papers again,’ said Paula shuffling the pages together and getting up. ‘No you’re not,’ ordered Mike, as he got up and followed her to the door. ‘You are going to go home and relax, the papers will still be there in the morning and you’ve already looked at them once, the trial doesn’t start until next week.‘Yes I know, but if I ........’ ‘Paula go home otherwise you’ll be no good to anyone tomorrow.’ ‘Jesus, ok....ok I’m going, can I just go and collect my things first?’ Mike folded his arms, ‘Yes you may and then you are leaving.’ .........................................................................Paula headed home to an empty house and walked straight into her office. She dumped her satchel on the chair then made her way up to her room. She usually had a bath when she got home after a long day but she thought that it might be better if she saved that for just before bed, it might relax her, so instead she stripped off and pulled on her yoga pants and a t-shirt and headed off in search of food. Thank god Isla’s still living here she thought as she heated up yesterday’s leftover stir fry cooked by her daughter. At least she wasn’t living off ready meals. Balancing her bowl in one hand and a glass of wine in the other she walked into the lounge and switched on the TV. She ate while watching some trashy programme which reminded her of Sophie. She had no idea who all the people were and missed Sophie filling her in, talking about the characters like they were her own friends. Once she’d finished her food she poured another glass of wine and made her way to the study. She sat down and pulled the papers she’d taken from her office earlier. Honestly did Mike really think she’d leave looking at all this until the morning? She lent back in her chair and started to read.At just after ten Paula heard a key in the lock, Isla was home. She hastily moved the empty bottle of wine around the corner of her desk before Isla’s head poked round the door. ‘Hey.’ ‘Hey darling, you ok?’ ‘Yeah I’m good, dad said to say hi.’ ‘He ok? How’s Lorraine?’ ‘You really wanna know?’ Asked Isla crinkling her nose. ‘No not really but I thought I’d be polite,’ smiled Paula.‘Yeah she’s ok, still moaning about feeling sick and stressing about every little twinge’ ‘The usual then?’ ‘Yep......So muum...’ Oh god what now thought Paula, Isla only ever said mum like that when she was about to ask something. ‘Yes,’ she said turning to face her daughter. ‘Do you think it’s too soon for me to start seeing someone else?’ ‘Why you asking me?’‘Because I want your advice.’ ‘But I can’t decide whether you’re ready to start dating again, that’s up to you. Do you feel ready?’ ‘Well yeah, I think. It’s just I’m so scared of getting hurt again but then I don’t like being on my own.....’ Isla’s voice trailed off as she realised what she’d said. ‘No, well it is pretty shit,’ smiled Paula.‘Sorry I didn’t mean to..’ ‘It’s fine. So is there someone you have your eye on?’ ‘I met someone the other night, a waitress in a bar, she asked for my number and she text earlier....But I haven’t replied yet...’ ‘Why not?’ ‘Well like I said I’m scared of getting hurt.’ ‘But you must have liked....’ ‘Kate.’ ‘Kate so why don’t you text and ask to meet again and see how things go? I know you’ve had some bad luck lately but you will.....’ Paula’s voice trailed off, ‘Kate? She works in a bar?’ ‘Yeah The Cube in town, why? Oh god mum......’ exclaimed Isla. Paula looked up suddenly realising what Isla thought, ‘Oh Jesus no nothing like that! It’s just Sophie’s ex was called Kate and she works in bar I just thought for a horrible minute.....’‘Shit it’s not her is it?’ Sputtered Isla.‘No it’s not,’ laughed Paula. ‘Could you imagine!’ ‘Do you know what? Nothing would surprise me anymore,’ said Isla shaking her head. ‘So now we’ve established that neither of you has slept with my potential date, do you think I should text her back?’ Paula smiled, Isla making a joke meant she had truly forgiven her for the total mess she’d made with the Jo situation. ‘Yep I do, after all it’s only a date, it’s not like you have to start seeing her. Just take things slowly.’ ‘Slowly? Coming from you?’ Said Isla with a raise of her eyebrows.‘Yes, well I’m your mother, do as I say not as I do. Just have a bit of fun and see what happens, would be my advice,’ grinned Paula, ‘But only if you feel comfortable with that,’ she added quickly.‘Yeah alright maybe I will. Right I’m off to bed.’ ‘Ok, I’m coming up in a minute too.’ ‘Yeah make sure you do, you’re working too much again,’ warned Isla as she left the study..........................................................................Paula groaned, rolled over and silenced the alarm. It felt like she’d only been asleep five minutes.

She’d gone up to bed not long after Isla and ran a bath, she’d tried to relax in the bubbles even lighting some candles and playing soft music but that had only made her yearn for Sophie. Fuck she missed her so much why the hell had she suggested they have a break? She could have called her, heard her voice, FaceTimed seen her face, but that would have been worse in Paula’s mind because she couldn’t have her in the way she wanted, physically here with her. That’s when she’d moved a hand between her thighs and tipped her head back, visions of Sophie playing through her mind as she brought herself to orgasm. She’d thought that after her bath she’d be able to sleep but no such luck so once again she’d resorted to having a scotch to help her drift off but now she had a muzzy head. She really needed to stop drinking so much. She knew over the past weeks her alcohol intake had increased but she’d kind of pushed it to the back of her mind. Next week she’d cut back she promised herself as she slipped out of bed and headed to the shower. It was going to be another busy day. .........................................................................Paula had just got off the phone to Imran when Mike walked in. ‘I’ve arranged drinks for straight after work, everyone can make it so I expect to see you at some point. You need to take a break.’ ‘Yep ok,’ replied Paula not even glancing up from file she was reading.‘Fancy grabbing a spot of lunch?’‘Mmm, what? No....’ replied Paula finally looking up. ‘Imran’s just called and I need to go and meet with him, go over a few things for next week.‘‘You need to eat, why don’t you go after lunch,’ suggested Mike.‘I’ve got meetings later, I’ll go now. I promise I’ll grab something to eat on the way.’ ‘Mmm,’ muttered Mike as he made to leave the room, ‘Remember drinks at six over the road.’ ‘Yes alright,’ replied Paula as she began collecting her stuff together. .........................................................................‘Well do you have any idea when he’ll be back? I only got off the phone to him half hour ago. I said I was coming,’ sighed Paula irritated. ‘He said to say sorry and he will be back as soon as he can,’ shrugged Leanne, ‘I’m sure he won’t be long, why don’t you go and get some lunch or whatever and I will call you as soon as he’s back.’ ‘Hmm,’ replied Paula looking at her watch. ‘I suppose I can wait until two but if he’s not here by then he’ll have to come to me.’ ‘Ok,’ replied Leanne watching Paula march out of the office. ‘Great,’ sighed Paula as she emerged into the street. She wouldn’t have bothered waiting around but she needed to go over the witnesses being called next week and she hated discussing things over the phone. Looking up the street she decided to head to Roy’s to pick up a coffee. Shit it was weird being back on this street without Sophie. Although I have’t missed these cobbles she thought as she crossed the road, her heel nearly getting stuck. She’d just got to the door of the cafe when she heard a familiar voice call her name. ‘Hi,’ replied Paula as she turned to face Sally.‘Hi I though I saw your car, you ok? What you doing here?’ ‘Just got a meeting with Imran.’ ‘Oh right, you meeting in there?’ Asked Sally nodding at the door.‘No, just grabbing a coffee, Imran’s been called away so I’m just hanging around waiting.’ ‘Well I’m on a late lunch I’ll make you a coffee at mine and we can have a catch up?’ ‘Oh well....I....’ stuttered Paula as she tried to come up with an excuse. ‘Come on, I’ve just bought a milk frother we can test it out.’ Paula smiled, ‘Go on then, but I can’t stay long,’ she added quickly. ‘Lovely, so how you been?’ Asked Sally as they made the short walk over to her house. ‘I’m ok, really busy at work. Lots to juggle but I like being busy....’ Paula’s voice trailed off. ‘Mmm, well just make sure you’re looking after yourself,’ warned Sally as she eyed her friend up and down. ‘I am,’ managed Paula stifling a yawn as Sally opened the front door. ‘Right what do you want? Is a cappuccino ok?’ ‘Yeah lovely, can you make it a strong one,’ asked Paula placing her jacket over the back of the chair and sitting down, trying not to look at the photos of Sophie dotted around the room. Once the coffees had been made Sally sat down and the two women chatted. Sally asked how Paula’s meet up with her ex had gone and how her children were and Paula inquired after Tim, Kevin, Jack and Gina. Eventually she couldn’t avoid it any longer. ‘How’s Sophie?’ She asked softly. ‘She’s good, they’re in Shanghai now. She’s having an amazing time. I spoke to both girls on FaceTime the other day. That’s the best thing about Sophie being away with Rosie, it means I actually get to talk to her, Rosie’s never been the best at keeping in touch.’ ‘So they’re getting on then?’ Paula asked knowing this was one of the things Sophie had been worrying about before she left. ‘Yeah seems so, I mean god you know how sister can argue but they sounded ok when we spoke.’ ‘No I don’t, but I’m glad they’re........’ Paula yawned again. ‘I’m so sorry,’ she apologised. ‘I’ve not been sleeping very well. I seem to yawn my way through the day and then I’m wide awake at night.’ ‘Oh god yeah I use to have nights like that,’ groaned Sally, ‘Although I’m getting eight hours a night now, I’m like a new woman.’ ‘Wow what I would give to sleep eight hours straight, please tell me your secret.’ ‘Sleeping pils,’ replied Sally, ‘They literally are a god send.’ ‘Oh right....’ replied Paula slightly disappointed. ‘I don’t really want to start taking anything...’‘These are nothing strong, I get them over the counter. I just take them for a few nights at a time then I seem to just get back into the habit of sleeping again, for a while at least.’
‘Oh really, what are they called? I might need to give them a try. I’ve got a big trial starting next week and it’s not going to look great, me yawning my head off.’ ‘No it won’t, hold on a sec I’ll go and get the packet I can’t remember the name of them,’ explained Sally as she left to go upstairs. A couple of minutes later and she was back to find Paula on the phone. ‘Ok thanks Leanne I’ll be right over,’ she said as she ended the call. ‘Imran’s back in the office so I need to be making tracks. It was lovely catching up.’
‘Yeah it was, here you go, take these,’ replied Sally handing Paula a packet. ‘There’s only a few left in there and I can pick up another pack when I’m next in the chemist. Give them a go they might work.’ ‘Ahh thanks,’ said Paula as she placed the pack into her bag. ‘Anything’s worth a shot. Right I better dash.’ ‘Yeah see you, good luck with the case. Maybe bob in again if you’re over at Imran’s.’ ‘Will do,’ waved Paula over her head as she went off down the street. .........................................................................
Meanwhile over on the other side of the world Sophie was fretting. ‘Babes will you just forget about the other night and find some shoes we’re gonna be late.’‘I don’t think I’m gonna come. I’m not feeling too great.’‘Oh come on you’re all dressed up now and you do realise this is one of the top clubs in Shanghai, we’re lucky we got tickets.’ ‘Yeh I know but what if Becki’s there?’ ‘Then you can have some more fun,’ winked Rosie as she finished applying her lip gloss.‘Rosie I don’t wanna have some fun, I wish I’d never met her.’ ‘You wish you’d never spent the night with a beautiful model?’ Questioned Rosie completely perplexed.
‘Yes because I’ve cheated on Paula and I feel terrible,’ sighed Sophie. She still couldn’t believe she’d been so stupid, got so drunk and put herself in a position she really didn’t wanna be in.‘Right firstly you aren’t actually with Paula so you haven’t cheated and secondly you didn’t even sleep with her.’ ‘No but we kissed and I shared a bed with her and she wanted to but I .......’‘Yeah we’ve been through this you couldn’t fuck the hot model because you’re in love with some boring, fifty year old lawyer,’ groaned Rosie. ‘Don’t say it like that.’ ‘What it’s true. She’s the same age as mum, she has adult kids.’ ‘Yes I am well aware of all that.’ ‘Good so you’re also aware of the fact she told you to go and have some fun. So can we please do that?’ ‘I know that you think I’m crazy for wanting to be with Paula but you’ve not even met her, she’s certainly not boring and she’s not fifty yet and definitely doesn’t look it,’ said Sophie defensively, ‘And I really miss her,’ she added softly.‘Yeah I know you do and that’s cute but in seven months you’ll be back in Weatherfield and you can spend the rest of your days together but right now you are coming out with me to dance your arse off.’ Sophie couldn’t help but smile, Rosie did have a point. The last two months had flown by and she was having an amazing time, she just wished she could talk to Paula about it, but then Paula had told her not to get in touch and it would probably just make things more difficult...They’d be back together soon. ‘Ok but please don’t set me up with anyone else.’ ‘Ok....Ok I promise not to set you up with any more models, you little weirdo.’ ‘I am not a weirdo.’ ‘Oh come on you are a bit. I mean what kind of lesbian doesn’t wanna take the fittest girl in the room home to bed?’ ‘A lesbian who has the perfect woman waiting for her at home,’ grinned Sophie. ‘Now which shoes do you think I should wear with this dress?’

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Paula’s phone beeped again signalling another message. ‘What now?’ She muttered as she snatched the phone up and looked at the display. Everyone’s here so when you’re done, can you make an appearance, please. You need to take a break. Paula sighed and quickly typed a reply. I’ll be there soon, I’m sure no one’s missing me and you know I won’t be able to relax until all this is sorted.
Paula sent the message and looked back at the computer screen. She quickly re read the email she’d been writing and hit send. Right she was pretty much done. She sat back and rubbed her eyes the last thing she wanted to do now was go and socialise but she knew if she didn’t head over the road soon Mike would be over checking she was ok. She sighed and dragged the bottle bag, which had been sitting on her desk when she got back, towards her. She read the label, a simple Thank You was all it said. Taking a peek inside she pulled out a bottle of single malt, one of her favourites. She opened it and put her nose to the top, maybe if she had one small glass of this she might be able to relax a bit before she went over to join the others?.........................................................................Mike read Paula’s message and pocketed his phone. It was half six now, he’d give her an hour and then if she hadn’t materialised he’d go and drag her over himself. He could already see that she was doing what she usually did when she was unhappy, immerse herself in work. She’d always been the same. Not that she didn’t always work hard but when she wasn’t happy in her personal life there were tell tell signs; Staying even later at the office was one, then there was the skipping lunch, starting to look tired, snapping at everyone, finding ways to avoid social gatherings. Yep she definitely wasn’t coping well with Sophie being away and it had only been two months. Shit, he’d have to keep a very close eye on her he thought as he took the tray of drinks over to the table. ‘Drinks up,’ he announced as he put the tray down and picked up his pint.
‘Cheers,’ said Ben as he came to stand next to Mike.
‘Yeah cheers,’ replied Mike holding up his glass, ‘So you going to miss us?’ ‘Yeah course I am, I’ve learnt so much here and everyone’s been great. I’ve loved the variety of cases, it’s never ending isn’t it?’ ‘Yeah well Paula’s worked hard to set up our client base so there’s never a dull moment.’ ‘Mmm, she’s definitely a workaholic that one, she doesn’t stop.’ ‘No,’ muttered Mike taking a swig of his drink, ‘She doesn’t.’‘Talking of Paula, where is she?’ Asked Ben craning his neck to see if she’d turned up. He hadn’t seen her all day and he was hoping to have one last chat before he left. He’d miss seeing her everyday, sneaking glances at her as she walked along the corridors, making up excuses just so he could talk to her. Yep he was definitely going to miss working for a woman as hot as Paula.‘You won’t be surprised to hear she’s still at the office but she’s promised me she will be here within the hour, so we will see.’ ‘Oh right,’ replied Ben really hoping she arrived sooner rather than later. .........................................................................Twenty minutes later and Paula still hadn’t appeared. Mike could see that most of the employees had finished their drinks so he took the orders and headed over to the bar again. Luckily these were going on the company account as he’d never be able to afford these prices all night. Usually when Paula was here and someone was leaving or had a birthday the drinks were paid for all evening, keeps morale high Paula said, so that was what would happen tonight. Although Paula would have opened a tab and people would have gone up to the bar as and when but it wasn’t Mike’s company so not his money and he didn’t want to overstep the mark. Placing the drinks on the table once more people were quick to come and grab their drinks and hurriedly get back to their conversations. ‘Whose pint is this?’ Asked Mike looking around to check everyone had a drink. ‘Must be Ben’s,’ reasoned Andy as he realised he was missing. ‘He’s probably out having a fag, I’ll keep an eye on it,’ he grinned. ‘Mmm I’m sure you will. Just let him know it’s there yeah?’ Said Mike as he turned to walk back over to the bar. He’d just seen someone he used to work with and wanted to have a catch up.‘Yep will do,’ called Andy as he went to join a couple of the junior lawyers..........................................................................
Back over at the office Paula drained her glass, enjoying the burn as the liquid made its way down her throat. She looked down at her phone she’d been tapping her nails on and bit her lip. Ever since her chat with Sally that afternoon she’d wanted to know more about Sophie’s trip but she’d resisted the urge to look at Sophie’s social media. Now the temptation was too much and she knew that in a few swipes she’d be able to see what the younger woman had been up to. ‘Fuck it,’ she sighed as she picked up her phone, logged into her account and tapped on Sophie’s face. Ahh she hadn’t been expecting that, there was nothing on there, Sophie hadn’t updated her account in three months. Right that was that then, thought Paula as she went back to tapping the phone, her mind wandering. But maybe? Paula picked her phone up again and did a quick search, Rosie Webster, now if what Sophie said was true this account would be updated every hour and it was open. Paula poured another drink, clicked on the link and settled back in her chair to began swiping through Rosie’s photos. A few minutes later and she realised it hadn’t been one of her greatest ideas. Sophie had been right about her sister, she photographed and posted about everything! There were pictures of hotel rooms, meals she’d eaten, outfits she’d worn and evenings out she’d been on. It was the latter that caught Paula’s attention because these were the posts that featured Sophie. Every evening out seemed to be documented and followed the exact same pattern. First there were images of Rosie posing in her chosen outfit for the evening then standing with groups of girls, who by the looks of them were fellow models, the way they stood and pouted into the camera so confidently, being a dead giveaway. Paula imagined that Sophie had probably taken most of these, she could almost here her saying what do I wanna be in a photo for? Then as the night wore on there would be a couple of the two sisters, Sophie looking absolutely stunning but standing awkwardly next to Rosie. Then finally the last ones would be the drunken end of the night pictures, random ones of people’s feet, posing with various drinks, dancing round handbags that kind of thing. Paula smiled as she picked out Sophie’s beaming face, she was having a good time and that made Paula happy. It wasn’t until she went back though the photos in more detail that she noticed Sophie in the background of a few. Behind Rosie she could see a mystery woman with her arm around Sophie’s waist, then in the next one Sophie’s arms were draped around the girl’s neck while her hands were on her waist and finally in the last one they were definitely kissing, their bodies pushed together. Paula noticed the caption Rosie had added, finally my little sister seeing some action!Paula threw her phone onto her desk and closed her eyes. The girl in the photos was stunning, tall and tanned, nothing like her. Paula had never been the jealous type but right now she was, which was silly because it had been her that had encouraged Sophie to go and have some fun, her that had insisted they have a break. What had she expected Sophie to do? She was surrounded by fit, young models of course she was going to, as Rosie had put it, see some action. Paula sighed and picked up her glass, finishing her drink in one. That will teach me to go snooping she thought as she picked up her phone and closed her account, promising herself that she wouldn’t look at Rosie’s instragram again.Fuck, why had she looked at those photos? She was finding it hard enough being away from Sophie but now she had images in her head she really didn’t wanna have. Right she really should be getting ready to leave. Paula eyed the scotch bottle. Maybe one more for the road she thought as she picked up the bottle again. Having poured another generous measure she picked up her pen to write some notes for Monday, trying to take her mind off what she’d just seen. She was just thinking she better make her way across the road when she saw a figure pass her window then a gentle knock on her door. Who the fuck was that?
‘Come in,’ she called as she looked up to see who would appear. ‘Hello.’ ‘Oh hi..... What do you want? How did you....’ started Paula. ‘I need these signed,’ explained the visitor waving some papers at her.‘Do you?’ Questioned Paula with a tilt of her head not believing for one minute he was in her office to get papers signed. He could have asked her to do that earlier. ‘I was wondering when you’d turn up.’ ‘Were you?’ Came the cheeky reply. ‘Mmmm,’ replied Paula as she glanced up at him from under her fringe. ‘Going to offer me a drink?’ He asked as he sat down and nodded towards the bottle. ‘I need to get across the road.’ ‘I’m sure they won’t mind if you’re a bit late,’ he stated picking up the bottle and pouring himself a glass.
‘Help yourself why don’t you?’ she said looking across at him. ‘I will,’ be said taking a sip. ‘Mmm this is good.’ ‘Yes it is. It was a present.’ ‘Well whoever bought it for you must think a lot of you,’ he said with a smile. ‘Yes I suppose they must,’ replied Paula a smile tugging at her lips.‘So what’s it like not having Sophie around?’ Oh here we go though Paula, ‘It’s fine. She’ll be back before I know it.’ ‘And in the meantime......’ ‘And in the meantime I have lots of work to be getting on with,’ she commented quickly knowing that wasn’t what he was implying. ‘You work too hard you know that don’t you?’ He grinned.‘Yeah well, I like working.’ ‘And you’re very good at it.’ ‘Yes, thank you.’‘But all work and no play makes life very boring, don’t you think?’ Paula picked up her drink and took a sip, leaning back in her chair. She knew exactly why he was here and although she knew she shouldn’t be having the thoughts she was having she was finding it difficult to resist his charms. ‘Yeah well I’ll save my playing for when Sophie gets back.’ ‘And when is that exactly?’ ‘Seven months,’ revealed Paula, shit that sounded such a long time. Jesus who was she kidding it was a long time.‘Oh wow.....Think you can wait that long?’Paula bit her lip and stared at the man sitting across from her. ‘Well what’s the alternative?’ Great now she’d started to flirt. Good she’s flirting back. ‘Do you really need to ask?’ He said as his eyes moved from hers down to her neck where the top two buttons of her shirt were open revealing her delicious cleavage. Fuck she thought as she watched his eyes roam over her body. She could feel the heat between her legs and hated herself for it but it had been two months and it looked like Sophie had been having fun so why shouldn’t she? ‘So what do you have in mind?’ She asked slowly as she took another sip of her drink. Shit she’d drunk too much.‘Well no one’s here.....’ he pointed out as he got out of his seat and walked round to Paula’s side of the desk, ‘So we could start with me doing this....’ he said as he moved her hair and planted a kiss on her neck... ‘And see what happens from there.....’ He whispered in her ear as his fingers moved to undo the third button on her shirt .....

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘Oh wow I don’t think I’m ever gonna be able to walk again! My feet are killing me,’ groaned Sophie as she landed face down in the middle of the bed, shoes still on her feet. ‘But what a great night,’ smiled Rosie as she flopped down next to her sister. ‘Glad you decided to come?’ ‘Yeah it was an amazing night, I’ll give you that. Thanks for persuading me to go.’ ‘There was no way I was leaving you here to mope and anyway after all that talk of not wanting to see Becki again you disappeared with her for an awfully long time,’ grinned Rosie. ‘I thought about sending out a search party. Now what could you have been getting up to?’ ‘Not what you’re suggesting,’ shot back Sophie. ‘Yeah alright, don’t worry your secret’s safe with me,’ winked Rosie. ‘No Rosie,’ replied Sophie sitting up quickly, ‘There is no secret. Becki and me were just talking that’s all.’ ‘Talking? Bout what? Doesn’t seem like you have much in common apart from the obvious.‘She’s confused about her sexuality I was trying to help her sort it all out in her head.’ ‘I bet you were,’ laughed Rosie.‘Not like that, Jesus is everything about sex with you?’ ‘No sorry, carry on,’ replied Rosie, ‘It’s just I don’t really get it, what’s to sort? She likes girls, seems pretty clear to me.’ ‘Yeah well she does like women but she also fancies men and she’s just finding it difficult to work out who she is.’ ‘She seems like she wants it all,’ laughed Rosie. ‘Hey don’t laugh, that’s exactly what she doesn’t want people to think.’ ‘Well I just don’t get it. I mean you like girls, I like boys simples. We all know where we are, I could never be with another woman, the thought repulses me actually, sorry no offence,’ said Rosie quickly as Sophie just stared at her, ‘And I know you have no interest in men and that’s fine but liking the two, I find that weird...’ ‘Lovely, I’ll be sure to let Paula know you think she’s weird.’ ‘Oh is she......’ ‘Bisexual, you can say it and yes she is.’ ‘Oh right. I didn’t realise.’ ‘I told you she was married to a man.’‘Yeah I know but I just thought she was gay and had only just come out, you read about it a lot don’t you? I mean with older people......’ Sophie laughed, ‘I can tell you haven’t met Paula, she’s really not the type of person who would hide who they are just to please other people.’ ‘Oh right, so I take it she’s a confident kinda woman.’ ‘Yep she’s confident and smart and funny and caring and sexy as fuck added Sophie with the biggest smile on her face. ‘She sounds great,’ exclaimed Rosie surprised by her sister’s last choice of words. ‘But surely there must be something wrong with her?’ ‘Hmm she’s a shit cook and works too much but apart from that.....’ ‘And the age thing, that doesn’t bother you at all?’ ‘No not really, I mean it did, but once you meet her you’ll realise we just work and I think after a while people stop noticing the age gap.’ ‘Yeah but what about the future? ‘The future? Rosie you never think about the future.’
‘Yeah I know, but you do, and don’t you think it’ll cause problems?’ ‘Jesus Rosie can you not just be happy for me? I’ve finally met someone who loves me for me, makes me laugh, wants the best for me, believes I can be whatever I put my mind to and quite frankly gives me the best fucking orgasms I’ve ever had. So stop raining on my parade, ok?’ Rosie stared wide eyed at her sister, ‘Wow best orgasms you’ve ever had,’ she smirked. Sophie blushed, ‘I did not mean to divulge that information, I was on a roll and it just came out.’ ‘Mmm,’ smiled Rosie, ‘Seems like she really is your ideal woman.’ .......................................................................Meanwhile over at Martin Solicitors Paula tipped her head back as her companion continued to kiss his way down her neck and along her collar bone. Finally his fingers had undone the third button on her blouse and he’d moved onto the next. It had been ages since she’d felt the scratch of stubble on her neck and she couldn’t tell whether she’d missed it or not. ‘You smell so good,’ breathed the man into her neck as his hand slipped inside her silk blouse. ‘I’ve wanted to do this for ages.... In your office.... In this chair.’Paula let out a soft moan as she dug her nails into his shoulders, while his hand squeezed a breast, his thumb rubbing over her hardened nipple, his mouth nipping at her neck, finally finding his way up to her mouth. Their lips met and they hurriedly kissed, it was rough and clumsy and then his mouth was gone. Back to kissing further and further down her neck and into her cleavage as his hand moved from her breast to her thigh where he slid her skirt upwards. He was pushing down on her now his breathing becoming more rapid as his hand found the top of her thigh.........................................................................Over at the bar Mike looked down at his watch and glanced over to where the rest of the team were sitting, all chatting in small groups. It had been nearly forty minutes now and there was still no sign of Paula. He drained the rest of his pint and walked over to join the others. ‘Anyone seen Paula,’ he asked the first group he came to. ‘No she’s not turned up yet, probably finalising the details of the Nazir trial,’ offered one of them. ‘Yeah probably,’ agreed Mike as he walked away and over to join Andy, noticing the untouched pint still on the table. ‘Has Ben not come back yet?’ ‘Nope,’ confirmed Andy, ‘And that pint’s getting warm. He’s probably trying his luck with one of the ladies outside in the smoking area, you know what he’s like.’
‘Yeah,’ muttered Mike, ‘Look I’ll be back in a bit, don’t go anywhere and you might as well have that,’ he added nodding at the pint as he made for the door.
After a quick scan of the bar Mike couldn’t see Ben anywhere so he made his way outside. Before heading over to the office he made a detour past the smoking area at the back of the bar. There was a slim possibility that Paula might be there and he didn’t want a wasted journey over the road. Nope he couldn’t spot her but was that Ben chatting to a brunette over in the corner? Seriously did he ever have a day off? He couldn’t be sure as he had his back to him and there was no point interrupting him now. If it was Ben he could usher him back into the bar once he’d dragged Paula out of the office. He wasn’t particularly bothered about what Ben was doing but Paula usually made some kind of speech at these sorts of things so it would be good if Mike knew where to find him.

.........................................................................
In her office Paula snapped her eyes open and squeezed her thighs shut. What the fuck was she doing? She didn’t want this. She didn’t want this man’s hands on her, she wanted Sophie here, touching her like this, making her feel like this. Not him, why had she been so fucking stupid? This was wrong she shouldn’t be doing this. ‘Stop,’ she gasped as she felt the weight of the man on top of her. ‘Oh come on, don’t be a tease, you don’t need to take control all the time,’ he groaned.He was pinning her to the seat now. One hand on her wrist, holding it down to the arm of her chair while his other hand gripped the top of her thigh. ‘I said stop, I don’t want this, get off me,’ she yelled struggling to free her wrist while her other hand pulled at his hair, ‘Get the fuck off me,’ she screamed trying to move her knee upwards as he released her wrist and her arm fell free. ‘Did you not hear her? She said get the fuck off her,’ boomed a voice behind them as Paula saw a set of hands grab the man’s shoulders and yank him off her throwing him practically across the desk. ‘Are you ok?’ He shouted at Paula as he turned to face the man who’d had his boss pinned to her chair. ‘Yeah I’m ok,’ replied Paula taking a deep breath, as she rubbed at her wrist, ‘Jesus, what the fuck are you doing?’ She yelled as she looked up to see the man who’d just entered the room raise his fist, ‘Don’t hit him,’ she exclaimed.‘Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t?’ He growled back. ‘Come on Paula tell him, you wanted it as much as me,’ insisted the man before the fist closed in on his cheek....

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘You’re going to regret doing that?’ Threatened James as he placed two fingers to his split lip, ‘I’m bleeding,’ he said in disbelief as he pulled his fingers away and stared at them. ‘Oh believe me you’re lucky you only have a split lip,’ spat back his attacker as he flexed his fingers. He’d never hit anyone before and his hand was killing him, maybe he’d broken a finger. ‘Are you ok?’ Asked Paula staring in disbelief as she made to do up the buttons on her blouse, shit the third one was missing. ‘Well I’m .......’ Started James.‘I’m not talking to you,’ snapped Paula as she got up, smoothed down her skirt and walked over to check his fingers. ‘Sit down,’ she ordered as she guided him to the couch over in the far corner of the office. Then sitting beside him she took his hand in hers and gently turned it over, checking he could bend each finger while he stared across at her intently. ‘That was fucking stupid,’ she whispered as she dropped his hand. ‘I don’t think anything’s broken but I’m not an expert you might need an X-ray.’ ‘I’ll be fine it’s nothing,’ he smiled. ‘Right are you gonna come and check me out now? I am the one bleeding.’ ‘You?’ Scoffed Paula, ‘I think you better be leaving.’ ‘Now that’s not very nice is it? I only came by to help you out. ‘Funny that, I thought you’d come to get some papers signed,’ replied Paula coldly. ‘And what are you talking about? Help me out?’ ‘Oh come on Paula I know how sexually frustrated you get and what with Sophie being away I thought you might need some assistance,’ he smirked.‘Wow you are unbelievable,’ came the voice from beside Paula before she could reply. ‘Look it’s pretty clear you’re jealous so I’d just pipe down if I were you. This has nothing to do with you,’ said James through gritted teeth. ‘Nothing to do with me? I’ve just caught you forcing yourself on her, there’s a word for that.’ ‘I was not forcing myself, she was moaning and wanting more a few seconds before you walked in. Then suddenly she was screaming and I was being flung across the room. Tell him Paula.’ ‘I didn’t want it to go any further. I wanted you to stop,’ said Paula looking anywhere but at James. ‘And I was going to stop but I didn’t get the chance. Look I’m sorry if I scared you but I would never.....Not if you didn’t want to.... Come on you know that,’ explained James moving closer so she had to look at him. ‘Paula you know that’s not my style. I have never done anything you haven’t consented to,’ he continued, ignoring the glare from the man sat by her side.Paula took a deep breath and looked up at him. He did have a point, he’d never done anything like this before, well he had been rough with her in the past but only when she’d asked for it like that. Sex with him had always been animalistic, raw, passionate, it wasn’t ever slow and sensual, there was usually no time. ‘No you haven’t,’ she agreed. ‘I didn’t mean to lead you on, I shouldn’t have kissed you, I’m sor......’ ‘No Paula, don’t you dare apologise to that prick, Jesus this is not your fault.’ ‘Look I know what you’re saying but you weren’t here, you don’t know us, our past, so just back off and let me speak.’ ‘I think I know enough. What would have happened if I hadn’t come in?’ He continued ignoring Paula’s request to keep quiet. ‘I would have stopped, I’m not some kind of animal. I thought it’s what she wanted,’ he stated again. He knew what he was trying to imply and he was completely wrong. He would never hurt Paula.‘Yeah alright, you’re saying that now but if I.....’
‘Hadn’t come to her rescue,’ snorted James, he was really starting to irritate him now. ‘Fuck, you’re acting like she can’t take care of herself. If you hadn’t walked in she’d have kneed me in the bollocks and kicked me out.
‘But she sho.....’ ‘Right shut up both of you,’ shouted Paula she was fed up with both of them talking like she wasn’t even here. ‘Look I know you would have stopped but you should have stopped immediately, I shouldn’t have had to say it again.’ ‘No I know, I got carried away,’ replied James quietly, staring at the floor, a drop of blood falling onto his shirt. ‘Can I grab a tissue for this?’ ‘Yeah, I have some in my bag, hold on,’ said Paula as she made her way back to her desk, ‘Here you go,’ she said as she passed him the packet. ‘Thanks,’ replied James as he pulled out a tissue and placed it to his split lip, wincing as he applied some pressure. ‘This is gonna look great in court isn’t it?’ ‘Mmm,’ agreed Paula as she reached up to pull the tissue from the cut to see if the bleeding had stopped. The man on the sofa watching on intently, wondering how she could bear to be near him. ‘You need to ice it so the bruising and swelling comes out..’‘Yeah you better run along and sort that out, you don’t want it to scar.’ ‘You’re lucky I don’t have you done for assault,’ Spat James. ‘Hitting a judge wouldn’t go down too well, would it?’ ‘No spose not but they’d want to know why I punched you wouldn’t they? And I really don’t think you want anyone knowing about this little altercation do you?’ Paula glared over at the sofa, a warning for him to shut up. ‘Look James I think you better go, I’ll see you out.’ ‘Hmm,’ he muttered as he walked over to the office door past the sofa. The two men glaring at each other one final time. Paula closed the door and turned to face James. She still couldn’t believe how utterly stupid she’d been. What was it with this man? He was an utter knob but also devilishly handsome and always seemed to be in the right place at the right time. When she was feeling down about herself and needed to feel wanted he knew exactly what to say, how to push her buttons.‘Paula I am truly sorry, I feel terrible. I honestly thought it’s what you wanted. I still can’t get you out of my head......I saw an opportunity and took it........’
‘Yeah,’ said Paula softly. ‘Let’s just forget it yeah.’ ‘You know I really think we could be good together, you should give us a chance. I could make you so happy.’
Paula sighed, ‘James we have been through this, we would never work as a couple.’ ‘But why not? We’ve always been so good at the physical side of things and we got on so well before.....Well before everything.....’ ‘Yeah well that was because we both got off on the sexual tension between us. Look I’m not gonna lie I’m obviously attracted to you, for my sins,’ she muttered. ‘But what happened back there was a mistake and will not be happening again..... ever.’ She added quickly as she saw the look in his eye. ‘Right, well it was worth a try,’ said James a slight smile forming on his lips. ‘He won’t say anything will he?’ He asked nodding rather nervously to the door of her office. ‘No I’ll make sure he doesn’t, but James please keep your distance.’‘Ok from now on it’s purely professional, I promise,’ he said holding his hands up as he walked backwards down the corridor, Paula looking on, still wandering why the hell she’d fallen for his charms yet again. What the hell was Sophie gonna think? As he turned the corner she ran a hand through her hair and reached for the handle of the door. ‘I’ve poured you a drink,’ he stated as she came back into the room, ‘Thought you could do with one.’ ‘Thanks,’ she said wearily as she picked up the glass of scotch and sat down on the sofa next to him. ‘Did you really need to punch him?’ ‘He was holding you down, of course I did,’ he stated simply. ‘He’d let go of me before you came from nowhere and threw him halfway across the office.’ ‘He shouldn’t have been pinning you down in the first place.’ ‘Yeah well he got a bit carried away.’‘He should have stopped.’ ‘Jesus will you give it a rest, he read the situation wrong, give him a break, yeah,’ retorted Paula not wanting to discuss it further.The two sat in silence for a moment, Paula sipping her drink while her companion sat beside her not knowing what to say. Finally he spoke ‘You ok?’ He asked turning towards her.‘Yes I’m fine,’ snapped Paula immediately regretting her tone. ‘Sorry, I’m just annoyed with myself for going there again. I really don’t know what I was thinking, well I obviously wasn’t thinking was I?’ She sighed.‘No,’ he said quietly, ‘But I guess we all have people we have feelings for that we probably shouldn’t,’ he said averting his eyes and looking down at his hand, there was a faint bruise across his knuckles and it hurt like hell.‘I don’t have feelings for him,’ shot back Paula as she drained her drink, ‘I’m just a fucking idiot.’‘Can’t argue with that,’ he smiled causing her to smile too.‘Come on I need to make an appearance over the road,’ she said as she made to get up, catching the reflection of someone moving past the window, ‘Ahh shit.’ Following her gaze he too looked out at the figure making his way to the office, ‘Great,’ he sighed.‘Don’t say anything,’ she warned, ‘Let me do the talking....’

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Paula swivelled around on the sofa as the door opened, ‘Hi,’ she greeting as the man entered the room and took in the scene before him. Alright,’ said Mike gruffly as he looked at the open bottle of scotch on the desk, the empty glass in Paula’s hand and the young man sat next to her looking anywhere but at him. ‘I thought you had work to finish.’‘Yep I did but it’s all done, I was just heading over actually,’ stated Paula cheerfully as she got up and walked over to her desk chair to pull her pink blazer off the back. As she shrugged it on Mike couldn’t help but notice the open buttons on her blouse. ‘Right and when did you get here?’ Questioned Mike looking Ben up and down. ‘There was a pint waiting for you at the bar but I told Andy to have it when you didn’t come back.’ ‘Oh right, yeah sorry.... I....um, came.....’‘Over to give me this,’ finished Paula, nodding to the bottle of whiskey. ‘Right and you thought you’d sample it now? Did you?’ Asked Mike looking suspiciously between the pair of them. ‘Yeah,’ nodded Paula ‘Then we got talking, you know about Ben’s further career choices and I guess I didn’t realise the time.’ ‘No sorry it was my fault. I had a lot of questions,’ offered Ben as he got up.‘So you good to head over now?’ Inquired Mike ‘Or shall I leave you to chat a while longer?’ He added coldly. ‘Nope, we’re all done here,’ replied Paula quickly as she shouldered her work bag. ‘Right let’s go,’ she announced as she headed for the door..........................................................................
‘I’m just gonna have a cigarette, I’ll be through in a bit,’ explained Ben to the two lawyers as he made his escape. Fucking hell he sighed as he made his way through to the smoking area. Once there be sat down and pulled a cigarette from the pack, taking a long, well needed drag. He’d only gone over to the office to see what was taking Paula so long and he’d ended up punching a judge. He still couldn’t believe how smug that fucking prick was or how much it hurt when you hit someone.Back at the front of the building the two lawyers walked into the bar Paula glancing over at Mike. Why was he being weird. ‘You alright?’ ‘Yeah fine,’ he snapped.‘Well you wanna tell your face that then,’ she said with a smile. ‘Mmm,’ he grunted, ‘Want a drink?’ ‘Oh yeah please, glass of red would be great, thanks. Open a tab yeah.’ ‘Yeah ok.’ ‘Mike you sure you’re ok? If this is about me being late, I’m sorry, I just lost track of time.’‘It’s not that, I’m fine. Just been a busy week,’ he sighed as he turned to head over to the bar. As Mike went to get the drinks in Paula headed to the ladies. Shit she was showing way too much cleavage she realised as she gazed into the mirror, bloody button. Balancing her bag on the side she rummaged around for something she could use to make herself more presentable. ‘Ahh ha,’ she exclaimed as she found a safety pin at the bottom, she knew there was one in her bag somewhere. Perfect she thought as she fastened the pin in place then went about reapplying her make up.
A few minutes later Paula appeared looking immaculate and began to circulate, putting her earlier ordeal to the back of her mind. She was partway through a conversation with one of the paralegals when Mike came over and handed her a large glass of wine, announcing to the table that he’d set up a tab, which was met with cheers from the younger employees.Ben showed up a while later and he too headed for the bar. Once he’d ordered a drink he glanced back at his colleagues to see Paula perched on the corner of the table laughing with the temp who’d taken on Sophie’s job. She seemed completely fine after her earlier experience, like nothing had happened. Ben paid for his drink and turned round to join the others almost bumping into Mike. ‘If you’d been here earlier you would have heard me saying there’s a tab open, you wouldn’t have needed to pay for that,’ stated Mike nodding at Ben’s pint.‘Oh right, well I know for next time,’ muttered Ben as he made to walk past Mike who moved to the side blocking his path. ‘Well if you didn’t keep disappearing you wouldn’t keep missing out on free drinks would you?’ ‘No spose not.’ ‘So what was Paula’s advice then?’‘What?’ Asked Ben playing for more time. Why was he asking him that? ‘Her career advice, I thought that’s what you were talking about.’‘Oh yeah right, well it was just about what my next steps might be.’ ‘And what did she say.....‘ continued Mike.‘That I should take on as much pro bono work as I can, try and do some court marshalling, that kind of thing.’ ‘Right,’ nodded Mike, ‘Sound advice.’‘Yeah,’ agreed Ben wishing Mike would just let him past. He didn’t want to say the wrong thing and end up annoying Paula.‘You know you could have come and asked me,’ continued Mike, ‘But then I guess you don’t like talking to me as much as Paula.’ Ben smiled but he could feel his hands sweating, Jesus this was so awkward. What did Mike mean by that comment? ‘Well what woul........’ ‘Hey Ben, Paula wants you over here a minute,’ called Andy as he came up behind Mike. Thank god thought Ben, as he visibly relaxed. ‘Oh right,’ he said quickly moving around Mike. ‘You as well Mike, I think she’s gonna say a few words?’ He shrugged. Once everyone was gathered around the table Paula made a little announcement thanking both Andy and Ben for their contribution to the firm and wishing them every success in their onward journeys. she finished up by offering them both work when they qualified and everyone raised a glass. The whole time Mike watched Ben and Paula intently, were they staring at each other or was he imagining it? ..................................................................The rest of the evening pasted in a haze of drinking, laughter and chat. The firm was small and most of the people had been their since day one so they all got on well and liked to socialise. Paula enjoyed seeing her staff happy and always took these social events as a chance to catch up with everyone and check on their well being, something she knew was important. Being a lawyer was stressful enough without the added stress of a boss that couldn’t give a shit.Towards the end of the night Paula felt a tap on her shoulder as she stood at the bar, turning around she found Ben standing in front of her. ‘Can we go outside for a bit? I need to talk to you.’ ‘Yeah ok,’ she replied softly, ‘Let me just grab my drink, do you want anything?’ ‘Same, please,’ replied Ben as the barman placed a Scotch in front of Paula. Once they both had their drinks they walked outside and sat down, sitting next to each other so they could both be close to the outside heater. Ben pulled his cigarettes from his pocket and offered one to Paula. Might as well she thought as she took one from the pack and leant forward so Ben could light it. They both sat in silence for a minute or so smoking and looking out into the night until Paula finally spoke. ‘How’s your hand?’ ‘Not too bad, can’t really feel it much now, although I think that might be the alcohol.’ ‘Yeah probably,’ smiled Paula. ‘Look earlier I didn’t get a chance to say thanks,’ she said softly.‘That’s ok, anyone else would have done the same.’
‘Mmm, probably not the punching part.’ ‘Well no, but I was all fired up,’ shrugged Ben as he took a pull on his cigarette. ‘You must think I’m such a slut,’ blurted out Paula.‘No why would I think that?’ Exclaimed Ben shocked at her choice of word. ‘Oh come on Ben stop being so nice. I’ve spent this whole time telling you I’m not that type of person and you got me all wrong and then as soon as Sophie’s out of the picture you see me like that....with him.....’ ‘Look the way I behaved in the past was out of order I have no idea about you or your life. I can’t judge you, I don’t know you,’ explained Ben as he flicked ash from his cigarette onto the floor, watching it fall.Paula looked over at him and smiled, ‘Wow we are all grown up now aren’t we?’ Ben smiled, ‘Yeah well, I learn from my mistakes.’
‘Mmm, It seems I don’t,’ she smiled as she took another drag on her cigarette and looked out into the night. ‘You know you deserve so much better,’ stated Ben softly as he took in her profile. She smiled softly, ‘Thanks, but I’m really not sure I do.’ ‘Don’t say that. You know I reckon you and Sophie have a great future.’

Paula smiled at the mention of Sophie’s name but then immediately felt guilty. ‘Right I suppose we better get back inside, we don’t want people to talk,’ she said quickly wanting to change the subject. ‘Ahh yeah, actually that’s what I wanted to speak to you about. Mike’s been asking questions about what career advice you gave me.’ ‘Right ok, so what did I tell you?’ ‘Oh the usual more pro bono work and marshalling a judge. Does that sound like something you’d say?’ ‘Yeah that’s fine. Good advice. Although make sure the Judge isn’t James yeah,’ she teased as she turned to make her way back inside. .........................................................................Paula and Mike had stayed out of each other’s way for most of the evening, which was nothing unusual. They usually mingled with the other staff until the younger employees went on somewhere else and the others went home to family. Then the two of them sat at the bar together having one more drink for the road. Which is exactly what happened tonight.‘Hey,’ greeted Paula as she sat down next to Mike putting a scotch in from of him. ‘One more before we head home?’ ‘Thanks,’ said Mike finishing his pint in one gulp and picking up the scotch. ‘Steady,’ warned Paula, looking at him closely. He didn’t usually drink a great deal but tonight he was knocking them back. ‘Has it been that bad a day?’ She asked as he took a swig. ‘Not really, could just do with a drink,’ he snapped. ‘Ok you don’t need to bite my head off.’ ‘No but you warning me about drinking too much is a little rich don’t you think?’‘What?’ Glared Paula, why was he being like this?‘Well it’s not me that’s been drinking scotch in my office since six is it?’ ‘Are you for real? I had a drink with Ben to say thanks for his present.’ ‘The one he bought over to you when he should have been here having drinks?’ ‘Oh sorry I didn’t realise he HAD to be here.’ ‘Paula that bottle was on your desk when I left the office, don’t treat me like a fucking idiot.’ ‘Oh alright he came over to see where I was. Happy now?’ ‘Then why lie?’ Snarled Mike.‘I don’t know, Jesus why the interrogation?’ ‘I’m just looking out for you, I don’t want you doing anything stupid.’ ‘Sorry but what is it exactly that you think I’ve done?’ Glared Paula. She had a good idea what Mike thought they’d been up to but she wanted to hear it from him. ‘Well you both looked very cosy when I walked in, you slightly dishevelled and him not wanting to catch my eye.’ ‘So that means what?’ Mike sighed, he hated Paula when she got like this, all defensive and pushing for a fight. ‘You know what I’m implying Paula and all I’m saying is think very carefully before you get involved with ........’ ‘Ben? You seriously think I wanna have a thing with Ben?’ ‘Well you’ve already done something with him so I don’t know? Maybe?’ ‘Oh have I? So you catch us having a drink together and suddenly what? We’ve been at it on my desk’ Exclaimed Paula. ‘For fucks sake Paula your shirt was undone.’ ‘Oh right, ok then Columbo, seems like you have it all figured out.’‘So give me another explanation then?’ ‘No I shouldn’t have to,’ shot back Paula. ‘And anyway what good would it do? You’ve obviously made up your mind. Jesus Mike Ben’s our intern. He’s at uni.’ ‘Yeah well I thought you liked them young now,’ spat Mike as he drained his glass. ‘Wow did you really just say that?’ ‘Yep, I really did,’ repeated Mike as he looked at Paula with bloodshot eyes. ‘What the fuck is the matter with you?’ ‘Nothing’s the matter with me, although I suggest you take a long hard look at yourself.’ ‘What’s that suppose to mean?’ ‘It means.....oh it doesn’t matter,’ dismissed Mike. ‘No, it does, come on what were you going to say?’ Mike turned to stare at her. ‘It means have you just totally forgotten Sophie exists? She’s the best thing that’s happened to you in years and you’ve gone and fucked it up, but then I suppose it was highly unlikely you were going to stay faithful for nine months so....’ ‘You bastard,’ seethed Paula as she finished her drink, picked up her bag and draped her blazer over her arm. ‘Truth hurts doesn’t it,’ called Mike as she started to leave. Paula was absolutely fuming now. Mike had hit a nerve, she wanted to turn round and tell him he was being ridiculous, that she’d never do anything to hurt Sophie but of course she couldn’t. ‘You think you know everything don’t you? But you know nothing,’ she seethed. ‘No I don’t but seeing as you haven’t given me a different version of events. I’m guessing mine are pretty accurate.’ ‘I’ve told you what we were doing. We were having a drink.’ Replied Paula through gritted teeth as she fumbled with the pin in her shirt. ‘And as for my shirt being open I lost a button,’ she explained as she slammed the safety pin onto the table. ‘You can think what the fuck you want but I am telling you nothing happened,’ and with that she stormed out of the bar leaving Mike staring down at the pin wondering if he’d just made a terrible mistake.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘Fuck, yes.......yesssss........harder, oh fuck don’t stop,’ screamed Paula as her hands gripped his back, then moved to grab his shoulders.‘I’ve missed you,’ groaned James as he removed his mouth from her nipple and planted kisses up her breasts and along her collar bone. ‘Still as good as I remember’ he breathed into her ear as he pushed harder into her, grinning as she wrapped her legs around his waist. ‘Cum for me,’ he moaned as his hands pulled her hair causing her head to snap back, her mind to go blank. A pain to shoot through her skull. When she opened her eyes again James’ face was gone and instead Sophie’s was staring down at her. ‘Does that feel good?’ She whispered as her hand moved the dildo back and forth inside her. ‘Mmmm,’ groaned Paula, ‘So good.’ ‘But not as good as James, hey?’ retorted the younger woman as she stilled her hand and looked into her lovers eyes. ‘Why’d you do it? Have you had enough of me?’‘No Sophie I love you, I stopped, I didn’t want it...’ pleaded Paula as Sophie’s face faded and in its place James’ returned. ‘Ahhrrrr......Yesss,’ he grunted as he bucked his hips against hers, pushing her further into the desk, pinning her hands down....... ‘Fuck Paula I don’t think I’m gonna last much lo.....’‘No, stop, I don’t want this.......Noooo,’ yelled Paula as her breathing became erratic and her eyes shot open....... Her heart was beating so fast it felt like her chest would rip open at any moment.....She lay still, completely disorientated, where the fuck was she? She concentrated on the hammering of her heart, trying to calm herself down, until at last through the gloom she could make out where she was. ‘Thank fuck,’ she sighed as she realised she was laying on her bed fully clothed, her shirt stuck to her skin with a thin film of sweat. ‘Jesus,’ she groaned as she swung her legs over the side of the bed and tried to focus on slowing her breathing. Once she’d recovered enough that she didn’t feel like she was going to hyperventilate she reached for her phone. Shit it wasn’t there, she always put it on her bedside table. Where the hell was it? Looking at the clock she saw it was quarter past 7. How the fuck had she got home? The last thing she remembered was arguing with Mike and storming out of the bar. Where had she gone? Come straight here? Or gone somewhere else? She didn’t think she’d been that drunk when she left the bar but she obviously had been. And what the hell had that dream been about? Or more accurately nightmare. ‘Your guilty conscience that’s what,’ she told herself as she managed to stand up. Right she needed to find some paracetamol and get in the shower. .........................................................................‘And that is the reason I hardly drink,’ declared Isla as she headed into the kitchen to find her mum looking like death warmed up, sitting staring into space, a glass of water untouched in front of her. ‘Well good for you,’ snapped Paula as she glared at her daughter, her head pounding. It was at times like this she wished she could take something a little stronger than paracetamol. ‘You should drink that,’ advised Isla taking a seat across from her. ‘You know a hangover is caused by dehydration so the quicker you rehydrate the quicker you’ll.....’ ‘Isla do me a favour and shut up, Jesus your voice is going right through me.’ ‘Wow alright, I thought you’d be a little more grateful after I stopped you making a complete fool of yourself last night.’ ‘What?’ Questioned Paula her head snapping up to stare at Isla. Her daughter smirked, ‘You don’t remember do you?’ She teased as Paula racked her brain trying to figure out what the fuck she was going on about. ‘No, not exactly,’ she replied slowly, hoping that something would come back to her, but it wasn’t happening. ‘Ok well you tell me what you can remember and we’ll go from there,’ suggested Isla, knowing full well her mum had no recollection of her antics the previous night.
Paula glared at her, oh she was bloody loving this. ‘Ok, ok as you well know I have no idea what you’re going on about, so please put me out of my misery,’ groaned Paula, taking a sip of water. She’d already thrown up twice and really didn’t want to make it a third time.‘Do you even remember how you got home?’ ‘Nope,’ ‘Ok well that’ll remain a mystery then because you were already in when I got back.’ ‘What time was that?’ She asked hoping Isla had been her usual sensible self and got in early. ‘Um it wasn’t too late about half 11 probably,’ replied Isla watching her mum carefully, she could almost see the cogs in her head turning. ‘Right, ok,’ this was a good start. Paula was pretty sure that she was still in the bar at 11 so it looked like she’d come straight home. ‘And you really don’t remember?’ ‘No, now stop fucking around what was I doing?’ ‘Drinking scotch and trying to FaceTime Sophie.’
‘Oh god, I wasn’t. Did I get through?’ ‘Well at first I thought you had as I found you talking to your phone screen saying how sorry you were and you didn’t mean it and you loved her but when I actually looked you were talking to a blank screen.’ ‘Oh thank god,’ exhaled Paula as she rested her head in her hands. ‘That’s not to say you hadn’t been talking to her. I don’t know your pin so I couldn’t check to see if you’d actually got through or not. I mean the way you were going on and on I’d have hung up on you.’ ‘Oh fuck,’ groaned Paula, causing her head to pound. ‘Where’s my phone now?’‘So once I’d wrestled if off you, you know you’re surprisingly strong, I put it on top of the bookshelf in the lounge to stop you from trying again.’ Paula was up and out of her seat before Isla had even finished talking. ‘It’s on that one over there,’ instructed Isla as she watched her mum place a chair in front of the shelf. ‘Shall I just get it?’ ‘It’s fine I’m up here now,’ called Paula as she felt along the shelf, ‘Got it,’ she called as she pulled it down. ‘Jesus be careful,’ warned Isla as Paula wobbled slightly, her daughter rushing forward to steady the chair. ‘You’re probably still pissed,’ she said as she took her hand. ‘Hey what’s this?’ She asked staring at her wrist.‘Oh it’s nothing,’ replied Paula stepping down off the chair and pulling down her sleeve. ‘Doesn’t look like nothing, has somebody grabbed you?’ ‘Umm yeah, I wasn’t looking where I was going and stepped out into the road, it was my own fault I was on the phone, a colleague grabbed my arm,’ explained Paula thinking quickly. ‘Doesn’t sound like you to be so careless,’ remarked Isla.‘No well I’ve not been sleeping lately have I, so I’m not firing on all cylinders so to speak.’ ‘Mmm,’ agreed Isla not totally convinced as she watched her mum take a seat on the sofa, the phone in her lap.‘So you gonna have a look or just stare at it?’ Asked Isla impatiently. ‘Yes alright,’ Snapped Paula taking a deep breath, please don’t have called her she silently prayed as she entered Sophie’s birthday and opened the phone. She went straight to FaceTime, nothing, then past calls, nothing, next she tried messages, nothing there either. Finally she looked at WhatsApp. Shit Sophie’s name was at the top of the list with a picture of a camera and the word outgoing next to it. ‘Fuck,’ spat Paula as she stared at the screen, she had called her. What the hell had she said? ‘I take it by the look on your face you did speak to her then?’ ‘Yeah, looks like it,’ grumbled Paula. ‘How long for?’ ‘Jesus I don’t know, does it matter?’ ‘Well it might help you work out what you might have said.’Paula sighed and pushed the i next to the date. ‘Oh thank fuck,’ she breathed as she read the words unanswered video call next to the time 23:34. ‘She didn’t answer it,’ she explained to Isla. ‘Well that’s a bit of luck.’ ‘Yeah,’ agreed Paula sitting back on the sofa, god she felt dreadful. ‘So what you sorry about?’ Probed Isla.‘What?’ ‘You were going on about how you didn’t mean it and it was a mistake and you loved her. What have you done?’ ‘Oh Isla please I don’t wanna talk about it.’ ‘Right well I can probably guess,’ remarked Isla glaring at her. ‘Don’t look at me like that. I really don’t need a lecture.’ ‘I’m not looking at you like anything and you’re not with Sophie at the minute are you, so you can do what you want, just as long as you can live with yourself.’‘Yes thank you,’ snapped Paula. ‘But you might what to think up a reason why you would have called her because she’ll know she missed a call from you.’ ‘Ahh yeah,’ she hadn’t actually thought of that. ‘Thanks and thank you for taking my phone off me,’ mumbled Paula as Isla started to leave the room. ‘It’s alright, I mean who hasn’t tried to drunk call an ex or whatever. I’m just glad I didn’t bring Kate home with me. Now that would have been an introduction.’ ‘Oh shit how was the date?’ Paula had completely forgotten to ask. ‘Yeah it went really well, we’re meeting up again for lunch tomorrow. We didn’t stop talking all night. She wants to take things slowly too so there’s no pressure which is good.’‘That’s great, I’m glad it went so well. Now if you’ll excuse me I think I’m gonna throw up,’ she added quickly as she ran past Isla. .........................................................................
‘If my mum’s not very chatty it won’t be you it’s her. She’s got a big court case starting today and she’s not sleeping great, she’s on a break from her girlfriend who’s away travelling and she‘s not taken it very well so she’s drinking too.....Oh hi mum,’ said Isla quickly as Paula walked into the kitchen. ‘I thought you were still upstairs.’ ‘No just getting my files together,’ explained Paula as she headed over to finish her coffee. ‘You must be Kate,’ she said as she noticed the blonde sitting at the kitchen table dressed in running gear and looking rather red. ‘Hi yeah, it’s lovely to meet you. Isla’s told me....’
‘Everything you could possibly ever want to know about me by the sound of it,’ smiled Paula as she looked over at Isla who at least had the decency to look embarrassed. ‘Sorry I probably did over share.’ ‘Yeah well you’re right I’m not going to be very chatty I’m afraid, but only because I’ve got to leave for court in about two minutes,’ she explained checking the time on her phone as she took a swig of coffee. ‘I’m impressed you’ve managed a run this early, couldn’t you have kicked this one out of bed to go with you?’ Paula asked as she raised her eyebrows at Isla who was still in her pyjamas. ‘Oh no I didn’t stay here,’ corrected Kate quickly turning a deeper shade of red. ‘I called in on my way back home....As I was passing.’ ‘Jesus mum.’ ‘Oh ok,’ replied Paula, ‘Its just what with it being so early I thought you might have......’ Paula stopped as she saw the look her daughter was giving her, ‘Well just as long as you know you’re welcome to stay over anytime, yeah,’ she offered as she finished her coffee in one. ‘Right that’s me off. It was lovely to put a face to the name. I hope I have more time to chat next time. Isla I have no idea when I’ll be home so I’ll just see you whenever.....Right I have to dash.....Bye girls....’ ‘Yeah see you mum, good luck,’ called Isla as Paula swept out of the kitchen. ‘Fuck....’ she groaned as she heard the front door slam shut. ‘I’m sorry about her, I hope she hasn’t given you the wrong impression, because I have never slept with anybody on a second date.’‘No she hasn’t and it’s fine, I like her. It’s nice she said I could stay over.’‘Yeah I spose. I’ve never really thought about it before, but she’s always been ok with it.’ ‘And did I hear you right? She’s on a break from her girlfriend?’ ‘Yeah,’ replied Isla looking carefully at Kate, she better not bloody fancy her too. ‘It must be so cool that your mum’s gay.’‘Bi,’ corrected Isla ‘And it’s not as cool as you’d think, believe me,’ said Isla rolling her eyes.‘Well I’d rather that than having to hide who I am.’ ‘What? Does your mum not know?’ ‘No, none of my family do.’‘Really? Why not?’ ‘Because they’d probably disown me. You should hear some of the things they say.’‘Like what?’ ‘Oh just throw away comments. If there’s any same sex relationships on telly my mum always makes a point of saying something. You know like I wish they’d stop showing gays like it’s normal. It’s not normal. You need a man and woman to create life...... Yada, yada.’ ‘Really your mum says things like that?’ Isla couldn’t quite believe what she was hearing. ‘What fucking year does she think she’s living in?’ Kate smiled, ‘Yeah well that’s what she thinks ...... So?’ She shrugged. ‘Have you never called her up on it?’ Asked Isla, she really couldn’t understand why people still thought these views were ok.‘A couple of times but she doesn’t listen. ‘So she has no idea about you?’‘Nope.’‘So she thinks you’re straight?’‘Yeah.’ ‘Sorry but how have you got to the age of 21 and your family doesn’t know you’re gay I just don’t get it?’ ‘Easy. So when I was 17 I did have a boyfriend. I was confused and thought I should give it a try. We were more like mates really and I spose because of that it’s just never been something that’s come up. When anyone asks I just say I haven’t met anyone. ‘Wow. So what would she do if she found out you and me were together?’ ‘Oh right so are we together now?’ ‘Now it was Isla’s turn to blush, ‘Well only if you want....’ ‘I was kidding of course I want to carry on seeing you.’ ‘Good,’ whispered Isla. ‘Well it’s a good thing my mum’s ok with you staying over here then isn’t it? As going back to yours is going to be out of the question.’ ‘Mmm, that is very lucky..... So come on then how long do I have to wait before I get kicked out of your bed?’ She teased as she placed her arms around Isla’s neck and leaned in for a kiss. ‘Oh I don’t put out until at least the fifth date,’ revealed Isla as she placed a soft kiss on Kate’s lips, ‘So you free tomorrow?’ .........................................................................
‘What is taking so long?’ Questioned Alya as she paced the floor outside the courtroom. ‘Probably just traffic,’ reassured Paula as she checked her watch. ‘She’s only ten minutes late, and Imran’s not here either, he was meeting with your gran before she headed over so he’s probably stuck in traffic too.’ ‘Mmm,’ agreed Alya as she started pacing again.
‘Look try not to worry everything will be.....’ ‘What does he want?’ Spat Alya as she looked over Paula’s shoulder. Paula didn’t need to see who Alya was referring to, she could tell by the venom in her voice. ‘Alya remember we have spoken about this, don’t let him goad you, be civil.’ ‘Hello ladies,’ greeted Geoff with a smile. ‘Good morning,’ replied Paula while Alya just stared not trusting herself to speak.‘Paula,’ acknowledged Geoff, ‘Well this is going to be a bit awkward isn’t it?’ ‘What is?’ Asked Paula not having time for any of his games. ‘You questioning me.’ ‘No not really,’ replied Paula curtly, ‘You’re not the one on trial.’ ‘No spose not, how is my darling wife? Bearing up?’ Paula could tell Alya was fuming so placed a hand gently on her arm. The last thing she wanted was for her to lose it. ‘Yasmeen‘s very well considering.’ ‘Do you remember me cooking everyone eggs before Sally’s trial?’ ‘What? Replied Paula completely confused. What the hell was he wittering on about. ‘I don’t really get......’ ‘No well you wouldn’t would you? Had other things on your mind, didn’t you?, He winked, ‘Like sloping off to have your wicked way with Sophie. Not very professional that, was it?’ I still can’t believe you managed to talk Sally round, she was all for representing herself wasn’t she?’Paula glanced at Alya, clenched her teeth and took a deep breath, she wasn’t going to let this man get to her. ‘Talking of representation I need to go and see where my client is and I would appreciate it if you didn’t speak to me or any of my witnesses until we are in that courtroom do I make myself clear.’ ‘Crystal,’ smiled Geoff as Paula began to walk away, followed by Ayla. ‘Do not talk to him. Do not even look at him,’ ordered Paula under her breath as the two ladies walked away. ‘I’m going to see what the hold up is.’.........................................................................
‘What happened to you this morning? I thought I’d see you in court at some point,’ said Mike as he walked into the kitchen where Paula was making a coffee. Shit could she not just grab a few minutes on her own? ‘No, well my client had a heart attack so I got an early dart.’ ‘Oh shit is she ok?’ ‘No Mike she’s had a heart attack,’ replied Paula bluntly.‘Yeah well I know but how bad was it?’ ‘Bad enough that she needs surgery so god knows when the trial will be rescheduled for.’ ‘Ahh well at least it gives you some time to get on top of the other cases.’ ‘Oh well that’s ok then,’ shot Paula. ‘Alright I’m only looking for a positive.’ ‘A positive? Yasmeen’s had a heart attack, needs major surgery and will then be spending even more time in prison for something that she did in self defence. How is any of that good?’‘Well no it’s not but .....’ ‘But nothing, it’s shit.,’ declared Paula as she picked up her coffee, blew it and took a sip.‘Yeah it is.’ Agreed Mike, ‘But listen this’ll cheer you up. James only turned up today sporting a bust lip. He looks a right mess. Do you reckon some pissed off husband’s finally punched him? Hope so, it’s about time someone hit him.’ ‘Mmm,’ agreed Paula, ‘Probably,’ she mumbled as she turned to leave. Well that didn’t have the desired effect thought Mike as he reached out to touch Paula’s elbow to stop her from going. ‘Can we have a quick word in my office?’
‘Mike I really haven’t got time to.......’‘Please,’ he interrupted. ‘Ok but make it quick,’ replied Paula walking out of the kitchen. She knew what he wanted to talk about and she really didn’t want to go into it all again. She entered his office and hovered by his desk, not wanting to sit down. Mike followed and closed the door, then moved behind his desk. ‘Can you not at least just sit down?’ ‘No I’m ok standing, like I said I don’t have much time.’ ‘Right well I’ll make it quick then. I’m sorry if I offended you the other night.’ Paula laughed ‘IF you offended me? I think it’s pretty safe to say you did that. I still can’t believe you had the audacity to suggest I’d been carrying on with Ben.’
‘Yeah that was ..... I shouldn’t have said any of it.’ ‘No you fucking shouldn’t.’‘Look all I can say is sorry. I put two and two together and came up with five. I know how much you’re missing Sophie and I thought....’ ‘That seeing as I like em young now and have cheated in the past I obviously wouldn’t be able to keep my hands off our intern.’ ‘No that’s not what......’ ‘I’m going to stop you right there,’ ordered Paula ‘Because that’s exactly what you said, so at least I know what you think of me now. And please don’t even think about coming out with some bollocks about being drunk, because we both know that people speak the truth when they’ve been drinking.’ Mike looked up at Paula standing with her arms crossed, glaring at him and knew he’d hurt her. He’d been an idiot, even if something had gone on, which he was still pretty sure it had, it wasn’t up to him to judge. ‘Please Paula let me make it up to you, how about you come over this weekend for dinner? I’m sure Carol would love to see you.’‘I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t. She hasn’t spoken to me since I broke up her friend’s marriage remember.’ ‘Yeah but that was years ago, why don’t we try and build some bridges.’ ‘No you’re alright, I think that ship has well and truly sailed.’ ‘Ok so what about me and you go out. We can talk properly have a good catch up.’ ‘Look I know what you’re trying to do but I don’t need you to babysit me. Anyway I have someone coming over on Saturday night.’ ‘Oh right ok,’ replied Mike taken aback. Paula never spoke about having friends over. Who was it he wondered? ‘Yes so you see I’m not the complete mess you seem to think I am,’ retorted Paula. ‘I don’t think you’re a mess,’ sighed Mike, ‘I just think you seem sad lately, not yourself.’ ‘I’m fine,’ said Paula softly. ‘But I really do need to get on’ ‘Right, yeah ok. So is everything ok between us?’ Shit she hated the fact that she was making him feel bad when essentially what he had said was right, he’d just got the wrong guy. Which was probably for the best because if he found out that she’d succumbed to James’ advances again, fuck knows what he’d say. ‘Yes we’re fine. You’re forgiven..... But just to make it absolutely clear I do not have a thing for younger men or women come to that. It just so happens Sophie is considerably younger than me, ok? I don’t want you thinking I’m having some mid life crisis or whatever.’

‘No I don’t think that, I don’t even know why I made that comment, probably just jealous you can still pull someone in their twenties.’

‘Mmm,’ replied Paula, ‘And another thing me and Sophie aren’t together anymore so technically I am free to do whatever I want. Not that I have,’ she added quickly.

‘Right, yep understood,’ replied Mike. ‘I will keep my nose out.’

‘Ok, lets just leave it there then. I will see you tomorrow before the daily briefing,’ stated Paula as she left his office.‘Err Paula,’ called her new secretary as she past her desk. ‘Yes,’ answered Paula abruptly, couldn’t people just leave her alone? ‘Sorry but these came for you and I didn’t know if you wanted them in your office or........’ ‘Jesus who the hell sent those?’ Asked Paula eying the huge bouquet of flowers.‘I’m not sure, there’s a card,’ she offered as she handed the flowers over to Paula. ‘Aren’t they beautiful.’
‘Mmm,’ replied Paula taking the flowers and eyeing them like they were some kind of bomb. ‘Thanks,’ Once inside her office she plonked herself into her chair throwing the flowers onto her desk. Great now she needed to invite someone over on Saturday night, incase Mike started asking questions. The problem was most of her friends either lived in London or would need longer than a few days notice. Paula picked up her phone and scrolled through her numbers, stopping at one. Hmm she owed her big time and she was always saying she wanted to come over. She sent a quick text, then sat back in her chair reaching for the card hidden amongst the blooms. She pulled it out and opened it. One word adorned the card, Sorry x ‘Yeah you and me both,’ she sighed throwing the card onto her desk. ‘Right work,’ she muttered as she turned on her computer and tried to focus but her mind kept wandering. Why hadn’t Sophie tried to contact her after seeing her call? probably too busy with the new woman in her life, the young, tanned, toned, ten foot tall one. ‘Arrrgg,’ She yelled pushing her chair away from the desk and taking a few deep breaths. She needed to stop thinking about it, move on, why the hell had she looked at Rosie’s account? If she hadn’t been so bloody nosy none of this would have happened. She closed her eyes and tried to empty her mind, rid it of thoughts of Sophie but instead flashbacks from Friday filled her mind as she subconsciously rubbed at her wrist. Shit she needed to get out of this office. She picked up her satchel and the bouquet and headed for the door. ‘Jade if anyone asks I’m out of the office all afternoon.’ ‘Right, ok,’ answered the receptionist knowing by the look on her bosses face that it was best not to ask any questions.‘And here you can have these,’ she offered as she placed the flowers on Jade’s desk. The last thing she needed was a reminder of her stupid mistake. ‘Oh are you sure? I can grab a vase and arrange them for you?’ ‘No, no don’t do that,’ replied Paula quickly, ‘Take them home. I don’t want them in the office.’ ‘Oh right ok thanks.’ ‘My pleasure,’ and with that she turned and left. She had no idea what she was going to do with the rest of her day but she just knew she couldn’t be in her office a moment longer.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘Hey come through, it’s good to see you,’ greeted Paula as she opened the door to her guest. It was Saturday night and after a shit week at work Paula was actually looking forward to some company. ‘Alright? Well this is a bit swanky isn’t it,’ teased Abi as she followed Paula down the hallway. ‘I thought you said you weren’t posh.’ ‘I’m not,’ called Paula over her shoulder as she disappeared through a doorway. ‘Fancy a curry?’ ‘Yep sounds good to me,’ answered Abi as she walked into the kitchen and let out a whistle. ‘You’re doing well for yourself ain’t ya?’ Paula laughed, ‘I do alright.’ ‘Alright? Jesus I wish I had a brain.’ ‘You do have. I haven’t got the first idea about how to change a tyre or fix an exhaust,’ pointed out Paula. ‘Yeah but that’s not brains is it? I couldn’t sit at a desk all day and study and shit.’ ‘You probably could if you put your mind to it. It’s really not that difficult.’ ‘Mmm, I think you’re playing that down slightly. When I worked for them three days in your office it was like you was all talking another language. I didn’t have a clue what was going on.’ ‘Maybe if you’d stayed a little longer you might have picked it up.’ ‘Yeah I doubt it. I wasn’t made to work in an office.’ ‘No I found that out,’ laughed Paula. ‘So what do you want to drink? I have a bottle of red open or I can grab you a beer.’ ‘Yeah a beer’s good, thanks. I bought you this but it’s probably not great I’m not very good with wine and you probably drink expensive shit,’ apologised Abi as she pulled a bottle of wine out of her duffel coat pocket.‘Ahh thanks,’ replied Paula taking the bottle and placing it on the counter. ‘And you’re wrong I don’t see the point in wasting money on wine.’ she commented as she walked to the fridge to grab a beer from Theo’s stash. ‘After all once you’ve drank a bottle it all tastes the same,’ she added as she opened the beer. ‘Yep exactly. I tell people that all the time,’ said Abi taking the beer from Paula. ‘Cheers,’ she offered holding it up.‘Yeah cheers,’ replied Paula picking up her glass. ‘Do you remember the last time we had a drink together?’ ‘Yep,’ smiled Paula.‘You do know that if you hadn’t got me off I would never have seen the twins again? Never mind got them back for good.’ ‘Yeah I know. I had so many sleepless nights during that trial. I was definitely feeling the pressure. ‘Were you?’ Exclaimed Abi, ‘I couldn’t tell.’ ‘Yeah well I’m good at covering things up.’ ‘You do know I was guilty, don’t you?’ Confessed Abi. ‘Yes,’ smiled Paula. ‘ I knew as soon as I walked into the interview room at the police station.’ ‘Oh right,’ Abi wasn’t expecting that, ‘So why’d you defend me?’ ‘Because I was your lawyer and it’s my job and more importantly because you didn’t deserve to lose your kids. You fucked up but we all fuck up, you deserved a second chance,’ shrugged Paula. Abi smiled, ‘I knew there was a reason I befriended you at group counselling.’‘You didn’t have a choice,’ smiled Paula. ‘I saw your face when they paired me up with you.’ ‘Sorry but you just looked completely out of place. I thought we’d have nothing in common.’ ‘You mean apart from the opioid addiction and failed suicide attempt?’ ‘Yeah well there is that. Right, we gonna order because I am starving.’ ‘Yep knock yourself out,’ challenged Paula as she slid the menu across the counter. .........................................................................‘Oh my god that was so good,’ signed Abi as she sat back in her chair completely stuffed. ‘Mmm, it was,’ agreed Paula as she put the plates in the dishwasher. ‘Wanna go and sit in the lounge? It’s comfier in there.’ ‘Is it far?’ Paula chuckled, ‘No only across in the West wing, we can open your bottle of red.’ ‘Oh go on then, but don’t laugh if I have to crawl.’ ‘Seriously why did you eat so much if you can’t move?’ ‘Because I’m a pig, now pull me up and lead the way.’Paula held out her hand which Abi took and she heaved her up, pulling her across the hallway and into the spacious lounge where Abi flung herself into the corner of the large corner sofa. Meanwhile Paula went back to retrieve the wine and poured them both a generous glass. ‘So come on then, now we’re a few drinks in you can tell me honestly what’s happening with Sophie because I’m not buying the whole we’re having a break everything’s fine shit.’ Paula groaned and rubbed a palm up her cheek. ‘Ok so the truth is she’s dating a beautiful, tanned back packer and I am beyond jealous.’ ‘And you know this how? I thought you said you’d agreed not to contact each other.’ ‘I’ve looked at her sister’s social media,’ Admitted Paula avoiding Abi’s stare by taking a large gulp of wine.‘Ahh, that’ll teach you to go snooping.’ ‘Yep,’ agreed Paula. ‘And the thing is, it was me that told her to go off and have fun, it was me that persuaded her we needed to take a break. It was me that didn’t want her wasting her time away worrying about me and now it’s me sitting here wondering if I’ve lost her for good.’ ‘Have you tried contacting her since you found out?’ Paula laughed, ‘Isla caught me drunkenly trying to call her last weekend. I just thank god I didn’t get through.’ ‘Why?’ ‘Because I was pissed.’ ‘So?’ ‘So she wouldn’t have wanted me rambling on would she?’ ‘And what would you have rambled on about? What made you call her?’ Paula went quiet and leant forward to top up their wine, ‘I wanted to tell her I missed her, that I loved her.’
‘And why wouldn’t she have wanted to hear that? Come on Paula you’re not telling me the whole story.’
‘Oh jeez will you stop with all the questions.’ ‘Yeah when you tell me what’s the matter with you. Don’t think I didn’t notice that you didn’t eat much and you’ve lost weight, then there’s the dark circles round your eyes and the fact you’ve been knocking back the wine.’ Paula took a breath and ran her fingers through her hair, ‘Ok,’ she sighed. ‘If you must know I nearly slept with someone last Friday and...... Oh I don’t know, now I feel......’ Paula’s eyes began to fill with tears and she had to stop. ‘Guilty,’ finished Abi. ‘Yeah guilty, I feel so fucking guilty because in that moment I wanted to be touched, to be kissed and it felt so good but then I thought about Sophie and I stopped it, I couldn’t go through with it but now I .....’
‘Hey it’s ok, come on why you giving yourself such a hard time? So you had a snog and a bit of a fumble? Right?’ ‘Yeah right.’ ‘And then you stopped because you felt guilty about Sophie.’ ‘Yes.’ ‘And you say Sophie’s seeing someone else?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘So what‘s the problem? You both agreed to have a break, she’s seeing someone else and you had a brief moment with whoever, it’s not the end of the world.’
‘No I know that and I thought I’d be able to forget it but the guy I kissed, it was James.’‘James? As in James the judge? The affair guy?’ ‘Yep the one and only,’ confirmed Paula miserably.
‘Ok so he’s an ex,’ stated Abi bluntly, ‘Sorry but I don’t see your point.’ ‘Well when I was married I didn’t feel guilty about fucking him at all. I didn’t think about Tim for a minute, but now all I can think about is how I’ve betrayed Sophie and how I’ve been so stupid.’‘So doesn’t that just show you how much you love Sophie? Your marriage was over so you didn’t give a shit but now you do because you’re in love. It’s simple.’ ‘But what if Sophie realises that she doesn’t want me anymore? What if she wants this other girl instead of me? I mean I wouldn’t blame her, she’s fucking hot, I can’t compete with that. ‘Right well for starters you need to stop putting yourself down and secondly you said you know she’s seeing someone from looking at her sister’s social media. What exactly do you know?’ ‘Not much I just saw them together in a few photos, they were kissing and Rosie wrote a caption about her finally seeing some action.’ Abi sat back and stared at Paula, ‘Sorry are you for real?’ She exclaimed smiling now.‘What?’ Replied Paula suddenly feeling stupid.‘So she’s kissed some backpacker, doesn’t mean she’s in a relationship with her does it? Jeez Paula you told her to go and have some fun and that’s what she’s doing. You need to chill your beans.’ ‘Chill my beans? Repeated Paula pulling a face. ‘Yeah you need to have faith, you’ve had a wobble that’s all. And as for feeling guilty, come on. You were feeling horny, you and James obviously have sexual chemistry, you were tempted but you resisted. End of.’ Paula listened intently, wow she was really talking a lot of sense, ‘Yeah you’re right, thanks.’ ‘Not a problem, god the amount of relationships I’ve fucked up. I am quite the expert and can I give you a bit more advice. Paula nodded.‘You’re not looking as sharp as you usually do so I’d suggest you start taking a bit more care of yourself, otherwise Sophie might just wonder where her hot lady lawyer’s gone when she gets back,’ teased Abi. ‘Oi,’ shouted Paula as she threw a cushion across the sofa at her friend, ‘There was no need for that.’ ‘Oh come on I wouldn’t be a proper friend now would I if I didn’t point these things out?’ ‘No spose not. Ok I promise I will sort myself out. You’re right I don’t want Sophie coming back, taking one look at me and running for the hills.’ ‘No, although could you maybe just manage one more night of debauchery before you start being good?’ ‘Oh Abi I always knew you had a thing for me,’ teased Paula, a mischievous smile on her lips. ‘Ha in your dreams. No I’m talking about having a few more drinks, it’s ages since I had a laugh.’ ‘Oh go on then, you’ve twisted my arm,’ grinned Paula. ‘I’ve got an excellent bottle of scotch in the cupboard.’ Abi wrinkled her nose, ‘Not really a fan of scotch but I’ll give it a go.’ ‘Oh no you don’t, this is good stuff I’m not wasting it on you.’‘But I thought you said you didn’t drink expensive stuff?’ Pointed out Abi.‘Ahh I don’t drink expensive wine, whisky is a totally different story,’ explained Paula, then she added ‘Do you like Tequila?’ ‘Is the pope catholic?’ Paula chuckled, ‘Tequila it is then!’ .........................................................................
An hour later and the reason for Abi’s ‘need for a laugh’ had materialised. She was fed up of her recent dating disasters and was beginning to think she’d never find the one. ‘I mean I like sex as much as the next person but I would quite like it if they stayed till the morning,’ declared Abi. Paula chuckled, ‘Mmmm, it’s nice to get a repeat performance in the morning I always think.’‘Exactly, and I’m not getting any younger. I want someone I can settle down with, you know share things with.’ ‘Yep I’m with you on that one,’ agreed Paula, thoughts of cosy evenings snuggled in front of the tv with Sophie springing to mind.‘So come on then,’ slurred Abi who had drunk decidedly more than Paula ‘Who make better lovers men or women?’ ‘Oh god Abi, I’m not answering that.’ ‘Why not?’ ‘Because I don’t know. Jesus I’ve had good sex with men and women and crap sex with men and women. It totally depends.’ ‘But in general,’ pushed Abi. ‘Well if I had to generalise woman are usually better at oral and can last all night whereas men need a bit of a break as I’m sure you’re aware but then obviously they have a dick so it means less faffing with toys ‘ stated Paula matter of factly. Abi stared at the lawyer, well she hadn’t been expecting that, ‘Umm yeah,’ she mumbled.‘You look shocked what’s the matter?’ Smiled Paula as she watched Abi pour them both another tequila. ‘You asked the question.’‘Yeah I know I just didn’t think you’d come out with all that if I’m honest,’ laughed Abi as she knocked back her shot. ‘So what’s your preference?’ Paula sighed she knew people were just curious but it did get slightly annoying that people thought it was ok to quiz her constantly about her sexuality. ‘I don’t have one. I don’t really think about gender I just like people regardless.’ Paula paused and then couldn’t help but add.
‘Although women definitely taste better,’ she winked as she downed her shot in one. ‘Paula!’ Shrieked Abi as she burst into a fit of giggles, ‘Wow I am certainly seeing a whole new side to you tonight, I can’t believe you just said that!’ ‘Said what?’ Asked Isla as she walked in to find her mum and some woman she’d never seen before laughing hysterically, a half finished bottle of Tequila on the coffee table in front of them.‘Oh hi darling,’ said Paula quickly sitting up straighter. ‘We were just talking about relationships.’ ‘Oh right,’ replied Isla absentmindedly as she looked at Abi sprawled out on the sofa. She definitely wasn’t a work colleague and she was too young to be one of her mum’s school friends so who the fuck was she? ‘Abi this is my daughter, Isla this is Abi,’ introduced Paula as she placed her glass down on the table, blinking a few times to try and clear her head. ‘Good to meet you,’ greeted Abi, swinging her legs off the sofa and holding out her hand. ‘I’ve heard lots about you.’ ‘Really? Questioned Isla shaking Abi’s hand, ‘So where do you two know each other from?’ She asked as she looked curiously between the two women. Abi bounced back against the sofa, ‘Your mum is an absolute legend, she’s the only barrister I’ve had who’s actually got me off.’ Isla smiled tightly and turned to her mum, raising her eyebrows, ‘You don’t normally bring clients home for drinks.’ Paula returned the smile, ‘No well Abi’s not just a client, we knew each other before I represented her. We were in rehab together.’ She explained watching Isla’s face carefully, they hadn’t spoken about this topic for a while and she didn’t want her going all weird on her again.‘Oh right,’ she replied simply. ‘Yeah I had to show her the ropes,’ chimed in Abi. ‘It was my third stint. Although third time lucky, I’ve been clean three years,’ announced Abi proudly. ‘Great,’ mumbled Isla glancing sideways at her mum. ‘Umm mum can I have a word.’ ‘Yep sure darling, what’s the problem?’ It was only now that Paula saw that her daughter seemed slightly agitated. Isla looked at Abi then at her mum as she signalled to the door with her eyes. Paula got the message and unfolded her legs, slowly getting off the sofa. ‘I’ll be right back,’ she told Abi as she followed Isla to the door then stopped and retraced her steps. ‘I’m gonna take this with me,’ she said as she picked up the bottle, ‘I’ll make us a coffee.’ ‘Mmmmkay,’ moaned Abi as she flopped onto her side, ‘I’ll be right here,’ she managed closing her eyes.Paula walked out the door almost bumping into Isla who had stopped by the kitchen door. ‘Jesus what you doing just standing there? What’s the matter with you? You look weird.’ ‘Yeah and you look pissed....Again.’ ‘I am not,’ replied Paula indignantly, ‘I’ve just had a few drinks with a friend on a Saturday night. What’s the matter with you and why are we standing in the hallway? I need to make a coffee,’ explained Paula reaching for the door handle. ‘Mum wait a minute,’ blurted out Isla, causing Paula to pause. ‘Kate’s in there.’ Paula turned to face her daughter, ‘Oh ok why’d you leave her on her own? You can come and join us if you want?’ Isla rolled her eyes, ‘No mum I don’t want, but I do want a favour.’ ‘Ok,’ said Paula uneasily. ‘Can Kate stay?’ ‘Course she can,’ laughed Paula, ‘Is that all you wanted? You know you can have people over whenever you want.’ ‘Yeah I know but when I say stay I mean not just for tonight.’ Paula looked confused, ‘Ok,’ she said slowly, ‘For how long?’ ‘Not sure, her family have thrown her out so I said she could stay, she’s really upset.’ ‘Thrown her out?’ Repeated Paula, ‘Why?’ ‘Oh mum, it’s a long story,’ sighed Isla ‘And I really haven’t got time to explain, so is it ok?’ ‘Yeah well I can’t really say no can I?’ She pointed out. ‘So is that a yes?’ Asked Isla impatiently, she really couldn’t be doing with her mum when she’d been drinking. ‘Yes it’s a yes. Can I go into my own kitchen now? I need to make a coffee?’ Said Paula reaching her the door handle again. ‘Yeah and thanks. Oh and mum please don’t embarrass me yeah?’ ‘Jesus Isla, what do you think I’m gonna do?’ Snapped Paula as she pulled down on the handle. ‘Just don’t ask any questions,’ whispered Isla as they both entered the kitchen. ‘Kate!’ Exclaimed Paula. ‘It’s so lovely to see you again. Do you fancy a coffee?’ She asked as she breezed into the kitchen.‘Oh god,’ groaned Isla as she mouthed the word ‘Sorry,’ to Kate from behind her mum’s back.

‘So Kate what.....’ began Paula but the rest of the question was drowned out by a loud bang, then a smash, startling them all. All three pairs of eyes turned to the open door where they were met with the sound of a loud groan then a pause and finally......

‘I’m fine,’ yelled Abi from the lounge. ‘Everything is absolutely fine......’

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘Alright I’m coming,’ shouted Paula as she threw the last piece of glass into the bin and walked to the front door, checking the time on the oven as she went. 8:43 who the fuck called at someone’s house at this time of the morning? Especially on a Sunday. And why the hell did she always forget to close the driveway gates. ‘Yes,’ she said as she opened the door to see a woman she’d never met before glaring up at her from the top step. ‘Where is she,’ snarled the woman as Paula looked at her a baffled expression on her face. ‘Sorry I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about. I think you have the wrong house.’ said Paula calmly as she went to close the door. ‘No I don’t, she’s definitely here. I followed her here,’ explained the woman moving closer. Great signed Paula as she shifted uncomfortably, the woman was either talking about Abi or Kate both of whom were still upstairs asleep. She guessed looking carefully at the woman that she was probably Kate’s mum, she could see the resemblance. ‘So,’ stated Paula simply, folding her arms across her chest. ‘So I want to see MY daughter.’ Shit how was she gonna play this? Deny any knowledge of the girl currently sleeping in her daughter’s bed or tell her she wasn’t awake and to come back later? All she did know was it was bloody freezing and she was not standing here for much longer, she only had her cotton pj bottoms on and a T-shirt. ‘I suggest if you want to see your daughter you give her a call. Now I’ve got things to do, so goodbye,’ said Paula quickly as she closed the front door and headed back to the kitchen. She’d barely taken two steps when the doorbell sounded again. Paula carried on walking, it sounded again. For fucks sake, this woman wasn’t leaving. She whirled round and marched back to the door, flinging it open. ‘Look you need to leave, you can’t stand there all morning ringing my doorbell.’ ‘I can and I will,’ said the woman a determined look in her eye. ‘Kate won’t answer my calls and I need to speak to her, please,’ she practically begged, looking like she was going to cry. Paula had no clue why Kate had turned up last night except what Isla had told her, that she’d been kicked out. After Abi had fallen off the couch and some how managed to pull over the coffee table, smashing everything on it, Paula had been otherwise engaged so hadn’t had time to ask anymore questions. Luckily Abi’s injuries had only consisted of a few superficial cuts so Paula had managed to patch her up herself, she’d then sent her upstairs to bed while she’d attempted to pick up the broken glass, which she decided she wasn’t in any fit state to do when she cut her finger, so she too headed up to bed. Paula had only seen the girls again briefly on the landing as she’d made her way to sleep in the spare room. Abi hadn’t made it to the guest bedroom and had instead past out in the middle of her bed.‘Look I’m sorry she won’t talk to you, but there’s not much I can do,’ explained Paula, feeling sorry for the woman. She’d been in this position before. When Isla hadn’t been speaking to her and refused to answer her calls, she’d felt so desperate.‘I just want to talk to her, I don’t want her making any stupid mistakes. She’s ill, I want to help her.’ ‘Ill?’ Questioned Paula feeling uneasy. Isla had only known Kate a couple of weeks maybe there was something wrong. ‘Yes, I just want a chance to talk to her, she walked out yesterday and said she wouldn’t be coming home. I don’t know what to do,’ explained the woman, shivering as she wrapped her arms around herself. She looked frozen.‘Look why don’t you come in for a coffee, warm up and then I’ll see if Kate wants to talk. I can’t........‘‘Oh thank you so much, yeah I’m sure once she knows how worried I am she’ll talk.....’ ‘I was going to say I can’t promise anything though,’ finished Paula as she guided the woman down the hallway to the kitchen. ‘You have a lovely home,’ complimented the woman as she took the seat Paula offered her. ‘Thanks,’ she replied turning on the coffee machine, she could do with some more caffeine herself. ‘Actually could I just have a brew?’ Asked the woman as her eyes darted around the room. ‘Yeah sure,’ said Paula flicking the kettle on.‘So your daughter’s called Isla? Yeah?’ Asked the woman. ‘Yes,’ replied Paula placing a teabag into a mug, ‘And you are?’ ‘Dawn,’ replied the woman smiling. ‘Paula,’ replied the lawyer leaning against the counter while the kettle boiled. ‘So you said Kate’s ill? If you don’t mind me asking what exactly’s wrong with her?’Dawn took a deep breath and looked at Paula, ‘Do you know how long our daughters have been in a relationship?’ Paula laughed, ‘Well I’d hardly call it a relationship they’ve only known each other a few weeks but I know they’ve spent nearly everyday together so it’s looking promising,’ she said watching Dawn closely. She looked like she was in some kind of trance, staring past Paula.
‘Look if Isla needs to know something about Kate then you need to tell her,’ warned Paula, still nothing. She stood and stared at the woman wondering what was going through her head, this was all very weird. Luckily before the silence became too award the kettle boiled and she set about making the tea. ‘Sugar?’ She asked. ‘No thanks, just milk,’ answered Dawn, the question seemingly snapping her out of her trance. Paula finished making the tea and herself a coffee and sat down opposite her visitor placing the steaming mug in front of her. ‘Are you ok? ‘No, not really,’ confessed the woman pulling the mug towards her and wrapping her hands round it. ‘Wanna talk about it?’ ‘Where are they?’ Asked Dawn ignoring the question.
‘The girls? Still in bed I expect, Isla rarely surfaces much before ten.’ ‘Can you go and get Kate now? We need to leave.’
‘Leave? Look sorry I have no idea what’s going on but Isla told me that you’d thrown her out so it must have been something big. I don’t think she’s just going to leave with you.’ ‘If you don’t go and get her I will. I can’t believe you allow it under your roof.’ ‘Allow what exactly?’ Snapped Paula. She had an idea now why Dawn was acting so strangely and quite frankly it sickened her. ‘If your daughter wants to behave in that way then that’s her business but I will not have my daughter led down that path.’ Right that was it Paula had heard enough. ‘Ahh ok it’s making sense now, you threw your own daughter out because she’s a lesbian.’ ‘My daughter is no such thing,’ exclaimed the woman a look of disgust on her face. ‘She wants to be a teacher.’ Paula stared at the woman sitting in front of her, completely lost for words. She was actually being serious. Paula laughed, ‘Right and she couldn’t possibly be both, no?’ ‘No,’ exclaimed the woman, ‘I mean what would everyone think?’ ‘Gee,’ sighed Paula rubbing a hand across her eyes. ‘I really don’t think they’d be too bothered. You do know times have moved on and most people didn’t really give a shit who you’re sleeping with.’ Dawn looked at Paula like she was completely insane, ‘Of course people mind, who would want their child being taught by a .... Well by someone.....’ ‘Who happens to find people of the same sex attractive?’ Questioned Paula bewildered. ‘Yeah because it’s not natural is it?’ Paula took a deep breath and gritted her teeth, she really didn’t think people like this still existed, more fool her. ‘Well it’s obvious YOU might have a problem with it but I would say that on the whole no one will care as long as she’s good at her job.’ ‘But she’s not even that way inclined, she’s had a boyfriend.’ Jesus what the hell was the matter with this woman? Her daughter was upstairs in Isla’s bed and she was still in complete denial. ‘Well I’ve had a husband but that hasn’t stopped me having a relationship with a woman.’ Right what you gonna do with that information thought Paula as she watched the woman closely. ‘You?’ She said slowly looking Paula up and down.‘Yes me, shock horror. You weren’t expected that were you? See we come in all shapes and sizes. And another thing, as a barrister, I can tell you my sexually has never, not once been a problem, so I’m sure Kate will be just fine.’ She finished finally taking a breath.
‘Well she’s certainly not going to be just fine staying here is she? You’re obviously not fit to be a mother, what kind of role model are you? Now if you’ll excuse me I need to find Kate,’ shot Dawn as she started to get up.
‘Not fit to be a mother? Because of my sexuality? Have you heard yourself? Isla is gay because that’s how she was born. I’m bisexual because that’s how I was born. Sexuality isn’t something you choose. I am immensely proud of my daughter and the way she chooses to live her life so don’t you dare come into MY house and preach this utter shit. Now I want you to leave.’ ‘But this isn’t what Kate wants. This is just a phase. She’ll grow out of...’‘No mum it’s not,’ came a weary voice from behind them. The two ladies turned to face the doorway where Kate and Isla were standing. ‘Like I told you yesterday I’m gay, I’ve always been gay. I’ve always liked girls. I’ve just never been brave enough to admit it to you before.’
‘Oh good there you are, come on get your stuff together and let’s go.’ ‘Mum did you not just hear what I said?’ Replied Kate the frustration clear in her voice.‘Yes but like I told you yesterday you’re confused.’
‘Don’t you think......’ started Isla angrily before the look from her mum and the fact Kate had placed a hand on her arm stopped her in her tracks. ‘Look I really can not have this conversation with you again. I really don’t know how else to tell you. I AM A LESBIAN. I’M ATTRACTED TO WOMEN. I LIKE FUCKING WOMEN Ok? And if you don’t like that then that’s YOUR problem, but I am NOT going to pretend to be someone I’m NOT just to please you.’ Kate finished abruptly and took a deep breath after which the room fell silent, everyone waiting to see how Dawn was going to react.
‘OH MY GOD! Can I please sleep in your bed every night. I have just had the best night’s sleep ever!’ Exclaimed Abi as she entered the kitchen wearing Paula’s dressing gown, ‘Any coffee going?’ She asked as she walked over to the machine, all eyes fixed on her. Reaching for a mug Abi could sense something wasn’t quite right. ‘Sorry have I just walked in on something I shouldn’t have?’ She asked innocently, ‘I can go,’ she offered.Paula bit the inside of her lip and smiled, Jesus Abi talk about timing she thought as she saw the look on Dawn’s face. ‘No Abi you’re alright,’ stated Isla, ‘Did you enjoy your night with my mum?’ She asked. She couldn’t resist winding Kate’s mum up. ‘Yeah most fun I’ve had in ages. Actually I think I’ll skip the coffee.’ She said walking over to the sink and filling up her mug. ‘Hello by the way,’ she offered as she noticed the woman glaring at her. When there wasn’t a response she muttered ‘Rude,’ under her breath then looked towards Paula in confusion, ‘Do you mind if I have a shower?’ ‘No not at all, use anything you want. I‘ll be up in a minute,’ smiled Paula giving Abi a little wink. Right there was definitely something funny going on thought the blonde looking at Paula, was she flirting? ‘Ok....thanks I’ll be quick,’ she replied.‘No need, take as long as you want,’ smiled Paula. ‘Right cheers,’ she replied downing the mug of water and bouncing out of the kitchen keen to get away from the weird atmosphere. ‘Sorry about her, so where were we?’ Asked Paula, loving the look of utter contempt on Dawn’s face.‘I think my mother was just leaving weren’t you?’ Replied Kate turning towards Dawn who, it seemed had been rendered speechless.‘Shall I show you out?’ Chipped in Isla. Dawn turned her head to face Isla, the disgust clear on her face. ‘I can see myself out thank you,’ then turning towards Kate, ‘I’m giving you one last chance to come back home, if you don’t come with me now you won’t be welcome in our house again.’ Kate laughed, ‘Do you really think after what you’ve been saying that I want to be anywhere near you, much less live with you. You actually repulse me and until you change your views there is no way you will be seeing me again, so I think it’s time you walked away.’ Isla and Paula exchanged a look as Dawn got up and shouldered her bag. ‘Well I guess I’m done here then,’ she said calmly. ‘Guess you are, I’ll be seeing you,’ spat Kate.Dawn made her way towards the door, no one bothering to move to see her out. ‘You will regret this you know,’ she uttered as she walked past Kate, who simply turned her back, the sound of the door closing a few moments later bringing with it the first tears.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘Good morning,’ greeted Paula as she saw the reflection of Isla hovering just outside her bedroom door as she put the finishing touches to her makeup. ‘Alright,’ replied Isla walking in and plopping herself down on the bed. ‘You’re up early, you ok? How’s Kate now?’ ‘Yeah she’s alright I guess. I’ve left her sleeping, she was tossing and turning all night.’ ‘Yeah well she’s got a lot on her mind.’ ‘Mmm,’ agreed Isla smoothing the duvet on the bed. Paula looked into the mirror and studied her daughter, ‘You haven’t answered my first question, are you ok?’ ‘I’m alright,’ sighed Isla.’ ‘Ok let’s try that again,’ repeated Paula as she turned to face Isla, ‘Are you ok?’‘Is it really that obvious?’ ‘To me yes, so come on out with it.’ ‘Oh mum I can’t help feeing like I’m to blame for everything that’s happened with Kate and her mum, and I just feel awful.’ ‘Hey we went over this yesterday, you are not to blame. You didn’t make Kate tell Dawn, you just made her see that she couldn’t live a lie anymore.’‘Yeah I know but I’ve only just met her, did I really need to say anything at all?’ ‘Right listen to me,’ said Paula sternly as she got up and went to sit next to her daughter. ‘You heard how awful that woman was yesterday. There was no talking to her. I can guarantee that Kate’s hated not being herself and as awful as this situation is she’s done the right thing. Can you imagine having to hide who you really are?’ ‘No not really, I’ve just always been me.’ ‘Yeah well I can tell you it’s shit.’‘You,’ scoffed Isla, ‘I can’t imagine you living a lie.’ ‘Oh Isla you have no idea. Thirty odd years ago things were so different.’ ‘So come on then tell me,’ challenged Isla, then after a pause. ‘Actually how did you come out? You’ve never said.’ Paula smiled, ‘I only had one boyfriend through school and I liked boys but I also knew I liked girls too. I remember making a comment once about how hot I thought our English teacher, Mrs Bell was and all my friends just looked at me, kind of weird. I guess that’s when I realised I was a bit different from everyone else but it wasn’t until uni that I had my first real relationship with a woman. Her name was Rachel and she was perfect, we were together nearly two years.’‘Wow that long? So what happened?’ Isla couldn’t believe she’d not heard any of this before.‘She wouldn’t tell her family about me so I gave her an ultimatum and in the end she finished with me.‘‘Ahh mum that’s totally shit.’‘Yeah it was, especially as I hadn’t spoken to Nan for a year because of her.’ ‘What!’ Exclaimed Isla. ‘Nan didn’t talk to you.’ ‘Nope, she practically disowned me when I finally had the courage to tell her and my dad. I’d been with Rachel for nearly a year and I couldn’t lie any longer, it was making me miserable not being able to talk about her. Nan kept asking if I’d met anyone and at first I said no but one day I just thought, you know, what’s the worst that could happen? They don’t talk to me? And then that’s exactly what did happened. Well not Grandad, he was amazing. He kept saying ahh what does it matter who she chooses to be with as long as she’s happy.’ Paula smiled remembering her dad, god she missed him so much and he’d been dead ten years. ‘Really? Wow I can’t believe Nan was ever like that. She didn’t seem to be too bothered when I brought Kayla to Uncle Sam’s wedding.’ ‘Yeah well she’d been through it all with me,’ laughed Paula as she gave Isla a gentle nudge. ‘Yeah I spose. So how did she react when you married dad?’ ‘Jesus she’d just about got use to the fact I liked women then I brought Dad home! So that opened up a whole new can of worms. She kept saying I told you it was just a phase. The amount of times I tried to explain but she just couldn’t get her head round any of it or didn’t want to. I’m not sure which.’

Isla laughed, ‘I can just imagine Nan telling you to just make your bloody mind up.’‘Yep I do believe that was said on more than one occasion,’ laughed Paula. ‘But look seriously what I’m trying to show you is that I didn’t need to tell my parents anything but I felt like I had to say something because it was eating me up, not being honest and I reckon that’s how Kate felt.’‘What made Nan change her mind?’ ‘Seeing me and Rachel together. I’d stormed out nearly a year previously, it was very similar to the scene played out yesterday actually. I told my mum if she couldn’t accept me for who I was then I wouldn’t be getting in touch, and I didn’t, even though I desperately wanted to. I still spoke to dad on the phone and we met up a few times but she never came with him. Then by complete chance she saw us together when I brought Rachel to Manchester for a weekend. She just appeared out of nowhere and said she’d been watching us together and could see how happy we were. She said she’d never understand our relationship but she’d accept it. I said that’s all I ever wanted and that was it. We made up right there and then in the middle of the street.’‘Jesus that must have been fate.... I still can’t believe Nan.’ ‘Yeah well it was a different time. Sexuality wasn’t spoken about back then like it is now. She said she was trying to protect me, she didn’t want me being different, said life was hard enough.’ ‘Mmm but that’s not the case now is it so why can’t Dawn just accept Kate?’ ‘I don’t know darling hopefully she’ll see sense soon though because judging by yesterday if she wants to see her daughter again she’ll have to.’ ‘Yeah well I’m not holding out much hope. So what happened to Rachel?’ ‘No idea, I was an absolute bitch to her, I had a few crazy months, met your dad who stopped me from self destructing, we both finished our courses, graduated and I haven’t heard from her since.’ ‘Wonder if she ever told her family?’ ‘Probably not. I bet she’s living a lie, married to some complete cock who she hates and she’s miserable as fuck. All because she wasn’t brave enough to come out like so many other people.’ Isla smiled, ‘Glad to see you’re not bitter.’ ‘Me? Never,’ grinned Paula as she started to get up. ‘So have you heard from Sophie?’ asked Isla softly. ‘I meant to ask before but never got the chance.’ ‘No,’ said Paula simply, swallowing hard. It was difficult to think about the fact Sophie had ignored her call.‘Have you tried calling again?’ ‘No and I’m not going to. She’s away for another seven months. I’m driving myself crazy thinking about her so I’ve made a promise to try and put her to the back of my mind, just for a bit. I know it’s not going to be easy but it’s time to move on, at least for the time being, then we’ll see,’ she shrugged. ‘Oh mum I’m sorry,’ said Isla surprising herself when she realised she actually did mean it. ‘It’s fine Abi gave me a good talking to and told me I need to start taking better care of myself, which I know’s true. I haven’t been getting nearly enough sleep, I’ve been skipping meals and I know I’ve been drinking too much. I can’t carry on like this the whole time Sophie’s away, I’ll be a wreak.’‘Oh right so when I try and tell you all this I’m exaggerating and you ignore me but when your drunken rehab pal tells you exactly the same things she’s spot on? Jeez thanks mum.’ Paula smiled. ‘Yes ok, I know, you were right but I think I just needed to hear it from someone else.’ ‘Mmm and Abi’s that someone?’ Asked Isla lifting an eyebrow. ‘Yes. Look I know how she might come across but she talks a lot of sense and I have a great deal of respect for her. It takes a strong person to come back from what she’s been through.’ ‘Yeah I spose. She is a character I’ll give her that and if she’s got you to listen then I guess that’s a good thing. Actually you’re already looking better.’ ‘Ahh yes, well that would be down to the fact that alcohol has not passed my lips for an entire 24 hours and I’ve had a full eight hours of uninterrupted sleep. I feel like a new person.’ ‘Good, well let’s hope it continues. Right I better let you get off you’re going to be late. You do know it’s gone nine don’t you?’ ‘Yeah it’s ok I’m only in the office today so I can afford to be late,’ replied Paula quickly. She wasn’t about to tell Isla that the real reason she was late for work was the fact that she’d actually been asleep when her alarm went off for a change and in her sleepy state she’d turned it off instead of hitting snooze. She’d already had to text Mike to tell him to do the morning briefing without her. Those sleeping tablets Sally had given her sure had worked well, the packet had said to take one- two tablets, maybe she should have just stuck to one?
‘So do you need to be anywhere this morning or do you wanna grab breakfast?’

Isla stared at Paula was this her mum or some kind of imposter. ‘You’re actually going to eat breakfast rather than grab a coffee and you don’t mind being late? What the hell’s happened to you?’

‘I’m trying to look after myself, now come on I’m taking you to breakfast.’

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘Hey girls,’ greeted Paula as she bobbed her head into the living room on her way to the kitchen. ‘Hi mum,’ replied Isla as she twisted her head to the door.‘Hi,’ chimed in Kate as she quickly lifted her head off Isla’s lap and swung her feet off the sofa. ‘Alright? Kate you know you really don’t need to sit up straight every time I enter a room! You’ve been here ages now, this is your home, ok? I want you to feel comfortable.’ Kate blushed, ‘Yeah I know sorry, I guess it’s just habit and I’m sorry I’ve been here for so long, I will move out soon I promise.’ ‘You’re Isla’s girlfriend you’re welcome to stay as long as you want.’‘That’s so lovely of you but at least let me pay something to......’ ‘Right stop, you will do no such thing,’ said Paula quickly. ‘See I told you she’d be offended,’ said Isla smugly.‘Hey lady at least she’s offering, you’ve never once asked me about paying rent?’ ‘No, but you don’t have a mortgage,’ pointed out Isla. ‘That isn’t the point, there are still bills to pay and you could have offered.’ ‘But I knew you’d say no,’ smiled Isla. ‘Mmmm well you’ve never had a full time job before have you?’ ‘True,’ mused Isla hoping her mum wasn’t going to start asking for rent, she had her mum’s birthday coming up and she wanted to do something special, which wasn’t going to come cheap.‘So how’s it all going?’ ‘Yep all good so far, they’re letting me pitch tomorrow so hopefully it all goes well.’ ‘And you’re prepared? Yeah?’ ‘Yes mum it’s all done and good to go,’ groaned Isla. ‘Ok I’m only asking.’ ‘And I’m only telling. How was yoga?’ ‘Yeah good, I can nearly get my leg behind my head now.’ Isla raised her eyebrows causing Kate to giggle, ‘Well that’s a picture I didn’t want in my head.’ ‘You know you should come with me one week instead of laying around here, when was the last time you did any exercise?’ ‘Oh mum come on, I get exercise,’ winked Isla as she smiled at Kate causing her girlfriend to go a deep shade of red. ‘Mmmm well once I can get my leg behind.....’ ‘Whoa stop,’ shouted Isla holding up her hand. ‘Do not say anything else.’ Paula laughed, ‘Sorry couldn’t resist,’ she said with a cheeky grin. ‘So have you two eaten?’ ‘Yeah we left you some, it’s in the oven, lasagna ok?’ ‘That’s great thanks, I’ll take your cooking over rent payments any day,’ she smiled as she turned to continue her walk to the kitchen. ‘Mum,’ yelled Isla literally just as Paula had reached the kitchen. Why the fuck did she always do that? Thought Paula as she rolled her eyes and shouted back, ‘What?’ ‘What do you want for your birthday?’ ‘Seriously?’ Sighed Paula under her breath as she took her dinner out of the oven and grabbed a knife and fork, ‘An orgasm I haven’t had to give myself would be heaven,’ she mumbled as she grabbed a bottle of water and made her way back to the lounge. ‘Isla I’ve told you I don’t want to make a fuss, just get me what you always get me,’ explained Paula taking a seat and starting to eat. ‘Oh mum come on it’s not everyday you turn fifty you need something a bit more exciting than a bottle of scotch, some candles and a gift voucher.’ ‘Ok so excite me, but Isla please under no circumstances organise any kind of surprise gathering. Your father tried that when I was forty and I hated it.’
‘Right noted, although I seem to remember by the end of the night you were dancing on the tables but I was thinking more a fancy meal?’ ‘Sounds lovely.’ ‘So where do you wanna go?’‘I’ll have a think,’ signed Paula as she swallowed a mouthful of food. ‘Well I need to know so I can book somewhere, so let me know by next week or I’ll choose.’ ‘Right will do, although there’s no rush, it’s two months away.’‘Yeah I know but it’s a Saturday night and all the best places get booked way in advance don’t they?’
‘Ok,’ groaned Paula thinking it would be the worst birthday dinner ever. Isla would be with Kate, Theo was bound to bring someone and then there would be little old her, stuck on her own drinking too much and wondering where the fuck fifty years had gone.’ ‘You can bring Abi if you want?’ Suggested Isla as if reading her mind. ‘Oh thank you,’ replied Paula, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. ‘Jesus I’m just saying, she’d be a laugh.’ ‘Yes well I’ll think about it.’ ‘You could sound slightly more enthusiastic. I thought it would be nice to do something.’‘Yes darling and it’s very thoughtful, it’s just I have rather a lot on my mind right now. I’ve got an attempted murder trial to get through before I can even think about celebrating anything.’ ‘Is that Sophie’s old boss?’ ‘Wow yeah, you remembered,’ said Paula looking shocked. ‘Yes well despite what you might think I do actually listen to you.’ ‘Attempted murder,’ said Kate slowly, ‘I could never deal with all that pressure. You’re job must be so stressful.’ ‘Mmm it can be, but no more stressful then teaching thirty kids everyday. I have no idea how you have the patience.’ ‘Yeah I’m beginning to wonder if I do,’ groaned Kate, ‘This placement is hell.’ ‘Ahh bade you’ve just had a bad day, I’m sure you’re brilliant. I know I’d love you to be my teacher,’ smiled Isla as she looked suggestively at Kate who rolled her eyes. ‘Right well talking of teaching I need to go and make sure my lesson plans are all good for tomorrow, I’ve got an observation,’ explained Kate as she dragged herself to her feet. ‘And I spose I should read over my notes for tomorrow,’ announced Isla as she too got up, ‘We’ll leave you in peace,’ she added as she lent over to give her mum a hug, ‘See you in the morning.’ ‘Yeah night girls,’ smiled Paula as she settled back and turned on the TV smiling as she heard Kate warning Isla not to distract her. Good luck with that one she thought as she continued eating. .........................................................................
A little after 11 Paula decided she should really head up to bed. She realised that she hadn’t got a clue what was happening in the show she was watching and instead her mind was wandering, which was a dangerous thing.
She hated nights like this when she didn’t have anything important to do for work so she just sat in front of the telly on her own. Sophie had been away now for four months and Paula still missed her immensely. She thought it would get easier and she’d tried so hard not to think about her, but it wasn’t easy. She’d always been a tactile person and not having that physical contact with someone was driving her crazy. It wasn’t even just the sex she was missing, although obviously that was part of it, but it was the hugs, hand holding, kisses, the looks, the flirting, all of it. She was deeply missing all of it. She’d done as she’d promised both Abi and Isla she would and was taking better care of herself. She’d stopped drinking during the week, made sure she ate three meals a day, tried to get a good nights sleep, had started running again and was going to a yoga class every Monday but she still found she lacked energy. In short her spark had gone and she didn’t quite know how to get it back.......Paula climbed the stairs and went through her bedtime routine. She stripped off and had a quick shower hoping the hot water would wash away her feeling of emptiness, it didn’t. She turned off the cascade of water, dried herself, put on her pjs and slipped into bed. After half an hour she was still wide awake staring at the ceiling, thoughts swirling around her head. It was no good she couldn’t just lay there. She switched the bedside light on and reached for the packet of pills that had become her crutch, pulling out the foil pack she groaned when she realised there was only one left, fuck. She usually took two and on really bad nights she’d resorted to three, one tablet just wasn’t gonna do it. She picked up her phone and looked at the time, it was past midnight now, she needed to sleep. She could pour a scotch, but she’d done so well lately, and if she drank she was worried it would bring with it nightmares and of course there was always the chance that one drink would lead to five and she had a full on day tomorrow. She looked at her phone again, did a quick search and got out if bed. She could drive to the all night chemist and be back in bed in twenty minutes. She quickly pulled on a pair of jeans, she was not going to be one of those people who went out in their PJs, although she did keep the top on since she figured no one would know once she put on her coat. She made her way down stairs, grabbed her keys, shrugged into her coat and made her way outside. Shit it was freezing.The chemist was only an eight minute drive away, according to goggle maps, so she’d be home in no time. She slipped behind the wheel and started the engine, turning on the heating. She pulled out of the driveway, thinking that for once it was good she’d forgotten to close the gates and made her way into town. Exactly fifteen minutes later she was back in her car, the box of tablets clutched in her hand. Right, now hopefully she’d have a good nights sleep, the tablets had only failed her on a couple of occasions so fingers crossed. She was nearly home when bright lights up ahead caused her to squint and try to shield her eyes, what the fuck she thought as she turned the wheel and started to brake, was that car........ The thought was left unfinished as the deafening sound of crunching metal filled Paula’s ears. Before she could work out what was happening her body was slammed back then forwards, the seatbelt tearing into her shoulder. She barley had time to let out a scream before her head smashed into the inflated airbag. The car then seemed to spin and flip before it finally came to a screeching halt. There was a loud buzzing in her ears and then silence, deathly silence. The last thing Paula remembered before everything went black was the smell of smoke hanging in the air.When she came round seconds, minutes, hours later? She could taste the coppery blood pooling in her mouth, soaking her tongue. She felt the aching and cracks in her bones and when she tried to breath it felt like her lungs were caving in on themselves. She saw the spots in the corners of her vision and the buzzing sound was back, filling her ears. The agony seemed to be the only thing keeping her alive and then suddenly she couldn’t feel anything....No pain, nothing and that’s when her eyes closed for the final time.....

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Isla slammed the door of the cab and rushed up the steps of the hospital scanning the signs as she went, where the fuck was the one that said A & E? She’d just about given up when she saw it printed in giant letters above her head, ‘Right it would be this way then,’ she muttered as she walked quickly along the corridor, through the double doors and then made her way straight to the reception desk. ‘I’m here to see Paula Martin.’ ‘Is she a patient?’ Asked the receptionist glancing up from the computer screen. ‘Yes of course she fucking is,’ replied an exasperated Isla, causing the receptionist to raise her eyebrows, ‘Sorry,’ she apologised quickly, ‘I mean yes she is. I got a call about half hour ago. She came in by ambulance,’ explained Isla. The woman typed something into the computer and looked back at Isla ‘And you are?’ ‘Isla, I’m her daughter. I’m Isla Martin. Please can you just tell me if she’s ok. I think it was a car accident.’ ‘Ok Isla,’ replied the woman, her voice much softer now, causing the young Martin to panic even more, why was she being so nice? ‘If you go down this corridor just here and take a left turn into the relative’s room someone will come and explain exactly what’s happening. I think your dad’s already here.’ ‘My dad?’ Replied Isla looking shocked.‘Oh sorry I shouldn’t have assumed,’ apologised the receptionist, she really did need to think before she spoke. ‘There was a man earlier.... I just thought it was her husband,’ explained the woman. ‘Right,’ answered Isla slowly as she walked in the direction the woman had pointed in shouting a quick ‘Thanks...’ over her shoulder.As Isla walked, a million questions swam round her head, was her dad here? And if it wasn’t her dad who was with her mum? How the fuck had she ended up in hospital? She’d been at home, she hadn’t said she was going out. How serious were her mum’s injuries? Why was she going to a visitors room and not to see her? She pushed opened the door she’d been directed to and stopped dead when she saw the man sitting with his head in his hands, it wasn’t her dad. ‘Mike,’ she said surprised. ‘What are you doing here? Where’s mum? What’s happening?’ ‘Isla,’ exclaimed Mike sitting upright, ‘Thank god they got hold of you, I wasn’t sure if Paula still had the landline connected.’ ‘Yeah neither did I. It surprised the fuck out of me especially ringing in the middle of the night. What the hell’s happened?’ ‘I don’t know,’ confessed Mike, ‘They’ve hardly told me anything, just said to wait in here.’ ‘But you were with her, yeah? When they bought her in.’ ‘No, I got a call about an hour ago and came straight here.’ ‘You got a call?’ Asked Isla now confused, why would the hospital be calling him?‘Yeah.’ ‘Why didn’t they call me first? Surely mum would want me here with her. No offence.’‘None taken. Look Isla why don’t you take a seat,’ suggested Mike. ‘No I’m alright,’ shot back Isla looking at him suspiciously, ‘Come on then, tell me, why did she want you here and not me.’ ‘Isla it wasn’t your mum’s choice. She’s unconscious. The hospital called me because I’m down as her next of kin.’ ‘Unconscious,’ repeated Isla staring at Mike.‘Yes, what did they tell you on the phone?’ ‘Umm just that she’d had been in a car accident and been brought in by ambulance. I tried to ask questions but they said I should just come to the hospital. I didn’t think...... I just......’ Isla was struggling to process what she’d just been told. Unconscious was bad, the fact she was stuck in this room waiting for news was bad. ‘Have you seen her,’ she asked quietly. ‘Briefly, just before they rushed her off to theatre,’ explained Mike thanking god that they had called him first, no child should have to see a parent in that state.
‘So she’s in theatre now?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘What are her injuries?’‘They said something about internal bleeding although they didn’t know exactly where she was bleeding from. Just that they needed to get the it under control. Isla I’m so sorry.’ Isla nodded, ‘But she’s going to be alright though isn’t she. I mean she’s ....’ Isla’s voice cracked and she looked at Mike for reassurance. ‘Your mum’s a fighter and she’s in the best possible hands,’ said Mike with as much confidence as he could muster. Isla bit the inside of her lip and took a deep breath but it was no good she couldn’t hold it together and she collapsed into the nearest chair, hugging her arms around her body as she let the tears full. Mike got up and took the seat next to her placing a hand on her back, ‘If there is anything you need....’ He said not knowing what else to say. ‘My mum to be ok,’ whispered Isla as she rocked back and forth. .........................................................................‘Why aren’t they telling us anything?’ Isla suddenly shouted as she stopped pacing and looked at Mike. ‘How long has it been now?’ ‘It seems longer than it is,’ explained Mike looking at his watch, ‘She only went down to theatre about an hour ago.’ Isla took a deep breath and sat down, then two minutes later she was up again, pacing the small space. As Mike watched her walk up and down he couldn’t help but be reminded of the last time he’d sat in this room, just over three years ago, when Isla’s father had been doing the exact same thing. ‘Isla why don’t you go for a walk, get some fresh air. If there’s any news I’ll come and find you.’ Isla turned and stared at Mike, ‘I’m not going anywhere but you can go. I have no idea why you’re still here anyway.’ ‘I’m still here because I’m worried about your mum and I’m not leaving you on your own.’ ‘Theo will be here soon and I’m gonna call my dad in the morning so I’ll have my family here. My mum will have her family here.’ ‘Theo won’t arrive for at least other three hours so until he gets here I’m staying.’ Isla glared at Mike through narrow eyes, ‘Why are you down as her next of kin?’ Mike looked over at Isla, he’d been wondering when this question might come up. ‘Paula asked me if she could put my details down after the last time she was here. She was annoyed that they’d called Tim, she didn’t want him here but because he was still her husband that’s who they called.’ ‘The last time?’‘Yes when she.... Well you know the night she....’ Mike shifted uncomfortably, ‘The night she collapsed at home,’ he finally managed. ‘The overdoes?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘You were here then too?’ Asked Isla rather surprised.‘Yes it was me that found her. She text me. I called the ambulance.’ ‘She text you?’ Repeated Isla slowly staring at Mike. ‘Have you and my mum ever, you know, because you seem very close.’Mike laughed, ‘No we’re just friends, good friends.’
‘But you want more?’ Pushed Isla.‘No! God no, I’m happily married and to be perfectly honest as much as I love your mum there is no way I could ever be in a relationship with her. She scares the shit out of me.’ Now it was Isla’s turn to laugh, ‘Yeah she can be pretty scary. I’m sorry I didn’t mean to accuse you of....’ Isla’s voice trailed off. ‘It’s ok people have made the assumption before but we’ve got more of a brother sister relationship. I’m very fond of your mum but it’s purely platonic.’ Isla nodded, ‘I had no right to tell you to go. Of course you’re welcome to stay as long as you want.‘Thank you but I promise as soon as your brother gets here I’ll leave.’ ‘No stay. Like you said I’m sure mum would prefer to see you here rather than her ex husband when she wakes up and I’m sorry about my tone it’s just I guess I’m upset that I didn’t get the first call, then I could have seen her before theatre, told her I love her.’‘Oh Isla your mum knows how much you love her.’ ‘Does she? I’ve not exactly been the best daughter have I? I didn’t speak to her for a year, what kind of daughter does that? No wonder she didn’t want me being her next of kin, because it would have been me wouldn’t it? As her oldest child.’ Mike sighed, ‘Isla you were only twenty when Paula was in here last. She wanted to protect you. She didn’t want you or your brother knowing anything about that side of her life. We agreed that once her divorce was finalised and until she met someone else I would be her contact.’ ‘Fuck Sophie,’ said Isla suddenly, ‘Do you think I should try and call her?’ ‘Umm shit I don’t know?’ Replied Mike. ‘Have you got her number?’ ‘No, haven’t you got it? She did work for you?’ ‘Well yeah, but not on me. I can call the office in the morning.’ ‘Did mum have her phone with her? Maybe the nurses have her stuff we could ask......’ ‘Isla if your mum had her phone I think it’s highly unlikely it’s working. She was involved in a major RTC they had to cut her out of the car.’ ‘Right yeah, I wasn’t thinking.....‘ said Isla slowly and then suddenly she exploded again, ‘Fuck what the fuck is taking so long?’.........................................................................
Another hour past before the door of the relatives room slowly opened and a figure in green scrubs poked her head in. ‘Hi Mike?’ She questioned as she looked at Mike. ‘Yeah that’s me,’ he replied wearily as he stretched in his seat. ‘What’s happened?’ Asked Isla, ‘Is she ok?’ The woman turned her attention to Isla as she uncurled herself from her foetal position and sat up. ‘What’s going on?’

The woman looked back towards Mike, waiting for an introduction before she began. ‘This is Isla, Paula’s daughter, you should really be talking to her now,’ he explained. The woman nodded and took a seat. ‘Hello Isla I’m one of the team who’s been taking care of you mum. As you know Paula was brought into A & E by ambulance at 2:25 this morning after being involved in a head on collision. At the scene it’s reported that she was unconscious, we’re unsure how long for but paramedics have told us she was in and out of consciousness on her journey to hospital. She was treated for spinal and head injuries at the scene.’ Isla stared at the doctor trying to take everything in, ‘Right,’ she mumbled looking briefly at Mike. ‘After an examination including a CT scan, spinal injury was ruled out. She was however found to be suffering from multiple fractures. These include breaks to the ribs and collar bone resulting in internal bleeding, she also suffered a skull fracture.’ ‘Skull,’ exclaimed Isla, ‘Shit that‘s really bad isn’t it, is she going to be brain damaged.’ ‘I know it sounds bad but it’s a simple fracture so should heal on its own. Obviously it will be monitored and if any complications arise they will be dealt with, although with this type of fracture that’s unlikely.’ ‘Oh thank god,’ breathed Isla, ‘So she’s going to be ok? It’s just some broken bones?’ Asked Isla, the hope evident in her voice. ‘Actually it’s more the broken ribs that have caused all the problems. When the ribs fractured they penetrated some major organs. Your mum has suffered a collapsed lung and ruptured spleen. ‘Fuck,’ breathed Isla, ‘A collapsed lung that sounds bad and spleen? What even is your spleen is that important? Shit I really should know more about the insides of my own body.’ The woman smiled, ‘Ok so the collapsed lung has been treated. A chest tube has been placed through the ribs into the area surrounding the lungs to help drain the air and also to help inflate the lung. This chest tube will be left in place for a couple of days before the chest begins to expand.’‘And the spleen?’ Asked Mike.‘The surgeon performed a splenectomy, it was hoped that only part of the spleen would need to be removed however that wasn’t possible due to the amount of blood loss.’ ‘Ok,’ said Mike, ‘So what exactly does that mean? Don’t you need a spleen? Doesn’t it help fight infection?’
‘Yes that’s right it is an important part of your immune system, but you can survive without it. When your spleen is removed, other organs, such as the liver, can take over many of the spleen's functions. Paula will still be able to cope with most infections there‘s just a small risk that a serious infection may develop more quickly. That’s what we’ll be monitoring over the next few days.’ ‘So she’s going to be ok?’ Asked Mike. ‘The next 48 hours are critical however after this type of RTC she is extremely lucky. She should make a full recovery from her injuries, although obviously there may still be complications.’ ‘Can I see her?’ Asked Isla.‘Yes shortly, the team are just making her comfortable up on the ICU. Please be aware though that she has a number of cuts and bruising to her face and neck there are also a lot of tubes and monitors. I don’t want you to be alarmed when you first see her and understandably she won’t be very responsive, she’s on a lot of pain medication which will make her very drowsy. Her body’s been through a lot, so she needs time to rest.’ ‘Erm the pain medication she’s on... What exactly is she on and can.....Well is there any chance.....’ Mike was struggling to find the right words. ‘We are well aware of your wife’s medical history and I can assure you that her pain medication is something we will be discussing with her when she is fully conscious.’ ‘Right, ok, thank you.’ Replied Mike before adding. ‘She’s not my wife.’ ‘Oh sorry my mistake. Right I’ll leave you now, if you have any other questions please feel free to ask the team.’ .........................................................................
‘Fucking hell look at the state of her. Is that even mum?’ Blurted out Theo as he entered the ICU and stood staring down at Paula. ‘Tactful as ever,’ shot Isla as she rolled her eyes at her brother. ‘Sorry, it’s just look at her I didn’t expect, shit,’ he sighed as he sat down heavily in the chair and looked fondly at his mum, taking her hand in his. ‘Jesus mum what the hell happened?’ ‘Yeah that’s what we’d all like to know,’ stated Isla, ‘I left her sitting in the lounge watching telly and woke up to be told she’d been brought in here. It’s a mystery.’ ‘Can she hear me?’ ‘Not sure, she’s squeezed my hand a couple of times and mumbled a few things but I can’t make anything out.’ ‘But she’s gonna make a full recovery yeah?’ ‘Yeah should do if she gets through the next couple of days with no complications. She’ll just be missing a spleen.’ ‘Don’t you need one of those?’ ‘Apparently not.’ ‘Right so we just wait?’‘Yep.’ ‘What’s Sophie said, is she coming home?’ ‘What? No.’ Replied Isla shifting uncomfortably. ‘I mean I don’t know.’ ‘You have called her though?’ ‘Well no, not yet I haven’t got her number.’ ‘Shit Isla don’t you think you should?’‘Yes I know and I will tell her as soon as Mike gets the number. You do know that technically they’re not together.’ ‘I am aware of that yes, but seeing as you’ve told dad and they haven’t been together for years, I think she has a right to know.’ ‘Alright, dad’s a bit different though isn’t he, they were married.’ ‘So? Come on Isla you know as well as I do that if mum had a choice between seeing dad or Sophie when she wakes up Sophie would win hands down.’‘Stop.....Arguing.....’ Came the strained voice from the bed as Paula’s eyes flicked open.‘Oh mum thank god,’ sighed Isla with relief as her mum’s eyes tried to focus on her. ‘I’ll get a doctor,’ shouted Theo as he leapt to his feet and ran from the room. ..................................................................Meanwhile Mike was on his way back to the ICU from the canteen. He’d wanted to give the siblings some time alone with their mum so he’d grabbed a coffee and called the office to explain the situation and also to obtain Sophie’s mobile number. As he stood sanitising his hands by the door of the ward he couldn’t help but overhear raised voices coming from down the corridor. ‘So are you telling me my son may never walk again?’ ‘I am telling you it is a possibility, yes.’ ‘And what about the woman from the other car? The flash red Merc I bet there’s not a scratch on her.’ ‘As you know I can’t give you information about the condition of another patient.’ ‘Yeah I know,’ snapped the woman, ‘Have the police interviewed her yet?’ ‘The police have been carrying out an investigation at the scene and of course, like with any RTC when your son and the others involved are fit to be interviewed they will be questioned.’ ‘Good then Ricky can tell them exactly what happened. Honestly how someone can drive on the wrong side of the road is beyond me, she must have been pissed or high. Have you tested her?’ ‘Look as I have said before I am not at liberty to discuss other patients.’ ‘Mmm you’ve said, but if you do see her, tell her she’s gonna need a bloody good lawyer.’

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‘Hey how is she?’ Asked Mike as he caught Isla leaving Paula’s room. ‘Oh Mike, hi sorry I didn’t see you there. Yeah she’s doing ok she’s come round, they’re just running a few tests so I thought I’d go and grab something to eat,’ explained Isla sounding exhausted.‘Have you been here since yesterday morning?’ ‘Yeah,’ admitted Isla, ‘But please don’t tell me to go home. I’ve already had Kate and Theo moaning at me to get some sleep but I can’t leave her.’ ‘Isla you need to rest. Look I’m here now why don’t you go and get something to eat come back and sit with her for a bit and then get off home, sleep in your own bed and come back refreshed first thing in the morning?’ ‘Yeah ok, maybe. Theo went back to get some sleep earlier so I guess he could come back later.’ ‘And do what? She doesn’t need someone sitting with her through the night, she’s in safe hands and it’s nearly been 48 hours. If she’s awake and talking I’m sure she’s going to be fine.’ ‘Yeah I know. It’s just I can’t help worrying something will go wrong when I’m not here.’ ‘Look let’s see what the nurses say after these tests yeah, but honestly I’m sure she’s going to be just fine.’ ‘Yeah ok,’ sighed Isla. ‘Right I’m gonna grab something to eat do you want anything?’ ‘No I’m good. Do you mind if I go in? Asked Mike nodding to the door. ‘Or if you’d rather I can leave it.’ ‘No it’s fine, you go ahead, although she’s not really spoken much. Only to tell me and Theo to stop bickering and to say that under no circumstances am I to call Sophie.’‘Oh right.... Has she said anything about what happened?’ ‘Nope I did ask, but she’d dosed off or pretended to. Do you think she’s seeing someone? Could explain why she was driving around in the middle of the night and why she’s adamant she doesn’t want Sophie here.’ ‘Mmm,’ mused Mike, ‘Could be.’ ‘Right well maybe she’ll speak to you, I’ll be back in a bit. The nurses shouldn’t be too long,’ explained Isla as she walked off in search of food........................................................................
Mike smiled at the two nurses as they left Paula’s room five minutes later, ‘Is it alright if I go in?’ He asked.‘Yeah that’s fine, we’ve just topped up her morphine so she should be more comfortable now.’‘Ok thanks,’ replied Mike as he opened the door. As he walked over to the bed he couldn’t help but gasp slightly, shit she looked terrible. There were monitors beeping and wires everywhere, her lip had split and she had bruising to one side of her face, along with a black eye. Her gown had slipped off her shoulder and he could see the skin was red raw. Thank fuck she’d had a seatbelt on. He pulled out the chair next to the bed and sat down. She looked so small. ‘Alright?’ Asked Paula in a rasping voice as she heard the scrap of the chair and opened one eye to see Mike sitting next to the bed. ‘Yeah you?’ He smiled, he was so relieved to hear her voice. ‘Been better,’ she whispered as she tried to smile back, her dry lips cracking slightly. ‘Jesus Paula I really thought I’d lost you this time.’ ‘Can’t get rid of me that easily.’ ‘No,’ whispered Mike. They sat in silence for a few minutes before Mike spoke again. ‘Why won’t you let Isla call Sophie? She’ll want to know.’ ‘I don’t want her to know.....I don’t want her to see me like this.....’ said Paula simply as she closed her eyes.
Mike sensed the sadness in her voice and could tell she was holding back tears. ‘She’ll hate the fact we didn’t call her.’

‘So she can take it up with me. I’ve made my decision.’

‘Right ok, it’s your call,’ said Mike deciding not to push it. ‘So come on then what happened? Why were you out driving so late?’ ‘Mike I don’t.....’ ‘Paula you know the police are going to want to question you. There are other casualties, they’re going to want to know everything. Come on, you know how these things work.’ ‘Other casualties, are they ok?’ ‘I don’t know,’ lied Mike, ‘Come on talk to me.’ ‘There were lights..... They were so bright ..... Heading towards me. I tried to brake but it was too late.....’ ‘Why were they heading towards you?’‘I don’t know?’ ‘Had you been drinking? Taken anything?’ ‘No,’ snapped Paula irritated with him for asking but understanding why he would. ‘Sorry it’s just you know the police will ask.’ ‘Mike I’m tired..... I need to sleep can we do this another time.’ ‘Yeah it’s fine, you rest. I’ll come back tomorrow. Isla will be back soon I’m sure.’ ‘Ok,’ replied Paula her eyes already closed. Mike got up and headed out of the room, gently closing the door behind him. He’d been hoping Paula would put his mind at rest and stop him worrying but what she’d said had just done the complete opposite. Her story seemed to tally with Ricky’s. Could she really have been on the wrong side of the road? And why had she avoided the question about where she’d been going? Was Isla right? Was she seeing someone? Could he have been right about Ben? Or even worse maybe she was seeing James again.....So many questions..........................................................................‘Back so soon,’ welcomed Paula as Mike entered her room the following evening. ‘Haven’t you got work you should be doing?’ ‘Well you certainly seem better,’ he remarked as he crossed the room to stand by the bed. ‘Yeah well I’m high on morphine. I forgot how good it felt,’ she declared.‘Don’t,’ answered Mike shaking his head, ‘It’s really not the time.’ ‘Right sorry,’ replied Paula softly.‘Have the police been in?’ He asked taking a seat. He knew now Paula’s condition was stable it wouldn’t be long before they’d want to question her.‘Nope, although I’m sure they’ll make an appearance soon.’ ‘And you know what you’re going to tell them?’ ‘Yes of course I do.... The truth......I’ve got nothing to hide.’ ‘Right good....’ replied Mike with more confidence than he felt. ‘So where are the kids?’ ‘Oh god I sent them home, they’re both driving me nuts.’ Mike laughed, ‘I bought you some grapes.’ ‘I’m still nil by mouth.’ ‘Oh well I’ll eat ......’ Mike stopped short as they were interrupted by a knock at the door followed by two police officers walking in. One a woman with dark red hair scrapped back into a messy bun and the other a man who looked about twelve. ‘Right on cue,’ mumbled Mike. ‘Hello Miss Martin we were told by the team looking after you that you’re now fit for interview,’ explained the woman. ‘I’m police sergeant Morgan and this is PC Tinker,’ explained the policewoman as both officers flashed their ID. Is it ok if we ask you a few questions regarding the RTC you were involved in?’ ‘Yes it’s fine,’ answered Paula glancing at Mike. ‘Do you want me to go. I can come back later,’ he asked not sure if she’d want him to stick around, considering she hadn’t exactly opened up to him. ‘No it’s ok, stay,’ replied Paula smiling over at him, causing Mike to wonder if she wanted him to stay as a friend or lawyer.‘So can you take me through the events of the evening of the 14th please in as much detail as you can remember.’‘Right yes, so I was driving home, it must have been around half 12 when there was this bright light ahead of me. It kept getting brighter. I don’t really remember much else, just that I couldn’t see. I tried to shield my eyes.... I started to brake and then my airbag inflated.... I think the car skidded off the road but I can’t be sure.’ ‘Ok,’ replied the policewoman, ‘And you were on your way home from where?’ Paula swallowed hard, ‘The chemist.’ ‘Ahh yes the chemist,’ replied the red head looking through her notebook. ‘Was this where you purchased the Nytol we found in your car?’‘Yes.’ Admitted Paula.‘Is that the only medication you bought?’ ‘Yes.’‘And do you usually take sleeping tablets?’ ‘Sometimes, if I can’t sleep and I know I have a busy day to get through.’ ‘Had you taken any medication before your drive to the chemist?’ ‘No, I couldn’t sleep. I didn’t have any tablets left so I thought I’d nip out and get some.’ ‘Most people wouldn’t have bothered, they’d have read a book, had a drink, counted sheep. Why did you decide to go out?’ ‘Well I rather wish I hadn’t now,’ scoffed Paula taking one look at the police officer and realising she was not amused. ‘Had you been drinking?’ She continued. ‘No.’ ‘Sorry why are you asking all this? Is there any evidence that Miss..... Err Paula was under the influence,’ interrupted Mike. He’d been trying so hard not to interrupt but this line of questioning wasn’t looking good. Sergeant Morgan glared at Mike, ‘Just trying to work out how Miss Martin here came to be driving on the wrong side of the road,’ she remarked.‘What,’ exclaimed Paula, ‘I can’t have been, I wasn’t, I would have know if I’d been on the wrong side of the road. Come on surely you don’t think....’ ‘Miss Martin I would advice you to think very carefully about what you’re saying. We have evidence that proves you applied your brakes while driving on the right hand side of the road. You yourself have just admitted that you saw headlights coming towards you....’ ‘I didn’t say headlights, I said a bright light,’ replied Paula trying to bite her tongue, this woman was really pissing her off. ‘isn’t there any CCTV or anything? Witnesses?’ Paula was starting to panic now, there was no way she was driving on the wrong side of the road, she couldn’t have been. ‘We are appealing for anyone who might have seen something to come forward but at the moment the witnesses we HAVE spoken to confirm that you were indeed on the wrong side of the road. In light of this information is there anything else you would like to say?’ ‘No, I don’t know what to say, except they must be mistaken.’ ‘Right well the investigation is ongoing so we’ll let you know of any further developments. In the meantime if you do remember anything else please get in touch. I’m sure we’ll be talking to you again very soon. Thank you for your time,’ and with that the two officers left the room leaving Paula staring at the ceiling in astonishment. ‘I wasn’t on the wrong side of the road,’ she whispered as she looked over at Mike. ‘You believe me don’t you?’ ‘How long have you been taking sleeping tablets?’ Asked Mike ignoring her question. Paula closed her eyes and turned her head away from him. ‘Paula how long?’ He said again. ‘Couple of months,’ she admitted, still facing away from him. ‘How often?’ ‘Nearly every night.’ ‘Fuck Paula what the hell is wrong with you?’ Paula opened her eyes and slowly moved her head to face him. ‘It was either that or a bottle of wine and a few glasses of scotch every night. They’re just over the counter, it’s not like they can do much harm is it?’ ‘Jesus have you heard yourself. You went out in the middle of the night because you NEEDED them to sleep and you’re trying to tell me you haven’t got a problem. You are an addict.’ Stated Mike incredulously. ‘You know you’re not suppose to take any medication without talking to a doctor.’

‘‘Yes, alright I know, please don’t go on,’ replied Paula wearily.

‘‘You know you’re going to need treatment again, don’t you?’

‘‘I am not going back to rehab,’ said Paula adamantly. ‘I can not go through all that again.’

‘‘I really wouldn’t worry too much about going back to rehab,’ snapped Mike still so angry that Paula had got herself into this mess again. ‘I’d be more concerned about ending up in a prison cell.’

‘But I haven’t done anything wrong. I was just driving home,’ stammered Paula, she couldn’t believe this was happening.

‘Were you listening to that officer? They have witnesses. Paula this is not looking good.... Surely you can see that it’s only a matter of time before they arrest you?’

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Paula closed her eyes as Mike said his goodbyes, the sooner she got out of this bed the better. She could feel herself going slowly crazy. Just one more day she thought to herself, come on you can get through one more day.And then what....? Would she be going home or to a prison cell? The police hadn’t been back, she’d heard nothing for days. What was taking them so long? She’d gone through that night over and over in her mind, playing it over and over. Surely she couldn’t have caused the crash? She would have know if she’d been on the wrong side of the road, wouldn’t she? But then it had been dark, she was distracted, maybe she had.....? If she was responsible and they did have evidence she could be looking at a prison sentence, up to two years for dangerous driving and god forbid if anyone had died it could be more like ten. She couldn’t go to prison and even if she didn’t who would seriously hire a lawyer with a criminal record? She’d been so fucking stupid. She knew she shouldn’t have started taking those tablets. She’d told herself she was in control, that she could stop taking them whenever she wanted but of course she’d been lying to herself. Mike was right she’d fucked up again. ‘Mum have you been listening to me?’ Isla’s voice penetrated her thoughts.‘Sorry no love, what were you saying?’‘That work are letting me have some time off so I can look after you when you come home.’ ‘Isla I’ve told you I don’t need looking after. You’ve only just started at this company, you can’t just take time off.’ ‘I can and I will, this is important,’ said Isla adamantly. ‘I’ve told you I’ll be fine. All the doctors have said I’m recovering well. It’s just a few broken bones.’ ‘And a missing spleen, punctured lung.... You have had major surgery,’ argued Isla.‘Yes I know, but I would just like to get back to normal and you looking after me is not normal.’ ‘But I just want to ........’ ‘Come on Isla she’s right you’re hardly Florence Nightingale are you?’ Teased Theo as he peered up from his phone.‘Yeah well at least I’m trying to be helpful you’re fucking back off to uni tomorrow.’ ‘Because I have exams and because I’m actually listening to mum when she says she’s fine and would rather be on her own.’ ‘Right so I’ll just go back to work then? Leave you on your own all day?’ ‘Yes that would be great. I will be fine, I have so much work to catch up on so I’ll be ........’ ‘You can not be serious?’ Shot Isla, ‘You won’t be working, you need time to recover.’ ‘Have you met our mum?’ Asked Theo sarcastically.
Isla glared at him, ‘Why are you not taking this seriously? Do you want her to end up back in here?’ ‘Isla the last thing I want to do is end up back here, so I won’t be doing anything I’m not capable of, ok? It’s just I can’t do this, I can’t lay in bed doing nothing. I feel like my brain’s turning to mush.’ ‘Right whatever, do what you want,’ spat Isla as she picked up her phone and stared down at the screen, her jaw clenched. Paula closed her eyes took a deep breath and opened them again to see her children both sat mindlessly scrolling through their social media. They’d both been here everyday, sitting with her, asking questions, jumping at every little wince she made. She was so lucky to have them. She closed her eyes again and fought back the tears that were forming..........................................................................
Mike was just on his way back to the office when a familiar face caught his eye. Was that? Yeah it was, the police woman who’d questioned Paula was chatting to a couple of paramedics over in the ambulance bay. Sergeant Morgan wasn’t it? What was she doing here? Another incident or following up from the other day? Mike crossed over to the benches not far from where the trio of women were talking, if he wanted to know if she was here to question Paula again then he figured the best way to find out would be to follow her. ‘Anyway happy anniversary,’ he caught the younger of the two paramedics say as he took a seat on the bench trying not to look like he was eavesdropping. ‘Aww she told you?’ Replied the policewoman looking slightly shocked towards the older paramedic.‘Ahh, no, no actually I heard her begging for a table in a restaurant.’ continued the dark haired medic. ‘I have never heard her putting on such a charm offensive. She’s either really scared of you....’ She hesitated as she caught the ‘shut the hell up’ stare from her colleague, ‘Or really, really loves you,’ she finished. ‘Or both?’ nodded the sergeant, ‘Lucky me, hey,’ then spinning to look at the woman who must be her wife, she added ‘No rest for the wicked,’ as she walked away in the direction of the hospital. As Mike followed at a safe distance it looked increasing likely that she was on her way to see Paula and after her conversation outside it didn’t look like she was in a good mood, which wasn’t good for Paula. Mike slowed down as the police officer pressed the buzzer to be admitted onto Paula’s ward. Right there was no doubt now that she was indeed here to speak to the lawyer. Shit. Had they found new evidence? Would Paula be arrested? She was due to be discharged tomorrow would she find herself going straight to the police station for formal questioning? As the officer waited Mike hovered further down the corridor wondering what he should do now. He really needed to be in that room but he’d only just left, would Paula think he thought she was guilty if he showed his face again? Shit the door was opening what should he do? Sergeant Morgan greeted the nurse and walked inside, although the door didn’t close. ‘Are you coming?’ She called as Mike stood outside debating what to do. Was she talking to him? ‘Well? Do you want me to keep the door open or not?’ The policewoman asked as she leaned out of the doorway. ‘Oh you’re talking to me?’ He replied, embarrassed that he’d been rumbled. ‘Yes, you’ve followed me all the way from the car park so I’m imagining you want to know why I’m here? You were with Miss Martin the other day weren’t you?’
‘Yes,’ mumbled Mike.‘Right well come on then, let’s go and see her.’.........................................................................Sergeant Morgan looked around the bed as she introduced herself for a second time and asked if she could take a seat. God both Paula’s kids were the spit of her, especially the young man she thought as she dragged a chair over from the other side of the room and sat down.Mike hovered over to one side, sharing a look with Paula. She wouldn’t have sat down if she was here to arrest her thought Mike as he watched on. ‘Well Miss Martin you’re looking much better than the last time I saw you,’ declared the policewoman as she sat and crossed her legs. ‘Yeah,’ nodded Paula wishing she’d just get on with it. ‘So as you know the investigation into your RTC has been ongoing and I’m here to bring you up to speed on recent developments.’ ‘Go on,’ answered Paula a tight feeling in her chest as she watched the Sergeant carefully. ‘Right well I’m sure that you will be very happy to learn that new evidence has come to light which has enabled us to eliminate you from our enquires.’ Paula exhaled a deep breath, thank fuck she thought as she rested her head back against the pillows she could literally feel the weight being lifted from her shoulders, a feeling shared by the other three people listening to the news.‘Can I ask what new evidence?’ ‘A witness has finally come forward with video evidence proving beyond doubt that the lights you saw were indeed car headlights, however they were from another car that fled the scene.’ ‘What? I don’t understand..... So what actually happened?’ Asked Paula more confused now than ever. ‘I’ve reviewed the video myself and can I just start by saying that you are extremely lucky to be alive. The footage was taken from the passenger in the car which you swerved to avoid. It was this car that was travelling at high speed on the wrong side of the road. We now know the car with which you had the head on collision with was also travelling well over the legal speed limit. Despite your best efforts to brake this car was unable to stop. The guilty passenger handed herself into the police station yesterday. It appears her boyfriend and one of his friends, after a fairly heavy session in the pub, decided to have a bet on who could get across town quickest. It seems you got in the way of this race. The driver of the car you hit may never walk again. ‘Fuck,’ whistled Theo once the police sergeant had finished. ‘How the hell did you get this so wrong? My mum’s been in bits. She’s recovering from major surgery she didn’t need this on top of everything else,’ started Isla looking completely shocked. ‘I am well aware that this would have been a very difficult time for you all but the evidence we had at the time pointed to things being very different.’‘The evidence being what?’ Asked Theo. ‘Theo don’t, it’s done,’ pleaded Paula as she looked at her son then to the police officer, ‘Thank you.’ ‘Thank you? What are you thanking her for? They made you think you’d caused the accident. That it was your fault. What would have happened if this girl hadn’t come forward?’ Demanded Isla.Mike looked at Paula and then at her kids it was right that they were angry but he could see Paula could do without all this. ‘It takes time to build a picture of a RTC and head on collisions are notoriously difficult to interpret. Cars spin in all directions if there’s no CCTV or witness.....’ ‘She could have been killed,’ seethed Isla. ‘Yes you’re right and I totally understand that you have every right to be angry.’ Agreed the Sergeant. ‘And please let me assure you that those involved will all be subjected to the highest possible punishment. With the evidence we have they will all be convicted and both drivers will be looking at custodial sentences.’ ‘Too fucking right,’ raged Isla under her breath. ‘So is that it then?’ She asked aloud. ‘Yes that’s everything, thank you for your time,’ replied Sergeant Morgan as she stood up. ‘I wish you a speedy recovery Paula.’ The lawyer gave a slight smile, first name terms now was it? She thought as Mike showed her out. .........................................................................
‘Thank you,’ stated Mike when they were out of earshot. ‘I mean for explaining, I know you didn’t need to do that.’ ‘It’s fine. I always think people deserve to know the truth.’ ‘Yeah,’ muttered Mike. ‘It’s funny though isn’t it, that the girlfriend turned up at the police station the day after I saw you talking to her outside Ricky’s room.’ ‘Me?’ Questioned Mike, ‘I think you must be mistaken.’ ‘I’m not,’ replied the officer keeping eye contact, ‘So what did you say to her?’‘Can’t remember,’ shrugged Mike. ‘Hmmm,’ replied Sergeant Morgan nodding, ‘Well whatever you said it seems she couldn’t live with her guilty conscience anymore.’ ‘No,’ replied Mike, ‘Right well I better be getting back,’ he stating gesturing back to the ward. ‘Happy Anniversary,’ he added with a smile before he turned and walked back to Paula’s bedside.

.............................................................................
‘Oh my god it feels so nice to be back home,’ sighed Paula as she eased herself back onto the sofa having just let Mike in. ‘Are you alright? Sorry I made you get up. I thought one of the kids would have let me in.’ ‘Oh no Theo left for uni this morning and after lots of persuasion Isla’s taken Kate out for dinner. I just wanted some peace. I never realised how bloody loud hospital wards are. Do you want a drink?’ Offered Paula.‘No I’m not staying, just wanted to make sure you’d settled back home.’ ‘Yep all good,’ winced Paula as she shifted to try and get more comfortable, her scar was hurting today and her collar bone was niggling. ‘You don’t look ‘all good,’ commented Mike watching her carefully. ‘I’m fine it comes and goes.’ ‘What pain relief are you on?’ ‘Just paracetamol and ibuprofen, I need to take some more in a bit actually.’ ‘Right and is that enough?’ Asked Mike cautiously.‘Not really but it’s all I’m going to take. Hopefully it should start easing up in a bit.’ ‘Ok but if you’re in pain I’m sure they can prescribe something that isn’t going to be habit forming.’ ‘Yes thank you doctor, but I’m ok. I’m managing. So what’s new at the office? You missing me?’ ‘Of course we are but I’m not talking to you about work. You need to rest.’ ‘No Mike I need to work. I need to keep my brain active.’ ‘Do a sudoku then.’ ‘A what?’ ‘Never mind,’ smiled Mike. ‘But seriously can you drop round the files for the Metcalfe case please.’ ‘No I can’t. How many more times? You need to rest.’‘Yes and I will. I can look them over laying in bed, but I need to be up to speed.’ ‘Why?’ Asked Mike puzzled. ‘The case is in five weeks I need to be prepared.’ ‘For what?’ ‘The trial.’ Mike laughed, ‘You’re being serious aren’t you?’ ‘Yes,’ stated Paula not best pleased that Mike was laughing at her. ‘You’ve been sighed off work for six weeks.’ ‘Yes I know that but I’ve been reading and recovery can take as little as four weeks and I’ve already spent over a week in hospital.’ ‘Paula you aren’t going to be ready to represent anyone in court for months.’ ‘Says who?’ ‘Me and more importantly medical professionals. The court case is already sorted. Imran will inform Yasmeen of your accident and then he can represent her, she’s not going to want to delay the trial again.’ ‘But she doesn’t have to, I’ll be ready,’ said Paula adamantly. ‘No you won’t,’ stated Mike bluntly. ‘Mike you know how much this means to me and you know full well I am better qualified than Imran.’ ‘Look I know Yasmeen’s Sophie’s old boss and I know you want to help but representing her when you are not fit enough to, will not help anyone.’ ‘What about if I can get the all clear earlier? From the specialist. If I keep up to date with everything I can take over.’ ‘Paula it’s not going to happen, ok. Just except it. You are not physically, emotionally or mentally ready.’ ‘What the hell is that bullshit? I was in a car crash I haven’t had a breakdown. It’s cuts and bruises, a few broken bones.’ ‘But it’s not though is it? You admitted to taking sleeping tablets every night for two months.’ ‘Not every night,’ shot Paula already on the defensive. ‘Paula stop. Stop splitting hairs and admit that you have a problem,’ said Mike trying to keep his voice calm. ‘I’ve booked you an appointment at the Priory for the end of the week.’ ‘Great,’ sighed Paula, ‘And do I get a say in this?’ ‘No you don’t,’ replied Mike sternly as he got up. ‘I’ll see myself out’ ‘Aaaarrrgggg,’ screamed Paula out of frustration as she heard the front door shut, causing her to then cry out in pain. ‘Fuuuuuck,’ she yelled clutching her scar as she curled up on the sofa into a foetal position and began to sob.

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Paula took a seat and tried to get comfortable. Her arm was no longer in a sling as her collar bone had healed but her scar, which ran vertically up her stomach, still niggled every once in a while and she found it difficult to sit in certain positions. Finally she settled and looked at the woman sitting opposite her. God this was a complete and utter waste of time she thought as the woman sat staring back at her. She’d been to three of these sessions now and they all followed the same pattern. Val would ask her a question, she would sit in silence wondering what to say, eventually she’d come out with something because the silence would be unbearable. What she said wouldn’t be what Val wanted or hoped it would be so she’d rephrase the question and so it would continue. ‘You seem distracted today Paula?’ Val began. Paula smiled tightly, yes because I shouldn’t be here she thought, I should be in court on the first day of Yasmeen’s trial but instead I’m sitting here answering your fucking stupid questions. ‘I’m fine,’ she lied. All she seemed to do in this room was lie. ‘So we’ve been talking about the events leading up to your relapse and .......’ ‘Can I just stop you there. I’ve said this before it wasn’t a relapse. I took sleeping tablets to help me sleep, tablets that millions of people take every night, over the counter medication. You’re making out like I was popping illegal pills all day.’ Val drew a breath, it seemed Paula was still in denial. ‘So you look this medication exactly as it was suppose to be taken?’ Paula shifted her gaze, ‘You know full well I didn’t I’ve already told you I didn’t,’ She muttered. Val didn’t say anything but looked at Paula closely. This is what she did. She sat and stared, it was unnerving. ‘Remind me again, how long you were taking the tablets for.’ Paula sighed she’d been through this before, ‘About two months, I can’t remember exactly,’ she snapped. ‘And how many tablets a night?’ ‘One,’ replied Paula quickly. Val didn’t respond just looked down at her pad, Paula sighed, ‘Ok sometimes two. Is that want you want me to say?’ ‘I don’t want you to say anything, I just want you to be honest. You know these sessions don’t work unless you tell me the truth.’ Paula considered this for a moment. She couldn’t continue these sessions forever. Why was she lying anyway? ‘Ok honest answer,’ she replied holding her hands up. ‘It started with one, then two and on occasion three. I needed to sleep,’ she reasoned. ‘Well thank you for that.... For being honest. It’s hard to admit that you lost control but the first step to recovery is realising you have a problem and working on how to move forward,’ explained Val.‘But that’s just it. I don’t.....Have a problem. I haven’t taken anything other than Paracetamol since I left hospital so I’m not really sure why I’m here? It wasn’t like last time. I’ve had no withdrawal. ‘You haven’t had any withdrawal symptoms because Diphenhydramine, the drug in most sleeping tables creates a psychological dependence. They’re not 'addictive' in the physical sense, like opioids, which as you know you build up a tolerance to, eventually becoming dependent on the drug so when it’s withdrawn your body is thrown off balance as it tries to cope without the substance. Paula nodded, Jesus she remembered all to well how fucking awful she felt when she hadn’t had Tramadol for a few hours. ‘So if they aren’t addictive why am I here having counselling for addiction?’ ‘Because they can cause psychological dependency,’ explained Val. ‘Your body doesn’t need the drug but you think you do and you have cravings which can happen months even years after you stop taking it. Like an ex smoker who can’t resist that one cigarette every now and again. ‘Yeah ok I get all that, but I was only taking them for a couple of months, I’d hardly say I was psychologically dependant on them,’ argued Paula, ‘And anyway surely if I can have a cigarette once in a while and not go back to smoking ten a day then surely that’s the same with the sleeping tablets? I took them for a while now I’ve stopped, I don’t see the issue.’ ‘The issue is that you went out in the middle of the night to get more,’ stated Val. ‘If you ran out of.... I don’t know coffee..... Would you get in your car at midnight and go out to get some?’ ‘Well no.... But this is not the same as last time,’ repeated Paula. ‘I ended up in here before because I took an overdose, I wanted to die. I don’t feel like that now’‘How do you feel now?’ Paula took a deep breath. ‘I don’t know, I guess I don’t feel much. I don’t feel like myself.’ Paula looked up to gauge Val’s reaction. The counsellor nodded but remained silent. ‘But just because I don’t feel on top of the world doesn’t mean I need to be here, does it?’‘Paula you’re here because you have a history of substance abuse which was caused by events in your life that you felt unable to deal with. Yes? ‘Well yeah sort of but this is different.’ ‘In what way?’ ‘There was lots going on back then, I had lots to deal with.’ ‘And you don’t now?’ ‘No, not on that scale.’ ‘Can I just read back to you a few of the things you’ve said to me in past sessions?’ ‘Umm yeah ok,’ answered Paula feeling slightly nervous, she couldn’t remember half of the things she’d said over the past weeks. Val flipped back through the pages of her notebook and started reading. ‘I thought it was because I wasn’t sleeping. I was feeling guilty about certain choices I’d made. I was having nightmares. Overthinking decisions, wrong decisions I’d made. When I took the tablets it was like I stopped thinking, I could switch off. I couldn’t seem to do it without the medication. Do you remember saying these things?’ ‘No not really was that when I first came in?’ ‘Mostly but I’ve noticed that in our sessions together you talk a lot about feeling guilty, about making wrong decisions. Do you mind if I summarise. Is that ok? ‘Yeah it’s fine,’ ‘Ok so stop me if I make any mistakes,’ Paula nodded. ‘So you’ve spoken about the fact you feel guilt about your marriage, that your husband had been unfaithful for years and you had no idea. You wish you’d handled the situation with your daughter’s girlfriend better and you said you hated yourself for the feelings you had towards your ex and the fact you lied to your daughter and to Sophie. You also feel guilty about the position you found yourself in with another ex....’ ‘James? No .... We were never together, he was..... We had an affair.’ ‘Right ok but am I right in thinking it was the event with him that made you realise that Sophie, your current partner? Ex partner?’ She looked up at Paula for confirmation. ‘Oh I don’t even know?’ Replied Paula sadly.‘Ok it doesn’t matter but it was the event with him that made you realise that sending Sophie away was a huge mistake and it was shortly after this you started to take the tablets?’ ‘Yes that’s right,’ agreed Paula amazed that she’d told the woman so much about her life. She honestly couldn’t remember telling her half that stuff. ‘Now I’ve reminded you of all of the things you’ve had to deal with recently do you still think this is different from last time?’ Paula shifted uncomfortably, ‘I suppose there may be some similarities but I’ve stopped now.’ ‘Because you were in hospital for over a week. Do you think you would have stopped if the accident hadn’t happened?’ ‘I don’t know?’ Uttered Paula.‘Are you sleeping now?’ ‘No not really, but it doesn’t really matter now does it? I have no job to go to, nothing that needs my concentration.’ ‘But you will do soon. You’ve made a remarkable recovery from your injuries so you should be able to get back to the office in a week or so.’ ‘Yeah I suppose,’ replied Paula lacking any enthusiasm.
‘I thought you’d be more positive about going back to work.’ ‘Yes to be honest so did I. I love my job but lately I’ve been thinking that apart from my work what do I actually have? My kids have grown up, they have their own lives. My ex husband’s starting a new life, a new baby on the way, my friends all have families. I’m going to be fifty in just over two weeks and what do I have? Nothing because the one person I did have, I treated badly then pushed away. I’ve realised since Sophie left that I’m really not very good at relationships.’‘Why do you say that? You said you and Sophie parted on good terms.’ ‘I thought we did but she’s not returned my call and I’ve seen photos of her with another woman. The most stupid part about all this is.... I told her to go and have fun, meet new people and that’s what she’s doing and I hate it. I’m so unbelievably jealous and I don’t do jealousy....’ Paula’s voice trailed off, shit where was all this coming from? ‘So what can you do about it? The way you’re feeling?’ ‘What do you mean?’ ‘Is there a way this can be resolved?’ ‘What?’ ‘The feelings of guilt and jealousy. Having listened to you over the past few weeks I am pretty certain that since you made the decision to let Sophie go you have regretted that decision. Am I right?’ ‘Yes,’ admitted Paula, ‘Very much so.’ ‘Right so my question to you now is how do you move forward?‘I guess I go back to work, try and put things to the back of my mind and just wait and see how Sophie feels when she gets back. Whether we have a future together.’ ‘And when is she coming home?’ ‘Another four months, give or take,’ shrugged the brunette. ‘Paula I don’t normally do this but ‘Putting things to the back of your mind’ hasn’t worked has it? You needed tablets in order to do that. In your words ‘to stop thinking.’ My concern is that when you go back to work and need to sleep, you may resort to taking this medication again. Therefore you need to deal with the cause of your anxiety now. You said you’ve made peace with your ex husband, you and your daughter are in a good place, you’ve severed ties once and for all with James so now I really think it’s time to deal with your relationship with Sophie, don’t you?’

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Paula got out of the cab and walked slowly up the steps to her house. She had no idea how people who didn’t drive survived. She couldn’t wait until her outpatients appointment at the hospital tomorrow where she was hoping to get the all clear. That would mean she’d be able to drive again, although what exactly she didn’t know. She needed to get to a car showroom at some point, pick something out but she couldn’t quite decide what.She let herself in and walked into the silent kitchen. It was strange being home in the daytime, she hated it. These past five weeks had felt like the longest in her life. Especially the last couple where she was feeling much better and able to move around more but had nowhere to go. She poured herself a glass of water and sat at the island with a legal pad she’d found discarded in a drawer. Right what did she need to ask the specialist tomorrow? She wrote a list putting the most important thing first... When can I travel abroad?Once her list was drawn up she glanced over at the clock, half 1. The prosecution case would be well underway by now. Shit she so wanted to be in that courtroom, to wipe the smug look off Geoff’s face. She’d never liked him. Hopefully the jury would see through his lies and the case for coercive control would work. Although having found out who the prosecution barrister was she knew it would be tough. She’d had runnings with Helen Davis before, both professionally and personally. The two women had similar personalities both inside and outside the courtroom and while they’d locked horns in court they’d very much made up outside of it.Paula had told Imran to call as soon as he was out of court. Although she technically wasn’t working on the case anymore she’d still spoken to the lawyer on numerous occasions over the past few weeks, to check preparations were going well and give her advice when necessary. She believed Imran was well prepared and they had a good case although it would be even stronger if Elaine materialised and agreed to testify but that wasn’t looking likely now so they’d just need to go with what they had. Finishing her water she walked over to the fridge, she knew she should eat but she couldn’t stomach anything. She hadn’t been eating much at all lately. Right what to do now she thought as she stood and looked around the kitchen. There was literally nothing to do, she’d sorted the house, watched enough box sets to last her a lifetime, tried to read a few books but hadn’t really got into anything, she could have a bath? Walking carefully upstairs she prepared a bath and ten minutes later was laying back staring at the ceiling. God she felt drained. This always happened after a counselling session, it was weird how sitting and answering a few questions could make you so tired. Although at least she actually felt like this session had been productive. Val had said she’d had a breakthrough, which she supposed in a way she had. Probably had to do with the fact that she’d actually told the truth. She didn’t stay in the bath long, for fear she’d drift off to sleep which was completely unlike her. She towelled off and pulled her dressing gown around herself, pausing for a moment to look down at the puckered flesh that formed her scar, god it was fucking hideous. She’d been reassured that it would get better and fade over time but for now it was just plain ugly. She sat down on the bed and looked over at the clock, nearly half 2, Jesus she still had 4 hours until the girls got back. She lay back and sighed, how did unemployed people cope? With all this time? All this time to think? .......................................................................

Paula opened her eyes, taking a while to realise that she was curled up on her bed in her dressing gown, she must have nodded off, what time was it? She rolled over and eyeballed the clock, 4. Wow she’d actually had a proper day time nap, something she’d never done before. She stretched and got up, heading into the walk in wardrobe for some comfy clothes, she seemed to live in oversized jumpers at the minute. Once she was dressed she padded back down to the kitchen, she was hoping Imran would call soon and she vaguely remembered leaving her phone on the kitchen island. As she retrieved her phone from the counter she was surprised to see he’d already called, she quickly rang him back. ‘Hi sorry I missed your call, how’d it go?’ she asked as soon as the lawyer picked up.‘Opening statement went well, although so did the prosecution’s, she’s good.’ ‘Yes well I did warn you. How did Geoff do on the stand?’ ‘I followed the line of questioning we talked about. He’s something else though, he’s a bloody good liar.’ ‘Yes but he’ll slip up, eventually. So you all set for tomorrow?’ ‘Yep, I haven’t told you the best part about today.’ ‘What?’ Asked Paula intrigued. ‘I’ve just been to visit Elaine in the hospital, Tim actually managed to convince her to come and give evidence.’ ‘That’s fantastic news but hospital? Why’s she in hospital? Is she well enough to testify?’ ‘She’s on a mental health ward, apparently she had a breakdown but I think Tim turning up and saying he believed her has made her realise she needs to do this.’
‘That’s great, once the jury hear how he treated her it gives Yasmeen’s story way more credibility.’ ‘Exactly,’ smiled Imran. .........................................................................
‘Oh girls how lovely to hear from you, hold on a minute let me just turn the tea off,’ explained Sally as she jumped up to turn the oven down then returned to sit in front of the IPad. ‘How are you both? You look so tanned.’ ‘I know don’t we just look radiant,’ laughed Rosie as she did a hair toss towards the camera. Sophie looked at her older sister and rolled her eyes, ‘Yes thank you Rosie, we’re both well mum. Anyway look we haven’t got long we’re going to this club opening thingy.’‘Oh my god mum it is like way VIP there’s going to be fashion icons from all over Asia.....’ ‘Yeah thank you Rosie but we haven’t got time for this, you need to start getting ready. You can tell her all about it tomorrow but for now mum I’m calling to see how the first day of the trial went? It started today didn’t it? Have I got the right day?’ ‘Yeah you have and yeah it did. Tim’s a nervous wreak. He’s been tearing around all morning looking for his mum to try and get her to give evidence. He’s just got off the phone to her actually, she’s going to do it.’‘Oh that’s great news, Paula will be pleased won’t she? How is she? Paula I mean? Is she smashing it?’
Sally bit her lip, ‘Umm Soph Paula’s not actually Yasmeen’s barrister anymore,’ she replied hesitantly. ‘What? Why not? I thought you said she was representing her?’ ‘She’s been signed off sick so Yasmeen appointed Imran to take over.’ ‘Sick? Why? What’s the matter with her? Is it serious?’ Sophie’s heart started to quicken. Oh god it must be bad if she’s not at work.‘No, no she’s fine. Well she is now. She’s not sick. She had an accident, a car accident.’ ‘Bloody hell, what happened?’ Exclaimed Sophie.‘I don’t know all the details just what Alya told me when I caught her in the street and she doesn’t really know much. Apparently she was involved in a head on collision. She had to be rushed into surgery. She’s been off work for over a month I think.’ ‘Over a month!’ Repeated Sophie. ‘And no one though to tell me?’ Sophie couldn’t believe what she was hearing. ‘I didn’t know until yesterday and Alya only found out a few days before that.’ ‘I’m not taking about you. I’m talking about Isla or Theo why the hell didn’t they call me? I mean I know I’m not Isla’s favourite person but I get on well with Theo. I can’t believe he didn’t call me.‘I don’t know darling, maybe they didn’t want to spoil your trip.’ ‘Mmm,’ murmured Sophie not really listening she was too busy trying to get her head around what had happened. ‘I’m sorry. I’m sure they thought it was for the best.’ ‘Yeah well it wasn’t. I’d have wanted to know. I can’t believe she’s been in hospital and I didn’t know.’‘Well look on the bright side at least she’s alright and it stopped you worrying. Paula wouldn’t have wanted you worrying.’ ‘Yeah,’ said Sophie sadly, ‘Do you know what surgery she had?’

‘No Alya said something about broken ribs and collar bone, but she was in a hurry.’

‘Right,’ replied Sophie, calming down slightly, that didn’t sound too bad. ‘So how’s Imran doing? Is the trial going well? Have you seen Yasmeen?’ ‘Yes it’s all going well. Imran has assured Alya they have a good case and now Elaine’s giving evidence it’s looking good.’ ‘Well that’s good,’ said Sophie softly, ‘Right look I betta go,’ she muttered still preoccupied with the fact that Paula’s hospital admission had been kept from her. ‘Yeah ok,’ replied Sally feeling terrible for giving her daughter bad news. ‘And try not to be too upset I’m sure people thought not telling you was the right thing to do.’ ‘Mmm well it wasn’t,’ grumbled Sophie as she suddenly remembered her mum was giving evidence. ‘Oh mum I forgot good luck to you as well. Do you know when you’ll be called?’ ‘Probably tomorrow, I just hope I say the right thing.’ ‘You’ll be great,’ said Sophie confidently. ‘And If you see Ayla tell her I’m thinking of her and Yasmeen, yeah?’ ‘Yes of course I will and please don’t worry about Paula, she’ll be fine. She’ll probably be back at work in a couple of weeks and you’ll be home soon and if it’s what you both still want you’ll be back together before you know it.’ ‘It’s what I still want,’ said Sophie adamantly. ‘I wish I’d never agreed to have no contact with her. It was a stupid idea.’ ‘Yeah well Paula wanted you to be sure, she wanted you to have this experience without worrying about her and you’re having an amazing time aren’t you?’ ‘Yeah it’s been amazing but......’ ‘‘Look no buts. I’m gonna let you go I’m sure Rosie has a hundred things for you to do. Go out, have some fun.’ Sophie took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, ‘Yes ok,’ she said knowing that the last thing she felt like doing was going out. ‘Love you.’ ‘‘You too, bye.’.........................................................................
‘What do you mean, she’s changed her mind? You only told me two hours ago that she’d agreed, what’s changed?’ ‘I don’t know?’ Sighed Imran. ‘Tim just called and said Elaine’s not going to do it. Shit what the hell is wrong with people? Why say she’ll do it and then not? She seemed fine when I left her.’ ‘Something must have happened, you don’t just change your mind like that about something this big,’ said Paula thinking aloud.‘Yeah well she has, so we’re back to just Sally, Cathy and Alya testifying.’ ‘You said she was in hospital?’ ‘Yeah Weatherfield General.’ ‘Have the prosecution called all their witnesses?’
‘No still got a couple left. Why what you thinking?’
‘I’ve got an outpatient appointment at the hospital tomorrow. It’s first thing. I could always swing by to see if I can visit Elaine after?’ ‘No Paula you’re meant to be resting. Mike has given me strict instructions..... I shouldn’t have even been talking to you.’ ‘Imran I am fine. Mike is worrying unnecessarily. I’m at the hospital anyway, they’re probably going to discharge me. I’ll be back at work by next week. Don’t we at least need to try?’ Imran chewed his cheek, even if he didn’t agree she was going to do it anyway so he may as well talk through her plan of action. ‘Ok yeah I suppose it’s worth a try, I’ll text you over all the information you need. If you tell one of the nurses you’re following up from yesterday’s visit they should hopefully let you in.’ ‘Yep great. You do your thing in court and I’ll do mine, hopefully I’ll be able to persuade her.’ ‘Have you thought about what you’ll say?’ ‘Nope but I’m sure I’ll think of something, you just concentrate on questioning the witnesses we do have.’
.........................................................................
‘Sophie?’ Yelled Rosie from the bathroom, ‘Are you finished talking to mum? Can you come and do this up? Rosie paused, no answer. ‘Sophie,’ she repeated walking into the bedroom. ‘Did you not hear me?’ She asked as she looked at her sister slumped on the bed. ‘Good you’re finished you need to start getting ready, we’re going to be late.’ ‘I’m not coming.’ Stated Sophie miserably. ‘What do you mean? Of course you are this is the biggest night in.....’ ‘Paula’s had an accident.’ ‘Oh my god is she ok?’‘Yeah or so mum says, it was a car crash. She had to have surgery.’ ‘That’s awful. Was she driving the lush red Merc?’
Sophie furrowed her brow as she looked over at Rosie, ‘I have no idea, probably.’ ‘Oh gosh, I hope she was insured.’ Sophie glared at her sister, ‘I can not believe you.
‘What?’ Exclaimed Rosie, ‘They’re expensive.’ ‘I’ve just told you my girlfriend’s had a crash and all you’re worried about is her fucking car.’ ‘No it’s not, I asked if she was alright first and you said she was fine so......’ ‘I did not say she was fine. I said she had surgery. She’s been off work for weeks so it must have been bad.’
‘Weeks?’ Questioned Rosie, ‘And you’re only finding out now?’ ‘Yeah.... Look Rosie I’m not coming out. I need to talk to Paula. ‘But Soph.....’ ‘Rosie will you just FUCK OFF. Go and have a great night yeah and just leave me alone.’‘Are you sure? I don’t have to go,’ replied Rosie looking concerned. ‘Yes I’m sure. I just want to be by myself, now go and finish getting ready or you’ll be late.’ ‘Ok if you’re sure but yell if you need anything. The cab’s not coming until late.’ ‘Yeah ok,’ Sophie waited until the door had closed then picked up her phone which she’d thrown on the bed after the face time with her mum. She still couldn’t believe that she was only finding out about Paula being in hospital now. She scrolled through her phone to find Paula’s number and smiled when she saw her face grinning back at her from the screen. Thank god most of her phone had been backed up when she’d leant it to Rosie. She still couldn’t believe that her sister had managed to jump into a swimming pool with her own phone in her pocket then had Sophie’s one stolen all in the space of two days. Sophie’s finger hovered over the call button. What did she say? They hadn’t spoken for over five months months. Would Paula answer? Her stomach fluttered as she finally pushed call and held the phone to her ear.
‘Hi, this is Paula’s phone. I can’t take your call right now but if you leave me a message I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.’ Sophie closed her eyes and fought back tears, just hearing her voice was so hard. Maybe Paula had been right, she would definitely have missed her more if they’d stayed in touch. She sat on the bed for a while staring out of the window at the night sky before trying again. Straight to answer phone, it wasn’t even ringing. What did that mean? Sophie sat back at the head of the bed and scrolled through her photos. She hadn’t looked at photos of her and Paula in a while and she smiled at how goofy the lawyer was. Goofy and gorgeous. Sophie had just decided to try again when there was a gentle tap at the door. ‘Sophie can I come in?’ ‘Yeah,’ answered Sophie as she dried her eyes, she hadn’t even noticed until that point that she’d been crying. ‘Have you spoken to her?’ Asked Rosie as she stepped into the room. ‘No, just keeps going to answer phone. This may be stupid but does that mean she’s on the phone or could she be blocking my calls?’ ‘Why would she block your calls?’ ‘I dunno,’ shrugged Sophie. ‘Is it ringing?’ Questioned Rosie. ‘Umm no I don’t think so,’ replied Sophie, reaching for her phone. ‘Let me check,’ she pushed call again and listened. ‘No straight to answerphone.’ ‘It could be switched off then,’ offered Rosie. ‘Could it? What and it would still go to answerphone?’ ‘Yeah, I’m pretty sure it doesn’t ring anymore once it’s been off for like a day or something.’ ‘Ahh yeah and if she had it in the car with her when.....’ Sophie couldn’t bring herself to finish the sentence. ‘Her work phone I could try that.’ ‘Good idea,’ agreed Rosie as Sophie looked down at the phone again. ‘Shit I don’t have her number, I could have sworn it was in my contacts. I’m gonna need to call her office, hopefully Mike will be there. I’ll talk to him.’
‘Right good, yes you do that but babes before you do would you mind zipping me up?’ Asked Rosie, a cautious tone to her voice. Sophie looked up, realising for the first time that Rosie’s dress was undone, ‘Yeah turn around,’ instructed Sophie as she pulled the zip up, ‘You look amazing.’ ‘Thanks.....Sophie I will stay if you want me too.’ ‘Yeah I know, but I’m fine.’ ‘Ok well as long as you’re sure but no more crying though yeah.’ ‘Yeah, now go before you get in trouble for being late.’ Once Sophie was sure Rosie had left she searched Google for Martin Solicitor’s number and hit call, praying that Mike would be there. A female voice answered on the forth ring, ‘Hello Martin solicitors.’ ‘Hi I’d like to speck to Mr Langley, can you tell him I need to talk to him urgently please.’‘Can I take a name?’ ‘Yeah it’s Sophie Webster.’ ‘Oh Sophie hi, I thought it was you. How are you? How’s the trip going?’ Oh shit, it was Hannah on reception, Sophie had completely forgotten she’d answer the phone. ‘Yeah I’m good thanks, is Mike around?’ ‘Yeah he is, although I’m not sure if he’s in a meeting, I’ll just check.’ ‘Ok thanks,’ replied Sophie hoping that he’d be free.After a minute or so Mike’s voice came over the line, ‘Sophie?’ ‘Mike, thank god, how’s Paula I can’t get hold of her. What the fuck happened.’ ‘Ahh so you know?’ ‘Yes I know and thanks a lot for telling me,’
‘I’m sorry, I wanted to call, we all did but Paula was adamant she didn’t want you to know.’ ‘Why not? Is she with someone else? Is that why she didn’t want me around?’ ‘No, no god no. She didn’t want you to feel like you needed to rush home, she didn’t want you to see her.... In the state she was in.’ ‘What state? Mike what’s happened? You need to tell me. I can’t get in contact with her....’ Sophie could feel her voice breaking, she felt so helpless. ‘Sophie calm down ok, she’s fine. She wasn’t but she is now, she’s been driving me crazy about getting back to work.’ Sophie smiled and took a deep breath, ‘That’s good, but please Mike tell me what happened.’ .........................................................................
After twenty minutes and lots of questions Mike had bought Sophie up to speed on the accident. He’d included the police investigation but thought it best to leave out the sleeping pill misuse, that would be up to Paula to divulge. ‘I can not believe she went through all that and no one told me. I should have come home, she needed me and I wasn’t there.’ ‘She had Isla and Theo and like I said she was adamant that we weren’t to tell you.’ ‘She could have DIED. She’s had major surgery. The way my mum was talking it just sounded like a few broken bones but she cracked her skull and had an organ removed. What the fuck is the matter with her? I love her. I want to be with her. Why does she always think she knows what’s best for me?’ ‘And she loves you too very much,’ reassured Mike.... ‘If I tell you what I honestly think will you promise not to repeat it?’ ‘Oh god Mike what are you going to tell me?’ ‘No nothing bad. It’s just if you ask me I don’t think Paula thinks she deserves you. She’s hard on herself. She doesn’t think she can give you what you want.’ ‘But she can. She’s perfect. I know we’ve had our ups and downs but I know we are right for each other. I want to spend the rest of my life with her..... If she’ll let me,’ she added softly. Mike smiled, ‘And I know she wants that too.’ ‘Right so I need to speak to her, end this stupid no contact thing. It was a bloody ridiculous idea. Do you know why her phone keeps going straight to voicemail?’ asked Sophie. ‘Ahh yeah I don’t think she’s bothered sorting out a new phone since the crash. I’ve been keeping in touch via her work number.’ ‘Jesus the woman is completely useless with technology, how difficult is it to buy a new phone?’ ‘Yeah I know but I think she’s been avoiding people if I’m honest.’ ‘Why?’ ‘Oh you know what she’s like, she thought she’d be back at work within a few weeks. She didn’t want people fussing. I suppose you found out because she’s not representing Yasmeen?’ ‘Yeah I called my mum to see how the case was going. You know Mike you really should have told me.’ ‘And go behind Paula’s back?’ ‘Hmm she’d have forgiven you.....In time. So come on then, can I have her number?’ Asked Sophie. She was determined to talk to Paula tonight, to tell her how utterly stupid she’d been for not telling her. To tell her she missed her, loved her, that she was her everything. ‘Yeah I have but I’ve just had an idea,’ explained Mike smiling. ‘Look Mike I am seriously fucked off with you right now so can you quit being a dick and just give me her number,’ snapped Sophie, she really did not have time for this.

‘Yes alright of course I’ll give you her number but can you hear me out first?’

‘Oh yes, ok I’m listening,’ sighed Sophie, ‘What’s the amazing idea?’

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Paula closed the office door and breathed a sigh of relief, that had been painless. She’d been discharged from the hospital. Her scar was healing well, she’d had no infections, all her bloods had come back fine and she now had a medical alert card letting health professionals know about her splenectomy. She was all set. There were a few things she needed to keep an eye on now she didn’t have a spleen but they were all manageable. The main thing was to take steps to avoid infections; Say away from anyone she knew was sick, wash her hands more, make sure she took a low dose of antibiotics everyday and had a stronger pack with her at all times, yep all pretty easy. The only thing that had slightly concerned her was the fact she had to be careful about travelling to certain parts of the world, including countries in Asia. After some detective work last night she’d found out she would need to fly to Singapore. She’d been hoping to go for her birthday however the doctor had just advised her that she wouldn’t be going anywhere for a couple of weeks, not until she’d had all the relevant vaccinations. Oh well she could wait a couple of weeks, at least she’d get to wrap up Yasmeen’s case and celebrate her fiftieth with her kids, Isla wouldn’t have been best pleased if she’d not been around. She checked her watch, still only early, good. Time to make herself look a little more professional she thought as she took a seat back in the waiting room. She was already wearing one of her more comfortable trouser suits so all she had to do was shrug into her blazer and slip on some heels, god it felt odd to be wearing something other than flats. Finally she hung her ID lanyard round her neck and shoved her trainers in her satchel. Right she was good to go. Paula followed the signs for the mental Health ward, she’d spent a few nights on this ward herself but had absolutely no idea where it was, luckily it wasn’t far so she was outside the locked ward in minutes. She buzzed the intercom and waited, praying that whoever answered would admit her without asking too many questions. She was surprised when the door clicked open and a voice told her to come in. She walked over to the desk and waited until a nurse approached her. ‘Hi I’m Paula Martin I’m here to see Elaine Jones.’ The nurse looked her up and down then moved round the desk to check the open diary, ‘Are you here to accompany her to court?’ She asked.‘Yes I am,’ nodded Paula trying to hide her surprise, well that was easier than she thought, had Elaine changed her mind again?‘You know where her room is yes?’ Asked the nurse looking flustered.‘Yes 17, I can see you’re busy, I’ll make my own way.’ ‘That would be great thank you,’ replied the young nurse looking relieved, ‘We’re a nurse down today.’ Paula smiled and waited until she’d rushed off down the corridor then went in search of Elaine’s room..........................................................................
It was clear to Paula as soon as she saw Elaine that she had not changed her mind. The woman stared wide eyed at her as she entered the room and asked if she could take a seat. When Paula explained who she was Elaine physically backed away. ‘I told Tim I can’t go to that court, did you not get the message?’ ‘Yes we got your message but the thing is Elaine, we don’t understand why? Why have you changed your mind about testifying? You were all set on doing it when Imran was here yesterday. What happened in the few hours after he left?’ ‘Nothing.... I just realised I can’t do it. They won’t believe me anyway so what’s the point?’ ‘Who won’t?’ ‘The jury..... They’ll take one look at me, lock Yasmeen up and throw away the key. ‘Why’d you say that?’ Asked Paula softly. ‘Because I’m here in this place. They’ll think I’m crazy, making stuff up.... I don’t know. I just..... I can’t do it.... Get up there and tell everyone what that man did to me.’ ‘Yes you can, that’s exactly what you can do. Don’t you want Geoff to pay for what he’s done to you? To Yasmeen?’ Paula paused, ‘To Tim? He told his son his mother was dead. Who does that?’ ‘Him... Geoff .... Because he’s evil.... He made my life a living hell....’ Elaine fell silent and turned her gaze to her hands resting in her lap. ‘He was here you know?’ ‘Here? When?’ ‘Yesterday.’ ‘Geoff came here? To visit you?’ ‘Yes. he warned me to stay away, told me no one would believe me.’ Paula took a deep breath, she couldn’t believe the nerve of the man. She moved her chair closer and leant forward, taking Elaine’s hand in hers. ‘Yes they will. I believe you.... Imran believes you.... Alya believes you... Yasmeen believes you... Tim BELIEVES YOU. You deserve a chance to tell your story. You owe it to yourself to be in that courtroom, telling that jury exactly what that man is capable of.’ Elaine looked up and met Paula’s gaze. ‘You can do this,’ urged Paula as she gave Elaine’s hand a gentle squeeze. ‘Will you come with me?’ Asked Elaine gripping the lawyers hand. ‘Yes,’ promised Paula, ‘I’ll be with you every step of the way.’ .........................................................................They arrived at the courthouse just before one and Paula quickly headed to the front desk to find someone from the witness service to look after Elaine. She needed to find a court usher who could get a message into Imran. Luckily it didn’t take long to locate the person she needed. ‘Stephen hi, I need to get a message to Imran Habeeb, Yasmeen Metcalfe’s barrister.’ ‘Paula, I haven’t seen you around for a while,’ exclaimed the man. ‘How are you?’ ‘Yeah good, just had some time off, so Imran Habeeb?’ She said again.

‘Yeah no problem, I can get that to him. He’s in court two.’ ‘Lovely, thanks. Can I borrow your pen?’ ‘Yep here you are,’ replied the man handing over the pen from his top pocket.‘Thanks,’ replied Paula as she quickly scrawled out her message for Imran on the back of an old envelope she’d found in her bag, ‘Can you take it now? The witness is here, she’s ready to be called.’ ‘Ok will do. Is she in the waiting room.’ ‘Yes,’ replied Paula, ‘Thanks.’ .........................................................................
Twenty minutes later and Stephen appeared in the waiting room. ‘Elaine Jones?’ He called. Elaine snapped her head up from where she’d been twisting her fingers.
‘That was quick,’ she exclaimed.‘That’s a good thing, gets it over with, now go on, you’ve got this. Remember what we went over in the car. Take your time and just tell the truth,’ reassured Paula. ‘Can you not come with me?’ ‘No I can’t, but Imran will lead you through everything.’ ‘Right.....Yes.....ok.’ Stammered Elaine as she got up to follow the usher into court. At the door she suddenly stopped and glanced back at Paula a look of trepidation on her face. ‘You’ll be fine,’ mouthed Paula with a nod and a silent prayer. Elaine nodded back and disappeared through the doorway. .........................................................................
Paula had left the Courthouse shortly after Elaine had been called. She could have gone and sat in the public gallery but she knew Elaine would be fine and she didn’t want Imran to think she didn’t trust him, like she was checking up on him. She didn’t want to unsettle him. This was his case now, she’d done her bit.A little after three she received a call from the lawyer. ‘Hey how’d it go?’ Asked Paula as soon as she answered the call. ‘I have no idea how you did it, but thank you, Elaine was amazing. What the hell did you say to her?’ ‘Nothing much, just that she deserved the chance to tell her truth.’ ‘Well she did that alright. However we do have a problem. Your friend Helen Davis, focused on Elaine’s mental health, said she was suffering from paranoid delusions when she admitted Geoff had threatened her at the hospital, asked what proof she had he was even there.’ ‘Shit,’ groaned Paula, ‘Well you can hardly blame her I’d have done the same in her shoes. Right well we need to get proof that he was there, did you ask for an adj...’ ‘Of course I asked her an adjournment however the judge was unwilling to adjourn the trial pending our investigations. He said the CCTV would take too long to obtain so we have no evidence he was there.’ ‘Well we will just have to get some evidence than won’t we.’ ‘And how do you suggest we do that by tomorrow?’ ‘Leave it with me, can you meet me? Say around nine here at mine?’ ‘Umm yeah I spose.’ ‘Good I’ll text you my address, see you soon.’ .........................................................................‘Good Evening,’ replied Paula as she held the door open allowing Imran to walk in. ‘I’m just through here in my office do you want a drink?’ ‘Erm yeah please, coffee would be great, black no sugar.’ ‘Right ok, you make yourself comfortable in there and I’ll be right back, feel free to look through the footage while I’m gone.’ ‘Footage? Questioned Imran as Paula walked off down the hallway.‘Yeah on the computer,’ she called back. Imran stuck his head round the office door and clocked the frozen image on the screen, ‘Was that man in the baseball cap Geoff?Five minutes later and Paula returned carrying two mugs of coffee to find Imran clicking through the hospital CCTV. ‘How the fuck did you get hold of this?’ ‘Don’t worry it’s all above board. I have friends in high places. Now do you think that’s Geoff?’ Asked Paula as she sat down and passed him his coffee. ‘Hard to tell, I mean it could be but with the cap and mask on and the fact he keeps rubbing his face I can’t say for sure.’ ‘No of course not, but this was taken around the time that Elaine said he visited and it’s from the camera just outside the mental health ward.’ Imran looked over at the lawyer, ‘Great but that’s not going to stand up in court is it?’ ‘No it’s not but this is,’ explained Paula as she opened a new file containing different CCTV footage. ‘What’s this?’ Asked Imran in complete shock, she was like a bloody private detective. ‘It’s Geoff’s car registration plate it was taken in a car park half a mile from the hospital, on the day Elaine said Geoff came to see her, half an hour before she said he was there. Following?’ ‘Yes so far but we still can’t say for sure that the man in the baseball cap is Geoff, just because he was parked half a mile from the hospital it doesn’t prove it’s him, does it? ‘Oh Imran I’ve been doing this for a very long time, do you really think I wouldn’t have proof?’ Smirked Paula as she lent forward to show him another video clip. Imran smiled when he saw Geoff step out of his car and don the baseball cap and mask, the same baseball cap and mask worn by the man in the hospital, ‘We’ve got him,’ he whispered. .........................................................................Paula paced the kitchen, up and down, up and down, every so often looking at the clock. As she walked she went over and over what would be happening inside the courtroom. Imran would be granted application to recall Geoff, he’d go though the evidence, the jury would see he was lying. Hopefully he would show his true colours. Helen would give her closing argument, Imran would give his. The jury would retire to the jury room to debate their verdict. Finally they would return but when that would be Paula had no idea, it could be within the next minute, hour or it could take much, much longer.

Fifteen minutes or so later a loud ring cut through the silence of the kitchen making Paula jump, even though she’d been expecting the call. She answered on the second ring. ‘Hello? Imran?’ ‘Not guilty, she’s been found not guilty. We did it,’ greeted Imran. Paula smiled. ‘No you did it.’ ‘No I couldn’t have done it without you. I will admit it now I’ve been bricking it from beginning to end.’ ‘Well I wouldn’t have noticed,’ laughed Paula sensing the relief in his voice.‘Come out for drinks with us, the legal team are all heading over to the Grange, I’d like you to join us.’‘Oh Imran that’s kind of you but I really....’ ‘Really what? Have loads on? Come on Paula isn't it time you got back out there? You’ve just had the all clear from the hospital, come out for a drink and celebrate. Paula thought about it, he had a point, what was she going to do tonight otherwise? The same thing she did every night, sit in front of the telly. ‘Ok I’ll come, thank you. Are you going over now?’ ‘Yep, I definitely need a pint.’ .........................................................................‘Can I just say Helen you are certainly much nicer out of court than in it,’ admitted Imran as he swayed slightly on his chair.‘I’ll take that as a compliment,’ smiled Helen.‘Mmm,’ agreed Imran, ‘And now that we’re all friends, who wants another drink?’ Paula grinned as she watched Imran get to his feet, ‘I’ll get these you’ve already bought enough,’ she ordered getting up herself and pushing him gently back onto his stool. ‘I’ll get you a bowl of chips too you look like you could do with soaking up the alcohol.’ ‘Great, thanks’ smiled Imran as Paula took everyone’s orders and headed over to the bar. ‘Need any help?’ Asked Helen as she came up behind the brunette and spoke into her ear. ‘No I’m alright, I’ll get a tray,’ smiled Paula as she continued to face the bar. ‘Fancy heading off in a bit?’ Asked Helen as she moved to stand next to her fellow barrister glancing sideways at her. ‘Where do you have in mind?’ Questioned Paula raising an eyebrow.‘I’m thinking dinner, then maybe back to mine?’ ‘Really and won’t your husband mind?’ ‘My husband’s away,’ whispered Helen placing her arm around Paula’s waist and leaning in closer. ‘It’ll be like last time.......Our little secret.’Paula moved closer and whispered back, ‘I don’t like secrets.’ ‘Didn’t seem to bother you before,’ Helen reminded her with a smirk. ‘No,’ considered Paula, ‘Well it does now.’ ‘And I really can’t persuade you?’ Asked Helen moving her hand slowly up Paula’s back, her fingers gently stroking her spine. Paula willed herself not to shudder, ‘I’m with someone, so no, I’m not going to be persuaded,’ she stated turning her body to face Helen so she could no longer touch her back. There was only one person she wanted touching her like that from now on. ‘Must be someone special,’ remarked Helen a hint of disappointment in her tone. ‘Yes she is .....Very special.’

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Paula felt odd walking into the office, she hadn’t stepped foot in the building for six weeks and it felt strange to be back. Everyone she met on the way all wanted to stop her for a chat, all saying and asking the same things, so much so, that by the time she reached her office she was exhausted. She opened the door and slowly scanned her surroundings. Nothing much had changed, apart from the fact her desk was clear of legal files and her in tray was empty, something which had never happened. She moved across the room and stood behind her desk before sitting down. Leaning back she took in a breath, it was good to be back, not that she’d be back for long. She switched on her computer and before long she was engrossed in catching up on emails, writing lists of potential clients and making phone calls. She’d completely lost track of time when there was a soft tap on the door. Paula looked up and waited, the door didn’t open. ‘Come in,’ she called. Slowly the door opened and Mike popped his head around it, ‘Alright if I come in?’ Paula smiled, ‘Since when did you ask?’ ‘Since now,’ he smiled back. ‘I wondered if you’d be in today. I heard about the trial and all your detective work.’ ‘Mmm, I couldn’t just sit around and do nothing.’ ‘Yeah I know. So you’ve had the all clear from the hospital I take it?’ ‘Yep I’ve been given a clean bill of health and I’ve just updated all my medical records on the system,’ she said nodding towards the computer screen.‘Right well it looks like you’re all set to come back then,’ replied Mike entering the room and closing the door before adding, ‘As long as, well you know, the other thing? How’s that all going? You are still going to the sessions, yeah?’ ‘Yes I am still seeing the counsellor and probably will be for a while. I don’t think she’s going to let me off the hook that easily.’ ‘That’s good, you need to talk about things, stop bottling things up.’ ‘Yes thank you doctor Langley.’Mike smiled, ‘You know it’s only because I worry.’ ‘Yes I know. Thank you.‘So I was wondering are you free tomorrow night? Would you like to go for dinner?’ ‘Go for dinner?’ Repeated Paula apprehensively. ‘Is this about me making friends with Carol again because I don’t think I’m ready .....’‘No just us, think of it as a peace offering and a way of starting again.’ ‘Mike you don’t need to do that......’ ‘Yes I do. We haven’t been the same since we had words about Ben and I just want to move on, put it all behind us.’ ‘Mike I’m not sure I’m really up for.....’ ‘I’ll book Zillini’s’‘No Mike please, don’t go to any trouble. I’ll be happy going to a chain.’ ‘Have you been out for dinner lately?’ ‘Well no but......’ ‘Right well then I think that the first time you go out, after nearly dying, should be to somewhere you really like.’ Paula smiled, ‘Ok, that would be very nice, I’m looking forward to it. Maybe it’ll help kick start my appetite.’ ‘Right that’s settled then I’ll pick you up at eight.’ ‘Yeah lovely.’ Paula watched as Mike turned to leave, it was no good she couldn’t do it. ‘Mike have you got a few minutes? I need to talk to you.’ The lawyer spun round, ‘Yeah sure.’ ‘Will you come and sit down?’ ‘Ok,’ said Mike slowly, not liking Paula’s tone. What was she going to say? Where Paula was concerned nothing would surprise him anymore. Once Mike had taken a seat Paula began. ‘I think it’s great you want to clear the air but we can’t really do that until I’m totally honest with you and I haven’t been honest with you.’ Paula paused to gauge his reaction.... Nothing. ‘The night you came here and saw me and Ben drinking together, well you were right something had happened, but it wasn’t what you think,’ she added quickly.‘Ok,’ said Mike slowly. ‘Before Ben got here.... James was here,’ Paula winced at the mention of his name as she looked sheepishly across at her friend. Mike took a deep breath, ‘Right and I suppose by the look on your face you did more than just discuss a case.’‘Yeah,’ admitted Paula, ‘But we didn’t, I didn’t....’
Mike held up his hand, a signal for Paula to stop. ‘Paula I don’t want to know, you don’t need to tell me. What you do is your business, it’s nothing to do with me. I’ve told you how I feel about that man, end of.’ ‘But Mike I need to tell you, please let me explain, I feel awful about the way I treated you. We kissed I don’t know what I was thinking.....I was upset.....I’d just seen photos of Sophie with another woman, not that it’s any excuse but anyway things started to go further....But then I realised I didn’t want to carry on, so I pushed him away..... But he didn’t....Wouldn’t....’ ‘Did he force himself on you?’ Demanded Mike, the anger evident in his voice. ‘The fucking bastard. You wait until I get my hands on the......’ ‘No, no Mike calm down, see this is why I didn’t tell you.’ Mike took a deep breath and unclenched his fists waiting for Paula to explain. ‘Ben walked in on us...Just as I’d told James to get off me.... And well it sort of all happened so quickly but he punched him.’ Mike let out a whistle. ‘Ben punched James? Oh man I’ve been wanting a reason to punch that man since I met him.’ Paula smiled, ‘Yeah I know.’ ‘Shit you should have just told me what had happened.... I was such an arse to Ben......’ Mike sat thinking for a moment then added... ‘The split lip? That was him?’ ‘Mmm, he did a really good job.’ ‘Yeah, Jesus I’ll tell you something that young man has some balls, punching a judge in the face as an intern.’ Paula laughed, ‘Yeah well he’s young, isn’t he, thinks he’s invincible.’ ‘God I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said all those things about you being interested in Ben, cheating on Sophie it was wrong of me.’ Paula sighed, ‘Mike you’ve already apologised and anyway you didn’t get it so wrong did you? I let you think you were way off the mark when really most of what you said was true.....’ She took a breath and continued, ‘It’s me that should apologise. I’m sorry that I lied to you and I’m sorry for the way I reacted about the whole rehab thing, as usual you were right.’ Mike smiled, ‘Look I’m just happy you’re sorting things out. You know I only ever want the best for you, yeah?’ ‘Yeah I know.... Although Jesus the way I’ve treated you over the years I’m surprised you’re still sticking around.’ ‘Hey you’ve helped me too, it’s not all about you.’
‘Mike I helped you financially, it’s hardly the same thing, is it?’ ‘Yeah I know but you didn’t have to give me a share of your mother’s inheritance did you?’ ‘It was a small price to pay. We both know if it hadn’t been for you I wouldn’t be here now.’ ‘Right stop now this is getting way too deep and meaningful,’ laughed Mike feeling uncomfortable. ‘I’m just glad we’re friends again.’ ‘Me too,’ agreed Paula as Mike got up.‘Right some of us have work to do,’ he said as he made for the door, calling over his shoulder, ‘Remember eight tomorrow.’ ‘Oh are we still doing the dinner thing? I thought we’d just made up?’ ‘We have but I’m still taking you out, you need to get out of the house more, you’re turning into a hermit and you need fattening up.’ Paula shook her head and smiled, this was more like the old Mike. ‘Does that mean I get to order the chocolate fudge cake with ice cream and custard?’ ‘Both? Really?’‘Mmm both,’ grinned Paula.‘You can order what the fuck you like, if it puts that bigger grin on your face,’ he said with a wink as he left her office. .........................................................................
‘Mum hadn’t you better go and get ready it’s half seven isn’t Mike coming at eight?’ Asked Isla as she walked into the kitchen to find her mum staring at her Ipad.‘Yeah but I haven’t got to do much, just touch up my make up,’ replied Paula, her eyes not leaving the screen.‘Aren’t you getting changed?’ ‘I am changed. I had a bath when I got back,’ retorted Paula finally looking up from the screen. ‘That’s a work dress.’ ‘So?’ ‘So you’re not going to work and anyway it’s hanging off you.’ ‘’All my clothes are too big at the minute.’ ‘Not that big, come on mum you’re having a night out. You need to make an effort.’ ‘I’m having dinner with Mike I’m hardly going on a first date.’ ‘Yeah I know that but I’m sure you have something that fits you better than that, come on I’ll help you choose something.’ .........................................................................‘See I told you everything’s too big,’ repeated Paula as she stepped out of the third dress she’d tried on.‘Bloody hell, how have you lost so much weight?’ ‘This might have something to do with it,’ declared an irritated Paula as she pointed at the scar running down her stomach.‘It’s healing well, isn’t it?’ pointed out Isla as she glanced at the scar running from just below her mum’s bra to her bellybutton. ‘Mmmm, it’s god damn ugly though isn’t it.’ ‘No it’s not, it’s much better than I expected it to look to be honest.’ ‘Really?’ Questioned Paula looking down at her stomach. ‘Yes considering you had emergency surgery I think they’ve done a really neat job.’ ‘Yeah I spose and I mean it’s not like anyone’s gonna be seeing it anytime soon.’ ‘No,’ agreed Isla quickly, ‘What about trying that burgundy one?’ She suggested, changing the subject. ‘I haven’t seen you in that for ages.’‘That’s because it shows off way to much cleavage, I am not wearing that to go to dinner with Mike, he might get the wrong idea.’ ‘Oh mum he doesn’t fancy you, his scared shitless of you.’ ‘I know he doesn’t fancy me, I meant he might think I’m trying it on with him,’ Explained Paula, ‘And why do you think he’s scared of me?’ ‘He told me as much.’ ‘He told you he was scared of me?’ ‘Yeah at the hospital. I asked him if you two had ever had a thing.’ ‘Had a thing? Jesus Isla what gave you that idea?’
‘Oh come on. You had him down as your next of kin.’
‘Yeah because he’s like a brother to me, not because of anything else.’ ‘That’s what he said.’ ‘What?’ ‘That you’re like brother and sister.’ ‘Right there you go then.’ ‘Right so as you both know you’re not attracted to each other it won’t matter if your tits are slightly on show will it? So just try the god damn dress on,’ said Isla pulling it from the wardrobe,Paula groaned as she checked her watch, ‘Mike’ll be here in ten minutes can’t I just put the black one back on, it didn’t look that bad did it?’ ‘No it didn’t, but just try this one for me and if you don’t like it you can wear that.’ ‘Oh I can, can I? Thank you,’ shot Paula as she slipped the burgundy dress on, ‘Can you do me up please?’ She asked as she turned round. ‘Yep,’ smiled her daughter already seeing that this dress looked so much better. Her mum needed a confidence boost right now and hopefully seeing herself in this dress would do that just that. Paula smoothed down the knee length dress and flicked out her hair, looking down to see just how much cleavage was on display. It didn’t actually look as bad as she’d remembered, maybe it was because she’d lost weight. ‘How do I look?’ She asked Isla. ‘Much better, I like. You may now leave the house,’ teased Isla. Paula gave her a playful nudge as she walked over to look at herself in the full length mirror. As she stood standing to one side then the other she did have to admit this was so much better than the black one. ‘Ok ok you win this one fits much better, but now you’ve made me late,’ she moaned as she sat down to touch up her makeup.’ ‘Oh stop moaning, you’ve still got five minutes, plenty of time. I’ll find you some shoes and you need a necklace.’ Paula felt her neck as she heard Isla rummaging around for some shoes, ‘All my best ones are probably in your room,’ she called out, the sarcasm not lost on Isla. ‘You should think yourself lucky I wear your shoes. I’m doing you a service, breaking them in,’ she shouted back as she finally found what she was looking for. ‘These ones will be perfect,’ she announced as she placed the shoes on the floor by Paula’s chair and started routing around in her jewellery box. ‘Ah ha, this is the one,’ she announced as she pulled the silver chain from the box and placed it in front of her mum. Paula finished applying her lipstick and glanced down at the chain. Her heart fluttered slightly. The necklace had been a present from Sophie, she hadn’t worn it since she’d left. Isla saw her looking, ‘It’s the one Sophie bought you isn’t it?’ Paula swallowed hard before answering, ‘Yeah it is.’ ‘She has good taste,’ smiled Isla, ‘Shall I put it on for you?’ ‘Mmm yeah ok,’ she replied looking in the mirror at her daughter as she took the necklace and lent over to place it around her neck. ‘Why are you doing this?’ ‘Doing what?’ Asked Isla securing the necklace in place. ‘Being helpful, being..... Oh I don’t know. You haven’t helped me get ready for years.’ ‘No I haven’t have I? Do you remember when you use to let me do your make up when I was little?’ Paula smiled, ‘Yeah I had to start getting ready an hour earlier so I could rub it all off and start again when dad put you to bed.’ ‘What!’ Exclaimed Isla, ‘You mean you didn’t go to your swanky dinners in green eye shadow.’ Paula chuckled, ‘It was never really my colour,’ she said as she got up. ‘Right do I pass?’ She asked as she slipped into the black heels Isla had chosen. ‘Yep you look good,’ smiled Isla, ‘But you need a jacket.’ ‘Yes mum,’ replied Paula walking back into her walk in wardrobe. She’d just chosen a black blazer when Isla, as if seeing through walls, shouted, ‘Not a blazer though, yeah. Remember you’re not going to work.’ Paula sighed and instead pulled her leather jacket off it’s hanger. God she’d be pleased to escape. ‘Will this do?’ She questioned sarcastically as she shrugged into the jacket. ‘Perfect, I packed your bag,’ explained Isla as she handed Paula her black studded bag, the one she usually borrowed. ‘Oh right am I allowed to use this tonight then?’ ‘Yeah you can have it back now.’ ‘Oh thanks, replied Paula taking the bag and checking it’s contents.’ ‘Everything’s in there.’ ‘Yes I can see that. Do you want something?’ She asked giving her daughter a suspicious look. Isla smiled, ‘Nope just want you feeling and looking more like your old self. I know you’ve not been happy for a long time, even before the crash....’ ‘No,’ said Paula softly, ‘But I’ll be back on track soon.’
‘Good,’ smiled Isla just as Paula’s work phone started buzzing. ‘It’s Mike,’ said Paula as she lifted the phone to her ear. ‘Hey...... Yeah I’m just coming.’ She slipped the phone back into her bag. ‘Right thanks for all your help it’s been fun,’ she admitted as she pulled Isla in for a hug. ‘Love you, make sure you eat..... Like the whole menu ok?’ Paula laughed, ‘I’ll try. Right I’d better go,’ she said shouldering her bag. .........................................................................
Mike closed the car door and walked round to meet Paula on the pavement. ‘I’m looking forward to this,’ he grinned as he linked his arm through Paula’s and they made the short walk over to the restaurant. ‘Mmmm me too,’ she agreed. ‘Although I do have one rule for the evening.’ ‘Ok,’ said Mike his eyes narrowing, ‘What would that be?’ ‘I don’t want to talk about anything that’s happened in the last three months. Right? It’s all off limits.’
‘I think I can managed that,’ promised Mike as he pushed open the door of Zillini’s holding it open for Paula.
Inside, the restaurant was heaving, every table was full. ‘You have booked haven’t you?’ Whispered Paula.
‘Of course I have,’ replied Mike quickly as they walked to the front desk. ‘I have a reservation at half past 8 for Mr Langley.’ Paula stood my Mike’s side wondering where the hell they were going to sit. There were no spare tables and no one looked ready to leave. If she had to sit at the bar for ages she’d need to order snacks, she hadn’t eaten since one. Paula watched as the maitre d looked down at the desk then out towards the restaurant then back down again, he was getting flustered. ‘Mr Langley how about a drink at the bar?’‘No it’s ok,’ replied Mike, ‘Can we head straight to our table.’ Paula bit her cheek to stop from smiling, she knew Mike could see there were no tables, he knew the restaurant had made a mistake but he wasn’t going to let them off that easily. ‘Can you just bear with me for one moment?’ ‘Yes of course,’ replied Mike politely before the man hurried off. ‘This will be interesting,’ he muttered to Paula under his breath. ‘Put the poor man out of his misery and just say we’ll sit at the bar for a bit. I don’t mind.’ ‘Yeah well I do, I booked the table for half 8. Right he’s coming back.’ ‘Sorry to keep you waiting, are you ok to sit apart from the main dining room?’ ‘Sounds fine to me,’ Said Mike, then turning to Paula, ‘You ok with that?’ ‘Umm yeah I spose,’ she replied wandering where the hell they’d be sitting, probably at some make shift table in the kitchen.The maitre d turned and led them through the restaurant stopping in front of an archway hidden right at the back of the room. ‘Your table is just through here,’ he announced letting Paula enter the room first. ‘Oh wow this is umm.... Romantic,’ she stuttered as she saw the room set up with a table for two. ‘Erm yeah,’ agreed Mike as he passed under the archway just after Paula, ‘Very private.’ ‘Will this be ok?’ Asked the waiter as he pulled out a chair. Paula looked round the room noting the unlit candles and flower arrangement, ‘We might need to lose the centre piece,’ she mumbled as she slipped out of her jacket and sat down in the chair, ‘But apart from that I like it.’ ‘Ok, looks like we’re good then,’ replied Mike as he sat down opposite Paula. ‘The menus,’ offered the maitre d handing them the leather bound books. ‘Who’s choosing the wine?’ Mike nodded over at Paula, ‘She is,’ he grinned as the waiter handed her a thicker red binder. ‘Right that’s everything for now, I’ll give you a while before I come back to take your orders.’ ‘Lovely thanks,’ replied Paula placing the menu on the table as the man left the room. ‘Well this is unexpected,’ she grinned. ‘Mmm,’ agreed Mike. ‘But you know only the best for you,’ he laughed. ‘So will Carol be ok with you wining and dining me in a private room?’‘Won’t bother her in the slightest, she knows she’s the only woman for me.’ Paula smiled, ‘That’s so lovely.’ ‘What?’ Asked Mike. ‘Your marriage, it’s lovely. I hope I find that again with someone.’ ‘Hey you will. I’m pretty confident that good things are coming your way.’ ‘Mmm I’m not so sure, but I live in hope. Right what do you fancy drinking? ‘Asked Paula wanting to move away from talk of her love life. ‘Anything, you choose,’ said Mike pushing his chair back. ‘I need to use the loo, I’ll be back.’ ‘Oh right, ok.... Do you wanna choose what you want to eat first incase the waiter comes back?’ ‘No it’s ok... I’ll only be a minute, perk of being a man I don’t spend ages in the toilets,’ he joked as he got up. ‘Don’t get too lonely without me.’ ‘Ha, I’ll try not to miss you too much, although you know it’s dangerous to leave me alone with a wine menu when you’re paying,’ she smirked. ‘Yeah well I’ll be back before you can order anything too extravagant,’ he shot back before leaving her alone. Paula picked up the menu, now what wine could she choose to wind up Mike? She thought as she flipped through the pages. Not the most expensive that would be too obvious. She was so engrossed in perusing the menu that she was totally oblivious to the person walking into the room. ‘I’ve heard they do a lovely bottle of Melbec,’ came the voice from behind her as a hand squeezed her shoulder. Paula froze at the sound of the familiar voice and as she looked down at the hand wrapped over her shoulder..... At the tanned skin and painted nails, her stomach flipped....‘What the ......’ started Paula as she spun round in her chair and gazed up into those amazing blue eyes.
‘Or maybe we should have champagne seeing as we’re celebrating.......’ smiled Sophie as she saw the utter bewilderment on Paula’s face. ‘Sophie..... Oh my god..... Sophie..... I don’t... I don’t know what to say.’ ‘Hi babe,’ greeted Sophie grinning from ear to ear. ‘It’s not often you’re lost for words.’ ‘No... It’s just I can’t quite believe you’re here,’ uttered Paula. ‘’Am I dreaming?’ ‘Nope, not dreaming,’ declared Sophie leaning forward to kiss Paula on the lips. It was a gentle, soft kiss that was over in seconds as Sophie pulled back to look at Paula, who seemed to be in some kind of trance. For a moment Sophie was worried, she hadn’t kissed her back maybe this had been a bad idea, ‘Babe you ok?’ Asked Sophie nervously as she hovered awkwardly over her. ‘God I’ve missed you,’ groaned Paula as she pulled Sophie down onto her lap, causing her to let out a small yelp. The lawyer crashed her lips back against Sophie’s their tongues probing each other’s mouths, this was more like it thought Sophie as she felt Paula wrap her arms around her waist while her own hands moved round to grab the back of her neck. After a while the younger brunette reluctantly pulled away, ‘Now that was a kiss,’ she smiled as she sat back. ‘Hey you ok?’ She asked looking concerned, ‘Shit am I hurting you?’ She questioned as she saw the tears in Paula’s eyes and made to get up. ‘No stay here,’ urged Paula keeping hold of her. ‘They’re happy tears. Sorry I must look a right state.’ ‘Hey,’ said Sophie softly wiping away a tear as it ran down Paula’s cheek. ‘Do not apologise you look amazing, more than amazing. After what you’ve been through I was expecting... Well I don’t know.... But you look better than ever.’Paula smiled as she blinked away the remaining tears, ‘I really doubt that, but you on the other hand, I mean, holy fuck you look hot!’ ‘Paula,’ shrieked Sophie as she glared at her wide eyed. ‘What?’ Asked Paula innocently. ‘You telling me you looked in the mirror and didn’t think for one moment that you looking like that wouldn’t drive me wild?’ ‘Well ok maybe I was trying to show you what you’ve been missing,’ smiled Sophie pleased with the older woman’s reaction.‘Mmm and it’s definitely working,’ groaned Paula as she shifted under Sophie’s weight. ‘Do you want me to get up now?’ ‘Yeah I think you’d better,’ said Paula reluctantly. She wanted Sophie to stay close to her forever but her scar was still tender in places and she could feel it pulling. She was also very aware of the heat building between her legs. Sophie gently got up from Paula’s lap and moved round to the other side of the table, sitting down in Mike’s vacated seat. The two ladies grinned across the table at each other as their hands met, Paula brushing her thumb over Sophie’s knuckles like she’d done a hundred times before. God it felt good. They sat for a while, neither of them saying a word, just content with being, until finally Paula broke the silence. ‘How’d you find out about the accident?’ ‘Mum,’ answered Sophie simply. ‘She’d told me you were representing Yasmeen then suddenly you weren’t. She heard about the crash. I tried calling you but you haven’t sorted your phone out have you?’ ‘Ahh no,’ said Paula looking sheepish. ‘I ended up calling Mike. I had such a go at him for not telling me.’ ‘Yes Mike? Where is Mike? I cannot believe he didn’t give the game away, he”s usually so crap at keeping secrets.’ Sophie laughed, ‘I imagine Mike is now chilling out with Carol in some restaurant somewhere having a well deserved beer. He’s been shitting himself all day.’ ‘How did you even managed to plan all this? When did you get back?’ ‘I flew in this afternoon.’ ‘This afternoon? And Sally let you leave the house?’
Sophie laughed, ‘Oh she doesn’t know I’m back. I’ve been at Mike’s.’ ‘Wow you two really did plan this all out didn’t you?’
‘Yes we did, and all the staff here have been amazing. ‘Yeah that waiter needs an Oscar. And tell me was Isla in on this little plan of yours?’ ‘She may have been,’ smirked Sophie. ‘Jesus I cannot believe you were all in on it.’ ‘Yeah well we wanted to surprise you.’ ‘Mmm and you bloody succeeded. I had no idea.’
Sophie grinned big, she was so happy. She’d been so nervous about Paula’s reaction but this had been perfect, it couldn’t have gone any better. But there was just one thing she needed to say. ‘You should have told me about the accident,’ she said softly squeezing Paula’s hand. ‘I know,’ replied Paula catching Sophie unaware, this wasn’t the response she’d thought she’d get. ‘Oh,’ said Sophie, ‘I was ready for you to come out with some crap about why you were right to have kept me in the dark.’ ‘No I was wrong. I’ve been wrong about so many things. I thought I knew what was best for you and I’ve realised now that it’s not my place to tell you what to do. To think I know you and how you want to live your life, I have no right to dictate to you about what will make you happy.’ Sophie stared wide eyed at the woman across from her, ‘Wow you’ve changed your tune.’ ‘Yeah, well I’ve had a lot of time to think and if we’re going to be together I need to stop thinking I know best. I need to be honest, not keep things from you because I don’t think you’ll be able to cope with the truth.... That is .... If you still want me.’ ‘Still want you?’ Are you crazy? Of course I still bloody want you. I’ve missed you so much.’ ‘Have you?’ Asked Paula a hint of disbelief in her voice. ‘Yes why would you think I haven’t?’ ‘Well you didn’t answer my call so I spose I.....’‘Call? What call? When did you call me?’ ‘Oh god I can’t think, .... Umm bout three months ago.’ Sophie sighed, ‘Shit it must have been when I had my phone stolen, well I didn’t have it stolen, Rosie did, and I don’t think it was stolen more like she just left it on a bar somewhere but anyway.... Babe I can’t believe you called. You know I would have called you but you said ....’ ‘Yes I know what I said,’ uttered Paula sadly ‘But it was a total mistake, I didn’t think it would be so hard but god I’ve missed you so much.’ ‘Well it’s lucky I’m back then.’ ‘What for good? This isn’t just a visit?’ ‘No it’s not just a visit. When I heard about what had happened I knew I had to come home. I mean don’t get me wrong it has been an amazing experience but right now I don’t ever wanna be away from you again.’ Paula squeezed Sophie’s hand she couldn’t quite believe what was happening, her heart felt like it would burst. She didn’t think she’d ever been happier. ‘I love you so much, you do know that don’t you?’ ‘Yes I do and I love you too.’

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sophie sat back in her chair and smiled across at Paula, ‘That was delicious.’ ‘Mmm, it was, wasn’t it,’ she agreed, in her smooth velvety soft tone, the one that caused Sophie to melt. The young brunette smiled again, ‘What?’ Asked Paula as Sophie continued to grin at her. ‘That voice,’ gushed Sophie, ‘Fuck I’ve missed your voice so much.’ ‘Jesus Soph I’m not even trying to be suggestive,’ laughed the lawyer. ‘Yeah I know but sometimes it’s not what you say, it’s the way you say it. You get me all hot and bothered.’
‘Good to know I’ve still got it.’ ‘Oh babe you’ve still got it,’ winked Sophie. ‘So is it time to order the chocolate fudge cake with custard and ice cream?’ Questioned Sophie raising an eyebrow. ‘Not sure I could eat it now.... I think there’s something else I’d much rather have for dessert,’ teased Paula as her eyes scanned Sophie’s body, causing the younger woman’s stomach to flip. ‘You’re passing up chocolate cake?’ ‘I haven’t had sex in nearly six months, the chocolate cake can wait.’ ‘Six months?’ Paula nodded. ‘I’ve only....’ began Sophie but she didn’t get far before Paula cut her off. ‘You don’t need to tell me, I told you before you left I wouldn’t ask questions and I won’t. Now where’s the bloody waiter? .........................................................................
The women had just about managed to keep their hands to themselves on the short cab journey back to Paula’s. Both knowing that once they touched there’d be no stopping them. They hurried from the car and up the front steps, Paula fumbling with the door keys as she went. The door was open in seconds and they both crashed through it. Moments later right there in the hallway, hands and tongues explored every part of flesh they encountered as coats and shoes were shed, buttons and zips undone. God it felt so good to be back together. They were instantly in sync, both knowing exactly how to excite the other. How to elicit a moan, a groan, a sharp intake of breath.Sophie had Paula pinned against the hallway wall when she suddenly pulled back, ‘Isla?’ She questioned looking at Paula whose eyes shot open. ‘No Paula,’ she giggled and then seeing the look on Sophie’s face added, ‘Sorry I think the champagne’s gone straight to my head.’ Sophie smiled and shook her head, ‘I mean where’s Isla?’ ‘I don’t know,’ answered Paula as she pulled Sophie into her, dipping her head to lick around an exposed nipple. It drove Paula wild when Sophie didn’t wear a bra. The younger brunette groaned as she felt the hot mouth envelope her nipple but managed to push Paula back. ‘Look as much as I’m enjoying this I really don’t want the first time I see Isla again to be mid shag with you in the hallway.’ Paula groaned as she rested her head against the wall. Sophie had managed to pull the zip down on the back of her dress and one strap was hanging down revealing her generous cleavage while her hair had that disheveled look. Sophie didn’t think she’d seen anything hotter. ‘Well if she’s got any sense she’ll know to give us some privacy.’ ‘This isn’t private,’ laughed Sophie, ‘And anyway we haven’t done this in so long I don’t want a quick fumble in the hall, I want to do this properly,’ she said softly as she reached for Paula’s hand and led her in the direction of her bedroom. Once there she walked Paula over to the bed and pushed her gently down onto it. Paula propped herself up on her elbows as she watched Sophie looking down at her, she still couldn’t quite believe she was here. She kept expecting to wake up any minute and find herself in an empty bed. ‘God you’re so fucking beautiful, when did I get so lucky?’ Sophie laughed, ‘Jesus how much have you drunk tonight?’ ‘Not that much, maybe I’m just drunk on love,’ she grinned knowing she was being completely cheesy but not caring. ‘Now can you please get your arse into this bed, I need to feel your flesh on mine..........................................................................Paula glanced at the time on the cooker as she made her way to the fridge for a much needed glass of water. Wow 10:34 she couldn’t remember the last time she’d slept in so late. It had also been a while since she’d drunk more than one glass of wine and she was definitely feeling the effects. As she stood and filled her glass from the dispenser the kitchen door slammed open and in bounced Isla, ‘Morning,’ she almost sang making Paula’s head pound. ‘Good morning,’ winced the lawyer as she took a long swig of water, watching her daughter looking at her expectantly. ‘Everything alright?’ She asked once she’d quenched her thirst. ‘Yep,’ grinned Isla, ‘You?’ ‘Yeah I’m good thanks, apart from a splitting headache,’ ‘Oh right,’ said Isla disappointed. She was expecting a better reaction. ‘So how was last night?’ She probed. ‘Yeah alright,’ replied Paula winding her up. She knew exactly what Isla wanted to know and she wasn’t going to give it to her that easily.‘Oh, did you not have a good night?’ Asked Isla slightly taken aback, she was expecting her mum to be on cloud nine this morning. Unless of course things with Sophie hadn’t gone well. Shit maybe they’d had a massive row already. Maybe it hadn’t been such a good idea to go behind her mum’s back, after all she did hate surprises. Paula took another long drink, looking over her glass at her daughter, it was too much she couldn’t do it, the look on her face was too much. She finished drinking and beamed over at Isla, ‘Darling I’m teasing, I had the most amazing night......’‘Oh mum for fu...God’s sake, you absolute cow. I thought it had all gone horribly wrong.’‘No it was the best, seeing Sophie was just.... Well it was..... I just ....’‘Wow you’re actually lost for words aren’t you?’ laughed Isla looking at the way her mum’s eyes seemed to be sparkling as she talked. Paula giggled, ‘Yeah, I guess I am, it was just a complete and utter surprise I had no idea. I still can’t believe you all managed to keep it from me.’ ‘Bet you’re glad I managed to persuade you to change.’ Paula shook her head and grinned, ‘Yeah you did good and the necklace was a nice touch.’ ‘Yeah I thought so too,’ agreed Isla filing the kettle and flipping the switch. ‘So where’s Sophie now?’ ‘Still fast asleep, she must be shattered. She only landed yesterday afternoon, got a few hours sleep at Mike’s and then we were up late last night so....’ ‘Mmm I bet you were,’ teased Isla giving her a nudge. ‘Yeah well it’s been a bloody long time.’‘Yes and don’t we know it,’ mumbled Isla. ‘Sorry didn’t quite catch that?’ ‘Oh Jesus mum you’ve been unbearable,’ exclaimed Isla. ‘Hopefully now Sophie’s back you’ll be a little more like yourself instead of being completely miserable one minute and annoyingly upbeat the next.’ ‘Ahh shit have I really been that awful? I thought I was hiding it quite well.’ ‘No you weren’t, you were being weird.’ ‘Why didn’t you say something?’ ‘What like?’ Shrugged Isla. ‘I dunno, tried to snap me out of it.’ ‘I did mum,’ sighed Isla as she busied herself making the tea. ‘I’m sorry.’ ‘Hey you don’t have to be. I’m just glad Sophie’s here now and you can get back on track.’‘Yeah me too, so where’s Kate this morning? Already out running? Honestly that girl’s motivation is ridiculous she was out in a thunderstorm the other day.’ ‘Yeah I know, makes you sick doesn’t it, but no not this morning. This morning she’s curled up in bed promising to never drink again.’ ‘Ahh big night?’ ‘Yeah we went out once her shift had finished. I wanted to give you and Sophie some alone time,’ grinned Isla. ‘Anyway I think everything with her mum’s really getting her down. She saw some posts from a family get together that she obviously wasn’t invited too and she got really upset and started drinking. I did warn her it wasn’t a good idea but she wouldn’t listen.’ ‘No well she wouldn’t would she. She’s hurting. It must be awful to be shunned like that. I really feel for her. Has she tried contacting her mum again?’ Isla shrugged, ‘Dunno, she doesn’t talk about it much.... I don’t suppose after the celebrations this weekend you could talk to her?’ ‘Me?’ ‘Yeah she might open up to you. I told her about nan, I hope you don’t mind. I was trying to make her see that it would get better.....’ Isla’s voice trailed off. ‘No I don’t mind. If you think it’ll help.’ ‘Thanks,’ she smiled as she made her way to the fridge for the milk. ‘So what are your plans for today?’ ‘Haven’t got any, I’ll probably spend it in bed,’ she grinned. ‘Yeah, bet you will,’ replied Isla rolling her eyes. ‘Better make the most of your last day in your forties, you’ll be an old woman tomorrow.’ ‘Oh Jeez don’t remind me. Fifty sounds so bloody old.’ ‘It’s not old. You are not old. You don’t look fifty.’ ‘I feel old,’ groaned Paula. ‘Yeah well the twenty something year old in your bed will keep you young.’ ‘Mmm, do you really think it can work between us?’ ‘Are you for real? You’ve spent all this time pining after her and now she’s back you’re questioning if it’ll work.’ ‘Yeah but I can’t help wondering if........’ ‘Mum shut up ok? Just stop thinking. Enjoy her being back. She’s come back to see you. To be with you. She loves you and you her. There’s nothing else to say.’ Paula smiled, ‘You’ve certainly changed your tune.’ ‘Yes I have. Love is love. Everyone has the right to be happy and you and Sophie are happy. You make a great couple.’ ‘Thanks, that means a lot.’ ‘Well it’s true. Right I’d better check on Kate. She’s gonna need a lot of water.’ ‘Oh god, I hope she’s ok, take a bowl up with you too, just in case.’ .........................................................................Paula had managed to gather together everything she needed for breakfast in bed and had just slipped between the sheets again when Sophie stirred. Paula snuggled into her back enjoying the warmth of her flesh. She gently moved aside her hair and whispered softly into her ear, ‘Morning gorgeous.’ Sophie smiled contentedly and breathed in deeply as Paula pressed into her back placing feathery soft kisses across the back of her neck as her fingers stroked between her thighs. She groaned and rolled over to face her lover. ‘I’ve missed you waking me up,’ she grinned. ‘I’ve missed it too,’ replied Paula as she ducked her head under the duvet. ‘Mmmm,’ groaned Sophie as Paula kissed, licked and bit her way down to Sophie’s waiting pussy. Jesus this woman knew every inch of her body. Knew exactly what she liked..... wanted......needed, so much so that in a few minutes Paula had her teetering on the edge of her orgasm. ‘Oh fuck...’ gasped Sophie as Paula’s tongue swirled round her clit then left it to gently tease along her opening. ‘Please.....’ begged Sophie as Paula continued to alternate between direct, hard pressure and soft, barely there kisses. ‘I need......Ahh.....Yes....There .....There.....Don’t stop,’ instructed Sophie as she gripped Paula’s hair. Her body tensed as she felt the wave of pleasure start from her toes and travel up into her core. She shuddered hard as the feeling engulfed her and she let out a long groan. Paula smiled as she listened to the sounds and watched the way Sophie’s body responded to her touch. As Sophie came down from her high Paula snaked back up the bed to lay by her side. She watched as the young brunette took long deep breaths, her body still twitching slightly. ‘Oh god babe, you really do have all the moves, don’t ya.’ Paula giggled, ‘You don’t get to my age without picking up a few moves.’ Sophie opened an eye and smiled over at her. ‘Can’t believe you’re gonna be the big 5 0 tomorrow.’ ‘No, me neither. So how’d you feel about being with a really old bird?’ Sophie opened both eyes and rolled to face her lover. ‘Hey I don’t give a shit how old you, with skills like that you’re a keeper.’ ‘Oh right so that’s all you’re with me for?’‘Well I’ve told you before it certainly ain’t for your cooking.’ ‘Hey,’ smiled Paula as she turned to face Sophie, ‘I can’t be good at everything.’ ‘No, I guess I’ll take the lack of cookery skills seeing as you’re practically perfect in every other way.’ ‘Mmm, flattery will get you everywhere,’ promised Paula as she leaned in for a kiss, gently stoking her forefinger down Sophie’s torso until her hand rested between her thighs. ‘Wow you really can’t get enough this morning, can you Ms Martin,’ whispered Sophie against Paula’s mouth. ‘What can I say, I’ve missed you,’ moaned the lawyer.‘And I’ve missed you,’ replied Sophie, as she reached for the buttons running down the front of Paula’s Pyjama shirt, slowly undoing the first one. ‘Why you in Pyjamas?’ She asked as she started on the second button. ‘I’ve been downstairs, fixing breakfast, actually we better drink our coffee it’ll be cold,’ explained Paula as she pulled away from Sophie and sat up to fix their drinks, ‘Here you go,’ she said as she passed Sophie a mug and watched her take a sip, ‘Is it still warm enough?’‘Yeah it’s alright,’ replied Sophie. ‘You normally just throw on your robe when you go downstairs.’ ‘What? Yeah well I was cold,’ answered Paula as she leant against the headboard drinking her coffee. Sophie’s eyes drawn to her exposed cleavage. Why had she pulled away? Wondered Sophie as she watched her carefully for a few minutes as they drank. ‘Want some fruit or a croissant? Sorry they’re not fresh.’ ‘No I’m alright,’ replied Sophie as she reached over to place her half finished coffee on the bedside table. Then rolled back to Paula where she took the empty mug out of her hands and placed it on the side. ‘Now where were we?’ She whispered as she placed her lips on Paula’s once more. ‘I think I was about to take this off,’ she murmured as her hands went once again to the buttons on the front of her shirt. ‘Don’t you want a shower?’ Asked Paula suddenly.
‘No I’m alright,’ repeated Sophie as she opened the third button, sensing Paula stiffen slightly. ‘Babe what’s the matter?’ Paula swallowed and looked into Sophie’s eyes. ‘I don’t want..... I feel.....’ she began. ‘Babe what is it?’ Asked Sophie pulling back and staring at her, ‘You’re scaring me.’ Paula took a deep breath, ‘I don’t want you to see.’
‘To see?’ Asked Sophie puzzled. ‘Yeah,’ explained Paula her eyes looking down at her stomach. ‘Your scar?’ Questioned Sophie. Paula nodded, as she closed her eyes. ‘Sorry,’ she whispered. ‘Sorry? Why you sorry?’ Paula shook her head and looked away. ‘Hey I saw it last night, you don’t have to cover yourself up.’ ‘I’d had a drink last night and anyway I turned the lights down low.’ Sophie sighed, ‘You do know having a small scar’s not gonna make me love you any less. Yeah?’ ‘It’s not a small scar.’ ‘Alright then a ginormous scar’s not gonna make me love you any less.’ Paula smiled as she felt Sophie’s hand reach for hers. She turned back to face her. ‘I know you think I’m being stupid but.....’‘I don’t think you’re being stupid. I can understand you may feel self conscious, but this is me, your girlfriend. What you gonna do, get changed in the dark from now on?’ Paula smiled softly, ‘No I spose not.’ ‘You spose right,’ grinned Sophie as she leant over once more to capture the lawyers lips with her own. ‘Now can you please let me undress you?’ Paula nodded as Sophie’s fingers once again moved to her buttons. She let the young brunette undo her shirt, shivering slightly as her warm skin was exposed to the colder air of the room and again as Sophie’s fingers grazed over her naked flesh. She concentrated on the feeing of the plump lips on hers, on Sophie’s tongue dominating hers. She sighed as Sophie’s mouth left her own and kissed a path down her neck and across her collar bone. A small groan escaped her lips as two thumbs hooked into her pyjama shorts and slowly pulled them down.She was naked now, there was no hiding. Sophie sat back on her knees and looked down at the woman laying below her. She fixed her stare on her gorgeous brown eyes, making sure she had eye contact before moving her gaze down to scan her body. Paula’s body had always driven Sophie wild. She knew that sometimes the lawyer worried about not being as toned or as pert as someone younger but Sophie had never noticed. She trailed her fingers lightly across her skin, watching Paula’s reactions; her eyes closing, the biting of her lip, the curling of her toes, the soft moans. She looked down at the scar that ran from just under her breasts, round her belly button and finished just below it. How could Paula think that she’d care what it looked like, that she’d be bothered. This scar had saved her life. Without this scar she’d be dead. Fuck.... The realisation hit Sophie like a punch to the gut. She closed her eyes and fought back tears as she brushed her fingers gently over the puckered flesh. ‘God I love you so much....’ she uttered. ‘I don’t know what I’d have done if you’d....’ she gulped, she couldn’t carry on, instead she looked back at Paula to see a tear trickling down her cheek. ‘Hey, you ok?’ She asked softly as she lay down next to her placing her head on her chest, absently tracing circles over her stomach across her scar. Paula wiped away the loan tear and gently stroked Sophie’s hair. ‘Yeah I’m good, really good.... Now you’re here.’ ‘Good, me too. You know this bed is one of my most favourite places.’ Paula smiled, she loved the fact that Sophie hadn’t commented on her tears, that she knew there was nothing more to say. ‘It’s definitely better when you’re in it.’ Sophie smiled back and lay contentedly against Paula as the lawyer’s fingers played with her hair. ‘Paula.....’ She said softly after a couple of silent minutes. There was something she needed to get off her chest and she wouldn’t settle until it had been said.‘Yeah?’ ‘You know you said yesterday there hadn’t been anyone else.....’ ‘Mmmm,’ confirmed the lawyer running her fingers through the brunette’s hair, not sure why Sophie felt the need to be bringing this back up again now. ‘There’s been no one else for me either.’ Paula’s fingers paused and she looked down at the top of Sophie’s head. ‘Really?’ ‘Yeah don’t sound so surprised. I mean I had a bit of a thing with this one girl but we only kissed a few times .... She wanted it to go further but I.... I wanted you....’ Paula closed her eyes and swallowed hard, willing herself not to cry again. ‘Same,’ she managed to whisper as she pulled her lover closer.Sophie nodded. There would have been a time when she’d have wanted to know more, wanted the whole story but it didn’t seem to matter now. The only thing that was important now, was that they were together again. Back in each other’s arms. Back where they belonged. It was clear that the time they’d spent apart had made them both realise they were, indeed, made for each other.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘Happy Birthday,’ came the chorus of voices as Paula entered the kitchen just after ten. ‘Oh Jeez,’ cried Paula with an eye roll as she looked over at the three people sitting round the kitchen island. ‘How long have you been sat there waiting for me to walk in?’ ‘Bout two minutes,’ called out Theo, ‘See there are these things called mobile phones.’ ‘What?’ Asked Paula with a furrow of her brow as she walked over to join them. ‘Isla text a while ago to see when you’d be making an appearance,’ explained Sophie as she walked into the room. ‘Oh right,’ replied Paula as she pulled her son in for a hug. ‘When did you get here?’ ‘Bout five this morning,’ groaned Theo as he gave his mum a peck on the cheek. ‘Oh Jesus, do you ever sleep?’ ‘The boys were out in town, I had to join them, it would have been rude not to,’ smiled Theo. ‘Sophie it’s so good to see you, check you out all tanned and glowing,’ he complimented as he jumped off his stool and went over to give her a squeeze. ‘Ever the charmer,’ laughed Sophie once Theo had put her down. ‘How you feeling this morning?’ Asked Paula looking. towards Kate.‘Yeah alright,’ she mumbled, ‘Hi Sophie I’m so sorry I didn’t get a chance to meet you yesterday.’ ‘Not a problem, we’ve all been there,’ smiled Sophie. ‘It’s really lovely to meet you.’ ‘Yeah you too, I’ve heard lots about you.’ ‘Oh god, was any of it good?’ Kate laughed, she already knew she’d get on with Sophie, ‘It was all good.’‘So do you wanna eat now or have pressies?’ Asked Isla grinning at her mum. ‘Food please I’m starving.’ ‘Oh wow not heard you say that in a while,’ commented Theo, ‘Must be all those extra calories you’re burning,’ he added with a cheeky wink in Sophie’s direction. ‘Mmm must be,’ added Sophie, ‘I’m working her hard.’ ‘Touché Sophie, and you haven’t even gone red, travelling’s loosened you up a bit.’ ‘Yeah probably and I’ve got use to you trying to embarrass me.’ ‘Yeah well it’s what step kids do.’ ‘Hey enough of that,’ warned Sophie giving him a hard stare. ‘What?’ Questioned Theo innocently, ‘You are back with mum aren’t you?’ Sophie and Paula’s eyes met across the island and they shared a smile, ‘Yes we’re back together.’ ‘Right well then.’ ‘Theo stop winding her up,’ warned Isla as she gave him a gentle slap, ‘Ok so I thought I’d do your favourite brunch, ok?’ ‘Mmmm sounds perfect thank you.’ ‘And I’ll make you a coffee then grab a shower,’ said Theo quickly. ‘Not gonna help then?’ Said Isla with a roll of her eyes. ‘Nope, cooking’s always been your thing.’ ‘I’ll help,’ offered Sophie. ‘Lovely,’ smiled Isla. ‘I’ve got some lesson plans to sort, that Ok? I wanna get it done now so I can enjoy later, you don’t mind do you babe?’ Explained Kate as she got up and made to leave.
Paula’s ears pricked up, ‘Later? What’s happening later?’ Kate tensed as she looked nervously over at Isla who gave her daggers, ‘We’re just going out for a meal that’s all.’‘Just us?’ Asked Paula.‘Yes just us, now get your coffee and go and chill, we’ll call you once this is ready,’ ordered Isla.Theo fixed Paula’s coffee and handed her a steaming mug then practically shooed her out of the kitchen shutting the door behind her. ‘I’m not sure this idea of yours is a very good one.’‘What idea?’ Asked Sophie looking between the pair of siblings ‘Am I missing something?’ ‘It’s nothing, not really a big deal.’ ‘I think inviting the whole of mum’s firm and everyone else she knows to surprise drinks is a pretty big deal especially when she hates surprises.’ ‘You haven’t,’ exclaimed Sophie.‘I have,’ grinned Isla, ‘And she’ll love it. I remember the surprise dad sorted when she was forty, she said she hated it but she had a great time. And what with all she’s been through I think she deserves to be reminded how many people love her.’‘So how many people are coming to this thing?’ ‘Dunno, I’ve invited practically everyone in her phone book, your mum’s coming.’ ‘My mum! What the fuck. My mum can’t come she doesn’t even know I’m back in the country.’ ‘What? Why not? Oh shit Sophie I’m sorry. When I started organising this I didn’t even think you’d be back.’‘Yeah well I am,’ shot Sophie, ‘Don’t you think your mum’s had enough surprises?’ ‘I just wanted to celebrate, do something nice, it’s not that big a deal, we’re still having dinner then popping in the bar after where everyone’s gonna be waiting for drinks.’ ‘Right,’ sighed Sophie sitting down on the nearest bar stool and looking across at Isla, who looked pretty upset. ‘Sorry it’s a lovely idea and I’m sure you’re right she will love seeing everyone. It’s just my mum is literally going to kill me.’ ‘I’m sure it won’t be that bad,’ reassured Theo.‘Not that bad, I’ve been back for two days now and she doesn’t know. Me casually being at Paula’s drinks is gonna be one hell of a surprise.’ ‘Oh she’ll love seeing you and I’m sure once you explain why you didn’t tell her she’ll be fine with it,’ reasoned Theo in his cheery tone. ‘Mmm,’ grumbled Sophie I really wouldn’t be so sure about that she thought. .........................................................................Meanwhile Paula had taken her coffee back up to bed and was flicking through birthday messages on her phone when she heard an almighty crash coming from Isla’s room, ‘What the hell,’ she mumbled as she sat up straighter on the bed and listened. Sophie was right when she’d said these walls were thin. Was that shouting she could hear? She listened for a moment longer wondering whether she should go and see if Kate was ok. She didn’t like to intrude but she also knew the girl was going through a hard time. She left it a minute but when she thought she could hear sobbing she decided she couldn’t just sit there and do nothing. Outside Isla’s room her hand hesitated as she went to knock on the door, but the sound of breaking glass gave her the reason she needed. She knocked twice on the door, ‘Kate it’s just me are you ok?’ Paula put her ear close to the door and listened. All she could hear was sobbing, the kind of uncontrollable crying you do when you’ve just given up. ‘I’m opening the door,’ Paula warned as she turned the handle. She entered the room and took in the scene. Isla’s dressing table mirror was smashed and there were books and files covering the floor. Kate was sat amongst the mess her back to the bed, head in her hands, her body rocking. ‘Oh darling what’s the matter?’ Asked Paula as she rushed to sit awkwardly by her side. Kate looked up, as if in a trance, ‘She won’t talk to me, why won’t she just fucking talk to me?’ She screamed, the rage evident in her eyes. Paula took her in her arms and rocked with her, stoking her hair. ‘Hey it’s ok, everything’s gonna be ok,’ she soothed over and over again until Kate’s tears began to subside ‘That’s all I want, I just want a chance to talk,’ whispered Kate. ‘I just want my mum.’ ‘I know you do darling, I know.’ ‘It’s been ages now, months, I thought she’d come round, why can’t she just except who I am, what I am? I’m still the same Kate, I’m still her daughter,’ she sniffed as she buried her head against Paula’s shoulder. Paula continued to stroke her hair as Kate tried to calm herself down by taking slow steady breathes. All the while the rage in Paula was building. How could a mother do this to her own child? Surely if Dawn could see how much she was destroying her little girl, she’d change her mind. Paula was seething.They seemed to sit on the floor like that for ages until Kate suddenly sat up, ‘Oh god I’m so sorry about the mess and the mirror, I’ll pay for a new one and shit it’s your birthday and you’re spending it sat up here... on the floor.... with me in this state.’Paula smiled and sat back against the side of the bed, shoulder to shoulder with Kate. ‘Don’t worry I’ve had fifty other birthdays and anyway I’ve been banished by my kids, I’ve been sat on my own for the last ten minutes and as for the mess it’s easily fixed.’ Kate sighed, ‘You’re so nice, why can’t you be my mum?’ ‘Oh believe me you’d think differently if I was. I’m sure Isla will tell you I’m no model parent.’‘No maybe not, but at least you’d except me for me, not try and change me.’ Paula nodded, ‘Have you spoken to your mum at all since she left here?’ ‘No not really I’ve tried calling and texting. I even bloody emailed, nothing.’‘So what happened just now? To get you this angry?’ ‘I was on the phone to my little sister, my mum caught her, she came on the phone and said I could only talk to her if I came home, stopped seeing Isla.’ ‘Right,’ sighed Paula her heart breaking for the young girl in front of her. ‘I just don’t know what to do. I’m falling in love with Isla but I can’t not see my family. If my mum doesn’t want anything to do with me then I guess I have to deal with that but I can’t have nothing to do my sisters and brother. ‘No,’ agreed Paula, ‘I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I know Isla’s told you about my situation and the only thing I can say is you need to be strong. Show your mum that you’re not going to back down. That this is who you are and she’s not going to change you. As for seeing your family she needs to realise she can’t stop others having a relationship with you. It’s her that has the problem not you, ok. She has no right to make you feel like this.’ ‘Yeah I know all this, Isla tells me all the time, it’s just so fucking hard.’ ‘I know it is darling but it will get better,’ she assured her with a gentle squeeze of her hand. ‘Now shall I go and get Isla for you?’ ‘No it’s ok, she’s doing your breakfast, I’ll clear this up and come down in a bit. I guess I just needed to let it all out.’ ‘Ok, well if you’re sure,’ replied Paula smiling softy at her. ‘You know you can always talk to me about anything, that is if you feel you can’t talk to Isla, I won’t judge.’
‘Yeah thanks, and I am so sorry about all this.’ ‘It’s really not a problem, just watch yourself on that glass yeah,’ warned Paula as she got gingerly to her feet.
‘Yeah I will, I really don’t know what came over me. I threw that notebook and it .......’ ‘You don’t need to explain, just maybe punch a pillow or something next time.’ ‘Yeah, good idea,’ smiled Kate. Paula walked to the door as Kate hauled herself up and started picking things up off the floor. Just as she was about to leave she stopped and turned back, ‘And for the record I’d be so immensely proud if you were my daughter, your mum’s missing out big time.’ Kate stopped what she was doing and sat back on her knees, tears in her eyes, ‘Thank you,’ she managed to choke out as Paula made her way out of the room..........................................................................An hour later and they were all sat around the dining table drinking coffee and relaxing after a full on brunch. Kate had come into the kitchen like a totally different person to the one Paula had left upstairs. She’d been laughing and joking with everyone, not a hint that only half hour earlier she’d been in pieces. Paula hoped she’d just needed to let off some steam and that after her out burst she’d calmed down, although she was slightly worried that she wasn’t coping. In the space of two days she’d got paralytic and smashed up Isla’s room. She definitely needed to keep an eye on her. Sophie had also calmed down after the initial shock of realising she’d be seeing her mum later on that evening and had decided that she wouldn’t give it another thought until she was faced with the wrath of Sally later. There was nothing she could do about it now and she didn’t want to spoil Paula’s day by fretting about it.‘So can we do gifts now?’ Asked Isla getting excited as she produced a gift bag full of goodies from underneath the table and placed it in front of her mum. ‘You are so fucking keen,’ said Theo with an eye roll. ‘Oh piss off, just because you probably haven’t even bothered to get anything,’ snapped Isla.‘I have actually,’ said Theo as he got up and walked over to the rucksack he’d chucked in the corner, producing a small wrapped box. ‘Oh wow you actually did get your own present?’ Exclaimed Isla. ‘Yes I did and there’s no need to sound so surprised.’ ‘Ahh thank you both,’ stated Paula as she looked between her two children. ‘Mine’s from Kate too,’ beamed Isla as Paula reached in and started to take stuff out, the first being a bottle of her favourite scotch, then a scented candle, next came an engraved glass, some chocolate and finally at the bottom was a wrapped gift. ‘That’s the main present,’ explained Isla. ‘Jeez you didn’t need to get me all this,’ exclaimed Paula as she unwrapped the gift and opened the box. ‘Oh darling it’s beautiful.’ ‘Do you honestly like it?’ Asked Isla as Paula pulled the silver bangle from the box, ‘Yeah I really do,’ she said as she slipped it onto her wrist, ‘And it fits.’ ‘Yeah and it’s got a medical alert symbol on and if you turn it over it says, no spleen.’ ‘Wow yeah so it does,’ grinned Paula gazing over at Sophie who smiled back. ‘Open Theo’s I’m dying to see what he got, did you choose it yourself?’ Asked Isla. ‘Yeah,’ mumbled Theo as Paula unwrapped the present to reveal another jewellery box. This time she pulled out a silver chain with a pendant on. As she looked at the pendent she realised why Theo had the hump. ‘Well no one is ever going to forget I don’t own a spleen are they?’ She laughed as she looked over at her son. ‘I love it thank you.’ ‘I thought it was a good idea,’ mumbled Theo. ‘And it is a good idea,’ agreed Isla, ‘Now mum, god forbid if you ever have an accident or infection whatever and we’re not around then people will know your medical history.’ ‘Thank you both of you, it’s really thoughtful. I hadn’t even thought of getting anything like this.’ ‘So Sophie what did you get mum?’ Asked Isla. ‘Oh no Sophie hasn’t had time to get me any.......’
‘Says who?’ Asked Sophie staring at Paula. ‘Well I just thought, you haven’t had any time have you, you were rushing to get a flight and everything.’
‘Ahh well that’s where you are wrong. I had time to do a little duty free shopping,’ grinned Sophie as she pulled a tiny box from her pocket and slid it over the tabletop to Paula. ‘Happy birthday babe.’ Paula stared down at the box and back up at Sophie, that was a very small box. There were only two things that could fit in a jewellery box that small. Paula took a deep breath as she took off the lid, ‘Oh wow they are beautiful,’ she gasped as she took out the diamond studs.Sophie smiled, ‘Glad you like them.’ ‘They’re perfect,’ she grinned as she pulled Sophie towards her and gave her a tender kiss on the lips. ‘Wow for a minute there I thought you were gonna propose,’ laughed Theo who immediately stopped when four pairs of eyes glared at him. ‘What, sorry, oh come on I bet you guys thought it too.’ Sophie laughed, ‘As much as I love your mum I think I’d want to propose somewhere slightly more romantic than in the dining room with the kids watching.’ ‘Want to propose,’ repeated Theo watching Sophie carefully. ‘Does that mean it might happen?’ ‘Oh give it a rest Theo,’ groaned Isla, ‘She’s only been back five minutes.’ Paula sighed, ‘Are you two ever gonna stop bickering? Anyway who said Sophie’s gonna be the one proposing? I might get there first,’ she teased with a little wink in Sophie’s direction causing the younger woman’s stomach to flip. Theo smiled, ‘Yay old mum’s back, she’s got that mischievous glint back in her eye. She’s been a bloody nightmare since you’ve been away Sophie hasn’t she Isla?’ ‘Yeah she certainly has,’ agreed Isla with a grin. ‘Oh right so you can both agree on that then?’‘Yep,’ replied Theo and Isla in unison. ‘Come on mum you’ve got to admit it,’ added Theo. ‘Yes ok, I hold my hands up. Sophie I can’t live without you, I was an utter bloody nightmare and I’m so glad you’re back.’ Sophie laughed as she looked lovingly at Paula, ‘Does that mean you want me to move back in?’ ‘Oh god yeah, I thought that was just a given, of course I want you to move back in.’ ‘Good,’ grinned Sophie. ‘Although maybe you’d better go home and see your mum for a bit you know she’s gonna go mad when she realises you’re back and you haven’t told her.’ ‘Mmm yeah I know,’ replied Sophie tightly as she glanced at Isla who quickly got up from the table. ‘Right I’m gonna start clearing up, Theo you can help.’ ‘Isla I need to go to bed I’ve only had three hours sle.....’ ‘Well that’s not my fault is it,’ snapped Isla. ‘Babe it’s ok I’ll help, let Theo sleep, I need to talk to you anyway,’ explained Kate nodding at Paula, as she got up and started collecting the plates. ‘Ahh Kate you are a diamond,’ thanked Theo as he sprung up from the table. ‘Hey not so fast, set an alarm you need to be ready and down here by six,’ ordered Isla. ‘Yep I know,’ groaned Theo as he dashed out the room. ‘Six, Isn’t that a bit early for dinner?’ Asked Paula as she got up and started to gather up all her gifts. ‘It was the only time I could get,’ replied Isla quickly, ‘I told you the restaurant would get booked up,’ she explained as she headed out to the kitchen, Kate in tow.‘God I’m not sure I’m gonna be hungry again by six, I’m stuffed,’ said Paula as she placed all her presents into the gift bag, leaving the scotch on the table. ‘Oh I’m sure I could help you work up an appetite,’ grinned Sophie as she pulled her in close for a kiss. The lawyer groaned as Sophie’s hands wrapped around her waist and held her tight, her tongue exploring her mouth, god she tasted so good. ‘Mmm,’ she moaned as Sophie’s hands grabbed her arse, ‘Bedroom now,’ she murmured against Sophie’s lips as she broke away and grabbed her hand leading her into the hallway and up the stairs. ‘Are you sure you have it in you to go again after our morning antics, I don’t want to tire you out too much,’ teased Sophie as Paula reached the door to her bedroom.
‘Oi I’m fifty not eighty,’ exclaimed Paula as she whirled round to face her lover, ‘And when have you ever worn me out?’ she questioned with a smile as she pulled Sophie in for another kiss. ‘True,’ groaned Sophie, ‘But I’ve been away for a very long time, that’s an awful lot of sex to catch up on.’
‘Well we best get to it then,’ said Paula with a smirk as she pushed open the bedroom door and pulled Sophie inside......

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘What are they doing up there?’ Huffed Isla as she paced the hallway looking at her phone. ‘I said be ready by six.’ Theo smirked, ‘Sophie’s been gone five months what do you think they’re doing?’ ‘Theo don’t,’ shot Isla holding up a hand, ‘I really don’t want to think about it.’ ‘Think about what?’ Asked Paula as she finally made her way down the stairs, Sophie following close behind.‘You two having sex,’ grinned Theo causing Isla to groan.‘Then don’t,’ replied Paula bluntly as she reached the hallway causing Kate’s eyes to widen. She really wasn’t use to this type of talk. Having grown up in a family where no one dared mention the S word it was completely shocking to hear it spoken about so casually. ‘Why are you all standing out here anyway?’ Asked Paula.‘We’re waiting for you. The cab’s been here for fifteen minutes, did you not hear us calling up?’ ‘No we didn’t, don’t worry I’ll pay the wait fee I couldn’t decide what to wear, you know I’m having trouble with my clothes.’ ‘She’s been a bloody nightmare, she must have tried on at least ten outfits. I’ve never known anyone to own so many clothes.’ ‘Well you look amazing mum, doesn’t she Isla,’ complimented Theo as he checked out his mum’s outfit which consisted of black cigarette trousers, a cream silk camisole with a deep V neckline and a black blazer with sequinned detail on the lapels and pockets to add a bit of sparkle. She’d completed the look with black Louboutin heels and all her new jewellery.‘Yeah great,’ replied Isla knowing Sophie must have had a hand in choosing this particular outfit, ‘now come on or they’ll give away our table.’‘Yes ok we’re coming,’ huffed Theo as his sister ushered them all out the front door then went to work setting the alarm. …………………………………………………………………………………….They arrived at the restaurant fifteen minutes later, where despite only being just past half six it was nearly full. ‘Wow this place really is popular,’ uttered Sophie as she looked around, pulling her dress down slightly as she weaved through the tables. Maybe it hadn’t been a good idea to wear this dress, it was rather short, but then it had a high neck so she could afford to get her legs out, wasn’t that the rule? Anyway it had been too late to change once Paula had caught her checking herself out in the mirror. The older brunette had walked up behind her and wrapped her arms around her waist resting her chin on her shoulder as she’d smiled at her in the mirror. Then she’d pulled back her hair and whispered into her ear, ‘Well haven’t all my birthdays come at once,’ before gently kissing down her neck. That had been at six o’clock and the real reason they’d been late. The group finally arrived at their table and all took a seat. ‘Well this is all very fancy,’ declared Theo as he plonked himself down, ‘Will I have to drink my beer from a glass?’ Isla rolled her eyes, ‘It’s mum’s big birthday we’re hardly gonna go down the local Harvester are we?’ ‘Dunno I like a Harvester, all you can eat salad. Can’t really fault it can you?’ Sophie and Kate caught each other’s eye and shared a smile as everyone opened their menu’s. ‘Theo please for once can you stop winding her up?’ ‘But mum it’s just too easy,’ he started then stopped when he saw the look on his mum’s face, ‘But tonight as an extra birthday treat I will try my best.’ He smiled then looked at his sister, ‘We are ordering something bubbly right?’ Isla shock her head but smiled, ‘It’s a celebration what do you think?’ ………………………………………………………………………………Despite having all eaten together at lunch the five still had plenty to talk about over dinner and the evening had been a pleasant affair. The bubbles had been flowing and the food amazing, some of the best Sophie had ever tasted, no wonder the place was heaving. They’d just ordered desserts and were questioning Sophie about her time away. It seemed like it was still a hot topic of conversation, especially with Theo who wanted to know all about Rosie and her model friends. ‘They may be gorgeous but most of them have zero banter, they all just gush over every little thing and take selfies every five minutes,’ groaned Sophie. ‘To be fair I hardly think Theo’d be bothered about what they were saying,’ laughed Isla as she shot a sarky smile in her brother’s direction. ‘I would like to argue with you but on this occasion you’d be absolutely right,’ agreed Theo as he drained his glass, ‘Have we got time for another bottle before we need to head through?’‘Head through? Head through where?’ Asked Paula ever alert, ‘I thought this was it?’ Isla glared at Theo while Sophie tried to do some damage limitation, ‘I think Theo’s talking about going to the bar,’ she said as she covered Paula’s hand with her own, ‘We just thought as we were eating early that we’d have time to head into the bar for a drink, I've heard they do fab cocktails.’ Paula relaxed as she looked at Sophie’s thumb brushing over her knuckles, ‘Right ok, just one though.’
‘Yeah just a quiet drink,’ smiled Theo. Paula looked at him, narrowing her eyes, ‘You? One drink?’ ‘Yeah well maybe two,’ laughed Theo. ‘Come on mum it is your birthday.’ Just then the waiter appeared with their desserts giving Paula an opportunity to lean over to Sophie, ‘Just one drink yeah?’ She whispered into her ear as she placed her hand under the table and rested it just above Sophie’s knee, ‘I have other plans for us this evening,’ she continued as she ran her fingertips slowly up Sophie’s bare thigh, causing the younger brunette to blush and squeeze her thighs together, ‘Don’t,’ she uttered softly as Paula’s hand crept higher. Paula smiled softly as the waiter approached their side of the table, she stilled her hand but didn’t move it. If she did that now it would be far too obvious where it had been placed. She could feel Sophie tense and watched a slight blush creep up her neck as the waiter placed her brûlée in front of her and a chocolate torte in front of Paula. ‘Wow this looks delicious,’ exclaimed the lawyer as she seamlessly moved her hand back on top of the table and reached for her fork, continuing as though nothing had happened. Sophie on the other hand was a quivering mess. She hated it when Paula teased her and then left her wanting more. Jesus, this could only happen to Sophie. Her girlfriend was horny as hell and instead of going home and fucking each other senseless they were about to go into a room full of people and be forced to mingle all night. Paula may have enjoyed her fortieth, but like Theo Sophie wasn’t so sure she’d enjoy this surprise. It wasn’t that long ago that she’d nearly died, she’d only just recovered, did she really what a big celebration with her the centre of attention? Sophie could feel her palms starting to sweat, on top of wondering how Paula would react she was also worrying about what the hell she was going to say to her mum? God she hoped she didn’t make a scene! ‘Soph, darling…..’ hearing Paula’s voice Sophie snapped out of her trance. ‘Mmmm,’ she answered picking up her spoon to crack the caramelised top of her brûlée. ‘You ok?’ Whispered Paula giving Sophie a slight nudge, as Isla and Theo debated whether cheese should be a dessert option. Was there nothing those two wouldn’t argue about? Thought Sophie. ‘I’m fine,’ replied Sophie nudging her back.‘I’m sorry if I……..’ ‘You have nothing to be sorry for,’ smiled Sophie as she looked longingly into Paula’s eyes, the two women feeling a fizz of electricity between them before the moment was shattered. ‘Jesus you two, stop undressing each other with your eyes and eat will you,’ piped up Theo. ‘Mum give us a taste of that chocolate cake, it looks so good.’ Paula looked over at her son, ‘Me share chocolate with you? I don’t think so.’ ‘You can have a grape,’ laughed Isla as she popped one on his already empty plate. ‘Seriously you are such a freak, who the fuck orders cheese for pudding? It’s just wrong.’ ‘It’s not wrong it’s sophisticated.’ ‘It’s really not,’ declared Theo rolling his eyes. ‘Right I’m going outside for a quick fag? Maybe you’ll be finished by the time I get back.’ He announced as he scraped back his chair. ‘Don’t be long,’ warned Isla as he stood up. ‘Yeah alright, back in a bit.’ ………………………………………………………………………………….‘Please let me pay something towards the bill,’ insisted Paula as they started to get ready to leave. ‘Mum it’s your birthday you are not paying, its our treat,’ insisted Isla as Theo arrived back at the table and discreetly gave his sister the nod that everything was set. Sometimes it worked to their advantage that people thought they hated each other. Sophie stood up and shrugged into the leather jacket she’d borrowed from Paula. Right this was gonna be interesting she thought as she felt Paula grab her hand. ‘Did you want to go through to the bar?’ Asked the waiter as he came to see them out. ‘Yes please,’ replied Isla, ‘Is it through there?’ ‘Yes just down the hallway, enjoy the rest of your evening.’ ‘We will thank you,’ murmured Kate who’d hardly spoken all evening but had drunk a hell of a lot of wine. ‘Yeah thanks, mate,’ chimed in Theo, ‘Right after you birthday girl,’ he added as he ushered Paula and Sophie ahead of him. Sophie had a million and one questions going through her head as they walked down the short corridor that connected the restaurant to the small bar next door. How would Paula react? Did she know something was up? Sophie thought she might, she’d been watching Theo and Isla very closely. Then there was the small matter of her mum. Would she notice her straight away? Would she even come? Maybe not as she wouldn’t really know anyone. Oh, who was Sophie kidding, of course her mum would be there, she’d love the opportunity to mingle with Paula’s family and friends without her daughter around. Fuck, it was now or never she thought as Paula pushed open the door to the bar. There was a slight ripple of voices before a loud ‘Surprise!’ erupted from everyone in the room as Paula and Sophie entered the small bar.‘What the fu…..’ exclaimed Paula as she gripped Sophie’s hand and stared wide eyed at everyone in the small space. Jesus she’d guessed they were up to something but bloody hell she hasn’t expected quite so many people. From the faces she could see, it looked like pretty much everyone from the office was here, there was also a group of fellow barristers, a couple of her old uni friends and even her brother, Sam, she hadn’t seen him in years….Christ. ‘Isla was this you?’ She exclaimed as she turned round to her daughter as everyone laughed. ‘Might have been,’ smiled Isla as her mum gave her a hug, ‘I will kill you later,’ she whispered into her ear, only half joking as she turned back to the crowd, guessing she should probably say something. ‘Well,’ she started, ‘I really don’t know what to say.’
‘That’s gotta be a first,’ heckled Mike from the back of the room causing laugher and a few shouts of agreement. Paula smiled, ‘Yep doesn’t happen often. Right I’ll make it quick. I know you lot probably don’t want me droning on especially those of you from the office. I bet you haven’t missed my early morning briefings.’ ‘Oh we have, Mike’s shit,’ shouted out one of the paralegals causing more laughter. ‘Oi Mike’s a top bloke,’ shouted back Theo which got a few cheers. Paula turned and looked at her son, ‘Do you mind this is all about me,’ she said with a smile as everyone laughed again. ‘Ok I just quickly want to say thank you so much, all of you for coming. As you know the last few months have been tough but thanks to some amazing doctors, who pieced me back together, I’ve made it to fifty!’ There were more cheers and Sophie thought that was the end of the speech but no there was more. Speaking to this many people would have been Sophie’s worse nightmare but of course Paula was used to public speaking and even after a few drinks and no script managed to make it look easy.‘And what a fifty years they’ve been. I am so blessed to have such amazing kids. You may drive me up the wall but I am so immensely proud of both of you and the people you have become. You are without doubt my proudest achievement, Paula paused and swallowed hard. ‘Then there’s you guys, my colleagues and friends, Mike, Sam,’ she said pointing out her loyalest friend and older brother. ‘You have all played your parts in shaping my life and I will be forever thankful to each and every one of you. And finally I want to say thank you, to this woman right here, beamed Paula, looking at Sophie. ‘In you I have honestly found my soulmate and yes I know we’re slightly unconventional but we work and I bloody love you,’ she finished as she pulled Sophie in for a hug and a kiss as the bar burst into applause.

When the ladies finally pulled apart, people had started up their own conversations again and the attention was off Paula for a while, ‘Did you know about this?’ She asked Sophie.‘No, well yeah but only this morn…..’ started Sophie
before a woman Sophie hadn’t seen before practically screamed in Paula’s face and wrapped her up in a bear hug.‘Wow how long has it been?’ Began the woman as she held Paula by the shoulders. ‘And can I just say you look fucking amazing, how do you do it?’Sophie used the fact Paula was distracted as an opportunity to look around at the faces in the crowd again. She’d been scanning faces throughout Paula’s speech but it was difficult to see everyone when they’d been in a huddle, now everyone had spaced out a bit it was easier to see. Was that her mum’s head? Who was she taking to? Although surely if she was here she’d have come over by now. Of course she would have. Sophie began to relax, for whatever reason her mum wasn’t here and Sophie could go back to the original plan of going round to surprise her tomorrow. ‘Sorry Soph this is Ros a very old friend of mine. Ros this is Sophie,’ she explained giving Sophie a squeeze.‘Oi enough of the very old, you’re in the fifty club now,’ joked Ros as she smiled at Sophie. ‘Sorry would you give me a minute, I better mingle, we’ll have a catch up in a bit though, yeah?’ ‘God yeah, sorry I’m hogging you already.’ Paula smiled and turned to Sophie, ‘You ok?’ She asked quickly before someone else wanted her attention. It was lovely that everyone had turned up but it was going to be a busy night. This was the reason Paula didn’t like surprise gatherings. She wanted to socialise with people on her terms, spend time chatting and not feel guilty that she’d not given someone her attention but it was done now and so she’d just have to make the most of it. ‘Mmm I’m good,’ replied Sophie adding quietly, ‘You knew didn’t you?’ Paula smiled, ‘I had an inkling yeah. But I didn’t think they’d be quite so many people.’ ‘Yeah well you’re a good person, everyone wants to celebrate,’ Sophie managed to get out before a tall, dark haired man approached them.‘My little sis, fifty, well that does make me feel old!’‘Sam,’ beamed Paula as she threw her arms round him. ‘I can’t believe you’re here, I haven’t seen you in, what? Must be nearly three years.’ ‘Yeah probably, I’m so sorry I couldn’t make it up after the accident, I was away and…..’‘I didn’t expect you, I know how busy you are,’ replied Paula quickly shutting the conversation down, she didn’t wanna talk about it. ‘So this is Sophie.’ ‘Yes hi,’ answered Sam turning to Sophie, ‘It’s lovely to meet you. I hear you’ve made quite the impression on my sister, and that’s no easy thing.’ ‘No it’s not, she’s very special,’ replied Paula with a smile.Sophie smiled too, ‘Its lovely to meet you,’ she said thinking how crazy DNA was, this guy was literally Paula in male form.‘So recovery’s still going well I see?’ ‘Yep all good,’ Paula assured him, again changing the subject quickly, ‘So how’s wife number three? She not with you?’ ‘Ahh nope, she’s soon to be divorce number three.’
‘Jeez Sam what happened this time?’ ‘Oh you know,’ he shrugged, ‘Same old.’ Paula shock her head but said no more on the matter, instead asking, ‘You are staying at ours yeah?’ as the trio moved closer to the bar.‘Mmm well I wasn’t sure if it’d be alright so I booked….’ ‘Isla didn’t invite you?’ ‘No, but then I didn’t exactly say I was coming. She left a message but I never replied, just sort of turned up.’ ‘Right course you did,’ smiled Paula. They’d reached the bar now and Paula was greeted by a few of her co workers just as Isla, Theo and Kate joined them. ‘Sam nice of you to let me know you were coming,’ teased Isla as she gave him a hug, ‘It’s been so long, Kate this is my mum’s older brother, Sam this is my girlfriend……’ As introductions were being made and the Martins were occupied catching up, Sophie’s eyes wandered around the bar again. Although she was pretty sure her mum wasn’t here she still had a niggling feeling that she might show up. She turned back to the bar as she heard Theo calling her name, ‘Soph what you drinking?’ ‘Vodka and coke please,’ she answered, then pointed over her shoulder, ‘Tell your mum I’ll be back in a minute.’ Theo nodded as Sophie slipped away and immediately bumped into Hannah. ‘Sophie, it’s so lovely to see you,’ exclaimed the young receptionist, ‘I didn’t know you were back.’ ‘No well it was a last min…….’ Sophie stopped mid sentence as she noticed the figure staring at her from across the room. What the fuck…….How the hell….. Was she imagining things? Sophie blinked and looked back, no it was definitely her, well that explained a lot…..

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘I’m so sorry Hannah do you mind if we catch up in a bit?’ Uttered Sophie as her eyes fixed on the figure beckoning her over from across the room.‘Umm yeah, ok, no worries,’ replied Hannah wondering who the blonde was that had caught Sophie’s attention. ‘Thanks,’ mumbled Sophie as she moved past the receptionist and walked purposefully towards the figure who stopped and smiled when she saw Sophie approaching her. ‘Blimey I didn’t think I’d take you this long to notice me,’ stated the leggy blonde.‘What the hell are you doing here?’ Exclaimed Sophie trying to keep her voice down but finding it rather difficult. ‘Is that all you’ve got to say?’ replied the blonde pursing her lips as she looked Sophie up and down? ‘Is that my dress?’ ‘What?’ Shot back Sophie, Jesus she was unbelievable. ‘Rosie how are you even here? Why are you back?’ ‘I think you’ll find I’m saving your bacon,’ smiled the older Webster as she twirled a loose strand of hair round her finger, ‘Is that the right saying?’ Sophie rolled her eyes, ‘What are you on about?’ ‘Well if I hadn’t decided to follow you home, I decided I needed a break…..’ More like you couldn’t be asked to sort anything on your own thought Sophie as her sister continued, ‘……. Mum would have just rocked up here and literally had a heart attack or whatever when she saw you was back and hadn’t told her.’ Rosie smirked at her sister, ‘did you even know she’d been invited?’ ‘Yeah I did actually.’ ‘And you just waltzed in here anyway?’ Exclaimed Rosie, ‘god you’re brave.’ ‘Yeah there’s not much I could do about it, I didn’t wanna spoil Paula’s day so I just thought I’d deal with mum if I saw her.’ ‘Right well you owe me, she was all for storming in here and demanding why you hadn’t come home to see them first. You’re lucky I managed to persuade her that wasn’t a good idea.’‘Oh right, thanks, so where is she now?’ Asked Sophie looking around, half expecting her mum to pop out of the shadows at any minute.‘She’s nipped to the loo, she told me if I didn’t come find you then she’d just march up to you in the middle of the room. All I’ve heard since you came in is oh look at her, doesn’t she look beautiful, she looks so well, blah, blah, blah… Honestly I’ve been away far longer than you and all she said when I showed up was, ‘oh my god where’s your sister?’Sophie laughed, trust Rosie to make this all about her, ‘Right we better go and find her then before she makes a scene.’‘Oh god yeah, come on,’ ordered Rosie as she linked arms with Sophie. ‘So have you missed me?’ ‘It’s only been four days,’ replied Sophie with another eye roll, she seemed to make that expression a lot when her older sister was around. ‘Yeah spose but it’s been weird not having you around but can I just say babes I now totally get why you had to come home. I mean Paula is one hot looking lady, she totes does not look fifty and that speech oh my god that speech was the cutest and the kiss oh the kiss was just too much…..’ Sophie smiled and shook her head as Rosie rambled on, ‘So you approve then?’ She questioned when her sister had finally stopped talking. ‘Oh babes what’s not to love? Now come on before mum pounces on us.’ …………………………………………………………………………………….Luckily the toilets were empty when the sisters entered so there was no one else around to witness Sally literally squealing when she noticed Sophie in the mirror as she finished reapplied her lipstick. She turned round immediately and pulled Sophie into a hug, ‘Oh Soph you should have told me you were back. I thought something terrible had happened when this one showed up on the doorstep yesterday. How could you have come back and not told me?’ Sophie squeezed her mum tight then pulled back to look at her, ‘I’m sorry it’s just when I heard about Paula’s accident, that she could have died, I……’ ‘Could have died? She had a few broken bones didn’t she?’ Sophie stared at her mum, ‘Yeah mum but one of them bones was her skull and one of her broken ribs ruptured her spleen, which she had to have removed. She had emergency surgery, internal bleeding, they had no idea what was causing it. She’s got a bloody massive scar running down her stomach.’ ‘Oh god Sophie I had no idea, Ayla told me it was just broken bones.’ ‘Yeah well now you know and that’s why I came home, to be with her.’‘Of course,’ replied Sally rubbing Sophie’s arm, ‘Poor Paula I had no idea it was so bad, I would have said if I’d known.’ ‘Yeah mum I know,’ sighed Sophie. ‘Jesus that’s just awful, is the scar really terrible? Will it heal ok?’ Sally and Sophie both looked over at Rosie, rolling their eyes in unison. ‘Trust you to be worried about what it looks like,’ shot Sally, ‘I’m sure Paula’s just happy to be alive.’God Rosie was so superficial thought Sophie, but then her work was all about how she looked so Sophie figured that would be her first thought. ‘I mean obvs?’ Exclaimed Rosie, ‘it’s just scarring’s really bad for your mental health, she’ll be really conscious of it.’ Sophie smiled, Rosie was actually concerned about Paula’s mental health? Wow. ‘Yeah you know you do have a point, she wasn’t keen on me seeing it at first, she turned the lights low when we….’ Sophie stopped short remembering her mum was stood there, ‘Well you know…. but I’ve assured her she’s still gorgeous and no one’s really gonna see it apart from me so…..’
‘Yeah, I’m sure she won’t need to worry too much,’ interrupted Sally who although trying to embrace the couple still found it pretty hard to deal with the fact her daughter and old school friend were having an intimate relationship. Sophie could sense her mum was uncomfortable with where the conversation had briefly gone and so thought it best to change the subject. She knew how difficult it had been for her mum to accept her and Paula and she knew she’d probably secretly hoped they wouldn’t get back together but they were together and Sophie needed her mum to be on board with their relationship. ‘So any news with you?’ She asked. ‘Nope apart from Yasmeen’s trail there’s not really been that much excitement on the street. Oh it’s so lovely to see you?’ She gushed as she pulled Sophie in for another embrace, ‘And I suppose given the circumstances I can forgive you for not telling me you were back in the country,’ she smiled.‘I am sorry, I was going to come over and surprise you tomorrow. Promise.’ ‘It’s ok I get it, come over tomorrow anyway yeah? Come for your tea. I want to hear all about your adventures.’ Sophie grinned, ‘Yeah of course, does the invitation extend to Paula?’ ‘Of course. You’re together, so why wouldn’t it?’‘Yeah,’ beamed Sophie, ‘and look I know you had your doubts and I know you probably hoped I’d meet someone more my own age when I was away but the truth is…….’ ‘She didn’t stop banging on about Paula,’ interrupted Rosie.Sally laughed, ‘Look I know I wasn’t keen at first but I know how much she loves you, she sacrificed her own happiness for you and anyone that’s willing to do that is okey by me. She’s still a good friend and I know she’ll look after you.’‘Thanks mum, that means a lot, I love you,’ exclaimed Sophie giving her another hug. ‘Awww how cute.’ announced Rosie before quickly adding, ‘Right I’m not being funny but can we get out of here now? I didn’t get all dressed up, after what? like only five hours sleep to spend my night in the bogs with you pair.’Sally and Sophie turned, still in an embrace to laugh at Rosie who just stared back at them bewildered, ‘what have I said that’s so funny?’ ‘Nothing,’ muttered Sally as she linked arms with Sophie and ushered Rosie out of the door still laughing. ………………………………………………………………………………….As the trio re-entered the bar the party was in full swing. Sophie was sure there were way more people than there had been only five minutes previously and the music was definitely louder. Looking around she could see a rather large group of youngsters all around Theo’s age over in one corner of the room and she smiled when she saw Theo and Isla having a rather animated conversation just to the side of the group. She guessed Theo had extended the party invitation to his mates, something Isla didn’t look too impressed with. She continued to scan the faces in the room and finally caught a glimpse of Paula still at the bar, surrounded by a sea of people. Sophie’s stomach flipped, like it did every time she saw her girlfriend. She looked so beautiful, the way her eyes sparkled when she laughed. ‘Hey darling, where have you been?’ Asked Paula as she snaked her arm around Sophie’s waist and pulled her in towards her hip, ‘I’ve missed you,’ she breathed close to her ear causing Sophie to shiver. ‘Yeah looks like it,’ declared Sophie as she nodded to the empty shot glasses dotted all over the bar.Paula grinned, ‘That was all them,’ she said with a mischievous glint in her eye as she pointed to the group propping up the bar. ‘Mmm,’ muttered Sophie as she turned towards Rosie, ‘and you think layers are sensible?’ Paula laughed, ‘Most people have that opinion before they actually meet one of us, hi you are?’ Asked Paula turning towards Rosie, leaning slightly into Sophie for support. ‘Hi I’m Rosie,’ ‘Rosie, as in Sophie’s sister?’ Rosie nodded, ‘The one and only.’‘Wow it’s great to meet you,’ beamed Paula, ‘I had no idea you’d come back too, darling you didn’t mention Rosie was home.’ ‘Oh no well she didn’t know,’ answered Rosie. ‘I’ve just surprised her. I’ve come along with…….’ ‘Sally!’ Grinned Paula as she noticed the petite blonde standing next to her daughter, ‘It’s so lovely to see you.’ ‘You too,’ greeted Sally as Paula pulled her in for a hug, ‘Thanks so much for coming. Can I get you some drinks?’ ‘Umm yeah that’d be great can I get a glass of….’
Before Sally could finish Ros who was standing next to Paula shouted across to the barman, ‘Hey Jake can we get some service over here?’ Paula briefly closed her eyes then whispered into Sophie’s ear, ‘And this is why you’ve never met Ros!’ The younger brunette laughed, ‘Mmm you never said, where do you know her from?’ ‘Uni and then we travelled together for a bit, she’s great but very very loud.’ Once Jake had been summoned and the ladies had all ordered drinks they moved to a quieter area at the end of the bar. ‘Paula can I just say I am so sorry for not getting in touch after your accident, I was under the impression it was nothing serious.’ Paula gently touched her friends arm, ‘Sally it’s fine, I didn’t want a fuss.’ ‘No but I…..’ ‘Right stop, I don’t want to talk about it, I’m fine so can we talk about something else. Rosie it’s so lovely to finally meet you, I’ve heard lots about you.’ ‘Likewise,’ grinned Rosie, ‘And can I just say when Sophie told me she was dating our mum’s friend and lawyer I did think she must be absolutely mad. I mean what twenty six year old wants to date some boring lawyer twice their age but now I’ve met you I can see you make a really cute couple.’Sophie closed her eyes and took a deep breath as a smile played on Paula’s lips. ‘Well thanks Rosie, I’m glad you’ve seen past the boring old lawyer,’ she stated trying to keep a straight face as she gave Sophie’s hand a squeeze. Rosie smiled, ‘Can I also just add you have great taste. I love your Saint Laurent clutch?’ She gushed glancing at the bag Paula had placed on the table. The one Sophie had no idea was designer. ‘Thank you I treated myself after a rather lucrative case a couple of years back.’ ‘I never knew lawyers could earn so much money. If only I’d known I could have…….’ ‘Please don’t say become a lawyer,’ laughed Sophie as she stopped her sister mid sentence. ‘Sophie I could have, can I remind you I did go to Oakhill.’‘Yeah for all the good it did,’ muttered Sally. ‘Rosie there is no way way you could have become a lawyer. You’d never have got through the years of study.’
‘Didn’t you say Theo’s doing a law degree? And from what you’ve told me about him we seem to be very similar. Where is he by the way?’ Asked Rosie craning her neck to look around for a guy she’d never seen. ‘You need to introduce me to your step kids,’ she added with a smirk. Sophie rolled her eyes, ‘Please don’t call them that.’
‘But they are aren’t they? I mean if you’re with their mum that makes you their step mum,’ smiled Rosie sweetly, enjoying winding her sister up. ‘Isn’t that right Paula?’ Paula held up her hands, ‘Hey I’m not getting involved,’ she stated trying to keep the smile from tugging at her lips as she looked at the expression on Sophie’s face. ‘I need to go and mingle, you ok to go check on the kids?’ She asked Sophie not able to resist teasing her. Sophie gave her a dead pan look, ‘You’re lucky it’s your birthday,’ she warned as Paula got up from the table and immediately bumped straight into Abi. ‘Oh shit, I’m so sorry,’ exclaimed Abi as Paula’s glass of wine almost jumped out of her hand. ‘It’s ok no harm done,’ replied Paula as she shook the wine from her hand. ‘It’s so good to see you’ ‘And you. I’m so sorry I’m late, Seb got stuck at work and I probably could have left the twins but I didn’t…….’ ‘Abi it’s fine, you don’t need to explain.’ ‘No but I am sorry I haven’t been to visit or owt you know since the accident…. I wanted to come but I didn’t want to intrude and I’m not very good at….’ Paula shook her head, ‘Jeez will you shut up and stop apologising, I didn’t want visitors.’ ‘Right yeah that’s what I thought. So the big one! You’re looking fantastic.’ ‘Thanks, don’t scrub up too bad yourself do you?’ Abi grinned, ‘Yeah well thought I’d better make the effort. I might bag myself a rich lawyer.’ ‘Ha good luck with that, have you seen the men in here?’ teased Paula as she turned back to the table to introduce Abi to Sophie. ‘Darling this is Abi, a good friend of mine, I’ve told you about her,’ she added hoping Sophie would remember where they’d met. ‘Abi oh my god,’ exclaimed Sophie standing up, ‘I had no idea it was you when Paula was talking about you, bloody hell you’ve changed.’ Abi looked slightly uncomfortable as she smiled over at Sophie, trying to avoid Sally’s gaze.‘Yeah well I’ve sorted myself out now,’ she murmured softly.‘Oh wow Abi Franklin this is a surprise,’ exclaimed Sally. ‘I thought you’d be in prison.’ Abi tilted her head to the side and visibly bit her lip. ‘Hey Sal,’ she replied uncomfortably.‘Sorry do you guys all know each other?’ Asked Paula looking between the group of women. ‘Yeah she lived on the street for a bit,’ explained Sally, ‘Although I’ve not seen her since she punched Kevin in the face after he was kind enough to give her a job.’ Paula crossed her arms disapprovingly and looked at Abi, ‘I’m sorry what?’ ‘Oh blimey don’t go all lawyery on me it was a very long time ago. A complete mistake, I did apologise.’ ‘Mmm,’ muttered Sally, ‘You’re lucky he didn’t press charges. So how do you two know each other? I’ve got to be honest I wouldn’t have had you two down as being friends.’Abi and Paula exchanged a look before Abi spoke, ‘Paula represented me during one of my many court appearances, she’s one of the only barristers to actually get me off.’ ‘Right,’ replied Sally skeptically, ‘And that warrants an invite to her birthday drinks? Are all your old clients here Paula?’ ‘No Sal only you,’ quipped Paula, leaving Sally red faced. ‘Let’s get you a drink, yeah?’ Offered Paula as she steered Abi in the direction of the bar leaving the trio of Webster’s sat at the table. ‘You asked for that,’ shot Sophie as soon as Paula and Abi were out of earshot. ‘You can see Abi’s obviously turned her life around and you had to mention prison.’
‘Well I just think it’s a bit weird that Abi’s showed up here, you can’t tell me they’re that chummy.’ ‘Why not?’ ‘Because Paula’s a respectable lawyer and Abi’s an ex junkie that’s why.’ ‘So they can’t possibly be friends? Mum you’re unbelievable.’ ‘What? I’m just saying it’s strange. I’m not here just because Paula represented me am I? I mean we’re friends first and foremost that’s why I was invited.’ ‘Mmm,’ mused Rosie, ‘I’d say more then friends mum, I mean you’re practically her mother in law.’ ‘Rosie shut up,’ spat Sophie and Sally almost simultaneously as they both glared at the blonde. ‘What? I’m just pointing out you’re nearly family and you’re right it is weird that Paula’s friends with Abi. I mean what can they possibly have in common?’ ‘You’d be surprised, probably more than her and me mum,’ snapped Sophie as she got up, ‘Right I’d better go and join Paula, be good, both of you,’ she warned giving her mum and sister a knowing look. …………………………………………………………………………..….
Sophie giggled as Paula grabbed her hand and pulled her around the side of the building. They’d both been dancing and a thin layer of sweat glowed on Sophie’s skin as the lawyer pinned her against the wall and proceeded to kiss her slowly, leaning her body against hers, her thigh pushing her legs slightly apart. She moved her mouth from Sophie’s and kissed along her cheekbone towards her earlobe, sucking it gently between her teeth before whispering into her ear, ‘I’ve been waiting so patiently for this all evening.’ Sophie shuddered as she felt Paula’s nails scrap up her thighs her dress bunching up at her hips, ‘Paula someone might see,’ gasped Sophie as she arched her back away from the wall urging Paula to continue, even as her words said differently. Paula laughed, a deep husky laugh full of desire, ‘I can stop but I really don’t think you want me too,’ she teased as her fingers brushed over Sophie’s thong. Her clit twinged when she felt the wetness already there, as she raked her nails slowly up Sophie’s centre, over the thin fabric, she could feel the heat rising between her own legs. ‘You’re so ready for me aren’t you darling,’ she purred in her ear as she continued the slow agonising swipes up and down Sophie’s slit. ‘Mmmm please, Paula, I need more,’ groaned Sophie as she moved her own hand to cover Paula’s, pushing down hard. Paula smiled against her check, ‘Maybe you’re right maybe I should stop….. Someone might see…..’ ‘Paula,’ warned Sophie through clenched teeth as she bucked her hips, ‘You can’t stop now.’ The lawyer smiled at the despair in Sophie’s voice as she ran a thumb along the edge of Sophie’s thong before brushing two fingers inside, ‘Better?’ She asked innocently as her fingers circled her clit, becoming coated in her juices, god she was so wet. Sophie let out a whimper and opened her legs further as Paula’s fingers worked faster. ‘Would you like me to fuck you?’ She uttered into her ear. Sophie nodded as she clung on to her neck and lifted her leg slightly to allow Paula better access, any worries she had about being seen, long forgotten in her need for release. Paula’s fingers slid easily inside her and Sophie let out a small gasp at the sensation of being filled, god it felt so good. Slowly at first then faster Paula’s fingers entered Sophie while her thumb drew circles around her clit. ‘Does that feel good? Would you like more?’ Sophie nodded unable to speak as she fucked herself on Paula’s fingers feeling her walls clench as the lawyer’s fingers curled deliciously up to hit her in just the right spot. On the next trust Sophie’s eyes widened as Paula added a third finger, ‘Holy fuck,’ she breathed as she felt herself stretch. ‘Too much?’ Asked Paula looking concerned. ‘No it’s good,’ breathed Sophie getting used to the new sensation as she rocked herself to meet Paula’s hand. A few more thrusts and the muscles beneath Paula’s hand started to spasm as Sophie collapsed against her, her breathing ragged.It wasn’t until Paula moved to allow Sophie to rest against her shoulder that the glow of a cigarette in the dark caught her eye followed by a figure moving back into the shadows. Fuck someone had been watching. Oh well she couldn’t worry about that now, hopefully they hadn’t seen too much, Paula was pretty sure her body had been covering Sophie’s state of undress. She withdrew her fingers and moved herself back off Sophie, who wiggled her dress back down and grinned at her. ‘I cannot believe you just did that, out here!’ ‘I can’t believe you let me,’ smirked Paula as she made a show of licking her fingers clean, causing a small groan to escape Sophie’s lips, fuck if they were somewhere else…….‘Please babe can you not….. We need to get back people will have missed us and I need to ….. Well I need to sort myself out.’ Paula laughed, ‘Yeah I must say I need a bit of sorting out too, thank god this party’s nearly over,’ smiled Paula as she grabbed Sophie’s hand and led them back into the bar. …………………………………………………………………………………….
‘So did you follow us out here earlier or just get lucky?’ Asked Paula as she reached for the cigarette in his hand and took a drag, smirking as she saw the redress spread across his cheeks, she’d been right. ‘Well?’ Questioned Paula again, rather enjoying herself. ‘I umm I…… No I came out for a fag and well I heard noises…….. I only looked for a split second.’ Paula smirked again as she took another pull on the cigarette and handed it back to him, ‘I think it was slightly longer than a second,’ she teased as she watched Ben nervously flick away some ash. ‘I really didn’t mean to…….’ ‘Oh it’s fine, I guess if you decide to have a quickie down the side of a bar you shouldn’t get annoyed if you get caught,’ laughed Paula, ‘It’s just you do have a tendency for catching me out in rather compromising situations.’ ‘Mmm,’ agreed Ben, ‘It’s a skill I have,’ he added with a smile, finally looking her in the eye. ‘Yes,’ agreed Paula. ‘So how have you been? Everything going well with your final exams?’ ‘Yep all good, I’m working hard. Listen I just wanted to say….. about the accident… I’m glad you’re ok.’ ‘I’m fine, barely a scrap,’ smiled Paula, ‘So I’ve heard through office gossip that you and Hannah are an item.’ ‘Umm yeah, we got together after I left though,’ explained Ben quickly, causing Paula to chuckle softly.
‘You really think I’d be bothered if it started when you still worked for us?’ ‘Ahh yeah,’ smiled Ben realising what he’d just said, ‘I guess you’re not bothered about office relationships.’
‘Naw, it would be slightly hypocritical of me don’t you think.’ ‘Yeah….’ Blushed Ben, ‘So if there’s any openings you’ll bear me in mind?’ ‘Yes, as long as you keep your mouth shut about what you witnessed earlier. I don’t want my staff thinking I have no self control,’ she added with a wink. ‘Of course,’ grinned Ben, ‘Right I’d better go Hannah’ll be wondering where I’ve got to.’ Paula smiled as she watched Ben enter the bar, well thank god it had been him who’d caught them as the only other person she thought it could have been was Theo and that would have been beyond awkward. He’d have never let them live it down, especially Sophie, he’d have been winding her up forever more. Right thinking about Theo where the fuck was he? She’d come out here looking for her kids but neither of them were around, they must still be inside somewhere. She was just about to head back in when her phone started ringing, who the hell would be calling her? Anyone who wanted to speak to her would be inside surely? She took the phone from her bag and looked at the display. ‘Hello,’ she answered putting the phone to her ear. ‘Hi,’ came the mans voice, ‘I just wanted to wish you a very happy birthday. I hope you’ve been well and truly spoilt. It’s not everyday you turn fifty.’ Paula nodded, ‘Yeah I have thanks, have you just called to rub it in?’ ‘No. I wanted to make sure you were ok. I know how much you hate these milestone birthdays.’ ‘Yeah I know but this one’s been pretty good.’ ‘Good. As long as you’re happy…… and Paula you are happy aren’t you?’ ‘Yes I am, really happy, you?’ ‘Yeah I am. Look I just wanted to say….. I just want to let you know……..Oh look it doesn’t matter.’ ‘What? What is it?’ ‘No nothing, I’m glad you’ve had a lovely day…. Bye.’
‘Yeah bye,’ replied Paula as the line went dead. Well that had all been very strange she thought as she opened her bag to put her phone away suddenly startled by a tap on her shoulder, ‘Jesus Christ,’ she gasped as she whirled round. ‘Oh god I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to scare you,’ explained the woman as Paula stared at her, clutching her bag to her chest.‘Carol,’ she blurted out, ‘You scared the shit out of me.’‘Sorry,’ she laughed, ‘Jesus I haven’t spoken to you in years and now I almost give you a heart attack.’ ‘Yeah,’ replied Paula catching her breath, not really knowing what to say. ‘Look I’ve been wanting to catch you on your own all night and well when I saw you come out here……Do you want one?’ Asked Carol offering Paula her pack of cigarettes. ‘We always used to slope away at all those boring corporate events for a sneaky cigarette didn’t we.’ ‘Yeah,’ replied Paula taking a cigarette and the lighter Carol produced from her bag, remembering how close they’d once been. She lit her cigarette and blew a ribbon of smoke into the air. Carol doing the same next to her. ‘I’m sorry we lost touch,’ began Carol looking out into the night. ‘No you’re not. We didn’t lose touch. I was a complete bitch and you stuck up for a friend, as you should have done.’ ‘Yeah but you were in a bad place, I should have done more.’ ‘It’s no excuse, I behaved appallingly and deserved everything I got. Please don’t feel bad,’ replied Paula turning towards her old friend. Carol looked at her for a moment blowing a stream of smoke onto the air ‘I’m glad Mike stuck by you,’ she said softly. ‘Ha,’ spat Paula, ‘I bet you weren’t saying that at the time.’ ‘Oh god no I was calling you every name under the sun, telling him you didn’t deserve his support, of course I bloody was. I thought he was a fool. I even accused him of having an affair with you, said he must want to fuck you as well.’ Paula nodded, ‘I’d expect nothing less.’Carol grinned, ‘Can we start again, put all that behind us?’ ‘I’d like that.’ ‘Good so can we start by having you and Sophie over for dinner? I know Mike’s said about meeting up and you’ve not been too keen….’ ‘Only because I thought you wouldn’t want me, I’d love to meet up. Sophie has not stopped going on about how lovely you’ve been to her.’ ‘Well Sophie is gorgeous, such a lovely gir….woman,’ corrected Carol sheepishly. ‘Yeah she is, I’m very lucky.’‘Lucky hey? How so?’ Boomed Mike behind them as he came to stand with the ladies, ‘Thought I‘d find you nattering out here,’ he said as he nuzzled up behind his wife, ‘Like old times,’ he chuckled as both ladies dropped their cigarettes to the floor. ‘You two hanging out the back like a couple of naughty schoolgirls. We all made up then?’ Carol looked over affectionately at Paula, ‘Yes all made up.’ ‘Thank fuck for that, it’s only taken nearly four fucking years.’ ‘Yes ok, thank you, we got there in the end,’ laughed Carol taking his hand. ‘Right I think someone has had slightly too much to drink and needs to go home? ’ ‘Mmm,’ agreed Paula, watching Mike swaying slightly. ‘It’s your bloody brother, I didn’t think I’d find anyone who could drink more whisky than you.’‘Oh no? Who’d you think I learnt from? He still inside?’ ‘Nope, last I heard everyone left was talking about going on to a club, I give you one guess who’s idea that was.’ ‘Theo?’ Guessed Paula.‘Yep along with ……..’ ‘Rosie?’ ‘Yeah, I still cannot get my head round her being Sophie’s sister.’ ‘No she’s something else isn’t she.’ ‘Sure is,’ agreed Mike leaning heavily into his wife,‘right love we getting off then?’ ‘Yes I think we’d better,’ replied Carol smirking at Paula, ‘I’ll see you soon.’ ‘Yeah definitely,’ replied Paula as she watched the pair head off arm in arm down the alley to get to the front of the bar.‘Here you are,’ called Sophie as she came outside and found Paula walking up the steps. ‘Hey darling,’ she said wearily as she wrapped Sophie into her arms. ‘You smell of smoke,’ accused Sophie almost at once.
‘Yeah I know sorry, I had a cigarette with Carol, for old times sake.’ Sophie pulled back and looked at her, ‘Does this mean you’re friends now?’ ‘Yes it means we’re friends now.’ ‘Right I’ll let you off then,’ she smiled taking her hand and leading her inside. ‘I think we’re just about the last ones left,’ announced Sophie as they walked into a nearly empty bar. ‘Apart from Ros,’ she laughed as she pointed over to Paula’s old uni friend, ‘I think all the dancing’s worn her out.’ Paula looked fondly at her friend slumped on a chair in the corner, head back breathing loudly. ‘She always was the life and soul, she chuckled, ‘I’ll call her a cab.’
‘She was all up for going on to some eighties bar or somewhere with the others but then I found her passed out here… I told Theo we’d give it a miss…. Unless you want to….’ ‘No…. God no..’ exclaimed Paula ‘All I want to do right now is go home and climb into bed with you.’ ‘Good,’ grinned Sophie, ‘I was hoping you’d say that.’

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sophie rolled over and smiled when she felt the warmth radiating from the figure next to her. She snuggled in closer, nuzzling into her neck as she slid her foot up the back of her calf, eliciting a moan from her bed companion. ‘Morning gorgeous,’ she whispered into her ear as she pressed her body closer. Paula smiled softly to herself and pulled Sophie’s arms tighter around her body. ‘Morning,’ she breathed. ‘Whattimesit?’ She asked still half asleep, her body aching from all the dancing. God she’d so over done it last night. Sophie stretched out a hand to reach around for her phone which she expertly located and brought up to her face. ‘10:23’ she answered, ‘you’ve actually had a lay in for once.’ ‘Mmm,’ agreed Paula rolling her shoulders, ‘Well I’m getting old, need more rest now,’ she explained wearily as she wiggled round and gazed at her partner. ‘Getting old yeah right,’ scoffed Sophie, ‘I seem to remember you pinning me against a wall last night and having your wicked way with me.’ Paula’s lips curled into a mischievous grin, ‘Oh yeah, I did didn’t I? I’ve always wanted to do that.’ ‘Oh have you,’ quipped Sophie, giving her a knowing look. ‘You really do have a thing for getting caught don’t you?’ ‘No,’ declared Paula, ‘I have a thing for you,’ she whispered raking her nails down Sophie’s side ‘and when I want you, I need to have you,’ she continued as her hand reached Sophie’s bum and pulled her body flush against hers, placing open mouthed kisses on any bit of exposed flesh as she pushed her onto her back.Sophie giggled as she squirmed under Paula’s embrace, she was ridiculously ticklish and writhed all over the place as Paula continued her assault, loving hearing her breathless cries for help in between the giggles. ‘Stop please, I surrender you can have me, any time any place,’ declared Sophie dramatically. ‘Is that a promise?’ Asked Paula raising an eyebrow suggestively as she looked down at Sophie pinned beneath her. ‘Well you’ve had me in practically every room in this house, your office, your car, me mum’s couch, my old bedroom, an alleyway anywhere else you’d like to add to the list?’ ‘Oh plenty,’ smirked Paula, ‘but right now I’m afraid to say I can’t indulge in anything because I need to get up.’‘Oh no you don’t,’ groaned Sophie, ‘you’ve got me all worked up now, you can’t leave.’ ‘Sorry darling but I’m going to have to,’ she sighed as she rolled off Sophie and onto the bed next to her ‘I really need a wee and I’ve got to take my medication, I forgot it yesterday.’ ‘Babe,’ glared Sophie disapprovingly, ‘you’ve got to take it every day, the doctor said that……’ ‘Yes I know, I know but one day’s not gonna hurt. Shall I bring you up a brew?’ ‘Yeah please and then will you promise to stay in bed with me?’‘Yes I promise,’ she declared giving her a quick peck on the lips before reluctantly getting out of bed and throwing on her robe. After a quick wee and a hurried look at her phone to check she hadn’t had any messages she made her way downstairs. It all seemed pretty quiet so she guessed the others were all still in bed. Isla and Theo never normally surfaced until midday so it was no surprise. She padded into the kitchen and headed straight for the drawer where she kept her meds, popping the antibiotics into her palm she moved to the fridge to grab a bottle of water. ‘Morning,’ rang out a sing songy voice just as she’d located the water and closed the fridge. Paula jumped, ‘Jesus,’ she mumbled under her breath as she turned round and stared. ‘Did you want a tea?’ ‘Umm yeah..Please,’ stammered Paula as she watched the blonde opening cupboards, really wishing she’d stop bending over as Theo’s T-shirt left very little to the imagination. ‘Errr sorry but what exactly are you doing here?’ ‘Grabbing some breakfast babe. Now I know what you’re thinking and no I don’t usually do breakfast but god I had so much to drink last night I really need to eat.’ ‘No I meant what are you doing in my house?’ ‘Oh right sorry Theo said it’d be fine, said you’re cool with him having people over. Do you have any soya milk?’ ‘No.’ ‘Almond?’ ‘No.’ ‘Any milk that’s not actually from a cow?’ ‘No, we have regular semi skimmed.’ ‘Oh,’ replied the blonde, her lips forming a perfect circle. ‘Can’t you just have it black?’ Pointed out Paula. ‘What my cereal?’ Asked Rosie looking completely perplexed. Paula rolled her eyes, ‘There’s bread, you can make toast and before you ask we have seeded brown or white sourdough and butter, normal salted butter, jam and marmalade oh and there might be some marmite somewhere.’ ‘Great thanks,’ replied Rosie moving around Paula’s kitchen like she’d lived there her whole life. ‘So last night was fun.’ ‘Yeah it was,‘ replied the lawyer opening the bottle of water and knocking back the antibiotics. ‘Where did you guys end up?’ ‘Oh some eighties bar in canal street, you and Sophie would have loved it, right up your street.’ Paula bit her lip and feigned a smile as the kettle boiled and Rosie set about making the tea. ‘Can you make one of those for Sophie?’ ‘Yeah sure no probs,’ replied Rosie getting out another mug, adding the teabags and pouring over the water. ‘So Paula I’ve never actually met an older bisexual woman before. A few of the models I work with have come out as bi but they’ve only been with guys so I’m not sure they are. When did you first know you fancied men and women?’ Paula took a slow intake of breath, stay calm this is Sophie’s sister she told you what she was like. ‘I’ve always known, guess the same way you’ve always known you’re straight. You are straight I take it?’ ‘Oh yeah babes, like totes straight. I mean sometimes I wish I was a bit bi, you know just to be a bit more interesting but I guess it’s just how we’re born init?’ ‘Mmm,’ agreed Paula really having to hold her tongue as she wondered how the girl in front of her shared any DNA with the woman currently in her bed. ‘So have you been a lawyer for long then?’ asked Rosie throwing Paula off track with the complete change of subject.‘Umm yeah bout twenty five years,’ she replied wishing she’d taken Sophie’s advice and got back into bed. ‘Sophie really admires you, you know. She didn’t stop banging on about how intelligent you are. I think she secretly wishes she’d gone to uni.’ ‘Right,’ relied Paula miles away while Rosie continued faffing around with the teabags, Jesus how long could it take someone to make three mugs of tea? ‘Good morning people,’ came the loud greeting as another house guest entered the kitchen causing Paula to snap out of her daydream.‘What the fuck are you doing here?’ She asked in disbelief. ‘And thank you for that wonderful welcome,’ laughed the blond as she hauled herself up onto a bar stool, ‘Anymore tea going?’ She inquired in her cheery tone. ‘Yeah I think I can manage another cup,’ replied Rosie as she located another mug while Paula stood staring at the pair of them wondering what the hell had gone on last night in her absence. ‘How you feeling this morning? Was the sofa comfy? We were going to move you but you looked so peaceful.’
‘Sorry what?’ Asked Paula looking at Rosie, ‘You slept on the sofa?’ ‘Yeah like I said I was out of it.’ ‘But I thought, I thought you and Theo had….’ Paula let the sentence hang in the air as she looked at the two women’s faces. ‘So you and Theo didn’t….’ ‘Eew no,’ exclaimed Rosie, handing Paula her brew, ‘Wouldn't that be like incest or something?’ Paula stared at her, wondering how the hell she had survived for so long, ‘No, why the hell would it be……. You’re not related to Theo.’ ‘Yeah but he’s like my sister’s…….’ Abi watched the interaction between the two women and couldn’t help but giggle, ‘No Rosie you have to be related by blood.’ ‘Oh ok but anyway it’d still be weird,’ she explained handing Abi her tea. ‘Not like you, you don’t have any family connection so you’re ok.’ ‘I’m sorry what?’ Asked Paula turning to face Abi a look of shock on her face, ‘Please don’t tell me you’ve slept with Theo.’ Abi looked at Paula over the top of her mug, ‘Would that be such a bad thing?’ She questioned nervously.
‘He’s twenty,’ exclaimed Paula. ‘Yes and your point is?’ ‘Well my point is…. The point is……’ Shit she didn’t really have anywhere to go with this, she could hardly object to the age difference. ‘My point is I thought you wanted someone to settle down with.’‘Can I not settle down with him?’ Asked Abi earning herself a snort from Paula, ‘Theo settle down are you insane?’ ‘I can’t believe you slept with Theo. What you gonna say to Sam? I thought you two were getting on really well,’ piped up Rosie staring in disbelief at Abi who rolled her eyes and smiled sweetly at Paula. It took Paula all of a second for the penny to drop. ‘You spent the night with Sam?’ ‘Yes.’ Admitted Abi, ‘Sorry I couldn’t help but wind you up.’ ‘Right,’ replied Paula not knowing what was worse, her sleeping with her son or her brother. At least if she’d shagged Theo it would have only been a one night thing. If she got involved with Sam they could be married within a year.‘That all you gonna say?’ Asked Abi watching the lawyer carefully. Shit she couldn’t read her, was she annoyed or shocked or…….‘You know he’s married don’t you?’ Replied Paula matter of factly. Abi shifted uncomfortably, ‘Yeah but they’re not together, he said they’re practically separated and…..’ ‘Right well as long as he told you, Look I better get this up to Sophie before it goes cold.’‘Oh ok then,’ swallowed Abi, ‘I’ll see you later?’ …………………………………………………………………………….‘Bloody hell what took you so long?’ Moaned Sophie as Paula backed into the bedroom holding the teas. ‘I was starting to think I’d need to sort myself out,’ she exclaimed watching Paula carefully as she sat on the edge of the bed and handed her a mug. ‘Mmm well you can blame your sister for my delay,’ explained Paula as she busied herself arranging pillows so she could sit back and lean against the headboard. ‘My what?’ Exclaimed Sophie practically choking on her tea. ‘Rosie’s here? Oh god! Why is she here?’ Sophie searched Paula’s face hoping she’d help her out but she just sat sipping her tea. ‘She didn’t? Did she?’ ‘Did she what?’ Asked Paula raising an eyebrow. ‘Oh come on you know exactly what I mean. Did she spend the night with Theo? I’ll bloody kill her. Didn’t I tell you them two should be kept apart, I cannot believe…….’ Paula chuckled as she watched Sophie getting more worked up, ‘Oh darling calm down, nothing happened.’ ‘It didn’t?’ ‘No but I’m glad you came to the same conclusion as me. I felt terrible when I assumed they’d been together. ‘And they definitely haven’t?’ ‘Well I haven’t actually seen Theo but Rosie said she slept on the sofa.’‘On the sofa? She’s lying, she wouldn’t sleep on the sofa. I bet they have, I bet they slept together.’ ‘No I really don’t think they have when I mentioned it she looked completely repulsed.’‘Why? She’d shag anything if she was drunk,’ then remembering who she was talking about she added, ‘No offence.’ Paula ginned again, ‘I think she was put off by the fact she sees herself as his aunty now.’ Sophie closed her eyes and shock her head. ‘You know she’s never gonna let up with all the step mum jokes and it didn’t help you encouraging her.’ ‘Oh soph come on I was only teasing.’ ‘Yeah I know it’s just weird though isn’t it? Me only being a few years older then them.’ Placing her mug on the bedside table Paula shifted to face Sophie propping herself up on an elbow. ‘You know I never think of you as being similar in age. You’ve always come across as so mature. I forget sometimes about the age difference, do you? Or does it bother you, be honest.’ Sophie stared intently into the deep brown eyes, saw the worried expression etched on her face and she smiled, no one saw this side to Paula but her. ‘I’m not gonna lie, at first I was worried but like you I forget most of the time, until someone makes a comment or gives us a strange look…. But I love you more than anyone I’ve ever been with.’ The lawyer smiled softly, ‘I love you too, very much,’ she almost whispered as she rolled forward to kiss Sophie softly on the lips. ‘Do you think we should talk to Rosie, tell her to pipe down?’ ‘Ahh no it’s just sister banter, I’m sure I’d be saying the same to her.’ ‘How exactly did you two survive when you were away?’ ‘Oh she’s alright, we have our moments but her heart’s in the right place, most of the time,’ added Sophie before moving the conversation away from her sister. ‘So it was good to meet Sam last night, you don’t talk about him much.’ ‘No, I don’t see him much, we’re not overly close.He’s always busy working. His job’s pretty full on.’ ‘Well hopefully you can spend some time with him, didn’t he say he was staying for a few days?’‘Ahh I’m not sure he’s gonna have much time for me.’ ‘What’d you mean? He seemed pretty keen to catch up last night, wasn’t he going to look around for a car with you?’ ‘Mmm,’ ‘What’s the matter? You two didn’t fall out did you?’
‘Ahh no I’m being stupid.’‘Right spill, what’s happened?’ ‘Abi’s downstairs.’ ‘Bloody hell did everyone crash here last night? Me mum’s not camped out in the lounge too is she?’ Paula laughed, ‘Nothing would surprise me.’ ‘Ahh I’ve just got it,’ stated Sophie slowly, ‘Abi and Sam.’ ‘Mmmm,’ answered Paula a hint of apprehension in her tone. ‘Why you saying it like that? I thought they looked good together. What’s the harm in them having a little fun?’‘Oh wow you’ve changed your tune and there’s no harm if that’s all it is but…. But I know what my brother’s like.’ ‘Meaning?’ ‘Meaning he’s soon to be divorced for the third time. He always does this, rushes from one disastrous relationship to the next. He gets involved way too quickly and Abi is exactly his type. It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s whisking her off on some luxury holiday in a few weeks and asking her to move in.’

‘And I thought you moved fast,’ laughed Sophie earning herself a narrow eyed stare from Paula.

‘It’s not funny before you know it they’ll be engaged, married and divorced and so the cycle begins again.’ ‘Whoa, Look I really think you’re getting carried away, they haven’t even spent twenty four hours together yet and you’re already marrying them off. I really wouldn’t worry, hopefully Sam’s learnt his lesson and won’t make the same mistakes.’ ‘It’s not Sam I’m worried about.’ Sophie smiled, ‘You know something, you are just so cute,’ she teased as she wriggled closer resting her forehead against Paula’s, ‘But can we just forget about our irritating siblings for a moment and enjoy our lay in together?’ She asked as her fingers worked on the buttons of Paula’s pyjama top causing the lawyer to reach forward and wrap her arms around her neck pulling her in for a soft sensual kiss. ‘I think I can managed that,’ breathed Paula against her lips as a hand slipped inside her top and began to caress the soft skin it found there……

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘I’m not sure we should say anything today, maybe tomorrow would be best?’ Mused Isla as she sat at the kitchen table crunching on a slice of toast. Jesus her head still hurt. Not that she’d ever admit it but she’d definitely had one or two too many Proseccos last night.‘Yeah whatever, I don’t really care,’ replied Theo, briefly glancing up from his phone. ‘How do you think we should tell her?’ ‘I don’t bloody know, does it matter?’ ‘Of course it matters,’ shot back Isla. ‘She might be upset.’ ‘I don’t see why, just tell her when…….’ ‘Hey mum,’ called Isla over Theo’s shoulder cutting him off in a cheerful tone. ‘Wow makes a change to find people in my kitchen who actually live here,’ remarked Paula as she poured herself a much needed coffee. It was just under two hours since she’d last entered the kitchen and she could have sworn she felt more exhausted now than when she’d first woken up. Probably something to do with Sophie pouncing on her when she’d got back into bed and while she’d managed to roll over and promptly fall asleep Paula had been left wide awake. ‘You two alright? Recovered from your antics last night?’ She asked sitting down to join them at the table. ‘Yeah just about,’ answered Theo placing his phone on the table and giving his mum his full attention. ‘Was a good night wasn’t it?’ He finished with a yawn. ‘Yeah it was, after the initial shock I really enjoyed myself,’ grinned Paula taking a sip of coffee. ‘See you always say you don’t like a party but when it comes down to it you love it,’ teased Isla. ‘Mmm,’ she replied looking over at the smug smile on Isla’s face. ‘Where’s Kate? She wasn’t down here earlier either.’ ‘Still in bed sleeping off her hangover. I’m really worried about her. She’s drinking way too much and she’s stopped talking to me. I don’t know what to do?’ ‘Yeah well most people stop talking to you after a while, once they realise how boring you are,’ teased Theo earning himself a swat on the arm from his sister. ‘Seriously do you two ever give it a rest?’ Asked Paula with a weary sigh. ‘Look love you’re gonna need to find some time to sit her down and discuss it properly, she can’t go on like this.’ ‘Go on like this? What getting drunk? Jeez mum she’s just letting her hair down.’ Isla turned to glare at her brother again, ‘Theo don’t, it’s not something to joke about. Her parents have disowned her, she’s in bits.’‘Okay okay, I was just messing,’ he said holding his hands out in surrender as Isla rolled her eyes. ‘I didn’t think it was that bad.’‘Well it is.’ ‘Look why don’t I see if Sophie can have a word with her? I know Sally wasn’t exactly over the moon when she came out,’ shrugged Paula, ‘she might be able to relate more,’ she was gonna add seeing as she’s closer in age than me but changed her mind. ‘Yeah it’s worth a try I spose. Do you think she could do it today?’ ‘Umm maybe tonight, we’re off to Sally’s for lunch in a bit’ ‘Ooh meeting with the mothering in law, better be on your best behaviour,’ quipped Theo.Paula glared at her son from over her mug, ‘What has got into you today? You’re even more bloody annoying than usual.’ Theo chuckled, ‘I think it’s hanging out with Uncle Sam, he brings out the worst in me.’‘Mmm you think Theo’s bad Isla, you should have tried growing up with him, always winding me up.
‘Yeah I can imagine,’ sympathised Isla.‘Where is he anyway? I’ve not seen him.’ She asked watching carefully as they exchanged a look.‘He’s probably still screwing your mate, she was well up for it last night.’ ‘Theo!’ Exclaimed Isla.‘’It’s alright she knows about it, don’t you?’ ‘Yes I’ve been informed.’‘Better than her sleeping with me, hey mum,’ he winked. ‘Yeah well that was a misunderstanding,’ mumbled Paula. ‘Was that before or after you thought I’d spent the night with Rosie?’ ‘Rosie? You didn’t?’ Gasped Isla. ‘No I didn’t, she’s a lovely girl but my god I don’t know what she’s on about half the time. Her and Sophie couldn’t be anymore different could they.’‘No they couldn’t,’ agreed Paula. Then turning her attention to the man who’d just walked into the kitchen, ‘So you managed to get out of bed then.’‘Good afternoon dear sister,’ he said with a stretch. ‘That bed’s so comfy. I could have stayed there all day.’‘Mmm, got nothing to do with the blonde currently in it then?’ She asked raising an eyebrow.Sam smiled, ‘She is something else isn’t she?’ Then seeing Paula’s face he quickly asked, ‘Anymore coffee going?’‘Mmm,’ she replied walking over to fix him a coffee, well aware of the smile exchanged between the two men as she opened the cupboard for a mug. She was about to ask for more details of their evening but decided it was probably best if she didn’t know. ‘Couldn’t squeeze another one out could you?’ asked Sam as Paula handed him the mug.Paula rolled her eyes and drained the remainder of the coffee into another mug. ‘That everything? Or would you like a slice of toast?’‘Well if you could…….’‘I was joking,’ she snapped.‘So was I?’ He smiled as he picked up the other mug and made to leave the kitchen.‘That it then?’ Called Paula as he disappeared through the doorway.‘Yeah,’ he called back, ‘I’ll catch you later.’‘Charming,’ she murmured under her breath as she turned to Isla, ‘See they never change, brothers are all pains in the fucking arses,’ she retorted as she grabbed a cloth and started wiping down the counter tops. How many people had made breakfast in here this morning? The place was in a right state. ‘Oh come on, I’m not that bad, you know you’ll miss me when I’m gone.’ ‘Mmm and when is that?’ Asked Isla in earnest. ‘Donno I might stick around for a bit.’ ‘Great,’ she said, a smile plastered on her face. ‘Well it’d be rude to go back without meeting my new little sister wouldn’t it? Hopefully she’ll be better than the older one.’ Isla stared at her brother in utter disbelief, what the fuck was wrong with him? They’d just had a whole conversation about this and now he’d gone and blurted it out.‘Sister?’ Questioned Paula stopping mid wipe and looking across at them. ‘Umm yeah,’ replied Theo at least looking slightly sheepish. ‘We were gonna tell you obviously,’ added Isla quickly, ‘we just didn’t know how to.’ ‘What’d you mean? How to tell me? Just tell me,’ she snapped, immediately regretting her tone, it made it seem like she cared and she didn’t. ‘Yeah I know it’s just I though you might be, well I thought….’‘Thought what?’ She asked this time levelling her tone.‘I don’t know….. It’s just a bit weird isn’t it? Dad having another kid, us having a half sister.’ ‘No not really,’ she shrugged concentrating on a particularly stubborn stain.‘See I told you she wouldn’t care,’ piped up Theo.
‘So I take it everything’s ok?’ She asked continuing to clean the countertop, glad she had something to concentrate on. ‘Yeah dad said it was all fine, he didn’t really give me many details. Just that she had a good night and they might be leaving hospital today. ‘Good night?’ Asked Paula finally looking up, ‘She was born yesterday?’ Isla nodded. Theo chuckled, ‘I wonder if dad’s broken the news to her yet?’ ‘Broken what news to who?’ Asked Sophie as she padded into the kitchen half asleep. Jesus the jet lag was really kicking in now. ‘Hey darling,’ beamed Paula, ‘We’re just wondering it Lorraine knows she’s given birth to her daughter on her partner’s ex wife’s birthday.Sophie took a moment to process the information, ‘Oh wow, what are the chances? Do you think they’ll name her after you?’ She asked with a cheeky grin as she picked up the kettle and made her way to the sink. Paula smiled, ‘Now there’s an idea,’ ‘I’ll suggest it when I visit,’ smirked Theo causing all three women to glare at him. ‘What?’ He exclaimed ‘I’m only joking.’ ‘Mmm you’re not though are you?’ Said Paula with a tilt of her head. ‘Oh come on, it’d be funny. I’d love to wipe that smug look off her face, she really is the most …..’ ‘Theo,’ warned Paula. ‘What she is.’ ‘Yes well she might be but she’s the mother of your half sister and she’s just given birth so please just play nice.’ ‘Mmm I’ll try,’ he promised with a fake smile as he got up, scraping back his chair. ‘Right I’m meeting some of the boys in a bit so I’ll see you guys later,’ he informed them as he pocketed his phone and bounded out of the kitchen. ‘Here darling let me make that,’ offered Paula rubbing her shoulders as Sophie stifled a yawn, ‘sit down you look exhausted.’Sophie blinked a few times and pushed herself off the countertop where she’d taken up position in front of the kettle. ‘Mmm cheers babe,’ she mumbled as she made to sit down across the table from Isla. ‘Jesus I could really do with going back to bed but if we don’t go and see me mum, I think she might kill me.’ Paula laughed as she set about making Sophie’s brew vaguely aware of Isla giving advice on the best way to deal with jet lag. She was only half listening, her mind preoccupied with the latest news. So Tim had finally become a dad again, she was pleased, it’s what he’d wanted for so long. She thought back to him calling the night before, had he phoned to tell her? He must have done but then for some reason he’d decided not to. She wondered if he still remembered the exact date, then smiled softly to herself, of course he remembered. She’d have been eleven this year, going off to secondary school. She closed her eyes briefly, swallowing down the lump that had formed. ‘Mum? Hey mum,’ Paula jumped, shaking herself from her thoughts.‘Babe you alright? asked Sophie looking concerned. ‘You’ve been staring into space for ages.’
She looked up and forced a smile, before clearing her throat, worried that her voice might crack. ‘Mmm fine, just a bit tired… must have been all the dancing,’ she explained.‘Yeah you do look a bit done in,’ agreed Isla as Sophie watched her carefully. Her daughter might believe she was just tired but Sophie wasn’t convinced.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

‘Hello, come in, come in,’ welcomed Sally as she held the door open for the women to enter. ‘Tim they’re here,’ she called up the stairs as the women congregated at the foot of the stairs. ‘Here Paula let me take your coat,’ she offered as Paula shrugged out of her trench coat.‘Thanks Sal,’ replied the lawyer as she handed it over.‘Oh right it’s ok mum I’ll just chuck mine on here yeah?’ Commented Sophie as she threw her coat onto the back of the sofa while Sally continued to fuss over Paula.‘Soph!’ beamed Tim as he rounded the corner of the stairs and embraced Sophie in a hug, ‘Look at you,’ he exclaimed as he held her by the shoulders, grinning. ‘Hey Tim you’re looking trim,’ greeted Paula.‘Yeah, been training, haven’t we love.’‘Have you?’ exclaimed Sophie looking at her mum.‘Well I wouldn’t say training,’‘Yes we have, we did two laps of the Red Rec the other day,’ he said proudly. ‘Good for you.’‘Yes thank you Paula. Hello it’s lovely to see you. Thank god you’re ok after all that, well all that business with the car and everything. ‘Thanks Tim.’ ‘And thank you so much for everything you did for my mum. She told me all about your visit, you completely restored her confidence. She wouldn’t have done it without you.’ ‘You don’t need to thank me,’ replied Paula brushing off Tim’s compliments. ‘She was the one who got up on that stand and did it.’‘Yeah well, I still think we owe you a lot.’

‘Shall we go through? Paula what are you drinking? I’ve got a lovely bottle of red….’ Sophie smiled as her mum directed them through to the kitchen, pleased that her mum was making an extra effort.’ They’d just settled themselves at the kitchen table when the doorbell sounded, ‘That’ll be your dad,’ stated Sally sticking her head round the fridge door. Sophie raced to the front door, she’d missed him so much. Although she’d obviously called he wasn’t that great on the phone so they hadn’t had a proper conversation in months. ‘Dad,’ she grinned.
‘Soph,’ beamed back Kevin as he embraced his daughter as soon as he got through the door. ‘I’ve missed you so much,’ he whispered into her ear as he gave her one last squeeze before letting her go.‘Me too,’ she smiled back before they joined the others round the kitchen table. ‘Sophie are you having wine or ……..’‘Think I’ll stick to water.’ ‘Got a headache darling?’ Asked Paula affectionately rubbing her arm as Sophie reclaimed the seat next to her. ‘Mmm probably just dehydrated from all the bubbles last night.’ ‘Yeah and you must be exhausted,’ chimed in Sally.‘I’m fine.’ ‘So come on then we all want to hear all about what you’ve been getting up to,’ stated Sally, ‘I hardly got to talk to you last night and I haven’t been able to get much out of Rosie.’ ‘Blimey I don’t know where to start?’ ‘The beginning,’ suggested Kevin, ‘And have you got photos?’ ‘You really wanna look at photos?’ Asked Sophie surprised her dad was taking so much interest. ‘Yes because I know yours’ll be of the sights and stuff not just hundreds of pictures of cocktails, bars and designer dresses,’ he answered taking a swig of the beer Tim had put in front of him. ‘Oi I heard that,’ called Rosie as she rounded the corner and plonked herself into the nearest chair dramatically leaning on the table and putting her head in her hands. ‘I think I’m coming down with something.’ ‘It’s called a hangover,’ muttered Kevin. ‘It isn’t. I hardly drank anything.’ ‘Yeah right,’ scoffed Sally. ‘You slept on a sofa,’ pointed out Sophie causing the others to chuckle. ‘Ok, ok maybe I am slightly hungover. Mum do you have any……..’ ‘Paracetamol? Replied Sally setting a pack on the table as if by magic. ‘Thank you,’ grinned her eldest daughter as she went to fix herself a glass of water. ‘So come on then where are these photos?’ Asked Sally dragging her chair over to squeeze herself next to Sophie. ‘We’ve got a while before the tea’s ready.’The next twenty minutes was spent perusing the girl’s photos followed by listening to all their stories while eating Sally’s surprisingly good roast. The sisters seemed to have recovered from their jet lag/ hangovers and were very entertaining as they told anecdotes from the many cities they’d visited. The others listened, amused at their bickering, wondering how the hell they’d managed not to kill each. Especially after listening to the story about Rosie falling into a swimming pool fully clothed.Although Paula laughed at the right times she hardly spoke and Sophie noticed her wine was disappearing rather quickly. She looked distracted, as though she wasn’t totally present. Maybe she just felt a bit out of place, no that wasn’t it Paula was normally good in social situations. ’Mum that was so good, I haven’t had a roast in like what months.’ ‘Glad you enjoyed it.’ ‘Yeah that was lovely thanks Sal.’ ‘Ahh thanks,’ beamed Sally. ‘Right mum you go and sit, I’ll finish washing up. And Paula you can help me dry,’ instructed Sophie wanting to get her on her own.‘What?’ Asked Paula looking across the table. Sophie knew she hadn’t been listening. ‘Help me with the washing up?’ She repeated. ‘Oh right yeah,’ she replied quickly getting to her feet. ‘You’re the guests I can do…..’ Began Sally. ‘Please just go,’ ordered Sophie grabbing her by the shoulders and walking her out of the kitchen. ‘Rosie why don’t you help and Paula can come and sit.’ ‘Oh mum I would but I have like five missed calls I need to reply to,’ pouted Rosie as she quickly fled up the stairs. ‘Typical,’ muttered Sally. ‘We’ll help,’ offered Tim as he began stacking plates. ‘No honestly it’s fine,’ said Sophie giving her dad a glare. Luckily Kevin was good at picking up on Sophie’s looks so he ushered Tim into the lounge.
Once the others were settled on the sofa and the two ladies had got into the flow of washing and drying Sophie asked, ‘Is everything alright?’ Paula took the baking tray she’s just been handed and began to wipe it dry. ‘Yeah, why’d you ask?’ ‘It’s just you’ve been quiet and I can’t help but think you’re distracted.’ ‘Oh no I’m fine, Sorry, have I been rude?’ ‘No it’s just you’ve not been yourself. Since this morning,’ she wanted to say since you heard about the baby but she didn’t want to push it. If she’d learnt anything about Paula it was that she needed time. Hopefully she’d talk when she was ready. ‘Probably just tired.’‘Ok but if there is anything you’ll tell me yeah?’
‘Yeah,’ she replied softly before the sound of feet pounding down the stairs made them both jump.
‘Oh my god I cannot believe these people,’ came Rosie’s high pitched shriek. ‘What people what’s the matter?’ Asked Sally sitting up straighter on the sofa. ‘That was my agent,’ replied Rosie, one hand on her hip the other holding out her phone. ‘He’s saying he needs me back by the end of the month or they’ll terminate my contract.’ ‘They can’t do that, can they?’ Asked Sally turning towards Paula as both the women came to see what all the fuss was about. ‘Don’t look at me. Not my area,’ replied Paula holding her hands out in front of her. ‘What did they say before you left? How long did you say you’d be gone?’Rosie pursed her lips before almost whispering, ‘Well we didn’t exactly discuss it.’ ‘Rosie did you actually tell them you were leaving?’ Asked Sophie sternly. ‘Well not exactly but there were no upcoming events, my diary was clear until the middle of next month.‘And now you do?’ Questioned Kevin. ‘Seems so.’ ‘And what does it say in your contract?’ Asked Paula ever concerned with paperwork. Rosie looked at her blankly. ‘You do have a copy of your contract?’
‘I don’t know, yeah somewhere, I think.’ ‘Rosie you can’t let them terminate your contract. You love working for them,’ pointed out Sally.‘I know but I like literally only just got here.’ ‘When do you need to leave?’‘They need me back at the latest by the 29th.’
‘That’s over a week. Plenty of time,’ exclaimed Kevin. Rosie rolled her eyes, ‘Yes but the problem is I’ve looked and there’s hardly any flights and all the ones left are mega expensive,’ she groaned flopping down onto the sofa, head in her hands. ‘Why me? I try and do something nice and it always backfires.’ There was an exchange of glances from everyone in the room before Paula spoke, ‘I might be able to help you with that,’ she said with a smile, causing Rosie to snap her head up and the others in the room to eye her expectantly. ‘Paula we can’t take your mon……’ began Sally before Paula cut her off. ‘I have a ticket….. To Singapore, leaves this Friday, It’s yours if you want it.’ ‘Oh my god babe are you serious?’ Exclaimed Rosie jumping off the sofa and giving Paula a hug causing her to take an intake of breath, her shoulders pulled up almost to her ears with the force of Rosie squeezing her. ’You have a ticket to Singapore,’ repeated Sophie when Rosie had finally put her girlfriend down. Paula turned to Sophie and smiled, ‘Yes,’ she said softly. ‘But I don’t understand,’ uttered Sophie in a state of shock. ‘I was coming to see you. After the accident I realised I couldn’t be without you,’ she said simply.
Sophie couldn’t believe what she was hearing she reached for her hand, pulling her towards her and with her other hand brushed over her cheek before she pulled her closer, her lips grazing the older brunette’s, soft and slow. ‘I love you,’ she breathed as she stroked a thumb across her cheek. It wasn’t until she heard a small cough that she remembered they had an audience and pulled away, a huge grin on her face. ‘Ahh you two are so cute, so loved up,’ gushed Rosie, looking between the two of them. ‘Paula you are definitely my favourite girlfriend.’ Paula laughed, ‘Why thanks Rosie that means a lot.’ ‘This is very generous of you Paula. Rosie will pay you back. Won’t you Rosie,’ offered Sally. ‘Please there’s no need. I’m just happy it’s being used. I’ll email you the details, you’ll just need to pay for a name change.’ ‘Thank you. When do I fly?’ ‘This Friday, think it leaves around two.’ ‘Perfect,’ beamed Rosie. ‘Honestly you have literally saved my life. I’m going to phone and give them the news.’ ‘Always manages to land on her feet that one,’ laughed Kevin as Rosie skipped from the room. ……………………………………………………………………………
‘Bloody hell why is she calling me? We literally just left,’ groaned Sophie when Rosie’s name flashed up on her phone screen. She took in a breath and answered the call. ‘It’s first class! The ticket is first bloody class,’ squealed Rosie so loudly that Paula, sitting on the other side of the cab could hear. ‘Well lucky you,’ answered back Sophie rolling her eyes at Paula while Rosie wittered on. The lawyer chuckled as Sophie spent the next five minutes trying to get her off the phone. Once she’d finally disconnected the call she turned to Paula, ‘First class hey?’ ‘Mmm well I thought I’d treat myself.’ ‘Yes treat yourself not my pain of a sister. Paula it’s too much money.’ ‘I don’t mind. She’s great and she looked after you while you were away.’ ‘She did not look after me.’ ‘No probably not,’ laughed the lawyer, ‘But she was the reason you went and I can tell you had a blast so….’ Paula shrugged. ’You’re too nice.’ ‘I’m really not,’ scoffed Paula as Sophie squeezed her hand. ‘I still can’t believe you’d decided to come and see me. You said before I left that you…..’ Paula stopped her, ‘Yes I know what I said but I missed you terribly and after nearly dying it sort of put things into perspective.’ ‘I missed you too,’ uttered Sophie their hands still entwined, Paula’s thumb brushing her knuckles. ‘But how’d you know where I was gonna be?’ ‘I was following Rosie’s instagram, knew you’d be in Singapore, figured she’d post some clues nearer the time and then I’d call you when I got there.’ ‘That’s risky, say I hadn’t picked up?’ ‘Oh I’d have tracked you down,’ she said with a smouldering look that sent a shiver through Sophie. ‘You would, would you?’ She answered cheekily.
‘Mmm,’ replied the lawyer returning the smile, ‘I can be very determined when I want to be, but now seeing as you’re here and I’ve booked three weeks leave we need to decide where we’re going to go.’
Sophie’s smile grew, ‘I’ve only just got back.’
‘Yeah but you shouldn’t be, so come on then, where do you fancy going?’ ‘You serious?’ ‘Deadly….’ Whispered Paula with that little twinkle in her eye. …………………………………………………………………………
The cab pulled into the gated driveway ten minutes later, meaning the women’s discussion on holiday destinations would need to stop for a while. Although they’d pretty much agreed that Australia would be a good bet. Neither of them had been and Paula was even talking about extending her leave. What the hell had happened to the workaholic Sophie had left behind? ‘I really hope everyone’s out,’ revealed Paula with a sigh as she stepped through the porch and turned the key in the main door, ‘I just want to snuggle up on the sofa just us two and…….’ ‘YOU ARE A FUCKING PRICK,’ yelled Abi as she collided with Paula as they both met in the doorway, causing the brunette to take a sudden step backwards. ‘Whoa, hey what the……..’ began Sophie as Paula stumbled into her.‘Oh fuck sorry, I…. Are you….. Are you ok?’ ‘Yeah I’m fine, but what the hell’s happened?’ ‘Ask your brother,’ snapped Abi as she moved through the porch to open the outer door.‘I’m asking you.’ ‘Yeah well I’ve gotta get the twins,’ she stated, rummaging around in her bag. ‘Look Paula I can’t stop, I’m really late yeah, we’ll catch up soon though. I’ll call ya,’ she promised leaving Sophie and Paula staring after her. ‘Well looks like our quiet evening’s gonna need a rain check,’ sighed Paula as they both made there way inside. ‘I need to go and talk to Sam.’ ‘I’ll make us some coffee, yeah?’ ‘Yeah but before you do that…..’ ‘Mmmm,’ replied Sophie, knowing by the tone of her voice that she wanted her to do something she probably didn’t wanna do. ’Can you see if Kate’s around? I promised Isla you’d have a chat with her, remember.’ ‘Yes I remember,’ replied Sophie reluctantly. She was pretty sure Kate wouldn’t want her banging on and saying the same thing everyone else had been telling her over the last few months. ‘Oh Soph come on, she’s having a really tough time. I think you could really help her.’ ‘I don’t see how, but seeing as you asked so nicely I will,’ she said as she gave her a gentle kiss on her nose. ‘See you in a bit’ ……………………………………………………………………………..
‘Are you fucking serious?’ Fumed Paula. ‘Yeah, look I’m sorry about your friend? but this was important.’ My friend, Jesus you can’t even remember her name can you?’ ‘Ally? Or something.’ ‘Un-fucking-believable,’ groaned Paula running a hand through her hair. ‘I don’t see what the big deal is? We had a good night.’ ‘Don’t see what the problem is? She caught you talking to your wife over face time about her having a baby - after you’d just spent the night with her. How fucking insensitive can you be?’ ‘I didn’t know she was there. I didn’t say anything bad.’ ‘You told ABI you were separated.’‘We sort of are and aren’t you gonna congratulate me?’ ‘I think you need to look after the kids you do have before creating any more,’ snapped Paula. ‘I provide for my kids,’ shot back Sam.‘I don’t mean throwing money at them, I mean actually being a dad. Seeing them would be a good start.’ ‘Yeah well it’s hard, you know what it’s like - always working.’ Paula gritted her teeth, how dare he compare her to him. ‘I have always been here for Isla and Theo.’ ‘You sure about that?’ He scoffed. Paula took a deep breath, she was not gonna do this. Not with her kids here. Not with Sophie here. ‘I want you to leave.’ ‘Oh come on Paul don’t be like this. I want to spend some time with you. What I did to Abi was pretty shitty, I’ll apologise and I will really try this time to be a good dad.’ ‘Why don’t you try being a good dad to the kids you’ve got yeah? Three of them only live an hour away. I suggest you go and visit them and you can come back and see us another time,’ she ordered before leaving the room in search of Sophie. …………………………………………………………………………..
‘Right that’s him gone,’ announced Paula as she walked back into the living room to join Sophie again on the sofa. ‘Probably be another three years before I see him again.’ ‘I can’t believe he’s got seven kids.’ ‘Mmm, well it’s easy for men, they can just fuck off,’ declared Paula, settling onto the sofa, folding her legs underneath her and picking up her coffee cup. She clearly wasn’t impressed by her brother’s behaviour. ‘So you were saying about Kate.’ Right that’s that conversation finished then thought Sophie as she watched Paula carefully. Apart from the brief moment of happiness in the cab earlier she still wasn’t herself. ‘Oh right yeah, so seems like she’s had some good news. Her sister’s back from uni, the one 18 months younger, I’ve forgotten her name. Anyway apparently she is fuming with her mum, not taking to her. She’s meeting Kate tomorrow, bringing her brother and sister. I said they could come back here if they wanted. I hope that’s ok?’‘Mmm yeah that’s fine,’ said Paula simply adding a small smile. Well this wasn’t the reaction she was expecting. Paula had gone on and on about how upset Kate had been and how worried she was about her and now Sophie had given her some positive news it was like she wasn’t bothered.‘Paula this is good news. Hopefully this sister can get through to her mum and if she has the backing of her siblings then surely that’ll help. She was so excited to be seeing them all.’ Paula blinked a few times as if bringing herself back into the room. ‘Yeah sorry you’re right, it’s really good, I really am so pleased…… Sorry do you mind if we have an early night. I’m so tired.’‘Yeah babe that’s fine. I could do with one too. Come on you,’ she ordered taking her hands and pulling her to her feet. ………………………………………………………………………………
Sophie’s eyes flickered open, how long had she been asleep? And where was Paula? She normally played the part of big spoon but Sophie’s back was cold, she wasn’t in her usual place pressed up behind her. She lay still….. Was that? She stayed still and listened. She could here faint sniffles followed by small stuttered intakes of breath - Paula was crying.
Sophie turned slowly so she was facing Paula’s back. God why did the bed have to be so bloody big. She watched her back, could see her shoulders rise and fall. She moved gently over to the other side of the bed. Paula had moved so far away from her she was practically on the bedside table, ‘Hey you ok?’ She asked softly as one arm slid around her waist. Paula drew in two quick breaths, bought a hand up to her face to wipe away a tear, then down to touch her lovers hand. ‘Not really,’ she whispered.
‘Ready to talk about it?’ Paula’s shoulders heaved again as she took in a breath. ‘It’s just this time of year’s hard,’ she choked.
‘Ok,’ said Sophie as she softly stroked her thumb over Paula’s hand. Her head racing with thoughts, was this the anniversary of when she…. Sophie couldn’t bring herself to even think about it. ‘I was pregnant again….. After Theo,’ said Paula suddenly, her voice just above a whisper. ‘Ok,’ replied Sophie still rubbing her hand. So she’d been right the news about the birth had triggered something. They lay in silence for a minute or so, Sophie giving her time to gather her thoughts.
‘The baby, She….. She didn’t survive.’Sophie’s heart sank, ‘Babe I’m so sorry…..’ ‘Don’t……. Don’t say that, don’t feel bad for me.’ ‘I….. Paula….. Why not? I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been.’ ‘It was my fault,’ she said, louder this time. ‘No babe, hey don’t say that. These things happen. I’m sure you couldn’t have done anything differently.’‘I didn’t want her. I didn’t want another baby.’
‘Ok,’ said Sophie softly, not knowing what else to say. ‘I went for a termination….. But I didn’t go through with it, I couldn’t,’ she added quickly, stumbling over the words.’‘Take your time, it’s ok….’ Soothed Sophie. They lay again for a minute or so in silence, Paula still facing away from her. ‘I don’t need to know. If it’s too painful.’‘I want to tell you,’ she sniffed and took a deep breath. ‘Today you were right, I haven’t been myself. Hearing the news about the baby, it brought it all back. I came home from the clinic and told Tim what I’d nearly done. I hadn’t told him when I did the test. I didn’t want another baby but I was further along than I’d realised, 13 weeks. I couldn’t do it.’ Sophie could feel Paula shaking, ‘It’s ok, there’s no judgment here.’ Paula smiled softly into the darkness. ‘We talked all night. We decided to keep it, well there wasn’t really any other option. Tim was so excited, he’d always wanted a third and he made it sound so simple. In the end it was all planned, we’d even discussed me taking a full year maternity. I’d only taken six months with Isla and Theo. I actually began to get quite excited, thinking about everything I’d do differently this time around.The 20 week scan was on my 39th birthday. We planned on taking the kids out and telling them the news…..’ Paula stopped talking and took a long shaky breath. Sophie had an idea what was coming, she squeezed Paula’s hand. ‘It’s ok,’‘They couldn’t find a heartbeat,’ she whispered before biting her lip, the tears falling as she turned to Sophie, burying her head in the crook of her neck. Sophie held her as she cried, gently stroking her hair. ‘I’m so sorry you had to go through that, I can’t imagine how devastating hearing that news would have been.’ The women stayed that way for a while until Paula’s tears subsided and her breathing slowly returned to its normal rate. She pulled away from Sophie rubbing her index fingers under both eyes. ‘Yeah it was….. I can still remember everything about that moment, the sonographer’s face when she said she needed a second opinion, the way Tim broke down, the numb feeling, the guilt. It took a long time to get over it….. well not that you ever really do but you know what I mean…..’Sophie nodded. ‘Tim waited six months, gave me time, until he bought it up. He wanted to try again. I didn’t. I didn’t want another baby and he just couldn’t understand why. That was when our marriage was over. I know that now. I think he thought he could change my mind but I threw myself into work. I got another promotion, having a baby was the last thing I wanted. I know he resented me,’ she added sadly, ‘but it’s not what I wanted……. This morning hearing the news though, it was hard, especially the date…… Funny how things turn out.’‘Yeah,’ agreed Sophie before they lay silently for a while, arms and legs entwined. ‘Thanks for telling me.’ ‘Thank you for listening,’ whispered Paula resting her forehead against Sophie’s. ‘Always,’ she whispered back as their lips met, slow and tender at first then more passionate as the kiss deepened, but
just as hands started to explore, Paula pulled back, Sophie looked at her, ‘I’m sorry I shouldn’t have, we should stop.’ ‘No, god no,’ exclaimed the lawyer, ‘I don’t want to stop, it’s just I want to say…… before I get carried away, not that there’s any rush…… But in the future…. when you’re ready…..’ ‘What?’ urged Sophie, she’d never known Paula stumble over her words so much. She took a deep breath, ‘I just want you to know, that I don’t feel like that anymore.’ ‘Like what?’ Asked Sophie not understanding. ‘Like I don’t want a baby,’ blurted out the lawyer.
Sophie took a moment to process what she’d just said. ‘So… you…. do….. want…. a….. baby?’ She asked drawing out each word. Paula gave a soft, low chuckle, ‘Yes, well obviously you’ll have the baby, I mean I can’t even have a baby, but I’d like us to raise a baby together. Be mums together. I could be more involved this time, not work so much, do bedtimes……’ Paula stopped and took a breath, shit she was jabbering. ‘I’m sorry that didn’t come out quite as I’d planned it in my head.’ Sophie smiled and bought her hand up to brush away a few stands of hair that had fallen over Paula’s cheek. ‘Darling please say something, I’m sorry if I’m not making much sense, I just wanted you to know that I feel differently now and obviously I don’t mean we need to rush into anything straight away and if you don’t want to then it’s …….’ Paula’s rambling was stopped by Sophie’s lips crashing down on hers, this time full of power and passion. ‘Are you kidding I’d love nothing more than to have a family with you,’ she answered when their lips finally parted. ‘Really?’ Replied Paula the biggest grin plastered across her face. ‘Yes really, literally this is the best thing you could have ever said. You know how much I want kids.’ ‘Yes I know but I wasn’t sure you’d want them with me.’ ‘Who else am I gonna bloody well want them with?’ Paula shrugged slightly, before pulling her in for another kiss. ‘I love you Sophie Webster.’ ‘And I love you Paula Martin,’ she grinned back before snuggling into her arms. Both women sighing contentedly before the younger brunette drew her head up to gaze at her lover. ‘Although there’s one thing we’re gonna need to do before we have any kids.’ ‘What’s that then?’ Asked the lawyer twirling a strand of Sophie’s hair around her finger. ‘Well I’m not having Kids out of wedlock,’ replied Sophie with a cheeky grin. ‘Oh wow you wanna go traditional?’ Grinned Paula thinking she couldn’t remember a time when she’d been this happy. Bloody hell she’d been curled up crying not ten minutes ago and now she was planning the rest of her life with this amazing woman - her soul mate.

‘Yes.Yes I do,’ declared Sophie gazing into Paula’s eyes, giddy with excitement at the realisation of spending her life with this incredible woman.The End