Delicious (A Rumour Mill Novel) (19 page)

           
After
the win Amanda sent Guy an email. She praised Guy on his win and offered him a
holiday on a famous Hollywood director’s yacht. They sail the Mediterranean for
ten days before going their separate ways when the boat docked in Cyprus. Guy took
it.

Guy knew with
Amanda’s busy film schedule that it might be a long time before they saw one
another again. Amanda’s on her way to Greece for filming and when filming
complete, she’s to return stateside. Amanda had no interest in visiting England
and preferred not to visit. Only a handful of close people knew that shy, meek,
English rose, Amanda Rowling was Hollywood minx, Amanda Priestley.

           
The
ten days they spent on the yacht were wonderful. It kept Guy’s mind off of the
game, Darren and occasionally Grace. When the boat docked in Cyprus and Guy
retreated to his private villa, his thoughts on Grace started to get the best
of him. After a few days Guy itched to return home to focus on the next Premier
season.

           
For
Guy living without Grace in his life was sheer torture. He missed Grace and
wanted her back very much. He would have done anything to have her back.

           
Gemma ruined it all. Gemma and sneaky
Tamzin, that bitch!
Guy thought bitterly as he placed his Louis Vuitton
luggage in his bedroom. He wanted to explain to Grace all that happened and
Gemma’s delusional. Instead Gemma decided to dig nails deeper into Guy, nearly
ruining him with a life changing scandal.

Four months after Darren’s
wedding, Gemma called Guy profusely. When Gemma didn’t receive a response, she
contacted Guy’s solicitor with evidence supporting their affair. Gemma told his
solicitor she’s pregnant with his child. She wanted Guy to pay an exorbitant
amount of money to buy her silence. Guy refused. Gemma didn’t get a pay out,
she went to the nearest private clinic for an abortion. Gemma sold the story to
Rumour Mill
stating she miscarried
the baby. Guy was in the dark regarding the truth.

Shell-shocked by
Gemma’s scandal, ‘
I know I never got her
pregnant! I know I didn’t sleep with her!
’ Guy insisted to his public
relations agent, solicitors and teammates. It was too late. Damage been done.

A new football
season began, Guy worked hard. He threw all his anger into exercising and
focusing on his game on pitch. Overnight Guy became a star player. In skill he
surpassed Darren and many others. People began buying Guy’s football shirt with
his number. Football punters chanted Guy’s name during the games, praising him
each and every goal.

In personal life Guy
didn’t bother going out or socialising. When he was invited to parties Guy declined.
When Guy played away games he went back to his hotel alone. When he had time
off Guy went to the gym or run laps. The only thing he wanted was Grace and he
couldn’t have her.

Many nights passed
by with Guy falling into restless sleep. He’d descend in dreams about Grace and
only Grace. He dreamt of her beauty, her smile, the way her eyes glinted, the
way her skin glistened during sex and taste,
oh god, her taste
. The cruel part of it all was waking up to a cold
empty space next to him.
It’s where she
should be!
He looked at his bed. Guy longed for Grace to be there to greet
him. Guy scowled in thought that it could never be,
at least not for now
.

Guy closed the
door to his bedroom. He padded down the hall to his study. Guy rifled through the
post left on his desk. He pressed voicemail button to his landline to listen to
his messages.

The first few
messages were from his accountants, agents with multimillion pound trade
offers, the drycleaners, Wendy his housekeeper leaving her schedule and one
from his sports doctor requesting to see him after his holiday. As Guy sat down
opening his mail, the final message began to play. At first was the sound of
heavy breathing. It was followed by a familiar voice filled with panic, it was
Darren.

“Guy, it’s me,
Darren. I need your help. I’m in a world of shite and it’s about to hit the
fan. Call me at 02015556791. It’s an emergency.”

The message ended.
Dread and despair washed over Guy. Since the pregnancy scandal Darren and Guy
stopped speaking to each other. It was for the best.

At Darren and Tamzin’s’
Kensington town home, Tamzin decided to hold crisis talks. Tamzin insisted Guy
make an honest woman out of Gemma by marrying her and having the baby. Guy
accused Tamzin of setting the whole thing up. Guy told them he believed Tamzin coerced
with Gemma on ruining him. Tamzin, not one to be called a liar, slapped Guy hard
across the face. It was that moment Guy turned to Darren and said
‘I’ll never speak or see you again as long
as you’re married to that bitch!’

Guy kept his word.
It made his life easier not speaking to Darren. Guy changed his Vodafone mobile
number, but kept his home number the same in case of an emergency.

This must be an emergency. Something horrible must’ve happened to
Darren.
A feeling befell Guy. Icy shivers ran up
and down his spine. Guy sensed his brother was in more trouble than he can
handle.

♥

The day the London Lions won the English Premier
was the day Tamzin put her plan in action. Out of all the teams to be pitted
against one another it had to be the Lions and the Heat. It was truly a match
for the ages and one to be spoken of for years to come.

           
After
the shocking loss Darren, head hung in shame, didn’t want to face the cameras
and media hounding him outside of the stadium. Darren couldn’t believe he lost
the game to his former teammate, best friend and half-brother.

           
‘
Darren’s a disgrace to football!’
Sky sports
correspondent commented. The loss seen as a major failure for Darren’s career
and the successful catapult of Guy’s career. It was Guy’s winning goal that
secured Guy’s position as new footie golden-boy. For Tamzin this news was
horrible and worse nightmare. It meant the loss of major endorsements, fan-base
and telly reality show on the brink of not being renewed for another season.

           
For
the cameras Tamzin acted like a dutiful wife. She held Darren’s hand as they
were escorted to their car. She smiled and waved. She remained cool and
composed. Once they were behind the polished black door of their town home Tamzin
unleashed hell. She called Darren all sorts of names, belittled his manhood and
demanded a divorce. Darren sparred with his own choice of words and told her
she’s being a tad overly dramatic. Darren cracked open a bottle of Ketel One vodka
to drink. It annoyed Tamzin. She threw a glass tumbler at Darren’s head,
missing him and it shattered on the cabinet behind him. Darren didn’t flinch,
so she stormed off to call her father.

           
A
day later Tamzin joined her father for lunch at Mayfair Bar. William wasn’t in
the mood for eating but he knew he had to eat regardless if he lost hundreds of
thousands of pounds on the English Premier game. Tamzin sauntered into the
Mayfair Bar dressed in silk chiffon bree printed Diane von Furstenberg dress.
Her blonde hair styled in a large bun. She wore Graff gold hoop earrings and
pair of large oversize sunglasses. William rose from his chair and kissed his
princess on the cheek.

           
Whilst
they waited for their meals William and Tamzin discussed general matters.
William insisted Darren’s of no longer use to Tamzin or himself for that matter.
Tamzin agreed with her father. Tamzin spoke about her alternatives and whether
she’d receive a hefty settlement out of their divorce.

In the middle of
lunch William dug into his breast pocket to reveal the silver sleek USB memory
stick to Tamzin. It was the same memory stick he’d shown Tamzin right before
the wedding. Tamzin looked up from her plate of nicoise salad with seared
yellow fin tuna and quail eggs.

           
“What’s
on this memory stick?” Tamzin questioned.

           
“I
told you, it’s your insurance policy.” William devilishly replied. Tamzin toyed
with the stick in her hand.
 
She looked
at it in curiosity and wondered what was on the stick that will secure her
financial well-being.

           
“Keep
it safe, princess. This is your one way ticket to the pot of gold at the end of
a rainbow. I promise you, Darren won’t be in the picture. I want you to set
your sights on another man, someone with clout and more money.” William
growled.

           
“There’s
no one, daddy. Everyone’s taken. Nobody earns the kind of money that Darren
earns. ” Tamzin whined.

           
Tamzin
slipped the memory-stick into clutch. She reached for her glass of pinot
grigio.

           
“Yes,
there is. There’s only one man who is perfect for you. It’s Guy Rowling.”
William answered sternly.

           
Tamzin
choked on her wine and gulped hard. It stung her throat like bee sting.
We hate each other like sworn enemies! Hell needs
to freeze over in order for Guy to consider me as a potential wife much less a
girlfriend.

           
Tamzin
listened intently to her father’s plan. To her, the plan was far-fetched, but
worth a shot.

           
Later
that night as Darren slept off his hangover, Tamzin, with memory stick in hand,
snuck into the study. She slipped the stick into his iMac and moved the mouse
over links. Tamzin came to a file and opened it.
 
The screen went blank.

           
A
video popped up on the iMac screen. Tamzin pressed play. She recognised the
champagne room at Cherries. Tamzin saw Darren watching a black woman on the
stripper pole. Darren pulled the woman down to his lap to kiss and fondle her.
Tamzin groaned. She knew it wasn’t grounds for divorce as it happened before
the wedding. But what happened next was unexpected.

The film showed
Darren ripping off the woman’s bikini bottom. They had rough unprotected sex.
Tamzin thought the woman was being raped, but quickly changed her mind when she
saw the woman enjoying herself. There were more sex acts and more vulgar shots
before the screen went blank.

           
Another
video came up. This time the camera was in a handbag. It was in an unknown pub.
Darren and the woman from the prior video came into view. They greeted each
other with a polite handshake. Darren sat down across from the woman.

           
“Darren,
I’m sorry I brought you here. I thought it best to tell you as I’ve been
keeping this secret for so long. A few months ago I gave birth to your son,
Max.” the woman said.

           
Darren’s
reaction was one of surprise, shock and denial. He didn’t deny their sexual
encounter, but he did deny the child and insisted on a DNA test to prove the
child was his. She agreed and the video concluded. Tamzin shook with rage.

           
Another
video screen popped up. This time the scene was in a flat. Darren held a baby
in his arms. The baby was about six months old. Darren looked over the moon. He
seemed delighted, but nervous.

           
“I’m
sorry for you having to find out this way. I hope you take care of Max.” the
woman said.

           
Before
the video end, Darren promised the woman to take care of his son and the woman.

           
Tamzin
had all the ammunition she needed in securing a full settlement divorce from
Darren. Now all she needed was Guy Rowling as rich husband number two.

♥

n the Northern Line, an exhausted Grace
emerged from Tooting Bec station. It was a long day. Grace felt achingly tired.
Sweltering heat, humidity and the sardine packed commute made Grace want time
to fly by. She couldn’t wait to get home for a shower, change and relax.
Alistair was in tonight and he was barbequing a meal.

           
Alistair
reached Grace on her mobile as she left Top Shop. Alistair informed Grace not
to worry about dinner as he’s hosting an impromptu celebration. He told Grace a
surprise guest was waiting for her in his flat. Grace begged Alistair to tell
her, but he kept mum. She looked forward to unwinding in good company, great
food and delicious wine. Grace wondered who the guest was waiting for her in
Alistair’s flat.

           
Grace
sped walk home. Along Tooting Bec High Street, she walked pass store fronts,
fish and chip shop, and the post office. Grace turned on Victoria Road, made a
left onto Spencer Street and down to her Victorian home. Grace unlocked the
front door and hurried inside.

           
Grace
had a cool refreshing shower. She dressed in a new floral maxi summer dress.
She tousled her long caramel hair with fresh high-low lights, sprayed some
Escada perfume and applied a shimmery M.A.C lip-gloss.

Dressed and
looking lovely, Grace went to her kitchen to make pitchers of Pimms and
mojitos. She left the flat through her garden door with pitchers in hand.
Alistair was firing up the grill and Philippe was setting up lawn chairs,
tables and fairy lights.

           
“Grace!
How was your day darling?” Alistair cooed.

           
Grace
placed the pitchers on a table that was a makeshift bar.

           
“It
was good. Busy as usual.” she replied as she air-kissed Alistair and Philippe.

           
“Love,
you need a holiday abroad. Stop working so hard. You’ve got a great staff. Let
them have control of the business. I know it’s your life, but you need to
live.” Alistair advised with a wink. “Ooo...look. Here comes your surprise
now.”

           
Walking
down Alistair’s patio spiral staircase was Trevor. He looked suntanned and
well-rested. He held trays of marinated meats and kebabs. The sight of Trevor astonished
Grace. It was unexpected. Grace thought Trevor was in Spain filming his new
telly show.

           
“Hello
Grace.” Trevor greeted warmly. He handed Alistair the trays before kissing
Grace on the cheek. Trevor barely grazed her lips.

           
“I
thought you were in Barcelona filming a new show?!” exclaimed a stunned Grace.

           
“I
was in Barcelona, but I need a break from it all. I came back to London to
unwind.” smiling Trevor replied.

           
The truth is Grace I need a break from a
small incident with a prostitute.
But Trevor didn’t say what he was
thinking. He came back to have his solicitors sort out the mess.
 
Trevor didn’t want the prostitute pursuing
charges against him. Spanish police were breathing down Trevor’s neck. He
wanted solicitors to buy them off. Trevor was to see his public relations
manager on retrieving incriminating photographs.
God forbid those get out in the public! My life will be ruined!
Trevor decided he was willing to pay any price to keep the scandal out of
Rumour Mill
and other media.

           
During
his flight, Trevor felt stress simmer in his stomach. He wanted to see Grace.
He needed to see her.
She’s such a tease!
If Grace gave into me, I would’ve never done what I did.
Even that’s a lie
he was telling himself.
My appetite is
insatiable!

           
As
the plane taxied into Heathrow’s and against aviation rules Trevor called
Grace. When he didn’t receive an answer on her mobile Trevor tried her at the
bakery. Mark told him Grace left for the day. Next was the flat. Surprisingly
Alistair answered the phone.

           
Alistair
had a copy of Grace’s key to the flat. He’d collect Grace’s post or packages
and would bring it into her flat. As usual Alistair answered the phone assuming
it to be Cat or Corrie, but instead it was Trevor. Trevor explained he wanted to
see Grace and wondered about stopping in for a visit. Alistair invited him to
the barbeque on Trevor’s condition of keeping it a surprise.

           
“Welcome
and I hope you enjoy.” Grace replied coolly.

           
Grace
noticed a few friends coming through garden gate. She politely excused herself
and went off to greet them.

           
As
much as Grace was coming around to Trevor, she still felt uneasy. Trevor acted
warm, friendly and attentive. Yet Grace felt something was amiss. They did
socialise in public settings, but Trevor never came to her home and Grace would
rather not have him there. She was perturbed by it all.
I’m going to have a word with Alistair about it. Now’s not the time.

           
Drinks
flowed freely and meal of kebabs, steak and salad filled the bellies of all who
attended the barbeque. Music by BBC One, Essential Selection by Pete Tong
played from loud speakers. It was a party atmosphere that Grace enjoyed. She
mingled with the guests, laughed at jokes and conversed. Trevor watched Grace
closely. He noted how she flirted and played coy.
It drives me mad!
Trevor joined Grace in a few conversations, but
she acted aloof. Out of the blue Alistair tapped his glass with fork. Philippe
lowered the music.

           
“Everyone
hush for a moment. Alistair wants to make an announcement.” Philippe shouted
over incessant chatter.

           
The
crowd quieted down and turned their attention to the couple. As Grace looked
over to Alistair and Philippe, she noticed Trevor drinking wine whilst staring
at her. Grace looked away quickly. The stare made her edgy.

           
“Friends
and family, Philippe and I want to thank you for today. We appreciate you
coming and celebrating with us on a very special day. After years of travelling,
never settling down, this morning I asked Philippe to marry me. He said yes!
Finally I, a wild single fox, decided to take the plunge and marry. Philippe is
my best friend, soul-mate and wonderful lover. I can’t imagine life without
Philippe.” Alistair announced.

           
There
was a loud round of applause and gasps of shock. Everyone knew Alistair wasn’t
one to settle, so this came as a pleasant surprise.

           
“Congratulations!”
people cried running to the couple.

           
Grace
was shocked by the sudden announcement.
Alistair
never mentioned he was getting married and probably thought it best to keep it
a secret because he might not go through with it
. She weaved a way through
the crowd to congratulate Alistair and Philippe on their engagement.

           
“Grace,
can you get the bottles of bubbly I placed in the fridge?” Alistair asked after
Grace congratulated them.

           
“Yes.
I’ll be back.” Grace replied. Trevor overheard, swiftly jumping at the chance
to be alone with Grace.

           
“I’ll
help you, champagne can be heavy.” Trevor said.

           
On
Grace’s heels, Trevor followed her into her flat. Grace opened the fridge door.
Grace pulled out Veuve Clicquot bottles and hand them off to Trevor. Trevor
placed them on the counter and turned his body to her. Grace closed the fridge.
Trevor was inching closer to Grace. He was in her personal space.

           
“It’d
be great to see you get married Grace.” Trevor began. “But you’ve got to let a
true man into your life.”

           
Grace
wanted to scurry away from Trevor. Instead Grace felt as her back was pinned to
the fridge like a magnet. He looked down at her eyes. Trevor’s gaze was deeply
intense. To Grace he looked like a man possessed. He cupped her face to bring Grace’s
lips to his. Trevor kissed Grace. Grace felt Trevor’s cold smoking tongue that
she detested. Trevor pressed his body into Grace, his hardness growing. Grace
pushed him away.

           
“Trevor,
not now, please. I’ve got to bring these bottles to Alistair.” Grace managed to
say.

           
“You
can spare a few minutes with me. We’ve been at this for a year and a half. You
continue to shut me out for no reason. Don’t you like me?” Trevor implored. His
eyes searched hers.

           
Grace
didn’t know what to say. Her mind was shouting at her that she shouldn’t have
responded to his kiss.
It isn’t fair to
him. I can’t keep holding out. Maybe I should give him a chance.

           
Trevor
saw Grace relaxing slowly. He decided to seize the moment.
I don’t care what Grace wants, I just want her for sex. I want her
screaming in torture and pain. I want her crying and begging for mercy.

Once Trevor had his
way with her he planned on breaking Grace’s heart. He hoped to scar her deeply.
Trevor’s wanted to be a constant reminder to Grace of what a cock tease
deserves when they don’t give into him. He took her hand drawing her into the
lounge.

Trevor closed the
kitchen door to ensure no interruptions.
 
As soon as he was sure no one’s to disturb them, Trevor sat down on the
couch, bringing Grace into his lap.

           
Trevor
kissed her again. This time Grace tried responding warmly. But Grace’s mind was
on Guy smiling and standing in the river Wye. She tried to push the thought
into the deepest recess of her mind. Guy kept resurfacing.

           
Trevor
slowly traced his fingers along the nape of Grace’s neck. He brought his
fingers down to the top of her sleeveless sundress. Trevor wanted her now.
It’s my chance since everyone’s outside
.

Grace shifted her
weight. Her heart skipped a beat.
This
isn’t right. I don’t feel anything for Trevor.

           
“Stop!”
Grace said forcefully. She stood up. “I can’t do this Trevor. I’m sorry. I
don’t see us together.”

           
Quickly
Trevor rose to his feet. His rage exploded like an uncontrolled fire. Red
flashed before his eyes.
This cock tease
isn’t going to get away with this any longer!
Trevor couldn’t recall
meeting anyone as provocatively provoking like Grace.

Trevor swung his
palm high up in the air. He landed a stinging slap across Grace’s cheek. Grace
tumbled falling over her coffee table. Her body crashed on the floor. In
excruciating pain Grace moved her palm to her cheek in hopes of soothing it.
She tried fleeing by crawling on backwards. Grace’s voice choked in panic. Horrified
Grace watched Trevor silently unbuckle his belt.
 
Grace couldn’t scream
.

If this bitch isn’t going to let me have her, I’ll just take her!
Trevor angrily thought.

The kitchen door swung
open. Alistair stood in threshold, shocked to see Grace on the floor and Trevor
hovering above her with his trousers around his ankles.

“Grace!” Alistair
shouted.

Alistair ran to
Grace’s aid. Rapidly Trevor dressed himself.

“What the fuck is
going on?!” wildly Alistair exclaimed.

Baffled Trevor didn’t
utter a word. He ran out of the flat slamming the door behind him.

Alistair lifted
Grace into his arms. He placed her down on the couch. Grace sobbed as Alistair
moved her hand away to look at her face. A large reddish purple bruise made its
appearance on her cheek.

“Oh my god! What
happened here, Grace?” Alistair asked.

“Trevor, he tried
to kiss me. I tried to respond in the same way. But...but...I couldn’t. I told
him no. He became angry and he hit me across the face. It was unexpected.
 
I think Trevor wanted to rape me.” Grace
rambled through her sobs.

Alistair held
Grace in his arms. She was shaking like a leaf in wind with fear.
I trusted him! I looked up to him! That
trust is violated.
Philippe appeared, unaware of the incident.

“Where’s the
bubbly?” Philippe asked. As soon as Philippe saw the look on Alistair’s face
and Grace in shambles, he knew something went wrong.

           
“Go
in the fridge. Grab me a bag of peas.” Alistair ordered.

           
Philippe
did as he was told. Quickly he returned with bag of peas in hand. Alistair
placed the cold bag of peas onto Grace’s cheek to ease the swelling.

           
“I’ll
sort out the guests. I’ll ask them to leave. Besides it’s late.” Philippe said
looking at Grace. He saw whatever happened must have been severe. Alistair
looked beyond rage.