The Bow Wow Club (23 page)

– Chapter Seventy-Seven –

‘Bugger!’ Michael couldn’t find his glasses anywhere. He was always mislaying them. He hated putting contacts in but he would have to as he couldn’t possibly write without them. He was feeling tetchy for not smoking and also because he so couldn’t wait to talk to Ruby.

Seeing Margaret had made it worse in a way, made him feel closer to Ruby by association.

He clicked open his laptop. Barney sighed heavily on the floor by his feet.

Let Love Win by Michael Bell

Chapter 29:
Michael didn’t know why he hadn’t thought of a letter before. So much easier than dealing with the sexy feisty red-headed Ruby face-to-face. She could sit and read it quietly. In fact, he remembered her showing him the letters that Lucas had written when he had left her
Daffodils
in his will. She had been touched by them. Let’s hope she would feel the same about his. Maybe now this would be it? She would come to her senses and love would win.

Michael cringed as he heard the back door slam. ‘I’m home, Pooky - and guess what the mumsy wumsy-to-be has got to show you?’

Emily swanned into the study. ‘Just look, more of that delicious lacy underwear - your favourite. Shall I?’

Michael was just thinking that he quite fancied a shag.

‘You shall - and make sure you wear it with those red four-inch stilettos of yours.’

‘Come on, big boy, come on - let me ride you harder.’ Emily pounded down on Michael. Despite her now pendulous pregnant breasts bouncing in front of his eyes, he shut them.

‘Oh Justin!’ Emily cried out as she came. Michael sat bolt upright and pushed her off of him a little too roughly. ‘Justin? Who the fuck is Justin?’

‘Er… I was just listening to Justin Timberlake’s new single in the car, must have been on my mind. I mean, how hot is he?’

‘Hah! Yes, of course. Justin Timberlake.’ Michael got up off the bed and pulled on his dressing-gown. ‘How silly of me not to think that.’ He had fire in his eyes. ‘Not Justin - my best mate Justin - then? Nah, of course it wouldn’t be, couldn’t be. My darling sweet little Emily fucking MY BEST MATE!’ he shouted as loud as his voice would allow.

Michael had to stop typing and get up and go to the loo. With the sudden memory of his best mate doing the dirty with Emily in real life, his sexual tingle from writing the sex scene had completely gone.

He just had to get over it. And he hoped by changing his mind and putting it earlier in the novel, this might help him. It wasn’t the fact that he wanted Emily back, just the betrayal by his best mate and the actual moment when he caught them at it. It was just so hard to bear. He couldn’t even relive the actual scenario in his novel, it would have hurt too much.

He snapped his laptop shut. His head wouldn’t allow him to write any more today. He could tell Emily what a slag she was in Chapter 30. She would end up as a single parent with no money as her parents would disown her and Justin would have already moved on to the next best not pregnant young thing. Her selfish heart would be broken and he would live happily ever after with Ruby.
The End.

He took a deep breath and thought of Ruby. Pretty, vibrant, funny, kind, sexy Ruby. Oh, how he loved that girl.

He didn’t know exactly when she would be back but guessed it must be around now. Surely Margaret had given her the letter? What if she didn’t want to call him? What if she had got over him? After all, he had been a complete dick when he turned up at the Bow Wow. Maybe she was still seeing matey boy dead husband look-a-like? Maybe she had even gone away with him? He began to feel angry and sad at the same time. If love was going to win, it was taking its bloody time to get to the finishing line.

He got up to fill the kettle when there was a knock at the door. Barney sat up and began to bark loudly. Strange. Only a handful of people knew where he lived. Opening it tentatively, he saw who it was and a frown crossed his face.

‘Justin?’

‘Micky boy.’

Michael couldn’t manage any sort of noise. It was actually a comfort to see his best mate, but he also wanted to punch him right in the face.

His friend stood in the doorway as tall as his five foot eleven frame would allow. ‘Fancy a pint, mate?’

The big man nodded slowly.

– Chapter Seventy-Eight –

Ruby and Nick were puffing hard as they walked up Skiddaw. The colours, sights and sounds of the bright summer morning touched each of their senses. The scenery all around them really was quite breathtaking.

‘I thought I was fit,’ Nick panted.

‘You are that.’ Ruby poked him in the ribs.

‘I can’t believe you got me up so early,’ he grumbled. ‘And with a hangover too.’

‘But look around you: it was so worth it, wasn’t it?’

‘Yeah. It’s stunning, Ruby.’

‘Here.’ She took his hand. ‘Just look.’

The views over Derwentwater were simply breathtaking. The sun warmed their faces. Birdsong filled the air. It was a perfect moment.

‘Shall we sit for a moment, get some food in us?’ Nick suggested. ‘I’m bloody starving.’

‘Deffo.’ Ruby unpacked the coffee flask and some currant buns she had buttered earlier. ‘Quite the Famous Five, aren’t we?’ she joked.

‘All we are missing is a Julian, George and Timmy.’

‘Definitely missing a George, that’s for sure.’

‘Oh, Rubes. I’m sorry.’

‘Don’t be silly. This place is full of him and I like that. It’s good to have memories. In fact, up here is where I declared my undying love for him.’

‘Aw, that’s sweet and what a wonderful place to do it.’

‘Not quite. I had slated his fiancée, he had gone mad and then I suddenly realised how I felt about him. He said it was too late, stormed off and a mountain rescue team had to find me as a thick mist came down.’

‘No!’ Nick bit his lip but had to laugh. ‘That is so terrible but funny at the same time.’

‘I know. But imagine being up here in the winter and not being able to see a way down? I was shitting myself. I kept thinking of Lucas to keep me going. This is where I threw his ashes. I feel him around me too. I loved Lucas. He was so special to me, even though I didn’t know him for long. Such a wise and charismatic man.’

They ate the buns and then lay back on the grass looking up at the bright blue sky with its tufts of willowy cloud. After ten minutes of lying there in silence, Nick lifted himself on to his elbow and looked down at Ruby.

‘Thanks for last night. It was really special.’ He kissed her gently on the nose.

‘Yes, it was lovely. Sex with someone you care about is the best sort.’

‘This is special too, Ruby. This moment with you.’

Nick lay back down and they held hands, looking at the sky and continuing their silence.

Ruby thought back to throwing the physical remains of Lucas Geronimo Steadburton at the sky. James and Fi had been with them too, and had laughed that she had carried him up in a plastic container, knowing that the gay, debonair, BAFTA winning actor would have much preferred being carried in a silver goblet of some sort.

Now what was it he had said in one of his letters to her? She spoke aloud. ‘
Dance like nobody’s watching; love like you’ve never been hurt. Sing like nobody’s listening; live like it’s heaven on earth.
’

‘What did you say?’

Ruby repeated it. ‘Mark Twain said it. Isn’t it amazing?’

‘Especially the love like you’ve never been hurt bit.’ Nick sat up. ‘We need to do that now, Rubes.’

Ruby sat up and leaned on his shoulder. ‘Nick, I… er… I do really like you…’

‘Carry on. I’m waiting for the
but
.’ And then Nick laughed. ‘I’m teasing you. Go to him. If what I’ve done for you is made you realise you should be with a man you love, then wow, what a reason for us to have met.’

Ruby jumped up. ‘I bloody love him, Nick. It’s this place. It makes me see sense! Lucas makes me see sense.’ She had tears running down her face. ‘I’ve been such a cow. Dear, sweet Michael has been nothing but good to me and for me - and I have treated him like shit.’

‘He will understand. You are ready for happiness, Ruby, and he seems a top bloke. I mean, the fact he came to The Bow Wow Club to try and understand you better - that alone makes him decent.’

‘Yes, it does. Suddenly everything seems clear. I’m so sorry though. About us, I mean.’

‘Ruby, I cannot think of anyone else I would have rather made love to, since losing Milly. It is another thing to tick off the list in the
Bereaved Road to Recovery Guide
, and only you would understand that. Don’t get me wrong. I think you are amazing. I love your company. But, if we are honest with each other, we are a stepping stone. Our common understanding of grief does bind us but we are not The One for either of us. We met each other for a reason. And it makes me warm inside to think that they are looking out for us, up there, you know.’

Ruby hugged Nick tightly, pulled away, then kissed him hard on the lips.

‘I love you, Fireman Redwood and I hope you will always be in my life as a friend.’

‘The feeling’s mutual, Miss Designer Pants, and if things don’t work out with the big lad then, well, we can always be friends with benefits.’

‘It’s a win, win then. I am so glad you feel the same way! I mean, how often does that happen in affairs of the heart?’

‘Let’s hope more than we think. I mean, look at us with Milly and George. True love.’

‘And that’s what makes it all the sadder. Losing your baby girl too. Oh, Nick.’

‘It hasn’t killed me, so all it can do is make me stronger. I will never forget them, Ruby. Like you will never forget your George. But we either lie on the floor face down and bash our arms around like toddlers and scream, or we get up, brush ourselves down and get on with it.’

Ruby threw her arms in the air dramatically. ‘Yes, let’s live like it’s heaven on earth.’ She started to run fast back down the hill.

Nick caught up with her and swung her round. ‘You dramatic old cow.’

‘I am just dancing like nobody’s watching. Milly, George and baby Annabel with be with us forever. We can draw from their love. There can never be too much love in our hearts. I feel so good. I feel so free.’

‘Good. I’ve never seen you look so happy and it suits you, Rubes. Now come on, you’ve got a man to catch.’

– Chapter Seventy-Nine –

‘Thanks for not punching me, mate.’

Justin and Michael supped on their pints in a busy Clapham bar.

‘Well, it wouldn’t be a fair fight, would it? I’d have knocked you into next Tuesday.’ Michael’s six feet four stature made even the five feet eleven Justin seem small.

‘I’m truly sorry, Micky. I acted like a complete wanker.’

‘Yeah, you did. You cut me up badly. And if so much time hadn’t passed I might not be quite so calm with you. But you did me a favour in a way, taking on that silly bitch.’

‘Likes her material things, doesn’t she? Even my City bonuses had trouble keeping up with her handbag fetish. Good tits though.’

‘Fair point,’ Michael nodded. ‘But that’s about it when you dig a little deeper.’

‘I can’t believe I put a woman in front of a friendship. Shit. What a bloody twat.’

‘Yeah, you are. But, it’s taken balls for you to confront me and I respect that. How did you find out where I lived?’

‘She told me she was dropping the dog off with you, so I asked her.’

‘Oh right. How are you doing anyway?’

‘I’ve realised that being single is where it’s at - at the moment anyway. Loving the ladies, like in the old days. Talking of which…’

Two blondes walked in, clocked them and made for the bar.

‘The one with long hair is well fit.’

Michael shook his head. ‘I should have known it wouldn’t have lasted long with you and Emily. There is a word
commitment
in the dictionary, which I don’t think you’ve found yet.’

‘Hah! And how’re you doing, now you’ve got over your best mate being a complete dick?’

‘I’m good actually. Work has picked up and I started writing that novel I always harped on about.’

‘Blimey. What’s it about?’

‘It’s a love story.’

‘What! Look at you. Micky Bell, romantic author.’

‘Don’t take the piss. It’s good. I’m enjoying it.’

‘So, who are you basing your heroine on then? Please don’t say Madam Want It All.’

‘Don’t be stupid. The only person she ever loved was herself. No. I’ve met someone. But I’m not telling you about her in case you steal her.’

‘Don’t be like that. I was just beginning to feel better.’

‘She’s called Ruby. A bloody decent girl. Good laugh. Sexy too.’

‘I’m really pleased for you, mate. How long have you been seeing her then?’

‘Well, that’s the point. I’m not. Her husband died a couple of years ago and it’s been hard graft. There were times when we were so close but I knew she was still thinking about him and not me, and it was tough. I said we should have a break and now she hasn’t come back. I stupidly thought absence would make the heart grow fonder.’

‘Bloody women!’

‘Tell me about it.’

‘So what you are going to do?’

‘I’ve written her a letter.’

‘You’re so soft.’

‘No, I’m a writer and if I can’t convey how I feel on paper then there’s no hope. I love her, mate.’

‘Well, I hope it works out.’

‘If it doesn’t, I’m tempted to go away for a bit. I can do my writing anywhere and I’m sick of that shit-hole of a flat. It’s not good for Barney anyway.’

‘Well, let me know where you go if you do. I’ve missed you, mate.’

‘Justin Thompson, you’re going all soft on me, now there’s a thing.’

‘Fuck off. Now come on, they’re showing a cup game at the Blandford this afternoon if you fancy watching it? Oi, oi. Or, maybe not. Budge up mate, looks like we’ve got company.’

The two blondes from the bar were walking towards them. They looked and sounded a little rough around the edges.

‘Do you mind if we share your table? It’s packed in here today.’ The short-haired one of the two squeezed up close to Michael. ‘You’re a big boy, aren’t you? Tall, I mean.’ She rubbed her hand right up his thigh.

Justin laughed. ‘Small feet he’s got though.’

The girls seemed quite drunk and giggled. They noticed the boys’ empty glasses. ‘Going to the bar, are you?’ the long haired blonde enquired. ‘If I give you the money, can you get us a couple of large Chardonnays?’

Justin stood up. ‘Don’t be silly - I’ll get them.’

‘I thought we were going to watch the football?’ Michael wasn’t in the mood for this. Justin made a face that Michael understood very well.

‘OK. One more it is. Let me come to the bar and help you.’

With a drink in each hand the boys headed back towards their table. It had now been occupied by a group of lads and the girls were nowhere to be seen.

‘Cheeky bitches, they’ve gone.’ Justin was not amused.

Michael put his hand to his now empty left pocket. ‘Thieving bitches more like. So has my phone.’ He put his hand to his head. ‘Can I use yours to call the police?’

‘You’ll never get it back, mate.’

Michael sighed at Justin’s negativity. Yes, momentarily it had been good to see him. But a sad realisation had suddenly dawned on him: that the person in front of him was effectively a stranger now. He had brought nothing but trouble to his door before, and here he was doing it again.

The experience of being betrayed had no doubt helped Michael to grow as a person. And he knew now, for sure, that he didn’t want someone he couldn’t trust or rely on in his life any more.

He headed for the door and glanced back.

‘You’re right, mate. I don’t think I’ll ever get it back.’