Josh heading home
Part 334
Trish had liked the look of Lawson as soon as she’d seen him, but she’d learnt from experience that guys like him were never single, nor were they interested in a single mother. She’d trained herself not to consider them in that way, it saved disappointment. If he helped Kyle, that would be enough.
Walking back into the café she said “thanks for bringing Lawson over Josh.”
“No worries, but maybe you should save your thanks until you see if he has any effect” Josh said with a smirk.
Trish shook her head, “even if he has no effect, I’ll be grateful you brought him along to try.”
Josh shrugged, then remembering Lawson’s look when they arrived he said, “hey what time do you close up?”
“About six” she said and with a frown she added “why?”
“We’re going to grab some dinner. I wondered if you and Kyle would like to come.”
“Yes, do” Kristy said before Trish could reply “there’ll be altogether too much testosterone if you don’t.”
Trish laughed, but feeling awkward as she didn’t know them well she shook her head “thanks guys but I don’t think so.”
“Kyle wants to go” a voice said from behind her and she spun around to see Lawson and her son in the doorway. Lawson’s hand rested on his shoulder, and a huge smile lit up Kyle’s face. “Please Mum” he said.
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Part 335
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Part 335
Trish felt trapped. Part of her wanted to go, she didn’t get to attend many evening with other adults but another part of her wanted to say no because she couldn’t help but feel she was being set up and she wasn’t altogether sure Lawson knew about it. She was worried he would think she’d engineered it or was part of it. Not to mention she didn’t want to be seen as a pathetic figure. But on the other hand she didn’t want to disappoint Kyle. She hadn’t seen him looking so happy in ages. She didn’t know what to say. After a minute she shook her head “thanks but it’s a school night” and in a bid to appease her son she added “maybe we could do it another time.”
As she watched, her son’s expression turned mutinous. She knew she would pay for this.
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Part 336
After said Trish’s refusal to go to dinner, Josh spoke first. “No worries” he said and seeing Kyle’s expression he added “we can organise something on a weekend sometime mate.”
Trish gave him a grateful smile. She knew it probably wouldn’t happen and that he’d said it for her son’s benefit but she appreciated his attempt to help. And she found she had to stop herself from saying she’d changed her mind. “Thanks Josh” she said “that would be lovely.”
Having seen the warring emotions on Trish’s face as they waited for her answer Kristy added “I’ll make sure we do it I promise.”
Trish still didn’t hold out much hope, but she said “thanks.”
She noticed Lawson, didn’t say anything and while saddened by that, it confirmed that she’d made the right decision.
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Part 337
As Josh, Kristy and Lawson left the café Josh didn’t miss Lawson looking back over his shoulder. He chuckled. “Shame Trish couldn’t come hey?” he said.
Lawson looked over at him, then moving his gaze away again, he shrugged “no big deal.”
Josh grinned, he didn’t buy his mate’s casual attitude. He’d seen the way he’d looked at Trish. “Yeah and I’ve got some swamp land in Queensland to sell you” he joked.
Feeling sorry for Lawson, Kristy nudged Josh to shut him up. With a smile she said to the other man, “I’ll organise that dinner soon.”
He shrugged, “whatever” he said ignoring Josh’s laughter.
“It’ll be fun” she said.
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Part 338
Two days later the café was full and Trish was run off her feet. She didn’t seen the dark haired man enter.
Taking a seat at the counter the man was able to watch her for a minute without her knowing. He liked what he saw. She kept her cool and worked efficiently. Eventually it was his turn and he watched the blush run up her neck and suffuse her face as she saw him. Lawson smiled. Maybe she wasn’t as unaffected as he thought. “Hey” he said.
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Part 339
Trish was shocked. She really hadn’t expected to see him again. Swallowing and trying to pull herself together she looked away and said “Lawson, hi. Are you here for lunch?”
“No” he said and smirked when her head snapped up again, “but now I’m here,” he added, “why not.” Leaning back he laughed to himself as her face once more filled with colour. He was feeling more confident with each passing second. He hadn’t been able to get her out of head and while he was sure Kristy would keep her word about organising that dinner for them all, he wasn’t prepared to wait. After her refusal the other night, he’d wondered if maybe she wasn’t interested. That being the case, there was no way he wanted to find that out in front of Josh. He’d rather get that sort of news in private, or at least, amongst strangers. Not that he was too worried about it anymore.
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Part 340
Trish looked away and fumbling, she grabbed a menu and passed it to him, but she didn’t look at him, she didn’t dare. “I’ll be back in a second” she said. She needed some space and walking into the kitchen she leaned against the bench and tried to catch her breath and get things in perspective. He wasn’t here to see her, he was here to see Kyle, she thought. But as soon as the thought occurred to her, she realised that wasn’t possible. Even people who had nothing to do with kids knew that they would be in school at this hour. So why was he here? She turned and looked back through the one way glass that allowed her a view of the front of shop when she was working in the kitchen. By now she had almost convinced herself it was all a dream. But no, there he was, sitting at her counter and a smile lit up her face. Taking a few deep breaths to steady her, she stepped back into the shop.
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Part 341
Trish took Lawson’s order and brought his food and one by one her other customers left. After a while, he was the only one in the shop. “Can I get you anything else?” she asked.
“Yep, two more coffee’s please.’
She frowned “two, at the same time?”
“Yep, he said.”
She shrugged “okay, they won’t be a sec.”
“No worries” he said smiling.
Moments later she sat two cup of coffee in front of him “here you go.”
Pushing one back towards her he said “only one’s mine.”
Realising he’s ordered one for her she smiled and dragging a stool over she sat opposite him, “thank you.”
He shrugged “you looked like you could use one.”
“I could” she said, “I just generally don’t have time.”
“What time does Kyle finish?”
Trish looked at her watch “he should be here in about half an hour.”
“Good” he said and smiled.
Trish hid a smile as she sipped her coffee. She knew his comment had nothing to do with Kyle.
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Part 342
The next day Lawson found himself back at the café after his shift. The more he saw of Trish the more he wanted to see. This time he’d gone home first and arrived at the time he knew from yesterday’s experience, would be the quietest and as he hoped, she was alone when he walked in. “Hi” he said.
“Hi” Trish said. Today she wasn’t as shocked to see him, although the sight of him still had her heart beating faster. “Kyle will be pleased to see you, he hasn’t stopped talking about you” she said.
“Just Kyle?” he teased.
Trish blushed and looked away.
Lawson smirked and took a seat.
“Coffee?” she asked as she tried to regain some composure.
“If you’ll join me?”
“Okay” Trish said and turned away to make the coffee.
“You feel like getting some dinner later?” Lawson said without warning.
Shocked Trish stopped what she was doing and spun around and looked at him. “Why?” she asked.
Lawson smiled. “I’d like to have a conversation with you when you didn’t have to work.”
She swallowed “I can’t, I have Kyle.”
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Part 343
“So bring him” Lawson said.
“Really?” Trish said, surprised.
“Sure, he’s a good kid.”
Trish smiled.
“So is that a yes?”
She laughed “yes, dinner would be great.”
“Good, where do I pick you up?”
Trish wrote down her address and handed him the paper.
“See you at 6.30” he said and walked towards the door.
“Hey what about your coffee?” she called out.
“I’ll pick it up tomorrow” he said and walked out.
Trish watched him go. A happy grin lit up her face.
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Part 344
Ten minutes after Lawson had left Kristy walked into the café. Seeing Trish standing staring into space she said “hey Trish, everything okay?”
Trish gave a start and blushed “Kristy, hi. Sorry I was miles away.”
“Yes I saw that” she said with a smile as she took a seat at the counter “can I ask where?”
Trish grinned but all she said was “coffee?”
“Yes please’ Kristy said a little puzzled. She assumed Trish wasn’t going to tell her what had made her so thoughtful and wondered why.
But as she prepared the coffee, Trish said “it must be the day for visitors.”
“Oh” Kristy said.
Trish nodded but didn’t elaborate.
And realising the other woman was trying to tell her something, without telling her. Kristy tilted her head and looked at her. She said “anyone I know?”
“Mmm” Trish said, a smile lighting up her face.
“Oh” Kristy said working it out “Lawson.”
Trish nodded.
Kristy laughed “and here I was coming to do him a favour by organising that dinner we talked about.”
Trish laughed too now and setting Kristy’s coffee on the counter in front of her she said “can I tell you a secret?”
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Part 345
“Sure” Kristy said in reply to Trish’s reference to telling her a secret.
“Lawson came in yesterday too and he’s taking Kyle and I out for dinner tonight” she said, a happy smile lighting up her face.
Kristy couldn’t believe the change in the other woman. “Really?” she said grinning, “so no need for me to do anything then.”
“No, please still organise it” Trish said, her expression serious. “I don’t get to go out much and I’d really like to have dinner with you and Josh as well.” Then a worried look on her face, she added “and what if Lawson didn’t want me to tell you guys about it.”
Kristy nodded and smiled, “okay well let’s pretend I don’t know any of this and I’ll tell you we are free this Saturday night. Does that work for you?”
Trish was relieved, “Saturday is fine for me” she said “I’ll get my mum to look after Kyle.”
“Okay” Kristy said “so without telling him what I might or might not know, I’ll get Josh to check with Lawson, and see if he’s free, but if Lawson finds out before that, from someone else, then all the better.”
Trish laughed again “done.”
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Part 346
Arriving home after leaving the café Kristy was still chuckling about Lawson pursuing Trish, as she started on dinner.
Josh arrived a short time later and letting himself in, he leant in the doorway of the kitchen and watched her for a minute. Seeing the smile he said “what’s that about.”
Kristy jumped. She hadn’t heard him come in. Turning to face him, her hand on her heart she said “Josh! Don’t do that.”
He chuckled and sauntered towards her. Wrapping his arms around her, he kissed her and said “but then I’d miss stuff, like that smile.” He raised an eyebrow.
She smiled “it was nothing.”
“Nah, it was something, so spill.”
Wrapping her arms around his neck, she shook her head.
“I can make ya” he said with a grin.
She laughed “you would too, wouldn’t you?”
“Too right” he said.
“Okay, I went to the café and organized dinner for Saturday with Trish, you just have to check Lawson is free.”
He frowned “and that made you smile?”
“Yep.”
“Okay” he said sounding a little mystified, “I’ll ask him tomorrow.”
“Thank you.”
“No worries” he said and his eyes dropping to her lips he said “how long will dinner be?”
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Part 347
“Who says I cooked any for you?” Kristy teased in response to Josh’s question about how long dinner would be, her hands rubbing his chest.
“You better have” he said kissing her neck.
“Or what?”
“Or I’ll go home” he said his lips moving across her ear to her jaw.
Kristy laughed “okay I cooked for you.”
“So” he said kissing her lips, back to my question “how long?”
“Long enough” she said.
And as Josh grinned, picked her up and strode through her apartment on his way to the bedroom, she laughed and kissed him.
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Part 348
At six thirty that night Trish was a bundle of nerves. She hadn’t been on a date in years and never with her son. She couldn’t stand still as the minutes ticked by, a myriad of thoughts floating around in her head. What if they couldn’t find anything to talk about, what if they didn’t have anything in common, what if she bored him, what if Kyle told him something embarrassing. Oh dear god she prayed don’t let him tell him anything. Beside herself with worry and irritated that Kyle was just calmly playing the play station while she was falling apart, Trish jumped when the door bell rang. Oh hell, she thought, he’s here, and all of a sudden she wanted to run and hide under the bed.
But it was too late for that. Kyle had leapt off the couch the minute the bell peeled and had already opened the door. She could hear him talking to Lawson, inviting him in. Trish took a deep breath and tried to compose herself as she listened to them walking down the hallway. She felt sick and stupid and frightened. She just wanted the night to go well. Then he was there, smiling at her and it was like a weight lifting off her. All at once, she was calm. She returned his smile and she said “hi.”
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Part 349
“Hi” Lawson said and moving towards her his kissed her cheek.
Trish blush as electricity shot through her from the contact of his lips. Turning away so he couldn’t see her face she picked up her bag and said “we’re all ready.”
“No rush” Lawson said.
“Yes there is” Kyle said surprising Trish.
She held her breath as she frowned at her son. She’d told him earlier that she hadn’t been able to eat all day, because she was so nervous and she was afraid he was going to repeat that to Lawson now.
“I’m hungry” he said.
She released her breath and looking at Lawson with an apologetic smile she said “sorry, we normally eat before we leave the café. After preparing food all day the last thing I want to do is do more of it when I get home.”
Lawson nodded “no worries” and mussing Kyle hair he added “can’t have this guy passing out on us.”
“As if” Kyle snorted with disgust.
Lawson laughed and winking at Trish he said “I’m hungry anyway, so we’ll go.”
Trish gave him a sweet, thankful smile and they walked out.
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Part 350
Arriving back home a couple of hours later, as Lawson pulled up out the front Trish said “would you like to come in for a coffee?”
“Yeah come on Lawson, you can play play station with me.”
“It’s bed time for you shortly” Trish said to her son.
“Oh mum” Kyle protested.
Trish rolled her eyes and Lawson laughed.
“Okay mate, how about I play one game and then you go to bed. We can play more another time?” He lifted his eyes to Trish as he waited for Kyle to answer. He hoped he hadn’t over stepped the mark. “Is that okay?” he asked her.
Trish smiled and nodded, “I’ll make the coffee while you play.”
“Sounds good” Lawson said “Kyle?”
“Yeah, okay” he said “but next time we play more than one game.”
“Done” Lawson said and they all got out of the car and moved inside.
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Part 351
Much to Kyle dismay the game he and Lawson played only lasted about ten minutes. Trish wasn’t sure if Lawson lost on purpose and she didn’t ask, she was just glad it was quick and that her son took himself off to bed soon afterwards without much complaining.
Carrying the mugs of coffee into the living room she handed one to Lawson and sat down next to him, holding her own.
“Thank you for that” Trish said “I’m sure you didn’t want to play.”
“Are you kidding? I have one at home.”
“Oh” Trish said somewhat non-plused.
Lawson grinned. “But as it happens, I’d rather be doing this” and leaning forward, taking her by surprise, he kissed her.
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Part 352
Lawson moved back and looking at Trish’s shocked expression he chuckled and said “I hope you don’t mind. I’ve been wanting to do that all night.”
“Mind?” Trish said shaking her head as she tried to pull herself together she added “only if you don’t plan on doing it again.” She hadn’t meant to speak her thoughts out loud and she blushed and closed her eyes.
Lawson laughed and said “no.”
But Trish was so thrown, she didn’t know what he meant by that. No he wasn’t going to kiss her again or no he didn’t plan not to do it again. She looked at him, her confusion written all over her face.
Lawson smirked and leaning in, he kissed her again. Moving back he said “that clear it up for you?”
Trish smiled and as her face filled with colour again. Then she threw caution to the winds and leaning towards him, met his mouth with hers.
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Part 353
A few minutes later Lawson sat back and said “I’d better go.”
“Oh” Trish said feeling a little disappointed.
“I didn’t say I wanted to” he said with a grin “besides we aren’t alone are we?”
Trish blushed and smiled. “You haven’t drunk your coffee” she said.
Lawson smirked “making a habit of that aren’t I? Must do something about changing that one day.”
Trish smiled “that would be nice.”
“Mmm” Lawson said “something to look forward to.” He stood up.
Trish followed suit and lead the way to the door. “I almost forgot” she said turning to face him “Kristy came in today after you left to see if I was free for that dinner we talked about this Saturday.”
“What did you say?”
“I said I was. She said she’d get Josh to check with you.”
He shrugged “works for me but what about Kyle?”
“I’m going to get mum to mind him.”
“Good to know” he said grinning.
Trish blushed again.
Lawson chuckled and bent to kiss her. It was a quick but heated caress and easing back after a minute he said “I’ll see you tomorrow for that coffee I missed this afternoon, you’ll still owe me for tonight though.”
Trish laughed “I’ll remember, night.”
“Night” he said and walked out the door.
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Part 354
The next day Josh met Lawson on his way into base “hey mate” Josh said “good night?”
Lawson frowned at him wondering if he knew he’d spent it with Trish. She’d said she’d seen Kristy so it’s possible she’d said something to her. He hoped it hadn’t got back to Josh. He didn’t want a day of listening to him joking about it. “Why?” he asked.
Josh gave him an odd look “just a friendly question mate.”
Lawson nodded and said “not bad.”
Still looking a bit puzzled Josh said “well you should be in for a better one on Saturday, Kristy is organising dinner with Trish, you in?”
“I’ve got to eat” Lawson said with a shrug, playing down his interest.
Surprised, Josh’s eyebrows rose “okay. Any ideas on where we go?”
“No.”
Chuckling, Josh slapped him on the back and said “good talk bud.” Then he walked into the change room shaking his head.
Lawson knew instead of trying not to tip Josh off, he’d made him wonder all the more. He just hoped he didn’t work out what he was trying to keep from him. Frowning he headed for his office.
Part 355
Late that afternoon Lawson walked into the café near Josh’s place. He’d been late leaving work due to an excess of paper work and was looking forward to a cup of coffee. There were no other customers in the shop.
Trish looked up as the door opened and seeing Lawson she smiled. As he was so much later than yesterday, she had just about given up on him. But happy he’d turned up now, she teased “are you going to drink your coffee this time?”
‘That’s the plan” he said before he leaned over the counter and kissed her.
Trish blew out her breath, trying to maintain her composure as he moved back to sit down at the counter.
Lawson smirked.
“You should bottle that you know, you’d make a fortune.”
He laughed “wouldn’t work. It takes two, a chemical reaction.”
“I failed chemistry” Trish said with a laugh.
“Must have been the teacher” Lawson said “because with the effect you have there’s no way it was you.”
Trish blushed and turned away to make the coffee “thank you” she said in a quiet voice, glancing up to meet his eyes.
He grinned and gave her a wink.
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Part 356
At his place, Josh walked out of his bedroom after showering and was surprised but pleased to see Kristy sitting on his couch. He smiled and said “hey” and he bent down to kiss her.
Kristy smiled and took advantage of his nearness to run her hands over his naked torso. He’d only pulled on a pair of tracksuit pants when he’d got dressed.
“Hey enough of that” he said with a grin “or I’ll pick you up and head back to the shower.”
Kristy laughed.
“You think I’m joking” he said grinning and reaching down he threw her over his shoulder before she could object.
Kristy couldn’t stop laughing as he carried her into the bedroom, but she was relieved he didn’t head for the bathroom. She didn’t really feel like walking home wet. Instead he dumped her onto the bed and lying down over her, he kissed her.
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Part 357
Easing back a few minutes later but keeping her pinned to the bed Josh said “I spoke to Lawson. He said Saturday’s fine by him, but he didn’t sound very interested.”
“Didn’t he?” Kristy said with a grin as she traced the contours of his face with her index finger, “interesting.”
Josh frowned “what does that mean?”
“Just what it says” she said “I think it’s interesting he appeared not to be interested.”
“Appeared?” Josh said “you don’t think it’s for real?”
“I’d be surprised” Kristy said her finger running over his lips.
“Stuff Lawson” Josh said and lowering his head again, he kissed her but this time he didn’t stop at a kiss.
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Part 358
That Saturday night Kristy arrived at Josh’s place ready for their night out with Lawson and Trish. Josh was running late and she knew Lawson would be in the same boat, their shift had run over. “Come on Josh” she said “Trish will think we’ve all stood her up.”
“Two minutes” he yelled from the bathroom “can you text her?”
“I don’t have her number” Kristy said looking at her watch again. Even if they left now they’d be at least ten minutes late.
“Then we can’t do anything, can we?” Josh said tucking his white shirt into his black pants as he walked out of the bedroom. And picking up his phone and wallet off the coffee table he said “let’s go.”
“Don’t you have a siren or something you can use to get us there quicker” Kristy joked as he grabbed her hand and headed for the door.
Josh grinned at her over his shoulder “no.”
“What good are you then?” she teased.
Josh stopped and turned to look down at her “when we get home I’ll show ya” he said in a low rasp.
A shiver passed through Kristy and she licked her lips.
Satisfied at her reaction Josh grinned and got moving again.
As she followed him, a smile lit up Kristy’s face.
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18/02/12
Part 359
Josh and Kristy arrived at the restaurant fifteen minutes late, but Kristy was pleased to see that not only was Trish still there, but that Lawson had arrived too. They hadn’t seen them yet and Kristy smiled at how comfortable they looked, Lawson was holding her hand that rested on top of the table.
Josh had seen the gesture of familiarity too and he frowned. He knew now something had been going on between these two.
Lawson looked up and seeing the other couple approaching he released her hand and moved his away with a jerk. It was a reflex reaction and as soon as it was done he regretted it.
Feeling his movement Trish frowned and followed the direction of his gaze. Happy to see the other two her attention was diverted and she smiled.
“Sorry we’re late” Kristy said after they’d exchanged greetings and taken their seats, “as I’m sure Lawson has explained it was their work that held us up.”
Trish nodded “yes Lawson said that. I was worried I’d got the day wrong for a few minutes” she said with a laugh.
“How’s things Trish?” Josh asked.
Trish gave Lawson a quick glance before she said with a smile, “really good Josh.”
“Yeah, I see that” Josh said with a grin.
Part 360
“Lawson” Josh said by way of a greeting as they took their seats and Kristy and Trish chatted. “I see you’ve been busy.”
Lawson knew there was no point pretending not to know what he was talking about. So taking the plunge he laid his arm along the back of Trish’s chair and cocking an eyebrow, he smirked, “you could say that.”
Josh chuckled and shook his head.
Feeling Lawson’s arm resting behind her Trish felt better. After his nervous movement when the other had arrived she had been a bit worried. She’d wondered if he was ashamed for them to know that they were seeing each other. Happy to know that wasn’t the case, she smiled to herself.
“What are we drinking guys?” Josh asked as the waiter approached.
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Part 361
Once their drink order had been taken Josh asked “so where’s Kyle tonight Trish? Is he sick of Lawson hanging around already?”
Trish smiled and glanced at Lawson, “no, he’s with my Mum tonight. I don’t often get out by myself so she said she was happy to mind him.”
“Do he and your Mum get on well?” Kristy asked.
“Yes, he spent a lot of time with her when he was younger and I had to work, they are good friends.”
“Will you pick him up on your way home or is your Mum minding him at your place?” Kristy asked.
Unable to stop the blush infusing her face, Trish said “no he’s staying at Mum’s. I’ll pick him up tomorrow.” She didn’t dare look at Lawson. She hadn’t told him that yet and she didn’t want him to think she had any expectations, not that she could deny she’d been thinking about what might happen if he came back to her place. But that wasn’t the reason she’d organised it that way. Not knowing what time she’d be heading home, it was just easier for him and her, if she didn’t have to worry about picking him up that night.
“So you’re home alone tonight?” Josh said with a smile and shifted his gaze to Lawson.
But feeling guilty for putting Trish in an awkward position Kristy kicked Josh under the table, and changed the subject before any more was said. “How long have you owned the café Trish?” she asked.
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Part 362
Lawson listened as Trish told Josh and Kristy that she’d owned the café for the ten years, but his mind wasn’t on what she was saying. His mind was back on the last thing she’d said about being home alone that night. He smiled and moved his hand from the back of her chair to rest it on her shoulder.
Trish shivered at his touch and had to fight to keep her mind focused on what she was saying. But as soon as the conversation had finished and Josh and Kristy were busy looking at the menu she turned her head and looked at him. He gave her a smoldering look and as heat pulsed through her, she smiled and looked away.
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Part 363
As the two couples got up after a leisurely dinner and Josh and Kristy lead the way to the door, Lawson bent towards Trish and asked “did you drive?”
She trembled as his breath drifted across her skin. “No I came by taxi.”
“I’ll give you a lift” he said.
She swallowed and nodded, “okay, thanks.”
Outside Josh and Kristy said their goodbyes and headed for their car knowing they didn’t need worry about Trish getting home okay. Looking back over her shoulder and seeing Lawson fold his arms around her and lower his head.
Kristy smiled.
Then turning to Josh she teased “now didn’t you say earlier you were going to show me something?”
Josh grinned and noticing they were passing the head of a lane he grabbed her hand and taking her by surprise he dragged her off the path. Before she could ask what he was doing, he pushed her back against the stone wall and placing a hand on the wall on either side of her head he looked down at her, his gaze intent. “Yeah?” he asked.
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Part 364
Kristy grinned as her heart beat went into overdrive. When Josh looked at her like that it was all she could do not to throw herself into his arms. In the periphery of her mind she was aware of the coarse texture of the wall against her back and the dinginess of the dark lane, but it did nothing to diminish her desire. In fact if she was honest, the unaccustomed roughness of the place and the fact that it was very public, only added to the excitement she was feeling. It felt dangerous to be there with him. Her smile dropped away as fire leapt along her veins and she said in answer to his question, “yes, you were going to show me what good you are.”
“Ah” he said feigning enlightenment as his eyes dropped to her mouth.
Kristy’s breath caught in her throat.
Josh leaned down and captured her mouth in a heated kiss.
Kristy could barely stand as he moved back a few minutes later. He hadn’t even touched her except with his lips, but her skin was tingling like he’d run his hands all over her.
Josh smirked as he watched her, he was well aware of what she was feeling. “That good” he teased.
“****” she said in a rare moment of loss of control and grabbing his hand, she pulled him towards the car. She needed to get home now.
Josh laughed as he followed her.
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18/02/11
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18/02/11
Part 365
Back at her place Kristy unlocked the door and let them in. She was nearly out of her mind now after watching Josh’s hands on the steering wheel all the way home. All she could think was that she wanted to feel them on her and the door barely shut, she reached up and fused her mouth to his.
Josh smiled against her mouth but only for a second before he followed her lead both in intensity and in a move towards the bedroom. He’d known she had been watching him and had felt her need emanating from her like a literal wave of heat. It had set him alight, and he was now as far gone as she was. Half way down the passage, their progress too slow for his liking, he’d picked her up and striding into the bedroom, he’d dove onto the bed with her wrapped around him.
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18/02/12
Part 366
Meanwhile Lawson and Trish were silent as they drove to her place. Trish was nervous and was having enough trouble just breathing, let alone trying to talk. It was a long time since she’d thought about taking a man home with her. She wasn’t sure she knew what to do anymore. She was also concerned she’d pushed Lawson into it with her comment about Kyle not being home. He was so quiet that she was beginning to think he must be having second thoughts. She glanced over at him. He was focused on the road. She looked away and closed her eyes.
But for his part Lawson was silent because he was having trouble controlling his response. He hadn’t expected things to progress so fast that night. He’d been prepared to wait as he didn’t think she was ready. He hadn’t wanted to push her. But he certainly wasn’t unhappy about it if she was ready, in fact he was at the point where he wanted to pull the car over and drag her into the back seat. However he didn’t want to treat her callously or casually, she deserved better than that. He got the feeling she hadn’t had anyone to care for her in quite some time.
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19/02/12
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19/02/12
Part 367
Arriving at her place Lawson turned off the engine and they sat in silence. Trish could feel herself starting to panic. She didn’t know what to do. She took a deep breath and said “thanks Lawson.”
“No problem” he said.
Again they fell silent.
Lawson could feel the tension in her building and reaching out, he clasped her hand.
Trish sighed as the simple contact soothed her. She turned her head and looked at him, “would you like to come in?” she asked.
“I would” Lawson said “but are you sure it’s what you want?”
His consideration touched her and forgetting all her tortured musings, she leant over, and kissed him. Then easing back she said “yes.”
Lawson grinned and Trish turned to get out of the car, but keeping hold of her hand he stopped her.
Frowning, she turned back to look at him.
“No expectations okay?” he said.
She knew he meant whatever happened was up to her and if that was nothing, he wouldn’t hold it against her. She smiled and touched his face, “thank you.”
He shrugged and releasing her hand they got out of the car and made their way inside.
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19/02/12
He slid his hand into her hair and tilted her head up.
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20/02/12
__________________________________________________________
19/02/12
Part 368
Trish unlocked the front door and lead the way inside. She locked the door after them and putting her bag and keys down on the hall table she put her hands together to stop them shaking. She was nervous again. Unable to look at Lawson she asked “would you like a drink?”
“Only if you do” Lawson said. He was standing close to her but he wasn’t touching her.
Frustrated with herself and still unable to look at him, Trish said “I don’t know what the hell I want.”
Lawson smiled and lifting a hand he placed it on her shoulder.
She shivered at his touch.
“How about we work on what you don’t want then” he said “if I do something you don’t want, you tell me. That help?
She nodded.
Watching the pulse in neck beat out of control he moved his hand and touched it with his finger.
Trish sighed and closed her eyes. They were still standing in the foyer.
He slid his hand into her hair and tilted her head up.
She opened her eyes and watched as he slowly brought his head down. She knew he was giving her time to back out if she wanted to. She didn’t, and moving her head forward she was the one that closed the distance between them and met his mouth with hers.
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20/02/12
Part 369
With Lawson’s repressed desire let loose now he was touching her, and Trish’s turmoil of emotions, the kiss quickly took on a life of its own. Lawson wrapped his arms around her, and brought her up against the solid length of his body.
“Lawson?” she said easing back after a moment.
He frowned, “you don’t want me to kiss you?” he asked.
“No” she said with a smile “I want you to kiss me but can we move into the bedroom?”
He looked at her for a moment and then grinned, “lead the way” he said.
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20/02/12
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21/02/12
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23/02/12
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24/02/12
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20/02/12
Part 370
Later lying together in her bed, Trish said to Lawson “sorry about earlier” she was referring to her confused behavior.
“What?” he said, “for being so damn hot I couldn’t keep my hands off you, maybe I’m the one who should be apologising.”
Trish laughed and blushed “no for being so idiotic and while I’m at it, thank you for being so understanding.”
“Sure” Lawson teased “it was such a chore.”
She laughed again, amazed at how comfortable they were with each other. “As you probably could tell, I’m a bit out of practice” she said “I haven’t been with anyone in years.”
“Well if that’s out of practice for you,” he said “I can’t wait until you get up to speed.”
Trish smiled and looked away.
Lawson picked up her hand, prompting her to look at him. He said “you were fantastic. That was fantastic” and rolling over to lie over her he added “in fact it was so good, I want to do it again, now.” He lowered his head and kissed her neck.
Trish closed her eyes and started to tremble, as his lips on her skin set her on fire once more. Wrapping her arms around his neck she turned her head and found his mouth with her own.
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21/02/12
Part 371
It was well after midnight when Lawson felt compelled to make a move. Kissing Trish’s head he said “it’s late.”
“Do you want to go?” she asked.
“No” he said “but this is your place, it’s up to you. I don’t want to put any pressure on you.”
She smiled. “You’re not. I’d like you to stay, if that’s you want too.”
Lawson smirked and teased, “I see you’ve worked out what you want.”
Trish laughed, “just took a little expert guidance.”
“Happy to help” he said and leaning his head on a bent arm he looked down at her and asked “you got a spare toothbrush?”
“As it happens, I do.”
“I thought you said you hadn’t done this for a while” he teased with a raised eyebrow, “you’re pretty prepared.”
Trish laughed, “Lawson I’m a parent, I have to be prepared for any eventuality.”
“Good point” Lawson said with a grin. “So you tired?” he asked.
Trish shook her head and giggled “no.”
Rolling her beneath him, he said “good” before lowering his head and kissing her.
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22/02/12
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22/02/12
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22/02/12
Part 372
The next morning Lawson woke first and smiled as he inspected Trish’s naked form curled up next to him. He kissed her bare shoulder and she stirred and stretched. She opened her eyes, and Lawson watched with amusement, the momentary shock that was visible in their depths at seeing him in her bed. But then it leached away to be replaced by a softness as a smile lit up her face. “Morning” he said.
“Morning” she said “I thought it was all a dream.”
“Let’s see if I can clear that up for you” he said as he ran his hand over her upper body.
Trish gasped as goose bumps popped out all over her, she said “no, no dream.”
Lawson smirked and brought his mouth down hard on hers.
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22/02/12
Part 373
A little later Trish said “what time is it?”
Lawson looked at his watch, “eight.”
“I have to get up soon. I told mum I’d pick Kyle up about ten.”
He nodded “tell him I said hello.”
“You can come if you like” Trish said “he’d love to see you, but you don’t have to, it’s up to you.”
“Won’t you have to answer a lot of awkward questions if you turn up with me?”
“From Mum you mean?” she said frowning, “I’d better not. I’m a big girl. I can do what I like.”
He smiled, “what about Kyle?”
She smiled too, “well he’s not to know you didn’t just come around this morning to see him is he?”
With a laugh he said “fair enough. Count me in.”
“Good” she said “now would you like some breakfast?”
“I could eat” he said “but not yet.”
Trish’s eye brows rose and as he leaned over to kiss her she smiled against his mouth. She could get used to starting her day like this.
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23/02/12
Part 374
At Kristy’s place, she and Josh were enjoying a lazy Sunday morning in bed. Josh had cooked breakfast and collected the newspaper from the footpath. After they’d eaten they read the paper together and drank a second cup of coffee. Jesse was curled up on the end of the bed.
Putting aside the bit of the paper she’d been reading, Kristy asked, “what are we doing today?”
“We’re doing it” Josh said with a wink.
Kristy laughed and stretching she said “okay, but how about getting some exercise later?”
His eyes raking over her from head to foot before coming back to meet her gaze, he said “oh I’m all for exercise.”
“I meant some exercise outside” Kristy said chuckling.
Josh drew in his breath, feigning surprise, “risky doing that outside” he said “but I’m game if you are.’
Kristy threw back her head and laughed. When she could talk again she said “you have a one track mind, you know that?”
“Yep” he said, grinning.
Still giggling she said “besides we came way too close to engaging in that sort of exercise outside last night.”
“Mmm, last night” he said “that was good.”
Kristy grinned and looked away. She then said “how about taking Jesse for a walk later. That shouldn’t get us into trouble.”
Throwing his bit of the paper on the floor, Josh grabbed her and pulled her beneath him. He looked down at her and said “you never know.”
The rustling paper and movement had disturbed Jesse and getting off the bed she padded out of the room.
Kristy gazed into Josh’s eyes for a minute, as her breathing rate accelerated, and then pulling his head down, she kissed him.
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24/02/12
Part 375
As Josh and Kristy walked Jesse along the river later that day Kristy looked up at him and said “I’m thinking of going home for a while.”
Josh frowned down at her. He didn’t like the way she said that and he wasn’t sure what had brought that on or what it meant. “Right” he said, his tone wary.
Kristy smiled at the concern in his voice and put his mind at rest. “I was hoping you’d come with me.”
Relieved, he grinned. He said “I’ve got some time due to me.”
“Me too” she said and now feels like a good time “Mum seemed worried about something when I was talking to her the other day. She wouldn’t say what and I figured I’d have a better chance of finding out in person.
Josh nodded “okay. When were you thinking?”
“Just as soon as we can organise it” she said. “Can you find out when you can get some time off and let me know? It’s easier for me to work around you. Time off for me isn’t that big a hassle.”
“Sure” he said “I’ll find out tomorrow.”
“Thanks” she said with a smile and unable to resist teasing him she asked “did you really think I’d want to go without you?”
He shrugged “the way you said it sounded like you were planning to go back there to live.”
“No” she said “I love my life here.”
“Is that the only thing you love here?” he teased.
She smiled. “No” she said and then after a pause she added “I love Jesse too.”
Josh growled and rolled his eyes.
“But not just her” she said.
And looking down at her for a minute, he lowered his head and kissed her.
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24/02/12
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24/02/12
Part 376
“Hey want to get a coffee on the way home?” Josh asked a few minutes later as they neared the café.
“Can’t” Kristy said. “Trish said she wasn’t opening today.”
“Fair enough” Josh said. “I’d say she deserves a day off.”
“I wonder how those two ended up last night” Kristy mused.
“I’m guessing much the same as we did” Josh said with a grin. “I saw Lawson’s face when Trish said she was home alone.”
“I hope things work out for them. I get the feeling Trish has been pretty lonely for a while.”
“Yeah” Josh said.
“They seem well suited” Kristy said. “I’ll drop into the café after work tomorrow and see how she’s going.”
“Good idea” Josh said “getting anything out of Lawson is like pulling teeth so don’t expect me to find out much.
“I wouldn’t mind catching up with them both again sometime. It was a good night.”
“I wouldn’t mind catching up with them both again sometime. It was a good night.”
“Yeah” Josh said “but who knows, maybe she told him to bugger off.”
Kristy laughed and without thinking said “I doubt it. She was pretty far gone before last night.”
“Ah, so you knew all about what was going on?” he said “nice of you to tell me.”
Kristy blushed and smiled “I only found out by accident and she asked me not to tell you, because she didn’t know if Lawson wanted you to know.”
He just grunted.
“I’m sorry Josh.”
“How sorry?” he said, his eyes narrowed and a smile playing around his mouth.
Kristy laughed and said “I’m not telling you out here. But you beat me home and I’ll show you.” Then leaving Jesse with Josh she took off at a run before he could reply. What she didn’t tell him was whose home. She knew he’d head for her place but she was going to his.
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26/02/12
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26/02/12
Part 377
Five minutes later Kristy let herself into Josh’s apartment and sat down on the couch to catch her breath and wait. Within a couple of minutes her phone rang.
“Hey” she said.
“Where the hell are you?” Josh asked.
“Your place” she said with a laugh. “I didn’t say whose home.”
She could almost feel Josh rolling his eyes. “Don’t bloody move” he growled.
Kristy laughed and pouring two glasses of cold water she went to sit out on the balcony to wait. As much as she loved her apartment, she loved this space at Josh’s.
In less than five minutes Josh burst into the apartment and Kristy called out “out here.”
He stopped next to her chair and glared at her.
Smiling she handed him a glass.
“That was not nice” he said taking the glass and sculling half its contents.
She laughed “sorry I couldn’t help myself.”
Finishing the water, Josh put the glass down, his eyes boring into hers. Then reaching down he picked her up and slinging over his shoulder, he carried her inside.
Kristy was laughing as he dumped her on the bed. “What are you doing Josh?” she asked.
He lowered himself down on top of her and said “isn’t that obvious” before bringing his mouth down hard on hers. He kissed her with a ruthlessness that meant, when he stopped abruptly a few minutes later and eased back, Kristy found it actually hurt. He looked down at her and smirked and said in a repeat of her own words “I couldn’t help myself.”
Kristy just laughed, she knew she deserved that. Then pulling his head back down, she continued where he’d left off.
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27/02/12
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27/02/12
Part 378
“So are we even now” Kristy asked with a smile a while later. They were lounging on his bed this time. She was lying on her stomach, with her feet on the pillow. Josh was lying on his side, but was up the other way, his feet were hanging off the end of the bed and his head was resting on a bent arm.
“I guess so” he said as he ran one long finger slowly over her back.
Kristy shivered. “Good” she said “because as good as that was, I don’t like the idea of pay back.”
Josh grinned “don’t start it then.”
Turning her head to look at him over her shoulder she smiled and said “I won’t.” She then asked “what did you do with Jesse anyway?”
“She’s at your place. I left in a bit of a hurry.”
She chuckled and turned back around “yes” she said. “I am sorry about keeping you in the dark about Trish and Lawson too.”
“Good” he said and turning around so he was facing the same way as her, he wrapped an arm over her back and kissed her.
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28/02/12
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28/02/12
Part 379
Lawson pulled up outside Trish’s after they had picked up Kyle. Trish’s mother had looked at him thoughtfully but as she’d predicted, she didn’t say anything when Trish had introduced them. Of course that didn’t mean Trish wouldn’t have explaining to do when they were alone but he figured he knew her mother best.
Kyle leant between the front seats as he turned off the engine, “you’re coming in aren’t you Lawson?”
“Sure” Lawson said winking at Trish.
She blushed and smiled but turned her head so Kyle couldn’t see her face.
“Good. You owe me another game on play station” Kyle said.
“I know mate” Lawson said “that’s why I came around.”
“Oh” he said “cool.”
Trish smiled her thanks at Lawson.
And as Kyle bounded in the front door ahead of them, intent on getting the game set up, he pulled Trish aside and gave her a quick but heated kiss.
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28/02/12
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28/02/12
Part 380
Trish blew out her breath as Lawson moved back. He had a smirk on his face. Then turning, he moved inside just as Kyle called out “come on Lawson.”
Trish gave herself a moment to catch her breath and a happy smile on her face, she followed the others inside and closed the door.
She headed to the kitchen and after putting the kettle on, she stuck her head in the lounge room door and said “coffee Lawson?”
He looked up and nodded “yes thanks.”
“Do you want a hot chocolate Kyle?” Trish asked her son.
“Nah” he said without looking at her. He was too busy searching through the play station games.
“No, thanks Mum” Trish said in a stern tone.
“No thanks Mum” Kyle said, obedient but still not looking at her.
Trish rolled her eyes as she looked at Lawson and then smiling as he winked at her, she moved back into the kitchen.
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28/02/12
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29/02/12
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28/02/12
Part 381
Trish watched the back of Lawson head as he and her son played. She was sitting on the couch next to where he was seated on the floor. Kyle was sitting on the floor on the other side of him. After having stopped for an early lunch on their way home from her mum’s house, it was now early afternoon and she and Lawson had been together for nearly twenty four consecutive hours. She was enjoying the closeness she felt to him and dreaded saying good bye and being separated.
As she watched she considered how amazing it was that he and Kyle got along so well and that Lawson took the time to interact with him. That meant a lot to her. Kyle was the most important person in her life and no man, no matter how gorgeous he was and Lawson was gorgeous, had a chance of hanging around unless he was prepared to include Kyle. They came as a package deal the two of them and she had just about given up finding someone who was happy to take them both on.
She was also happy that Kyle liked him already. That should make things easier when she decided to tell him that he wasn’t the only reason Lawson came around. And as that thought drifted through her mind she felt Lawson’s arm move behind her legs and his hand wrapped around the thigh of the leg furthest away from him. He didn’t look at her and his body blocked Kyle’s view. Not that her son would take his eyes off the screen anyway. He was beating Lawson and was very pleased about it. But Trish was not thinking about Kyle. Seeing Lawson’s fingers on her leg, all of a sudden she was having trouble breathing. Then smiling to herself she dropped her hand down and ran her fingers over the back of his hand.
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29/02/12
Part 382
Trish felt Lawson’s fingers tighten as she played with his hand and heat surging through her, she bit her lower lip. Wanting more, she slid her hand down over his wrist and under the cuff of his shirt.
But like being doused with a bucket of cold water, his hand immediately dropped away. Trish was worried she’d done something wrong. She sighed and went back to watching the back of his head. He didn’t touch her again and half an hour later he got up and said “I’ve got to take off. I’ve got an early start tomorrow.”
Kyle started to complain but Lawson forestalled his arguments, “I’ll come back mate. How about tomorrow?”
Kyle beamed. “After school?”
“Sure” he said “I’ve got to work anyway. But we better check it’s alright with your mum.”
“It’s alright isn’t it Mum?” Kyle asked turning a pleading look on Trish.
She nodded. “If you get your homework finished tonight, it’s fine.”
“I’ll go do it now” Kyle said running off and calling over his shoulder, “bye Lawson.”
“See ya mate” Lawson said.
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29/02/12
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29/02/12
Part 383
Trish got up, intending to follow Lawson to the door. But as soon as they were out of sight of the living room, she gasped as he pushed her up against the wall and kissed her. The kiss was hot and demanding and after a second he moved back and said “Sorry I’ve needed to do that for some time. I nearly dragged you down on the floor in front of your son before.”
Relieved, knowing that was the reason he’d moved his hand, Trish smiled. “Don’t worry” she confessed in a whisper “I nearly dragged you up on to the couch.”
Lawson chuckled. “What time will I come by tomorrow?”
“Whenever you like. What time do you finish work?” she said her fingers tracing the line of his jaw and then his mouth.
“Three.”
“Okay well if you’re intending to play playstation with Kyle it’ll have to be later, after six some time. I’m at the café until then and Kyle meets me there just before four when he’s finished school.”
Lawson’s eyes were on her lips as he said “how about I come by the café as soon as I’m done and when Kyle gets there I can bring him back here. You can meet us when you’re done.”
Trish just looked at him as tears burned her eyes. She loved how thoughtful he was and how willing he was to spend time with her son. She blinked and looked down at her feet she said “that would be great Lawson thank you. If you’re sure you don’t mind?”
Lawson lifted her head so she was looking at him “I wouldn’t have offered if I minded.”
Trish nodded “okay, thank you.”
Lawson just studied her for a minute and then lowering his head he kissed her again. “See ya” he said as he eased back.
“Bye” Trish said and after watching him get in his car and leave she walked back inside.
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29/02/12
______________________________________________________________
29/02/12
Part 384
The next day Lawson walked into the café at half past three.
Trish was pleased it was a quiet time and she had no other customers. She smiled and said “hi” as he approached.
But Lawson didn’t return her greeting. He just walked around the counter and grabbed her hand. Without pausing he pulled her into the kitchen. Then as soon as they were through the door, he kissed her.
Surprised, Trish gasped but then smiling against his mouth, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back.
Without breaking the kiss, Lawson picked her up and sat her on the long bench running down the centre of the room. He pulled her close to the edge and standing between her legs, he wrapped his arms around her and continued to kiss her.
Easing back a few minutes later he inspected her from her feet to her head and said “hi.”
Trish laughed “I think we’re past that.”
Lawson smirked “yeah sorry. It was just a long day after an even longer night.”
“I’m not complaining” she said “just as long as the health department doesn’t decide to give me a snap inspection.”
“The only person inspecting you from now on had better be me” Lawson said.
Trish laughed again and giving him a quick hug she said “they inspect the premises not me.”
“Just as well” he said with a smirk before lowering his head once more.
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01/03/12
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01/03/12
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01/03/12
Part 385
Lost in Lawson’s embrace Trish was unaware of time and place and it was not until she heard Kyle call out “Mum” on his way through the front door of the café that she remembered where she was.
“Damn” she said and pushing Lawson away she struggled to get off the bench.
“I won’t be a second, Kyle” she called out to her son.
Lawson lifted her down and inspected her worried expression. Frowning he said, “we weren’t doing anything wrong you know.”
“Yes I know” Trish said to him in an anxious whisper as she straightened her clothes. Then looking him in the eye she said, “but I don’t want him finding out like that.”
Lawson looked at her for a minute and then with a smile he nodded “okay, fair enough.”
And a second later Kyle appeared in the doorway. His face lit up as he saw Lawson.
“Lawson. You’re already here.”
“Yep” Lawson said and looking at Trish he added “I was just keeping your Mum company.”
Trish couldn’t stop the smile breaking out on her face and blushing she looked away.
Lawson grinned.
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01/03/12
Part 386
Lawson looked down at Kyle and said “you ready for a rematch, mate? I’m going to take you home and your Mum will meet us there when she’s done.”
“Yay” Kyle said “let’s go.”
“Do I at least get a hello first?” Trish teased her son.
“Sorry Mum” he said “hi.”
“How was school? Any homework?”
“School was okay and no I finished it all last night. Now can we go?”
Trish laughed “okay go already” and looking up at Lawson she said “can you stay for dinner? I can bring something home.”
“That’d be good” Lawson said, “thanks.”
“No thank you” Trish said “Kyle gets sick of hanging around here until I’m done.”
“No worries” he said.
“Mum I’m just going to grab a muffin” Kyle said on his way back out into the shop.
“Just one” she called out.
“And one for Lawson” he called back.
She smiled at Lawson “I hope you’re hungry.”
Leaning in to give her a quick kiss he grinned and said “oh yeah.”
Heat rising within her, she blushed again and smiled.
“See you soon” he said with a smirk.
“Bye.”
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02/03/12
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02/03/12
Part 387
At half past six Trish let herself into her place. She could hear Kyle laughing and Lawson’s deep voice and she tears blurred her vision all off a sudden. This was how she’d always wanted it to be, but never thought it would happen. Not that they were anywhere close to something lasting. But it was nice for now and blinking she walked into the family room.
“Hi you two” she said.
Lawson looked up as he heard Trish’s voice. He was seated on the couch next to Kyle. He smiled “hey.”
“Hi Mum” her son said “when’s dinner?”
Trish laughed “twenty minutes. Just let me warm it up.”
“I’ll give you a hand” Lawson said putting his controller down and getting to his feet “you can play by yourself for a minute mate?”
Having had Lawson’s undivided attention for the last couple of hours, Kyle was happy now to relinquish it for a while. Without taking his eyes off the screen he said “sure.”
Lawson followed Trish into the kitchen.
“I hope you like vegetable lasagne” she said turning to smile at him after switching on the oven.
“I’ll eat anything” Lawson said moving towards her.
Trish watched him approach. She knew he was going to kiss her and even though she knew the danger, she wasn’t about to complain. She’d been able to think of little else since he’d left the cafe.
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02/03/12
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02/03/12
Part 388
Lawson didn’t let the embrace get out of hand. He didn’t want to be the cause of trouble for Trish, nor did he want to risk bringing what they had to a premature end, so after a quick but heated caress he eased back. “When do I get you alone?” he said as he moved to lean his back against the bench and putting his hands in his pockets to stop himself reaching out for her again.
“The weekend” she said with a grimace. She was worried he’d soon think this was all too hard.
But he just nodded “okay.”
“Sorry” she said as she got out three plates and served up some salad to go with the lasagne.
“What for?” he said with a frown.
“For things being so complicated with me.”
He shrugged “don’t be. It doesn’t worry me.”
“Really?” she said stopping what she was doing and looking at him.
“Sure. I like hanging out with Kyle and you” and with a grin he teased “I’m a big boy, I can wait you know?”
Trish laughed and stepping over to him, she gave him a quick kiss and whispered “I’m not sure I can.”
Lawson grinned.
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03/03/13
________________________________________________________________
03/03/13
Part 389
After dinner Trish, Kyle and Lawson watched tv for a while. At nine o’clock Trish said “bed time Kyle.” Her son had been lying on the floor between her and Lawson.
“Awww Mum” Kyle said, dragging himself up.
“Go on” she said “you’re late already. Say good night to Lawson.”
“Night Lawson” he said.
“Night mate” Lawson said smiling at Kyle’s dejected tone. “See you soon.”
“Okay” Kyle said, “night Mum.”
“Night sweetie” she said and watched as he walked slowly out of the room.
As he disappeared Lawson patted the couch next to him.
Trish grinned but held up a finger to him, indicating he wait.
Lawson raised an eyebrow but within a second Kyle appeared again “I just want to get a glass of water” he said.
“Quickly” Trish said knowing his standard night time stalling ritual backwards.
Kyle disappeared into the kitchen and Trish smiled at Lawson as they waited. Within half a minute he was back, “night” he said again.
“Night” Trish said.
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04/03/12
____________________________________________________________
04/03/12
Part 390
Once again Lawson indicated Trish should move over next to him but grinning she gestured to wait still and a couple of seconds later Kyle appeared again “just letting you know I brushed my teeth” he said.
Trish smiled at her son “good boy” then in a firmer voice she said “now good night. No more getting out of bed, right?”
“Okay Mum, night” and he walked out of the room again.
Lawson looked at her, his eyebrow raised in question again.
Trish just smiled again and getting up she said “one sec.”
Trish walked into her son’s room and tucking him in and turning out the main light she sat on the side of his bed. “Now you know our deal, you get to get out twice and that’s it. And how many times have you got out?”
“Twice” Kyle said.
“So no more right?” she said looking at him sternly.
“I won’t mum.”
“Good” she said and kissing him on the head she said “sleep well.” Then leaving his bedside light on, she walked out and closed the door.
____________________________________________________________
04/03/12
Part 391
Trish walked back into the living room.
Lawson looked up, “now?” he said.
She laughed and nodded “now” and sat down in the arc of the arm he held out. She sighed as she relaxed against him and his arm wrapped around her
“Okay?” he asked looking down at her.
“Much better than okay” she said, smiling.
Lawson studied her for a minute and then lowering his head, he kissed her.
____________________________________________________________
05/03/12
____________________________________________________________
05/03/12
Part 392
An hour later Lawson needed to head home and not only because he needed sleep, having Trish so close but not being able to touch her like he wanted to, was testing his will power. He got to his feet. “I’d better get going.”
Trish frowned and getting up, laid a hand on his chest, “is everything alright?”
Lawson groaned and looked down at her. “Yes” he said with a smile “but you know how I said I could wait? Well I’m starting to think maybe I over estimated my self-control.”
Trish laughed and wrapping her arms around his waist looked up at him “I can’t wait until the weekend.”
“Same here” he said "that's the problem" and lowering his head he gave her a quick kiss before releasing her. It wasn’t anywhere near enough, but he didn’t trust himself to go any further. He wasn’t sure he’d be able to stop. Grabbing her hand, he walked to the door. Looking down at her, he said “see you tomorrow?”
“If you can stand it” she teased.
With a smirk he said “I’ll let you know. But if you don’t see me until Saturday, you’ll know why.”
Trish laughed and reaching up to give him one last kiss she said “night.”
Lawson groaned and turning, walked to his car.
_________________________________________________________________
05/03/12
05/03/12
Part 393
The next evening Josh let himself into Kristy’s just after five. Kristy was sitting in the living room reading the paper. Jesse was curled up at her feet. She smiled up at Josh as he entered.
Josh leant over and gave her a quick kiss and then dropping down beside her, he gave Jesse a scratch behind the ear. “Hey” he said to Kristy.
“Hi” she said putting the paper aside and turning to face him. “How was work?”
“Not bad, nothing too dramatic.”
“Good” she said.
“I found out about time off” he said. “I can have a week off starting next week.”
“Perfect” Kristy said her face lighting up. “I’ll organise the flights tomorrow.”
“Thought that’d make you happy” Josh said with a grin.
Kristy crawled over him and lowered herself onto his lap facing him. “You have no idea” she said as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
Josh grinned, “I think I’m getting an indication.”
With a laugh Kristy lowered her head and kissed him.
Smiling against her mouth, Josh got to his feet and without breaking the kiss, he carried her into the bedroom.
________________________________________________________________
06/03/12
________________________________________________________________
06/03/12
Part 394
Earlier at the cafe, Lawson was contemplating tying himself to the stool to stop from carrying Trish into the kitchen. He wasn’t lying when he said he enjoyed hanging out with her and Kyle but memories of the previous Saturday night kept circling in his head and the delay was slowly killing him. With an abrupt movement he stood and looking at Trish who had just finished serving a customer, he said “I’ve got to go.”
“Oh okay” Trish said looking at his strained expression.
“I’ll see you tomorrow” he said and walked out.
“Bye” she said. She was sad that she wouldn’t see him that night, but she understood. This was hard on them both.
A couple of minutes later Kyle walked in. “Hi” she said with a smile, “how was school?”
“Great” he said.
Trish was surprised but not wanting to make a big deal of it and hoping that he would explain on his own she said “well that’s good”.
“Sam asked me to go to his place after school so we can work on our assignment” he said “his mother will drop me home after tea. I can go can’t I mum?”
“Sure” Trish said. “I’ll give his Mum a call later and just check it’s okay with her.”
“It is” her son assured her “it was her idea. She asked me when she came to pick up Sam from school.”
“Okay” Trish said with a smile “I’ll still give her a call, but it sounds like fun.”
“Yay” Kyle said and walked into the kitchen.
Trish grinned at her son’s excitement. He wasn’t a child that got asked to play at his mates houses often. She knew some of it was because of his allergies. It worried people that they could give him the wrong thing to eat and she couldn’t blame them for being concerned, but she felt sad for him. However Sam’s mum was one of the few parents who didn’t seem to worry about it. Sam and Kyle had been in the same class since they’d started school together.
However as Trish considered what the outing meant to her son, another thought struck her and her smile widened.
_________________________________________________________________
06/03/12
_________________________________________________________________
06/03/12
Part 395
Her son being occupied tomorrow afternoon and evening had given Trish an idea. She knew Lawson was finishing at three all week and calculating the end of the after school rush she pulled out an A4 piece of paper and wrote out a sign to hang in the window. But before putting it up she took a photo with her phone and adding it to a message she typed below it, ‘Kyle is going to a friend’s place after school tomorrow and is staying there for dinner.’ She sent the message to Lawson and could barely contain her excitement as she waited for his response.
Lawson felt his phone go off as he made his way home. Looking down at it he saw it was a message from Trish. He pulled over and opened the message. He was surprised to see it included an image and when he saw the sign she had written saying ‘Due to circumstances beyond the management’s control, the cafe will close at 4pm tomorrow. We apologise for any inconvenience. Normal operating hours will resume on Thursday’ and also the added message she’d written, a slow grin spread across his face. He typed back ‘best news I’ve heard all year, see you at your place at 4.05.’
Back at the cafe Trish opened Lawson’s message and almost squealed with delight. If she’d have been anywhere but at work, she would have. She attached the sign to the front door.
___________________________________________________________
07/03/12
___________________________________________________________
07/03/12
Part 396
The next day Trish couldn’t wipe the smile off her face. She was glad it was a busy day meaning the time passed quickly. At four on the dot she closed the doors. She’d been rushing around, cleaning up in between serving so she could leave straight away. Even so Lawson was already on her doorstep when she pulled up. He was sitting on the top step of the short flight of stairs up to her door.
“Hi” she said with a smile as she walked up the steps towards him.
“Hey” he said, his eyes skimming over her.
She stopped in front of him “how are you?” she asked.
He reached out and placed a hand on her hip “much better now.”
Her smile widened and as he got to his feet she unlocked the front door. Lawson followed her in and closed the door behind them.
Trish put her bag and keys down and turned to look at him.
He stepped closer and looked down at her, “beyond your control?” he said with a grin referring to the wording of her sign.
She grinned and wrapped her arms around his neck “definitely, I have no control left” she said and she brought her mouth down hard on his.
Lawson smiled against her mouth and then picking her up he carried her into the bedroom.
_________________________________________________________
07/03/12
_________________________________________________________
07/03/12
Part 397
Later lying with Lawson in her bed, Trish couldn’t stop smiling. If anything it was better than it had been the first time. Even though there was still the excitement of a new relationship, of finding out what the other liked, this time there was also some familiarity and it gave Trish a feeling of coming home. It was something she hadn’t known in a long time.
“Well that almost made the wait worth it” Lawson teased.
His voice breaking into her musings Trish turned her head and looked at him. “Almost?” she said with a smile, rolling onto her side to face him. “Clearly we didn’t get it right then.”
“Not a question of quality” he said running his finger down her naked upper body, “more an issue with quantity.”
Her smile widened. “Oh” she said “well maybe we should rectify that.”
His gaze dropping to her mouth he said “just what I was thinking” and leaning over he kissed her.
Already lost, Trish wrapped her arms around his neck.
And Lawson wasted no time in rolling her beneath him once more.
________________________________________________________________
08/03/12
________________________________________________________________
08/03/12
Part 398
A little later Trish cooked Lawson dinner and after they’d cleaned up she put on a movie. Curled up next to him on the couch with Lawson’s arm wrapped around her shoulders Trish was content.
At eight o’clock, about half way through the movie, the door bell rang. Trish turned to look at Lawson, then leaning over to give him a kiss she went to let her son in.
Trish thanked Sam’s mum for dropping him home and closing the front door she looked down at her son and said, there’s a surprise in the living room.
Kyle’s face lit up, “what is it?”
“Go and see” she said with a laugh.
Kyle ran off and she could hear the delight in his voice as he saw Lawson.
“Hey mate” Lawson said.
“Have you been waiting for me?” he asked.
Lawson didn’t want to lie to him so he said “I came to see you and your mum.”
“Can we play playstation?”
“Maybe next time” Lawson said “we were in the middle of a movie.”
“Can I watch?” he asked looking at his mother.
“Only for half an hour and then bed, okay?”
“Okay” he said and dropped down in the space his mother had vacated next to Lawson.
Trish gave Lawson a wistful smile and sat down in the chair on the other side of him. The chair was close to the side of the couch, but it was not like sitting curled up against his body. She sighed.
Lawson’s watched Trish until she turned the movie back on. Then as Kyle’s attention also moved to the screen he dropped his hand down over the arm of the couch and held it out. It was below the level of the couch and out of sight. Trish saw the movement of his arm out of the side of her eyes and smiling she lowered her hand over the edge too.
Lawson clasped it and held it tight.
Trish smiled and began to watch the movie again.
_____________________________________________________________
09/03/12
_____________________________________________________________
09/03/12
Part 399
After Kyle was asleep in bed, Lawson roused himself to make the trip home. He had another early start the next day and after that afternoon’s activity he needed some sleep. At the door he pulled Trish into his arms.
“Thanks” he said.
“For what” she asked looking up at him.
“For dinner” he said “and saving my sanity, I think I’d have gone mad by the weekend.”
She laughed, “me too. But I can’t promise I can organise it every week.”
“No worries, I’m happy to take it as it comes.”
“Thank you” she said and reaching up, she kissed him.
“See you tomorrow?” he said as he eased back a minute later.
“Yes please” she said “come over for dinner.”
“Okay, but how about I cook this time?”
“Can you?” she asked with a smile.
“You’ll find out tomorrow” he said and giving her another quick kiss he turned away. On the way to his car, over his shoulder he added “I’ll bring what I need, see ya.”
“Bye” she said still smiling and held up a hand.
______________________________________________________________
10/03/12
______________________________________________________________
10/03/12
Part 400
The next day Kristy organised her time off to match Josh’s and then when she got home that afternoon, she booked their flights over to the west. Next she rang her mother and told her to expect them, but she didn’t get the reaction she expected.
“What did you do that for?” her mother ,sounding angry.
“Because I was stupid enough to believe you might like to see me after all these months” she snapped “my mistake.”
Kristy heard her mother sigh before she said, “I’m sorry Kristy. Of course we want to see you. Don’t pay any attention to me. What day did you say?”
“Next Monday Mum but don’t just apologise. I need to know why you said that.”
Her mother sighed again. “I can’t do this on the phone. I’ll explain when get here.”
“Are you and Dad okay?”
“Yes, we’re fine.”
“Joel?”
“We’re all fine okay? Just leave it until you get here. I’m sorry about my initial reaction. I can’t wait to see you both.”
“Okay” Kristy said feeling a little better. “Bye Mum, see you Monday.”
“Bye hun. Dad’ll pick you up from the airport.”
“Okay” Kristy said and hung up.
______________________________________________________________
12/03/12
______________________________________________________________
12/03/12
Part 401
Kristy sat lost in her thoughts after she’d hung up from her mother and that’s how Josh found her half an hour later.
“Hey” he said kissing her head.
Kristy jumped, she hadn’t heard him arrive.
He frowned “you okay?” he asked.
“Yes” she said “but I’m glad we’re heading west next week.”
“Why?” he said taking a seat at the table beside her.
“I just spoke to Mum and she was really weird.”
“Weird how?” he said, frowning.
She turned to face him, “when I told her we were coming over, she asked me why I was doing that? It felt like she didn’t want me to come.”
“What did she say when you asked her about it?”
“How do you know I did?” Kristy asked with a small smile.
Josh smiled, “because I know you” he said.
Kristy grinned. “I guess you do at that. She said she’d explain when we got there.”
He reached out and picked up her hand. “So wait until you know what it is before you worry about it.”
__________________________________________________________________
13/03/12
Josh watched her for a minutes and then said “Come on” as he got to his feet and pulled her up to before she could argue.
______________________________________________________________
13/03/12
__________________________________________________________________
13/03/12
Part 402
Kristy knew what Josh had said about waiting until she knew what was going on with her mother to worry about it made sense but she couldn’t stop thinking about it. Didn’t her mother know, not knowing was worse than anything she could have told her. She was always going to assume the worst.
Josh watched her for a minutes and then said “Come on” as he got to his feet and pulled her up to before she could argue.
“Where are we going?” Kristy asked.
“I’m taking you out for dinner” he said “you need a distraction.
“I need to change first” she said as he pulled her towards the door. She was still wearing what she’d worn to work that morning.
“Not for where we’re going you don’t” he said without pausing.
Kristy laughed and relented, “okay, can I grab my bag at least.”
“You won’t need it” he said not letting her stop and as Jesse appeared in the living room door way he said “stay here girl” and watched her walk back over to her bed and lie down.
It was only when they were outside and he was locking the door that Josh released Kristy’s hand.
“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?” she asked as she followed him to his car.
“Nope” he said “You’ll find out when we get there.”
Smiling she shrugged and got into the car next to him.
______________________________________________________________
13/03/12
Part 403
As Trish, Lawson and Kyle ate dinner. Kyle said “mum I’ve got special persons day on Monday, we’re having a concert.”
“What time?” Trish asked.
“Two o’clock” her son said.
“Damn” Trish said “I’ve got a private luncheon booked at the cafe. I’m not going to be able to leave.”
Kyle shrugged and looked away “doesn’t matter” he said.
Trish sighed. She hated disappointing her son. “I can see if Grandma can come” she suggested. “She plays bowls on Monday’s but she may be able to miss it.”
“Don’t worry about it” Kyle said sounding dejected and picking up his empty plate, he put it on the bench and walked out of the kitchen.
Looking at his slumped shoulders, Trish didn’t have to heart to make him come back and put it in the dishwasher. She sighed.
Lawson watched her for a minute and then said “I could go.”
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15/03/12
______________________________________________________________
15/03/12
Part 404
When Trish just looked at him in surprise after he’d suggested going to Kyle’s school Lawson smirked and teased “I make no claim to being special but if it would help?”
Trish was astounded. “You don’t have to do that” she said.
He shrugged, “I know. But I’d like to if Kyle is okay with it.”
“Okay with it” Trish said “he’ll be over the moon.”
“There is just one thing. I will be working, so there is a chance I mightn’t be able to get away.”
“I’m sure Kyle will be happy to take the risk, but let’s ask him and see. If you’re sure?”
“No worries” he said.
Trish smiled and called out “Kyle.”
Her son appeared in the doorway “yes” he said, his tone dejected.
“Lawson has something to ask you.”
“I was wondering, seeing your mum can’t go, if it would it be okay if I came to your school on Monday?”
“Really?” Kyle said his face transforming into a delighted expression.
“As I just told your mum, I’m working and I may be tied up, but if you’re happy to take that risk, then sure.”
“Thanks Lawson” he said. “That would be fantastic.”
“No problem” he said and then added “if you get the playstation set up, we can have a game after I’ve helped your Mum clean up my mess.”
“Okay Lawson” Kyle said running off to the living room.
Trish moved around to Lawson’s side of the table and looking down at him she said “you are very special, thank you” before leaning down to give him a quick, but heated kiss.
Lawson grinned as Trish moved back and then getting to his feet, they both began cleaning up.
______________________________________________________________________
16/03/12
______________________________________________________________________
16/03/12
Part 405
Josh pulled up near the water and Kristy looked out over the ocean, it was nearly dusk. She’d never been to Station Pier before. She turned around and asked “what are we doing here?”
Josh gave her a crooked smile “having dinner.”
“Where?” she asked looking all around her, all she could see was carpark and the structure making up the pier.
“Just back there” Josh said pointing over his shoulder “come on” and he got out of the car.
It was windy but not cold and pushing the hair out of her eyes Kristy said with a smile, “lead on.”
Josh grinned and lead her back though the carpark and across the road they’d just driven along. On the other side was a celebrated fish and chip shop.
Kristy smiled “just what I feel like, how did you know?” she asked as they stopped outside the door of the shop.
“Luck guess” he said with a wink.
She smiled and reaching up she gave him a quick kiss and they walked inside.
____________________________________________________________
18/03/12
____________________________________________________________
18/03/12
Part 406
After waiting for their order Josh and Kristy walked back to the car. Josh turned his ute around and they sat on the tailgate looking out over the ocean as they ate. Before long they could hear movement and see action on the pier and they watched as the Spirit of Tasmania, lit up like a Christmas tree, pulled away from the dock.
By the time they’d finished eating, the ship was out of sight and the sun had set. Josh screwed up the paper from their dinner and tossed it in a nearby bin. When he came back and sat beside Kristy, his arm draped around her shoulders.
This was exactly what Kristy had needed. It was uncomplicated and easy. The wind had blown the cobwebs away and cleared her head and in such a magical setting it was impossible not to feel it was good to be alive. She pushed the hair out of her eyes and turning her head to look up at him she said “thank you.”
He looked down at her and gave her that crooked smile she loved, “no problem” he said and lowering his head he kissed her.
_______________________________________________________
19/03/12
_______________________________________________________
19/03/12
Part 407
The following Monday, Lawson got Michael to drop him at Kyle’s school about a quarter past two. He’d got held up and now he was late.
“What are you doing here?” Michael asked.
“Public relations exercise” Lawson said with a smirk.
Michael shrugged “okay.”
“I’ll call you when I want you to pick me up, unless something urgent comes up” Lawson said. “Go meet up with the others, with Josh away, Elliot’s going to need your help. I won’t be long.”
Michael nodded.
Getting out of the car, Lawson walked into the school yard. He knew he had to find the hall but he had no idea where that was. As he walked past the end of a building a woman appeared from a door way. She looked surprised, no doubt at seeing a policeman in the school ground. “Can I help you?” she said.
“I’m looking for the hall” Lawson said.
She smiled, “ah, special persons day?”
Lawson returned her smile “yes.”
“Phew” she joked “I thought something had happened.”
“We get that reaction a bit when turn up in uniform at places we aren’t expected.”
She laughed “I’ll bet you do. Follow me, I’ll take you around to the hall. I think they’ve started though.”
“Yeah, I’m late” Lawson said.
“Well I’m sure whoever you’re here for will just be glad you made it.”
Lawson nodded and said “I hope so” and followed her to the hall.
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20/03/12
_______________________________________________________________
20/03/12
Part 408
As soon as he stepped foot in the hall, Lawson felt eyes on him. Ignoring then, he crossed his arms and looked around the kids seated on the floor trying to find Kyle. The concert had already started, so he remained standing at the back.
As his eyes reached the extreme end of the back row he saw Kyle. He smiled.
Kyle returned his smile and then after speaking to a teacher, he made his way over the Lawson. “Hi” he said. “I thought you weren’t going to make it.”
“It was close mate.”
Kyle grinned.
“Have you been on yet?”
“No, we’re next. The last group.”
“Good timing then?” Lawson said with a smirk.
“We’re going over to our classroom afterwards, can you stay?”
“We’ll see how we go” Lawson said “everything’s quiet at the moment “but that could change. I’ll tell you if I have to go though.”
“Okay Lawson” Kyle said with a smile “I’ll see you here once I’m done.”
“Knock’em dead mate” Lawson said.
Kyle laughed and walked back to his place.
_________________________________________________________
21/03/12
_______________________________________________________
22/03/12
23/03/12
_________________________________________________________
21/03/12
Part 409
After the concert had finished the year levels separated and the kids took their special people went back to their respective classrooms to show them around.
Kyle had just finished showing Lawson his classroom when Lawson when he heard Leon call him through his earpiece. “I’ll be back in a minute” he said to Kyle and he stepped out into the corridor.
When he stepped back inside the room, Lawson heard another child ask Kyle “is that your dad?” Both boys had their backs to him. Lawson wasn’t surprised by the question. He knew from his work with other kids how simplistic they were. They always assume the easy answer. However Kyle’s reaction shocked him.
“No” Kyle said, his tone was adamant and his expression show clear anger. “My dad died when I was little.”
“Okay” his friend said “I just thought....”
“Well don’t” Kyle stated “he’s not my dad.”
The other boy moved away and Lawson was thoughtful. He wasn’t sure what was going on in Kyle’s head, but he didn’t like the sound of his reaction. While he didn’t want to replace his father, they got on well and he’d thought he’d accept him seeing his Mum without any problem. But maybe it wasn’t going to be so easy. He made a mental note to ask Trish about it.
_______________________________________________________
22/03/12
Part 410
As Lawson was visiting Kyle’s school Josh and Kristy were boarding a plane, headed for Perth. As they took their seats Kristy said “remember the last time we were on a plane together.
Josh smiled “yep” he said. “Best plane trip I’ve ever had.”
Kristy smiled and reaching over she kissed him.
As she straightened back into her seat she said “why did you come and sit with me that day?”
“Why do ya think?” Josh said with a grin.
She laughed, “so have you done that before, picked up strange women on a plane?”
“You’re not strange” he teased.
She laughed again “you know what I mean.”
“No” he said “that was a first.”
“But then women don’t normally hit me with luggage to get my attention.”
Kristy gasped, feigning dismay, “I did not. That was an accident.”
“I know, that’s the story you’re going with” he said, winking at her.
“Josh” she said in a warning tone, her eyes narrowed.
He leant towards her “don’t worry about it, it worked anyway.”
Kristy rolled her eyes and then unable to help herself she laughed and pulling his head towards her, she kissed him again.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
23/03/12
Part 411
“It was an accident” Kristy said again as he moved back. She was determined to make her point about how they first met.
He grinned, “well it was a good one.”
“Agreed” she said with a smile but laying her head back on the head rest she looked away and her expression turned sombre.
Seeing it Josh knew she was worried about her family. He picked up her hand and held it, “your mum said they were okay.”
She rolled her head over to look at him. “I know” she said.
“So stop worrying will ya? You’ll know in a couple of hours.”
Smiling she said “okay” and after a pause she said “thanks for coming with me.”
“No problem.”
“Was Lawson happy to have Jesse?”
“Yeah, he said he was looking forward to it. Not that I think Jesse will get that much attention, with Trish as competition.”
Kristy laughed, “yes they seem happy. Let’s hope it works out for them.”
“Yeah, since he’s been seeing her, he’s been too distracted to give me a hard time.”
“I hope they’ll be as happy as we are.”
“Not possible” he said.
She smiled.
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25/03/12
__________________________________________________________
25/03/12
Part 412
Arriving in Perth, as promised Kristy’s father was there to meet them.
Kristy tried to hold back the tears that suddenly burned her eyes. She hugged him, “hi Dad, it’s great to see you.”
“You too honey” her father said, holding her tight. Then moving back he put his hand out to Josh, “hey Josh, good to see you.”
Josh shook the older man’s hand, “thanks Graham, you too” he said.
“Well let’s get your bags and head home, Mum’s anxious to see you too.”
“What’s going on with her?” Kristy asked as they made their way to the baggage collection area.
Her father turned his head and glanced at her for a second but didn’t stop. Once he was looking ahead again he said “she wants to tell you, so wait until we get home honey, please.”
Kristy frowned. The more they all avoided the subject the more worried she became.
Seeing Kristy’s expression, Josh knew she was worried and he reached out and clasped her hand.
Kristy looked down at their linked hands and then up into his eyes.
He squeezed her hand.
She gave him a small smile and releasing her breath on a sigh, she did her best not to panic.
He smiled as her felt her relax.
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26/03/12
Part 413
Back in Kyle’s classroom Lawson moved over to him and said “I have to go mate.”
The boy looked sullen. He shrugged but didn’t respond.
“Everything okay?” Lawson asked with a frown.
“Yeah” Kyle said but he didn’t make eye contact.
Lawson’s frown deepened. “Thanks for letting me come today.”
Kyle looked up at him and after a minute he nodded. “Okay, thanks” he said.
“I think I’m coming around tonight, your Mum wanted a full report on your awesome performance” he said with a smile. “Plus it’s my turn to beat you at that game.”
“No chance” Kyle said with a smile, sounding more normal.
Lawson was relieved to see it. “We’ll see” he said giving Kyle a wink. “See you.”
“Bye Lawson” Kyle said and held up a hand as Lawson walked out.
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26/03/12
_______________________________________________________________
26/03/12
Part 414
That night after Kyle had gone to bed, Lawson explained what he’d heard at his school.
Trish was worried, “maybe it’s time we told him” she said.
“Are you sure?” Lawson said “it didn’t sound like he was going to be happy to hear it.”
“All the more reason” Trish said, “if he’s already unhappy about the thought of it when he doesn’t even know it’s happening, there is no point in keeping it from him. He’ll only be hurt when he finds out later on.”
“What if he won’t accept it?” Lawson asked.
Trish just looked at him, her eyes sad.
Lawson got up and started to pace. He had his answer. He knew if Kyle couldn’t accept him, it was all over between them. He didn’t want to think about it.
“It may not mean he won’t be okay about us” she said, trying to tell him something positive. “He’s sensitive about his father. His reaction may be more about you replacing him in other people’s eyes.”
Lawson stopped and looked at her. He wasn’t reassured.
“When will you tell him?” he asked.
“Tomorrow after school” Trish said without hesitation. She wasn’t any happier about this than Lawson, but her main concern had to be her son. Now she knew he was likely to be upset by it she couldn’t keep it from him any longer.
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27/03/12
______________________________________________________________
27/03/12
Part 415
Lawson nodded and sliding his hands into his pockets he said “maybe I shouldn’t come around then.”
“No” Trish agreed with a sigh and standing she moved to stand in front of him. “I’m sorry.”
Lawson looked down at her for a minute, then pulling his hands out of his pockets he slid them into her hair on either side of her face before lowering his head and kissing her.
As he moved back she said “I’ll ring you and let you know what he says.”
He nodded. “Okay” then after a second he said “I’ve got to go.”
Trish walked him to the door.
Lawson pulled her into his arms and held her. He knew this may be the last time he did so. Easing back he lowered his head and kissed her. It was a long, lingering kiss that spoke of need and longing and fear. The embrace was bitter sweet for both of them and when he couldn’t take it anymore Lawson released her and abruptly walked away.
Trish had tears in her eyes as she watched him go. She just hoped she’d be able to tell him he could come back. Walking back inside after watching his car disappear, Trish sank down on the couch and closed her eyes. She didn’t want to think of not being able to see him.
__________________________________________________________-
27/03/12
__________________________________________________________-
27/03/12
Part 416
Kristy and Josh arrived at her family home in time for dinner. All Kristy wanted to do was speak to her mother alone but it was destined not to happen until later that night. All her family wanted to talk about was them. Kristy was frustrated, but she sighed and complied. So while they all helped get the meal ready, she and Josh filled them in on what had been going on with them. Kristy showed them pictures of Jesse and the apartment. But as soon as the meal was over she volunteered to help her mother wash up and told the others to leave them to it. The three men didn’t argue and they gathered in the living room.
In the kitchen Kristy said “okay Mum, enough is enough, tell me what is going on with you.”
Looking down at her hands, her mother said, “I was retrenched”
Kristy stared at her and waited. When she didn’t say anymore, she asked “and ?”
“And nothing” her mother said looking up, “that’s the problem.”
Kristy just looked at her and to her disgust when she thought about it later, she began to laugh.
Her mother frowned. “It’s not funny Kristy.”
Doing her best to get herself under control Kristy said “I’m sorry Mum but if you had any idea what horrible things I’ve been thinking. I thought it was something life threatening” and shaking her head she added “why didn’t you just tell me?”
____________________________________________________
28/03/12
“I was embarrassed” Mary Black said looking down at her hands. “I’ve never lost a job before. I’ve worked there for over twenty years. Then when I couldn’t get another job” she shrugged “it felt terrible.”
____________________________________________________
28/03/12
Part 417
“I was embarrassed” Mary Black said looking down at her hands. “I’ve never lost a job before. I’ve worked there for over twenty years. Then when I couldn’t get another job” she shrugged “it felt terrible.”
“I’m sorry Mum” Kristy said again as she saw how upset her mother was about this. “I know this is hard. But you shouldn’t take it personally. You didn’t do anything wrong. It’s about the business not you or your work.”
“But what do I do now.”
“Take it easy for once in your life” Kristy said with a smile.
“I can’t just sit at home. I need to do my part. I need to contribute”
“You do and you have. Did you get a retrenchment package?”
“Yes” Mary said, still sounding despondent.
“Well there you are then” Kristy said “you are contributing, just not on a weekly basis. What does Dad say?”
“You know your father, nothing fazes him. He says I’m not to worry. I don’t need to work. And money wise I probably don’t but that doesn’t make me feel any better. I can’t let him do it all. I need to do something too.”
Mary’s face filled with hot colour and she turned away.
______________________________________________________
29/03/12
__________________________________________________________
03/04/12
______________________________________________________
29/03/12
Part 418
Kristy could see this had cut deep with her mother. It had affected the way she thought about herself. It had shaken her self-esteem. “Mum you’ll get something else” Kristy said trying to make her feel better.
“I’ve tried” she said “no one wants to hire someone my age” and lifting her gaze to look at Kristy she added “You can’t tell Josh.”
Kristy frowned, “mum I have to. He knows how worried I’ve been. Besides this is nothing to be ashamed of. He’s not going to think any less of you.”
Mary closed her eyes and groaned.
Kristy hated to see her mother so dejected and her tone brisk she said “right, well if you can’t find something in your old area then maybe we need to look at getting you retrained. That will get you out meeting people too and you’ll be working towards something.”
For the first time Mary looked hopeful “could I do that?”
“Of course you could” Kristy said. “Have a think and see if there is anything you particularly want to do and we’ll start looking at courses tomorrow. And while you’re re-training you can always do some volunteer work. You might get something in the area you want to work in and that way you’ll be helping someone else and getting some practical experience.”
Mary smiled. “Oh thank you Kristy. I’m so glad you came home for a visit.”
“I nearly didn’t after our last phone call” Kristy said with a frown.
“I’m sorry sweetie. I was hoping I’d be working again before I had to tell you and when you said you were coming, I panicked.”
Kristy shook her head. “Okay let’s forget it, just next time tell me for god sake. Anything is better than not knowing.”
Mary sighed and nodded “okay.”
“Good” Kristy said “now let’s go and grab those men before they become too settled and head out for a drink and a walk. I want to see what’s changed since I’ve been away.”
Her mother smiled “okay let’s go” and she led the way out of the kitchen.
_______________________________________________________________
30/03/12
_______________________________________________________________
30/03/12
Part 419
The next day, Trish broached the subject of Lawson with her son.
Asking him to sit down with her in the living room as soon as they got home Trish said “I’ve got something to tell you.”
Kyle looked at her “what?”
“It’s about Lawson” she said “you know how he’s been coming here to see you, well he’s been coming to see me too.”
Kyle frowned.
Seeing it Trish’s chest began to ache. She wrung her hands as she continued “I like him and I think he likes me” she said, trying to put it as simply as she could.
“What about me?” he asked, hurt plain in his expression.
“Of course he likes you too. He likes spending time with both of us.”
Kyle looked away, “but he comes over to see you mostly, doesn’t he?”
“No honey” Trish said reaching out to touch him. He shrugged her hand off.
Trish bit her lip to stop the tears spilling over. “We do like spending time together, but that includes you too. Sometimes we’d do things by ourselves, but that’s the same as it is now. I do things by myself sometimes.”
“He wants to take my dad place, doesn’t he?” Kyle said still not looking at her, his voice hard.
“No” Trish said again “no one can do that, for you or for me. Your dad will always be your dad and I’ll always love him but now there is room for someone else too. That someone could be Lawson. He just wants to be there for both of us.”
“What if I don’t want him around?” he said.
Trish swallowed hard to clear the lump that had formed in her throat “then he won’t be around” she said, her heart heavy.
And turning to look at her, his gaze unwavering, he said “I don’t want him around.”
Trish could barely breathe. She nodded and standing she turned away so he couldn’t see how much this was hurting her, “okay, I’ll tell him he can’t come by anymore” she said.
___________________________________________________________
01/04/12
___________________________________________________________
01/04/12
Part 420
Trish walked into the kitchen, tears were running down her face. She wiped them away. The worst had happened and now she to tell Lawson. After a minute she pulled herself together and picked up her phone.
Making that call was the hardest thing she’d ever had to do.
He knew as soon as she said hello.
“It’s not good is it?” he said.
“No” she said. “He doesn’t want to see you anymore, I’m sorry”
Lawson was quiet for a minute. Then his voice determined he said, “this isn’t over”. “Let me talk to him.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea” she said.
“Can it make things any worse?” he said.
“No” she said and as the tears started to flow again she couldn’t say any more for a minute.
“Trish, don’t” he said, wishing he could hold her. “Don’t give up yet. Let me talk to him.”
__________________________________________________________
01/04/12
___________________________________________________________
02/04/12
__________________________________________________________
01/04/12
Part 421
“I’ll have to get him to agree to it” Trish said to Lawson. “I’m not going to lie to him.”
“Fine” Lawson said “you get him to agree to talk and I’ll do the rest.”
Trish didn’t feel any confidence that he’d be able to say anything that would change her son’s mind but with a sigh she agreed. “Okay, I’ll ask him.”
“Tomorrow” Lawson said. “I’m not leaving this indefinitely.”
“I’ll try” she said.
“Okay” he said. “Text me where and when.”
“Alright” she said, her tone flat.
“Don’t worry, I’m a negotiator remember” he said trying to inject some levity.
“Kids don’t respond to negotiation” she said without any trace of humour.
If the situation hadn’t been so grave Lawson would have laughed, instead he said “text me.”
“Okay” she said “bye.”
“Bye” he said and hung up.
___________________________________________________________
02/04/12
Part 422
Kristy loved being home in the west again, although if she was honest, it didn’t feel like home to her anymore. She enjoyed showing Josh all her favourite places but her home was in Melbourne with him now. While not much had changed in the city that she could see, the place felt different. It had a warm familiar feeling and she loved seeing her family and introducing Josh to some old friends, but it wasn’t the same. It didn’t feel like she could come back here and pick up her old life anymore. The sameness made it feel old somehow, like time had stood still there, while everywhere else it had moved on. She had trouble describing the feeling to herself and she knew it was because she had changed while she was away, but it did make one thing very clear. Her time back in her home town had led to a life changing decision and when she got home she planned to take action
__________________________________________________________
03/04/12
Part 423
For their last night in Perth Kristy took Josh to the beach to watch the sunset. It was a warm night with a gentle breeze. Josh sat down on the sand and Kristy sat between his legs. He wrapped his arms around her and they watched the sun sink into the water. “It’s so beautiful” Kristy said “I think I miss this the most.”
“Would you ever want to come back here to live?” Josh asked.
Kristy shook her head. “No I don’t think so. Now I’ve seen the lights of the big city” she joked “there’s no going back.”
He laughed. “I thought maybe coming back here might have stirred things up for you.”
“No” she said turning to look at him in the fading light. “If anything it’s confirmed certain things for me.”
“Are you going to tell me?” he asked with a smile.
“Not yet” she said looking back out over the ocean.
“I could make ya” he teased.
“Yeah, but you won’t” she said and turning her head again she kissed him.
Later Josh and Kristy had dinner with her family and after packing up ready for the morning, they had a fun evening playing cards.
_____________________________________________________________
04/04/12
_____________________________________________________________
04/04/12
Part 424
The next morning Kristy’s father was to drive them to the airport. Josh had already said his goodbyes and now it was Kristy’s turn. Saying goodbye to her mother she found she was more emotional than she expected. While her life maybe in Melbourne now, she did miss her family. Mary hugged her daughter hard and said “thank you so much honey for getting me back on track.”
“My pleasure” Kristy said and as she moved back, she had to blink back tears. “If you need any more motivational speeches, just give me a call” she added as she got her emotions under control.
Mary laughed “I’ll try to remember that.”
“Please do” Kristy said with mild censure, “as much as I’m happy we came to visit, I could have done the same thing over the phone and saved all the stress.”
Mary gave her a sheepish smile. “Point taken, I’ll keep you informed next time.”
“Good” Kristy said, giving her another brief hug and grinning she added “I might have some news for you once we get back.”
“What?”
Mary asked her daughter.
“You’ll have to wait and see” she teased.
“Oh that’s not fair.”
“Now you know how I felt” Kristy said with a grin.
Mary laughed. “Okay, I deserved that. I’ll wait.”
“Bye Mum” Kristy said.
“Bye love” call me when you get back.
“Will do” Kristy said and walked out to the car where Josh and her father were waiting.
_____________________________________________________________
05/04/12
_____________________________________________________________
05/04/12
Part 425
Not wanting to upset her son again so soon Trish left it until after school the day after she’d broken the news to ask him if Lawson could speak to him. When he arrived at the cafe close to four o’clock, Trish had no customers. Taking advantage of the lull she followed Kyle into the kitchen, “hey can I ask you something?” she said.
“Okay” he said in a quiet voice. He had been sullen and uncommunicative since she’d told him about her relationship with Lawson.
Taking a deep breath she said “I told Lawson you didn’t want to see him and he accepts that, but he’d like to talk to you, are you willing to do that?”
“What if I said no?” he said, not looking at her.
“Then I’d be very disappointed” Trish said “I did what you asked without question, no matter how much it hurt me”
His eyes flicked up to meet hers.
“I think you owe it to, me, to yourself and to Lawson to hear him out. No one is going to force you to do anything. We are just asking you to listen.”
______________________________________________________
07/04/12
______________________________________________________
07/04/12
Part 426
Kyle’s gaze dropped away and he shrugged.
“What does that mean?” Trish said, trying hard to keep the anger out of her voice. She wasn’t really angry with her son, he was a child. It was the unfairness of the situation that she was finding hard to bear.
“Okay” he mumbled in a voice she struggled to hear.
“Sorry” she said.
“Okay” he said glaring at her. “I’ll talk to him.”
“Thank you” she said. “I’ll see if he can around tonight.”
“I don’t want you to be home” he said.
Trish sighed. That request didn’t fill her with hope. “Okay” she said “I’ll go out.”
He nodded and Trish walked back into the cafe and pulled out her phone to call Lawson.
________________________________________________________________
08/04/12
________________________________________________________________
08/04/12
Part 427
“Hi” she said after Lawson had answered.
“So?” he said wanting to know Kyle’s answer.
Trish knew what he was asking, she said “he said he’d talk to you, but he doesn’t want me there when you come around.”
Lawson was quiet for a minute. Trish’s first statement had given him hope but the second had taken it away again. “****” he said.
“I know” Trish said, her tone quiet and sad.
“I need to see you” he said, his tone mirroring her own now.
Trish bit her lip. The words torn from her, she said “I can’t lie to him.”
“Okay” he said, knowing she meant she couldn’t go behind Kyle’s back to see him. His only hope was that he could talk Kyle around.
“I’ll call you after I’ve spoken to him.
“Okay” Trish said, fighting to keep her emotions in check. And with nothing more to say, she added “bye Lawson.”
Lawson didn’t want to say goodbye, it sounded too final. Instead he said “talk to you later,” and hung up.
_______________________________________________________
09/04/12
_______________________________________________________
09/04/12
Part 428
Lawson arrived at Trish’s place at seven that night. Taking a deep breath, he knocked.
After a few minutes wait, Kyle opened the door.
“Hey mate” Lawson said. “How’ve you been?”
Kyle shrugged and releasing the door, he walked back into the house leaving Lawson standing on the doorstep.
Lawson sighed and stepping inside he closed the door and followed Kyle. He found him in the living room watching tv. He didn’t look up. Lawson watched him for a minute and then said “can you turn that off so we can talk?”
Kyle rolled his eyes and pointing the remote turned off the tv.
“Mind if I sit?” Lawson said.
Once again a shrug was his only answer. His eyes remained averted.
Lawson sat on the edge of the couch a little further down from Kyle. Facing the boy he said “your Mum told me she spoke to you about her and me.”
Kyle turned his head to look at him for a second before moving his gaze away again. He didn’t speak.
Frustrated, Lawson sighed again and changed his tack. His tone was angry now as he said, “you don’t want to talk, fine. Just listen then.”
Kyle’s gaze flicked back to look at him. His eyes were uncertain now.
“If you have a problem with me” Lawson said “tell me and we’ll try and sort it out. You don’t want to see me, then I’ll respect your wishes, even if it’s not what I want, but don’t take this out on your mum. I know you love her so I can’t believe you want her to be unhappy. I don’t want that either, but this is making her very unhappy.”
Kyle looked away.
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10/04/12
_______________________________________________________________________
10/04/12
Part 429
Lawson waited. There was little more he could do if Kyle wouldn’t even talk to him. He was already concerned he’d gone too far. Not that it mattered. Things couldn’t get any worse as far as he was concerned. He missed them both.
But just when Lawson had given up on getting a response, Kyle said in a hurt tone “so you never came around to see me did you? It was only to see Mum.”
Relieved that he was at least talking, Lawson said with as much honesty as he could, “no, that’s not true. Yes I like your Mum, very much, but I like hanging out with you too.”
“Yeah right” Kyle said, turning his head further away.
“I didn’t even know your Mum when I came by to see you the first time” Lawson pointed out.
Kyle didn’t reply.
“I don’t know if you know this, but I work with lots of kids in my spare time. I don’t have any of my own, so I enjoy spending time with them. I enjoy spending time with you. Nothing I did was a lie.”
Still he got no response.
“Think about it” Lawson said. “I could have easily come around once you were in bed if it was just your mum I wanted to see. You’d never have known.”
Kyle turned to look at him and for the first time Lawson saw some doubt creeping in. He pushed his advantage. “I’m not trying to take the place of your dad” he said “for you or your mum. No one can do that, no matter how much they try. I just want to be there for the both of you, to help out where I can, to spend time with you and her.”
__________________________________________________________
11/04/12
__________________________________________________________
11/04/12
Part 430
Kyle just looked at Lawson for a minute and then he said “so you don’t want to move in?”
“No mate” Lawson said with a frown wondering where that idea came from. “Why?”
Kyle looked away. “Max said that’s what would happen.”
“Who’s Max?”
“A boy at school. He said, his mum’s boyfriend’s always want to move in and Max hates it. He ends up getting sent to his room all the time.”
“I’m not going to lie to you” Lawson said “maybe us all living together could be a possibility one day, but your mum and you and I are still getting to know each other. None of us are ready for that yet and we wouldn’t do anything without everyone agreeing, you included. Nor if that were to happen, would you be sent to your room. If we were to live together, it would be your house too.”
“Really?” Kyle said, his surprise obvious.
“Of course mate” Lawson said. “You and your Mum are a team, I wouldn’t want to do anything to change that.”
Kyle was quiet for a minute. Then he said “and you’ll still play playstation with me?”
Lawson smiled “you try and stop me. I need all the practice I can get if I’m ever to beat you.”
Kyle grinned “you’ll never beat me.”
“We’ll see” Lawson said, relief flowed through him and easing the tightness in his chest as Kyle demeanour changed.
“You want to play now?” Kyle said already getting out of his seat and moving towards the tv.
“Sure” Lawson said “you get it set up. But is it okay if I ring your Mum and tell her she can come home first? She must be tired by now.”
Kyle looked back at him and with a nod and smile he said “okay.”
Lawson grinned and getting up he pulled out his phone as he walked into the kitchen.
___________________________________________________________________
12/04/12
___________________________________________________________________
12/04/12
Part 431
Trish looked down at her phone as it rang and seeing Lawson’s name, took a deep breath. She pushed the button and said “hi” trying to keep her voice steady.
“Hi” he said “how fast can you get back here?”
Trish frowned “what’s happened? Is Kyle okay?”
“Kyle is great but I badly need some attention.”
Her hand came up to rest on her chest, her heart beat had gone into over drive. “You mean it’s okay?” she said.
“Better” he said. “Now get moving and get back here.
Trish giggled as relief flooded her senses. She released her breath on a sigh and hadn’t realised until that minute that she had been holding it. “I’m just at the cafe” she said “I’ll be five minutes.”
“I’ll be waiting” he said.
Trish grinned, loving the sound of that.“See you soon” she said and hanging up, she snatched up her keys and bag and flicking off the lights, she ran out the door.
___________________________________________________________
13/04/12
___________________________________________________________
13/04/12
Part 432
Well within the allotted time Trish pulled up at home and hurried inside. She had so many questions about what had gone on, but first, she needed to see Lawson. And her breath caught in her throat as she walked into the living room and saw him and her son in their customary positions, playing a game, like the last couple of days hadn’t happened. “Hi” she said and her voice was a little squeaky as she put down her bag and keys.
“Hi” Lawson said with a smile.
“Hi Mum” Kyle said, but as usual he didn’t lift his gaze from the screen. This left Trish free to look her fill at Lawson, taking in every detail. It hadn’t been very long since she’d seen him, but she had missed him more than she thought possible.
He winked at her.
She smiled.
Kyle was sitting on the floor with his back against the couch to one side of Lawson. Lawson gestured with his head for her to sit on his other side.
Trish was hesitant. It was one thing for Kyle to accept that they were a couple in theory, it was another thing all together for him to be faced with the reality. She didn’t want to risk ruining the peace Lawson had brokered by pushing it. She frowned at him.
He just gestured again and trusting he knew what she was doing, she took a deep breath and moved towards him. As soon as she sat down Lawson wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulling her tight against his side, he kissed her head. But then needing his hand to play, he released her. Trish didn’t mind however, she could feel his body resting against her all down her side and as she revelled in how good that felt, her son turned her head and looked at her. Trish’s heart stopped beating.
But Kyle smiled and as he turned his attention back to the game Trish relaxed and content with that for now, she watched the game.
______________________________________________________
14/04/12
______________________________________________________
14/04/12
Part 433
An hour later, Trish said “Kyle, bed time. It’s a school night.”
For once he didn’t argue. “Okay” he said dragging himself up off the floor. Putting his controller away he turned to Lawson and said “thanks.”
“No problem mate” Lawson said. “See you soon.”
“Night” Kyle said including them both in a wave.
“I’ll be in in a minute” Trish said.
Kyle nodded and walked out of the room.
Trish turned her head to ask Lawson some questions about what had happened, but before she could get a word out, his mouth came down on hers. She smiled against his mouth and kissed him back.
Moments later Lawson eased back and said “I have been dying to do that.”
She smiled, “me too. Let me get Kyle settled and then I want to hear what you said to change his mind.”
He grinned, “I just set him straight about a few things.”
“I can’t wait to find out what. One sec” she said and getting to her feet she hurried out of the room.
_________________________________________________________
15/04/12
_________________________________________________________
15/04/12
Part 434
Within ten minutes Trish was back and sitting down beside Lawson she said “okay....”
But that was all she got out before Lawson was once more kissing her. She laughed as she moved back. This is going to be a long conversation if you keep doing that.”
“Suits me” he said before meeting her mouth with his again.
Pushing him back a few minutes later she said “enough, no more kissing until you tell me what was said.”
“Yeah” Lawson said leaning forward to kiss her neck.
“Yes” she said “now tell me, what did you say?”
Lawson sighed and sat back. “I didn’t say much. He seemed to be getting advise from someone at school, who told him I’d be looking to move in.”
Trish’s eyes widened “what?” she said.
He grinned “apparently that’s what Max’s mum’s boyfriends do and then he gets to spend all his time in his room.”
“Oh god” Trish said. “I’m sorry Lawson. I wish he’d told me all that.”
“Don’t worry about it” he said pulling her towards him again, his lips finding her throat.
Trish sighed. “I’m just glad he’s okay about it. It was killing me, not being able to see you.”
“Me too” he said. “You think if we do something with Kyle on Friday night, you can come and stay at my place on Saturday? I need to get you alone for a while but I don’t want him to think we’re not including him.”
Trish shivered and her breath evaporated. She licked her lips. “I’ll ask him and check with mum to see if she can have him.”
“Good” he said as his lips worked their way across her jaw. “Have we done enough talking now?”
Trish nodded, she couldn’t speak.
Lawson smiled and kissed her.
__________________________________________________________________
16/04/12
__________________________________________________________________
16/04/12
Part 435
Josh and Kristy arrived back at her place around midday Friday. “You coming in?” she said as she unlocked the door.
“I’ll go pick up Jesse and take my stuff home first” he said and leaning down to kiss her, he added “see you soon.”
Kristy smiled “I’m looking forward to it.”
Josh grinned and turning away got back in his car and drove to his place. After unpacking he drove to Lawson’s and picked up Jesse. While he was there Lawson filled him in on their problems with Kyle. Josh’s eyebrows rose “**** mate, what a nightmare.”
“Tell me about it” Lawson said. “For a while there I thought things were over between us.”
“Sounds like you wouldn’t like that too much” Josh teased with a grin.
“About as much as you would if it was Kristy.”
“Really?” Josh said “good to know” and slapping the other man on the back he said “I’m happy for you mate, it’s going to be an instant family for you.”
“We’re not that far along yet” Lawson said looking a little shocked.
“Yet being the operative word” Josh teased.
Lawson frowned, he didn’t like that he’d given so much away.
Seeing his expression Josh laughed and reaching down to pat Jesse he said “don’t worry mate, you’re secrets safe with me. Thanks for looking after her” and lifting a hand he walked back to his car.
______________________________________________________________
16/04/12
______________________________________________________________
16/04/12
Part 436
Arriving back at Kristy’s Josh let himself in. Jesse headed straight for her bed in the living room and with a smile Josh went in search of Kristy. He was surprised she hadn’t come out to great them but when he found her in the bedroom he knew why. He smiled at her curled up asleep on the bed. Then looking at the other side of the bed, he yawned before kicking his shoes off and grabbing a blanket. Careful not to wake her he wrapped himself around her and covering them both up, he closed his eyes.
Kristy woke half an hour later to find Josh curled around her. She hadn’t intended to go to sleep but they had been up early that morning and then the flight had made her sleepy. She stretched and Josh stirred beside her. “Hey” she said as his arm flexed and pulled her back against him. She smiled.
“Hey” he said kissing her hair.
“Sorry I didn’t mean to go to sleep. I unpacked and the bed looked so inviting, I only closed my eyes for a second and I was gone.”
“No worries” he said “once I saw you I was feeling tired myself.”
“Is Jesse okay?”
“Yep, she made for her bed the minute I opened the door.”
“We should take her for a walk” Kristy said.
“Mmm” Josh said running his hand up her thigh to her waist. Then sliding it under her top he said “later.”
Kristy gasped and rolling over to face him, met his mouth with her own.
___________________________________________________________________
17/04/12
___________________________________________________________________
17/04/12
Part 437
Later Josh and Kristy took Jesse for her walk and having missed lunch, they had an early dinner. Afterwards they curled up in her bed and watched a movie. As the movie finished and Josh turned off the Tv Kristy said, “you know how I said when we were in Perth that going back there had clarified certain things for me?”
“Yeah?” he said, kissing her head and pulling her close.
“Well I’m ready to tell you what I meant.”
“Okay” he teased “should I be sitting down?”
She laughed “I hope it won’t be that much of a shock.”
“What?”
“It’s just that going back there made me realise, my life, is here now, with you.”
He kissed her throat and she could feel him smiling. “I’m glad” he said.
“So I was thinking that I should make my home here, with you.”
“I thought you had” he said his lips working their way along her jaw.
“My home is here yes” she said “but what I’d like is it for my life to be with you.”
Josh stopped moving for a second “oh” he said then went back to kissing her.
_________________________________________________________________
18/04/12
_________________________________________________________________
18/04/12
Part 438
Kristy frowned. She’d expected more of a reaction than that. Moving back to look at him, even though it was dark, she said “what do you think?”
Josh grinned. “Kristy I told you when you first moved over here I wanted us to live together, that hasn’t changed.”
“I know” she said “but that isn’t what I meant.”
It was Josh who was frowning now. “What did you mean then?” he said.
Kristy reached over and turned on the bedside light. Turning back, she looked at him and said “I’m asking you to marry me.”
Josh’s eyes opened wide. “Right” he said.
Kristy’s frown deepened, “what does that mean?”
“It means you took me by surprise” he said.
“But not in a good way clearly” she said, tossing back the covers and getting out of bed.
“Kristy” Josh said as she strode across the room.
But she didn’t stop and reaching the door she slammed it after her causing Jesse to yelp with surprise from her bed in the kitchen.
________________________________________________________________
19/04/12
________________________________________________________________
19/04/12
Part 439
Kristy stormed into
the living room and flopped down on the couch. She was hurt and embarrassed and
angry and wished they were at Josh’s place so she could go home now and be by
herself. But before she could even complete the thought Josh was standing in
the doorway. She glanced at him and then looking away again said “go home.”
Josh crossed his
arms across his bare chest, “why?” he said.
“Because I don’t
want you here and this is my apartment” Kristy said, feeling about as stupid as
it was possible to feel.
“No” he said.
“Why?” she said
without looking at him. “I just told you I don’t want you here.”
“You don’t mean
that” he said.
“Like hell I don’t”
she said piercing him with her angry gaze.
________________________________________________________________
19/04/12
________________________________________________________________
19/04/12
Part 440
He sighed and moved
over to sit next to her.
Kristy looked away
from him. She just wanted this over. She didn’t want to hear why he didn’t want
to marry her, she just wanted him to go and leave her to suffer alone.
He reached out to
touch her but she shrunk away. “Don’t” she said.
He sighed again.
“Kristy, I’m sorry. You surprised me.”
“Yeah I got that”
she said in a scathing tone. “As I said it was clear it wasn’t a good surprise
so there is nothing to discuss.”
“You didn’t give me
a chance to say whether it was good or bad.”
“If it was good, you
wouldn’t need to think about it” and fighting to keep it together she said
“just go. We can talk about it later or better yet, not at all.”
“Kristy stop it,
will you please let me explain?”
“What’s to explain?
I made a mistake, just say so if you have to and get it over with.”
“But you didn’t”
Josh said “that’s what I’m trying to tell you.”
“Don’t say things
you don’t mean just to make me feel better” Kristy said not buying it.
“For **** sake
Kristy, shut up and listen to me.”
_____________________________________________________________________
20/04/12
_____________________________________________________________________
20/04/12
Part 441
Surprised by his
anger, Kristy turned her head and looked at him.
“The reason I was so
stunned, is that you more or less took the words out of my mouth.”
“What?” she said.
“I’ve been thinking about this for weeks. You
just beat me to it. I’d planned to ask you before I knew about the Perth trip
but you were so worried about your family, I thought I’d wait until we got
home.”
“Don’t lie” she said
not believing him.
Josh glared at her
then, “when have I ever lied to you?” he asked.
She looked away and
didn’t reply.
“Kristy?” he said in
a low growl.
She sighed and said
in a quiet voice, “never.”
“So why would I lie
about this?”
She shrugged “because
you feel sorry for me.”
Josh rolled his eyes
and his tone derisive he said “the only person feeling sorry for you, is you.”
She looked up at him
and searched his eyes for a minute. Then lowering her gaze she nodded and said
“okay.”
“Okay what?” he said,
his tone still tinged with anger.
“Okay I believe you”
she said.
“Good” he said
sitting back and rubbing his hands over his face.
_______________________________________________________________________
21/04/12
_______________________________________________________________________
21/04/12
Part 442
Kristy didn’t know
what to say or where that left them. He hadn’t said yes and neither had she,
should she ask him again or wait for him to ask her. She didn’t want to check
with Josh at the moment and risk him losing his temper again but she had to
know. Eventually she said “so what now?”
“What now what?” he
asked, his head resting on the couch and his eyes closed.
“Where does that
leave us?”
Josh opened his eyes
and leaning forward, he looked at her like she had lost her mind. Then all of a
sudden he laughed. “You’re crazy, you know that.”
“Thanks” she said,
offended.
But he just laughed
harder and then reaching for her, he ignored her attempts to pull away and in
the struggle they tumbled onto the floor. Lying over her he looked down into
her eyes and said “I love you and want to marry you and you want to marry me,
so I assume you love me. So where do you think that leaves us? We’re getting
married you idiot.”
“Maybe I don’t want
to now” Kristy said. She knew she sounded a little petulant, but she was angry
again, he’d just called her crazy and an idiot. She wasn’t going to concede
now, just because he said so.
“Too bad” Josh said
kissing her throat, his lips making their way to her jaw. “You asked, I’ve
accepted, it’s done.”
Kristy shivered as
his lips reached her face, “you said I was crazy” she accused.
“Yeah but I like
crazy” he said, his lips touching the corner of her mouth and she could feel he
was smiling.
She smiled then, her
anger doused as happiness bubbled up within her. And wrapping her arms around
his neck she turned her head and met his mouth full on.
____________________________________________________________
22/04/12
____________________________________________________________
22/04/12
Part 443
Later they moved back
to her bed and on the way Josh picked up his jacket and searched the pocket.
Once they were lying under the covers again he held out a small box to her.
“I’ve been carrying this around for a while.”
Kristy was shocked
and she just stared at him.
He raised an eyebrow
and smiled “thought you believed me?” he said.
She swallowed “I
did, but I didn’t think you’d got this far.”
“You don’t know what
it is yet” he teased.
She blushed and
smiled. “True.”
He laughed and
moving it towards her again he said “take it.”
Kristy took the box
and looked at it.
“Unless you’ve got
x-ray vision, you’re going to need to open it” he teased.
She nodded but
didn’t move.
“What?” he said
after a minute.
_____________________________________________________________
22/04/12
_____________________________________________________________
22/04/12
Part 444
She looked up at him
“I feel bad now, you were all organised and I spoilt it. I haven’t done
anything like this” she said indicating the box.
Josh laughed “forget
about it, I don’t care how it happened as long as the result is the same.”
“I care” she said.
“Okay” he said,
smiling, “so it’s not me you’re worried about it’s that you missed the big
proposal.”
“Maybe” Kristy said
with a sheepish smile “what would you have said?”
“Don’t know” Josh
said with a grin “I was planning to wing it.”
“Fair enough” she
said, her eyes moving back to the unopened box. She couldn’t help feeling a bit
disappointed.
Josh laughed and
said “I was planning to say I love you and I can’t imagine life without you. I
don’t want to imagine life without you. I want to look after you and grow old
with ya. I want to fight and make up with you and make up with you even when we
aren’t fighting” he added with a grin.
Kristy laughed.
“I want to have kids
with you, or not. I want to make those decisions with you. I want us to be tied
together in such a way that no one can pull us apart. I want to come home to
you and wake up with you every day and if that’s what you want to, then I want
us to get married. Now will you open the damn box?”
_________________________________________________________________
23/04/12
25/04/12
_________________________________________________________________
23/04/12
Part 445
Kristy smiled and
leaning over she kissed him. Easing back she said “thank you. I do want all of
that.”
“Good” he said “now
get on with it.”
Smiling she looked down
at the box and lifted the lid.
But when she saw
what the box contained the smile dropped from Kristy’s face.
Josh, who was
watching her, was worried. “I know a diamond is traditional, but this reminded
me of your eyes. I just couldn’t go past it.
Kristy looked at the
huge square sapphire ring. The brilliant blue middle stone was set in white
gold and flanked by two baguette cut diamonds. Then raising eyes awash with
tears, she looked into his and said “it’s beautiful.”
“But do you like
it?” he said.
Kristy didn’t reply
instead she leaned over and kissed him.
As she moved back,
her eyes once again moved to rest on the ring nestled in the little box.
“I’ll take that as a
yes” he teased.
“I love it” she said
“it’s perfect” and she held the box out to him.
________________________________________________________________
24/04/12
________________________________________________________________
24/04/12
Part 446
Josh pulled the ring
out of the box and lifting her left hand, he slid it onto her third finger.
“I’d have asked you that night on the beach in Perth, but I didn’t have this
with me. I figured it was better to leave it at home than try and get through
airport security without you seeing it. Plus I didn’t know what we were facing
over there.”
Kristy moved her
fingers, a smile playing around her mouth as she watched the stones in the ring
sparkle in the light. “How did you know?” she said.
“Know what?”
“Know that I didn’t
want a traditional ring. This is exactly what I would have chosen.”
Josh grinned and
rolled her beneath him. Looking down at her he said “because I know you I
guess” he said and his gaze dropping to rest on her lips, he lowered his head
and kissed her.
25/04/12
Part 447
That Friday night
Lawson and Trish took Kyle bowling. They had some dinner afterwards at a local
pub and when Lawson left the table to get some drinks Trish said “have you had
a good night?”
“Yes, thanks Mum.”
“Don’t thank me” she
said “it was Lawson’s idea.”
Kyle smiled, “okay.”
“Now you don’t have
to say yes” Trish said “and don’t think that’s why we did this tonight because
it’s not. Lawson wanted to do something with both of us. But would you mind if
he and I went out tomorrow night by ourselves. You could stay at Grandma’s. I
know she’s missed seeing you lately.” Trish held her breath and waited. She
hoped he’d be okay about it, but after his reaction to them seeing each other,
she wasn’t sure.
However Kyle just
shrugged, “okay Mum” he said.
Trish let out her
breath on a sigh. “I’ll pick you up first thing Sunday.”
“With Lawson?”
“If you like” she
said, smiling.
He nodded and added
“but don’t come too early. Grandma’ll make French toast in the morning.”
Trish’s smile
widened, “okay not too early” she said.
Lawson came back
with the drinks and sat down. He saw the bright smile on Trish’s face and
raised a questioning eyebrow.
But before she could
respond, Kyle said “Lawson mum said you’re coming to pick me up from Grandma’s
on Sunday. Can we kick the footy when we get home?”
Lawson looked at
Trish, she grinned and then turning back to Kyle he said “No problem mate.”
Kyle smiled.
____________________________________________________________
26/04/12
_________________________________________________________________________
28/04/12
____________________________________________________________
26/04/12
Part 448
When they arrived
back at Trish’s place Lawson came in for coffee.
“Can we watch a
movie mum?” Kyle asked as they walked in.
“It’s not a school
night, so I guess so as long as it’s alright with Lawson.”
“Suits me” Lawson
said.
“Okay you pick a
movie” she said to Kyle and I’ll make coffee.”
“Nah you sit down”
Lawson said kissing Trish’s head. “You make coffee all day. I’ll do it
tonight.”
She smiled and
sitting down said “thanks.”
“No problem” Lawson
said and he walked into the kitchen.
“I like Lawson being
here” Kyle said, looking up from searching through the dvd’s in the cupboard.
Smiling at her son,
Trish said “so do I.”
He gave her a smile
and then turned back to his search.
_________________________________________________________________
27/04/12
Part 449 cannot be posted here. If you'd like to read it message me on the conact me page and I'll send you a link.
_________________________________________________________________
27/04/12
Part 449 cannot be posted here. If you'd like to read it message me on the conact me page and I'll send you a link.
_________________________________________________________________________
28/04/12
Part 450
“Sorry” Lawson said
again later as they lay on his bed and he tucked some hair behind her ear.
Trish smiled “why?
Everyone needs help sometimes.”
With a smirk he
kissed her, “you’re good at helping.”
She laughed “anytime
you need help like that, I’ll be happy to oblige.”
He chuckled and
kissing her throat he said “it’s been way too long.”
“Agreed” she said
tilting her head back, “but what can we do?”
“We’ll have to think
of something” he said as his lips worked their way along her jaw “I can’t go
through that again.”
“Any ideas?” she
asked as her heart beat went into over drive and heat swept over her in waves.
“I build on a room
at the back of the cafe?”
She laughed. “That’d
be good for business.”
“It’d be good for
me” he teased.
“How about your
office?” she asked still chuckling.
“Ah, I don’t think
so, it’s only got two walls.”
“Definitely not
then” she said blushing.
He laughed. “Well
that’s both work places out, any other suggestions?”
“We make the most of
the time we have now” she teased.
“Oh we were always
going to do that” he said rolling over to lie over her.
She laughed, but
when his mouth came down on hers all levity was gone. From then on there was
just heat and fire and need.
______________________________________________________________
29/04/12
______________________________________________________________
29/04/12
Part 451
Later Lawson cooked
them dinner and they ate it sitting on the floor in the living room. He’d put
some music on and they talked while they ate. After cleaning up, they watched a
movie in his bed until desire took hold once more.
Trish fell asleep in
Lawson’s arms and woke up next to him with a smile on her face.
“Morning” his sleep
burred voice said in her ear as his lips grazed her jaw.
“Morning” she said
rolling over to face him.
“How’d you sleep?”
“Beautifully” she
said with a smile before leaning in to kiss him.
“Keep that up and
you won’t get breakfast” he rasped.
Her smile widened and
she met his mouth once more in a hot demanding kiss.
“That does it” he
said as he rolled over to lie over her “no food for you.”
She just laughed and
pulled his head down, bringing his mouth back into contact with her own.
__________________________________________________________________
30/04/12
__________________________________________________________________
30/04/12
Part 452
Despite his teasing
Lawson cooked Trish breakfast a little later on.
“I don’t think I’ve
had two meals in a row cooked for me in years” she said as she watched him
work. “Thank you.”
He leaned over the
bench and kissed her “no problem. Then moving back to finish what he was doing,
he said “what time are we picking up Kyle?”
Trish smiled at the ‘we’
in his sentence, if felt so good to share things like that with someone again.
“He said not too early, so I was thinking about eleven.”
“Plenty of time
then” he said as he put a plate in front of her.
“For what?” she
asked as she cut into the eggs and toast.
“For making the most
of our time” he said looking at her with intensity.
“Oh” she said with a
laugh “depends how quick we eat I guess.”
“Race you” he said,
feigning seriousness.
Trish put down her
knife and fork, she couldn’t eat for laughing now.
“Stop laughing and
eat” he said.
But this just made
her laugh more. Finally after a minute, she composed herself and not looking at
him anymore for fear of starting up again, she managed to eat her breakfast.
But as soon as she
was done he picked her up and carried her back to bed.
_______________________________________________________________
02/05/12
_______________________________________________________________
02/05/12
Part 453
The morning after
she’d proposed to Josh, he went for a run and Kristy rang her parents to tell
them the news. “Hi Mum” she said as Mary picked up at the other end.
“Kristy. I didn’t
expect to hear from you so soon. Is everything okay?”
“Much better than
okay Mum” Kristy said unable to keep the excitement out of her voice.
“Why?” Mary asked
“what’s going on?”
Taking a deep
breath, Kristy said “Josh and I are getting married.”
“Oh Kristy” she said
“that’s fantastic news. Wait until I tell your father and Joel.”
“I’m glad you’re
happy about it” Kristy said.
“Of course” Mary
said sounding shocked “I love Josh. You guys are perfect together.”
Kristy smiled “we
are aren’t we?”
“Do you have a
ring?”
“Yes, it’s a
sapphire.”
“Beautiful” her
mother said, “oh I wish I was there. Can you send me a photo?”
“Sure” Kristy said
“I’ll do it as soon as we get off the phone.”
“Thank you” Mary
said “I’m so happy for you.”
“Thanks Mum. Tell
Dad I’ll call him in a couple of days or he can call me.”
“After hearing this
news, he’ll be on the phone today I’d say.”
Kristy laughed.
“Okay I’ll go then and I’ll probably talk to you with him later.”
“Bye honey, don’t
forget the photo.”
“I won’t, bye”
Kristy said and hung up.
___________________________________________________________________
03/05/12
___________________________________________________________________
03/05/12
Part 454
After sending the
photo of her ring to her mother Kristy sat looking at it. She still couldn’t
believe it was hers. It was so perfect.
“I’ll start thinking
you don’t like it if you sit there staring at it” Josh teased.
Kristy looked up at
him as he leaned in the door way and smiled. She hadn’t heard him come in. “I
can’t help it, it’s so beautiful.”
He grinned and
leaning down to kiss her he said “not as beautiful as you.”
Her smile widened.
Lifting an eyebrow
he said “feel like a shower?”
Kristy laughed and
getting to her feet she said “you know what I was feeling dirty.”
“Even better” he
joked as he followed her into the bathroom.
Kristy chuckled and
then sighed as his mouth came down on hers.
___________________________________________________________________
04/05/12
______________________________________________________________________
07/05/12
___________________________________________________________________
04/05/12
Part 455
At eleven o’clock Trish and Lawson picked up
Kyle from her mothers.
Her mother had met
Lawson once before but she greeted Lawson so warmly, Trish wondered just what Kyle
had told her. She smiled.
As they drove home
Kyle said “we’re going to kick the footy, aren’t we?”
“Sure” Lawson said
looking at him in the review mirror. “Where will we go?”
“How about my school
oval?”
“Works for me”
Lawson said “we’ll drop your Mum off first.”
“I don’t mind
coming” Trish said.
“No mum” her son
said “this is guys stuff.”
Trish had to hide a
laugh as she looked over at Lawson who was grinning. And happy her son wanted
to spend time with him again she didn’t argue, “okay, drop me off and I’ll go
and find something more appropriate to do.”
Lawson laughed and
Trish couldn’t hold it in anymore either. She looked back at her son and was
pleased to see he was grinning too.
______________________________________________________________________
07/05/12
Part 456
After dropping Trish
off and picking up his footy, Lawson and Kyle headed to his school.
They kicked the
footy back and forth for twenty minutes or so and then as they came together
for a drink at the taps on the edge of the oval, Lawson said “are you playing
in a team?”
“Nah” Kyle said
looking away. “It’s too hard without my dad to take me.”
“Your mum could take
you” Lawson said.
“She has the cafe.”
“Do you want to
play?” Lawson asked.
Kyle shrugged
“maybe.”
“Well if it’s okay
with you and your mum, I could take you?”
Kyle looked up “what
about when you have to work?”
“Maybe your Mum
could organise it so she could take you on those days, but it wouldn’t be that
often.”
“Do you think it
would work?” Kyle said sounding hopeful.
“Sure” Lawson said,
“should we see what she thinks?”
“Yes please” he said
with a grin.
Lawson ruffled his
hair “okay mate” and hand balling the ball to himself he said “get back down
there, ten more kicks each and we’ll head home.”
“Okay Lawson” Kyle
said running back down the other end of the oval.
__________________________________________________________________________
07/05/12
Part 457
__________________________________________________________________________
07/05/12
Part 457
Kyle let himself and
Lawson into the apartment. They could smell lunch as soon as they entered.
“Something smells
good” Lawson said.
“Yeah” Kyle agreed
with a grin.
Lawson smiled and
followed him through the living room to the kitchen.
“Hi Mum” Kyle said “is
lunch ready?”
“Yes” Trish said
with a smile “go wash your hands.”
“Okay Mum” he said
and walked out of the room.
Lawson moved around
behind Trish and wrapped his arms around her waist. Kissing her neck he said “mmm,
you smell better than the food.”
She smiled “thank
you. How did it go?”
“Good” he said
turning her to face him he said “Kyle has something to ask you. I just hope I
didn’t over step the mark. I’m thinking now I maybe should have spoken to you
first.”
Trish frowned. “What
is it?” she said.
But before he could
answer Kyle walked back into the room.
_____________________________________________________________________
09/05/12
______________________________________________________________________
10/05/12
_____________________________________________________________________
09/05/12
Part 458
“Hey mum did Lawson
tell you?” Kyle said as he took a seat at the table.
“Tell me what” Trish
asked feeling a little nervous after Lawson’s admission as she served up their
lunch.
“That if I want to
play football, he’ll take me each Sunday.”
Trish stopped moving
and turned her head to look at Lawson “did you say that?” she asked.
Lawson tried to read
her thoughts in her expression but she wasn’t giving anything away, he nodded “as
long as it’s okay with you” he said.
“It is okay? Isn’t
it mum?” Kyle said.
But Trish was still
looking at Lawson.
He winced. “No good?”
he said.
Trish shook her head
and putting down the plate she grabbed Lawson’s hand and said “Kyle I just need
to talk to Lawson alone for a sec okay?”
Kyle nodded and
Trish led Lawson from the room.
______________________________________________________________________
10/05/12
Part 459
Lawson was worried
as Trish dragged him out of the kitchen. But before he had time to say anything
she had pushed him against the wall and brought her mouth down on his. He
smiled against her mouth and wrapping his arms around her, he kissed her back.
Keeping her response
in check, just, Trish eased back and looking up at Lawson she said “that is an
incredible thing to do, but are you sure. It’s a big commitment?”
“Sure, I’m looking
forward to it” he said.
“Thank you so much.
He’s been wanting to play in a team for ages but I just couldn’t guarantee I
could get him there each week and I didn’t think it was fair to a team to do
that.”
He smiled. “No
worries. I love footy, so it works for me too.”
She shook her head,
unable to believe her luck and smiling she grasped his hand again, and walked
back into the kitchen.
Kyle looked up as
they walked back in. He was concerned. His mother still hadn’t given him an
answer. At least she was smiling now, he thought.
Trish released
Lawson’s hand and walking around the table she put a hand under her son’s chin
and kissed the top of his head “of course it’s okay” she said.
_______________________________________________________________________
11/05/12
_______________________________________________________________________
11/05/12
Part 460
Kyle pushed his
mother’s hand away but he was grinning and looking from her to Lawson and back
he asked “really?”
“Yep” Lawson said
“we’re on. So find out where and when?”
“I’ll ask my mate at
school tomorrow” Kyle said “he plays in a local team.”
“Perfect” Lawson
said, “maybe if we get to know his parents they can help out on those days I’m
working.”
Kyle grinned “thanks
Lawson.”
Lawson reached over
and ruffled his hair “no worries mate” he said “just as long as you can play.”
Kyle laughed “after
lunch I’ll show you. I’ve played heaps.”
“The play station
doesn’t count you know” Lawson said with a grin.
“No with my mates”
Kyle said.
“Okay we’ll see if
you can do more than kick once we’ve eaten.”
“Right now you’ve
got that sorted out” Trish said “can we eat while it’s still hot.
“Sorry” Lawson said.
“Sorry mum” Kyle
said.
But Trish just
smiled. It was impossible for her to be upset about anything at the moment.
Lawson gave her a
wink.
_____________________________________________________________________
12/05/12
___________________________________________________________________
13/05/12
_____________________________________________________________________
12/05/12
Part 461
Later that night
Lawson got up to go home. Kyle had gone to bed a couple of hours earlier.
Trish walked him to
the door.
Lawson pulled her
into his arms and kissed her. “I’m going to miss you.”
“Me too” she said. “Thank
you again for what you’re doing for Kyle. He’s missed out on so much, growing up
without a father.”
“I’m happy to help”
Lawson said “he’s a great kid and if it means I get to spend some time with his
mum as well, I’m not going to complain.”
She grinned. “That
works for me too” and reaching up she met his mouth with hers once more.
As he moved back he
groaned “did we work out how we were going to resolve our privacy issue?”
Smiling she shook
her head.
“Damn” he said and this
week it’s going to be even worse, I’m on night duty.”
___________________________________________________________________
13/05/12
Part 462
“So you’ll be
staring as I’m finishing?” Trish asked.
“Pretty much.”
“What time do you
finish?”
“Seven am” he said
kissing her neck.
“Well I have to open
the cafe at eight and Kyle leaves for school at eight thirty, but I can away
around nine. The worst of the morning rush is over then and the other girls can
cope for while without me. So I could meet you back here.”
“Tell me you’re not
joking” he said.
She grinned “no.”
“So I could meet you
here Tuesday morning?”
“And every morning after
that if you like?”
“Oh god, like
doesn’t come into it.”
Trish laughed. “So
you’re not working tomorrow?”
“Not until seven
that night.”
“Have a good sleep
in then.”
“I’ll come in for
some breakfast when I wake up. It may be closer to lunch time though” he said
with a wink.
“See you then” she
said and reached up for one last kiss.
“Night’ he said.
“Night.”
____________________________________________________________________
15/05/12
____________________________________________________________________
15/05/12
Part 463
When Josh walked
into base on Monday night to start their shift he found Lawson alone in the
locker room. “Hey” he said.
“Good break mate” Lawson asked, looking up.
Josh shrugged and
grinned. “Not bad” he said.
Lawson watched him
for a minute and then said “okay tell me, I’m not going to be able to stand you
looking like that all shift.”
“Looking like what?”
Josh said with a frown.
“Like you’re way too
happy for your own good.”
Josh laughed,
“Kristy and I are getting married.”
Lawson’s eyebrows
rose up so far they nearly met his hair. “I didn’t know that was in the wind.”
“Has been for a
while” Josh said “but Kristy beat me too it.”
“She asked you?”
“Yep, but I had the
ring so we’re calling it even.”
“You always were a
lucky bastard” Lawson said.
Josh grinned. “I’m
not complaining” he said and then asked “How’s Trish?”
___________________________________________________________________
16/05/12
___________________________________________________________________
16/05/12
Part 464
It was Lawson’s turn
to grin now as they both started changing. “I’m not complaining either” he
said.
“That good hey.”
“Yep. Once we get
through this night shift we’ll get together with Kristy and Trish to celebrate
your engagement.”
“Sounds good” Josh
said “I’ll tell Kristy. Maybe we should ask the others too.”
“Up to you mate”
Lawson said.
“I’ll wait and see
how the week plays out. If they piss me off, they won’t be coming.”
Lawson chuckled.
“Sounds like a plan” and closing his locker he said “let’s get on the road.”
Josh nodded and shutting
his locker too, followed Lawson out.
________________________________________________________________________
17/05/12
________________________________________________________________________
17/05/12
Part 465
TR’s first job that
night was a domestic dispute that appeared to have got out of hand. When Josh
and Michael arrived at the address they found a man in his fifties, wearing
only boxer shorts, standing on the door step yelling at someone on the inside.
He was banging on the door. An axe was wedged into the timber towards the top.
“Everything alright
mate?” Josh asked as he approached.
“Does it look like
everything’s alright you ****head?” the man said without looking at him.
Josh could see his hand was bleeding, but he
just kept hitting the door. “I don’t know” Josh said “for some people this
would be normal.”
The man’s head
turned to look at him, “**** off ****hole” he said before continuing his
assault on the door and yelling obscenities and threats at someone to whom he
only referred to in expletives.
Josh had been able
to smell the alcohol on the man’s breath now, even though he was a few paces
away, and giving up on being polite he yelled, “okay mate, you’re disturbing
your neighbours so either calm down and shut the hell up, or I’ll do it for you
with my tazer.”
____________________________________________________________________
18/05/12
____________________________________________________________________
18/05/12
Part 466
The man stopped
yelling and after a second he stepped back from the door.
“Good choice” Josh
said “now what’s the problem here?”
“The stupid *****
locked me out” he said his eyes on his hand as he opened and closed his
bloodied fingers.
“Right, why?”
“She’s crazy” he
said.
“And that’s all you
can tell me?”
“Yep” the man said,
shivering in the cool night air now his rage had been quelled.
“You do that?” Josh
asked pointing at the axe.
“Yeah” he said “so
what, I worked for that door.”
“You live here?”
“Depends what you
mean by live” he said with a snort.
“What’s your name?”
“Kevin Wilson.”
Josh’s eyebrows went
up at the name and seeing it the man said “no not the ****ing comedian.”
Josh couldn’t help
but smile. With the language coming out of this guy’s mouth it wouldn’t have
been much of a stretch to believe he was the comedian whose stage name included
an expletive.
____________________________________________________________________
20/05/12
____________________________________________________________________
20/05/12
Part 467
“Okay Kevin” Josh
said “I’m going to talk to, who is it? Your wife? Girlfriend?”
“Let’s go with ex,”
Kevin said.
“What’s her name?”
“Paula ****ing
Wilson” he said.
Josh rolled his eyes
and turning to Michael he said “put him in a car and watch him.”
Michael nodded and
said “come on mate, I’ll find you a blanket.”
“You going to tuck
me in too, you ****?”
“Okay” Michael said
as raising his eyebrows as he led him away “no blanket then.”
_________________________________________________________________________
22/05/12
_________________________________________________________________________
22/05/12
Part 468
Josh knocked on the
door as Kevin Wilson was placed in the back of a uniform car. “Mrs Wilson” he
called out “this is Sergeant Joshua from Tactical response, can you open the
door please?”
Within a couple of
seconds the door opened a crack. Josh moved so he could look at the woman
through the gap, “can I come in?”
She didn’t say
anything but she stepped back and opened the door wider. As she did she saw the
axe in the door and Josh thought for a second that she was going to faint. Her
face lost all colour and she staggered a little. But then taking a deep breath
she pulled herself together and said “sorry, please come in.”
Josh stepped inside
and after the woman had closed the door he followed her to the back of the
house. They entered the kitchen and the woman put her hand out to the table to steady
herself, “I don’t feel so good” she said.
Josh guided her to a
chair and said “it’s shock, lean forward. Give it a minute and it’ll pass.”
He walked out of the
kitchen and into a living room they’d passed on their way down the passage and
found a throw rug. Back in the kitchen he placed it around her and then walking
over to the sink he found a glass and turned on the tap.
He sat down beside
her he handed her the glass.
_________________________________________________________________________
22/05/12
Part 469
She took it, but
made no move to drink it and she didn’t speak.
“Josh I’m out front”
Lawson said into his ear piece.
“Copy that” Josh
said.
The woman looked at
him, fear visible in her eyes, “he’s not coming back in here is he?”
“You’re husband? No”
Josh said “he’s being watched outside.
She sighed.
“Drink the water”
Josh said.
After she’d had a
few sips he said “can you tell me what happened?”
She shivered. “He’s
not my husband.”
“Oh” Josh said.
“Sorry, it was the names.”
_______________________________________________________________________
23/05/12
_______________________________________________________________________
23/05/12
Part 470
“He’s my brother in
law” Paula said, the words just pouring out of her “my husband died a little
over a year ago and Kevin has been helping me out. Well that’s how it started
out anyway. He was great to me and the kids. But I think he thought he could
just slot into Barry’s shoes in every way. I tried to tell him, I didn’t feel
like that about him, but he wouldn’t listen and ever since the first
anniversary of Barry’s death passed he’s been slowly pursuing a physical
relationship. I guess he thought a year was long enough for me to grieve or to
observe conventions, I don’t know.”
“Okay” Josh said
“and what happened tonight?”
“I came home from
work and he was in my bed waiting for me. I could tell he’d been drinking.” She
wiped away the tears that had started to flow. “I didn’t know what to do. He
wouldn’t listen to me and he was stronger than me, so all I could do was stay
out of reach and pretend to play along.” She looked up at Josh then, the look
in her eyes a mixture of fear and guilt. “I lied to him” she said “I asked if
he could fix the front door first as it wouldn’t close when I came in.”
Josh reached out and
clasped her hand for a second. “You did the right thing” he said.
___________________________________________________________
24/05/12
____________________________________________________________________
25/05/12
___________________________________________________________
24/05/12
Part 471
When Paula had
herself under control Josh asked “what did you do then?”
“We walked down
stairs and as soon as he opened the door, I pushed him out and locked it.”
“Good thinking” Josh
said “where did the axe come from?”
“It was in the
garage, with my husband’s other tools. I opened the door to drive in before I
realised his car was in the drive way. I left it open so I could put my car
away when he’d left.”
“Do you have someone
who can come and stay with you tonight?”
“Yes” she said “I’ll
call my son and daughter.”
“Okay” Josh said
“you do that and I’ll send someone in to stay with you until he arrives.
“He won’t be back
tonight, will he?” she asked her eyes full of fear again.
“I’d say he’ll be
held over-night” Josh said “he’s not being all that co-operative or pleasant,
so I can’t see anyone rushing to release him.”
She relaxed a
little. “But what do I do about tomorrow.”
“You should probably
take out an AVO to stop him from coming here, but if you have a family member
or friend that can talk to him that may help. He’ll probably have to have some
sort of counselling as part of his punishment.”
“Okay” she said
looking away. “You know he wasn’t like this when Barry was alive. I don’t know
what’s happened to him.”
“Death affects
people differently” Josh said with a shrug” but tonight, I’d say a lot of it
was to do with the alcohol. Is he normally a drinker?”
“No” she said “he
never used to drink at all.”
“Maybe this is why”
Josh said. “Perhaps he felt he needed something to help him make his play
tonight and forgot about what it did to him.” He shrugged “who knows?” And as
she continued to look worried he added “call your kids. I’ll come back and see you
before I go.”
“Thank you Sergeant”
she said getting to her feet.
“Josh” he said.
She smiled then,
“thank you Josh.”
“No problem” he
said. “I’ll be back in a minute.”
She nodded and
picked up her phone.
____________________________________________________________________
25/05/12
Part 472
Josh walked outside
and approached Lawson. “What’s he being saying?” Josh said.
“Not much worth
repeating” Lawson said with a smirk. “What’s his wife say?”
“It’s not his wife”
Josh said “she’s his sister in law” and he explained what Paula Wilson had
said.
Lawson raised his
eyebrows. “Okay” and pushing his radio he said Leon “help us out here, check up
on these two can you?”
“Already done
Lawson” Leon said “the house is owned by a Mrs Barry Wilson, a widow. According
to her licence, that’s her. He’s Barry Wilson’s brother.”
“Right” Lawson said
“that confirms her story. I guess he’s going for a ride. At the very least he
needs to sleep it off somewhere” and walking away from Josh he instructed the
uniforms to take Kevin away.
Josh went back into
the house. He’d sent in a uniformed officer to wait with her and the constable
was sitting in the seat Josh had occupied. “Mrs Wilson” he said.
“Paula, please.”
He smiled “okay
Paula. As I thought Kevin will be taken in and will probably be held
over-night.”
Paula nodded “okay.”
“Constable Peters
here” indicating the young officer ‘will wait with you until your son or
daughter arrives.”
“Thank you” she
said.
“No problem” Josh
said, “good luck.”
“Bye Josh” Paula
said.
Josh walked out of
the house and got TR back on the road.
______________________________________________________________________
27/05/12
______________________________________________________________________
27/05/12
Part 473
After dealing with one
job after another all night without a break Josh was exhausted by the end of
the shift. But he arrived home in time to crawl into bed with Kristy for half
an hour. Stripping off, he patted Jesse on the head. She was curled up on the
end of the bed and as if she knew her job was done, she got up and jumping down,
she wondered out of the room. Josh got into bed and pulled Kristy towards him.
She was so warm and he closed his eyes and sighed as she wrapped her arm around
him.
Only half awake
Kristy snuggled close to Josh. Her alarm hadn’t gone off yet so she could enjoy
his closeness for a while before it did.
Josh didn’t expect
to sleep but he woke with a start when Kristy’s alarm went off. She placed a
hand on his chest to still his movement, then reached out and turned it off.
Rolling back to face him she smiled and said “morning.”
He kissed her, “morning.”
“How was work?”
“Busy” he said.
She kissed his jaw
and said getting up she said, “you go back to sleep. I’ll see you tonight.”
“See ya” he said as
she walked over to the bathroom.
Kristy turned around
and looked at him “I missed you.”
“Good” he said with
a grin.
She smiled and then
walked into the bathroom.
By the time Kristy emerged from the bathroom Josh was asleep again. She
kissed his head and walked out.
__________________________________________________________________
27/05/12
__________________________________________________________________
27/05/12
Part 474
Meanwhile Lawson was waiting, not very patiently outside Trish’s. He’d already
gone home and showered after finishing work and had something to eat, now all
he needed was to see her.
It was just after nine when she pulled up. Lawson got out of his car and
met her in the driveway as she locked her car. “Hey” he said. He didn’t touch
her but his eyes moved slowly over every inch of her body.
Trish’s heart beat went into overdrive. “Sorry I kept you waiting” she
said.
“It was worth it” he said with a smirk.
Trish smiled and grabbing his hand she said “come on” and led him
towards the house.
___________________________________________________________________________
28/05/12
___________________________________________________________________________
28/05/12
Part 475
As soon as the door was closed Lawson pulled Trish into his arms, his
hands now followed the path his eyes had a moment ago as his mouth fed on hers.
Trish wrapped her arms around his neck and backed up towards the
bedroom.
Lawson lowered her to the bed and lay over her. Lifting his head for a
second he said “I’ve missed you.”
She smiled “I’ve missed you too” and then pulled his head back down.
Lawson smiled against her mouth and began removing her clothes.
___________________________________________________________________________
29/05/12
___________________________________________________________________________
29/05/12
Part 476
Later lying in Trish’s bed Lawson ran his hand over her bare arm and
asked “how long have we got?”
Trish twisted around to look at the clock on the bedside table and said
“I’ll have to get up in a second.”
Lawson pulled her close “it’s going to be a long night.”
She smiled. “I know.” Then giving him a quick kiss she said “stay there,
I’ll just go and have a shower.”
Lawson grinned “mind if I join you?”
She smiled and gestured with her head towards the bathroom as she walked
across the room.
Lawson leapt out of bed and scooping her up in his arms carried her into
the shower.
Trish laughed.
_________________________________________________________________________
30/05/12
_________________________________________________________________________
30/05/12
Part 477
Lawson was in a good mood as he walked into base that night to start his
shift. He was looking forward to seeing Trish once they were done. She was all
he thought about now, well her and Kyle and he lived for the times they could
be together.
“Everything alright mate” Josh said as he hit Lawson on the shoulder and
moved past him into the locker room.
“Yeah, why?” Lawson said following him in.
“Well you were standing staring into space, I thought maybe Kerry had
quit and you’d got her job” he teased.
“You just want my job” Lawson teased back.
“Not in this life time” Josh said “I’m not qualified in **** kissing.”
Lawson rolled his eyes and Josh chuckled.
________________________________________________________________________
31/05/12
________________________________________________________________________
31/05/12
Part 478
“Hey I spoke to Kristy about getting together after our night shift was
over” Josh said as the two men changed into their uniforms. “She suggested
drinks at our place on Sunday night. We can make it early so Kyle won’t be up too
late.”
“Sounds good” Lawson said “I’ll check with Trish later and let you
know.” As he said that he remembered he hadn’t even asked her about it
yesterday. His mind was preoccupied with other things. And as he thought that
his head filled with images of just what it was he was occupied with the last
time he saw her.
“If you’re going to keep doing that” Josh teased, his voice breaking
into Lawson’s reverie. “I might need to get Kerry to replace ya.”
His focus snapping back to the room Lawson said “then you’d be stuffed
wouldn’t you? No one else would put up with your crap.”
Josh laughed and shutting his locker he said “yeah and you’d have no one
to make you look good.”
Lawson chuckled as Josh walked out of the room.
____________________________________________________________________
01/06/12
____________________________________________________________________
01/06/12
Part 479
Lawson hadn’t seen Kyle since Sunday so after his shift finished on
Wednesday morning he decided to head to the cafe so he’d catch him before he
left for school. He’d meet Trish at her place afterwards.
Trish looked up as the door of the cafe opened and was surprised to see
Lawson. She frowned, wondering if something was wrong. She hoped not, she was
looking forward to some time alone with him. “Hi” she said, her expression
worried.
Lawson gave her a wink and with a smile he said “hey, is Kyle still
here?”
Reassured, Trish smiled now “yes” she said “he’s in the kitchen. Hang on
I’ll call him.”
Lawson’s eyes skimmed over her before she could move away “you look
nice” he said.
Trish saw that his eyes were dark and dreamy and she blushed. She knew
he wasn’t talking about what she was wearing. “Thank you” she said turning
away.
Lawson chuckled and she moved off to call Kyle.
_____________________________________________________________________
02/06/12
_____________________________________________________________________
02/06/12
Part 480
“Lawson” Kyle said with excitement as he burst into the front of the
cafe.
“Hey mate” Lawson said “thought I’d walk you to school if that’s okay
with you?”
“Sure” Kyle said with a wide smile on his face. “I’ll just get my bag.”
“You don’t need to leave for another half an hour” Trish said as her son
turned away.
“That’s okay” he said “we’ll walk slow” and he disappeared back into the
kitchen.
Trish laughed “that’s the first time he’s ever wanted to go to school
early.”
Lawson smirked. “See I’m a good influence.”
She laughed again and as Kyle came back with his school bag she said to
her son “have a good day.”
“See you later mum.”
“Bye” she said and looking up at Lawson she said “see you.”
“Soon” he said looking at with an intent gaze.
Trish felt her temperature go up and as they left she smiled and blew
her breath out.
_________________________________________________________________________
03/06/12
_________________________________________________________________________
03/06/12
Part 481
Later that morning Trish reached her place before Lawson. Deciding not
to waste time, she stripped off her clothes and pulled on a soft white robe. As
she tied the cord around her waist, securing the robe, the door bell went. A
bright smile lit up her face and she ran out to the entry and pulled the door
open. But as she looked at the man on her doorstep, her eyes widened in shock.
Instead of the person she’d been expecting it was a stranger, a delivery man.
Trish blushed and looking down pulled the robe more securely around her.
She could tell the man was as surprised as she was which only made her
feel worse. He didn’t meet her eyes as he said “sign here.”
Trish did as he requested and taking the package he now held out to her,
his eyes still averted, she thanked him and closed the door. Her face felt hot.
She couldn’t believe she’d just done that. But after a second she saw the funny
side of it and laughed.
_______________________________________________________________________
04/06/12
_______________________________________________________________________
04/06/12
Part 482
Trish was still leaning with her back against the door, when the door
bell sounded a second time a few moments later and it startled her. Making sure
the robe was secure first she only opened the door a crack so she could see who
it was.
But this time there was no surprises, it was Lawson.
She laughed and swinging the door wider, she pulled him inside and
closed it behind him.
“Do you always greet delivery men dressed like that?” he teased.
She smacked his arm and looked away but she was laughing. “I thought it
was you.”
“I’m glad to hear it” he said “otherwise I might have been worried.”
She raised her eyes to look at him. “It was so embarrassing.”
“I wouldn’t worry. I’d say you made his day.”
She laughed. “What were you doing anyway?”
“I’d just pulled up out front
when I saw him ring the bell. Before I could get out you had the door open so I
hung back until he’d gone. I figured you didn’t need me appearing so he was
left in no doubt as to why you were only wearing a robe.”
She groaned and looked away.
He laughed. “I like it by the way.”
Lifting her eyes to look at him she said “really? I was beginning to
think it was a bad idea.”
Lawson eased back and grabbing the two end of the cord he pulled until
they undid. The robe dropped open and he inspected what lay beneath,
“definitely not a bad idea” he said as his eyes moved back up to meet hers.
Trish’s mouth had gone dry and shivering she reached up and grabbed his
neck to bring his mouth down on hers.
Lawson smiled against her mouth and picking her up he carried her into
the bedroom.
________________________________________________________________
05/06/12
________________________________________________________________
05/06/12
Part 483
‘What’s that? Lawson asked a little later and pointing to the package
Trish had put on the bedside table.
Trish turned her head to look at the box. She shrugged “birthday present
from my sister I’d say at a guess.”
“Your’s?” he asked with frown. He couldn’t believe he didn’t even know
when her birthday was.
She smiled. “No Kyle’s. It’s still a couple of week away but she likes
to make sure it’s here in time so her gift always arrives early.”
“He’s going to be eleven yeah?”
“Yes” Trish said.
“You’ll have to give me some idea on what to get him.”
“You don’t need to get him anything” she said with a smile. “Just you
being around for him is all he needs.”
“Nah” Lawson said. “I remember being ten, it’s all about the gift.”
Trish laughed. “I’d have loved to see you as a ten year old boy.”
“No you wouldn’t” he said his hand moving over her skin and causing her
to gasp. “I didn’t like girls back then.”
Trish looked at him for a second and then met his mouth in a kiss.
Lawson smiled against her mouth and rolled her beneath him.
_____________________________________________________________________
05/06/12
_____________________________________________________________________
05/06/12
Part 484
As they got dressed a little later that morning Lawson asked Trish “when
is your birthday anyway?”
Trish smiled “next month.”
“What date?”
“Twenty first” she said “and before you ask I’ll be thirty five. Your
turn.”
With a grin Lawson said “fourteenth of September and I’ll be thirty
six.”
“Good to know.”
“But back to Kyle, what are you getting him?”
“I was thinking about a new footy, seeing he’ll be playing now and maybe
a playstation game.”
“I might look at something game related too then.”
“Okay” she said “he’ll love that.”
“Is he having a party?”
“Not really, he just going to the movies with a couple of boys.”
“Cool, do I get to come.”
Trish laughed “I don’t think adults are permitted” she said “it’s a kids
only thing, but I was planning to have dinner near-by while they were seeing
the movie so you can join me if you like.”
Lawson smiled and moving to fold his arms around her he looked down at
her and said “I like.”
Trish got up on her toes and kissed him, “okay, but now I have to get
back to work.”
Lawson released her. “Same time tomorrow?”
“Sure” Trish said.
“Will you wear the robe again?” he teased, his eyes going dark.
She laughed “I can.”
“Just don’t open the door to any other men first, okay?”
She laughed “don’t worry I won’t be making that mistake again.”
“Good” he said and he followed her out the door.
_______________________________________________________________________
06/06/12
_______________________________________________________________________
06/06/12
Part 485
That evening, Trish considered that as much as she enjoyed her time with
Lawson in the mornings at the moment, it wasn’t completely satisfactory. It all
felt rushed and she missed him during the quiet of the evening. Once Kyle was
in bed, the hours dragged by for her. So she would be glad when he was back on
day shift in a few days, even though it meant an end to their alone time for
now. She sighed and turning off the TV she went to bed. At least there she
could remember what it felt like when he shared it with her only hours before and
dream about seeing him the next day. She could still smell his aftershave on
the pillow and closing her eyes she inhaled and drifted off to sleep.
__________________________________________________________________________
07/06/12
__________________________________________________________________________
07/06/12
Part 486
That Sunday Lawson arrived to pick Trish and Kyle up at five o’clock to
go to Josh and Kristy’s. When Trish opened the door to him he leaned down and
kissed her. He hadn’t seen her alone since Friday morning and it seemed a long
time ago now. Last night after catching up on things at home during the day,
he’d come over and Trish had cooked them all dinner and they’d watched a movie.
But despite having slept a bit earlier, the week of night shift caught up with
him and he couldn’t keep his eyes open. He’d fallen asleep before Kyle had gone
to bed. Trish hadn’t woken him until it was time for him to go and feeling bad
he had apologised. But Trish had just smiled and denied it was an issue.
However wanting to make it up to her, instead of just picking Kyle up to
take him to his first footy match, he’d come over a bit earlier and surprised
her by dropping by the cafe with her son for breakfast first. She was working
but she got to see Kyle in his footy gear and they were all together as they
had breakfast.
________________________________________________________________________
07/06/12
________________________________________________________________________
07/06/12
Part 487
Trish wrapped her arms around Lawson’s neck and deepened the kiss as
they embraced just inside the front door. She’d only seen him that morning, but
being at work, she hadn’t been able to get close to him.
When he moved back a few minutes later, his eyes dark and soft, he said
“it won’t be a late night and I promise not to fall asleep when we get back.”
She smiled. “Will you stop worrying about it, it was fine. If it was a
problem for me I’d have woken you up earlier.”
“It was a problem for me” he said looking at her mouth “I had to go home
without being able to touch you.”
She laughed. “I got to touch you though. Did you know you react even
when you’re asleep?”
He grinned “really? You’ll have to show me later exactly what I missed.”
Trish laughed again “that will be my pleasure.”
“And mine” he said as he lowered his head and kissed her again.
“Are you guys going to do that all night or are we going to go?” Kyle
said.
_________________________________________________________________________
08/06/12
_________________________________________________________________________
08/06/12
Part 488
Trish stepped away from Lawson and smiled at her son.
“Sorry mate” Lawson said “you ready?”
“Yep” Kyle said with a smile.
“Did you grab some games? Josh said he’ll have his playstation set up.”
“Yep” Kyle said again “and I’m taking an extra controller in case Josh
only has one.”
“Remember, I said you may have to play by yourself” Trish said with a
frown. She was worried he’d be expecting someone to play with him all the time.
She didn’t want anyone feeling obliged to entertain him.
“I know” her son assured her “but if someone does want to play, this way
they can.”
“Good thinking” Lawson said “now are we all set?”
“Yes” Trish said picking up a small wrapped box.
“What’s that?’ Lawson asked.
“An engagement present” Trish said. “We are getting together to
celebrate their engagement, aren’t we?” she asked when Lawson frowned.
He nodded “we are, I just didn’t think to get anything. I’ve been a
little distracted this week.”
Trish smiled and trying not to blush, she said “don’t worry, this can be
from all of us.”
Lawson kissed her head “thanks, that’s another one I owe you.”
“Why else do you owe Mum something?” Kyle asked with a frown.
“Because I fell asleep last night” Lawson said “when you get a
girlfriend make sure you never do that okay?” he joked.
“Is mum your only girlfriend?” Kyle asked, giving him a curious look.
________________________________________________________________________
10/06/12
________________________________________________________________________
10/06/12
Part 489
“Kyle!” Trish said both embarrassed and astonished.
But Lawson just smiled at Trish. He then turned back to look down at
Kyle and said “yes mate, she is. When it comes to girlfriends, one is all you
need. Why do you ask?”
Kyle shrugged “Max said that he didn’t think she would be. All his
mother’s boyfriends have lots of girlfriends.”
“Well not me mate” Lawson said still smiling and raising his eyes to
look at Trish he added, “your mum is everything I want.”
Trish swallowed hard to clear the lump in her throat as she looked away.
Kyle shrugged “okay” he said and walked out the front door.
“Sorry about that” she said as soon as Kyle was out of ear shot.
“Why?” he said “it was a fair enough question and now he has an answer
he can stop wondering.”
“So can I” Trish said.
He smiled “you weren’t really wondering were you?”
“No” she said “but it was nice to hear” she said and reaching up to give
him a quick kiss she said “let’s go.”
__________________________________________________________________________
11/06/12
__________________________________________________________________________
11/06/12
Part 490
Trish, Kyle and Lawson were the first to arrive at Josh’s. As Josh got
them all a drink and got Kyle set up in the living room with the playstation, Trish
said “congratulations Kristy.”
“Thanks” Kristy said. “I still can’t quite believe it.”
“I can imagine” Trish said “Josh is a lucky guy.”
“Thank you” Kristy said blushing “I’m the lucky one though.”
“Can I see your ring?”
“Sure” Kristy said holding out her left hand.
“It’s beautiful” Trish said moving Kristy’s hand so the light caught the
facets of the large blue stone. “Did you pick it or did Josh?”
“Josh did, but it’s exactly what I’d have chosen.”
“Where you surprised, when he asked you?” Trish said.
“Well actually” Kristy said “I asked Josh.”
Trish couldn’t help but show her surprise. “Oh when you said Josh picked
the ring I thought...”
Kristy laughed. “It was a bit of a joint effort. I asked him but he was
going to ask me anyway and he already had the ring.”
Trish smiled. “That’s perfect then” she said.
____________________________________________________________________________
11/06/12
________________________________________________________________________
12/06/12
_______________________________________________________________________
14/06/12
__________________________________________________________________
15/06/12
____________________________________________________________________________
11/06/12
Part 491
“Who’s perfect?” Lawson teased as he approached the two women “me I
hope.”
Trish laughed. “While you’re close, no I was talking about Kristy and
Josh.”
“Ah” Lawson said “the happy couple” and turning to Kristy he asked “are
you sure you know what you’re getting into with Josh?”
Kristy grinned “I have a pretty good idea by now” she said.
Lawson smirked “so did he end up giving the others a break and invite
them tonight?”
She smiled and as Josh joined them she looked at him and teased “yes, he
must have had a weak moment.”
Josh rolled his eyes and as the door bell rang he moved off the answer
it.
________________________________________________________________________
12/06/12
Part 492
As it turned out Kyle didn’t lack a game partner all night. Everyone had
a go, even Kerry, who turned out to be quite accomplished, but it was Michael
and Stella who fought over the other controller the most.
“Now we know how you spend your spare time” Lawson teased Kerry as she
relinquished her controller to Josh.
“I may have played a bit in my time” she said with a grin “not for a
while though” and turning back to look at Kyle she said “he’s a good kid.”
“Yes” Lawson said.
“I like Trish too” she said and
then teased “and having a ten year old boy around, she should be well able to
keep you in line.”
Lawson rolled his eyes. “Yeah well next time we need a baby sitter I’ll
know where to look” he joked.
But Kerry surprised him. Her expression serious she said “I’d be happy
to look after him sometime if Trish and Kyle wouldn’t mind.” She looked away.
Looking at her, Lawson wondered if she missed her son as a child. That was
probably the last time she'd had a positive interaction with him. He certainly
hadn't given her much to be proud of lately. “Okay” he said “I’ll keep it
mind.”
Kerry nodded and moved off to get a drink.
__________________________________________________________________________
13/06/12
Part 493
Trish, Lawson and Kyle walked back into her place just after nine. “Bed
Kyle and no mucking around, it’s late” Trish said.
Her son nodded “night Lawson” he said as he crossed the living room on
his way to his room.
“Night mate” Lawson said.
“I’ll be back in a second” Trish said to Lawson.
“Take your time. I’ll make us a coffee” he said.
She smiled “thanks.”
Within ten minutes Trish was back and taking a seat next to Lawson. He
pulled her close and handed her a mug. He kissed her head.
“What do you want to watch?” she asked picking up the remote in her free
hand.
“Your choice” he said.
She smiled “okay” and turned on a movie.
But as he finished his coffee Lawson’s eyes were no longer on the
screen. Leaning down to whisper in her ear he said “you were going to show me how
I reacted while I was asleep.”
Trish grinned and turned to face him “you sure you want to know?”
“Definitely” he said with a grin.
_______________________________________________________________________
14/06/12
Part 494
Trish put her cup aside and turned back to face Lawson. “Close your
eyes” she said.
Lawson raised an eyebrow but then smiled. He slouched down in the corner
of the couch, so he could rest his head back, and closed his eyes. At first he
had trouble feeling anything, but as he concentrated he felt the gentlest touch
moving up his arm. She was only using one finger and the lightness of contact
stirred him in a way a bolder touch may not have. As he lay there he began to
anticipate the direction her hand would move and his whole body was on alert.
Her finger moved down over his chest and traced his rib cage, he shivered. Soon
her hand reached his abdomen and Lawson was on fire. She ran her finger across his
body just above the waistband of his jeans. It was all he could do to lie still.
But when her hand moved lower he couldn’t take it anymore. His eyes snapped
open and he jumped off the couch.
Trish laughed. “Funny I got a whole other reaction last night.”
“Oh you got that reaction too, that’s the trouble” Lawson said.
Trish laughed again “come and sit back down” she said holding out her
hand “I won’t touch you again. I promise.”
Lawson looked down at her “you’d better not or you’ll be having a birds
and bees conversation with Kyle before you’re ready.”
This only made Trish laugh harder and she was still chuckling as he
resumed his position on the couch, and she rested her back against his chest. His
arm wrapped around her.
__________________________________________________________________
15/06/12
Part 495
“Did you really do all that to me while I was asleep?”
Trish turned her head and smiling she said “would you be mad if I said
yes?”
“No” he said “I just can’t believe I slept through it.”
“You were tired and I could help myself.”
He smiled “just promise me you won’t do it again while I’m awake and
can’t do anything about it.”
She laughed. “Okay I promise.”
“Good” he said and kissing her head he went back to watching the movie,
but by then he’d missed most of it and couldn’t follow the story line. An hour
later he left so Trish could get some sleep. He mightn’t be working in the
morning, but she was.
___________________________________________________________________________
16/06/12
___________________________________________________________________________
16/06/12
Part 496
With TR one and two off on the Monday, the rest of the team left Josh’s
place a bit later that Sunday night. Kristy had to work the next day but she
wasn’t too worried about one late night. By midnight she and Josh had cleaned
up and were ready for bed.
Crawling into his bed Kristy snuggled close to Josh. “I like the people
you work with. It was nice to meet them socially this time.”
“They’re alright” Josh said “most of the time.”
“Trish seemed to get on with them all too.”
“Yeah” Josh said his hand moving over her back.
“They seem happy the three of them.”
“Mmm” Josh said as he kissed her throat.
“Are you even listened to me?” Kristy said with a laugh.
Josh grinned “I heard every word” he said “but I’m done talking for now”
and his mouth came down on hers.
Kristy smiled against his mouth and kissed him back.
_________________________________________________________________________
17/06/12
_________________________________________________________________________
17/06/12
Part 497
Two days Kristy left work a little early and with Josh not due home for
an hour and feeling in need of a coffee, she walked into the cafe just before
five.
“Kristy” Trish said as she watched the other woman walk in “how are
you?”
Kristy smiled, “I’m good thanks. How are you?”
“Wonderful” Trish said with a broad smile.
“Yeah I got that the other night. I take it things are going well with
Lawson?”
Trish blushed and laughed, “that obvious hey? Yes things are fantastic,
except for a lack of time alone.”
It was Kristy who laughed now, “I guess have a ten year old around sort
of puts a damper on those things.”
“Just a little” Trish said with a laugh.
“I’m sure you’ll work it out” Kristy said “you may just need to be a
little creative.”
“Oh we try” she said still laughing. Then changing the subject she added
“and speaking of Kyle. It’s his birthday this weekend. He’s going to the movies
with some mates on Friday night but I thought I’d have a dinner at home on Saturday.
That’s his actual birthday. Would you and Josh be able to come? It’ll be just
you guys, Lawson, my Mum and Kyle and I.”
__________________________________________________________________________
18/06/12
__________________________________________________________________________
21/06/12
__________________________________________________________________________
18/06/12
Part 498
“I’d love to” Kristy said “and I know Josh will to. I’m pretty sure we
don’t have anything on but I’ll confirm later tonight after I’ve seen Josh if
that’s okay?”
“No problem” Trish said. “I haven’t asked Lawson yet anyway. I’d just
started thinking about it before you came in. I might even make it a surprise,
what do you think?”
“I think that’d be fun for Kyle” Kristy said. “Can I do anything to
help? I love planning parties.”
“I’m not sure even what I’m doing yet” Trish said with a laugh. “I’ll
let you know though.”
“Make sure you do” Kristy said “I’m happy to help.”
“I’ll remember that” Trish said.
“So can you give me any ideas on a present? I haven’t bought anything
for a ten year old in years.”
“You don’t need to bring anything” Trish said “really.”
“I’d like to get him something though” Kristy said with a smile “so any
ideas would be great.”
“Okay, how about some headphones for his laptop. Then I wouldn’t have to
listen to his music all the time.”
“Done” Kristy said “I can do that with ease.”
“Thanks” Trish said.
“No problem” Kristy said finishing her coffee and getting up. “I’ll text
you later and let you know if we can come Saturday.”
“Thanks Kristy” Trish said and she watched the other woman walk out. She
hoped they could come. A surprise party for her son seemed perfect now.
_______________________________________________________________________
19/06/12
_________________________________________________________________________
20/06/12
_______________________________________________________________________
19/06/12
Part 499
At home that night, after they’d eaten dinner. Josh and Kristy relaxed
in the living room, Jesse lay on the floor at their feet. “So when do ya want
to get married?” Josh said.
Kristy turned her head and looked at him. She was surprised, she hadn’t
even given it any thought. “I don’t know” Kristy said. “I’d like my family to
be able to come over for it so that may take a while to organise.”
“Do they have passports?” Josh asked.
Kristy grinned “last time I heard you didn’t need one to cross the
country.”
Josh gave her a smile “I was thinking about going somewhere overseas to
be married.”
“Oh” Kristy said. Once again he’d surprised her. Then a frown marring
her pretty features, she said “I’m not sure my parents could afford that.”
“I’d pay for them” Josh said his eyes following the movement of his hand
up and down her arm. “It mightn’t be much more than them coming over here
anyway.”
Her frown deepening Kristy said “I can’t ask you to pay for them.”
“You didn’t” he said kissing her head “I offered.”
“Still...” she said.
“Still nothing” Josh said, his eyes meeting hers. “I don’t have any
family of my own to do it for, so why not yours? Once we’re married, they’ll be
my family anyway.”
Kristy blinked away tears.
“What’s the matter?” he said, and he was the one frowning now.
“Nothing” Kristy said with a smile and pulling him towards her she added
“nothing at all” and brought her mouth down on his.
_________________________________________________________________________
20/06/12
Part 500
As Josh eased back a few minutes later he grinned and said “so I take it
that means you like the idea?”
“I think I’ll need to think about it for a while” Kristy said with a
smile. “Where were you thinking?”
Josh shrugged “Tahiti looks nice” he teased with a famous line from an
old ad.
Kristy laughed “are you serious?”
He shrugged again, “why not? The beaches look amazing.”
She looked away and let the idea begin to sink in. Turning back to look
at him after a minute she said “really?”
Grinning he leaned down to kiss her and said “really.”
Excitement coursing through her Kristy jumped up and lowered herself
onto his lap. Facing him she said “you really think we can do it?”
Josh laughed and laced his fingers behind her back. “Yes I really think
we can do it.”
Kristy wrapped her arms around his neck. “I can’t believe it” she said.
“Well you better start believing it, we need to make plans.”
She moved back and looked at him. Then her gaze slipping down to rest on
his mouth she said “yep, but not yet” and she kissed him.
Josh smiled against her mouth and getting to his feet he deepened the
kiss and carried her into the bedroom.
__________________________________________________________________________
21/06/12
Part 501
The next Friday night Trish and Kyle were waiting for Lawson so they
could leave for his party with his school friends at the movies. Lawson was
five minutes over due when Trish’s phone rang.
“Hi” Lawson said “sorry I got held up. I’m going to have to meet you
guys there.”
“No worries” Trish said. “We’ll leave now. If the boys have gone in when
you get there I’ll meet you in the restaurant.”
“Done” he said “I’m just about to jump in the shower and then I’m out
the door. Can you put Kyle on?”
Trish smiled. She loved how he always thought of her son. “Sure, one
sec.”
Holding the phone out to Kyle Trish said “Lawson is running late, he’d
like to talk to you.”
Kyle took the phone, “hey Lawson.”
“Hey mate” Lawson said “sorry I’m late. If I don’t see you before hand,
enjoy the movie and I’ll see you when you’re done.”
“Okay” Kyle said see you later.
“Bye mate” Lawson said and Kyle handed the phone back to Trish.
“See you soon” Lawson said.
“I’m looking forward to it” Trish said smiling.
“Always” Lawson said “bye.”
“Bye” Trish said and hanging up she turned to Kyle and said “okay we’d
better get going.”
Excited, Kyle grinned and raced to the door.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
22/06/12
Part 502
At the cinema complex Trish walked the five boys and Kyle to their
cinema after supplying them with drinks and pop corn. Lawson hadn’t arrived yet
and when she came back out and she still couldn’t see him, she walked into the
restaurant next door where she’d booked a table. She ordered a drink and it had
hardly been delivered when she saw him walking towards her. She smiled.
Lawson leaned down and kissed her “sorry” he said.
“It’s fine. I know what your work can be like.”
“Thanks” he said and as the waiter appeared he ordered a drink. Once the
waiter had departed Lawson picked up her hand and said “so when do I get to see
you alone again?”
Trish smiled “I’m not sure. You’re on day shift for a while now aren’t
you?”
“Yeah” he said feeling dejected, knowing it meant their time together
would be limited while he was. Then he smiled to himself, he’d never have
thought he’d be hanging out for his next round of night shift.
“What?” Trish said.
Lawson’s smile widened “I just can’t believe I’m looking forward to
night shift.”
Trish laughed, blushed and looked away. Then her expression serious she
looked back at him and said “maybe it’s time I spoke to Kyle. To see if he’d
mind you staying over.”
___________________________________________________________________
23/06/12
___________________________________________________________________
24/06/12
_________________________________________________________________
26/06/12
___________________________________________________________________
23/06/12
Part 503
Lawson’s eyebrows lifted. He knew what a big step this was for Trish and
he was worried she was feeling pushed into making it. “Are you sure? Don’t rush
it on my account. I’m not going to take off just because there are a few
complications. I’ll cope.”
She smiled. “Thank you for that, but I think it’s time” and then her
smile dropping away as she worried about what he was thinking about the
implications of her offer she added, “and I want you to know, this doesn’t mean
you need to feel obligated about anything. I’m not trying to trap you. I’d just
like you to be able to stay sometimes.”
“Trap me?” Lawson said, his expression serious too now, “into a
commitment?”
Trish swallowed. She wished now she hadn’t brought
this up. The last thing she intended was to freak him out by appearing to push
him. She hadn’t been trying to get him to commit himself more than he wanted
to. She was just trying to make things easier for them. But his question and
his expression had her worried. After a pause she nodded “sorry this isn’t
going the way I intended, forget I said anything” and she looked away.___________________________________________________________________
24/06/12
Part 504
“Trish” Lawson said and squeezing her hand prompted her to look at him.
She took a deep breath and lifted her gaze to meet his.
“It’s fine, I knew what you meant.”
She nodded.
“But to be clear” he added “it’s too late to worry about a commitment. I’m
as committed to you and Kyle as it gets. I’m hoping that one day we’ll be a
family. So anything that moves us along that path is fine by me. With Kyle, you
have more to consider than I do so I’m happy to let you set the pace, but don’t
ever think that means I’m indifferent or not wanting to be any more involved
than I am.”
Trish blinked back tears and then reaching out she pulled his head
towards her and kissed him.
_________________________________________________________________
25/06/12
_________________________________________________________________
25/06/12
Part 505
When Trish moved back Lawson smirked and said “I take it that’s
acceptable to you?”
She smiled “more that acceptable, it’s perfect.”
“Good” he said “and if you didn’t already know, I love you Trish.”
This time Trish couldn’t stop the tears from overflowing. She never
thought she’d be this lucky again. After her husband died she thought her
chance to find someone to love who also loved her was past.
Lawson reached out and wiped the tears away with his thumb.
“I love you too” Trish said.
“I was hoping you did” he teased.
She smiled and brushing her fingers over her cheeks to remove the last
traces of tears she apologised for her emotional display “sorry” she said.
“Forget it” he said.
Then shaking her head she smiled and said, “wow, this was not what I
thought we’d be discussing tonight.”
He laughed. “it’s not what I was thinking either but I’m not sorry. I’ve
wanted to tell you for a while.”
“I’m not sorry either” Trish said “and I’ll talk to Kyle about it during
the week. I want to get his birthday out of the way first.”
Lawson nodded and said “speaking of Kyle’s birthday, are you all set for
tomorrow?”
_________________________________________________________________
26/06/12
Part 506
“Yes” Trish said “all the food it done. I prepared it at work today.”
“Can I do anything?”
“If you could, I’ve ordered some drinks from my supplier. They’re at
work but I won’t fit them and the food in my car.”
“I’ll come by in the morning and pick them up. I can refrigerate them at
my place and bring them over later cold.”
“That would be fantastic. Mum is taking Kyle out for lunch and will
bring him back after you, Josh and Kristy have arrived.”
“So I can come by at lunch time?”
“Yes” Trish said “I’m leaving work early to clean up a bit so I’ll be
back at my place by one.”
“I’ll be there” Lawson said “I can give you a hand.”
“You don’t need to do that” she said with a smile.
“I know” he said “but I will.”
“Thank you.”
“My pleasure” Lawson said and picking up his menu he added “now let’s
order or we won’t get to eat before the movie is done.”
_____________________________________________________________
27/06/12
_____________________________________________________________
27/06/12
Part 507
After the movie and once Kyle’s friends had been collected by their
parents, Kyle met Lawson and Trish in the restaurant for dessert. “What time
are you coming over tomorrow Lawson?” Kyle asked.
“Sorry mate, I won’t be able to get over to your place tomorrow” Lawson
said, having already conferred with Trish on what he was going to say. They
wanted the party to be a real surprise.
“What not at all?” Kyle said with a frown.
“Sorry mate” Lawson said “that’s why I came tonight.”
Kyle looked away and in a dejected tone he said “okay.”
Lawson winked at Trish. “I’ll pick you up on Sunday though to take you
to footy” he said.
“Yeah, whatever” Kyle said, not looking at him and no longer interested
in his pancake dessert.
Trish bit her lip and gave Lawson a worried look. Seeing her son’s
reaction she wondered if they’d gone one step too far.
But Lawson just shook his head and smiled.
Easy for him Trish thought, he didn’t have to live with Kyle in the mean
time. “Come on” she coaxed her son “eat your dessert so we can go.”
Kyle pushed the plate away “I don’t want any more.”
“Okay” Trish said. She didn’t have the heart to complain about him
wasting food. She just hoped his surprise tomorrow made up for his
disappointment now and getting to her feet she added “let’s go then.”
“I’ll follow you” Lawson said as they walked into the carpark.
Trish smiled. “Okay see you back there.”
“Yep” he said.
________________________________________________________
29/06/12
________________________________________________________
29/06/12
Part 508
Back at Trish’s, in a bid to lift his spirits, Lawson said to Kyle “do
you want to watch the end of the footy mate?”
“Yeah” he said his disappointment about tomorrow forgotten.
Trish said “I might go and do some baking then. Seems I need a cake for
some reason.”
“Don’t worry about it Mum, there’s no need for just you and me” Kyle
said his expression grim again.
“And grandma” Trish said with a smile “and even if it was just you and
me, you still need a cake on your birthday so watch your footy and let me get
this done.”
“Okay, thanks mum” Kyle said his eyes already back on the TV.
Trish smiled to herself.
Lawson looked up at her she walked past him. She smiled and leaning down,
she kissed him and then walked into the kitchen.
________________________________________________________________
30/06/12
________________________________________________________________
30/06/12
Part 509
Half an hour later Trish had the cake in the oven and hearing the game
finish she walked into the living room and said “bed Kyle, you’ve got a big day
tomorrow.”
“Only lunch with grandma” he said dragging himself to his feet.
“And dinner with me” Trish teased.
He gave her a small smile and said “night Lawson.”
“Night mate” Lawson said “have a great day tomorrow.”
Kyle held up his hand but didn’t reply. “Night mum.”
“I’ll be in in a minute” Trish said.
“Okay” he said and he walked out of the room.
“He looks so sad” Trish whispered “I think we should tell him you’re
going to be here at least.”
Lawson pulled her onto his lap. “He’ll be fine and all the more
surprised tomorrow. Now kiss me” he said.
__________________________________________________________________
01/07/12
__________________________________________________________________
01/07/12
Part 510
Trish smiled and met his mouth with a heated kiss but when she went to
get up a few minutes later, Lawson detained her. Trish laughed as she tried to
struggle out of his arms “Lawson I’ve got a cake in the oven.”
He grinned “okay but when it’s out, you’re mine.”
Trish chuckled and went into the kitchen to check on the cake before
going to say good night to her son.
Ten minutes later the cake was cooling on the bench and Kyle was asleep.
Trish dropped down on the couch next to Lawson.
He wrapped an arm around her and lowering his head he said “now where
were we?”
Trish laughed and pulled his mouth against hers.
____________________________________________________________________
02/07/12
Part 511
____________________________________________________________________
02/07/12
Part 511
The next day Trish arrived home just after Kyle had left with his grandmother
for a birthday lunch. Her mother had texted her to let her know the coast was
clear. As she was unloading the food Lawson pulled up.
After giving her a kiss he said “I’ll unload the drinks and then move my
car around the corner.
“Thanks” Trish said with a smile and within a few minutes they had both
cars unloaded. As Trish began putting the food and drinks away Lawson moved his
car.
Trish had prepared dishes that only required warming so all she had to
do was turn the oven on just before the others arrived. She didn’t want to be
in the kitchen all evening.
Lawson stepped back into the house carrying a large wrapped box. He sat
it down on the coffee table and walking into the kitchen took over from Trish
and finished putting the drinks in the fridge. Trish then moved to preparing
the table, placing a cloth over the top she stacked plates to one side and
added serviettes and glasses. Lawson blew up some balloons while Trish gave the
kitchen and living room a quick vacuum and dust. Now there was only the cake to
decorate.
“I’ll just mix some icing if you could grab the candles out of the
pantry” she said to Lawson.
“Sure” he said and opening the door he asked “where are they?”
“Top shelf, left hand side.”
“Got them” he said.
Trish had finished icing the chocolate cake with a soft white icing and
nodding to Lawson said “you can put them on.”
Lawson looked at the cake and then at the pack of candles and said “how?”
It was a long time since he put candles on a kids cake.
“However you like” Trish said with a smile as she moved over to the sink
to wash the bowl and spatula.
He shrugged and opening the packet, placed eleven candles in a rough
circle around the perimeter of the cake.
Trish came over and placing a hand on his neck looked around his
shoulder “good job” she said grinning.
_________________________________________________________________
03/07/12
_________________________________________________________________
03/07/12
Part 512
Lawson smiled and putting the packet with the one remaining candle on the
table he turned and wrapped his arms around her waist. “What now?” he said, his
gaze on her lips.
Trish shrugged and smiled “we’re done, thanks for your help.”
“How long until Josh and Kristy arrive?”
“A couple of hours.”
Lawson’s smile widened “now what are we going to do to pass the time?”
Trish laughed and said “I’ll give you a hint.” Her eyes fixed on his,
she slid her hand down his side to his hips. Then pushing it between them she
undid the button of his jeans.
As she watched his eyes darkened and his smile dropped away.
Trish grinned and then stepping back she grabbed his hand and led him to
the bedroom.
________________________________________________________________
04/07/12
______________________________________________________________
05/07/12
________________________________________________________________
04/07/12
Part 513
At five o’clock Josh and Kristy arrived at the house. Lawson let them
in. “Hey guys” he said. “Trish is just changing.”
“You look very at home here mate” Josh teased.
Lawson shrugged, but didn’t deny it.
“Hey Lawson” Kristy said and as she walked into the living room and sat
their present down next to Lawson’s Trish appeared.
“Hi Kristy” she said. “Josh.”
Josh bent to kiss her cheek.
“Is Kyle still in the dark?” Kristy asked.
“I think so” Trish said. “He was upset last night when Lawson told him
he wouldn’t be here for his birthday.”
“He should get a nice surprise then” Kristy said with a smile.
“Yes, I’m sure he’ll be excited to see you guys here too. Normally it’s
just Mum and me for his birthday.
“Thank you for inviting us. Can I do anything to help?” Kristy asked.
“No, there’s nothing to do. I’ve just put the oven on and I’ll put some
dishes in to warm shortly.”
“I’m glad you won’t have to spend the whole night cooking.”
“That’s was my aim” Trish said “now can I get you guys a drink?”
“I’ll do it” Lawson said and they all walked into the kitchen.
______________________________________________________________
05/07/12
Part 514
Half an hour later Trish’s phone beeped. She picked it up. “That’s Mum
they’ll be here in five minutes.”
“So what are we going to do?” Kristy said.
“I think if you guys wait in the kitchen and when we walk into the
living room you can come out and surprise him.”
“Sounds good” Josh said.
Hearing a key in the door Trish held up her hand for quiet and walked
into the living room to meet her son.
“Mum” the three people in the kitchen heard Kyle call from the front of
the house.
“I’m in here” Trish said and as they heard Kyle’s voice in the next
room, they walked out of the kitchen and said surprise.
To say Kyle was surprised was an understatement. For a full ten seconds
he didn’t react. Then slowly a grin spread across his face. Looking at Lawson
he said “I thought you couldn’t come.”
“As if I’d miss your birthday mate” he said.
Kyle looked away, but he was pleased. “Happy birthday” Josh said and
Kristy echoed this.
Kyle looked up and said in a quiet voice, “thanks.”
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