Liz1967, I hope this cheers you up a little my love xxx
Chapter 12
People began to leave the wake around 6pm. Only Joanna, Paul, Tanner and James remained. Paul tidied up as much as he could and then called a taxi to take him back to his hotel.
"You know you didn't need to stay in a Hotel love. Your room's still the way it was when you left it."
"I know Mum, I just thought you could use some peace and quiet. I'll be back tomorrow and then I'll have to head back home."
"Do you have to leave so soon."
"I really can't afford to take the time off work Mum."
"It's alright love, I understand."
"I'll see you tomorrow Mum."
"Night love." M said, kissing her Son goodbye.
M saw him to the door and came back into the sitting room to find Joanna having a little cry to herself and being comforted by Bill.
"Joanna, come here love."
Joanna moved from Bill's arms and fell into M's and allowed the tears she had kept hidden all day to run free. M held her Daughter like she did when she was a little girl and soothed her. They stood hugging one another for a few minutes before parting.
"Bill and I are gonna go out for a drink and I may stay over, will you be okay on your own." She sniffed.
"Don't be silly love, I'll be fine."
"Are you sure."
"I'm sure."
"You could always ask James to stay the night, if you want to of course."
"Go."
"Remember what I said, Dad would want you to be happy."
"Joanna we only buried him today."
"Life's short Mum, if we've learned anything, it's that. I'll see you tomorrow. Bill, are you ready to go."
"Just coming." He yelled from the kitchen.
He came rushing out and said his goodbyes to M and left with Joanna. M walked through to the kitchen to find James washing up the dishes for her.
"You don't need to do that James." She said, appearing at his side.
"It's alright, I don't mind. Is that them away."
"She said she may stay the night with him."
"I see." James asked, surprised.
"What is it."
"I just thought Bill and Eve were…"
"Were what."
"Seeing each other."
"Are they." M asked, shocked.
"Maybe I'm wrong but I'd get her to ask Bill first."
"I'll tell her tomorrow. You fancy a Scotch."
"Yeah, go on."
M went through to her sitting room and poured them both a glass as James came out of the kitchen and took a seat beside her on the sofa.
"Cheers." M smiled.
"Cheers Ma'am."
"James don't."
"What."
"Don't call me Ma'am when we're not in the office."
"Sorry, are you okay."
"I can't count the several times you've asked me that today."
"I'm worried about you."
"Why."
"M, you've just buried your Husband today and then you tried to kiss me."
"I thought we weren't going to mention that." She said, quietly.
"It's not that I didn't enjoy it."
"Well you pulled away quick enough."
"You're emotional right now."
"YES I AM AND ALL I WANTED WAS TO FORGET ABOUT WHAT'S HAPPENED BUT YOU WOULDN'T LET ME." She said, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"I would've felt like such a jerk, jumping on the Boss, the second her Husband is buried."
"Joanna said something to me earlier. She said that David would want me to be happy and to live my life."
"Joanna said that."
"Yes she did and she see's the way you look at me and apparently the way I look at you too."
"You know I'd do anything for you M."
"I'm not saying we jump into bed this second, just be with me. Hold me, kiss me, comfort me during the tough days. Just be here."
He gave her a small smile and moved closer to her and placed his lips on her before pulling her into his arms and lying back on the sofa and drifting of to sleep.
To Be Continued…
