Chapter 14
…
Dolly turned in Mike's arms and looked up at him to see him smiling down at her.
"This was better than a nap." He grinned.
"We ought to get up, your Boys will be here soon."
"You still up for it?"
"I have to meet them eventually, won't I? Do you think Audrey's told them anything about me….about Shirley?"
"She wouldn't dare."
"We better get dressed."
They kissed one last time before they eventually got up and dressed. Dolly went into the kitchen and got plates and cutlery and began setting the table while Mike put a few dvd's by the television for the Boys to choose from later. They both looked up when someone knocked on the door. Dolly's face suddenly dropped as Mike came towards her and put his arms around her waist.
"Hey, it'll be okay…trust me." He assured her.
She nodded in agreement as Mike went and answered the door. When he opened it, his Boys and Susan were standing in the doorway.
"Jamie, Lucas…how are my Boys." He smiled, kneeling as they rushed into his arms.
"Hey Dad, I've missed you." Lucas smiled.
"I've missed you too Son, you been good for Mummy?"
"Yep."
"Good boy, hey Jamie, you okay."
"I guess."
Jamie was 7 and Lucas was 5, Susan hovered above them. Mike watched her as her eyes looked towards Dolly who was standing by the table.
"Why don't you Boys go and sit down, yeah….Susan, come on in…I'd like you to meet someone."
She did as he asked and followed him inside as the Boys went and sat down on the couch watching Dolly very closely.
"Susan, this is Dolly Rawlins. Dolly this is my Ex Susan."
"Hello Susan, it's very nice to meet you." She smiled, nervously.
"Yeah, you too." She said, abruptly.
"Thank you for allowing Jamie and Lucas to meet me."
"Well, Mike insisted…I should get going, I've got things to do."
Dolly and Mike exchanged glances and Mike followed Susan back to the door. She was about to walk away when he stepped out and closed the door behind him and stopped her walking away.
"That was a bit rude don't you think." He said.
"Excuse me?"
"You couldn't have made it more obvious that you didn't like her Susan."
"Well what the hell did you expect, for me to welcome her with open arms?"
"Well I…"
"What the hell are you doing Mike, she's twice your age for god sake and your Mum says that woman's responsible for your Sister's death."
"Oh god, not you too. Look, Dolly is not responsible for Shirley's death okay."
"But she was involved in that robbery though…yes?"
"Yes she was, but that was a long time ago. It was a Police Officer who shot Shirley because they thought she had a weapon on her. Dolly isn't responsible and I don't want to hear another word on the subject."
"Fine, but I still don't get your relationship. The age thing Mike, it's just….."
"Susan, I don't care. I don't care what you or Mum or anyone else thinks. I love her and I plan on making this work."
"I guess nothing I can say will change your mind."
"No."
"I should go, I'm meeting Ally for drinks, don't let the Boys stay up to late okay."
"In bed by 10pm, I promise."
…...
Lucas and Jamie were engrossed in some cartoon on the tv when Mike walked back into the room.
"You okay Boys."
"Sure Dad." Jamie replied.
"Where's Dolly?"
"In the kitchen."
Mike left them for a few moments and went to see if Dolly was alright. He walked in and found her leaning over the sink, he came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to him.
"You okay." He whispered as he leaned in, breathing on her neck.
"She hates me, doesn't she?"
"She's been listening to Mum, don't worry about it."
"I feel like the wicked witch."
"Hey come on, you're anything but."
She turned around in his arms as he leaned down and kissed her firmly on the lips.
"We're never going to get the approval we want Mike."
"The women at the Manor are alright about it, aside from Ester."
"Not a lot though."
"Look, as long as you and I are happy then that's all that counts."
He kissed her again before they were interrupted by Lucas running through.
"Daddy, Dolly….when are we having tea, I'm hungry."
Dolly smiled before walking over to the small Boy and lifting him up in her arms.
"We're just about to order darlin', how do you fancy some Chinese or Pizza?"
"Yaaaaay can we have Pizza, please Dolly…Daddy."
"Sure Son, Pizza it is. Go and check with your Brother what he wants on his."
"Cool, oh and Daddy…."
"What is it Lucas?"
"I like her." He grinned before running back through.
Mike turned to Dolly and smiled and saw her smile back at him.
"You see, someone approves."
"He's a good kid." She said.
"They both are, give Jamie time."
"Come on, we better get that Pizza ordered."
…
Ester came through to the kitchen to see Julia putting on her jacket.
"You're not off out with that cop again are you?"
"Relax Ester, I'm going to take the horse out for a bit, do a bit of snooping up the tracks."
"Be careful Julia." Julia turned back to Ester and saw the concern in her eyes. Something that was rare to see.
"Hey, you okay." She asked, her arms coming around Ester's waist, pulling her close.
"Why wouldn't I be."
"You seem out of sorts."
"Are you falling for her."
"What, who?"
"You know who, that bloody Norma."
"Credit me with some taste Ester, I'm with you remember."
"You best remember that darling."
"Always do, I'll see you later."
Ester walked over to the back door and watched as Julie galloped away, some insecurities building inside her.
…
To Be Continued…