In which someone appears oddly familiar
Rhiannon's having a lovely time. Even if she does feel a bit guilty.
She and Martin are stopping in a quaint old thatched pub on the edge of the moor. She's never stayed anywhere as nice as like this before. Martin was a bit annoyed with himself that he hadn't realised that the menu at the Cross Keys was strictly vegetarian, but that doesn't matter. Not at all. He's brought her away for a romantic weekend in the country, and that's what matters. And the weather forecast was wrong - they said it was going to rain, but it hasn't.
The only thing she's feeling guilty about is that Martin's spending so much money on her.
Comfy, sitting here by the fire.
There's something a bit familiar about the two men sitting close by. One of them, anyway. Not the shorter one, the one in the jumper - she's never seen him before. But the other one, the taller one: there's something about him that reminds her of someone. An actor, perhaps?
He looks a bit like her Martin, that's it. Not very much like him - but he's got the same sort of high cheekbones and pale eyes.
Not as good-looking though. Dark haired - not that lovely auburn colour that Martin has. And he's very tall. Glad Martin isn't that tall - she'd have to stand on tiptoe every time she wanted to kiss him. And the tall chap looks a bit intense. He'd be hard work.
Not like Martin: Martin's really easy to love.
She smiles to herself and twists the silver bracelet on her wrist so that it reflects the flickering light from the fire. Beautiful. So kind of Martin to buy her something because she'd graduated. He's really good to her.
And he'd had the inside of the bracelet engraved. 'R from M'. And the date.
'Watching pictures in the fire, Rhi?'
Martin's back from the bar, with two glasses of wine.
'No - just thinking.'
'What of?'
'Everything and nothing. Mainly how good you are to me. And that you shouldn't go on wasting your money on me.'
'Let me spoil you, Rhi, please. I enjoy it. I - I've never had anyone to spoil before.'
He sits next to her on the little settee.
'Then all those girls out there don't know what they've been missing out on, cariad.'
The two men - the short one and the tall one - are talking excitedly. The tall one has a glass of whisky - his hand's shaking so much she's surprised he doesn't spill it. Delirium tremens, perhaps. Such a shame. None of her business, though.
Martin puts his arm round her and pulls her a bit closer.
'There's never been that many girls, Rhi. Not before you. Two. Three if you count the one who slapped my face when I tried to kiss her. The others lasted about a month before they realised how boring I am.'
'Oh Martin, you're not boring. Not in the least!'
'But I am, Rhi. Incredibly so. And inept, and awkward. And one of these days you'regoing to realise that.'
She cuddles up to him.
'Never. Because you're not. You must just have met some bloody strange women, that's all. Not your fault they didn't realise how lovely you are. But I'm glad in a way they didn't, or I wouldn't have stood a chance.'
'Are you happy, Rhiannon? With me, I mean.'
She kisses him gently on the cheek.
'Never happier. Honestly. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me.'
They sit quietly for a while, cuddled up together, watching pictures in the fire, sipping their drinks.
The two men - the tall one and the short one - seem to be arguing. The tall one's talking really fast - almost gabbling the words out, and getting louder and louder. Suddenly he yells at the other man to leave him alone.
Rhiannon doesn't like arguments. She picks up her bag.
'Shall we go before this gets nasty? Such a shame the drink's got to him: he's quite a nice-looking chap.'
'Oh really?'
'But not as nice as you. Don't be getting jealous. Shall we go to bed? Have an early night?'
'Are you thinking of seducing me, Rhiannon Pryce?'
'Got it in one, Captain Crieff. Any objections?'
-o0o-
The tall man looks at his companion as Martin and Rhiannon leave the bar and says
'Airline pilot. You can tell by his left thumb.'
'Did you think there was something a bit familiar about him?'
'No.'