The lost sandwich box ch 36

A/N: lunch at Gina's - check

Not too much embarrassment - check

Fluffy Naomi and Gina moment - check

Next is the conversation with Mandy about Naomi's holiday and the Fitch's pre-vacation meeting, yes they do that, it's best to set out some ground rules.

Not totally happy with the chapter, but then again when am I? But it does move things towards the holiday proper.

Hope you like it.

Naomi

I woke and shuffled across the bed to give Emily an early morning cuddle. Last night we'd fallen asleep tightly wrapped in each other's arms but it was humid and both of us had woken in the middle of the night feeling far too hot. We reluctantly pulled apart but still held hands until even that got too sweaty, so we grumpily let go. Although I got a better night's sleep I missed the contact when I woke this morning.

I kissed her neck.

"Hmmm." She murmured as she turned over with sleepy eyes.

I rolled myself on top of her, "good morning."

She blinked a few times, "it certainly feels that way."

I leaned down and gave her a gentle kiss, "how are we going to cope in 35 degree sunshine when we didn't manage here?"

"I'm sure we'll work something out."

We kissed, it was leisurely and unhurried.

"Waking up next to you is my second favourite thing in the world."

Emily frowned "what's your first?"

I raised my eyebrow and she giggled, "oh right... It takes a while for my brain to engage in the morning."

"Let's see if I can help."

I slowly began to grind into her, and kissed her neck, "you are easily the most beautiful, sexy woman I've ever met."

Emily sighed as her hips pushed towards me, then I felt her stiffen, "shit Naomi, I've got to shower, get Danny ready for school and then be in the shop."

"Oh come on Em..." I pleaded.

"Naomi, it's a work day."

I checked the clock,"We could always shower together?"

Her eyes narrowed, "my son and your Mum are in the house..."

"They can always keep each other company."

She grinned, "why is it I can't resist you?"

"Because you love me and can't deny me anything?" I responded.

She pulled me into a kiss, "I think you've got my number. We'll shower, take Danny to school and I can drop you off at work."

"Not sure if that's a tempting offer or a death sentence." I quipped cheekily.

"It won't be an offer at all if you're not careful..."

I rose from the bed and pulled her up, "at least the shower will muffle the noise."

"What noise?" She asked innocently until she saw the look on my face, "oh, that noise..."

We walked into the kitchen, my Mum was fussing over Danny.

"Can I get you anything else, an omelette? Scrambled eggs on toast?"

"No thanks Grandma Gina, this bacon sandwich is ace."

"Ahem? What happened to your porridge?" Emily asked.

Mum looked sheepish, "sorry love but Danny was hungry and I didn't know where it was."

Emily stared at her son who at least had the good grace to look embarrassed. "It's in your back pack."

He shook his head, "neither of us could find it could we Grandma Gina?"

I looked out the kitchen window, there were a lot of birds pecking the grass, "hmmm, a likely story."

Suddenly I realised what he'd said, twice, "what did you call my Mum?"

Danny reddened, "Grandma Gina?"

"Dan, we already explained it might be a bit soon for that..."

He shrugged, "Mrs Campbell makes her feel old, she said so. And Mummy said I can't call people by just their first names, it's disrespectful."

"You could try something else." Emily reasoned.

Danny scoffed, "I can't call her Naomi's Mum all the time, that makes it sound like she's not a real person of her own, just someone else's, women aren't possessions you know?"

Emily shook her head and stared at me, "do you see what you've created?"

I smiled sheepishly, "I was trying to educate him."

"Will you two pipe down please, there's tea in the pot and I'm sure you'd like something to eat before you go to work?"

"Bacon sandwich?" I said hopefully.

Emily smiled at me, "I could murder one."

We sat down with our tea, soon enough two plates full of bacon sandwiches were delivered to the table, we hungrily took a bite.

"Gina, honestly, these give me a run for my money." Emily said as a dribble of butter ran down her chin.

I reached over and wiped it away before sucking my thumb, 'hmmm."

I suddenly realised where we were and reddened.

"Mum?"

Emily stared at him, "what happened to Mummy?"

He shrugged, "It's what Naomi says."

"I see." She glanced at me and smiled, "what was your question?"

"Why were you and Naomi in the shower together?"

I spluttered into my cup as I took a sip of tea.

Emily blushed, "how did you know we were?"

Danny shrugged, "I was going to brush my teeth and the door was locked. I went into Naomi's room but it was empty, so you must have been in the bathroom and I heard the shower on. I had to do it downstairs."

Not for the first time I cursed the fact he was clever. Out of the corner of my eye I could see my Mum grinning.

"Er... Ummm..." I struggled.

"Naomi likes the environment, you remember?"

He nodded.

"We were conserving water, right Naomi?"

My Mum snorted as I furiously nodded my head. "Yep, if two people can wash together that's better than using up twice as much water, if they, you know, shower alone..."

Emily kicked my shin under the table, I'd possibly gone too far.

Danny looked thoughtful, "so you should always shower with someone else, to save the Earth? Makes sense."

I started to breathe a sigh of relief, phew, we might have got away with it, he paused, fat chance.

"Should I ask Ellie?"

"No!" We replied in unison.

"Why not? You just said it's saving the planet."

"It's an adult thing sweetheart. It doesn't matter so much when you're younger, you don't use as much water, you're a lot shorter." Mum explained with a raised eyebrow at me.

Danny frowned as he thought, "oh ok, so it's alright if I shower on my own now, but when I get older it might be different?"

I sighed, "yes Dan, that's exactly it."

"Where's my lunch?" He said brightly to Emily.

She also exhaled, "in the fridge, we need to get going, say goodbye to Mrs Campbell... Naomi's Mum, and go to the car."

He hugged her, "bye Grandma Gina, lunch was great, see you soon."

I looked at the contented expression on her face as she hugged him back, "it was a pleasure and you're welcome anytime."

He ran off, Emily hugged my Mum and thanked her for lunch too. "Thanks Gina, it was as ever, a triumph."

"You're welcome love, don't be a stranger."

"I won't, we won't. See you soon." Emily replied as she followed Danny to the car.

We were left alone.

She shook her head as I frowned. "Don't say anything."

She smiled, "adorable, quite the little family."

"Oh fuck off." I retorted. "What?"

She stroked her thumb across my cheek, "just glad you're happy sweetheart."

I smiled as I blushed, "me too Mum, me too."

We pulled up to Danny's school, Emily got out and I stayed in the car.

"Have a good day." Emily said as she kissed his cheek.

"Mum, gerrof." He replied as he wiped her lipstick away.

She got back into the car and we watched him go into the playground. A group of older boys were staring and laughing at us.

"See you later sweetheart." She called with a wave.

Danny looked at the floor as the other boys laughed and mimicked Emily's voice.

"Oohhhh, sweetheart"

"Bye sweetheart."

"Sweetheart..."

She started the engine and we drove away, "what was that all about?"

She rolled her eyes, "I'm sure it was nothing. Kids tease each other. I'm sure they're his friends."

We travelled in silence, I put the radio on and we listened to the news and some music, soon enough we were in town.

"Where do you want me to drop you?"

I shrugged, "the shop's fine, I can walk."

We pulled up and she switched the engine off, "ready to face dragon Mandy?"

I shrugged again, "I'll do my best."

"If she says no it's ok, like I said we can do something else, some other time."

"She won't say no."

Emily frowned.

"Em are you ok?" I asked.

She sighed, "yes baby, of course. Especially after my very enjoyable shower."

I smiled, "it was enjoyable..."

Emily leaned over and gave me a sensual kiss, "right you, off to work, and don't take no for an answer, you're entitled a holiday."

I nodded, "ok."

"I'll pick you up later, then we can go to my parents. Mum's picking Dan up."

I sighed, "I can't believe you have holiday pre meetings."

She tutted, "it's my parents, they earn a living telling people what to do, why on earth wouldn't they practice what they preach?"

"Suppose so." I kissed her again, she murmured and pouted as I moved away, "see you around five?"

She pulled me back into another kiss, "or you could come to the shop a bit earlier?"

I wagged my finger, "you, Emily Fitch, are an evil woman."

"It's why you love me."

I grinned, "I'll see you about four then..."

I entered the office with a spring in my step, yesterday had been a triumph, my Mum loved Danny, he loved her, everything was right in the world.

I was brought down to Earth with a crash. Mandy was throwing her, not inconsiderable, weight around and cursing loudly as I approached her office.

"Morning, everything ok?"

She stared at me, eyes narrowed, "yes Naomi, everything's just great."

I half smiled, "oh, can I get you a coffee?"

"Er, yes, what else do I employ you for?" She spat at me.

I went into the kitchen and put the kettle on, I hummed to myself as I picked out two cups and set about making the drinks. After I was finished I picked up the mugs and returned. I placed one on her desk.

"Good weekend?"

She scowled, "no Naomi, not really."

I took a sip, "why not?"

Mandy sighed, "I had an incredibly crap shag with some loser I met in a club."

I laughed, "sorry to hear it."

She stared at me, "don't... just don't..."

I shrugged, "don't what?"

She shook her head, "you know exactly what I mean. You're all loved up with this Emer woman and I'm reduced to trying to pull for some meaningless sex. I wouldn't bloody mind if it was worth it... but it was awful; no technique, no stamina, no good orgasms."

"But there were orgasms?" I responded.

She sighed, "After a fashion, but nothing to write home about and not what I was expecting this weekend."

A look of realisation dawned on my face, "Did Shelly blow you out again?" I tried to sound sympathetic.

"Fuck off Naomi, seriously fuck right off."

I smiled, "so that's a yes then?"

Mandy rubbed her temples, "Yes, ok, yes. I was supposed to see Shelly this weekend but I didn't." She stared at me, "you're a fucking annoying know it all."

I grinned, "I do my best."

She glared at me, "you definitely achieve it. So, how was your weekend? All hearts and flowers?"

I toned down my smug expression, I'd be far less likely to get her agreement to any holiday if she was pissed off because I'd had a good, no glorious, weekend.

"Yeah it was ok, Emer and her kid met my Mum."

"I assume they got on like a house on fire?" Mandy said bitterly.

I nodded as I sipped my coffee, "it was quite successful."

Mandy sighed, "no wonder you're wearing that shit eating grin and rendered yourself incapable of any meaningful work."

I paused, I didn't want to make a big deal of this but I also couldn't afford her to start having a dig either.

"Come on Mandy, I work pretty hard when you ask."

"I suppose so." She grudgingly admitted.

No time like the present, "Er Mandy I was wondering if I could take some holiday?"

She looked up in puzzlement, obviously the coffee wasn't quite working yet, "holiday? As in you not being in the office? How would I tell the difference?"

"You've just admitted I work hard when asked, I'm just requesting some time off, like I'm due."

She narrowed her eyes, "you're due what I tell you Naomi."

I remembered Emily's words, "Actually, I'm entitled to four weeks, none of which I've taken so far."

Mandy laughed, "not officially, but sometimes it's like you're on vacation anyway given how little you achieve, the only difference is I wouldn't have to look at your ugly mug all day."

I took a deep breath, "look, I'm sorry your weekend didn't work out, but it's not fair to take it out on me, all I'm asking for is a bit of time off."

She stared at me, "how long?"

"Two weeks, starting Monday after next?" I said hopefully.

Mandy scoffed, "two weeks, at this short notice? We've got the... the... thing..."

I waited patiently, there was no thing but maybe if I didn't argue she'd relent. After a while she stared at me.

"So what's the special occasion?"

I shrugged, "nothing special, Emer's parents have hired a villa in Ibiza and invited me along."

Mandy stared at me and her mouth began to twitch, I took that as a good sign. "A family holiday? With the in-laws?"

I nodded. Her mouth curled further upwards.

"So not some debauched break, even though it is Ibiza? You're off with the kid and the rest of the family?"

I nodded again. She started to laugh. "Oh God, that's cheered me up."

I frowned, "glad I could help."

She chuckled, "you know what Naomi, just for that I'll let you go. I can't spare you for two weeks, useless as you are, but you can have one as long as you promise to tell me how horrific it was when you come back. Deal?"

"Ok. But I'm sure it won't be that bad."

Now she guffawed, "oh babe, believe me, it's going to be a car crash. You, Emer and her parents stuck together in Ibiza? Best way to ruin your relationship in a flash."

I frowned, "it'll be fine."

Another snort, "yeah, yeah. I want all the gory details ok?"

I nodded, "so I can take the time off?"

"Absolutely, the thought of you trying to cope in that environment whilst trying to impress your girlfriend's parents will keep me going all week." Mandy said with a grin.

"Can I leave a bit early tonight? There's a holiday meeting." I ventured.

She stared at me before bursting into another fit of giggles, "holiday meeting? Oh Jesus, how anal is that? But no, I need you to stay until 5.30, I've got a call coming in to arrange a meeting and you have to take it."

I sighed, no fun in the shop then, "ok, but then I can go?"

Her hand covered her mouth but she nodded. I walked out of her office, she was giggling to herself. I didn't understand why it was so funny, all I'd asked for was some holiday, some time off so I could go away with my girlfriend. Well, my girlfriend, her child, her parents, and her sister. I swallowed, maybe it was a bigger deal than I thought?

I sat at my desk and phoned Emily. She picked up straight away.

"Hey you."

"Do you want the good news, the bad news or the really bad news?"

"Good first."

"Mandy's let me have some time off, so I can come on holiday."

"Ok, and the bad news?"

"I can only take a week."

Emily paused, "it's better than nothing, we'll just go for a week then."

"No Em, you work really hard, you can do both weeks..." I started.

"Baby, if you can only manage a week I won't want to be there longer. Dan can stay on but we can come home together."

I smiled, "are you sure?"

"Of course I am. I'm afraid to ask, but what's the really bad news?"

I sighed, "apparently I need to work until at least 5.30 so I can't make it to the shop as early as we planned."

Emily sighed, "shame, I'll tell my Mum we might be a bit late for dinner."

"We can still get there for six, even if I can't leave early." I said in puzzlement.

She chuckled, "I'm on a promise Campbell and no matter what time you arrive, I'm going to make sure I get it."

I smoothed down my shirt as we left the city, "you've creased everything."

Emily's eyebrow raised, "correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't recall you complaining at the time."

I grinned sheepishly, I hadn't even put up the tiniest bit of a fight when Emily pulled me upstairs and pushed me onto the sofa once she'd let me into the shop. Clothes were discarded pretty quickly and the next 30 minutes were spent in a blur of fingers, tongues and moans as we made love before setting off for her parent's house.

"It's not the point, I've only met them once, I don't want them to think I go to work looking like a scarecrow."

Emily laughed, "baby, we both look like we've been dragged through a hedge backwards, there wasn't time to shower, remember?"

I blushed, after our first orgasm Em said we should freshen up, make ourselves presentable, let's just say I had other plans and they meant we'd only got time to dress quickly, run a comb through our hair and smooth out our make up.

She turned to me briefly and smiled, "you always look gorgeous."

My colour deepened, "that's very sweet."

Her eyes returned to the road, "so Mandy wasn't too bad?"

I bit my lip, "when she realised I was enduring a family holiday she was fine, in fact I think it amused her."

"Enduring?" Emily asked quizzically.

I paused, "you know what I mean. It's a big deal Em, it's not just you, me and Danny, everyone else will be there too..."

She sighed, "Naomi, I've already said, if you want us to do something together then that's fine, we don't have to do this."

I shook my head, "no, I'd like to come, it's just..." I paused, "it doesn't matter..."

"It matters to me, if you're not comfortable. I want us to go away, relax and have a nice time." Emily said quietly.

"We will, I'm just a bit nervous, the place looks amazing but I've never stayed anywhere like that before."

Emily half smiled, "I know it can be a bit daunting, Christ I remember the first time I flew business class, I sat like a statue afraid to touch anything..."

I interrupted, "what do you mean flew business class, it's Ibiza, only a few hours. Besides I was talking about the villa."

She sighed, "Mum and Dad are paying for the villa, I've booked us the flights."

"What?" I worried the plans were last minute, apparently not.

"I've already paid for our flights, don't worry about anything."

I shook my head, "no Emily, I might not be super rich like your family but I can at least pay my way."

Emily tutted, "it's no big deal, it's not like business class is that impressive on short haul, I've got it sorted."

"No! I'm not travelling like some knob, it's a waste of money and I refuse to compromise my principles. Like you said it's not that impressive so I want to travel economy and pay for my own ticket, I don't care if you lot are all swanning around at the front of the plane quaffing champagne."

I folded my arms after my outburst. Ok, so maybe I'd been a bit forceful in my objection but I was buggered if I'd feel like some charity case from the off. I braced myself for the chastisement coming my way.

I felt a hand gently stroke my cheek, "alright, we can travel economy. I'm sorry, I should have asked."

I turned, "You don't have to..."

Emily smiled, "what? Leave you on your own for some attendant to chat you up, I don't think so."

"I'm not trying to be difficult."

She squeezed my knee, "I know that, it's one of the reasons I love you. I'll change the tickets."

"Thank you." I replied sheepishly as we pulled up to the gates.

We made our way up the drive and Emily parked the car, she leaned over and kissed me, "ready to face the mad house?"

I nodded.

"Good, and don't worry about anything ok? I'll deal with it all."

We were sitting at the table eating our steak. Danny was regaling everyone with tales from school but I still felt bad that I'd made a fuss. Maybe it was ridiculous to object to being treated to a holiday but I didn't want to go to Ibiza as the poor relation, I wanted to show Emily's parents I might not be as successful as they were but I wasn't hopeless either.

"Are we going to talk about the holiday now Grandma?" Danny enquired as we finished. "I'm sooo excited."

Jenna nodded as she put down her knife and fork, "seems like a good time. We can have a break before dessert is served. Have you got your flights booked?"

Emily cleared her throat, "yeah, but I need to change ours, I made a mistake."

Jenna tutted, "for goodness sake Emily, it's not that hard is it?"

"Actually Mrs Fitch, Jenna, it's my fault. Emily booked us the flights but I'm afraid I can't afford business class, so I need to travel more cheaply if I'm to pay my way." I said stutteringly.

She stared at me and I prepared myself for an onslaught, but then she smiled, "I see."

Katie shook her head, "Em can afford them."

Emily took my hand, "yes I can, but you heard Naomi, she'd like to pay for her own flights so we'll be in economy."

I turned to her, "actually, I'd like to pay for yours too, as a thank you."

Katie snorted. "Pretty crap way to say thanks."

"You sure? You don't have to." Emily said kindly.

"If you don't mind I'd like to." I responded. "And Danny's too?"

He looked horrified, "can't I stay with Grandma and Grandad in the nice bit, you get drinks and crisps."

Emily shrugged, "looks like it's just the two of us then."

Cook grinned at me, "luckily I ain't got no principles."

Jenna stared at him, "hmmm, you say that like it's a good thing. I think it's very decent of Naomi to offer."

Katie frowned, "Cook would too, right babe?"

He shifted in his seat, "yeah, of course, if you want me to I'll pay for the flights as well."

"No way! leave the losers to sit in the cramped seats, we're travelling in luxury."

He looked relieved.

"Also Mum, we can't stay for two weeks, Naomi can't get the time off work, so we'll only be there for a week." Emily explained.

Danny gasped, "but I want..."

Emily's eyes rolled, "you can stay with Grandma and Grandad, Naomi and I will leave early, you don't have to."

He looked apologetically at me, "Sorry Naomi, I'd like you to be there the whole time."

I ruffled his hair, "so would I Dan but I have to work. We can still have plenty of fun though."

His brow furrowed, "that means we have to go to the water park first. It's so cool Naomi, it's got giant slides, really tall so you whoosh down them like a bullet."

I swallowed nervously, "sounds great."

"Sorry Naomi, I forgot." He said sheepishly.

"Forgot what?" Jenna enquired.

Danny shrugged, "Naomi doesn't like heights."

Jenna paused, "Don't blame her, those slides can be horrific."

I smiled, "not really my thing."

"Right!" Rob clapped his hands, "I need to take your other halves off for a while, we won't be long, we'll be back for pudding."

Jenna sighed, "Dessert Rob, it's called dessert."

He grinned, "not where I'm from babe. See youse in a bit."

He motioned to Cook and me and we followed him down a corridor. He opened the door into the snooker room. He set up the table while Cook and I stared quizzically at each other.

"Who wants to break?"

Cook shrugged, "I will."

"Good lad."

Cook lined up his shot and busted the reds apart.

"Careful son, you don't want to leave things over the pockets. Naomi, you next." Rob instructed.

I looked uncomfortable, "Er, no it's ok, you two play."

Rob's eyes narrowed, "it's your shot Naomi."

I took the cue and potted a red, I missed the blue and Rob chuckled as I swore.

"It's all about patience Naomi." Rob uttered as he potted several balls.

When he finally missed he handed the table over to Cook.

"You love my girls right?"

Cook totally miscued and the white ball fell into the pocket.

"Well?"

We both nodded.

"So do I. I remember when they were born, minutes apart looking so perfect, ten tiny fingers and toes, little crops of hair, I'd never seen anything so beautiful." He stated as he potted a few more balls. "Sorry Naomi, I've just taken your turn."

I shrugged, "it's ok." I lined up my shot but missed.

Rob laughed out loud, "looks like it didn't matter anyway. Mr Cook?"

Cook bent over the table but still fluffed his shot.

"You two are shit at this aren't you?" Rob questioned.

We nodded again.

He chalked his cue, not just once, but several times, grinding the cube into the stick until blue dust fell on the floor. He potted the next few reds and colours in between then stood up.

"This is a family holiday, I don't care what you get up to normally, it's up to you but there won't be any funny business while were away. My grandson is there and I don't want anything ruining his innocence. Separate rooms and if I catch you sneaking around at night you'll be on the next plane home faster than your legs can carry you. Do I make myself clear?"

I glanced at Cook who had, what I imagine, was a similarly scared look on his face as I did. We nodded again.

Rob potted the remaining balls, "glad we had this chat. Let's eat our pudding."

Cook and I followed him back in silence. I'd thought Jenna was the one to be afraid of, now I wasn't so sure.

We entered the dining room and Emily smiled at me, "who won?"

Rob guffawed, "me of course. They were crap."

"Rob! Not in front of guests." Jenna chastised.

We sat down to finish the meal, suddenly I wasn't hungry. Emily looked at me with concern as she squeezed my knee.

"Are you ok?"

I nodded and smiled wanly, "yeah fine."

Danny stared at my plate, "if you don't want it Naomi..."

I pushed it over, "go for your life."

"Danny, don't have too much sugar." Emily warned.

I looked up to find Rob grinning at me, "lost your appetite love?"

My eyes flicked to Cook's, he hadn't finished either, I rubbed my stomach, "just a bit full."

After the meal was over we made our way outside to wait for the taxi, Danny was staying the night and he waved us off with Jenna and Rob in the doorway.

Katie stared at me and then Cook as we headed back, "you two look like you've seen a ghost or something."

Cook laughed, "nah babe, too much to eat that's all, right Naoms?"

I nodded and gripped Emily's hand, "yeah, I'm more stuffed than a turkey at Christmas."

Emily smiled at me, "I can't wait for the holiday. I'll finally get to see you in a bikini..."

I swallowed nervously, I'd get to see her in one too. Pity I wouldn't be able to do anything about it. Maybe Mandy was right, going on holiday with the in-laws might prove to be a nightmare after all.