Hello! Just wanted to say thank you so much for the reviews and the readers following this story i'm glad your enjoying this one! The good news is that while the euros being on may be bad news for me it does mean i get a lot more writing done ;-)
Chapter 22
It was Tin-Tin's last day. Gordon's feet slapped the pavement along the boulevard as he tried to distract himself. The early dawn light refracted off the surrounding metropolis, the traffic just starting to build. He could smell coffee interspersed with frying bacon and face food outlets along with the ever present polluted smell of the city that clung to its streets like a stain to fabric. He detested running but since he had been forbidden from his usual morning routine of swimming a hundred and twenty lengths, it would have to do. He had to keep in shape despite his injuries. It had nothing to do with he couldn't bear the fact he would be on his own from tomorrow, or the that he was struggling to think pure thoughts – talk about fatal attraction, if his brother found out he'd be dead.
Gordon took off down the wide avenue alongside the palm trees, the air was clearer here on the wider promenade; the streets cleaner. He was trying to pin point when and exactly how it had happened. Tin-Tin was his friend; that was all. Everyone knew she was with Alan, (maybe not officially) but she was. She had never been available since he knew her. He had been one of the last to meet her and not exactly in the best mood to make friends when she first came to live with them. Not only had his mother recently died but He'd also been recovering from a spinal injury, trying to cope with being discharged from service - along with the death of his best friend. He had been hurt and angry at life for dealing him such a callous hand. Relationships and meeting new people had been the last thing on his mind. People seemed to get too close and they died, so for a time he conditioned himself to keep everyone at arm's length.
And then international rescue started and the first few years were some of the best of his life. Most days he was on call, spending more time with his family than he had in all his adult years so far. His enthusiasm for life came back as did his sense of humour and easy going self. Life had a purpose again. Tin-Tin had brought a fresh lease of life to the island and someone to confide in that wasn't family. She was kind and courteous and brought joy wherever she went. As the rescues started to dwindle for him, his brothers started taking on more and more missions while he stayed at home. He'd become lonely once again, especially when Grandma died. That was when he started spending more time with Tin-Tin who was often at home as much as him. They'd hit it off with their shared interests of diving and exploring the island. Their friendship had bloomed as Tin-Tin and Alan's relationship had blossomed.
Gordon scowled, ignoring the stabbing stitch in his side. Alan, his younger charming brother with the James Dean eyes and glittering racing career. He never really stood a chance; everyone knew he was the least good looking out of the lot of them and then any remote confidence he'd had in his appearance had been snatched in the wake of his horrific 'accident.' Of Course, Tin-Tin was going to fall for Alan! He was handsome, daring and lived life on the edge. Gordon had flipped right over that edge leaving him broken.
Anyway; anyone who knew her could see she loved Alan. It wasn't fair on Alan either - yes, he was an idiot sometimes when it came to his relationship but Gordon knew he cared for her dearly and was incredibly possessive; often getting jealous of Tin-tin's interactions with Scott and Virgil. Not to mention when Eddie came to visit, he'd had a very short fuse that weekend and spent most of the night moping on the veranda. Gordon knew if Alan got wind of his feelings for Tin-Tin that would be the end of their already sometimes tenuous relationship. The implications for the rest of the family and international rescue didn't even bear thinking about. She was settled, happy and loved. He wouldn't jeopardise that for anything – especially not for his own selfish gain.
He was nearing the condo, so he slowed his pace. The sweat soaking his shirt already in the early morning heat. He told himself his feelings were irrational. He'd never even looked at Tin-Tin this way before, it was just because he was under the weather and spending more time with her. It had been a long time since he had been in a relationship it was a purely natural impulse towards the fairer sex and nothing more, it would fade. In his mind's eye he saw her back home on the beach, reworking her salt ingrained tresses into a bun at the nape of her neck. He felt her smile lightening his heart as she glanced back at him on an open trail. His thoughts flashed forwards to her eyes sparking with injustice but promising retribution over the chessboard in the lounge and the way she rested her hands on his leg as she tried to ease his pain when he was on the floor. He saw the stars refracted in her eyes in the planetarium and the look of awe on her face that stole his breath away. He groaned out loud before looking around self- consciously. He had to get a grip. He couldn't, mustn't give in to the desire. His chest ached and not from the forty-minute circuit. Feeling worse than he had before he'd set out, he traipsed up the stairs.
It was still early so he crept through the door and made straight for his room, he saw a note and snatched It off the door. You better not have gone running – gone to get some supplies, back soon – Tin. His lips quirked into a smile against his will. He'd been trying to get up earlier than her for the last couple of days so he could go for a run and today he had won. The growing ache tugged like a chain around his chest again. He carefully folded the note and popped it on his bedside cabinet before stripping off for a shower.
He'd just stepped under the cool water before swearing out loud. He shut it off in frustration, he'd forgot to cover his ears. Again. Stepping out and dripping water everywhere he pulled open the bathroom cabinet, scattering the contents in his haste. "Dammit!" There was no cotton wool; only Vaseline. He slammed the door a bit harder than intended, the contents rattling some more. Chucking a towel around his waist he padded back out into the bedroom, his footsteps soaking into the carpet. He checked his bedside table and the top of the drawers with no luck. Annoyed and just wanting a shower, he headed out into the corridor in case he'd left some in the lounge. He was so engrossed looking for anything to stem his ears with that he didn't hear the door go.
Tin-Tin walked in her arms full of brown grocery bags. She hoisted them onto the counter before looking at Gordon who was still searching for something in amusement. "Problem?" He whipped around so quick he had to grab the towel.
"No, just looking for some cotton wool, I could have sworn I had some left."
Tin-Tin sighed as she delved in the bag and produced some a cotton roll. "Good job one of us notices these things, are you sure you're going to manage on your own?"
He accepted the cotton wool looking mildly offended. "Yes. I used to live on a ship eight months of the year on my own just fine thank you."
Tin-Tin folded her arms. "The big one with all the W.A.S.P personnel and the chefs?"
He couldn't believe this! She was being so cheeky. "I'll have you know I had to pay for those meals out of my own wage packet! And I did Laundry and made the bed."
"Fully functioning adulthood then."
He tried to keep a straight face but he couldn't. She broke down laughing too. "Go on! Go and have your after run shower. I thought we could go to the beach as it's my last day."
Suddenly remembering he was less than decent he started to head back to his room. He turned to face her from the corridor. "Sounds like a great idea, give me five minutes and I'll be there." He walked smack bang into the door. Stunned for a moment, he rattled the handle in haste before pushing it aside. Tin-Tin was still laughing long after he'd gone.
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"Maybe we should have gone for the centre."
"Alan, we've done this a thousand times. It looks fine." Scott threw his hands in the air whilst John flitted past with a table cloth.
"It has to be better than fine Scott, it needs to be perfect." Alan placed a vase of lilies in the centre of the table.
Virgil turned round from the fairy lights he was hanging on the pergola. "Alan, it is perfect! Now will you stop stressing? We've still got over four hours till Tin-Tin gets here; Scott's not even left yet!" Virgil nodded in thanks as Scott grabbed the lights as they dropped to the floor. He hoisted himself up on the chair to rehang them just as Penny entered the fold. The boys stiffened.
"Virgil, they need to go just a little to the left; Alan put that cutlery down before you do yourself an injury, Parker will lay the table." Parker stepped out of the shadows with his hands spread as Alan sullenly deposited the cutlery in his open hands.
"What can I do?"
Penny was hanging garlands from the railings. "Alan; why are you still here? You should be getting ready. I hope you are going to shower."
He blushed beet red. "Of course, I am!"
"Go!" She made a shooing gesture. With one last nervous glance he did as he was told, disappearing into the undergrowth.
Scott jumped off the chair and sighed. "Well done, Penelope I was about to have a hernia."
She smiled. "Scott he's only young and he's nervous. I'm sure he will come back refreshed and in a calmer state of mind."
"Just why is he so worked up anyway? Are him and Tin-Tin okay? I know they've been off of late." John asked grabbing a chair.
They all looked to Scott who they knew had been talking to Alan. Usually if Alan had a problem the whole world new about it but this time, he'd remained remarkably withdrawn which was not like him at all. They knew it must be serious. "Honestly; he won't say. All he says is he did something that really upset her and he was stupid. He's desperate to make amends and wanted to surprise her with something special."
"Gee, he must have been extraordinarily stupid even by his standards." John mused.
"John!" exclaimed Virgil surprised. Scott smirked.
"Boys; That's enough. Whatever happened is between them. There's still Plenty to do before she arrives. Now I must go to the kitchen and check on the supper arrangements."
"Lady Penelope don't you think you should take a little break?"
"What ever for Virgil?" She replied hand on hip.
"Well…. Its just…. That you err, you should rest. As the doctor recommended." Scott held out a Garland to John who was only too happy to get out of the way.
"Virgil, I have rested for three days which was the time recommended, I'm sure a simple walk from the garden to the kitchen won't harm me, but if you wish you can tag along." She strode off before he could reply. "Penelope! Wait!"
Scott (not looking up from tying the garland) muttered to John. "See I told you there's something brewing with those two."
John tested the fairy lights. "I don't see it. She's no more friendly with him than the rest of us."
"You weren't looking at them the other day during the de-brief, were you?"
"No, I was actually paying attention. I had stats to deliver. It's easier on five not to pay attention because it seems like I'm trying to listen to transmissions at the same time so I can get away with looking a bit vacant." John cursed. The lights wouldn't turn on. Grabbing an auto screwdriver from the toolbox he undid the screws on the control unit.
"Penelope was tucked up to Virgil the whole time and barely took her eyes off him."
"Hmm. Has he ever mentioned anything?" John bit the screwdriver between his teeth as he used his hands to grab the loose connection.
"No but he doesn't have to he's smitten."
"Really? Wow-wee! Gordon and I will be the only ones left. I always knew I was destined to be married to the stars, maybe one day lady luck will push her way into my life. You and Rose alright now?" John tested the connection. The white likes blinkered into life like fireflies. He snapped the box shut before re-screwing it all together.
"Scott?"
"We're getting there, it's her friend's wedding next month and dad said I can go."
"That will be swell, a chance to spend some time together and for her to introduce you to her friends."
"Yeah, I guess."
John smiled shaking his head.
"What?"
"Nothing. Its just when its our relationships you're Mr talkative yet as soon as we inquire about yours you clam up."
"Big brother's prerogative, it's my responsibility to ensure you don't cock it up for yourselves."
John barked with laughter. Scott could be overbearing but it came from a good place, he always wanted them to succeed in life. "Come on, no doubt Alan wants an opinion on what to wear."
"I was going to the kitchen to check on supper, why don't you go?"
"Penelope's checking on that remember."
"Yeah, but she won't taste it. Proof is in the pudding and all that."
"Scott." Jon rolled his eyes. "You know if you had to cover Five, you'd go through the months rations in a week."
"I would not." He looked wistfully towards the kitchen where the heavenly aroma of something akin to apple pie was calling him.
"Scott!" John called from the opposite door.
"Alright, don't get that quiff of yours in a tizz, I'm coming!"
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Alan paced in his room, running through the conversation he had been rehearsing ever since that unpleasant night. It was important he got it right, for he may not even get one chance let alone another. The last time they had been together Tin-Tin had been borderline hostile. He really did deserve it, but at the same time he felt she was being a little unfair in not giving him a chance to explain. He hadn't led that girl on at all, it was just a harmless game that got out of hand. The irony was if Tin-Tin had been just moments later he would have pushed the girl off his lap and it wouldn't have even looked like anything had happened.
He threw several shirts on the bed. He instantly dismissed one knowing Tin-Tin hated it. He flicked past a bold crimson affair before his fingers traced the collar of a power blue shirt with an ivory collar. The one he had worn on their first ever date to the movies in his old college town. He smiled affectionately at the memory, yes that would do nicely.
He shrugged off his gown before slipping the silk shirt over his shoulders. Surely, she couldn't still be angry? It had been almost a couple of weeks now, maybe she'd had time to process things while she was away. He wondered if she had been thinking about him? He'd missed her like a hole in the head. He tried to call her initially but she was ignoring his calls so he text her…. after a while he gave up but that didn't stop him composing messages in the early hours, hovering over the send button.
He exhaled; nerves were starting to get the better of him. If he could just see her face to face, he swore he could pull them back from the brink. He purposefully pushed his jackets left and right on the rails sifting through till he had a few options. He tried on the informal cream blazer and spun in the mirror – nope too formal. He opted for a tan leather number but no, somehow, he was now too broad in the shoulders. He discarded it bitterly, he loved that jacket! In the end he settled for a bottle green zipped cardigan which complimented the blue and his chinos. He flared out the collar and smoothed his hair. He was ready. Now he just had to await her arrival.