Author's note: New batch of updates from chapters 30-34 as of 13/10/2022. Update illustrations for chapter 29.

Update warning for genitals spanking.

Chapter 33

In the middle of a wonderfully rural landscape, an unassuming estate stood accompanied by the sound of bleating sheep echoed in the background. When the car stopped in front of the estate's wrought iron gate, Yukiko asked, "What is this place?"

"My country house." Vermouth smiled and got out to open the gate before pulling into the driveway. The wheels arrived at a barn to the side of the house. "You don't really think I'm going to drive this unsightly BMW on vacation? If we drive, we drive in style."

Yukiko looked up in more confusion when Vermouth unlocked the barn's door. Instead of hay and animals, meeting Yukiko's eyes was a massive collection of classic sports cars. The most iconic of its kind. Not to mention the Harley-Davidsons in the back.

"Oh. My. God." Yukiko uttered each word in astonishment. She left the BMW like it was on fire and dashed into the garage. She yelped as if she was reuniting with her long-lost lovers. "Jaguar E-Type! Shelby Cobra! Ferrari 250 GT! De Tomaso Pantera!"

By the time Vermouth was done unbuckling Kate from the car seat and bringing her inside the barn, Yukiko was delirious with joy. She was hugging the Jaguar E-type by its hood, melting into the familiar curves. She used to have one, but it was damaged beyond repair. "I'm in heaven."

Vermouth chuckled. "Pick one, Yukiko."

Yukiko turned around and stared with her jaw slack. The Jaguar alone cost more than the house. "Really?"

"Why else would I bring you here and not let you drive? That would just be cruel," Vermouth said, then smiled at Kate. "And you pick one for mommy."

"Okay!" Kate didn't understand much about automobiles, but even at her tender age, she could tell that they were beautiful. Therefore, her strategy was to pick the prettiest of them all.

"Are you sure?" Yukiko shyly tugged at Vermouth's sleeve.

"Yes, I'm sure. It's nice to have someone, who's appropriately enthusiastic, drive them." Vermouth smiled.

Yukiko quickly read between the lines. "Someone isn't enthusiastic?"

"Unless you want a five-hour lesson on how they're all inferior to his Porsche, I suggest you don't bring it up." Vermouth rolled her eyes.

"Urgh!" Yukiko grimaced. Then it dawned on her. She drew her long plaid coat's front to look down at her flat comfy boot. "Oh, you told me not to wear heels last night."

"These cars require delicate handling." Vermouth playfully winked.

"Mommy! This one!" Kate exclaimed after wandering around the garage. Her tiny hand eagerly grabbed a headlight of the 1965 Shelby Cobra Competition with two huge side exhausts on each side.

"That's my girl." Vermouth grinned. It was one of her favorites and a true champion. The car got a couple of championships under its belt in the 1960s. "It's supposed to be sunny for the next few days. Sure, we can do convertibles."

Yukiko nodded, calculating. "I'll drive the De Tomaso Pantera. It has a big trunk for our suitcases."

"Perfect. Let's go freshen up. We'll be driving nonstop." Vermouth took Kate's hand and led her to the main house with Yukiko holding onto Vermouth's arm, matching their steps.

-o0o-

As soon as they walked into the living room, Vermouth told Yukiko, "There's a second restroom down the hall. And help yourself to the pantry."

As Vermouth's eyes wandered around the place out of habit—checking for signs of danger or intrusions, a prominent abstract painting above the mantel caught her attention. Ample sunlight pouring through the windows accentuated the familiar red and gold brush strokes.

Vermouth gritted her teeth; her lips stretched into a thin line as she discreetly covered Kate's view by picking the girl up and holding the girl's head against her chest. The intimate painting was supposed to be in the bedroom, not out here for all to see.

Vermouth inhaled deeply and carried on as if nothing had happened. However, when they were safe in the restroom, and Kate was sufficiently distracted by the process of tiptoeing on the step tool to wash her hands, Vermouth quickly made a phone call. She quietly said, "Very funny."

On the other line, Gin nonchalantly said, "I don't know what you're talking about." However, his amusement was oozing past the miles between them.

"Are you suggesting that it walked from the bedroom, then hung itself on the living room's wall?" The product of their night of passion was meant to be enjoyed privately.

He cheekily said, "I've seen stranger things. Paintings are to be seen, not hidden, Vermouth."

"Really? Do you want your daughter to admire your work too?" Vermouth quietly said while occasionally glancing at a blissfully oblivious Kate.

The other line fell silent for a moment, then a sigh echoed in her ear. "I'll put it back."

"Thank you. I'll call you when we get there. Love you." Vermouth chuckled at a scoff echoing from the other line and hung up.

-o0o-

The mother and daughter emerged from the restroom to find Yukiko munching on some raisins in her hand while admiring a particular painting above the mantel.

"What's this piece called?" Yukiko asked.

Vermouth internally cursed her dear husband and smiled through the anger. "Actually, I don't know. I picked it up at the flea market."

"It's a good deal. I can feel the passion jumping off the canvas." Yukiko's eyes were glued to the bright colors. "Though, the brushwork is rather strange."

"I want to see." Kate whined into Vermouth's chest. For some reason, her mother picked her up and turned her away from the painting.

"We better get going, sweetie," Vermouth said and placed a kiss on Kate's golden hair. "You know what you're missing?"

"No." Kate curiously looked up at her mother.

Vermouth reached into her coat and pulled out a pair of oversize square sunglasses.

"Ah! Sunglasses!" Kate yelped as Vermouth put them on her.

"You look so cute!" Yukiko exclaimed with overflowing enthusiasm.

"But I don't need sunglasses," Kate said. She was going to spend most of her time in the car anyway.

"You're going with mommy in the convertible."

"Really?" Kate yelled, then was immediately disheartened. "But daddy said—"

Vermouth tutted. "Daddy isn't here and you're not to breathe a word to him. Deal?"

"Deal." Kate nodded with the brightest grin.

"I see why you don't want him here." Yukiko chuckled.

"He would never let me hear the end of it." Putting his daughter in the front seat of a convertible that was older than him. Vermouth could only imagine the lovely conversation.

-o0o-

Suffocating motorways shifted to winding lanes as they traveled further away from the city. The old and mean veteran convertible commanded respect with the earth-rattling grunt everywhere it went, followed by a yellow eye-catching Italian panther of the De Tomasa Pantera.

In the roaring black convertible, a pair of mother and daughter with matching oversized sunglasses and brown leather gloves carefreely enjoyed the sun shining on their hair. Their necks were buried under layers of scarves with the tail ends waving in the wind behind them. The crisp wind cut through their rosy cheeks as the rest of their bodies were cozy in their formidable but tight winter wear. Meanwhile, the little one in the passenger seat had the addition of a beanie hat for extra warmth.

Never-ending grassland opened up from either side of the road. Quaint cottages and towns occasionally dotted their view. The barrier between man and nature seemingly ceased to exist.

"Mommy," Kate suddenly said.

"Yes, baby?" Vermouth glanced at the girl, making sure she was doing fine since they had been driving for hours. Even with a car seat, she didn't know how comfortable a child could be. These cars weren't designed for comfort.

"Please drive me to school! This is amazing!" Kate exclaimed. The sensation of being in the elements stole her heart. The wind rushing on her cheeks put the air conditioning to shame.

Vermouth chuckled. "I'm sorry, sweetie. It isn't practical. The roof leaks when it rains. These cars are built for racers who don't mind getting a bit wet. That's why I got us a backup car in Burford just in case."

"Aw." Kate pouted and plucked at her gloves. Even a pair of oversized sunglasses could not hide her disappointment.

"Just enjoy it, baby. And remember our deal, if daddy asks, Yukiko drives you." Vermouth smiled. A successful morning of sharing her deep love for classic cars with her daughter.

"Got it." Kate beamed then out of nowhere, a frown appeared on her forehead. Driving with her mother was fun. A lot more fun than with her father. So … "Why can't you drive me to school? In a normal car."

"You know daddy doesn't like my driving." The corners of Vermouth's lip curled up.

"Mean daddy doesn't like anything." Kate puffed up her cheeks.

Vermouth chuckled at the childish remark. His mean reputation had been ingrained in the girl's mind. "It's not that simple, sweetie. You see, cars are daddy's babies. He hates it when I abuse them."

"I don't understand."

"Let's say that my driving is less than ideal for the car. I push them to the limit. Your father and I have different opinions on how to use them. He treasures them, while if I wreck a car, I'll get another one." To Vermouth, as beautiful a car was, it was a means to an end. This, along with the fact that he deemed her driving to be unsafe. The notion she detested. As if she would put her family in danger.

"Oh," Kate said. She somewhat understood what her mother said.

"Let me demonstrate. Brace yourself, baby." A wild grin blossomed on Vermouth's lips. "Ready?"

"Yeah!" Kate beamed, gripping her car seat.

The convertible suddenly sped up and zipped through the empty lane, then turned sharply and drifted around a big corner. Both of Kate's fists were pumping in the air. She was screaming at the top of her lungs. "Woo-hoo! Do it again!"

"Maybe another time." Vermouth chuckled heartily, slowing the car down since they would soon approach the town.

"Oh, wait." Kate turned around, searching. They were moving so fast and so abruptly without any cues. She wondered if Yukiko could keep up. To her surprise, the yellow car was shortly behind them with Yukiko waving at her.

"Yukiko is an accomplished driver, baby." Vermouth grinned, her forefinger drumming the steering wheel. "She'll keep up just fine."

"She's so cool!" Kate beamed.

"Indeed."

-o0o-

On a quiet street, a seventeenth-century hotel was clad in woody twining vines around its gables and mullion windows dousing it in an ancient and mystic aura. Vermouth was waiting at the reception desk while a chirpy dalmatian caught Kate's attention. The dog rolled over at the girl's feet and began begging for belly rubs, which she couldn't resist. After an apologetic-looking owner gave permission, Kate happily ran her hand along the dog's belly. Soon enough, Yukiko joined the petting fest.

Vermouth smiled at the heartwarming scene and made a quick phone call. She said to her phone, "We've just arrived at the hotel. I'm thinking. Some sightseeing then lunch."

"Do avoid churches. You'd catch fire upon entry." Gin's mischievous voice seeped into her ear.

"Very funny." Vermouth's lips stretched dangerously thin. She lowered her volume, only enough for the man on the other line to hear. "I'll make sure to save you a spot in hell." With that said, she hung up and turned to Kate. "Are you tired yet, baby?"

"No," a crouching Kate said absolutely with far too much energy. Her hands were still glued to the dalmatian. The gleeful doggo rewarded the attention by wiggling its body vigorously on the floor with four paws in the air, putting smiles on everyone's faces.

"After checking in, let's do a bit of shopping, shall we?" Vermouth said.

"Yes!" Kate and Yukiko looked up and exclaimed in unison. Their eyes lit up like fireworks, radiating joy.

-o0o-

Kate was sauntering between Vermouth and Yukiko with the women holding her hands as they left the quiet nest of the hotel and headed for the busy High Street—the shopping heart of the picturesque town. The honey-colored stone buildings were seemingly frozen in time, unchanging since the time of knights and castles. Their signature deep-pitched roofs were topped with heavy stone tiles. Here and there, charming thatched cottages provided some change in scenery.

The festive spirit was in full swing. Garlands and wreaths galore dangled on every door and storefront; flashing lights intertwined with the green leaves and ornaments. Christmas trees of all shades and sizes crowded the view.

Strolling uphill, they were barely on the cobblestone sidewalk, and they had already ransacked a glassware store, filling their bags with glass snowmen and winter animals. They would make a nice debut on the Christmas tree. Without the grumpy man, the only limit was the space in their cars.

The women were busy chatting when Kate stopped abruptly. The girl let go of their hands and hugged her mother's leg. She had learned a skill after watching a lot of nature channels during the long nights waiting for her mother. In particular, the koalas possessed peerless cuteness. The way they cuddled their caregivers melted her heart, even managed to stop her father's snide remarks. Therefore, whenever she wanted something, she channeled her inner koala.

Vermouth was concerned until she looked up and saw what shop they were standing at. She sighed and told Yukiko, who was busy comforting the girl. "Turn around."

Despite being confused, Yukiko complied. Her eyes were smacked with shelves of jars containing all sorts of colorful sweets, with giant candy canes cramming the display window. Instantly, she understood. "Oh, Katie wants to go in."

"Baby, you'll fill up before lunch." Vermouth tried to reason with her daughter to no avail as Kate held onto Vermouth's leg tighter with her big blue eyes looking up. The barrage of adorableness hit Vermouth like a raging waterfall, sweeping her away. She sighed in defeat. "When have you learned to do that? Alright, you can get three items."

"I love you, mommy." Kate beamed, instantly revived.

Vermouth grabbed the girl's hand before she could bolt. "Hold on, I will decide on what you can get. You can't just take a huge bag and count it as one."

"Okay," Kate said; eagerness oozed out of her voice.

"And you have to finish your vegetables later."

"Sure," Kate said; this time with less enthusiasm.

Yukiko smiled at the exchange and held onto Vermouth's arm as they entered the shop. Walls are covered with shelves of jars containing traditional candy to their contemporary counterpart, various types of biscuits and jams. Kate naturally gravitated to the modest display case of handmade chocolates at the counter. The brightly colored chocolate ladybugs and teddy bears were too much to resist. Then, Vermouth cruelly reminded her. "Three items, baby."

Sweet was heaven, but deciding on which one to pick was hell.

"I haven't seen these sweets before. What is humbug?" Yukiko asked, pointing at a jar of brown and white striped candy.

"It's minty sweet," Kate said.

"Really? I had a coffee impression." Yukiko looked surprised; the shop resembled a hidden cove that she had only now stumbled upon. Next, she pointed at jars of tiny, almost round-shaped starburst balls and quizzed the girl. "What about those? I have seen these 'millions' names around the shop. What does that mean?"

"Because there are millions of them. They're hard and chewy and they stick to your teeth," Kate said; she loved them. "They have different flavors too."

"I see. So 'apple millions' means apple flavor." Yukiko mused out loud.

Vermouth narrowed her eyes at Kate's knowledge. She and Gin tried to limit her sugar consumption. However, they seemingly hadn't done enough. "Aren't you an expert?"

"I love you, mommy." Kate hugged her mother's leg and looked up with her melting blue eyes.

"Go pick your sweet. Three items." Vermouth shook her head and refused to look at Kate. She found the lack of visual stimulation minimized the trick's effectiveness.

Kate darted back and forth between chocolates and candy, unable to decide. Yukiko took pity on her and crouched down. "I'll get some humbugs and millions candy. You'll get the chocolates. We can share."

"Okay." Kate nodded fervently. Then, she glanced nervously at her mother who was watching them like a hawk.

"If you can make a deal with Yukiko, go ahead." Vermouth sighed.

"Thank you, mommy." Kate perked up and made a dash for the chocolates.

Meanwhile, Yukiko showed a matching enthusiasm for the candy. The shop attendant was sweating profusely from packaging their orders.

Witnessing Yukiko's eagerness, Vermouth discreetly tugged at her friend's sleeve and whispered. "Don't get too much." To Vermouth's surprise, Yukiko held her arm, laid her head on Vermouth's shoulder, and blinked profusely at the older actress. Vermouth sighed. "You too?"

The older Yukiko got, the harder it was to find people who were willing to indulge her. The younglings made her feel old. Her only child was born an old soul. He was often too serious for his own good. Simply being around Sharon made her age backward. Yukiko didn't mind making a fool out of herself. Sharon was immune to Yukiko's whims and antics after their brief collaboration in Hollywood. The older actress always had bottomless patience and kindness to her, almost unusually so.

Finally, Vermouth squeezed her eyes shut and said, "Don't share with her too much."

"Sure thing," Yukiko said, getting back to bombarding orders while Vermouth quietly regretted her life choices.

The trio exited the sweet shop a good four pounds heavier from the purchases alone. Vermouth had mentally decided to make her daughter walk off the sweets for the rest of the trip when a peculiar shop caught her eye. An entire shop of brushes, even the Christmas decorations looked like brushes.

"Mommy, hedgehog!" Kate pointed at the cutest brush in the shape of the spiny mammal on display.

"I will buy you that brush if you use it." Vermouth flashed her daughter a grin.

"What's it for?" Kate asked; her sixth sense buzzed with suspicion.

"It's a shoe cleaner."

"Ew." Kate's nose wrinkled. Mud and grime effectively extinguished the magic.

"Come on. Let's get daddy something." Vermouth chuckled and ushered her daughter inside. She immediately went to the shopkeeper and asked, "Do you have massage brushes or back scrubbers?"

While Yukiko and Kate were browsing, Vermouth was musing over a wide range of brushes. Running her fingers through the bristles, she asked the shopkeeper, "Do you have anything stiffer?"

The shopkeeper shook her head in confusion when Kate interrupted the conversation. The girl came back with a handful of sheep-shaped soaps. "Can I have these?"

"What have you got?" Vermouth asked.

"They are soaps from sheep's milk, shea butter, and almond oil," the shopkeeper said, hoping for an easy sale.

"You can have two." Vermouth picked up two soaps, one in black and one in white. Then, she said matter-of-factly, "Put the rest back."

Kate's shoulders slumped but she wasn't disappointed for long when a sponge in her mother's hand mesmerized her. The said sponge was connected via a rope to the most adorable wooden duckling. "Can I have that sponge?"

"I'm sorry. I'm getting this one for daddy," Vermouth said before turning to the shopkeeper. "Do you have another one?"

"It's the last one we have," the shopkeeper said.

"Daddy would hate the duck. He can have the sponge. I just want the duck."

"You'll have to make that deal with daddy then." Vermouth stroked the fuzzy fur ball on top of her daughter's beanie hat, unswayed.

Yukiko tugged at Vermouth's sleeve and handed her a bar of soap. "Smell this."

"Cucumber and watermelon?" Vermouth read the description, then took a whiff. "Fresh and sweet."

"I'm testing this later." Yukiko nodded and beamed.

After some thought, Vermouth settled on some massage brushes, feather dusters, sponges, and back scrubbers. While waiting for the shopkeeper to bag everything, she took a picture of a particular selection of brushes and sent it to her dear husband. Her phone rang almost instantly which was followed by an angry voice piercing her ear. "Those are for horses!"

"Hello to you too. We're doing some light shopping and thought of you," Vermouth calmly said; her mouth curved into a smile.

"Light? Why have I never gotten that option? Don't you dare bring it home."

"Are you sure?" Vermouth grinned. "They feel perfect. They are said to produce a deep shine for your coat." The moment she finished talking, he hung up. To Yukiko's perplexed stare, Vermouth smiled brightly. "I have a daily quota to fill."

"Quota?"

"Annoying my husband." Vermouth's eyes twinkled. "A bored Gin is a dangerous Gin. Who knows what he'd do to entertain himself?" With Kate, at least she could ask or leverage someone to babysit.

Yukiko's eyes widened, contemplating the meaning.

Leaving the shop, the women were happily chatting away when Kate said abruptly, "Daddy in a tin."

Kate had a limited vocabulary and her vocabulary shrank even more in the reading category, but she could still make sense of the shop's sign. The sign was fairly simple.

"I'm sorry?" Vermouth looked down at her daughter, then followed the girl's gaze. Vermouth's eyes widened in realization. "It's their name, baby. Daddy's not in there."

"But they're selling daddy?"

"No, no, they're selling a type of drink … in a tin." Vermouth stared at the elegant tins on display. "Aptly name."

"You have to get some." Yukiko urged, her eyes shining brighter than a neutron star.

"Definitely." Vermouth grinned from ear to ear, noticing the gingerbread house by the window. "Oh, they even have a patisserie."

They stepped foot in a strange world where cakes and liquor shared living space and coexisted in harmony. The waft of freshly baked scones overwhelmed the senses. However, all Kate cared about was the impressive gingerbread house on display.

"You have had enough sugar for one day, sweetie." Vermouth pulled her drooling daughter away from the desserts.

"We do offer personalised gins," the owner said as Vermouth scanned the liquor collections.

"No, thank you. I already have mine." Vermouth chuckled while Yukiko turned away and covered her mouth, stifling a laugh. "How about a gift set?"

"We do have a Christmas set." The owner showed her a stunning box containing a dozen distinctive tins.

Vermouth's eyes twinkled darkly. "Perfect."

-o0o-

Nestling in the quiet garden of a local pub, Vermouth was enjoying a refreshing bowl of smoked salmon salad while Kate was practically on the verge of tears with an overwhelmingly green dish. Vermouth tilted her head with the teeth-rooting sugary smile. "Don't make that face, baby. Vegetables are good for you."

"Is it a bit harsh?" Yukiko asked in concern.

"A deal is a deal." Vermouth casually sipped her red wine before leaning down to her daughter's eye level. "I can order you another dish, but you can't have any more sweets for the rest of the trip."

Deep in thought, Kate bit her lips, then she scooped up a spoonful of veggies. Scrunching her nose, she took a big bite.

"She's fine, Yukiko." All her daughter needed was a bit of motivation.

Vermouth was always conscious of her situation. Cotswold was a tourist hub attracting people from around the world, so she took extra care to be as conspicuous as possible. Although her flashy cars defeated the purpose, she intended to spend most of her time on foot. It was the best way to appreciate the beauty anyway. Upon entering the pub, she had picked the most secluded spot in the back of the garden. Therefore, when two tourists approached their table, she was instantly on guard.

One of the women asked nervously, "I'm sorry, but are you, Chris?"

From their American accent, they were probably fans.

"Yes." Vermouth gave them a polite smile.

The women squealed with excitement, disturbing the peace, and drawing dirty looks from other patrons. Their excitement was dampened when Vermouth put a finger on her lips and winked at them.

"We're so sorry." One of the tourists asked, "Can we get a selfie?"

"I'm sorry, but I don't take selfies."

"Really?" Looking at each other, the fans were taken aback. In the social media craze world, they've found a rare unicorn. A celebrity, no less.

Steeling the nerve, one woman asked, "Are you coming back?" People still held on to a thread of hope to see Chris shine on the silver screen once again.

"Unfortunately, no. I'm retired." Vermouth leaned in; her eyes darted to Kate, who was looking adorable, munching on lettuce. "Can you keep a secret? It's my daughter's first time here. I don't want the internet ruining her fun."

The Vineyards were notorious for keeping their children out of the limelight at least until adulthood. The tourists eagerly nodded. Suddenly, one of them gasped at Yukiko. "Ah! You are … The Night Baroness."

"Yes, I am." Yukiko was delighted; her cheeks adopted a rosy flush.

"You have to give me an autograph. My mother is a huge fan." The woman frantically searched her bag for a pen and anything to write on.

"Can't we just get a selfie?" Yukiko asked.

"No, it has to be an autograph. It's for … uhm … her collection," the woman nervously said while glancing at Vermouth.

Vermouth smiled knowingly, swirling her glass of red.

"What is she talking about?" Yukiko whispered in Vermouth's ear.

"She's a fan couple."

"Of me? And whom?" Yukiko was aghast. It was her first time hearing about this.

"Sharon if I have to guess." Vermouth deduced from the woman's skittishness. She always had good on-screen chemistry with Yukiko. With shipping culture surging, it was inevitable.

"There are?"

"There's a fan club, too. if I remember correctly." A lot of pictures of them circulated online already. An autograph, however, was rare. Having both of their autographs was rarer with the reality of Sharon's passing and Yukiko's retirement.

"Oh, I see." Yukiko drawled before turning to her fan. "Sure, give me your pen."

The woman asked, "You don't mind?"

"Beautiful ladies. What's not to love?" Yukiko grinned, signing on the postcard. "Here you go."

"Have a lovely day." Vermouth bid them goodbye, watching them disappear with the brightest smiles on their faces.

"Will they?" Yukiko adopted a solemn expression. "Keep it a secret."

"I don't know." Vermouth sipped her wine.

"Now that I think about it. I haven't seen any recent pictures of you on any social networks." Yukiko thoughtfully stroked her chin. Chris Vineyard, by being the only daughter of the legendary Sharon Vineyard, was enough to attract some headlines or at least a where-are-they-now post.

"Not by accident, Yukiko." Vermouth sighed. A lot of resources, efforts, and connections went into maintaining her mundane life. Peace wasn't cheap or easy.

-o0o-

"Spacious room, four poster king size bed, and a working log burner room, four poster king size bed, and a working log burner fire." After a successful morning of shopping, Vermouth was video calling Gin and giving him a tour of her hotel room. Her phone lingered on the modest yet festive artificial Christmas tree. "Last but not least, a Christmas tree. How merry!"

Gin sneered and tugged at his ugly sweater. "I'm still going to win the bet. You're not putting a tree in the bedroom. Again." He didn't miss a glimpse of an armchair engulfed in shopping bags in the background. "Hold on. How is it light shopping?"

"I still have plenty of room." Vermouth smirked, relishing in his exaggerated eye-rolling. "Katie, say hi to daddy."

"Hi, daddy," Kate said demurely without looking up from the Ipad, engrossed in her game; her feet dangling off the sofa.

"Put your game down." Vermouth narrowed her eyes dangerously.

The hair on Kate's neck stood up. She dropped the tablet and dashed to her mother. "Hi, daddy. I love you." She frantically waved and blew kisses at the camera. "Mwah, mwah, mwah! Bye, daddy."

"So that was your daughter." Vermouth shook her head and sighed, watching the girl hurry back to unpause her game.

"Her love is touching." Gin mocked, taking a swig of beer.

"What are you having?" Vermouth made her way to the bed and took her seat among the many pillows.

The screen turned to the coffee table covered in pizza boxes next to a six-pack of bottled beer.

One hand on the chest with false empathy, Vermouth mocked. "Aw, sad."

"Shut up. Beer goes well with pizza." Additionally, he could take a break from cooking. Then, he grabbed the freshly unboxed man-sized hug pillow on the couch. "Your package has arrived."

"I thought you might be lonely." Vermouth smirked.

"Very funny," he said with gritted teeth and set the pillow aside.

But Vermouth wasn't done with her ridicule. "I'm sorry. I should have got you one with a girl printed."

"I'm not a pervert." He snarled.

Vermouth burst out laughing. She was in stitches; her phone shook under the force of her laughter. She was tearing up from muscle reflexes alone. It took her a good minute until she could compose herself. Wiping the droplets of tears, she smirked at the visible bulging veins on his temples and his tightening jaw. "Who says you don't have a sense of humor?"

"Who are you talking to?" Yukiko emerged from the shower, steam wafting out from her robe.

"My dear sweet husband," Vermouth said; joy flickered in her eyes.

"Oh, hi." Yukiko sat down on the other side of the bed, greeted the befuddled man before turning to Vermouth, and extending her hand. "The soap is quite nice. Smell me. How does cucumber and watermelon soap smell this good?"

Vermouth took a whiff of Yukiko's wrist and agreed. "Very refreshing. Remind me to get a couple of bars before we get back."

"What's she doing there?" He barked. A flimsy-dressed woman, who was freshly out of the shower, was in his wife's hotel room. It wasn't a cause for concern at all. Certainly not …

"What are you talking about?" Vermouth frowned.

"What's she doing in your room?" He bellowed. If only he could jump out of the screen.

"Yukiko's staying with me. We'll plan to talk all night long just like old times." Vermouth smiled sweetly, reminiscing.

"Exactly!" Yukiko beamed; she was in absolute bliss.

The veins on his temple swelled; his knuckles turned white. He yelled at the top of his lungs. "Katie!"

"Yes, daddy." Kate looked up in confusion.

"Isn't it your nap time?" He barked.

"I still have ten minutes left." Kate whined. She had a time limit on smart device usage. Half an hour every day to play mobile games and she savored every second.

"Nap! Now!" He barked louder.

"Mean daddy." She tossed the tablet away and climbed on the bed in a huff.

"Right in the middle." He ordered, accidentally making his daughter separate the cheery ladies. With a triumphant grin, he said, "Good girl."

Vermouth could only roll her eyes and end the call.

-o0o-

Gin stared at his blackened phone, then took a good long look at his empty house. The slumping hug pillow on the couch mocked him; its haughty wrinkle curved up into a smirk. His mind was made up. The Yukiko problem had been festering long enough. He had to remove the brown-haired tumor before she caused irreversible damage to his way of life.

-o0o-

"Katie, sweetie, wake up." Yukiko tapped the sprawling girl's cheeks as she was putting on her earrings, getting ready for an afternoon of wonderful adventures.

However, the girl seemed to be unimpressed by the effort. She was still lost in dreamland, curling up into a ball, clutching her pillow closer.

"Let me." Vermouth came to the rescue. She picked up the hotel menu on the nightstand and read. "Sticky toffee pudding, vanilla ice cream, and hot salted caramel sauce."

"I can eat." Kate sat up straight; her eyes were still glued shut, saliva dripping down the corner of her lips.

"Wow." Yukiko remarked quietly. She knew kids loved their sweets, but Kate was an extreme case.

Vermouth smiled at her daughter's silly expression and voracious appetite. "Get dressed, baby. You don't want to miss the sunset."

"Kay." Kate gave a jaw-cracking yawn, stumbling to the dresser where her clothes were laid out for her.

Vermouth whispered in Yukiko's ear. "Don't let her near sugar."

"Got it." Yukiko nodded.

Vermouth's phone vibrated on the nightstand, drawing her attention. Checking the message, she frowned, which didn't escape Yukiko's notice.

"What's wrong?" Yukiko asked.

"Gin has some errands to run. And I'm not to call him." Vermouth furrowed her brows.

"What errands?"

"He didn't say," Vermouth said. When Yukiko shot her a curious stare, Vermouth simply smiled. "I won't ask. He's allowed to have his privacy."

"Do you think he's mad at us?" They did exclude him from the trip and so on.

"Oh, he's passed being mad. He's livid." Vermouth chuckled, much to Yukiko's confusion. The mounting excitement was tingling. "I'm counting on it."

-o0o-

Nothing rekindled a child's passion more than a refreshing gust of wind blowing on her face. The convertible took a casual pace down the smaller country lanes, unlocking the idyllic beauty without obstructions from other vehicles and tourists. The sun was generously granting the golden light selflessly across the land. Naked branches blended with the more resilient and lively oak or beech. Infinite pasture stretched to the horizon. Puffy clouds of sheep dotted the green hill while charming cottages speckled the field and roadside. Rustic stones clinging together with nothing but friction and gravity created centuries-old walls that shielded the animals from traffic and homes from curious onlookers while bridging the gap between human ingenuity and nature.

"Sheeps, mommy!" Kate pointed at one of the grazing animals nearby. "They're smiling."

"Be careful. Don't stick your hands out of the car." Vermouth quickly glanced at her daughter, double-checking her position. "Awake yet, baby?"

The girl was still drooling when they left the hotel.

"Yeah!" Kate said. "Where are we going?"

"Picnic and watch the sunset. Sounds good?"

"Sounds amazing!"

-o0o-

Kate was excited as they parked their cars. But her excitement quickly fizzled out the moment she realized where they were going. Even the beautiful surrounding rolling hills couldn't cheer her up. Leaning against Vermouth's leg, she mumbled. "Mommy, when you said picnic, you didn't say hiking."

"I'm sorry, sweetie. It must have slipped my mind." Vermouth smiled at her daughter, stroking the girl's cheeks. "It's just a hill, sweetheart. You'll be fine."

Yukiko turned away, snickering quietly, the picnic basket in her hand vibrating slightly.

"The view will be worth it. I promise," Vermouth said, taking Kate's hand.

"Okay," Kate said feebly when a tennis ball was rolling toward her. She picked it up out of curiosity. Soon enough, a Border Collie made a dash, prancing around her. Then the dog wagged its tail and sat down, waiting for her. She reached out and gave it back. "Here you go."

The owner nodded at them from afar, and off they went. It took a little man's best friend to brighten Kate's day.

The vast grassland was ideal for dog walkers, hikers, and bikers, especially during the weekend. The occasional horse riders trotted peacefully along with some curious four-legged companions. Following the well-worn trail nestling between a sea of grass, their eyes were treated to the marvelous pasture on gentle slopes.

The land gradually flattened until the view to their right opened up. Under an orange hue, a nearby town loomed behind rows of trees. Further away, between huddles of cottages, patches of grassland stretched to the hill range blocking the horizon.

After they hiked up a grassy hill, past a golf tee and some gorse bushes, an empty bench welcomed their weary feet with a stunning unhindered view of the fiery sun reigning over the quaint town below. The ball of fire separated the blue sky above from the warm honey land. Abundant greenery harmonized with centuries-old human heritages. A breathtaking yet tranquil beauty.

"Wow!" Kate exclaimed. Her arms were in the air as the strong and brisk wind picked up her golden locks.

"So beautiful up here!" Yukiko said, admiring the scenery.

"True." Vermouth tapped on the bench. "Let's take some pictures for daddy then we can eat."

"Yay!" Kate immediately sat down and posed with the classic peace signs. Her feet appreciated the rest.

Dozens of snaps later, they settled down on the bench. Kate sat snuggly between the women, sipping a cup of hot chocolate.

Vermouth searched through the basket on her lap. "What do you want, baby? We have pork pies, sausage rolls—"

"Sausage rolls!" Kate eagerly said.

"Don't cut me off, sweetie. It's rude." Vermouth scolded.

"Sorry, mommy. May I have some sausage rolls, please?"

"Yes, you may. Just remember, there is an apple waiting for you at the end." Vermouth reminded Kate as she handed her daughter the rolls.

The girl was too happy sinking her teeth into the flaky crust to care.

Vermouth shook her head slightly and prepared a different snack for the more mature pallet. A slice of baguette with pate and tomato.

Taking a bite, Yukiko moaned. "This would go so well with a glass of wine."

"Too bad, we have to drive." Vermouth chuckled and handed Yukiko a cup of mulled apple juice.

"I vaguely remembered that you've filmed here in Cotswold." The view looked familiar to Yukiko.

"It was in Castle Combe [1], but our local guide suggested this hill for some extra shots. They never made the final cut." Vermouth explained.

Mesmerized by the breathtaking view, Yukiko said, "It's so romantic. I have to bring Yu here." Then, she paused. "When he doesn't get on my nerves."

Vermouth grinned and sipped the warm drink, steam enveloping her nostrils. "That day may never come."

The spectacular view made her pity the grumpy man. Yukiko asked Kate, "Do you feel bad for leaving daddy home?"

"No," Kate said swiftly, gorging on the rolls.

"We can't bring him here, Yukiko. Look around you. How many dogs do you see?" Vermouth signaled at the abundance of pets. "Not just dogs. This place is famous for grazing sheep and cattle. We don't see any only because it's December."

"Dogs avoid daddy." The poor pooches would be shaking like a leaf with tails between their legs otherwise.

"Oh, I see," Yukiko said.

"And daddy hates picnics." Kate blurted out as she was enthralled by the majestic sunset.

"Why would anyone hate …" Yukiko's voice trailed off as she remembered the grumpy man who despised Christmas.

"Grass is where dogs do their business." Kate cringed. "Mean daddy says."

Yukiko was speechless; a corner of her mouth twitched in disbelief.

"Daddy means well. He tries to build you a good habit, baby." Vermouth sighed.

"To be mean?" Kate grumbled.

"To think. To not take anything at face value and always think. You may be right. You may be wrong. But you won't be blind." Vermouth stared into the round blue eyes looking up at hers. "He's old school. His way is harsh, and he doesn't explain himself. But he does want you to be tough and smart. Like him."

Yukiko paused mid-sip at the suddenly profound conversation. Her eyes fluttered in surprise. She pondered on Vermouth's words. Her friend was seemingly never bothered by the man's scathing remarks and scornful expressions; and more often than not, amused. She thought it was a difference in tastes. But could it be that her friend saw something she didn't?

"How do I know you're right?" Kate asked, turning the question back on her mother.

The girl learned fast. Vermouth chuckled, light glinting off her eyes. "See for yourself then."

-o0o-

[1] Castle Combe is a quintessentially English village often named the 'prettiest village in England'. Located in Cotswold, Castle Combe has featured regularly as a film location, most recently in The Wolf Man, Stardust and Stephen Spielberg's War Horse.

-o0o-