March 25th 2011
"Okay, now you're just doing that on purpose!" Carla stated, her face contorting in sheer frustration as she shifted in her seat.
"Doing what?" Peter asked, taking his eyes off the road for mere seconds to glance at her
"Hitting them bumps purposefully..." She responded glibly
"I haven't the faintest idea what you're on about, Carla," he said innocently before steering the car ever so slightly towards yet another ridge in the asphalt
"Hmmph," Carla grunted, her eyes closing as the car jolted and she pressed her legs together in a vain attempt to stop the throbbing occurring between her thighs as the vibrator buzzed softly against her.
"You alright there, love?" Peter grinned, reaching his hand over and stroking her leg softly
Carla opened her eyes and narrowed them at the man next to her, "Now you listen and you listen good Barlow: unless you plan on turning this car around and driving to your place where you can really have your fun with this vibrator that you've purchased - in private," she plucked his hand up off her thigh, "you best be keeping your hands to yourself!"
"Okay, as you wish," Peter laughed, as Carla dropped his hand onto his lap, watching as she sulkily crossed her arms and stared out the passenger window, "though I think you'll be changing your tune shortly,"
"Is that so?"
"Oh yes," he chuckled, "I reckon you'll be begging me to touch you in no time..."
"You are so full of yourself," she mumbled
"...and you so want to be filled by me..."
Carla smiled in spite of herself, as Peter pulled into a carpark near the restaurant and parked, "you just think you're so clever, don't you?" she asked as they climbed out of the car, and headed to the meter where Peter proceeded to put coins into, "Like you've got this all panned out?"
Peter chuckled as he took the ticket, "Oh, what's the matter, love? Are you honestly trying to tell me that this is the first time you've ever experimented with a sex toy outside of the bedroom?"
"Me? Oh no, I've done this kind of thing twice before," she responded slyly, leaning against the car and watching as he placed the printed ticket on his dashboard
Peter shut the driver's side door, "Twice?" he prodded as he came to stand in front of her.
"Hmm mmm," she curled her hands around his neck, pulling him against her and biting her lip gently
"With who?" even he could hear the edge of jealousy tinged in his voice
"Once with Paul, and then once with Tony."
"Just once with each?"
"Once was enough,"
"Oh? And why's that?" he pecked her lips softly, "too much for you to handle?"
"On the contrary, once were enough for them to realize what a massive mistake it was..."
"Mistake?" His brow furrowed as she nodded, "mistake how?"
She smiled seductively, twirling her fingers around the hair at the back of his head as she kissed him; her tongue skimming along his top lip before capturing it between hers, her body pressing into his. He groaned against her mouth, sliding his hands down to her lower back and pulling her steadily against him, hearing her moan in response and relishing in the sound before she pulled back and smiled cheekily at him.
"Guess you'll find out, and all..." she slid out from between him and the car, running her hands down to smooth out her dress and positioning the purse on her shoulder. She flashed him a knowing look before linking her arm in the crook of his elbow and tugging him towards the restaurant, "Come on," she encouraged him, "sooner we go in, sooner we can leave..."
"No, but seriously Car, mistake how...?"
"Finally! Just as we were about to lose hope," Tracy chided as Carla and Peter entered the main doors of the restaurant.
"Ahh, there's that delightful, positive energy that I've missed about you, Trace," Peter teased, giving her a wink.
Tracy shook her head at him, trying to suppress the smile that always tugged at her lips at her and her brother's banter and failing miserably.
"Whatever," she rolled her eyes, before acknowledging the man next to her, "I believe you know Frank," she smirked
"Of course, nice to see you again, mate," Peter held out his hand and nodding as Frank shook it firmly.
"Likewise," Frank responded courteously, before he stepped forward and gave Carla a chaste kiss on the cheek, "lovely to see you again, Carla."
"Well thank you for inviting us," Carla replied with a genuine smile, "alright, Tracy? You look nice!"
"Aww, thanks babe!" Tracy chuffed, linking her arm around Frank's and beaming.
"Look, Frank, I uhh, wanted to apologize about our misunderstanding yesterday," Peter started, catching Carla offguard as she craned her head to look at him.
"Nonsense, Peter! No apologies are needed, I understand entirely," Frank brushed him off, "it was simply crossed wires, but for what it's worth I apologize as well. Not just for our exchange, of course, but mostly for taking my anger out on you, Carla."
The factory boss waved her hand dismissively in the air, "as I said earlier today, it's forgotten."
"Right," Tracy chimed in, "well, before we all join hands and start singing 'Kumbaya'," she nodded towards the hostess, "I believe she's trying to get your attention, Frank."
"Oh sorry! Lead the way, please," he gestured to the woman, before falling into step behind her with Tracy.
Carla exchanged a look with Peter, "here we go..."
"Your table, sir." The hostess stood next to a table in the back corner of the restaurant. Perfectly stationed to see all that was going on, but removed from the view of the other customers.
"Thank you," Frank smiled courteously
"Oh, do you always get this good of a table when you come here?" Tracy commented as he pulled out her chair for her, delighting in being treated so chivalrously.
Frank though, was inwardly seething as he watched Peter do the same for Carla, only with a look and a touch that was distinctly more intimate. He forced himself to count to ten; he could feel his jealousy beginning to get the better of him. He had a plan to drive a wedge between them tonight, and couldn't risk the whole thing too early on simply because his emotions got the better of him.
Across the table, and none the wiser to Frank's burning gaze, Peter pushed Carla's chair in and leaned down close to her ear, "comfortable?" he whispered cheekily, pressing the small button on the remote he had clutched in his palm and watching her squirm briefly as the vibrator switched back on to a pulsating rhythm of slow, steady beats.
She bit her lip as she composed herself and stubbornly turned to him, "Very..."
Peter chuckled at her bravado and pulled his chair in to sit as close to her own as possible
'Oh I'm going to enjoy this,' he thought mischievously.
As the waiter poured water into each of their glasses, Carla's face continued to flush as the vibrator persistently pulsed softly against her. Once the waiter filled her glass, she smiled sweetly at the man, lifted the glass to her lips and drank it down in three large sips as Frank and Tracy mulled over the wine list.
Peter placed his hand teasingly on her thigh as the waiter replenished her glass, "thirsty?"
Carla's eyes darted quickly to the couple across from them and, noting they were engaged in the menu, turned quickly back to Peter and mouthed, 'horny...'
Peter grinned at her, "give me time, love," he whispered, "and I'll be more than happy to help you deal with that. Once you beg me too, of course..."
"Hmmm, let's just see who'll be begging whom, Barlow..."
"Is a Chianti alright with you, Carla?" Tracy called out to her
"Oh umm, no none for me thank you! I'll just have some fizzy water."
"Oh come on," Tracy chirped, "We were going to order a bottle, least you could do is join us in a tipple," she teased, "my brother doesn't mind, do you Peter?"
"Not at all," Peter shook his head, his eyes not leaving Carla's, "have a glass love," Peter smiled at her, "it won't bother me."
Carla sighed and rubbed her lips together, "okay, but just the one," she turned to face Frank, "I've got an early phone conference in the morning."
"Seriously? On a Saturday?" Frank chuckled, raising his hand and placing it on her arm, "No rest for the wicked eh?"
Peter watched as Frank softly caressed Carla's shoulder before giving it an affectionate squeeze, and he was hit with a wave of possessiveness. Acting on instinct, he quickly pressed the remote he had tucked in his palm.
"Ahh," Carla gasped as the vibrator intensified against her, catching her completely by surprise.
"You okay?" Frank removed his hand quickly, worry taking over his demeanour
Carla inhaled and exhaled a steady breath as she tried to regain control of her reactions, "Yeah, sorry it's just my shoulder. Been a bit sore after my workout today. Must have gone too heavy on them free weights." She chuckled before taking another sip of water, her eyes boring into Peter's over the rim.
May 7th 2011
"Oh my God!" Frank sprung away from Tracy and rose to his feet, "Carla, what's happened?"
"Oh, well I did try to warn her about trying to play kick about in them heels Frank, but you know Carla! She just wouldn't listen..." Peter retorted sarcastically
"Ignore him," Carla chided, giving Peter a playful slap on his cheek, "Some guy were in a rush to get to the arrivals gate and he basically tried to run right through me."
"Is it serious?" Frank asked as he helped her to sit down
"Just a sprain," Peter responded, "but she has to go back on Monday to see how bad of a sprain it is."
"Well, don't worry about coming into work on Monday then, I can look after things." Frank responded, crouching down in front of Carla
"Oh, don't be silly Frank," she waved her hand dismissively at him, "my appointment's not till the afternoon."
"Okay, if you insist on coming in, then I'll drive you to your appointment."
"Oh no, that's alright, Peter's already offered to give me a lift. Besides, you need to stay at the factory and ensure that that lot don't try to skive off early."
Frank nodded and rose back up to his feet, placing his hands on his hips, "okay but I don't want you overwhelming yourself. If you change your mind on Monday, just shoot me a text. Hayley and I can handle the place."
"Will do, but I'm telling you, it looks worse than it is."
"Here you are, love," Dierdre said as she placed a mug down on the table in front of Carla,
"Cheers,"
"Do you want your leg propping up? I could get out the footstool out for you?"
Carla shook her head as she cupped the mug between her palms, "no, thank you Dierdre, I'm alright for now."
"Yeah," Peter agreed as he moved his chair beside Carla's, "she doesn't need a footstool when she's got me," he chuckled as he lifted her leg and placed it in his lap, giving her thigh a quick rub as he smiled at her, "isn't that right love?"
"Mmm mm," Carla swallowed the sip of her coffee, "my hero," she chuckled.
March 25th 2011
He eyed her as they finished their appetizers, a satisfied smile tugging at his lips as she continued to squirm sporadically in her seat. He had been sitting silently for a while now, sipping on his lime and soda, as they listened to Tracy's ideas for a menswear line, but his eyes hadn't moved from Carla...more precisely, they hadn't moved from Frank and Carla.
He watched as Frank kept turning to Carla, edging his chair ever closer to hers, as they looked over some of the pictures Tracy had sketched.
He watched as Frank kept placing his hands somewhere on or near Carla during Tracy's pitch: his arm slung around the back of her chair; touching her arm, her thigh...
And the whole time that Peter sat there watching, his anger and jealousy simmering away on the inside, Carla seemed none the wiser.
And this just added fuel to the fire.
He kept his game up, pressing the remote and enjoying in watching her squirm briefly before clearing her throat or taking a sip of water to cover her tracks as she remembered just how much control he had of her, quite literally in the palm of his hand, and would flash him a seductive smile. He couldn't deny he had enjoyed bringing her close to the brink - twice-, watching as her face had flushed and her lower lip trembled as she bit it, her body shifting ever so slightly as she tried her best to mask her pending orgasm. But both times inadvertently caught the attention of Frank and Peter quickly turned the vibrator off just before Carla was pushed over the edge, earning him both a sigh of discomfort and a look of pure menace from her. But Peter wouldn't apologize for it. It had suddenly dawned on him what Carla meant by this game of his being a mistake: Frank was becoming dangerously close to seeing Carla in the midst of an orgasm, whether he knew it or not, and to Peter that caused a protectiveness and possessiveness that he hadn't quite anticipated.
But while he struggled with not wanting Carla to orgasm under Frank's now watchful gaze, he also had this desire to punish her somewhat for not pulling away from Frank's flirtatious touches. And so, just as she was about to take a sip of her wine, he turned it back on for a third time.
Carla paused for a moment before taking another sip of her wine, her eyes glancing at a smirking Peter and she had this burning urge to either chuck the wine over his head or straddle him. Deciding on neither she decided to up the ante. She knew Frank was being touchy with her, but he always was. She had been in this trade for so long that flirting was part and parcel of the job to her; it was a part of it she secretly hated, but resigned herself to it being harmless as long as she kept her boundaries up. So far, Frank hadn't breached her boundaries, but she knew he had breached Peter's. And if he was going to punish her for it, she was going to punish him as well.
Unbeknownst to either of them, by the second time Peter had turned off the vibrator right before Carla peaked, Frank had caught on to what was going on between them. Inwardly he fumed, realizing just how close they really were to each other and feeling his blood pressure rising as he watched them exchange furtive glances. He knew Peter was protective of Carla, and he also knew that Carla was not impressed in having her private life put on display for those around her. This was the knowledge he would use to force them apart. It was now or never; he had to put his plan in action sooner than he had originally planned. So as he and Carla politely told Tracy that her plan was an innovative one but that a similar line already existed and trying to replicate it could cause bring undue legal aspects into both his company and Underworld's, Frank made his move,
"But I'm sure we'd eventually be open to the idea if we can find a way around the legalities, right Carla?" he stated, making a grand gesture of wrapping his arm about Carla's shoulders and pulling her in slightly closer to him, ensuring his hand ran softly up and down her arm.
Carla shifted as the vibrator suddenly picked up to an increasing speed against her, "Umm, yeah," she stuttered as she tried to compose herself, "it's definitely something to keep in mind for the future." She turned to glance at Peter, noticing him shake his head slightly in annoyance to where Frank's arm remained around her. And as Tracy excused herself to the toilets, instead of her easing out of Frank's touch, which was her initial instinct, Carla decided to play Peter at his own game.
The bookie's eyes narrowed as Carla raised her hand to her neck, using her fingers to gently caress her collarbone and remaining firmly fixed under Frank's arm.
"So, I hear you're also going to Spain with Amy and Steve, Peter," Frank said, his hand still gently caressing Carla's arm as he raised his free hand to grasp his wine glass. Taking a sip his eyes involuntarily followed the pattern of Carla's fingers as they traced along her skin.
"Uhh, yeah, me and my son Si are heading out for a bit of a break," Peter responded his eyes not leaving Carla's.
"Well probably for the best after everything that's happened, eh?" Frank removed his arm from around the woman next to him and leaned forward on the table, ensuring his body was as close to Carla's as possible.
"Excuse me, what?" Peter furrowed his brow at Frank as Carla also turned her questioning gaze at her business client.
"You know, with everything that happened with Leanne," Frank responded smugly
"And how do you know about that?" Peter leaned forward, keeping his voice low but unable to mask the disdain in his voice
"Oh, was it meant to be secret, then?"
"Frank-" Carla began in a warning tone
"Did you tell him?" Peter asked her incredulously
"What? No!" She shot back.
Peter kept his eyes on Carla, "So how comes he- your client-" he raised the hand that clutched his lime and soda firmly in his grasp and pointed to Frank "happens to know about it?"
"Well I don't know, do I?" she shot back, momentarily forgetting about the vibrator as it continued to pulse against her as anger at his accusatory tone started to raise its ugly head, "he is dating your sister, after all! You know: gob-on-a-stick?"
"Actually," Frank chimed in innocently, "I found out the day of your wedding blessing, Peter," he took a sip of his wine, "Carla was meant to meet me in the Rovers for a meeting, during your reception, and when none of you turned up, everyone was in there gossiping about it. They were only too eager to spill the beans on what happened." He placed his hand on Carla's, "so stop blaming Carla, she said nowt about it." Carla removed her hand from Frank's , much to his chagrin but he covered it well by leaning back casually in his chair as she reached for her wine glass,
"You made plans to have a meeting at my wedding reception?" Peter asked Carla quietly, unable to contain the hurt in his voice
"Peter," Carla lowered her voice, "it weren't a meeting per say, it were just a friendly drink," she shrugged, "you know to talk some shop, but, nothing formal."
"But it had to be at my wedding reception," Peter accused her, "anything to stick the boot in, eh?"
"Peter-"
"I'm sorry to be butting in here, but you were marrying Leanne, Peter," Frank prodded, "Even if I weren't a client but a date, why would that matter to you? You made your choice after all."
"Frank!" Carla stated warningly
"And what's that supposed to mean," Peter raised his voice angrily
"Oh my God," Carla mumbled in pure embarrassment as she brought her fingers up to pinch the bridge of her nose.
"Listen everyone in that pub told me what you did and said to Carla in that church," Frank chided him
"And what about what you did to her after the mixer eh?" Peter goaded him
"Alright stop this, now," Carla gritted out angrily, "this is not the time or the place for this."
"You're right, Carla. I'm sorry for bringing it up," Frank added slyly, "I am sorry Peter, I hadn't realized it was still such a sore point for you..."
As if on cue, Tracy arrived back to the table and spotting the tension almost immediately, her face broke into a wide grin, "Ooh what have I missed then?"
Carla shook her head, "nothing Tracy, just a misunderstanding," she tried to brush it off
"Nope. Not buying it," She folded her arms on the table and leaned forward, "come one then, misunderstanding about what?"
"Just leave it Tracy," Peter responded firmly, "for once in your life..."
"Ooh, you must have struck a nerve Frank."
Carla sighed, and took a large gulp of her wine, suddenly aware again of the vibrator being on its highest setting and being unable to find a position that lessened its intensity, "could we just," she exhaled shakily, "draw a line under this and move on please?"
"I think it's time you draw a line with this so-called client of yours and move on," Peter stated
Carla raised her eyebrows at him, "I beg your pardon?"
"You heard," Peter responded thinly, his eyes unmoving from hers
"Peter," she shifted uncomfortably in her seat, getting more frustrated by the look of satisfaction gracing the bookie as her body instinctively responded to the vibrator's movements, "my business and whom I deal with, is not up for discussion."
"Is that right?" he challenged her
"Yeah, that's right," she shot back
Tracy roved her gaze between Carla, Peter and Frank. She could see the way Frank looked at the factory boss. She wasn't stupid to think he wasn't trying to get with her all along. Nor was she jealous to see him being so brazen about his flirtation with her through dinner so far. After all, she was merely using him as a front while she continued to put her plan to split Steve and Becky up into action. She smiled in spite of herself; adding a bit of fuel to this little triangle would certainly keep her entertained throughout the remainder of the dinner.
"You alright there, Carla?" Tracy asked, as her eyes took in the factory boss's features, "you're looking quite flushed..."
Carla licked her lips and pressed them together, "yeah I'm fine," she breathed out shakily, "just been a bit light-headed since the gym earlier," she narrowed her eyes at Peter, "comes and goes."
Peter smirked at her and leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest as he watched her struggle to control her reactions.
"Are you sure?" Frank placed one arm around her shoulder again, and used the other to gently rub her other arm up and down, "she's right you know, you're looking quite uncomfortable," he lowered his voice to a whisper "What can I do to help?"
"Hmmm," Carla grunted, closing her eyes and wanting to pull away from Frank's touch but at the same time unable to, her body desperately responding to her impending orgasm, "No really, I'm fine," she said, leaning forward and grabbing her water glass, hoping to mask the moment she peaked by drinking some water.
But the moment didn't come. For the third time, the vibrator suddenly turned off and once again left her almost panting with want. She quickly took a gulp of the liquid in her glass, and her eyes burned into Peter's. Only this time, she wasn't playful. This time she was damn near murderous.
She felt her purse buzz, and placing her water glass down, she shifted away from Frank and pulled her phone out, seeing Maria's name flashing on the screen, she silenced the call, unbeknownst to the rest of the table.
"I'm sorry, but I really need to take this call," Carla said, pushing her chair back and rising to her feet, "be back in a tick," she glared at Peter for a brief moment before spinning on her heel and pressing her mobile to her ear, "Hello, Carla Connor!" she initially headed for the hallway leading to the toilets, and away from prying eyes, lowered the phone to her side. She was just about to enter the ladies room, when a hand wrapped around her elbow and steered her towards the front doors.
"This way," Peter ordered her as they stepped into the brisk March air and he pulled her into a nearby ginnel. He quickly spun her around and pushed her back into the wall. Grabbing her hands with his own, he hoisted them above her head.
"Really, love? The old, 'I have to take a phone call' trick. I'll take that," he held both her wrists in one of his, and took her mobile out of her hand with his free one, tucking it into his back pants pocket, "just what exactly were you going to do, Carla?"
"You know what I was going to do..." she sneered at him
"Yes, but I'd rather hear you say it," he smirked at her.
She stubbornly shook her head at him, "never."
"So it got too much for you, did it love?" he teased her, "needed to go give yourself a release?"
"Got too much for you, more like." she threw back at him
"How do you figure that?" he brushed the back of his fingers down her neck, thoroughly enjoying the fight in her.
"You were being deliberately cruel in there," she responded as she pushed against him, "almost bringing me to the brink three times and then just stopping it. And all because Frank was winding you up. But by trying to take it out on me, you finally figured out why this little game of yours was such a mistake..."
She had him. He knew it.
"Yeah. You're right," he shrugged, attempting at nonchalance and failing miserably, "I couldn't stand that he was practically all over you, and him watching you getting close to an orgasm Carla was the final straw," he lowered his voice to a whisper, "I want to be the only one to see you like that..." he pressed a kiss to her lips, and gently bit her lower lip as he pulled away, before laying soft pecks along her cheek and jaw.
"Oh, and after all of that you think I'm just going to let you, do you?" She purred, her chest rising and falling in short, quick bursts as her breathing became shallow to his ministrations.
"Are you saying you don't want a release, Carla?" he whispered, gently biting her earlobe with his teeth, "not even a little bit..." He moved back so that he was staring directly in her misty eyes, "I think we both know that's a lie..." he reached into his jacket pocket and held up the small remote in front of her, watching as her breathing became more ragged, her lips parting and her body trembling against him in anticipation, while all the while smirking at him seductively. "How about a compromise? Hmm? I'll admit that this little game of mine was a mistake, if you admit that you're lying about wanting me to make you cum..." he smiled at her, "what do you say? Shall we call a truce?" his thumb hovered over the button. She licked her lips absentmindedly and she pushed her hips against his, "well?" Peter prodded her
"Deal..." the word barely passed her lips and he found himself pressing the button; unable to tease her any further. She gasped as the vibration started up again, and threw her head back when Peter pressed the button twice more, increasing the speed to a fast, steady rhythm.
She grunted as the vibrator pulsed consistently against her as she tried to ground her hips against his for more friction. Her eyes closed as she leaned her head against the brick wall behind her, letting out a moan as Peter's lips kissed and licked their way around her neck while he disposed of the remote into his pocket before reaching his hand up and under her dress; using his fingers to slightly pull her stockings and knickers down just enough so he could cup the vibrator against her with his palm.
Carla bucked against him as two of his fingers sunk into her, steadily pumping in and out of her while he palmed the vibrator, applying pressure in small, slow circles against her. Her gasps and moans grew louder and she rose onto the balls of her feet, almost as though she were trying to inch away from him and the overwhelming feeling that began to stir within her.
He placed his leg between hers, using his hips to hold her steady against him as his lips continued to lick and suck their way up to her jawline.
"Oh god, Peter, yes! Right there..." she groaned as the vibrator hit the right spot and feeling that pull stemming from deep in her abdomen. He gently pressed the vibrator against her, his fingers now curling slightly inside her as he found her G spot and masterfully began to stroke it as she bucked against him almost furiously
"Let go, baby," he whispered as he finally released her wrists and kissed the corner of her mouth, "just for me..."
With a loud gasp, she grabbed onto his shoulders and threw her head back, her eyes closing as her body shook against him. He feverishly captured her lips as her mouth hung agape, feeling every bit of her orgasm as it dripped onto his hand.
She responded hungrily to his kiss, her arms wrapping around his neck and holding him as close to her as possible as she came down from her euphoric state.
She quickly reached down with one hand and tried to swat his hand away, needing the vibrator to cease as it became almost painful against her now sensitive flesh.
He obliged, removing the vibrator from against her and pulling away from her, smiling in satisfaction as she adjusted her knickers and stockings while still propped against the wall, her eyes remaining closed and her breathing ragged as she attempted to slow her heart rate back to its normal rhythm.
She opened her eyes to focus on him as he turned the vibrator off and wrapped it in a handkerchief before pocketing it in his jacket
"Is that the same hanky you had the night of the mixer?" She questioned with a chuckle and he nodded.
"I've got more use out of it with you in the last month then I ever have in its existence." He stepped close to her bringing his hands up to caress her face and he kissed her softly. "We better head back in or they might send out a search party."
"I must look a right state," she said, as she pushed herself away from the wall and smoothing down her dress.
"You look beautiful," he answered genuinely, "here," he handed her back her mobile, "just pretend you're ending the 'call' you had, and then pop into the ladies. I said I was out here to have a cig, so I better light one up quickly and I'll meet you back there." He kissed her once more, before giving her a playful swat on her backside, "go on!"
She mockingly saluted him, "yes sir!" Before reluctantly heading back into the restaurant without him, she turned back to him, "by the way, we'll discuss what happened at that table later," and with that, her phone pressed to her ear, she pretended to finish off her business call and re-entered the restaurant.
May 7th 2011
"Well, as lovely as this catchup has been, I best be getting hop-a-long here home," Peter said, placing his mug and Carla's into the sink and heading back to the table to help Carla to her feet, "Dad, could you call Simon down for us?"
"Actually Peter, we were wondering if you'd be alright if Si stayed at ours tonight?" Dierdre asked
"Really?"
"Yeah," she smiled, hugging her mug closer to her, "we've missed him these past six weeks,"
"Yes, and we thought we'd take him and Amy out for the day tomorrow now that they're both back." Ken chimed in.
Peter nodded, "well, yeah that would be great actually, thanks! Works out well, to be honest, especially since I really should be keeping an eye on muggins here before she does herself any further damage," he responded, nudging Carla playfully with his elbow
"Oh Peter, give it a rest, I'm not an invalid," Carla snapped irritably, as she pushed herself to her feet
"No love, but you did try to hop the whole way out of hospital on your good foot because you refused to use them crutches-"
Carla sighed, "I know-"
"And what happened? You nearly got yourself run over by a woman in an electric scooter because of it-"
"Okay, Peter, you've made your point," she acquiesced, "though in my defence, that woman were gonna hit me whether I were on crutches or not!" She lowered her voice to a mumble, "zipping around on that thing like she were flippin' Andretti..."
"Si!" Peter called out, "Come down and say bye to me and Carla, son!"
"I'm not coming with you?" the young boy asked as he ran down the stairs
"No Si, you're going to stay here tonight, because grandad and grandma Dierdre are going to take you and Amy out tomorrow."
"Are you coming over to ours for dinner tomorrow Carla?" Simon asked
"Oh Carla, we have that business meeting tomorrow evening at the Bistro, remember?" Frank stated
"Have we?" Carla questioned curiously
"Yes, possible new client at 7PM," Frank raised his eyebrows as Carla furrowed her brow, "I did put it in the diary..."
'Why isn't this ringing any bells...' she thought frantically. 'Have I been that distracted with Peter coming back?' "And you're sure it's tomorrow, Frank?"
"Positive. Have you actually forgotten?" Frank chided her, "Like I said yesterday, you need a P.A.,"
"Yes Frank, I am working on it you know," Carla sighed.
"Well, until then, maybe you should re-consider upgrading your phone to something that has a digital calendar," Frank said as he plucked her purse off the chair and placed it on her shoulder, "we can write it off as a business expense."
"Yeah, I dunno, maybe. I'll think about it," She responded as she readjusted herself on her crutches, "That's so strange, though. It's not usually like me to forget something like that"
"Well, it's not surprising Carla, I mean it is a bit odd isn't it?" Peter weighed in
"What is?" she asked
"Scheduling a business meeting on a Sunday evening," Peter glanced curiously to Frank, "I mean, I know she's a bit of a workaholic and such, but that's a little much even by her standards."
"Well, in this trade new business can easily become obsolete if you insist on scheduling meetings around your days off. But I can always call and rearrange, if you prefer Carla?" Frank offered
"No, no, I'll be there. I mean, there must have been a reason we scheduled the meeting for tomorrow in the first place," Carla turned to Simon, "I'm so sorry darlin' but maybe another time this week?"
"Can we get pizza?" Simon asked excitedly
Carla leaned down close to him, "We can have anything you want," she whispered, "Your dad's paying!" she winked at him as Peter laughed.
"Alright mister, hug," Peter opened his arms as Simon threw himself into them, "now you be good for your grandpa Ken and your grandma Dierdre, okay?"
"Okay," Simon agreed before turning to Carla and carefully hugging her as well, "bye Carla! Hope you feel better!"
"Thanks Si," Carla ruffled his hair
"Right," Peter stated, "after you hoppy."
"Hilarious," Carla scoffed, rolling her eyes at him as she shuffled past him
"Bye, all" Peter called out, "Frank," he nodded curtly, flashing the businessman a knowing grin as he placed his hand on the small of Carla's back.
"Please tell me that was not yet another pissing contest, Pe'er!" Carla said as they closed the door to Number 1.
"No, no, not at all," Peter chuckled, as he guided her down from the sidewalk and onto the cobblestone road, "well, maybe just a wee one..."
"Oh Ha ha!" She quipped sarcastically, "since when did you start doing stand-up?"
"Had to find some way to keep myself busy on those cold, Spanish nights."
"Oh, my heart bleeds," Carla retorted as she pulled herself up onto the sidewalk near Audrey's salon, "I'm being serious though Peter, I don't want a repeat of what happened before you left..."
"There won't be, love," Peter assured her, slipping his hand around her arm and tugging her gently towards him, "but you can't begrudge a man a bit of fun."
Carla shoved him back playfully with one hand but he quickly grasped it and pulled her towards him, using his thumb to brush across her mouth, before pressing a soft kiss to her lips.
He pulled away just enough to rest his forehead against hers, "Now, shall we stop for a takeaway before we get back to yours? Or would you prefer to just head straight for the bedroom...?"
March 25th 2011
"I feel a bit bad," Frank said as the waiter took away their empty appetizer plates,
"About what?" Tracy scoffed
"I shouldn't have said anything about the wedding blessing. We were having such a nice evening," Frank stated with feigned concern
"Oh don't worry about it," Tracy brushed him off, "our Peter has always had a temper. He's ruined more than his fair share of relationships over it."
Frank smirked, and nodded, "Still, I'm going to head out there and apologize. Try to keep the peace for the remainder of dinner."
"Suit yourself," Tracy chuckled as she took a sip of her wine.
Frank rose to his feet, and headed towards the main doors, nearly bumping into Carla as she turned out of the hallway from the toilets.
"Oh, sorry Carla," he said, "everything okay?"
"What?" She asked
He nodded towards the phone in her hands, "with the call?"
"Oh," Carla chuckled, "Yeah just Maria passing on a message from a supplier," she looked back to the table where Tracy was sitting on her own, "Where are you off to?"
"I'm going to apologize to Peter, properly."
"Frank-" Carla shook her head
"No, I need to apologize, I were in the wrong," Frank said gently, "And I don't want any further tension this evening."
Carla licked her lips, and shook her head, "Okay, but I'm going on record to say, that I think you should just leave it."
"Duly noted." He smiled, patting her arm as he side stepped her and headed out the doors, while Carla begrudgingly went to sit back in her seat, flashing Tracy a tight smile as she did so.
"Ahh, Peter," Frank called out as he spotted the bookie stubbing out his cigarette and headed over to him
"Yeah?"
"Look, I wanted to apologize for what I said in there. I didn't mean to draw a wedge between you and Carla."
Peter smiled thinly, "is that what you think happened?"
"Well, if it it did,it certainly wasn't intentional," Frank cocked his head
"I think it were exactly what you were intending," Peter responded, "but luckily for you, Carla and I are a lot stronger than whatever you try to put between us."
"Well, that's good to hear. Especially as you're going away after all,"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Well, a lot can happen in over a month Peter," Frank shrugged
Peter shook his head incredulously, "You are a piece of work, you know that?"
"How so?" Frank furrowed his brow curiously, "I wasn't the one who embarrassed that woman by telling her in front of a church full of witnesses that I didn't want her," Frank smirked, "What must she be thinking, eh? Having to work with and pass by all those witnesses knowing they know she isn't your first choice?" He watched as Peter's face fell slightly as guilt flooded through him, "Maybe the month apart will remind her that she is deserving of being someone's first choice, and not just their 'maybe'..."
Peter scoffed, trying to contain his anger, "You know, you may think you're fooling everyone around you with this 'respectable businessman' lark, but I'm warning you now," he said, stepping menacingly towards Frank, "if I hear you've so much as placed one of your slimy hands on Carla again, client or not: I'll make you wish you'd never clapped eyes on her."
Frank rose his eyebrow, "Oh Peter," he clucked, "after your performance in that restaurant tonight, I think you'll find it's you that she wishes she'd never clapped eyes on..." he smiled confidently, "But don't worry, I'll keep an eye on the lovely Carla for you while you're away...Make sure she gets home safely at night and all that. That's what friends are for after all..."
"I'm warning you-" Peter gritted out, clenching his fists tightly at his side
"Actually, you know what? I really don't need all the aggro that you spark with your little fling with Carla. Perhaps it's best if I just pull my order from her business altogether. Of course I'd have to take her to court for the unprofessional conduct that caused me to pull production and find other premises. Bankrupt her business and then buy it for a song. I wonder: would she really appreciate you sticking your oar in then, Peter?"
"You sick-"
"I don't want to do it Peter, but you keep threatening me, and I will." Frank turned on his heel and made to head back into the restaurant, when Carla came around the corner with her coat and purse, "Carla? What's going on?" he asked.
"Oh, I'm really sorry, Frank but I'm really not feeling great and I'm going to call it a night,"
"Oh no," Frank's face fell; he hadn't been expecting this turn of events, "I'm so sorry to hear that."
"Yeah, I am very sorry. I've uhhh cancelled mine and Peter's entrees; luckily they hadn't started them yet, so you shouldn't be charged for them, and umm, next time will be on me, alright?" She said as she stood next to Peter and put on her coat.
"Of course, just feel better, okay?" He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in close for a hug, enjoying the look on Peter's face as he did so and gently kissed her cheek before pulling back, "we'll talk soon."
"Of course, I'll see you next week about your order's progress." She smiled at him, "Night, Frank."
"Night Carla," Frank nodded with a smile, "Night Peter," he added slyly
"Night Frank," Peter smirked at him, placing his hand on the small of Carla's back and steering her towards the carpark before quickly turning back and jogging towards Frank, "Oh, and thanks for apologizing for your remarks, by the way," he added with a satisfied smile, as he laid his hand down on Frank's shoulder, "guess she's more than wanting to just clap eyes on me now, eh?" he whispered low enough for only Frank to hear before he winked at him and headed back to Carla, leaving Frank stewing in their wake.
Once in the car, Peter turned his concern to Carla, "Are you really not feeling well, love?" he asked as he smoothed his hand down her hair.
"Oh no, I'm perfectly fine. I would just rather spend our last night together with you, alone, and not with your sister and my client," she responded honestly, "what do you reckon?"
Peter smiled at her, "Sneaky, I like it." he leaned forward and kissed her lips, "so we're okay then?"
Carla scoffed and shook her head, "you are kidding aren't you? Oh no, we're not okay yet..." she pulled his face closer to hers with both her hands, "but I always believed that the best part of falling out," she pressed a kiss to his lips hungrily, "is making up," she kissed him again as a smile tugged at her lips, "what do you think?"
"I think we have a lot of making up to do..."
A/N: Well, this turned out to be a longer chapter than anticipated. Hope it was worth the wait. :)
Will Carla choose the takeaway or the bedroom...?
Check back to find out ;)