The Affectionate Player - Part2

Chapter 21

"You're right, Gracie. I know you are. Let's not talk about him, anymore. Tonight has been perfect and just hearing his name creeps me the fuck out."

"Agreed."

"And anyway, Steve still has a team of officers on the case so maybe with a little luck they'll catch him soon and all this will fade into oblivion."

"There you go, baby! See how we need to keep positive? He's practically history as we speak! Let's forget all about him and get some rest." Grabbing a blanket from the armchair to cover my nakedness I rise to my feet stretching a hand out for his. We have peace and each other, and that's all we need.

************

"Just here, please! You can turn in the driveway." The cabbie slows pulling up outside our home and moments later he's setting my luggage on the doorstep. I swiftly pay him, watching as he reverses to ensure he doesn't hit the wall but as I reach inside my purse for the key something catches my eye from across the street. Instantly the dread of lurking paparazzi causes me to shiver but at second glance I note the absence of a long lens and resolve that perhaps the woman may in fact be lost.

"Hello!" I holler instinctively. Nervously she glances from left to right stepping behind an old oak tree. Deciding she may need help I try a different angle. "Are you looking for someone?"

"Er... No, I'm not," she replies, presenting herself once more.

"Then are you lost? I can help if you are." I make to cross checking the road for traffic but as I wait for the cars to pass, she hastily sets off down the street.

"Mummy! Mummy!" From beyond my shoulder I hear Monty running on the gravel and forgetting the lost stranger I all but spin on my heels to see his handsome little face. With eyes wide and smiling I run to him gripping his tiny frame.

"You should be in bed young man! It's almost eight o'clock!"

"Sorry, love," Gil recoils. "He wouldnae settle once he got wind you were on your way." Ruffling his grandson's soft red curls he grins despite himself and matching Gil's humour I smile leading us inside.

Twenty minutes later I've read my son a story, tucked the little rascal into bed and kissed both him and his sister goodnight. Joining Gil in the lounge I see he's made tea and lifting a cup I take the seat opposite him.

"You'll be needing that after your journey, no doubt."

"Thanks, I do." I sigh taking a sip. "How were the kids for you?"

"They havnae been too much bother, not for the want of trying. Liv was here yesterday so it all ran like clockwork. Today mind," he laughs, rolling his eyes. "That laddie needs a harness. I couldnae keep up with him climbing the monkey bars! He didnae fall, though. Chip off the old block," he jokes, proudly. "How's my own lad? Did you enjoy yourselves?"

"We had the best weekend, thank you."

"Don't suppose Max can find a job for his ole' da? I make a mean cuppa tea, you know?"

"Oh, I do, Gil. I'm tasting the evidence as we speak." I giggle.

"I found a copy of his script tucked away in the kitchen drawer."

"That was me, I'm afraid. We were practicing his lines."

"What do you think of this part he's playing?"

"Actually, I'm fascinated. I think his character is almost as ruthless as his prey. And while he doesn't go around bumping off his competition or slicing off ears, the cat is just as determined to outwit the mouse as the mouse is to avoid being captured."