Unexpected

By Vicki Connellan

When the love of Lilly's life pulled the rug out from under her in spectacular fashion, she knew something in her life needed to change. Things were only going to improve if she made some changes, and drastic ones at that. What Lilly didn't expect as a result of those changes, was finding a man that would throw her world into a spin of a different kind, and make her question everything she thought about love and happiness. What she didn't expect was to find her dream business location, and her dream man in the same place, but she did. Only trouble was, he wasn't as sold on the dream as she was, so where to from here?

Tom's constantly steady life started to spin out of control after rescuing a woman stranded on the side of the road in the rain. Until that day, everything in his safe structured world was fine. He was fine. At least he thought he was. Within a matter of months, Tom found his world tipped on it's axis, and for the life of him, he couldn't stop the spinning no matter how hard he tried, and it was all because of one woman.

Unexpected is the tale of two people who didn't know that something was missing until they found it. After all, life would be very boring if we knew what was waiting for us around the corner, so why not embrace the unexpected, and see where it takes you.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Vicki Connellan
• Release date: Oct 20, 2019
• ISBN: 9780648443933

Vicki Connellan

Vicki was born in Orange, NSW. When she was two years old her family moved to Dapto, a southern suburb of Wollongong. She was kicked out of pre-school at the age of four (for reasons that she will keep to herself).   When she was sixteen she moved with her parents and two sisters (Vicki is the typically misunderstood middle child) to the ACT where, ironically she studied Child Care so she could work in a pre-school. Now, at the age of 45 she still lives in Canberra with her husband and three adult/teenage children.   Vicki works full time (not in the child care industry!) and is an avid baker. She spends her time taxiing her kids around and baking cup cakes for all the kids who constantly fill the house.    Vicki has always enjoyed writing and is now taking the time to put her stories to print.  You can contact Vicki via email at [e-mail] with any questions or  feedback on her book.  If you enjoyed the book please take the time to leave a quick review. 

Book preview

Chapter 1

LILLY

I looked over at Derrick as I rolled onto my back and caught my breath. He had one fine body, and he knew how to use it. He was the only guy I’d ever been with, my first and only, so I really had nothing to compare him to, but if that orgasm was anything to go by, he was pretty damn good.

Derrick and I had been in a friends-with-benefits relationship for a little over four years now. He’d never expressed a desire to have anything more, so I hadn't pushed it, even though I’d been in love with him for the better part of three years now. But lately, something had changed in me. I wanted more. I’d be twenty-seven years old this year, and the incessant ticking of that damn biological clock was getting louder by the day.

I rolled onto my side and watched Derrick as he got out of the bed. His firm tight butt was a sight. I loved everything about him, from the three day growth on his face, right down to the muscular torso that got me wet every time. I flopped onto my back and smiled as I watched him dress. He was so damn handsome, and he knew it.

Amber’s brother’s band is playing at the tavern on Saturday night, a bunch of us are going, want to come with us? I watched as he stood in front of the mirror and straightened his tie.

Can’t, he spun around and looked at me. Got a wedding I have to be at, he came and sat on the edge of the bed while he put his shoes on.

I laughed at him. A night at the pub drinking and dancing sounds way more fun don't you think?

Sorry Lil, I kind of have to be there, he bent over and kissed me softly. 

I sat up and wrapped the bed sheet around me, only to have Derrick pull it down and kiss my nipple before biting it a little. Damn, I held his head in place while he sucked on the nipple. You need to get undressed again.

Can’t, got the wedding rehearsal dinner to get to, and I’m already running late, he kissed me again and stood.

Are you the best man or something? I dropped the bed sheet and pulled on my bathrobe as I followed him to the living room.

The groom, he picked up his wallet and keys from the coffee table as if nothing were out of the ordinary, as if he hadn't just dropped this massive bombshell on me.

The groom, it felt like all the air had been sucked from my lungs. You're getting married this Saturday? he gave me a little nod and stepped towards me.

Look, I’m sorry I didn't invite you. I just thought it’d be a bit awkward you know, he reached out and held my shoulders. After the wedding Francesca and I will be away for two weeks, I’ll give you a call when I get back, he leant in and kissed my cheek. I’ll take you up onto the rooftop and we can fuck under the stars, he went to kiss me but I stepped back. What’s wrong?

What’s wrong? I laughed at him. What’s wrong is that ten minutes ago you fucked me senseless, and now you’re telling me you’re getting married on the weekend, I shook my head at him. There are so many things wrong with that, not least of all the fact that you don't see what’s wrong about it.

Jesus Lil, he looked at me like I was nuts. Me getting married doesn’t change a thing between us. Francesca and I have been engaged for almost two years now, all that’s going to change is next time you and I fuck, I’ll have a damn ring on my finger. He was getting angry now, angry with me for reacting like this. Well he could jam that right up his arse that’s for sure.

You’ve been engaged for two years, do you not think this is something you should have told me?

Not really, it’s not relevant to our arrangement. We’re fuck buddies Lil, that's all. Right from the beginning you said you didn't want a relationship, you were only after someone to satisfy the itch for you, and that’s what I did, he grabbed his suit jacket and pulled it on. I don’t see why you’re getting so upset. I haven’t been sleeping with Francesca, she’s a good catholic girl, she’s been saving herself for marriage, he came back over to me. Nothing has to change Lil, we’re good in bed together, there’s no need to give that up is there? he held my chin and kissed me softly, and unlike it did ten minutes ago, it didn't turn me on one bit. I really have to get going, I’ll give you a call when I get back from the honeymoon, he leant in to kiss my cheek and I almost threw up. As soon as Derrick was out the door, I ran to the bathroom, only just making it in time. 

Ten minutes later, I was still sitting on the bathroom floor sobbing. How could this be? He’d been engaged for two years, which meant they’d been together for even longer. I was the other woman. Just the thought of it made my stomach turn again.

How could I have not known this?

How could he have not thought it important to tell me this?

I didn’t know the answers to those two questions, but I did know this, there was no way Derrick was getting back into my bed ever again.

I picked myself up of the bathroom floor, brushed my teeth, and then found my phone. It only took three rings for her to pick up.

You busy? I had Amber on speaker while I dressed.

Nothing I can’t cancel, what’s up babe? You don’t sound too good.

Get yourself all prettied up, we’re going out to get drunk and talk shit about men, I zipped up my jeans and started riffling through my cupboard for a top to wear.  

Awesome, just how I want to spend my Wednesday night, she sounded slightly sarcastic, but that was Amber. I’ll be out the front of your building in half an hour, she ended the call without saying goodbye, another Amber characteristic. As soon as the conversation was done she was gone, no hanging around for a chitchat with her.

Fourty five minutes later, I slapped a twenty on the bar and ordered a jug of mojito, my pick-me-up drink of choice.

So why exactly are we getting white girl wasted on a school night? Amber raised her glass and clinked it against mine. Cheers big ears.

Derrick’s getting married on Saturday, as soon as I spoke she spat her drink all over me. Jesus Amber, I brushed down the front of my shirt, which now looked like I’d had an unfortunate accident in the bathroom. Don’t waste the alcohol.

Married, this Saturday? she looked just as shocked as I was earlier. Derrick Michaels, your Derrick?

"Turns out he’s not my Derrick, he’s Francesca’s Derrick, I couldn't help the bitchy way the words came out. And you know what else? I gulped back my first glass of the night and looked at her. He wants to keep hooking up with me when he gets back from his honeymoon."

Motherfucker, Amber shook her head as she refilled my glass. I hope you told him where he can stick his dick.

No, I kind of froze. I had so many thoughts running around in my head, but none of them would come out, I knocked back half the next glass. But it is most definitely not happening, no way. I washed back the rest of the delicious liquid. I mean seriously, if he thinks we’re going to keep up our arrangement after he’s married, he’s friggin delusional, I nodded towards my empty glass. I might not have any other options at the moment, but I’m not sleeping with a married man, I just can’t do it, I won’t do it, I don't want to do it.

So are we on the hunt for a new shag buddy? she started looking around the bar. There’s not much talent in here tonight, maybe I can fix you up with one of Jim’s mates, some of them are a bit of okay.

No, I think I need a break for a while, get myself together and figure out what I want, I gulped back the rest of my drink and looked at her glass. Keep up, I’m not getting wasted on my own, that’s no fun.

I’m fine, besides, I don't think I’ll keep up with you tonight no matter how hard I try, she refilled my glass and topped up her own. Don’t you have to work tomorrow?

Yeah, but not until lunchtime, I knocked back another glass. Hit me again.

Jesus Lil, they’re not shots, Amber laughed as she refilled my glass.

We made our way through two more jugs of mojito, and bitched about men the whole time. Let’s go dance, Amber stood and grabbed my hand, dragging me to the dance floor. Shake it off bestie, she put on her best dance moves, even grabbing me by the hands and spinning me around, which was fine until I threw up a little in my mouth. Maybe we should head home. Amber led me from the dance floor and grabbed our bags, but before she could drag me from the bar I skulled the rest of the cocktail straight from the jug.

WHEN MY ALARM WENT off at eleven o’clock on Thursday morning, I knew I was going to have a bad day. My head felt like it was full of cement and my bed sheets smelt like Derrick. Grrrrrrr, I threw his pillow across the room. You're such an arsehole, I yelled at the empty room. This wasn't good. I would not let him ruin me like this. Yes, I’d fallen in love with him, but no, I would not let him break my heart. I was better than that. I was going to get over him. Starting now.

I flew out of bed, which wasn't the smartest thing to do given my pounding headache and queasy stomach, but I kept going. I’d never ripped the sheets off my bed with such force before, and it felt good. Instead of throwing them in the laundry basket, I went straight to the balcony and threw them out into the street below. Next went the pillow that he’d laid his head on the day before, then the toiletries that he’d kept at my place. Once I was satisfied there was nothing left of Derrick in my apartment, I went for a shower.

What are you going to do now girl? I leant back against the wall and asked myself. My mum used to laugh at the way I talked through my problems with myself, she thought it was hilarious, especially when I’d answer back with one option after another. She might have found it funny, but it worked for me. Well, it had until now. Right now, I was drawing a blank, and I didn't like it. Come on, you need to get to work, I reached for the taps and turned off the water. You’ll think of something.

An hour later, I was walking into the kitchen at Mirabella, one of the most upmarket restaurants in the state. I knew as soon as I walked in that the day wasn't going to improve any. You're late, Marcello scowled at me as he shoved his way past. You are patissier tonight, Angelica has called in sick, why is it so hard to find good help? he was still ranting in his thick French accent, which normally would have amused me, but right now, I wasn't in the mood. Marcello was always yelling orders at someone, or going off his nut about one thing or another, something that was going to lead him to a heart attack one day for sure.

Where’s the new girl you hired, wasn't she supposed to start today? I stowed my bag in my locker and turned to him. Did you scare her off already? I grinned at Marcello, which only made him scowl more.

You should watch your tongue, he pointed the filleting knife at me. The sous chef can easily be replaced you know.

Good luck finding someone who will put up with your moods like I do, I leant in and kissed him on the cheek as I walked past. I’m your best sous chef yet and you know it.

Cul intelligént, he shook the knife at me again as he spoke in French this time. Tú as dé la chance je t’aime.

Awww, I like you too Marcello, I pulled on my apron and got to work on the Poire belle Hélène. The only bad thing about being good at making high-end French desserts was tasting them all, and eating all the baking fails. They went straight to my butt every time.

The kitchen was horrendously busy tonight, just what I didn't need with my head pounding the way it was. But I had no one to blame but myself, well, myself and stupid arsehole Derrick. Hope he chokes on his wedding cake.

BY THE TIME SATURDAY rolled around, I’d come to terms with the fact that something in my life needed to change, and by something, I meant me. Being single and not in a meaningful long-term relationship at twenty-six wasn't necessarily a bad thing, it’s just not where I thought I would be. Still, it’s not like I was an old maid yet. There were still plenty of good child bearing years left in me, hell, most women these days weren’t having babies until they were in their thirties, and I was still a few years off that little milestone.

I spent my morning shopping for new bed linen, and I may have bought a new pair of boots, which I totally needed. A girl can never have too many pairs of boots can she? I’d just stepped inside my apartment and dropped all of the shopping onto the floor when my phone rang. Amber had a thing for country music and cowboys, so whenever she called, Luke Bryan belted out a rendition of Country Girl just to let me know it was her.

Heya bestie, what’s up? I flopped into my favourite chair and put my feet up.

I need your help, Josie just bailed on me and so have two of the other casuals. We have a wedding reception to service tonight and I’m short on wait staff, please, please, please, I’m begging you, she sounded so desperate.

Wedding reception, I sat up straighter. Who are the lucky couple?

I don't know, you know Amanda handles all the bookings and I handle the wait staff, all I know is that I need you, please? she was begging me now.

Fine, but if by some god awful twist of fate this is Derrick’s wedding reception, I will not be held responsible for my actions, I pulled the phone away from my ear as Amber squealed in delight. What time do you need me there?

IT WAS JUST ON DUSK when I pulled into the car park at Settlers on the Ridge. I knew the place well. Amanda was my best friend’s sister and she’d started the business about three years ago, and it had been growing every year since. I’d been head chef for a few wedding receptions here, but thankfully today I was only hired to be one of the wait staff. I wasn't sure I was up for the craziness of the kitchen tonight. To say this week had been hectic busy was an understatement.

Hey Lil, Amanda greeted me with a hug. Amber tells me you’re helping me out tonight, she took my bag and stashed it away in her office. I can’t wait for this wedding to be over. The bride has been one of the biggest bridezilla’s ever, and her mother is definitely taking home the trophy for motherzilla-of-the-bride, she’s worse than the bride, Amanda handed me a black vest. Here you go. We have a few newbies on tonight, so I’ll put them on the outer tables, you and Marcus will be waiting on the bridal table and the family tables.

What are the bride and groom’s names? I looked over her shoulder at the table map, which had red dots at the table places of those with special dietary needs. The first thing I noticed was the bridal table had a red dot, right in the centre seating position. If I’m waiting on them I should know their names, I shrugged when she looked at me questioningly.

Francesca is the bride, Derrick is the groom, he’s allergic to dairy so he’ll have a special meal, Amanda put the seating plan on the bench and went to show one of the junior kitchen hands how she wanted the entrée served, and I went in search of Amber.

Amber what the hell? I grabbed her arm and spun her around to face me. Derrick’s wedding, are you fucking kidding me?

I didn't know, I swear. You know I don't handle the bookings, I just provide the wait staff, she pulled me into the storeroom and closed the door. I only found out when I got here, and you were already on your way, besides, I need you, please stay.

She looked so desperate. Damn it. Fine, I’ll stay, Amber leapt forward and grabbed me in a bear hug. But you owe me big time.

Next time we go out the cocktails are on me, she stepped back and grinned at me. And I’ll see if I can snag us a bottle of gin from the bar, compliments of the bride and groom.

Make it two, I followed her back into the kitchen where Amanda was yelling orders at the staff.

Right, Marcus and Lilly, you two lead out with the canapés, remember to smile people, circulate around the room, come back in when your tray has three pieces or less, she clapped her hands and everyone sprung into action.

As soon as I stepped into the grand reception room, my heart sank. This should be my wedding reception, not Francesca’s. The room looked stunning, as it always did for one of Settler’s weddings, but there was something about it this time, something magical.

Five minutes later, I was back in the kitchen swapping an empty tray for a full one, and my cheeks were already sore from smiling at people. I didn't recognise one person in the crowd, which made me think of how little I had been involved in Derrick’s life, other than our twice-weekly hook-ups. I knew none of his friends, or his family. I knew none of his work colleagues, or his sporting buddies. I didn't even know which bank he worked for. I knew nothing about him. It hit me like a slap in the face really. I’d been having sex with this man for the past four years, and I knew nothing about his personal life, other than he worked for a bank and as it turns out, he was a lying deceiving pig. So why did it bother me so much that our arrangement was over?

When the happy couple appeared, the crowd cheered, and I made a quick exit to the kitchen, where I managed to keep myself busy until it was time to serve the entrée. Here goes nothing, I whispered to myself as I took my plates and headed to the bridal table. I walked up behind the bride and sat her plate on the table, and the rude cow didn't even look up at me. Sir, I put the other plate in front of Derrick, the look on his face when he realised it was me was priceless, and I had to hold back a smile as I walked away.

It took every ounce of my will power not to look at him as I helped serve the rest of the room, and it was only when I went back to clear their plates that I looked at him again. How was your appetiser sir? I took the plate from in front of him then moved to take the bride’s plate.

It was lovely, thank you, he sounded flustered, and I loved it. As I was walking away, I heard him excuse himself from the table, telling his wife he was going looking for the bathroom. Excuse me, I knew he was calling out to me, but I didn’t stop. I only had about another ten paces to go until I’d be safely back in the kitchen, and I almost made it. Lil, he spoke through gritted teeth when he caught up to me. 

I spun around and plastered on a fake smile. Yes sir, can I help you?

What the hell are you doing here? he grabbed my arm and led me off to the side of the room.

I’m having the time of my life Derrick. It’s always been my dream to wait tables at the wedding of the man I love, I pulled my arm out of his grasp, and the look on his face told me that my little declaration of love was most unwelcome, well he could jam it, I was done with him. What does it look like I’m doing, I’m helping Amber because she was short staffed, I laughed at him. Oh you think I’m here because I wanted to crash your wedding? I shook my head at him. You think I want to be here to see you get married to someone else? The only reason I’m here is because my best friend needed me, nothing more, nothing less, I went to step around him. You best go back to your bride, she’s looking this way, don't want her asking questions about us now do you? I stepped around him and disappeared into the kitchen.

The main course was plated up and ready to go, with the dairy free version marked with a red dot, as was the system. I pulled the red dot off the dairy free plate and switched the plate with one that had a dairy filled version of the creamy mash. Derrick could spend his night making love to the honeymoon suite toilet bowl, a fitting reward for a two timing jackass like him. Sir, I put the plate in front of him, enjoy your meal, I gave him a polite smile then walked away. If I never saw Derrick Michaels again it would be too soon.

Chapter 2

TOM

I looked at my elderly mother as she shuffled into the kitchen, one hand on her walking stick, the other holding her knitting bag. What are you looking at? she kept talking under her breath as she made her way to the kitchen table. I couldn't make out most of what she was saying, but no doubt it wasn't nice. Shouldn't you be out working, not sitting around in here on your lazy backside?

I’m heading out now, I’ve got deliveries to make, I stood and took my empty coffee mug to the sink. Do you need anything from town?

Did I ask you to get me anything? she scowled as she flopped her large butt onto the chair.

No, I was about to keep speaking when she cut me off.

Then I don't need anything do I?

I left the kitchen without saying another word. My mother might have been in her early seventies, but she had the attitude of a rude indignant teenager sometimes. The thing was, the attitude was never directed at my father or brother’s, or at any of her friends or neighbours. It was only ever directed at me, something that I’d noticed very early in my life.

I had my truck loaded up with today’s deliveries, but I needed to go find my father before heading into town.

Hey Dad, I found him sitting in an old rocking chair in the back corner of the shed. He had an old radio on his lap that he was tinkering with. I don't think it needed fixing, hell, I think it was the same radio he’d been tinkering with since I was a little kid. But the longer he tinkered with the radio, the more time he got to spend out in the shed and away from Mum, and I could totally understand his