In Love in Liver Pool

By Marion Manvell

The story is of a young woman Rachel, living in a loveless relationship and wanting more, the story tells you how she met the partner Andy, how lonely they both where Andy fell in love with Rachel but Rachel never loved him, how Andy had a family and with his ex-wife and how if affected their relation, how she decides to leave Andy and because o

• Language: English
• Publisher: CMD
• Release date: May 8, 2020
• ISBN: 9781952046490

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Copyright © 2020 by Marion Manvell

All right reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodies in critical article and reviews.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The reviews expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty-One

Chapter Forty-Two

Chapter Forty-Three

Chapter Forty-Four

Chapter Forty-Five

Chapter Forty-Six

Chapter Forty-Seven

Chapter Forty-Eight

Chapter Forty-Nine

Chapter Fifty

Chapter Fifty-One

Chapter Fifty-Two

Chapter Fifty-Three

Chapter Fifty-Four

Chapter Fifty-Five

Chapter Fifty-Six

Chapter Fifty-Seven

Chapter Fifty-Eight

Chapter Fifty-Nine

Chapter Sixty

Chapter Sixty-One

Chapter Sixty-Two

Chapter Sixty-Three

Chapter Sixty-Four

Chapter Sixty-Five

Chapter Sixty-Six

Chapter Sixty-Seven

Chapter Sixty-Eight

Chapter One

It was January 1, 2006. Rachel woke up to the sound of the wind outside rustling the trees and whistling down the chimney. As she laid there, Rachel looked at the clock, rubbing her eyes. Shit! It’s 7:45 a.m.! She sighed to herself as she had only been asleep a few hours. Rachel wasn’t sure if she was still drunk or if the hangover just hadn’t kicked in yet.

The night before, they had been drinking heavily, celebrating her brother’s fiftieth birthday and New Year’s Eve combined. Rachel’s sister-in-law had organized a big party for New Year’s Eve, but also a surprise party for everybody to celebrate Robin’s fiftieth birthday. Even though Robin hated birthdays and surprises, it turned out to be a fantastic night.

Dare I move? she said to herself as she wallowed in self-pity. Hearing the gentle snoring next to her, she whispered, Andy. Even whispering seemed loud to Rachel this morning.

Andy was Rachel’s partner of seven years. She loved him but wasn’t in love with him, never had been. He was a nice guy, in the right place at the wrong time, and with the wrong girl, Rachel! They met at secondary school in the early 1980s but never really knew each other.

Andy was in love with himself, as well as his childhood sweetheart, Louise. Back then, they even married. In total they were together about twenty-seven years when one day, Andy found Louise in bed with another man.

Andy wanted to work it out even if it was just for their children, but one day after work he came home as usual and the house was empty, she’d taken everything. Andy just stood in the lounge looking around in shock. Andy and Louise had two children; a boy, Adrian, who’s fifteen, and a girl, Katie, who’s eleven, but when they left, they were only babies.

Everything was gone! The clothes, the wardrobe, even the children’s beds. All that Louise had left was the king size bed and the sofa, because she couldn’t get them out of the house. They were just too big for her and her friends to lift.

Andy had been single for four or five years before bumping into Rachel. Well, he bumped into Rachel on the internet dating site POF, which stands for Plenty of Fish, or as Rachel would say, plenty of weird perverts. But when she was bored it would pass an hour or two of her time. One night after flicking through the television and finding nothing to watch, Rachel decided to go on POF. She searched through who’s hot and who’s not, and up popped Andy’s face. Rachel recognized the face but couldn’t remember where from, so she messaged him.

I know you?

Andy promptly replied, High school, I think?

Rachel answered, Oh my God! Yes, I remember you now!

They chatted for days, even weeks, and agreed to meet for a drink as friends. They were both lonely, and after a few weeks of being friends, Andy asked her out on a proper date.

Rachel didn’t really want to but thought, what the hell! Even though she never saw Andy as boyfriend material or a lover, she still didn’t, and that’s the problem!

After her shower she put the coffee on and picked up the paper from the front door. It was sunny outside by this time, but she could feel the cold coming through the door. Rachel sat and read for what felt like only minutes when she heard Andy was up and about. Rachel heard him getting in the shower and then heard him come down the stairs.

Coffee, Rachel? he asked as he walked through the kitchen door.

Err, yes please, she replied and asked what time it was.

Eleven twenty-five, he replied from the kitchen.

How’s the hangover?

Not too bad but some tablets with this coffee will be helpful.

They sat in silence for a while reading the papers and drinking coffee. As Andy was reading, Rachel looked at him. She felt sorry for him as he so deserved somebody who loved him more than she did. Yes, they slept in the same bed and shared a home together, but they were far from together in Rachel’s eyes. Andy looked tired and slightly grey under the eyes, the effect of all the alcohol last night.

What am I doing with this big-hearted person? Rachel thought to herself. This is the year I sort it all out. If I stay, I stay because I think I could love him, but I thought that years ago when we first met. I thought I could love him, but never have, so that’s it then, I must go, move on, but how? How could I break this man’s heart? The guy who whispers every night to me, I love you, and I respond with the same. The guy who thinks we’re going to be together till we die! Oh God, what have I done? How did I let this relationship get so messed up? I should have known better after the first time we had sex, he couldn’t even get a hard-on, now when I look at him, I feel pity. I don’t even like him touching me! The years we’ve been together, we’ve never had proper sex due to him not being able to get a hard-on, or if he does, he’s not able to keep it. Rachel honestly thought it wouldn’t bother her, but it does. We’ll get through today, back to work tomorrow, and I’ll have to have a think as to what I really want, Rachel thought.

Rachel?

Yes, Andy.

Do you fancy going somewhere this afternoon? To bed, or somewhere?

Ha, ha, ha, you’re so funny, replied Rachel. Yeah, we can go out for the afternoon since we’ve wasted most of the day already and we’re back to work tomorrow.

Okay, replied Andy. Do you want to get dressed and we’ll take a ride to Southport or Liverpool docks? Where would you like to go? asked Andy.

Oh, Liverpool docks, we haven’t been there for years. We used to enjoy walking down the docks when I lived there when we first met, remember?

Yeah, okay, get dressed then.

Rachel shot off the sofa and was dressed before he could blink. Andy, have you got the car keys? asked Rachel.

Err, no, can you pick them up off the side for me please?

Yeah, sure. Do you have any money in your wallet from last night?

Err, no. You drank it all away!

Who drank it all away? I didn’t drink as much as you, replied Rachel.

Well, if we call at the ATM on the way, then we can get some fish and chips if there’s anywhere open, maybe? We will see," replied Andy.

Okay, let’s go, responded Rachel.

Liverpool was only eighteen miles from where Rachel and Andy lived in Carr Mill. It’s a small place just outside of St.

Helen’s, home to the best rugby club in England! Rachel and Andy loved their rugby.

Who’s driving? Rachel shouted.

I am, replied Andy. Having drank the least last night! he added.

Oh, smarty pants. Just because you weren’t in the mood to drink yet again and I was.

Yeah, but Rachel, you always are, replied Andy.

Under her breath Rachel muttered, And you wonder why.

What’s that? shouted Andy.

Nothing, just looking for the keys wondering where they are out loud. Okay, got them. Let’s go.

On the drive down they passed a few places that Rachel used to visit when she lived in Liverpool, but one brought back a memory she hadn’t had in years. It was a van parked on the side of the road and on it was written Christakis Greek Restaurant. Rachel had only ever been to the restaurant once with Nick.

Nick was the reason Rachel was all messed up in her head. He was the only guy she fell in love with. She smiled to herself as they drove by.

Andy looked at her and said, You okay? What are you smiling at?

Rachel looked at Andy and said nothing about Nick. It’s just nice to see the place after such a long time. We only live down the road, we should make the effort a bit more to get out here, she said.

Yeah, we should, Andy replied, not having a clue as to why Rachel was still smiling.

That night years ago at Christakis, Rachel had gone to dinner with Nick for his birthday. It was June 1997, a lovely spring night. Rachel had put on a pocket-sized, purple handkerchief top with two straps at the top and two straps on the back holding it on, with her belly button showing. Her black skirt was knee length but very low at the waist, not leaving much to the imagination. She wore black high heels with holdups; she’d tried stockings, but the belt strap slightly came through the skirt, and as she intended to make this a night Nick wouldn’t forget, Rachel chose the hold-ups.

Nick and Rachel had always had very good banter and there was rarely ever a silent moment when they were together. Rachel remembered she drove that night as she was living at her mums, sleeping on the sofa, while waiting for her flat to go through on the sale. There was a reason she wasn’t staying over at Nick’s that night as she usually would. Rachel casts her mind to the drive back to Nick’s flat, which was only a mile away if that from the restaurant. The flat was on the waterfront at the marina.

As they drove, Nick had had a bit too much to drink over dinner and was in his usual mischievous mood. He started pulling at the ties keeping Rachel’s top up and on.

Rachel couldn’t really do much but laugh and said,

You’ll get us arrested!

Nick was like an octopus, which made driving a little hard to do, but Rachel loved it. They got to Nick’s and he said, No, no, drive to the top of the road.

But it’s a dead end, Rachel said looking confused but curious. She smiled and knew what he was up to, but she carried on, But Nick, why would I want to drive to the top to turn around to drop you off? She smiled, knowing fully what Nick had in mind.

Nick turned to her and said, You ever had sex in a car?

Laughing, Rachel replied, No, why do you ask? I’m a good girl, you know.

Nick laughed and replied, Oh, I know you are. I can’t complain. He was looking at Rachel with those fuck me eyes. I’m only asking because I’m going to fuck you good and hard in the car right now.

As they reached the top of the long driveway where there were parking spaces, Rachel pulled up, and before she knew it, she was topless, and Nick had his mouth around her left breast. Rachel looked around to see if anybody was around. Nobody, she thought, thank God.

Nick we can’t do this here, she said, thinking to herself, God yes, please fuck me.

By this time, Nick had his hand up her skirt and he could feel her warm and wet. Rachel’s heart was pounding as his fingers slipped their way into her panties. She was saying, No, we can’t, but she so wanted it.

She struggled to undo his jeans because his hard-on was so massive. Nick was intensely turned on by the fact that he was going to fuck her here and now. Rachel lifted herself off the car seat slightly so she could put her skirt up to her waist so Nick could put his finger inside her easier. As she felt his gentle fingering, she looked at his cock. It was so hard she wanted it inside her. She put her hand around it and gently moved it up and down. Nick was further turned on. He dodged the hand brake in the middle console of the car, and slightly glancing around, he made sure there wasn’t anybody nearby.

Nick got on top of Rachel and slowly and gently put his hard cock inside her. She took a breath in as it felt so good. She was wet and her insides were pounding as he moved backwards and forwards. There wasn’t much room in the small car, and he seemed to be going deeper inside her than ever before.

Rachel! Rachel!

WHAT?

Who you talking to? asked Andy.

Rachel was miles away thinking of that night with Nick. Don’t start, Rachel replied in a grumpy voice as her thought of that night went out of her head. Rachel carried on, What’s wrong?

Where do you want to park?

Err, down near where my old flat is. You used to be able to park there.

Okay, you’ll have to direct me as I can’t remember how to get there, Andy responded.

Rachel took a minute to get her bearings and directed Andy to where she used to live on the marina across from Nick. If you park at the Marina Bar and Grill car park, you should be okay. Oh, you can’t, it’s all changed here, Rachel said looking at a no parking sign. There you go! There’s a space on the road there in front of my old flat, Rachel said.

Yeah, I see it, replied Andy.

As they were parking, Rachel looked over to her right and looked for her old bedroom window. Andy said, Which one did you used to live in again?

Rachel pointed and said, That one there. The secondfloor window.

Yeah, I remember it now. It was a great flat, Rachel.

Yeah, I know, Rachel said as she silently sighed inside, thinking, if you only knew the fun I had in that flat before I met you!

Andy grabbed Rachel’s hand as they got out of the car. Come on love, let’s walk down the front and on the way back, we can call into the Marina Bar for some food, hey!

Rachel looked at him and smiled. Yeah, let’s do that.

The weather was sunny but had a sharp nip in the air and as they were breathing out, the condensation would leave their mouths making the air look white. Wrapped up in big coats, mittens, and a woollen hat, Rachel didn’t feel the cold too much. She had nice comfortable walking boots on, which were fur lined, so she wasn’t getting cold feet, either. Well, not because of the cold.

The air felt fresh and they could smell the salt in the air as they walked down the front. The waterfront was mixed with old traditional builds, most of which had been turned into flats. The old mills, which are also flats, had been preserved, and most of their original features on the building had been maintained to a high standard. They have modern buildings surrounding them but built in a style that didn’t look odd. The Echo Arena towered on the waterfront and more hotels and new flats had been built towards the town centre.

Rachel’s brain was on overdrive with fond memories.

Rachel looked and smiled at Andy a reassuring smile, one that said, Hi love, I’m having a great time here. Andy smiled back with the same look, but she was 100 percent certain he meant his look—the look of love he always gave her.

Rachel looked out over the Mersey River, watching the seagulls as they played and swooped over the water, diving in looking for food, she imagined. She remembered watching the Queen Elizabeth II sailing from here years ago. Then she flashed back years again, remembering the fun she and Nick used to have walking down the front in the summertime on their way home from nights out in town.

They would be walking down the front and Nick would pull her into him and kiss her, sliding his hand in between her clothes, touching her skin, and working his hands gently to her breast. Rachel would lower her hand to his cock, rubbing the outside of his jeans, feeling how hard he was and knowing she would be fucked as soon as they walked through the door.

Rachel turned and looked at Andy. She again smiled at him. He looked cold. You could see the air coming from his mouth as they walked. His nose was slightly red from the nip in the air. She wondered was this it? Is Andy her life? Should she marry him like he wants? All these questions went through her head, but then again, he has a temper, acts like a spoiled child, and argues all the time at the littlest of things.

He seems to think that bullying is the way to get a person to do what he wants in a relationship. Not a physical type of bullying, where a man would hit a woman, but the mental type, mind games. Rachel wasn’t too sure which was the worse type. Some days she loved Andy and thought to herself, well, I could do worse in marrying him. Then he would have a tantrum for no reason or overreact over the smallest of things, like when he was making jacket potatoes and she commented on them tasting much better if done in the oven. He turned and said, Who’s doing this? I’m sick of this. You asked me to cook and then push your nose in. You do this all the time. This would be at the top of his voice, usually throwing whatever he has in his hands or banging a door.

At first, Rachel would try and console him, but now after so many years she couldn’t even be bothered responding to it, which in some ways made him worse. But Rachel was tired of it all, many a time she would think to herself, why am I here? Well, she knew exactly why, and it was for all the wrong reasons.

They carried on walking and eventually ended up at a pub called the Pump House, which used to be the actual old pump house from when the docks were vibrant with ships coming in with all their goods. It was a pretty building with all original features on the outside and warmth inside.

Andy, Rachel said, do you fancy calling in for a coffee?

Yeah, good idea.

They walked through the door and there were a few people in. Two blokes stood at the bar leaning on one elbow each with a glass of beer in the other hand, and they were deep in conversation moving their arms occasionally as they talked. There was a group of people sitting around a small oblong table. They looked like they were a family; two older people, man and woman, which could have been the parents of the middle-aged person with them.

The lady behind the bar smiled a warm smile as they walked towards her. Yes, what can I get you? she asked.

Andy looked at Rachel first then said, I’ll have a latte for me please, if you do them. Rachel, what would you like? Rachel smiled and said, May I have an Americano please?

The lady said, Any flavor of latte for you, sir?

Gingerbread please, Andy replied.

And would you like milk on the side for the Americano? the lady asked as she looked at Rachel.

No thank you, Rachel responded.

Rachel looked at two seats near the fire and pointed as she looked at Andy and said, Over there okay for you?

Andy nodded. You go and sit down. I’ll get the drinks, okay?

Rachel walked over and took her coat off so she wouldn’t get too warm in the pub. She looked around the bar, wondering why she and Nick never came in there. Then she watched Andy at the bar as he flirted with the bar staff. He was a good-looking guy, but Rachel never felt anything for him. When looking at him across a room, she needed to feel like she wanted to run over and rip his clothes off. He was always just the safest bet. The type of man to take home to your parents. They didn’t have the same sense of humor, either, and she felt guilty as sin for how she felt about him, or how she didn’t in this case.

She thought when they met, they should have just stayed friends, but she didn’t think Andy would have been capable of that. He was too needy. Maybe she should have just walked away, but then thinking back, she had nowhere to go and that made her a very shallow person, so maybe she deserved being where she is right now.

Andy walked across the pub to Rachel, smiling after flirting with the bar staff. Rachel looked at him and said, Did you have fun?

What? Andy replied, smiling like the Cheshire Cat.

You were flirting with the staff, Rachel said.

No, I wasn’t. What makes you say that?

Err, nothing, Rachel replied, nothing at all. Changing the subject, Andy said, This is nice.

Rachel smiled, but inside she was thinking, is it?

Yeah, she replied, a lovely place. Sometimes she felt like she was with a total stranger.

They sat drinking their coffees in silence. Rachel watched Andy look around the pub. She tried to think of something to say but came up blank.

Andy broke the ten-minute silence by asking, Lovely coffee, want another one?

Rachel looked at her glass and said, Yeah, lovely.

Same again? Andy asked.

Yes please.

As Andy went to the bar, Rachel looked at a couple that had walked in five minutes after they had. They looked so comfortable with each other and her heart sank. Deep, deep down, she knew it was going to be a harder year than all the other years, as she knew deep down how much she wanted to leave Andy. But she hated the thought of breaking his heart. She didn’t love him, and it wasn’t fair to him.

They didn’t have anything in common. His hobbies were gardening and the koi carp he buys for his pond, and watching rugby, not quite mountain climbing was it? No white-knuckle ride for Andy. No, Andy was a safe player, nothing too exciting for him. He kept his feet on the ground and that was part of the problem.

Rachel was outgoing. She loved to party and try anything within reason; horse riding, scuba diving, motor bikes, flying planes, she’d tried it all. It was only when she lost her job and took such a pay drop with another job, then she found the job she had now, which was better pay but still it all stopped.

She hungered for it all again. She couldn’t even remember the last concert she had been to.

Every time she’d ask Andy if they should go to Snowden for a walk, he’d look at her and say maybe, but it just never happened. Deep inside of her she has been bubbling like a volcano, and this volcano was about to erupt. Her hunger to do something, great sex, good sex, just sex, she needed something.

Andy returned to their table at the pub. There you go love. What are you thinking? Andy asked as he passed Rachel her coffee. You look miles away.

Oh, nothing, Rachel replied. I’m just feeling the effect of the hangover kicking in.

Really? Andy said in disbelief.

Well, I was thinking we should book a holiday this year, Maldives or somewhere maybe I can get a dive in.

Andy looked at her and said, Well, I don’t know, we have the house to redecorate.

Yeah, but we need a holiday too, Andy. It’s been five years since we’ve been away and that was only to Wales. Don’t get me wrong, I love Wales, but I, no we, need a holiday.

Well, let’s sort it out then, Andy replied.

Really, you sure? Rachel said in disbelief.

Yeah. We haven’t had a holiday in ages. Let’s see how much money we have once we’ve finished decorating the house and we’ll go.

Rachel knew it was asking too much, so she smiled a crooked smile and said, Funny, aren’t you?

Andy looked at her and smiled. Only joking. We’ll have a look and book somewhere, okay? I’ll have a look next week and see what offers are on.

I fancy America or somewhere tropical where I can go diving and horse riding, Rachel said.

What am I supposed to do? Andy quickly replied.

You can learn to dive and come with me.

I don’t like swimming, why would I want to learn to dive?

Well, you can sit on the deck and have a few beers, sunbathe, and get a good tan.

Yeah, I suppose that doesn’t sound too bad/ Andy nodded.

Rachel sighed with relief thinking she’d started a battle. Maybe he was changing? There again, only time would tell, and even if he does start trying to accommodate her with her hobbies more, the question was would that be enough? Rachel remembered in her past life she was a sex addict! She and Andy didn’t have sex, they played around, but since he couldn’t get a hard-on, that’s as far as it ever got. She was lusting for sex, being thrown around a bedroom, her clothes being ripped off, being pushed to the bed and fucked like she’d never been fucked before, and this was just never going to happen with Andy.

After finishing their coffees, they made a slow walk back to the car. Rachel looked at her watch; it was four p.m. I wondered why it was going dark. I didn’t realize the time, she said to Andy.

Yeah, it’s been a nice afternoon. I’m just gutted that we have to go to work tomorrow, replied Andy,

Yeah, total bummer, Rachel quickly said.

We have a stock take, too, Andy continued, I may go in early tomorrow, would you mind, Rachel? Just so we can get it over and done with.

Rachel replied, No problem, thinking he would be out of the house and she would be able to get ready for work in peace. I’m only in for nine a.m. tomorrow, she continued, not sure what time I’ll be finishing. I’ll get off early if I can, it’s only two days in anyway."

Once at home, Rachel shouted to Andy, I’m going to get a bath, love."

Yeah, no worries, Andy answered back.

Rachel sat on the side of the bath and poured in her bubbles, swaying the water with her hand to get better bubbles in her water. The smell of lavender was very relaxing, and once the bath was full, Rachel slowly lowered herself in.

Seconds later, Andy walked in with a glass of red wine and said, I thought you’d enjoy one of these.

Oh yes, replied Rachel. Thank you very much.

Want your back washed while I’m here?

No thanks. It’s okay, I’m just going to soak for a while.

Okay, shout me if you want any more wine.

Will do, thank you. Rachel laid back in the bath and closed her eyes.

Chapter Two

The next morning, the alarm went off at 5:45 a.m. Andy got up and showered.

You want a coffee? asked Rachel.

Yeah, I’ll have a quick one, then I’ll have to go.

Okay, no worries.

Andy came down and Rachel presented him with his coffee. Oh, that’s good, thanks love.

I’m going for my shower; will you be gone when I come down? asked Rachel.

Err, yeah I will be.

Okay. I’ll text you later today to see how your day’s going.

Andy kissed Rachel and she went up to the shower. Rachel heard Andy leaving the house and she rested her head on the tiled wall. She wondered how to put this all right. Can I find Andy a new girlfriend maybe? But where would I find one and how would I get them to meet? No, that would be too complicated, or would it?

Oh God! Rachel shouted out with frustration.

Okay, what does Andy like in a woman? Me, but just not me! Ha, if only it was that easy! He needs a mother to cook and wash for him; somebody who is very patient, very, very patient! She must be pretty but as Andy says, not too thin, so when he gives her a hug, he doesn’t hit himself in the face.

It would have to be under Andy’s steam that she could get this happening, but knowing Andy, he’d never leave her for another woman.

Driving to work she was still trying to think of how to set Andy up with another woman.

Morning Rachel.

Morning Pam. Pam was the manager of the buying team where Rachel worked. Pam had known Rachel a few years and was quite a good friend to Rachel.

You have a nice break, Rachel?

Yeah Pam.

Really? Because your face isn’t saying that!

Rachel put her handbag down on the desk and asked,

Pam, you’ve met Andy, haven’t you?

Yeah.

Well—

Well what, Rachel? asked Pam.

Oh, I don’t know, replied Rachel.

You want to leave him? Pam replied.

No! Yes. Oh, that’s the problem. I don’t know what I want! You know how I told you of his little problem not being able to get it up, to get a hard-on?

Pam smiled a very mischievous smile. Yes, why?

Well, I need sex!

Then go out and get yourself some!

What? Rachel said in astonishment.

You heard me, Rachel. You need sex and Andy can’t. So have an affair or a one-night stand. I mean, how long have you gone without sex? Who was the last person you had sex with? Because we all know it wasn’t Andy!

Pam, behave! Rachel said in embarrassment.

Why? It’s the truth, Pam replied."

I know, Pam, Rachel said with gritted teeth. I was thinking the same thing yesterday, or something along those lines. Well, I was thinking about sex, anyway.

Really? Pam said. Pull up a chair and tell me more.

Rachel looked at her and said, Okay, I have ten minutes. Andy and I went to Liverpool yesterday and it brought back a few memories.

Of whom? Pam asked with eagerness in her voice.

Nick, an old flame, answered Rachel.

Where’s Nick now and why did you two break up?

Nick was my boss at a firm I worked years ago, Rachel explained.

Pam gave her a funny look and said, Did you get fired for shagging the boss?

No, the company went bust.

Pam laughed. I like my version better.

Pam and Rachel both laughed at Pam’s comment.

Pam, you’re wrong, you know?

Yeah, I know, but come on, why did you two finish?

Because of his daughter, Rachel answered.

Yeah, kids can be hard.

Pam, the bitch was twenty-four and she was a spoiled brat. Her boyfriend had kicked her out and she moved in with her daddy. She hated the fact he was happy and getting some while she wasn’t!

Oh my God, really?

Really! Anyway, I often wonder what he’s up to.

Do you have his number?

No, I deleted it when we split up.

Have you tried to find him on Facebook? Pam asked.

Yeah, he’s on Facebook, Rachel answered.

Then message him! Pam shouted out.

What would I say? He’s more than likely with somebody anyway. Nick wasn’t one for being single.

Rachel, if I was you and I needed sex as much as you do, not that I do, just letting you know I get loads of sex, but I would go find this guy. It’s a new year, wish him a Happy New Year, and if he replies, bonus! What have you got to lose?

Oh, let me think, everything! Rachel replied.

It’s never as bad as it seems, Pam continued.

Okay, what if I do message him and he replies, then what? Rachel looked Pam in the eyes as she asked this question.

Just see, Pam replied. He may not even reply, and if he does, just remind him what he’s missing.

Pam, I’m going online to get you some help, Rachel replied in a sarcastic manner.

Already in therapy, Rachel, Pam replied laughing.

I’ve got work to do, replied Rachel in a moody tone.

Pam laughed. Don’t forget who’s getting sex. It’s not you.

Rachel looked at Pam and said, You’re such a bitch at times!

Don’t forget, Rachel, I’m your boss. I’m not wrong.

Yeah, yeah, you’re still a bitch, Rachel said smiling as she left Pam’s office. Okay, catch you later. Which account do you want me to look at first, boss?

Pam smiled and said, Any of them, dear. I’m getting sex.

Rachel gave Pam the "you need to go there?" look.

Rachel sat at her desk and turned her computer on. She thought, no I can’t just message somebody I haven’t spoken to for years, can I? It’s very tempting though.

The morning passed quickly. Pam walked past Rachel’s desk like a naughty child. I’m getting sex, she whispered passing, then walked back the other way saying, Rachel isn’t getting sex.

Rachel smiled. I’ll get you, bitch, she whispered to Pam.

Pam looked back smiling. Hey Rachel, what are you doing for lunch? she asked.

Staying away from you!

Now, now, that’s not nice. I’m off shagging the boss. If my husband calls, don’t tell him.

Pam was married to the boss, so he wasn’t going to call. Pam and her husband were great people to work for and would often go off at lunchtime.

Rachel sat and looked around the practically empty office. People had booked the two days off or had gone out for their lunches. She reached in her bag for her purse. I’m going to the shop, does anybody want anything? she shouted through the office.

No thanks, Rachel. There were only a few people still at their desks.

Rachel made her way out of the office to a small shop on the corner, bought a chicken salad sandwich, and returned to her desk.

Pam was still out, so Rachel went on eBay for fifteen minutes to kill some time. God, I’m bored, Rachel said to herself. She reached for her phone and called Andy.

Hi love. How’s your day going? she asked Andy.

Rachel, can I give you a call back, love? I’m up the wall with this stock take.

Yeah, sure, catch you later.

Love you, Andy said.

Yeah, you too, Rachel responded hanging up.

Rachel opened her sandwich and looked at it as if the life had left it. She checked the date on it before she took a bite.

Okay, maybe I’ll take a look at Facebook, she said to herself. She searched Facebook for Nick Booker. Rachel glanced around the office feeling guilty about looking for Nick.

Nick’s page quickly popped up on Facebook. Should I? she asked herself. I’m only wishing him Happy New Year, no harm in that, she thought to herself.

Rachel typed out the words, Happy New Year Nick. Hope you’re well. She then hovered over the send button for a few minutes. No, I can’t. It’s wrong and not fair to Andy. What am I thinking? SHIT! It sent. I didn’t hit send. Did I? SHIT!

Within seconds there was a message back. Oh my God!

Rachel nearly choked on her cup of coffee. Happy New Year Missus. The last we talked you never wanted to speak to me again! How you doing? Rachel looked around to see if anybody could see what she was up to. The coast was clear.

She answered the message, I’m good, thank you. How are you? Rachel hit reply thinking to herself, well, it would be rude not to, also thinking to herself, it’s a new year and it’s a text message. No harm in sending a text is there?

Rachel wasn’t sure if she was asking herself this question or just reassuring herself it was okay to text.

I was wondering how you are? Nick replied.

God, what am I thinking? He’s only being polite. He doesn’t want to talk to me.

Nick sent another text straight away. Are you married then?

Why is he asking me if I’m married? Rachel thought to herself. No not married, don’t think I’ll ever get married again, are you seeing anyone? Rachel replied.

Yes and no. I live with somebody but there’s going to be changes this year, Nick replied.

Really? Like what? Rachel asked.

Well why don’t we have a coffee and we can talk? Nick replied.

Wow. Rachel didn’t know what to do.

Another message came. What’s your phone number? I’ll ring you.

Oh, God! Rachel thought, do I give him my number? But before she could answer her own question her fingers had replied and hit send, sending the number. What have I done? thought Rachel.

Another message came through. I’ll give you a call in a bit if that’s okay?

Rachel replied, yeah sure, that’s fine. I often think of you, you know.

Yeah, me too, replied Nick.

After about an hour, Rachel’s phone rang. It was a number she didn’t recognize, so she knew it would be Nick. She gingerly answered the phone, Hello!

A cheery voice at the other end replied, Hello, Missus. His voice sent tingles down Rachel’s spine.

Hello, Nick, she replied in an upbeat voice. How are you?

I’m great, Rachel.

Rachel continued, I’ve often wondered what you’ve been up to. I was in Liverpool yesterday walking down the front with my partner, Andy. Do you remember when we used to walk back to yours after a night out that way?

Ha, ha, yes I do. Do you remember all the great sex we had too? Nick replied.

Yeah, I do. As a matter of fact, replied Rachel, we didn’t really have a relationship though, did we? It was just sex only wasn’t it? Rachel couldn’t help herself bringing the subject up as she was still hurt at the way he dumped her.

We had some fun, Missus, Nick quickly replied. Do you remember when we were in work and we thought everybody had gone and I took you over my desk? No longer had you pulled up your panties and somebody walked in to say goodbye. We nearly shit ourselves!

Yeah, Rachel replied. I remember giggling like a school kid."

I remember everything as if it was yesterday, Nick continued. I remember every inch of your body and every time we were together making love. I miss the tattoo on your bum.

Rachel laughed. Oh my God, Nick! We should have sex again. Rachel hadn’t realized that she’d just asked her ex for sex until it was too late.

Oh my God! Rachel’s heart started racing. What have I said? she thought to herself.

It only took seconds for Nick to realize what Rachel had said. Laughing he replied, YES! I’d love to.

Rachel nearly wet herself. Her heart was racing so much, she could hear it in her head. She looked around the office to see if anybody was listening to her conversation. The office was practically empty. She could feel her face burning, yet she was so excited at the thought of it really happening.

Rachel quickly said, Okay, let’s do this! She couldn’t think straight by this time; she was nervous, excited, and worried all at once. She continued, We’ll have to find somewhere to go as I can’t take you to my flat. I live with somebody.

That’s okay, Nick replied. "We’ll sort something out.

I’ll ring you Monday if that’s okay?"

Yeah, sure, Monday’s fine, only in working hours though, Rachel said.

Okay, no problem, Nick replied. Speak to you then.

Rachel put her phone down. Her heart was beating rapidly, yet she smiled to herself and thought, what the hell, nothing has happened yet, and if I get cold feet I can always back out.

She looked at her computer but couldn’t concentrate on work. She then thought to herself, I need to delete everything on my phone. Even though there was nothing but a few texts she didn’t want Andy to see, she went through her messages and deleted them, making sure the threads were all deleted too.

Chapter Three

Pam walked into the office after her lunch and Rachel quickly looked up. Her face must have been full of guilt. Pam looked at Rachel and said, What’s up with you, Rachel? You okay?

Rachel’s face glowed. Yes, I’m fine, she replied.

Why?

You look all flustered, that’s all, said Pam. You sure you’re okay?

Rachel smiled and said, Yeah, sorry I was miles away when you came in. I’m good, thanks.

Okay, you know where I am if you need me, replied Pam.

Thanks Pam, Rachel replied, thinking to herself, I’m not saying anything to anybody. Nothing will happen anyway, so I’ll just keep Nick under wraps for now.

A text message suddenly beeped on her phone. Oh my God, she thought, hoping it was Nick. It was Andy.

What’s for tea, love?

She smiled and took a breath in. Tea? Yeah right, as if I can think of food right now,