Aiden Lewis Octet Book 7 - Struggles: Aiden Lewis Octet, #7

By Yvonne Marrs

Everyone is struggling - Justin with his mental and physical health; Nicole with coping with the demands of looking after her poorly spouse; Lynn with trying to split herself in two dealing with both Aiden's and Justin's health problems.

As grateful as Aiden is to have his family around to help and support him, he cannot shake the feeling that he is a terrible burden to them all. Charlotte moves in, temporarily at least, to help Nicole as Lynn and Justin are staying in Brighton with James and Jonathan while Justin recuperates.

Harry and Ann too are nearby to help out, despite having their family double overnight when Harry's children from his first marriage suddenly come to live with them. His wedding to Ann is planned as a simple affair - but nothing is ever simple.

Find out how the family cope with all of their struggles in the second to last book in the series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WTSMP Publications
• Release date: Apr 18, 2018
• ISBN: 9798201644543

Yvonne Marrs

Invernesian Yvonne Marrs (1982-present day) has loved writing for as long as she can remember, moving to the London area at the age of 19 to pursue her dream of becoming a published author. Yvonne graduated from UHI (Inverness College) with an HND in Administration and Information Management, a set of skills she puts to good use to organise herself and her work - especially as she has her own publishing company, WTSMP Publications. Currently Yvonne has published several fictional series - the 'When The Sax Man Plays' series, the 'Football Crazy' series, the 'Aiden Lewis octet', 'Can't Buy Health' series and 'Undeserved'. Yvonne dreamt up the idea that formed the "When The Sax Man Plays" (WTSMP) series after falling in love with saxophone music, and being inspired by Leona Lewis' dream X Factor win. To throw an ordinary person in an ordinary job, with an extraordinary talent into superstardom is the story behind WTSMP. The central character, Jason Bottelli is such a person, although we soon discover he is far from ordinary! If you like your fiction easy going, entertaining, enthralling and heart-warming, you'll fall in love with the musical romance that is the WTSMP series. The ever popular "Football Crazy" series follows our central character, Aiden Lewis, as he rises through the football ranks. From club player to International sensation; through to his management career, leading England into the World Cup and then his brother's local team, the London Giants, from nowhere into the Premiership as the series progresses. Aiden's story continues with the 'Aiden Lewis octet', finishing with 'Undeserved'. There are standalone books as well as those in a series: 'Castiliano Vulgo' - a fictional work on 16th Century London life written using both Elizabethan English and Modern English. 'Inexorable' - a murder erotica written as part of the NaNoWriMo challenge in 2016. 'Putting the Visible into So Called Invisible Illnesses' - a work of 50 poems about living with invisible illnesses, as Yvonne does. 'Harbourtown Murder' - a murder mystery set in fictional Cornwall where a stray cat is the only witness.

Book preview

Chapter 1

––––––––

It was six months to the day since she had seen Justin.

Having double checked the address for what seemed like the millionth time, Lynn brushed the imaginary lint from her jumper, ran her fingers through her hair and gave herself a mental shake.

She wasn't quite sure of the purpose of this unannounced visit: it was unusual that she couldn’t put it into words. All she knew was that she wanted to see him. They would go from there. Decision made, she was ready.

However, outside the door, she hesitated. Would he want to see her? Would Justin even be in?! She had come all this way without checking first. Inwardly, she castigated herself for being so stupid. There was only one way to find out.

Pressing the doorbell, she heard the chimes ring out, subconsciously holding her breath when she heard footsteps on the other side of the door. High pitched barking broke out, and she heard him speak reassuringly to the animal before the lock turned.

The comforting familiarity of his voice was overridden by shock. Justin had a dog?! Since when? She was still frowning as he opened the door.

Lynn? His voice was filled with surprise. He started to step towards her to hug her, but stopped himself. Then the dog made an escape attempt. Quickly Justin grabbed the collar, regaining control. Wils, he tutted, be nice. He told the animal, smiling at Lynn and stepping back to let her in. He's harmless. He explained to her. He won't bite, but he might lick.

Lynn nodded, stepping inside as she was bade and going with her instinct to squat down towards the dog. She smiled as the poor creature hobbled over to her slowly on his three legs, sniffing her outstretched hands as if to check her out before offering up a friendly lick.

He's doing the sympathy limp. Justin smiled. He does it to everyone he meets for the first time. You'll soon see him running around.

Is he a greyhound? Lynn smiled as the animal rubbed against her, feeling the warmth from his small body as she stroked him.

A whippet. Justin corrected. A social reject, like me. He gave her a sad smile. I wish I'd known you were coming. He looked around the almost bare apartment. I would have brought in provisions. He hesitated. This is Wilson.

Wilson? Lynn frowned.

They gave him a Wilson tennis ball to play with at the animal shelter to cheer him up. He won't go anywhere without it. Justin looked from her to Wilson with a fondness in his eyes. It seemed natural to call him that.

Lynn laughed, but kindly.

Come and sit down. I'll make tea if you'd like one? Justin offered. Be warned, he will sit on your feet. He shrugged. I'm used to it now, but it's strange the first few times.

Lynn smiled. Thanks for the warning.

Tea or coffee?

No, thank you. Lynn sat on the chair opposite the sofa and Justin got the message: he wasn't to sit beside her.

He sat on the sofa, watching as Wilson trotted over to Lynn to sniff her trousers before committing himself to lying across her feet.

She laughed softly. He's sweet. How long have you had him?

Two weeks. We're about used to each other now. He frowned, seeing the dog was nosing Lynn's leg. Wils, don't be a nuisance.

He wants attention. Lynn realised.

He always wants attention. Justin rolled his eyes. He is the soppiest dog I've ever met. If you ignore him, he'll lie down in a few minutes.

Lynn hesitated, bending to pat Wilson's head before returning her attention to Justin. I should've called ahead. I'm sorry to turn up unannounced.

It's okay. Justin smiled at her. It's lovely to see you. He too hesitated. How are you?

I'm okay. How are you? She turned the question on him.

I'm... Better. Justin replied simply. I don't expect anything from you. He said suddenly. Have you brought the divorce papers?

Lynn gasped at him in horror.

I'm sorry, I assumed that was why you were here. I haven't heard from you since... He shrugged, his gaze dropping to his lap.

The overall mood in the room clouded. Wilson gave a start and got up, lurching over to lick his feet until Justin laughed and pulled him off. Wilson huffed, and curled up by Justin's feet, his sorrowful gaze on Lynn across the room. It was as if he knew the history between the pair, Lynn couldn't help thinking.

No, Justin. I... She stopped. I'm not sure I want a divorce.

If you do, I won't stand in the way. He told her. Looking her in the eye, he added. I burnt my bridges, I know. I don't expect any of you to forgive me.

Of course we forgive you. Lynn said softly. It wasn't you, Jay. She shook her head. You were not yourself. It would be wrong to hold that against you. She pulled herself to sit on the edge of the chair, leaning towards him.

I wouldn't blame you if you did. Justin's voice had dropped several octaves.

No, Jay. Lynn shook her head. You have a good heart. Sometimes these things get on top of us.

He nodded solemnly, keeping quiet. What happened was inexcusable. He whispered into the awkward developing silence.

Wilson looked up at him then and whined when he saw Justin's miserable expression.

I'm not here to talk about the past. Lynn spoke when she saw he'd pulled himself together a little.

You're not? He looked up at her in shock.

No. She gave him a kind smile. I'm here to talk you into coming home.

Justin inhaled sharply. No. He shook his head.

Lynn frowned. Don't be selfish, Justin. I know you've had a tough time, but your brother needs you. She blushed. I need you. She said quietly.

You're just saying that. He shook his head.

I'm not. Lynn got up and crossed the room, kneeling beside Wilson by Justin's feet. I denied myself of the truth, until now. The second I saw you, I realised. Her voice cracked, and her vision clouded with tears. Jay, please.

I can't. I disgraced myself. His voice was hollow.

Nothing has changed. We still love you. Lynn told him, taking his hands in hers. She looked around the apartment; at the naked walls. You can't stay here.

Why not? He pulled his hands away then.

You don't want to, Jay. You haven't even settled in properly.

He scoffed. I've been here three weeks, Lynn. Be realistic. I had nothing to begin with.

She shook her head, realising he was right. Think about it. That's all I'm asking.

I will. He nodded.

Wilson too. She added. You're both welcome, anytime. It's good he is a whippet, so he won't shed hair. They're one of the best dogs for asthmatics.

I knew I had to take him. Justin's voice was distant. He has half an ear, three legs and mismatched eyes. Nobody wanted him, but he's so full of love. We fit together, being social misfits. He's the perfect companion, and he's always pleased to see me.

Lynn wondered if that was a deliberate barb, but Justin's expression hadn't changed. Wilson sat up, knowing he was being talked about, looking between the pair.

Justin looked at her then. It's been six months, Lynn. Why didn't you call, or write?

I thought you would benefit from some space. She began.

Oh really? There was sarcasm in his voice.

Yes. Her voice lowered. I know I'm overbearing at times. She confessed. I'm going to change.

What happened that made you realise this? Justin's intuition prickled.

Aiden. Lynn said simply. I don't want us to lose him and you're not there. You should be with him.

Guilt bit Justin. I want to be there. He said slowly.

If I call you, and you don't make it in time, I... I couldn't live with myself, Jay. Lynn confessed. You need to be there. We need you there. We need to make it work, for everyone's sake.

Slowly Justin nodded, absentmindedly scratching Wilson's ear. We'll work something out.

Lynn positively beamed. We will. She agreed emphatically.

Wilson looked up at her and wagged his tail.

What? She asked him.

He got up then, leaving the room but soon returning with his lead in his mouth. Dropping it beside her, he looked at her pleadingly.

Do you want to take Lynn for a walk, Wils? Justin smiled, picking up his lead. Should we take her to the beach?

Wilson wagged his tail.

Justin laughed and looked at Lynn. I'm assuming you don't have to rush off. Would you like to come for a walk with us?

Lynn smiled at him. I'd love to.

Justin frowned then. Have you got a coat in the car? It's chilly out today.

I do. Lynn nodded. I'll get it on the way. She smiled at him. If you can wait that long. She said to Wilson.

He's very patient. Justin informed her. I'll let you take his lead if you promise to keep a tight hold.

Of course I will. She nodded. I'm going to hold on to both of you. She smiled at him, linking her arm through his.

Chapter 2

––––––––

Slipping her arms into the sleeves of her jacket, Lynn took a moment to collect her thoughts before relocking the car and heading over to her awaiting companions.

Her smile was carefree and genuine: it reassured Justin and reminded him of their love. She stopped beside them and Justin hesitated, feeling an urge to kiss her.

As she frowned, the spell was broken. What's wrong? She asked, her tone guarded.

Nothing. He shook his head, putting his free hand into his pocket as the mood between them slipped. Looking down at Wilson, who was watching them patiently, his smile returned. C’mon then. He said to him, beginning to walk.

Wilson happily trotted beside him, tail wagging. Lynn shook herself and fell into step with him. It was the weirdest idea to think that she was walking beside her husband, but he seemed like a complete stranger to her. She knew it was up to her to break the ice, and get their comfort level back.

Is this your usual walk?

It's the simplest one. Justin explained. I use it as my reflection time.

Lynn nodded. Brighton beach wasn't dissimilar to Eastbourne beach: underfoot the stones made a satisfying crunch.

Justin looked at her suddenly. When do they expect you... back? He couldn't bring himself to say the word 'home'.

Lynn sighed. I wasn't sure how long we'd be. She confessed. Nic will be alright for a while. She's perfectly capable. She corrected herself. Aiden's not that bad, yet. She shook her head.

But he will be. Justin's voice was flat.

Giving him a sympathetic look, she linked her arm through his. He has us. She reminded him. It's miraculous we still have him.

Sorrowfully, Justin nodded. I had to keep in touch. Nic's been... good to me.

Lynn nodded. She's a real star. She smiled. I had no idea my meddling would work out so well. She teased.

Justin smiled. You mean well with your meddling. He admitted. Mostly. He flinched with the realisation.

Lynn too winced. She changed what she was going to say, recalling her new mantra. Will he be okay off the lead?

Justin looked at her quizzically.

Do you throw his ball for him to chase? You said he can run. She added.

Justin smiled then. He certainly can. He looked around to check there were no other dogs nearby to present Wilson with any danger, then bent to unclip his lead. Okay, boy. He teased the ball from his mouth. Ready?

Wilson stood eagerly beside him, making Lynn smile. She watched as Justin sent the ball into the air, bouncing on the stones far further than Justin's throw. Wilson took off like a rocket after it.

Wow. Lynn laughed. Look at him!

Justin's smile was a beam. There's something beautiful about watching a whippet run.

Lynn was in awe. His accident makes no difference to how fast he is, does it?

Justin shook his head. It doesn't seem to. His expression changed. I don't know what happened to him in the past, but I'm determined he'll have a good life with me. He smiled as Wilson skidded to a halt, retrieved the ball and pranced proudly back to them.

They both laughed at his display, both telling him how good and clever he was as he drew near. Justin crouched to his level as Wilson approached, dropping the ball at Lynn's feet.

Oh. Lynn said, also crouching down. I'm allowed to play too? Thank you, Wilson, I'm honoured. She flinched as her dry fingers touched the drool soaked tennis ball, quickly releasing it.

Without hesitation, Wilson shot off again after it.

I like that you look after him, and he looks after you. Lynn said.

Justin turned towards her, pivoting on his heels in the stones. He realised there was no reasonable answer to that. Lynn was close enough to him to be within reach. Again, he felt the urge to kiss her. He'd missed her dreadfully.

He licked his lips nervously. It's so good to see you.

She smiled at him, catching a wisp of his regular aftershave on the wind. It's good to be here.

Blushing then, she caught herself feeling turned on, although she hadn't encouraged the thought for an age. Leaning towards him, she was kissing him before she could think. Jolting back suddenly, she almost lost her balance; Justin grabbed her in time.

Steady. He said.

I'm sorry, Jay...

He smiled. No need to apologise. Speaking softly, he put his arms around her and as he was about to say something else, Wilson arrived back, jumping onto both of them.

They broke apart, and Justin felt a little cheated from his moment, but he couldn't be annoyed with Wilson; it wasn't his fault. Making a fuss over him, Justin then sent him out on another run, but the moment was gone: Lynn had stood up and dusted herself down uncomfortably. He too stood, watching Wilson run.

I've missed you so much, Jay. Lynn whispered,