CORAL - Forever (A Romance Trilogy, Book 3) (5 page)

“No luck?” I grumble. He looks across to Gladys then back to
me. Taking a deep breath, he walks over to Gladys, gets down on one knee and
takes her hand in his.

“We have another date Ms Stevens?” Gladys gasps with glee.

“Oh Malcolm!” She cries and falls into his arms. The biggest
smile spreads across my face.

I look across at Rob, who rolls his eyes at the whole
situation. Then throws the Hello magazine on the floor that’s been hiding the
Wedding magazine he’s been secretly reading.

He casually flicks a page and winks at me –
Git! I want
to know what dress he’s found.

“When?” I ask Malcolm.

“In a month’s time,” he beams. “Cancellation, just like you
said Coral.”
I better be back to normal by then!

“Right, well now that’s all sorted. I would like to know the
whereabouts of my fiancé?”
I’m missing him so much.

“He should be here shortly we’ve only just had dinner. Tristan
said he was going back to his to shower and change.” Gladys says. –
Hmm,
maybe he’s fallen asleep?
“I made my famous steak and ale pie,” she adds rubbing
her stomach.

My mouth instantly starts watering.“With puff pastry?” I question.

“Of course darling,” Gladys beams.

My face falls. I could really eat that right now –
I’m
ravenous!

“Could have bought me some,” I grumble.

“Are you even allowed it?” Malcolm questions.

I cock one eyebrow up at him. “Malcolm, right now I wouldn’t
care what was put in front of me.” I look across at Gladys who is hiding a
smile. “What?” I smile back at her.

“Well, when Tristan had dinner, he said he wanted to bring
some here for you, surprise you with it.” Her eyes glow with love.

“He did?” I swallow hard at the lump that’s formed. I miss him
so much. I want him here with me now, my wonderful sweet, caring man.

“Yes darling, he did,” she says softly. “He really is a
lovely man Coral, I hope...” she breaks off.

“What?” I ask. She looks across at Malcolm, he nods at her,
gestures for Rob to follow him and they both leave the room...
Uh-oh!

I
BLINK RAPIDLY AT HER, TRYING TO SURPRESS MY ANXIETY.

“Mom, what’s wrong?”

“Well, a few things actually darling.” She says, coming back
over to me and sitting on the edge of the bed –
Great! What have I done now?

“Ok.” I whisper. Gladys takes a deep breath, picks up my
hand in both of hers and smiles warmly at me.

“Well, since what happened with you...” She closes her eyes
for a second and composes herself. “Well, it’s made me re-think a lot of things
darling, and one of those things is Malcolm and I moving away, it’s made me
realise I don't want to’ – “Mom, don't change your mind because’ – “Hush!” she
hisses, instantly silencing me.

“Now, what I mean is it’s made me realise how much I really
will miss you if I leave, but I’ll miss Debbie, Scott & Lily too if I stay
here. So Malcolm and I have talked about it, and we’ve come up with a solution.
We are going to buy a place in Spain and one here, and were going to split our
time between the two; we both think it’s a better option. I really don't know
why we didn’t think of it in the first place? We can still see our families and
keep our friends here in the UK, and we’ll have the time in Spain to make new
friends, we’re really looking forward to it,” she says, smiling broadly.
No
way!

“Really?” I squeak in surprise.

“Yes darling, I love you so very much, and I don't want to
miss out on seeing you so happy with Tristan. I want to spend more time with
you both, as does Malcolm. He thinks you’re lovely Coral, and I know he like
Tristan too, thinks he’s a fine young man.” She says.

“Oh Mom!” I choke back more tears.
They’re not leaving!

“I know you didn’t really want me to leave,” she says. I
look down at the bed, hoping she can't see I’m trying to hide the truth. “I
know I’m right Coral,” she whispers.

I look up at her and shake my head. “I...I just didn’t want
you to stay because of me,” I whisper.

“Because you don't think you’re worth it?” she wisely
surmises. I go to answer her but I can't find the right words to say. “Darling,
look at me,” she says, I lift my head and meet her eyes. “You really are worth
it. You deserve love Coral, in every way. From me, Joyce, Malcolm, your sister,
Tristan; and I know Rob and Carlos love you very much. Be honest Coral, did you
want me to leave?”

“No, I didn’t.” I admit.

“Why didn’t you say so?” She questions.

“Because you looked so happy with Malcolm, I wasn’t going to
spoil that for you.”

“But darling, Malcolm is just a part of my life, not all of
it. Don't you understand that?”

“Yes, I do understand that but’ – “And that’s the other
thing I wanted to ask you. How
do
you feel about Malcolm?”

“I think he’s great.” I say, smiling up at her.

“That’s not what I mean Coral.” She says shaking her head.

“It isn’t?” I question.

“No. You don't like men darling, which is understandable
considering your past.” I instantly stop breathing. “Which is why it took me so
long to introduce him to you, but you seem, well, comfortable with him. Am I right?”
I slowly exhale and nod my head.

“Tell me what you think Coral, I’d love to know?” She says. I
take a deep breath and decide to be brave, let her know how I really feel.

“Well, we haven’t known each other very long, but I already
feel like...well, like, he’s the father figure I never had. When I came over
last week and Malcolm came down to the taxi with me, I felt so sad that you
were leaving...both of you. And at the barbeque, I watched him with Erin and Ellie,
he’s so thoughtful and caring towards them both, I just...” I shake my head
feeling embarrassed.

“Go on darling.” Gladys prompts.

“I know I’ve met Tristan who I love...so much, but the love
that you get from a father is very different, and well, I never thought I’d
ever have that. I always thought you were happy on your own, but having Malcolm
be like that with me feels...” I stop for a moment and try to think of the
right words to say.

“It feels like the hole that’s always been there is being
filled, I guess. I have a wonderful mother and sister, but meeting Tristan and
then Malcolm...it’s like everything’s come together at the right time and I
knew if I let them both in, I’d feel fulfilled. I’d be one of the lucky girls
that have a real family, a mom, a dad and sister, and the bonus of a loving
husband.” I take a deep breath and look up at Gladys, she has silent tears
streaming down her cheeks –
Mom, stop crying!

“Mom!” I scold. “Stop it! You’re going to start me off again!”

“Oh, I just never knew you felt like that darling.” She
squeaks.

“Everything happens for a reason.” I quote her words back to
her.

“Yes darling.” She says patting my hand again, she looks
bone tired.

“Mom, please go home, get some rest. Rob’s staying with me
until Tristan gets back, all I’m going to do is eat, then sleep,” I say feeling
exhausted.

“Are you sure darling?”

“Absolutely positive,” I say brightly. Malcolm knocks on the
door. I wave him inside. Rob follows and plonks himself in the chair again.

“Come on Malcolm, take me home. My daughter needs her rest,”
she says looking so much brighter than before, she leans down and kisses me one
last time. “Night darling, sleep well,” she adds, hugging me to her.

“Night Mom, please get some rest.”

“I will,” she sniffs.

“And please, don't worry. Give me your word that you won't worry?”
I look up her, my eyes pleading.

“No more worrying,” she says as she sombrely nods her head.
“But I couldn’t help it at the time darling! I feel better now I’ve seen you
awake though,” she adds, softly stroking my cheek.

Malcolm leans down and gives me a kiss goodbye. “Take care
of yourself Coral,” he whispers, then smiles and winks at me.

“Don't let her worry Malcolm,” I whisper back.

“I won’t,” he says smiling broadly at me. They both say
farewell to Rob, and I wave at them as they walk out the door. “Hey, have you
eaten Rob?”

“Yes, actually Carlos and I were just at George’s for tea.”
Holy
crap! George and Will, they don't know!

“Where’s my mobile?” I squeak in panic.

“Tristan has it, why?” Rob answers.

“I need to call George and Will, apologise to them both’ –
“Coral,” Rob chuckles. “They’ve both been here to see you. The moment Tristan
called me I let everyone know.”

“Everyone?” I question.

“Yes, Gladys, Joyce, George, actually George was out, so I
told Phil and then I left a message for Will.”

I sigh in relief. “Thanks Rob, you’re the best!”

“I know,” he answers smugly.

“Yeah, I kind of love you,” I say smirking at him.

“Love you too sunshine, now about this dress...” The door swings
open, we both look up again and see Tristan walk through the door.

I stop breathing.
My gorgeous man – he still looks so
tired!

Then I'm hit with his fresh shower smell...Hmm Tristan,
shower gel, and aftershave all mixed into one.
Delicious!
Then I see he’s
changed into jeans and a t-shirt, but his beard is still there.

Rob sighs. “Another time,” he says getting up from his seat
and shrugging into his jacket. “Behave,” he whispers as he kisses my cheek. I
stifle a giggle and watch him pick up his magazines. “Tristan, she’s a mess,”
he laughs, teasing him.

“Oi!” I retort, wanting so badly to throw a pillow at him,
but I know it’ll hurt. “I won't be like this for long Delgado!” I warn, Rob
laughs and shakes his head at me.

Turning to leave he shakes Tristan’s hand. “See you both
later,” he says.

“See you Rob, thanks for today,” Tristan says.
I guess
they’re friends again!

“Anytime,” he says. I wave at Rob as he heads out the door, he
throws a wink at me then disappears from view.

“Thought you said you weren’t leaving here without me?” I
tease.

“Yes, well, I didn’t plan on leaving, but Gladys is’ – “A
force of nature” I interrupt, giggling as I do.

“She certainly is, wouldn’t take no for an answer. Makes a
damn good pie though...” he says, placing an empty plate in front of me.

I cross my arms and pout at the plate. “Did you eat my
dinner Tristan?”

“
Your
dinner?” he questions.

“Yes, Gladys said you were bringing some back for me, but
all I can see is an empty plate,” I say gesturing to it.

“You’re grumpy when you’re hungry,” he states.

“Yes, I know,” I sigh. “Sorry, I don't mean to be, it’s just
all the talking and I’m just so tired all the time, it’s starting to piss me
off. All I want to do is eat and sleep, I’m being very boring,” I admit. Tristan
starts laughing at me. “What?” I grumble.

“Ok, I’ll stop teasing you,” he chuckles.

Leaning down into the bag he brought with him, he re-appears
with a round Tupperware box; it’s lime green in colour and has two locks on it.
Tristan pops the locks and carefully lifts off the lid, and there inside is my
steaming pie, with mashed potatoes, broccoli and green beans, my stomach
grumbles in appreciation.

Producing a spoon, Tristan starts to plate it all up for me,
when he’s done he clips the little container back together, leans down and
reappears with a knife and fork and another little green container.

“What are those?” I ask.

“Thermal containers, Stuart got them from Argos,” he says.

“He did?” I squeak in surprise.

“Yes,” Tristan chuckles. He pops the caps on the little
container, steam rises as he lifts the lid, I look down and see dark brown,
thick, delicious gravy.

Tristan continues. “When he took me to Gladys’s, she
insisted he come in and eat too, which he did, and when I said about bringing
some dinner over for you he said he’d used one of these when he last went
camping, so he’d see if he could get hold of one. When he picked me up, we got
your dinner into the container and it’s stayed hot while I got ready, pretty
neat don't you think?”

“Definitely,” I beam.

“Here.” Tristan hands me my knife and fork – they feel heavy,
or I feel weak – I’m not sure which?

“Yummy,” I exclaim with delight.

“Let it cool a while, these things really work and I don't
want you burning yourself,” he says.

“What am I, five?” I retort.

“No, I just’ – “Tristan, don't treat me like a child,” I
warn.

“I wasn’t...Christ!” He runs a hand through his hair in
frustration then closes his eyes for a moment.

“Did you manage to get much sleep?” I ask.

“Yes, I slept with you last night, remember?”

“How could I remember. I was out of it, so please just
answer my question because you don't look like you’ve slept much,” I say
smartly, watching him.

“I can't sleep,” he barks at me, then starts to pace the
room.

“Tristan, what’s wrong?” I instantly start to worry.

“Nothing, I’m just...” He keeps pacing, looking up at the
ceiling.

“Tell me?” I plead. He stops pacing, puts his hands on his
hips and stares back at me. I see the broken man again; he looks like he did
when I left him. I wince at the memory.

“Baby, what’s wrong?” I ask and lift my arm, stretching my
hand out to him.

“I won't have an argument about this Coral, there’s no
discussion. It’s happening,” he snaps, the tension now evident around his eyes.
I drop my arm and frown back at him.

“Go on,” I say, hoping I’m not going to freak out.

“Stuart’s moving in with us,” he says.

I cock one eyebrow up. “Why?” I question.

“Coral!” He warns.

“I’m only asking not disagreeing,” I say with my hands in
the air.
Jeez, keep your pants on!

“Fine! I won't take the risk of anything like that ever
happening again. I want security in the house and I want it to be Stuart, I
trust him, I already asked him, he said yes. End of discussion,” he snaps.

“Actually that wasn’t a discussion, I was being dictated to,”
I snap back. “It’s not like anything like that
is
ever going to happen
again, I think you’re being over the top.”

“Coral!” He closes his eyes and pinches his nose in
frustration. “You nearly fucking died!” he growls menacingly –
Ok Mr Snappy Pants
is cranky when he’s tired!

But as I really study him, as I really take him in, I start
to notice something else...something he’s hiding from me maybe, I don't know? Either
way, he looks tense, really tense –
Yep, tense and tired, not a good
combination, better not push his buttons.

“I know I did,” I say. “I don't need reminding. But fine,
you want Stuart with us, you got it.” I say and start tucking into my meal.

Tristan sags with relief, walks back over to me and sits on
the edge of the bed. “Thank you,” he softly says, then leans down and kisses my
temple.

“What’s really wrong Tristan?” I ask between mouthfuls.

“Eat!” He snaps.

“I am. What’s wrong?” I argue.
Really could do with a
glass of vino!

“Coral’ – “Tristan!” I mock tone his voice. “I think we’ve
both learned a valuable lesson here don't you?” I question.

Tristan shakes his head in frustration. “And what lesson is
that may I ask?”

“That we shouldn’t keep anything from each other. If I’d
have told you about Susannah from the start, maybe it wouldn’t have got into
this mess, it might have been solved some other way?” Tristan’s eyes darken with
the mention of her name. “Point is we have to be honest and open with one
another. I know something’s on your mind, you look tense, I can see it in your
face and I can read you just as well as you can read me,” I say feeling quite
proud of myself and to my great surprise, Tristan nods in agreement.

“You’re right,” he says.