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Chapter 33 - Every Cloud
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 34 - Jealous
It’s now been over a week since I have heard from Chris and it’s abundantly clear that another promising relationship is nesting miserably in my emotional wheelie-bin, and awaiting its collection day.It’s beyond demoralising, when did I become so unattractive? I’m sure I never used to be. What’s actually ironic is that my diet, minus the chocolate cake has been going exceptionally well. If I stand on a certain position on the scales I’ve lost just over half a stone, and even more if I get weighed after my morning shit.“Emma, trust me, you’re not unattractive. You’re bloody gorgeous,” Dani tells me on our way home from work. I’ve been with her all day, but this isn’t a conversation to be had in the work office. “Some men wouldn’t know a good thing, if it hit them in the face.”“I haven’t tried hitting them in the face,” I briefly wonder if it would be effective. “I wouldn’t recommend it, so get that idea out your head,” she laughs. “Seriously, don’t blame yourself for this. I mean,
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 35 - How Was Tango?
I know what I told Dani I’d do if he asked me out again. But that was before he did. Besides, the prospect of being alone on a Saturday night while everyone else is out was about as appealing as my mother hosting a pulse and cocktails party at my Nana’s house. So I agreed to another date, probably too easily. I would have preferred him to come up with a brilliant excuse for his no-show at the business awards. Death of a family pet, a terminally ill relative, a major earthquake or even accidental amputation – all would have been acceptable. That and a grovelling apology for not phoning for more than a week. In the event, he never mentioned the issue, and I’m ashamed to say I never pressed him. It was a betrayal of every post-feminist bone in my body but, desperate that he didn’t change his mind. I took the easy option and kept my mouth shut. My self respect is cut to ribbons, but at least I don’t have to sit in and watch strictly come dancing. Obviously, I also had to find a
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 36 - Date Preparation
I’ve been in a few brainstorms in my time, but none like this. “How about chivalry?” Says Katie. “Those little touches like opening the door for her, pulling out the chair, and just being a gentleman. They’re really important things.” “Perfect,” Dani replies as she jabs her pen in the air and spins to face the flip chart. She’s getting into her training coordinator role and today is one of her favourite topics: how to behave on a date. “That’s a good one, Scott. Mind you, I think that’ll come naturally to you.” Scott is concentrating intensely. Now that he’s landed a date, he’s determined not to fuck it up. As he sits on our sofa before a list of dating rules, Dani has his full attention. “Number one; listen to her. Most men just end up babbling away about themselves and there’s nothing more offputting. Ask about her for a change. Where she grew up. Her job. Her likes and dislikes. You get the picture.” “I absolutely do,” says Scott. “Number two; act confident. You may
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 37 - Breaking My Rules
We finally get rid of the non funny comedian trio at around 1:30am, when having bar crawled around the city, Hugo vomits under a bar and we’re asked to leave. On the way out George and Chase bump into a couple of women they know. Mercifully, we manage to lose them. “So, you’ve been accepted and initiated,” Chris grins, putting his arm around me as we walk up to the waterfront looking for a taxi. “I’ve got the feeling that my friends like you.” I get the feeling that Chris must be out of his mind, but decide not to say anything. He squeezes my waist and leans down to kiss my hair. My pulse suddenly quickens and it makes me forget to be irritated that he’s put me through one of the worst dates of my life. Instead, I feel a rush of lust. “Shame we didn’t get much chance to be by ourselves, though,” he continues. “True,” I shrug. He stops and turns to me, cupping my face in his hands as the lights from the Marina flicker in his eyes. “Christ. You’re so beautiful,” he breat
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 38 - Fine
When I wake the next morning in my own bed, I don’t feel good. The fact that I almost had sex with someone so soon after meeting him has made me feel cheap. I could live with this disappointment in myself if it had been steamy and sensual; that is was short and not especially sweet, is the real killer. Then I close my eyes and picture Chris’s face, laughing, and feel a swell of affection, regardless. My phone beeps, and I pick it up from my bedside table and see that a text message has arrived. It’s from Chris. ‘I’m so sorry about my performance last night. It was a fuck up – honestly. I feel terrible. Can we try again? Xx’ I close the text and phone Dani. “Fuck. How bad was it?” “It wasn’t great,” is all I’m prepared to say. “But sex isn’t everything, is it? I’d be pretty shallow if I let this put me off, wouldn’t I?” Dani hesitates and I realise I’ve asked the wrong person. “So everything else went well until that point?” “N..yes.” “Here’s what I think. Part of me
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 39 - The Races
Every June, one of the most spectacular and glamorous events in the area takes place just under nine miles from where I live. Much of Yorkshire and a few from elsewhere descent on Beverley locusts migrating. At least, it feels like it. The ladies day at Beverley racecourse is the ultimate day out. Today there is beautiful dresses, stylish suits and the ultimate race and you can feel the excitement buzzing in the air. I know as much about horse racing as I do theoretical physics, but that’s irrelevant. To me, the event is about sparkling Prosecco on a sunny spring day, women dressed to the nine’s, and more fun than you’d find outside the walls of Alton Towers. It is compulsory to attend with a group of friends, the law of averages dictating that at least one will win enough, either on the main race or the smaller ones combined, to treat the losers to a takeaway at the end of the day. We are here en masse on what is miraculously, the warmest day of the year so far; Scott and Ra
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 40 - I Feel Faint
The rest of the afternoon is as close to the definition of pure enjoyment as you can get. We laugh, drink cheer our way through the final two races before stepping on packed but merry train back to Hull. Nobody cares if their toes are stepped on by stiletto heels or of their hat falls off and ends up looking dirty. We ought to stop drinking and go home to a warm horlicks, but the city nightlife is too seductive. As the train pulls into a station to let a couple off, I glance at Dani and Jamie. Their arms are wrapped around a pile and each other – with their eyes locked in mutual adoration. Dani catches me looking at her. “You okay?” She mouths. I nod and smile. As Jamie pulls her tighter, I know I don’t have to ask her the same. Rachel, meanwhile, is resting her head drunkenly on Scott’s shoulder two seats away from where Chris and I are sitting, holding hands. I can’t see Scott’s face as woman wearing the biggest hat I’ve ever seen is blocking his way. But from Rachel’s expres
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 41 - Why Does My Heart Hurt?
Dani pulls a face and scrunches her nose, “What did you say you fancy? I couldn’t hear you I’ve the noise.” I stare at her, unable to repeat the words, let alone believe them. “I fancy…” my voice trails off. She looks at me in bewilderment, “what? A dance? A drink?” I nod, snapping out of my daze. “Yes, I fancy a drink.” “Well, it’s my round,” she says, pulling her purse from her bag. “You’d better wait here; in case these lot start throwing their knickers at him.” As Dani heads to the bar, I find myself wandering away to look for Chris. I spend twenty minutes searching the venue, desperate to reinstate order in my twisted mind. I fancy Chris, not Scott. Chris not Scott. I fancy Chris. The more I say it, the more convinced I am and the better I feel. Unfortunately the improvement in my psychological well-being is short lived. It becomes obvious that Chris has ditched us. He’s abandoned us and disappeared to god knows where. I feel a flash of panic that he saw me watch
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Always Finding Mr Wrong Epilogue
If anybody had told me six months ago that Dani and my dimwit brother would become an item, I’d have questioned their sanity. She’s sophisticated, intelligent and witty. And, well, he farts like a flatulent rhinoceros and is refined as those hillbillies on The Hills Have Eyes. Yet, they got together two weeks after the fire, when Dani expressed a sudden and mysterious desire to join me when I popped round to Steve’s to loan him The Walking Dead box set. I stayed for fifteen minutes. Dani stayed for four days. Her theory is that I am blind to Steve’s charm because he’s my brother. That he’s fun, loving, amusing and attentive. She also tried to tell me that he’s great in bed, but I acted like a grown up and stuck my fingers in my ears, while singing “la-la-la-can’t-head-you-la-la-la” until she stopped. As for Steve, well, he’s smitten. Honestly, she’s turned him into a puppy dog – albeit not a very cute one. Despite my reservations, they seem to be enjoying themselves. And for the
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 79 - Made to Hold You
The moment I see him I am balled over by how handsome he is, he’s irresistibly, mouth wateringly sexy. I’m looking at a man who, thanks to project Scott, is the ultimate manifestation of female desire. He turns heads wherever he goes. But that isn’t the reason I love him. It’s not the clothes, or the hairstyle, it isn’t even his body or face. The Scott I love is the funny, intelligent, caring, loyal and lovely person I met all those years ago. That’s the Scott I long for, the Scott I can’t spend another day without. The trimmings and display are irrelevant. “Hi there, Emma,” he grins. His grin becomes a smile and it sends a surge of Hope through my veins, turning my legs to jelly and killing my ability to speak. “Are you okay?” “Yes. I … yes,” I stutter. Emotion rushes through me and my heartbeat thuds in my chest, thundering in my ears. “I’m just surprised to see you,” I say once my words find their way back to me. “And… happy?” I nod as tears cloud my vision. “Ve
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 78 - I Love The Real You
There’s one single word on the front: Emma. Seeing my name written in Scott’s very distinctive handwriting makes my heart pause and I gasp for breath. With my heart racing and fingers trembling, I open the envelope and head to my small balcony terrace. I throw myself into the chair, cross my legs and scan the letter, unable to devour its contents quick enough. ******** Dearest Emma, I’ve written this letter multiple times, and rewritten it in my mind at least a thousand times. Yet o never thought putting pen to paper would be so difficult. This is the eleventh copy and I’m still not happy with it. I thought about quoting your favourite poetry and literature but nothing seems appropriate enough to explain the situation, so it’s down to clumsy old me. There’s just one small problem; what do you say to the woman you’ve been in love with for years? From the moment I first met you, Emma, my life has been enhanced in a way I can’t fully explain. All those cold, wet and miserable aft
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 77 - An Envelope
I try to think of an ingenious way to get through security. But after yet another infuriating conversation with another official, I’m forced to accept that the methods to combat terrorism are also enough to intervene when a unfit, scruffy and desperate woman. With an alarming and increasing level of determination I decide to buy a ticket to somewhere in Asia, just so that I can get through the security gates. But after another episode at the security desk, the fact that my passport is in a box at my new home is clearly a show-stopper. I stand in the airport in a confused daze, and take out my phone. I wanted to do this in person, but now I have no choice. I close my eyes and wait for the line to ring. It goes straight to voicemail. “Oh god,” I cry, but nobody notices. For almost an hour I pace up and down, trying to come up with a brilliant plan. But no matter how I try, nothing happens and no plan is formed. I look at my watch for the millionth time today and see that
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 76 - Bloody Idiot
I’m normally the safest driver in the world. Or at least that’s what I tell myself. Scott would say I drive like a grandma, behind the wheel , sticking to the speed limit and often below it. Scott, my heart aches. But with the needle on my speedometer touching a perilous 74mph – okay, so I’m not the next Schumacher or Hamilton, but I’m belting along the M62 in a small Vauxhall corsa leaving behind a caravan and two heavy duty trucks. My heart is hammering against my ribcage as I play corny movie scenes in my head. Lovers running with open arms and floaty haired women being spun around. Kisses that go on forever. The problem is, that this reunion isn’t going to be straightforward. Firstly, there’s Katie. Whether she fancies Daniel or not, there’s protocol to follow. Call me old fashioned, but declaring your love for someone else’s boyfriend isn’t the done thing. Yet, that is exactly what I’m about to do. And I’m not sure if I care about the consequences. And then there’s t
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 75 - The Love of His Life
Dani is screaming so loudly that the poor patients at the other end of the corridor must think she is undergoing an amputation without pain relief. “Why didn’t you tell me? For fuck sake!” “I… I .. don’t know,” I stammer. “I didn’t want to compromise your friendship with Katie for a start.” “How?” She asks incredulously. “Katie’s in love with Scott, like you said. Even if I was going to be a total arsehole and try to steal him – which I’m not – what good would come of telling you? It’d just land you with information that you’d be powerless to act on.” “Uhhhhh,” Dani rubs her hands down her face. “What a mess.” “Don’t I know it,” I agree. “I don’t mean about you and Scott,” she tuts impatiently. “Though I grant you, that is also a mess.” “What then?” She sighs and her eyes find the window. “You know when I said that I thought Katie was in love with Scott?” I nod. “I was wrong.” It takes a few seconds for her words to sink in. “What?” “She likes Scott, don’
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 74 - Told Scott What?
Given the fact that my mum was in a serious near death experience twelve hours ago, she’s looking amazingly well. “Just typical, isn’t it?” She mutters as she grabs another peanut m&m. “Everyone in the real housewives has a hot tub and none of theirs houses burned down.” Dani just smiles and offers me an m&m. “No thank you,” I shake my head. “But then I suppose they had the real thing and wasn’t swimming around in a discarded birthing pool.” My mum must be made of stronger stuff than me. While she is happily stuffing her face with chocolate, I feel like I’ve been hit by a damn truck. It’s not just the aftermath of the fire though, although that alone could leave me in a state of shock until 2040. My mind is also spinning with thoughts of Scott, who is now en route to Doncaster airport. I hope he’s not too annoyed with me for sneaking off, but then I did have a good excuse, even though visiting hours don’t officially start until 10am. It’s a good job Dani managed to
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 73 - I Can’t Say Goodbye
Scott has gone to the local store, just as he always does on his days off. Only this isn’t a normal day off. All his bags are packed and waiting by the door, ready for his departure in two hours. I’m supposed to go to the airport to see him off, but the moment my eyes opened this morning, I knew I couldn’t go through with it. I won’t be able to watch him and Katie head off together without bursting into tears and giving the game away. I take a notepad and pen from my bag, and begin writing as quickly as I can. I don’t have long until he returns. ‘Dear Scott, I’m sorry that I didn’t get to go to the airport with you, but if I don’t make visiting hours at 9:00am, I won’t see mum. She needs me right now, more than you need me, after what happened. I know you’ll understand, under the circumstances. Have an amazing trip and please don’t forget about me, will you? I’ll miss you more than I could ever explain. I meant what I said – I want a post card from every destination - don’t
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 72 - Fire
Scott abandons the car without consideration for others outside of Mum’s and Dad’s house and we quickly jump out. The air is thick with smoke and fear as the neighbours with grey faces huddle amongst themselves. There’s firefighters everywhere; running and shouting. I stand in front of the house and struggle to breathe as the flames crackle and roar, as they burst from three windows and the smoke billows into the night. “Where are they?” “They’re still in there,” Steve says, his eyes heavy with tears. “I tried to go in, but the hallway was filled with smoke and….” Without even thinking, I race towards the house, but Scott wraps his arms around me and pulls me back. “LET ME GO!” I scream. “Let the professionals do their jobs, Emma,” he pleads as his arms wrap tighter around me. I watch horrified as the firefighters wearing breathing apparatus make their way into the house. There’s orders being shouted and soon the house is being doused with foam and water. I feel a sudden r
