sorry it's long. (3600) come back when you have more time. Written for a summer special womag, hence the mills and boon style.

Second Chance


It was to be a second honeymoon, a holiday where they could get to know each other again. After twelve years together and three kids under their belt, Kathy felt tired and listless, but most of all she felt lonely. Matt had turned into a workaholic, and Kathy felt as if she no longer knew this stranger she’d married. He was distant, in a different galaxy of his own most of the time, let alone another world. That’s when he was home. Most of his time was spent working. She couldn’t blame him, not really. He was a good provider, she and the children wanted for nothing, she couldn’t fault him on that score, but it had got out of hand and he worked non-stop. Now was the time for relaxing a little and being the father and husband his family so desperately needed.

The children ran Kathy ragged some days. She felt like a single parent when she crashed into her armchair at the end of the day to wait for Matt’s nightly call from some distant town or city. His call came later than ever this evening, he’d missed saying goodnight to the kids again, and the disappointment on their faces almost broke her heart.

“The boys wanted to talk to you. We tried to call, but your mobile was switched off and the hotel told us you were out.”

“I know, sorry, love. I had dinner with clients and it went on and on, you know how it is. Still, it was worth it, we got a good contract out of them. Are the lads still there? Put them on, would you.”

“I couldn’t let them stay up any longer, Matt. Poor Daniel fell asleep by the phone and I had to carry him upstairs in the end.”

“Crikey! I didn’t realise it was so late. I feel awful, tell them I’ll make it up to them at the weekend, I promise.”

“We’re flying out to Greece this weekend, Matt, remember?” Kathy couldn’t believe he’d forgotten.

“Oh yes, that’s right, sorry, got so much going on here. I’ll be back Friday evening then, all being well.”

“Well just see as you are. Our flight leaves on Saturday morning. Mum’s all organised to take the boys for the week and I’m so looking forward to seeing the island again.” Kathy smiled when she thought of their first visit twelve years previously, it’d been so romantic, like paradise. They’d been so much in love then too.

“I hope you’ve booked us somewhere that has internet access in case of a work emergency.”

“You’re not planning on taking that damn laptop are you? And no, I’ve no idea where we’ll be staying, the place where we honeymooned was full. It was a last minute booking so we’ll have to take pot-luck I’m afraid, but I’m sure it’ll be beautiful, whatever.”

“Kathy! Do you realise what could happen in a week? The whole business could go down the pan without me.”

“I’m sure Ron will manage things fine,” she soothed. “Can’t you just forget work for once? Let’s enjoy some quality time together, hey?”

“Okay, we’ll talk about it later. Love you!”

“Love you t...” but the line went dead before the last word left her lips.

Kathy replaced the phone and sat staring at the walls in silence. She remembered how happy they’d been in the early years, how attentive Matt had been to her and their boys, often whisking her off for a surprise weekend away, or taking the boys to play golf or football on a Saturday morning. Sundays were always family days when they all did something together, even if it was just having a roast lunch around the dining table. That was before he’d set up his building company. It had grown so quickly and had taken over his life completely, robbing her of her soul-mate and the boys of a doting father. She missed him so much. Even when he was home, much of his time was spent in his study, buried in paper work. She had tried to persuade him to employ more people but he would never hear of it, telling her that he couldn’t trust anyone to do things properly. Maybe she would have another go at persuading him while they were away.

###

Saturday morning saw Kathy rushing about like a whippet. The suitcases were packed, the children whisked off to Nanna’s and the passports and tickets bundled together in a neat wad ready to go. Matt was on the phone to a customer while Kathy watched from the window for the taxi that was to take them to the airport.

“That’s all I need! Jacob’s are backing out on a deal, I can’t go, Kathy. I’ll have to stay and sort this mess out.”

“You’ll have a bigger mess to sort out if you back out on me now, Matt; I’m almost at the end of the road with you. I need you Matt, so do the kids. We miss you so much.” Her voice suddenly cracked as she spoke. Why did his work always come first? What had happened to this man who’d once worshipped the ground she’d walked on and in return she’d adored him like a god…still did. But now, she felt like a neglected piece of furniture that stood in a corner, dusty and unnoticed. “Please don’t do this to us, Matt. We can’t get this thing to work if you carry on making the business your life. Once upon a time we were your life… weren’t we?”

He cupped her face in his hands, his thumb gently brushing away the tear that had escaped her hurt, hazel eyes. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. Be patient with me hey, please? I need time to unwind. I’ll try to forget work, I promise, but it’s not easy. It’s all for you and the boys you know, all of it.” He looked deep into her brimming eyes and she wilted against him. It was so good to feel his arms around her, she felt like a parched flower that was getting some much needed rain after a long drought.

The toot of the taxi outside broke the spell and they pulled apart, the moment lost.

“Sorry, but I really do have to take this,” he said, quickly unzipping one of the bags and slipping his lap top inside.

Kathy forced a smile and put on her brightest voice. “Well, you’re coming, I suppose I should be grateful for that at least.” He’d backed out of the last holiday and she’d ended up taking the boys to Disneyland alone.

###

Matt spent most of the flight with his head in some building plans, a puzzled frown creasing his brow.

“I’ll have to contact Ron the minute we land, something’s not right with the elevation of this roof,” he sighed, “and I desperately need to e-mail Jacob’s to renegotiate a new contract.

Kathy gazed out of the window at the specks of land below, her thoughts drifting. How long since they’d last made love? She couldn’t remember. She hoped beyond hope that this holiday would bring them closer together, the way they used to be before life got in the way. She saw this as their last chance. As much as she loved Matt, she could no longer live in the rut their lives had become. For the sake of her own sanity and the boys’ happiness, she would, if necessary, try to build a new life for them when she returned. The boys wouldn’t notice much difference in having a ‘weekend father’ anyway. They may even get to see more of him, she pondered. Kathy tried not to think about the future, she’d have much preferred to have her old Matt back than to contemplate a life without him, but the way things were going there seemed more chance of reaching that ellusive pot of gold at the end of a rainbow than reaching him.

She glanced over at him. He was still reading the plans and had hardly spoken since take-off. He was so handsome. Sometimes just looking at him made her heart stop and took her breath away. His corn-blonde hair that shone all shades of a golden summer when it caught the light, flopped lazily into his eyes. He felt her gaze and suddenly glanced up from his papers. His eyes were somehow different. They’d always held soft laughter but now she noticed how tired and grey they‘d become. He gave her a wink, his eyes lightening briefly, before turning his attention back to the drawings. Kathy reached out to stroke his cheek. “I love you,” she said simply. And she did, and it tore her up.


###

One by one the other holiday makers were dropped off at their accommodation. Kathy took in the exquisite Grecian scenery. As the coach rounded a bend, she gasped at the sight of the glittering turquoise waves and the white sands of a tiny bay she’d glimpsed through the branches of the olive trees.

“This is so beautiful! I’ve never seen this part of the island before. Matt! You’re missing all this with your constant phone calls and texting.”

“What? Sorry, are we there?”

“No, but we can’t be far off, we’re the only ones left on the coach. We’ll have to go and swim in that bay, Matt, it‘s just stunning.”

The roads became steep. It looked as if their accommodation was going to up be in the mountains. The coach suddenly slowed and came to a stop at a fork in the road. Kathy could see a man by the roadside, a donkey tethered at his side. He and the coach driver exchanged a flourish of Greek, then the travel rep informed Kathy and Matt that Yorgos would take them the rest of the way as the roads ahead were too narrow for coaches to pass.

“Great, we’re staying in the back of beyond.” Matt said sardonically, raising his eyebrows skywards.

“Yasoo!” Yorgos smiled. He loaded their luggage onto the little donkey. “This is Dimi,” he said, stroking the donkey’s mane. “He is very fine, very strong boy, but he is stubborn, like all men,” he said, smiling mischievously at Kathy. “But you will love him, all people who come to stay fall in love. Come, come!” He signalled for them to follow and patted Dimi, who begrudging trotted slowly up the dusty road.

Yorgos led the way through the steep winding tracks that were overhung by olive trees; their branches created shady dappled patterns along the pathway. Kathy breathed in the sea scented air which had cooled slightly as they ascended into the hills. Orange and lemon groves nestled in the valley below, and the turquoise bay she’d spotted earlier could be seen just beyond, glinting and shimmering in the late afternoon sunlight. Pretty white-washed villas and tiny houses were dotted along the cliffs tops, their gardens overflowing with brightly coloured shrubs. Yorgos pointed out a taverna in the distance, saying how it was owned by his family, and how the sea bass was his brother’s specialty dish.

“This is just heavenly! Isn’t it darling?” she said, searching Matt’s face for approval.

“Yes, it’s lovely. It’s just…a little far out from civilisation, if you know what I mean. I was hoping for…”

Kathy cut him off. “Hoping for somewhere to plug into the internet. Can‘t you just leave it to Ron? You‘ve told him about Jacob’s and the flaw on the roof design, now let him sort the rest out. Please! You have to let go a bit, Matt.”

“I’m trying to.”

“But you’re not! You’ve been on that damn phone all day!”

A beep from inside Matt’s pocket signalled that a new message had arrived. He quickly retrieved his phone and flipped it open to read.

“See what I mean?” Kathy hissed, quietly now, hoping Yorgos hadn’t heard them arguing.

Yorgos and Dimi had stopped a few yards ahead. “Come, I will show you where you sleep.”

Kathy and Matt hurried to where Yorgos was. Two typically Greek houses stood side-by-side at the top of a steep incline, their pretty gardens spilling down the slope towards the road.

“Maria! Come greet our guests.”

A dark haired woman appeared from inside, waved, and headed down towards them, her wide smile radiating warmth to match her welcome.

“My wife, Maria.” Yorgos said proudly.

“Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Lang. I have drinks chilled ready, but first I show you to your rooms.”

Yorgos and Matt carried the luggage between them up the stone steps and into the house. It was basic and simple, but very clean. Light and cool, with tiled floors and huge patio doors which opened out onto a wooden veranda. The view of the lemon groves and the shimmering bay beyond was spectacular.

“It’s fabulous!” Kathy beamed, stepping out onto the timber deck and breathing in the fresh mountain air. “It’s like being at the top of the world.”

“Join us for drinks when you are ready,” Maria smiled, pointing towards her own patio just across the courtyard as she and Yorgos made their way out.

“Thank you, we will,” Kathy called after them.

Matt received two more texts and a further phone call in the time it took Kathy to unpack and shower.

“Right, where‘re the cases? I’ll help you,” Matt said, finally putting his phone away.

“It’s done,” Kathy glared. “I can see the way this week is going!”

“Don’t be like that, sweetheart. I just need to sort one more thing out, then for the rest of the week I’m all yours, promise. But I do need to get to an internet café. Do you think there’ll be one in the town?”

“Yorgos and Maria might know, we’ll ask them. Hey, come and look Matt,” Kathy said, walking out onto the veranda. The boys would love it here. Wow! Look at that huge villa down there, it’s stunning, and look at its gorgeous pool! I could just see them splashing about in that.”

Matt made his way out to the veranda and stood behind her gazing out at the panoramic vista, his eyes picking out the villa below that Kathy was admiring.

“It certainly is beautiful,” he said, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing the nape of her neck. Kathy turned to face him. His eyes had taken on that familiar sparkle and her heart stopped momentarily as she gazed into them. He moved his face closer, their lips just inches apart. She closed her eyes in anticipation of his mouth closing over hers. A murmur of passion sighed within her, making her pulse rush. Suddenly, the piercing beep of his mobile sounded, shattering the mood completely.

“Sorry,” he said, pulling away and flipping open his phone to tap in a reply, “but this really is important.”


“And I’m not! Is that it? You know, I’ve been trying not to believe it but I’ve been fooling myself, haven’t I? Andrea was right. You’ve got someone else!”

Matt looked as if he’d been slapped. “How could you think that? And some friend Andrea is, putting daft ideas like that into your head.”

“It all adds up, Matt. The nights away, the constant texting and I can’t remember the last time we made love! What else am I supposed to think?”

“I love you and the boys more than anything! I can’t believe I’m hearing this!” His voice was full of hurt and indignation as he continued. “I work hard because I have to, companies don’t run themselves, and the reason we haven’t made love is because I’m just too damned tired half the time.“ His voice shook and he looked as if he was chocking back a lump in his throat. “Do you really think I wouldn’t prefer to be home with you, instead of some faceless hotel Monday to Friday? Don’t you think I know how much I’m missing out, not being around for the boys? It tears me up, Kathy. Every time I think about the endless football matches I‘ve missed seeing them play, or the first time Tommy swam without his armbands and then when Jordan rode his bike without the stabilisers. I’ve missed it all, because I was working, working for you and the boys. I’ve worked my guts out for you all and I’m too worn out to have a mistress, besides, I wouldn’t…I couldn’t. Kathy, how could you think that? ”

Kathy thought he looked as if he might cry. She’d never seen him do that, except for the tears of joy when he held his first-born son. A sudden wave of guilt mixed with pity and love engulfed her and she rushed towards him.

“I’m sorry, I thought…I don’t know what I thought,” she said, tumbling into his arms. They stood holding each other for a long time, rocking and soothing. He kissed the top of her head before saying that perhaps they should go and have those welcome drinks with their hosts.

Yorgos and Maria told them all about the island over wine. Kathy was enthralled to learn that horse-drawn carriages were used instead of taxis in this part of island. A steady stream brought diners up from the town to Yorgos’ brother’s taverna. This meant they’d be able hop onto a carriage to travel into town and back in the evenings. Maria brought out a huge tray of all kinds dips and salads, along with fresh-baked bread, which they devoured hungrily. Kathy looked over at Matt, pleased when she saw him relaxing at last, chatting easily to this enchanting Greek couple.

It was sunset when they returned to their little house. They sat on the veranda sipping wine Kathy had found in the fridge, and watched the lazy sun sink over a sleepy horizon. Intense crimson and pinks streaked across an inflamed sky, and the turquoise bay fell slowly into magenta shadows. As darkness slipped over the island, they watched as tiny lights popped up, dotting intricate patterns everywhere. They could make out the harbour with its orange lanterns and the many tavernas that lit a path along the coastline. Kathy turned to Matt and saw that he’d fallen asleep, she roused him just enough to walk him to the bedroom, where she lay beside him, her head on his chest listening to his heartbeat and feeling his warm breath on her hair until she too fell asleep.

###

Sunlight filtered through the blinds, rousing Kathy from her dream. She had slept heavily, and for a moment wondered where she was. Then she heard Dimi braying faintly from the stables in the distance and smiled sleepily, remembering that this was the second day of the holiday and that the turquoise bay awaited. She imagined slipping into the warm lapping waves, feeling the sun and the sea-breeze on her skin and was charged with a feeling of sheer exhilaration. Turning to face Matt, she stretched out to feel the warmth of his body, but only cool, crumpled sheets remained. He was gone. Kathy sat up looking about her.

“Matt? Matt?” No answer.

Then she spotted the note on the dresser. ‘Back soon, love Matt x’

“Where’s he gone?” she wondered, looking around for the travel clock. Ten-thirty! She’d not slept this late in years. Kathy quickly showered and dressed. She packed things ready for the beach and was sipping tea on the veranda when Matt came in.

“I was worried, where have you been?”

“I went into town to the internet café” he beamed.

“You’re looking mighty pleased with yourself. You got it all sorted then? Does this mean we can start our holiday at last without you being welded to your cell phone?”

“It means, my darling,” he said, plonking an enthusiastic kiss on her lips, “ that we will be starting a new life, as of now.”

Kathy looked at him, bemused.

“I’ve sold the business to Jacob’s. I couldn't say anything before in case it all fell through, that's what all the messaging was about yesterday, but they’ve just made me a brilliant offer and I’ve accepted.”

Kathy sat amazed and speechless for a few seconds. “So what now?”

“Well, they’ve offered all my staff jobs. Me too, as a building consultant, so no more working away, and we’ll have a nice lump sum in the bank to invest and do as we like with.” Matt broke out into laughter, all the strain and tiredness had left his eyes. The familiar softness had returned and they sparkled brighter than ever when he lifted Kathy up and spun her around and around. “I have another surprise for you.”

“What?” she laughed, still taking it all in.

“Well, you know that villa you liked yesterday?”

“Y-ees?”

“I tracked down the owner this morning and it just so happens that it’s vacant next week, so I booked it. Your mother is bringing the boys out on Saturday!”

“Oh Matt!” Kathy hugged him and they danced around the house like a couple of lottery winners. Kathy suddenly stopped, her face in shock. “I’ve just thought, we only have enough clothes for a week.”

“Trust you to think of that,” Matt laughed. “Problem solved, because you know what we’re going to do today?”

“What?”

“Well, I thought we’d go down to that bay for a swim.”

“Yes.”

“Then, later I’ll take you shopping for clothes.”

“Yes.”

"Then I’m going to take you for the most romantic meal you’ve ever had in your life ... But first, I have to do something that I’ve been wanting to do for a long time,” he said, scooping her up into his arms and carrying her into the bedroom.

“Yes!”