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| A CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR EVERYONE by Melody “Sinead honey,” called James. “Are you ready yet? The cab will be here soon, we don’t want to be late.” James had moved in with Sinead when his marriage had broken down. Although he had found a perfectly lovely apartment he needed company. Left alone he became morose and maudlin. Sinead helped lift his spirits and keep him positive. They had been friends for many years. She was trustworthy and supportive. “Yeah I’m done now. How do I look?” James went to the bottom of the stairs and gazed up, his heart skipped a beat. Sinead was resplendent in a deep red silk dress with a crushed velvet bodice. Her make up was understated save for the Marilyn Monroe red lips. Her shoulder length baby blonde hair was tousled, shining beautifully. A pair of killer stilettos, also in red, completed the look. “Sinead,” stammered James. “You look stunning. Really beautiful.” It hadn’t been the first time that James had had these thoughts or feelings about her. In fact they were becoming more frequent and intensifying. His ex-wife had often accused James of having an affair with Sinead, leaving James fuming with anger that she could not accept that they could be friends without having to partake of sex in any way. He could still recall how stunned those that knew him were when he told them he was marrying Mylene, they had all assumed it would be Sinead that he settled down with. Sinead blushed. “You don’t think it’s too over the top?” “It’s a Christmas party and you are perfect. Come on, that’s the taxi. Where’s your bag?” She held out a tiny purse. “Big enough for some money and lipstick. I’ll entrust you with the keys.” Rachel and Nicky were the first to greet them when they arrived, giving them huge hugs. “James,” smiled Rachel warmly. “You are so lucky to have such a beautiful young lady with you.” “I know,” he smiled back, winking at Sinead. “Lucky doesn’t go far enough really does it?” “Come on Bradders,” Nicky chuckled. “Let’s go and get a drink for the lovely lady.” “I won’t be long,” whispered James, stroking Sinead’s arm. “Why don’t you tell him?” Rachel asked once the guys were out of earshot. “Aside from the fact that he’ll laugh at me?” “He won’t! Trust me when I say the feeling is definitely mutual.” “It’s too soon after Mylene.” “Now you’re making excuses.” “Am I? Think about it Rache. James was so badly burned it will take him a long time to recover.” “I’m sure the pain would go a lot quicker if you were honest with him. Personally I think he knew he didn’t love her enough but he married her because he couldn’t have the real love of his life, you.” “That’s one hypothesis I suppose.” “As for that rubbish about him needing company,” said Rachel in exasperation. “What he means is he needs YOUR company.” “You are reading far too much into things.” “We’ll see,” Rachel grinned knowingly. “James is heading back so I’ll leave you to it. Oh and to warn you, if you don’t have a slow dance with him of your own accord I will engineer one.” “Rachel!” “What’s up?” asked James handing her a glass of white wine. “Rachel was teasing.” James studied her face; it gave him no clues. “About what?” “Nothing for you to worry about.” “Come on, let’s dance.” “What?” “Let’s dance. You love rock ‘n’ roll so come on; a bit of Elvis will get us in the mood. Not giving her time to refuse James took her glass of wine and his whisky and put them on Rachel and Nicky’s table along with Sinead’s bag. He then whisked her onto the dance floor to the sound of ‘Jailhouse Rock’. This was followed by another half dozen Elvis songs, Sinead impressed that she had managed to stay on her feet despite the ridiculous height of her heels. Both James and Sinead were out of breath when they rejoined Rachel and Nicky plus the newly arrived Sean and Rhian. “Bloody hell are you ill?” asked Sean to his cousin. “You never dance.” “With Sinead looking as gorgeous as she does it seemed appropriate.” “You’d better be careful, a lot of men are staring at her now.” “Well they can’t have her,” James laughed. “Erm excuse me,” interrupted Sinead. “Don’t I have a say in this?” “If you want to dance that’s fine, but that’s it.” “What gives you the right to tell me what I can or cannot do? I’m not your property and if I want to go with a guy I will!” “Hey steady on. I’m only looking out for your best interests.” “Time for us to hit the dance floor,” said Nicky grabbing Rachel by the hand. “Good idea,” agreed Sean, pulling Rhian up and walking with her to the dance floor. They didn’t want to be too close if Sinead and James were going to fall out. “You really do have a nerve James,” continued Sinead. “I’ve come out for a good time. If I meet someone I like it’s no business of yours.” “Yes it is. As your friend, it is. I don’t want you to get hurt or behave recklessly.” “What do you think I’m going to do? Do you honestly think I would sleep with a guy straight away?” “I never said that.” James drank down the remainder of his whisky in one swift gulp, frowning madly. “I can’t help wanting to protect you. I care about you a lot, you mean the world to me.” “And I appreciate that James but by the same token if I want to arrange a date, I will. You’re my friend not my lover.” James mumbled something but Sinead couldn’t make it out, annoying her all the more. “Stop mumbling and say it out loud.” James glared at her. “I’m not sure that you want to hear it.” “Try me.” James took hold of her hands and stared into her inquisitive eyes. “I love you Sinead. I want to be with you.” “Oh.” “Well either tell me I’m way off base or that you’re interested.” Sinead laughed, then on seeing the anger rising in him, James obviously thinking she was taking the piss, she leaned over, kissing his lightly on his cheek. “I think it would be cool going on a date with you.” James gave a huge beaming smile and embraced her to him. “I have loved you for so long.” “I often wondered what it would be like to have those gorgeous plump lips of yours kiss me.” Sinead brushed a fingertip over them. “I don’t know how much longer I can wait.” He chuckled. “As a gentleman, it’s impolite to keep a lady waiting so, I’m going to rectify that.” In unison they sighed as their lips finally met in a passionate kiss. Sean, Rhian, Rachel and Nicky grinned broadly as they watched. They had all got the Christmas present that they really wanted. End. <<< Melody's stories |