Chapter 11
‘When are you going?’ Anna asked David.
‘Why?’
‘Because I don’t want you here when Damien arrives.’
‘I’m sorry, but I’m not meeting Stevie till after lunch.’
‘Well, if you thing that you’re going to hang around here you’ve got another thing coming. We are working this afternoon.’
‘Okay, I won’t queer your pitch. I’ll go to the pub.’
‘You do that!’
‘Funny to think we were married. You treat me as if I’m a leper,’ David said.
‘Just don’t ruin it for me, please. Damien Spur is one of the best writers of the decade and he likes my work. I am so lucky. He’s going to help me.’
‘Okay, okay. There’s no need to go on about it.’
But David took his time. When the intercom buzzed at 2 p.m., he still hadn’t left.
Anna was in the bedroom fiddling with her make-up.
Damien rang the bell again.
‘Shall I let him in?’ David shouted up the stairs.
‘Yes,’ she shouted back, ‘but for goodness’ sake, just say hello and go.’ Anna knew that David wasn’t going to make it easy. He still loved her.
So here was David, face to face with the urbane, successful Damien Spur. And who was he? A has-been restaurateur who’d pissed away his life on the gambling tables.
‘Hello,’ Damien said. ‘You must be David.’
‘Yes, for my sins.’
‘Anna’s told me about you.’
‘Probably given you all the bad bits.’ David gave a bitter laugh.
‘Not at all. She said you were a terrific restaurateur – and I must tell you that I remember your fabulous restaurant very well. When I was a young man, my stepfather took me to Valentino’s. Such a glamorous place. And I can’t forget the lobster with port wine sauce and the fabulous roasted duck breast with spring rolls.’
‘Ah! Those were the two dishes that put us on the map,’ David said. ‘That, and the fact that we were a favourite haunt of all the high-class hookers in Mayfair who insisted that they ate with their clients first and the sex came later. And in the main room every night there were at least three geezers who were ready to go down on bended knees.’
‘Well then, I’m sure you might remember my stepfather. His name was Teddy McDermott. In fact, I think he proposed to my mother at your restaurant.’
‘Of course I remember Teddy!’
David’s face lit up. He looked alive again. He had the keen expression of a man who had woken up to the days when his life mattered. David Rose, the great bon viveur.
‘And I remember your mother, Virginia, too.’
‘Funny to hear her name,’ Damien said. ‘I always called her Mummy, which didn’t suit her at all. Couldn’t stand the maternal stuff.’
‘Maybe I saw her in a different light,’ David replied. ‘She was gorgeous, like a film star, very Rita Hayworth with that silky auburn hair and those flirty brown eyes. So elegant and charming. When he proposed to her, everybody stood up and clapped and then Teddy sang “It Had to Be You”. It was beautiful.’
‘Teddy was so romantic,’ Damien said. ‘I really adored my stepfather.’
‘They were regulars after they married. Sometimes they would ask me to sit at their table. Teddy had a great sense of humour. Made me and your mother laugh with his funny quips.’
Anna appeared. She stood watching the two men who were fired up by their exchange and, for the first time since the demise of her marriage, she saw the David that she’d married. As if the memory of Teddy and Damien’s mother had suffused him with fresh blood, recharged him.
Here was the David who had charmed her.
‘Well,’ she said, ‘what a coincidence! But we have work to do. And you don’t want to keep your friend waiting, do you, David?’ She gave him a tight little smile.
‘Sorry, but that was such a great surprise. Thank you, Damien. You brought back fond memories.’
‘Good to meet you too, and if you can dig up some of the recipes, I’d really appreciate it if you would send them to me. I love cooking. It’s my passion.’
‘And I’d love to hear more about your adventures,’ Damien said.
Anna was losing ground. Eyes narrowed, she threw David a killer glance.
They were both ignoring her. Maybe Damien was more interested in her ex than her story. Never mind, best to be charming.
‘Perhaps you can come over to dinner one night,’ she suggested politely. ‘I’m sure David would be delighted to tell you all about his life. But not now,’ she added somewhat sharply.
‘Love to,’ Damien replied.
‘Well, I’d better go, before she throws me out.’ David picked up his overnight bag and turned to Anna. ‘See you Monday,’ he said with a twinkle in his eye. ‘Goodbye.’
Anna blushed as he left. Why did he have to say that? See you Monday.
And there was no mistaking the sly look he’d given her. She could see that Damien had clocked it.
‘Your husband’s an interesting man,’ Damien said.
‘Ex,’ she replied. ‘He’s living with me at the moment until he finds a new place. Anyway, let’s get on with the story.’
Damien took the manuscript out of its envelope and they sat on the sofa.
‘Take away the wordiness and drive the text with feeling,’ he said. ‘Keep the sentences simple. Remember, you are writing for children.’
Anna loved the way he treated her. He gave her courage. Inspired her with his thoughtful comments.
She looked at his face as he studied the pages, and wondered how he could be so serious. It was, after all, a children’s story.
But he knew how to make words come alive. ‘Show, don’t tell,’ he said. ‘More dialogue, breathe life into your characters. Forget the pretty words and frilly sentences. Even younger readers want to know who the characters are, what they think, what they feel. Dig deep.’
Anna was dying to kiss him.
Better to wait till the end of the session.
‘Don’t mix business with pleasure,’ Claudia had said. ‘Don’t throw your body at him.’
But it was Damien who held fire. Doing his thing. Pacing himself. Giving her the drill.
When they’d finished the chapter, he looked at her with thrilling intimacy and said, ‘Well, Anna, I think that’s enough for today.’
Make her wait. Start slow.
He curled his lips as if he was going to kiss her, but no, he hovered just close enough so she could feel his breath.
Her legs were shaking.
Oh my goodness, he hasn’t even touched me and I’m already wet!
The thought had made her tremble. It was delicious. Full of promise. He certainly knew what he was doing. Agitating her. Making her want him.
He gently grazed her lips with his and waited for her response. Anna was ravenous.
She gave a deep sigh. Here she was in the moment. Her past forgotten. The years of nothingness disappeared. She was beautiful again.
And then he moved away. Held her face.
‘Why don’t we have a walk? Clear our heads after the work? It’s a lovely day.’
Come on, Anna. It’s your call. Forget Claudia. Here’s your chance. Be brave. Nothing to stop you.
‘I’ve a better idea,’ she said.
Anna took his hand and led him upstairs to the bedroom. He didn’t resist.
As she passed the heart-shaped mirror, she winked at herself.
You, Anna Rose, are a very skilled seductress.
She’d sprayed the bedroom with Oud, bought from a Moroccan shop in Portobello.
Damien sneezed. It smelt stale, made his eyes water. Reminded him of the souk in Marrakesh where a thief had stolen his wallet.
He scanned the lavender silk curtains and the shabby-chic dressing table. It was not a room in which he was comfortable. Too many frills and pictures of flowers on the wall.
He wanted to leave, but Anna was so keen that he didn’t want to disappoint her.
‘Let’s have a shower first,’ he said.
Come on, Casanova, get on with it. She’s chomping at the bit! said the Voice.
He unzipped her dress and slid his finger down her spine; twanged the edge of her silky panties.
Full speed ahead , the Voice said. Don’t do the number. You want this done and dusted by six if she’s going to cook you dinner.
She was beautiful undressed. Her lovely breasts stood to attention like proud soldiers. Her tummy flat, her legs slender and graceful.
Damien was glad he’d stayed.
‘You’re perfect,’ he said.
‘And so are you.’ She sighed, her eyes wide, feasting on his beautiful torso, fine muscles and golden unblemished skin.
And so the ritual began. Damien’s tried-and-tested thriller. He lathered her with soap and water.
‘Oh my God,’ she moaned. ‘Please, Damien, take me to bed. I don’t think I can stand this much longer.’
Their bodies entwined, she nuzzled his neck and lifted her legs round his waist. He carried her to the bedroom.
She made weird animalistic sounds as he caressed her. Purred like a cheetah, growled like a tiger, hissed like a snake.
Damien stifled a giggle.
Come on. Don’t be mean. She’s having a good time , said the Voice.
Even Damien, who was used to endless marathons, found Anna’s gymnastics exhausting.
She changed positions frequently.
You need a breather , said the Voice. Lie back and enjoy it .
He rolled over and now she was on top, astride him, riding her stallion at a furious pace.
‘Yes, yes!’ she panted. ‘This is just what I needed. You’re the best. I could go on forever.’
Oh no! said the Voice. You wanted to leave at 10.30. By the time she cooks dinner, you won’t be finished till midnight! If you want to get home this evening, you’ll have to chivvy things along. Come on, don’t fall asleep on the job. Show her who’s boss.
Damien grabbed Anna’s arms and rolled her over. Now he was on top. A few master strokes and she was on her way.
Surfing the waves, her back arched, she squeezed Damien’s buttocks hard and gave one final animal cry. A howl so plaintive that the neighbour next door rang her intercom.
At first Anna ignored it. But the buzzing carried on.
‘Oh, for goodness’ sake,’ she said. ‘I’d better answer it.’
Damien gave her a sweet smile. ‘That’s a shame.’
Who are you trying to kid? said the Voice. You’re relieved, admit it. Back on schedule.
Anna jumped out of bed, went downstairs and picked up the receiver.
‘Sorry to disturb you,’ her neighbour said, ‘but I heard a very strange noise. Didn’t know you had a dog, but it sounded in pain. Is everything all right?’
‘Yes, fine,’ Anna said. ‘No need to call the RSPCA. I was watching a documentary about wolves. I’ll turn the TV down.’
Meanwhile, Damien had slipped into the shower again. He needed to think.
Let me help you , said the Voice. You could just get dressed and leave. Or maybe you should stay. She’s interesting. Strange, but kind of sexy, in an unbridled sort of way.
When Damien came out of the bathroom, Anna was sitting on the edge of the bed, crying. She looked up at him, her eyes smudged with mascara.
‘I’m so sorry,’ she said. ‘I don’t know what came over me.’
‘What do you mean?’ Damien said.
‘Those noises I was making – I’ve never done that before.’
‘What’s wrong with that? You were just enjoying yourself.’
‘Yes, but how embarrassing that my nosy neighbour heard me. She’s always interfering. Thought I was hitting a dog. Was going to call the RSPCA. Can you imagine?’
So bizarre. Damien burst out laughing. And that’s when he knew he would see her again.
Yes, she was a strange creature, though he somewhat enjoyed her eccentric behaviour. There was something about her that was appealing. A mix of steely determination where her ambition was concerned, yet she was also amusing and childishly enthusiastic.
Plus she was an excellent cook. That evening, she made him osso bucco, which he loved, followed by tiramisu.
She’d been charming and light during dinner. After a few glasses of wine, Damien decided to stay the night.
They made love again, and this time Anna was calmer, more attentive to his needs.
‘Anna,’ he sighed, ‘you’re a very gifted woman.’
***
Monday afternoon. Anna had come home from work elated. Damien had called her, urged by the Voice. Another date. His place this time.
But where was David? He’d said he would be back in the morning. Not that she minded.
Peace and quiet, no squabbling. He was probably still playing snooker at the local in Harrow.
Whereas Damien Spur was surely more interested in cultural pursuits. Filling his playtime with visits to the theatre and dining in fine restaurants.
Yes, he was definitely on the A-list. And then she stopped herself.
Remembered how David used to take her to the smartest places. He especially loved the opera. They would go all the time until his life fell apart. Couldn’t afford it anymore. Listened to his CDs instead.
When her ex finally came home, he greeted her with a kiss on the cheek.
‘Sorry I’m late,’ he said. ‘These are for you.’ He presented her with a fancy red carrier bag.
‘How lovely,’ she replied. ‘Most unexpected.’ She gave him a charming smile.
This was a new David. Was he wooing her? Did he feel threatened by Damien?
‘Surprise number one.’ His face was flushed with excitement.
She pulled out a gold box. ‘My favourite chocolates! Thank you, David.’ She patted his cheek.
‘And now, number two. Do you want to sit down? It’s big news.’
Anna laughed. ‘It’s okay. I can assure you I won’t keel over, whatever it is.’
‘No, come and sit. For once, don’t fight me.’ He took her hand and sat her on the ivory chintz sofa that Evelyn had given her.
‘Well, I know it hasn’t been easy having me around,’ he said slowly. ‘And now I’ve met your new friend Damien, who seems a lovely guy, I might add, I think you need some space. So…’
Yes… Come on, David, spit it out.
‘Stevie’s asked me to come and share his flat. What do you think?’
‘Well, it seems a good idea, but how will I…’
He finished her sentence. ‘…make ends meet?’
‘Yes.’
‘Don’t worry about the money. I’ll still help you with the bills.’
‘But how can you afford it?’
‘Because – here comes the big one – surprise number three. I’m going to manage a gastropub.’
‘Well, I certainly didn’t expect that. What wonderful news! So then, when are you leaving?’
‘At the end of the week,’ he replied. ‘And I start my new job next Monday.’
He whisked a bottle of champagne from his case. ‘Ready chilled. Let’s celebrate!’
Damien was half asleep when the doorbell rang. He looked at his watch. It was 6 p.m. Anna was early.
He opened the door in his dressing gown. She looked bemused.
‘Oh, have I got the wrong day?’
‘No. But you’re a little premature. We said six thirty, didn’t we? I like to have a snooze between five and six, if I can.’
‘Oh dear, my mistake. So sorry. I can come back later if you like?’
‘Of course not. Do come in.’ Anna noticed he was barefoot. He had beautiful toes. Perfectly formed.
‘Would you like a drink while I get dressed?’ he said.
What a pity. He looks so sexy in his ivory, damask silk robe. Why bother to get dressed when he’s only going to have to take it off again?
‘Yes, please,’ she said.
He took out a bottle of wine from the fridge and poured her a glass of excellent white burgundy. ‘I’ll just be a tick,’ he said, and disappeared.
Anna looked at the elegant art deco light, the impeccable satinwood desk, the ruby-red Persian carpet, and imagined herself settled in the blue velvet armchair in a cream silk peignoir. Damien Spur’s girlfriend, the novelist Anna Rose. Twenty minutes later, he appeared again.
‘Now then, let’s continue.’
They sat at his desk, side by side. Anna stole a quick glance at his handsome profile. Forehead, eyes, nose, lips, chin in perfect symmetry.
Just like a Greek god. Oh dear, you’ve got it bad, Anna. You lovestruck fool. Stop staring at him. Concentrate on the work or you’ll lose his respect.
It was hard. They were sitting so close to each other. His neck smelt of lemons. Everything about him was sensual.
‘Good, really good,’ Damien said. ‘So much better. The writing really flows now. You’ve worked very hard. Taken the notes and given me back more than I expected. A few more sessions and I think we’ll have a book.’
And that’s what Anna feared. But she knew not to ask him questions. Just take what she could. Enjoy it while it lasted.
‘Thank you, Damien. You’re a wonderful teacher.’ She gave him a coy look.
And then, she had the wave. That rush of heat rising between her legs, up through her body, burning her cheeks. She was sizzling again. Taken over by the need to touch him, kiss him.
‘I’ve made you dinner,’ Damien said. ‘Then we can go to bed.’
And so the sessions continued. Her place or his. Work, dinner, sex – and goodbye in the morning.
Until the day he set sail.
They lay in post-coital bliss while Damien tenderly stroked her hair. ‘Anna, what am I to do with you?’
‘I don’t know, Damien. What do you want to do with me?’
‘Well, I don’t want to hurt you,’ he said. ‘I’ve loved being your mentor. The story is wonderful and really works now. I am happy to send it to my agent, but…’
‘But what? It’s been more than just the book, hasn’t it?’
‘Well, yes.’
Here it comes, the goodbye line. Keep it fresh, Damien.
‘It’s not your fault, it’s mine,’ he said. ‘But I just can’t be with one woman, Anna. I’m an adventurer. You need a man who loves just you.’
‘Please don’t tell me what I need. I’m grateful that you’ve helped me with my book, but I don’t see why we can’t carry on seeing each other. Are you bored with me?’
‘You should never ask that question.’
Anna sighed and turned away. Maybe it was for the best. Keep the work separate. Stay friends.
After he’d left, she rang Claudia.
‘It’s over. Damien will help me with the book, but he doesn’t want a relationship.’
‘So, was he good in bed?’
‘Claudia! What are you saying?’
‘I heard he has a five-star rating.’
Anna shouldn’t have called. There was a side to Claudia that she found cruel. She didn’t need the cards to tell her that he slept around.
‘Who did you hear that from?’
‘Never mind. Just giving you a reality check. I told you. He’s not a man who has long-term relationships. And he doesn’t go for women that fall in love with him.’
‘How do you know?’
‘Trust me. Get on with your life and let him help you with your book. Much more useful than having your heart broken.’