The problem of getting r.., p.18
The Problem of Getting Rich Quik ... Part One, page 18
part #1 of The problem of getting Rich Quik Series
Chapter Sixteen
‘You promised me,’ he said. Lily looked at Richard lying face down on a sun lounger but chose to ignore him. ‘After two weeks of being my wife you’re not listening.’
‘I want to see if anyone phoned and I don’t have to listen to you if I don’t want to.’
‘He still hasn’t called?’
‘That’s not like Dominic,’ she sighed. ‘He doesn’t know and I did text him.’
‘I thought we agreed. We wouldn’t tell anyone until we fly back.’
‘You agreed that with yourself,’ she said glancing at his bronzed back and beautiful body.
‘I want to keep it between us,’ he smiled, pulling his sunglasses down.
‘Do you think your mother will forgive you? I don’t think mine will for not telling her,’ she sighed and looked at the crystal blue water. ‘She gets sea sick so I don’t think she’d have appreciated us getting hitched on a boat.’
She lay back and felt the hot sun beat against her body. Their honeymoon had flown pass and she’d never felt so happy. They’d spent most of their time in bed. Even Lily surprised herself by her new found sexual appetite and Richard wasn’t complaining. He was doing everything to keep her turned on which didn’t take much. Just by touching her hand her knickers got automatically slippery. But in all this happiness, Lily wished she could talk to Dominic.
‘Wife,’ Richard called reaching his hand to touch her arm. ‘Why the frown?’
‘Nothing,’ she replied, putting her phone away.
‘Have you enjoyed this?’
‘What? Getting married to you and honeymooning? It’s okay,’ she laughed leaning over to kiss his cheek. ‘I do love you.’
‘I love you too,’ he said smiling. ‘Don’t ever forget that.’
‘I hope I won’t have to.’
‘Okay, let’s go back to the room I need you to spread for me,’ he whispered.
‘And who said romance was dead?’
As they walked along the beach before dinner, a wave of anxiety swept over Lily. Staring at Richard as he kicked the small waves she couldn’t believe she landed such a wonderful man.
‘It’s going to end in tears,’ she said to herself. ‘I know it is.’
‘What did you say?’ he asked, stopping in mid-flight.
‘Oh, nothing,’ Lily said realising he’d heard her. Richard slowly walked up to her as she looked out to sea. ‘Come on let’s go for dinner.’
‘No,’ he replied hands in pockets and squinting at her. ‘What’s going to end in tears?’
‘You and me,’ she replied, unable to hold on any longer.
‘Why?’
‘This has happened too quickly. We only met each other six months ago. I wake up in the middle of the night and I’m scared because it’s too good to be true.’
‘I wake up because of your snoring.’
‘Very funny,’ she said gently punching him as he laughed. ‘It’s too fast. We don’t really know each other properly.’
‘We’ll get to know each other more,’ he said putting his arms around her waist and looking down at her. Lily admired her beautiful husband and tried to smile, but she couldn’t. ‘Why are you being like this on our last night?’
‘Because reality stinks,’ she said feeling a panic inside her body. ‘Nothing will go back to normal. We haven’t discussed where we’re going to live, how many times I should come round to see you each week. It’s as if it all ends tomorrow.’
‘Oh,’ he said confused. ‘I thought you’d move in with me.’
‘But you’ve not asked me,’ she said gulping hard.
‘I’ve married you what else do you think we’d do? You live in your flat and I’d live in my house? When would we see each other?’
‘This isn’t a whim and I’m not going to find myself hauled back to see your solicitor for an annulment or anything?’
‘Not just yet,’ he smiled kissing her gently on the lips.
‘Are you going through a midlife crisis?’
‘I love you,’ he replied, putting his forehead against hers. ‘I don’t want anyone else, just you.’
‘Are you going to be satisfied with just me?’
‘Of course!’
‘I love you,’ she said. ‘I really do.’
‘Look whatever anyone throws at us we’ll take it.’
‘Depends how hard they throw.’
Waiting at Dominic’s front door, Lily tried the buzzer again. Eventually a croaky voice came to the intercom.
‘Hello.’
‘Dominic, it’s me,’ she said.
‘What? Where the fuck’ve you been?’ he said buzzing her through.
Within seconds they were wrapped in each other’s arms.
‘I’m sorry I didn’t mean to be so horrible. I wanted to call you but I thought you’d be angry,’ he said. ‘Then when I tried . . . I didn’t know what to say.’
‘No, it’s my fault,’ she said, feeling relieved in his arms.
‘Hang on a minute? How comes you’ve got black and beautiful?’
‘Was that a compliment?’
‘No.’
‘Then it’s a long story.’
‘Did you go on holiday without me?’
Dominic looked momentarily confused.
‘And you’ve only just realised I’ve been away for nearly three weeks? Right, you’re not getting any duty free off me,’ she said, holding the bag behind her back.
‘Bloody hell, you’re looking great,’ he smiled, dragging her into the living room.
‘Wish I could say the same about you,’ noticing his pasty white complexion and dark circles under his eyes. ‘Are you alone?’
‘It’s been a nightmare,’ he said, sitting down on the sofa flashing her a sad and confused look. ‘Monica went off the rails and won’t even speak to me.’
‘Ah,’ she said sitting next to him. ‘She’s still angry? Do you want me to go and tell her it was my fault?’
‘Don’t bother. I was on the way to see her a week ago and when I turned up at her flat, well she had company,’ he said disappointedly.
‘Did you catch her at it?’ she asked moving closer to her best buddy.
‘No but it was obvious she was screwing someone. I bet it was that bloody Richard.’
‘What? Why do you say that?’
Lily felt the hairs on her neck stand on end as she swallowed hard.
‘Obvious isn’t it? She fancied him all along.’
‘I see,’ she replied sitting back.
‘Tell me where you’ve been and how comes I wasn’t told let alone invited,’ he sighed.
‘I went to Brighton for a night and-.’
‘What? They’re having a heat wave,’ he laughed out. ‘Who took you?’
‘Richard,’ she said waiting for the reaction.
‘Him?’ said Dominic, his face turning into a scowl.
‘Yes him. He said I needed a holiday and he took me away.’ Her heart was beating faster than usual and suddenly she felt extremely nervous. ‘Abroad.’
‘Where did you go?’ Dominic asked, suspiciously.
‘Turks and Caicos. It was lovely and he paid.’
‘I see. He paid out on an expensive holiday just to get you in the sack? Well Lily, you certainly are changing. And you don’t mind if he dumps you now you’re back and goes off with someone else? Well don’t come crying to-.’
‘We got married!’
Lily watched, as if in slow motion, how he turned to look at her, his mouth aghast but no sound coming out, like a silent scream. He sat there and looked at her for what seemed like hours as she waited for his reaction.
‘Aren’t you going to say something Dom?’
Lily’s hands were clasped on her knees.
‘You are joking aren’t you?’ he said half smiling. ‘This is a wind up because I was horrible to you.’
‘No it’s not a joke. He proposed in Brighton. He had it all arranged and even registered the wedding over here so I’m legally his wife.’
‘Oh my god, you’re not joking,’ Dominic said shaking his head. ‘I’m speechless.’
He immediately stood up and shook his head.
‘Bit of a shock, isn’t it?’ she said laughing nervously. ‘I was shocked, thought he was going to use me for a naughty night but he proposed before we even slept together.’
‘This is serious, isn’t it? Why didn’t you call me?’ he asked standing with his hands placed firmly on his head.
‘I sent you a text and you didn’t bother to call me, did you? So I thought I’d go on honeymoon and take each day as it comes.’
Dominic looked guiltily at Lily and she knew he couldn’t fault her on trying to make contact.
‘Am I first to know?’ he eventually asked walking over to the fire place then tapping it.
‘Rich’s mother knows and we went to see my mum this morning, who is chuffed, not happy about missing the wedding but Richard charmed her.’
‘Like he does to everyone,’ was Dominic’s sarcastic reply as he turned to face her.
‘Leave him alone. He’s done nothing wrong.’
‘He’s not only made me split up with my girlfriend, he’s taken my best friend, and of course he’s done something to me!’ he said pissed off.
‘It’s turned out perfectly,’ she said hoping he’d come on side.
‘Let me sum this up. You fancied him, had a one night stand then you meet up again and he’s ‘suddenly’,’ Dominic said doing an air speech mark sign, ‘wants to know. In the meantime he’s used you to cover his tracks on another one of his dirty little tricks and you, Lily, you, still give him the time of day. Then, as if this wasn’t daft enough as it is, you end up getting married to him after how long?’
‘Six months,’ replied Lily. ‘Okay, from what you’re saying it sounds a little strange but we’re in love.’
‘He’s in love with you?’ Dominic asked raising his eyebrows. ‘Richard Hayden-Quik is in love and married to you?’
‘You’re being very supportive here,’ she snapped at him, her leg suddenly shaking anxiously.
‘Bagging Richard with a one night shag that you can’t even remember! Bloody hell Lily, you must be very good in bed or you slipped him some Rohypnol. ’
‘You’re crossing the line,’ she hissed pointing a finger at Dominic.
‘I’m trying to get it straight in my head! You’ve managed to achieve what every other woman wanted and failed.’
‘Yes?’ she replied doubtfully.
‘Something’s not right here.’
‘It is right. He loves me. He told me again and again. Can’t you be happy for me?’
‘And you’re going to move in with him?’ Dominic persisted shaking his head in total disbelief. ‘What have you done?’
‘I’ve married the man I love.’
‘But does he really love you?’
‘Yes,’ she said through gritted teeth. ‘Will you just give him a chance? Anyway Dom, haven’t you forgotten to tell me something on hearing my good news?’ she asked, standing up feeling agitated.
He stepped closer to her and grabbed her shoulders shaking her hard.
‘Good luck Lily because you’re going to bloody well need it!’
Riding her Vespa on the way to Richard’s she couldn’t get out of her mind what Dominic had said. His summary of her relationship had hit a raw nerve and she couldn’t shake off the feeling something wasn’t right.
Lily parked the scooter in the drive and walked up to the front door. They’d only been back a day but already she wanted to go away again and hide from the reactions. Pressing the bell she waited for him to open the door but was shocked to see Rosana greeting her.
‘I hear congratulations are in order,’ Rosana sneered immediately.
‘Oh great!’ Lily said shaking her head walking in. ‘This is all I need.’
‘Bad day at the office, darling?’ she smirked.
‘Hey you,’ said Richard walking over to her with a big grin.
‘Hey,’ she said remembering why she was so happy hours ago.
He leaned down and kissed her gently. She then felt Rosana elbow passed her. Lily pulled away and flopped onto the sofa.
‘Are you okay?’ he asked sitting next to her, stroking her hair.
‘Just tired,’ she said glancing at Rosana who was glaring back at her. ‘Is your sidekick staying for the evening?’
‘No, she’s updating me,’ he said. ‘It didn’t go well with Dominic I take it?’
‘What did Dominic say?’ Rosana eagerly asked.
‘None of your business,’ Lily replied. ‘Why don’t you ask your darling sister how quickly it took her to find someone else? He’s gutted.’
‘And you should’ve kept your mouth shut, well that’s what Dominic said,’ sneered Rosana.
‘Ladies!’ Richard intervened. ‘You seem to forget the accusations were about me.’
‘And they weren’t far off,’ mumbled Lily, angry that Richard had let Rosana in on their first night home.
‘So you know?’ said Rosana bemused.
‘Know what?’ asked Lily, aware the vicious PA had the upper hand on anything to do with Richard.
‘Yes she knows about the filming,’ said Richard calmly walking towards Lily and sitting next to her.
‘How modern,’ sniped Rosana.
‘She knows as well?’ Lily said to Richard. ‘And it’s her sister?’
‘She’s my PA and my right hand,’ he humbly said.
Lily noticed Rosana plainly gloating.
‘She’s a wanker too, is she?’ Lily mumbled under her breath as Rosana’s smirked was wiped off her face. ‘I’m going to get changed.’
‘Hang on a minute,’ Richard said, grabbing her firmly around the shoulders so she couldn’t move. ‘I think we should arrange for all of us to go out for dinner.’
‘Who do you mean?’ Lily asked in horror.
‘I propose tomorrow night. Rosana, Dominic, you and I go out to dinner to smooth things over,’ he softly said.
Lily was about to open her mouth to protest.
‘I think that would be a lovely idea,’ declared Rosana. ‘I mean poor Dominic has been through a lot.’
‘Great! Rosana can you book somewhere for tomorrow?’ he said happily.
‘Dominic might not want to come,’ Lily glanced at the pair of them in desperation. ‘He’s not happy and it’s not all to do with Monica.’
‘You mean he doesn’t approve of us?’ said Richard.
‘That’s putting it mildly,’ Lily replied, standing up and walking to the window. She thought for a moment what Dominic said about wishing her luck, still feeling the indent of his fingers in her shoulders. ‘He’s not going to be easily swayed by a slap up meal.’
‘It’ll be okay,’ Richard said walking towards her and putting a comforting arm around her.
‘I’ll call Dominic,’ announced Rosana from behind them.
‘Leave him alone!’ Lily barked, even shocking herself. Richard looked startled but Rosana was just annoyed. ‘He’s my friend and I’ll talk to him.’
Lily marched up the stairs and walked into the bedroom, closing the door. She took out her mobile and rang Dominic.
‘Have you broken up yet?’ he immediately asked.
‘I know you don’t approve but in the end of the day, we make our own choices and we live by them,’ she quickly said on the attack. ‘I love Rich and I hope he loves me. If it goes tits up then that’s something I’ll have to live with but I need to give it a chance. Can’t I be happy?’
‘Yeah,’ he said backing down. ‘I’m not saying that I’m just saying-.’
‘I know you care about me,’ she said through gritted teeth.
‘Sometimes.’
‘Okay sometimes. I know you’re worried.’
‘All the bloody time!’
‘How do you think I feel? I come back here and Rosana’s opening the bloody door to greet me in the place where I’m supposed to call my home!’ Lily gasped, realising her voice was getting louder.
‘Bummer,’ he said and she knew he was trying not to laugh.
‘Yes bummer! Look Rich wants us to all get on so come out tomorrow night for dinner. Please, because that bloody cow has been invited and I can’t face it. She likes you, she’ll leave me alone and you can have the pleasure of Richard, the successful film maker sucking up to you, the odd jobbing actor!’
‘Well if you put it like that,’ he said sounding more cheerful. ‘I’ll come. He might give me some work.’
‘I’m pleased you’re not doing it for me then,’ she sighed before hanging up.
When Lily returned downstairs there was no sign of Rosana. She found Richard in the kitchen, cooking.
‘I’m making us dinner,’ he said, smiling at her.
‘You cook? I thought you had a housekeeper or something.’
‘Of course I cook, don’t you?’ he half laughed.
‘Yes,’ she replied walking closer to him. ‘What are you making?’
‘Wait and see.’ Richard turned and smiled at her. ‘Did you get it off your chest?’
‘What do you mean?’
Lily loitered by the breakfast bar.
‘I heard you shouting.’ He stopped cooking and walked up to her. ‘What did Dom say about tomorrow night?’
‘I said you were booking somewhere and I’d call him.’
‘I booked Tau because, if I remember, you never got the chance to eat there let alone have a drink and you mentioned Dominic wanted to go.’
‘That was very thoughtful of you,’ she smiled, putting her arms around her husband’s waist then grimacing at the memory he’d been there with Tia. ‘What’s for desert?’
‘I thought some sweaty sex. Are you up for it?’
‘Afterwards?’ she laughed.
‘You want the pasta to go soft,’ he asked and looked at her.
‘As long as you don’t,’ she said as he quickly lifted her to place her bottom on the work top, kissing her frantically and heading straight for her breasts.
‘God, I love these,’ he said pushing off her top and pulling down her bra as he squeezed her breasts.
Lily pushed his fingers through his hair as he removed her clothing from the waist below. Richard thrust his tongue into her mouth as she let him caress her. He seemed on heat as he pushed a finger inside her. Lily let her head fling back.
