You are Definitely Going to Hell Ch. 07

Hello friends. Welcome to the latest Going to Hell. It's been a long time coming, but it's here at last. We are following Rob through his trials and tribulations of early life. Remember, this is based in the late eighties and is total fantasy. May a little bit of my teenage memories come out, and some odd crush will come out.

I've put this in Erotic coupling and I'm considering relisting 6 the same way. See I do read your comments.

As usual, all people involved in any sexual activity are over the age of 18 years old.

My thanks go out to the two guys who have to make sense of my scribblings. First, read Ian D and the second, read JPS1.

Please leave your score and a comment. It makes the time it takes to write worthwhile. I do read each one and take any constructive criticism on board.

So, for the seventh time.....

******

I'm sitting there stunned at what Maria's just said. Bec comes to the door with a concerned look on her face. "Maria honey, did you just say that Cambridge has an opening six months early for you?" Maria doesn't say anything but nods her head. I lean back against the headboard and blow a breath out. I look at Bec and shake my head in disbelief. Bec knows this is a time for Maria and me to talk, so she closes the door before walking away. I lie down alongside Maria and say, "Hey, baby."

Maria lifts her head, looks as tears fill her eyes, and she climbs on top. I wrap my arms around her and squeeze her tight. We hold each other, lost in our thoughts for I don't know how long.

"I thought we would have until September together," Maria whispers.

"Yeah, seems like a kick in the teeth. Will this mean you finish earlier?"

Maria stops and raises her head. "Christ, I didn't think of that. It might mean I finish a year earlier before I get my placement."

"Well, that's got to be a good thing then, right?"

"Yeah, but....."

"You wanted the time to bond?"

"Mmmmyeah," Maria says. This news has hit us like a ton of bricks.

"Whatever happens, we will get around this," I say, trying to be positive.

"Could we see each other every weekend when we are free?" Maria asks.

"I can't see why not... Cambridge can be done in one hop. I leave Friday after classes and go straight down the M1 or M6. I should be with you by nine; I leave again Sunday evening."

Maria groans. "I can't believe I'm seriously considering going, only an hour after swearing I wouldn't. We're going to have to update that car."

"What? I love my car," I say, surprised at my girlfriend.

"You need something a little more for long distance. If you're going to visit."

"Is this what you want?" I ask.

"No, but I will only consider it if you promise to visit me. Then I will talk to my mother."

"What happened on the phone with your mother?"

"Oh, ummm. I might have shouted a little and slammed the phone down."

"Baby, you need to go ring her back. We can then sit and talk this afternoon."

"But..."

"But nothing. Our lives together don't start for five and a half years. If you can make that four and a half, you should grab it with both hands."

"Okay, let me go and see if she hasn't just got into her car and is on her way," Maria says, climbing off me and going to the door. I watch her arse in her stone-washed jeans. Maria turns and catches me looking. She smiles before saying, "But we need to think this through. I will not lose you over this." She opens the door and walks out. I hear her ask my mother if she can use the phone, and then she's out of earshot.

"That was quick," I say when she appears two minutes later.

"Mum is on her way here. She will be here for lunch."

"Mum, Anna is coming for lunch," I call.

"Okay," my mother calls back, sounding pleased.

"Come on; we've got time to go down to that Ford Garage just off the dual-carriageway."

"What? What are we going to the Ford garage for?" I say, putting on my sweatshirt.

We pull up outside and park. I see the salesman look up and then go straight back to his paperwork. "This will be fun," I say.

"You'll get used to it, but it's much better than them crawling all over you when you walk in," Maria says.

"What are you thinking of getting?" Bec asks as she gets out the same side as Maria. Again, I watch the salesman. He double-takes and then watches my girlfriend and my friend walk toward the entrance. He checks how he looks in the widow's reflection before standing. I lock the car and quickly catch the girls up, but when we walk through the door, my attention is taken by the new Escort.

"Ladies," the salesman says, sounding like he's asking them to strip.

"Hi," Maria says. My boyfriend over there is looking to upgrade his Escort to something that will allow him to eat up the miles a little more comfortably."

"I see. Is he looking for another Escort?" The salesman moves between the girls.

"Not sure, but I like that," she says, looking at a Ford Sierra XR4i.

"That would be better over the longer distances. What sort of journey does he have to make?" He puts his arm on both their shoulders. Both girls twist away and move over to me.

I look up, and my eyebrows raise at the stunning car in the showroom. "Wow, that is neat," I say, instantly thinking I said the wrong thing. Walking around the back, I let my figure trace over the larger of the double spoiler on the hatch. The XR4i is in diamond white with blue stripes running across diagonally, and from what I can see, it is like a road version of the rally car. It has the Cosworth wheels and the RS bonnet with the blue rally stripe and another across the roof. It seems to have everything. The front is set off with fog lights on the bumper next to the indicators. "Is this a Cosworth?" I ask.

"Essentially, yes, it has the two-litre RS500 engine. It also has Cosworth and RS extras." He says. "It's the showroom model with all the bells and whistles." He walks away almost dismissively.

I sit in the driver's seat, and it seems to hug me. "Nice," Bec says as she stands leaning against the driver's door, looking in. "What do you think, baby?" The salesman hears this, and I see him look questionably our way.

"Nice. I could see myself driving to Cambridge in this," I say.

"Cambridge?" The salesman says, "It's not far.

"It is from Edinburgh," Bec says.

The salesman goes to say something but stops himself. "So, what will it cost to drive this away by Thursday?" Maria asks.

The salesman laughs in disbelief. "Uh, it's not for sale," he says.

"Then why's it here?" I ask. "Can we speak to the manager?"

He takes a breath as if to give himself a moment. "Frankie. What seems to be the problem," a short, bald man says from one of the office doors.

"Umm, these kids want to buy the show car, Mr Millar," he says, suddenly breaking out in a sweat.

"I have asked what it would take to drive this car out of here by Thursday, Mr Millar?" Maria says, turning toward the man.

He laughs, "Young lady, I don't think even your daddy could afford that one; anyway, it's not for sale," he says.

That gets Bec's backup. "So why is it in your showroom?" She asks.

"Because it's a showroom model," he turns back to his office and goes back in.

"I think I need to ring Mrs Henshaw," I say. "See what she has to say when I tell her how condescending her two salesmen are," I add. This was a bit of a bluff because I didn't know her personally, but I knew my mother did. She got a good deal on the Escort from her.

Mr Millar turns back. "You know Mrs Henshaw?" He asks, looking a little nervous.

"Look, I preferred the Audi Quatro we looked at earlier," Maria says.

"Yeah, and the salesman wasn't as.... yu-know," Bec says, looking at the salesman with a little disdain.

"Nineteen grand, and you can pick it up tomorrow," Mr Millar says.

"Fifteen cash, with Robs Escort in part-ex, and you have a deal," Maria counters.

Mr Millar is now the one sweating and is stalling. His eyes look out at my car parked in the customer parking. "Shit," he says. "Are you Doreene Johnson's boy?" I nod. "Okay, come back tomorrow at four, and she'll be ready."

"But, Mr Millar, they've only made twenty-five of....." He's stopped by Mr Millar, putting his hand up and a glare to tell him to shut up.

We walk out. "What just happened?" I ask.

"You just got yourself a new car, baby," Maria says. "The deal is that if I am going to Cambridge, then you will let me buy you this so you can visit. It should cruise at seventy very easily."

We drive back home via our house. Maria wanted to see the place in the winter sun, and Bec hasn't seen it yet. I have to admit it doesn't look half as bad in the full light of the day. Unfortunately we don't have time to go inside, Maria's mother should be arriving soon.

Anna is already there when we return. "Hello, baby. Where have you been?"

"We went and bought Rob a car more suitable for the long journeys from Edinburgh to Cambridge," Maria says.

"I hope you went to Henshaw's," my mother says from behind her tea mug.

"Yes, Mr. Millar gave us a good deal on a new Sierra," Maria says. "And before you say anything, Mum, it's the only condition that will stop me from going to Cambridge."

"So you are going now?"

"Yes, it looks like it. Rob pointed out that we would most probably be able to start our lives a year earlier if I did... Tea Rob?" Maria says, moving and picking up the teapot.

Anna doesn't know how to respond. "Please tell me you've bought him the white and blue work of art in the showroom that every man has been drooling over for the last six months," my Dad says, walking into the kitchen.

"The very one," Bec says.

"Ah, Bec, I have a letter for you in the lounge," Dad says and returns the way he came in.

Anna looks at Bec. "Sorry, Mum, this is Rebecca Brown or Bec," Maria says, walking over to Bec and putting an arm around her waist.

"Hello, Bec. I see Doreene wasn't exaggerating when she said you were more beautiful in the flesh." Anna says. "It looks like you've also made a good impression on my daughter, which I would say is a hard feat considering what you told the world."

"Mum?" Maria says at her mum's brashness.

"It's okay, Maria. If I were in your mum's shoes, I would have come to that conclusion. What I will say, Mrs Hunter is that I have no designs on Rob other than friendship. It took me a while to come to terms with my life choice, but because of what I do for a living, I could never put someone I truly love through what a boyfriend of a porn star has to deal with."

"Bec, please don't get me wrong. My only problem with you at this moment is.....," Anna pauses for effect, "you calling me Mrs Hunter and not Anna." Anna triumphantly smiles at the shocked look on all our faces. "Plus, I trust Rob to treat my little girl right," she adds. "Now tell me more about this car you've insisted on buying. I'm guessing I will be getting a phone call from your trust fund manager."

"Oh, that reminds me, Maria. He's signed off on the purchase of the house. He thinks it's a good investment. As soon as the land registry report comes back, I will process and exchange. I have all the forms for you both to sign before you leave for university," Mum says without taking a breath. Dad returns with Bec's letter and hands it to her before sitting at the table next to Anna.

"We best sign that now and get it out the way," Maria says. "Rob will be taking me home tomorrow in his new car. I will need to get all the things I need for medical school... Christ, I can't believe I'm saying those words."

"So, tonight is our last night together until I drive down to meet you?" I say, not believing my own words.

"Yes, sorry, baby. I need to travel up to Cambridge to sort out a flat and pay for everything before term starts in two weeks. Anyway, you're leaving early to drive up to meet Jenny and stop off to see Paul. Have you booked the hotel?"

I feel my heart sink. "I guess you not coming back has put a different light on the rest of the year. Do you want me to cancel any of my trips so we can spend more time together?"

"No, I can't have Bec missing out on a trip to meet my girls. We'll play everything by ear. I don't know what I will need to do to catch up, so I finish a year early."

"Okay, but it's going to be weird not having you there. I don't think you realise how much our lives were already meshed together even before Christina's wedding."

"I know, I was thinking the same. You realise you've got me addicted to swimming."

I smile for the moment at the image of Maria waiting outside for me on that first day she came swimming with me. The kiss we shared and the talk on the bus are my first precious memories, as well as the very first time we met. Thinking about it, I see so many moments now. All add up to us getting closer and falling in love.

"What are you thinking about to cause that look?" Maria asks.

"You and me meeting and what we did growing closer," I answer with a loving smile.

Maria comes over smiling. "Good answer, baby," she says and kisses me. "Now go and give Kelly a ring."

I tut but walk upstairs to get my phone book.

"Hey, Kelly."

"Rob, I was wondering if you were going to call this week."

"Yeah, I need a room for Friday and Saturday nights, please."

"Sorry, Rob, you can't stay with.... oh, you want to book a room?"

"Yes, please," I say, laughing. "Got a boyfriend, have we? Wouldn't be a certain young man from downstairs, would it?" There's a pause on the other end.

"Well, you set us up," Kelly says, trying to come up with something.

"Anyway, Kelly, I will need a room, please."

"Your old room has been booked, Rob. It's been very popular after it was written about."

"Have you got anything out of the way?"

"Room twenty-one is on the same floor but on the end. How many is it for?"

"There will be two of us," I say, trying to gauge her response.

"Jenny?"

"No. You best know that I have a girlfriend now. I'm feeling a little uncomfortable if I continue anything with others even though I have been permitted until we finish university."

"It looks like we have a lot of catching up to do then. I will see you and your guest on Friday, Rob."

"Yeah, see you Friday, Kelly," I say and hang up. That was a bit of a surreal conversation.

I go into the kitchen, sit at the breakfast bar next to Bec, who's reading her letter, and drink my tea. "Did I hear you say Kelly's got a boyfriend?" she asks.

"Yeah, well, it was a no-brainer. The guy below had a thing for her, and she seemed to have noticed him, so when I left last time, I left Kelly in his flat drinking coffee. I guess they took the hint," I shrugged and drank my tea.

"Good for her; she is one of the good ones," Bec says. "I like her because she put us together," she adds.

"That she did," we smile at the memory.

"Just hope she's not too disappointed after you," Bec adds. We both burst out laughing like two school kids.

"You are so bad," I say as tears are forming in both our eyes.

"This from a man who'd ruined me for every porn star I've met since we were together..... oh God!" Bec says, gasping for air. The rest of the room has gone quiet, and we turn to see what's going on. Everyone at the dining table has stopped and is looking at us, and it just starts us off again as we fall apart.

"So what's so important that you had your mail sent here?" I ask to calm things down.

Bec leans in and whispers. "When I landed here, I had a series of tests done to get a more accurate picture of my problem," she says.

"No complications?"

"Nope, and it looks like I can kiss you now," she says, smiling and wiggling her eyebrows.

Maria sticks her tongue into her cheek and imitates a blow job with the hand movement.

Bec laughs and kisses my cheek when she sees the shocked look on my face. I put my arm around her and pull her in for a hug. "Not if I can't reciprocate," I whisper.

"Can we go and see inside your house this afternoon?" Bec asks changing the subject.

"Oh, I'd like that," Anna says. "Family outing?" She adds.

"I will need to phone my funds manager and ask him to deposit some money in my account," Maria says.

Everyone gets up and gets ready to go out and look at the house. I walk across to see if Kath needs to come, but there's no answer at the door.

I open the gates to what has now become my and Maria's future home. I move to the side and let Anna drive in before walking up the drive, looking at the garden in the winter sun. The house looks worse than it is, with the boarded-up windows and the need for a total makeover.

I hang back as everyone enters, eyes wide and expectant smiles on their faces. Maria sees me and says, "Come on, we need to look at the outside." We walk around arm in arm. "You know, Rob, I get a warm feeling from this house.".

I look at her, amazed, and smile. "Do you see this house as a commitment between the two of us as well?"

"Yes, and so much more." We stop and look out the back garden. I can see a swimming pool, children, and a lifetime of memories. This house will grow with us, and I can't see us ever giving it up. Well, not until we get too old, and then we will do what we always do--talk and decide what we do next."

"So, how many kids do you want?"

"More than one. We will not have an only child."

"Yeah, I will agree with you there. It's a massive garden. I would like to restore it to its past glory. You know Nick?" Maria nods. "His brother runs a landscaping and gardening business. I would like to get Kath to get him started as soon as everything is signed and sealed."

"Sounds like a plan, another thing on Kath's list."

"Yeah, there's some photos in the library archive that show how the garden was."

"What am I expecting?"

"See the back of the house?" Maria nods. If you look, you can see the wall of what used to be a tropical greenhouse. The steel framework is stored in the back of the garage. Once we have got the house up to scratch and the money permits, I would like to restore it. It was designed by the same architect who made the Crystal Palace Great Exhibition Centre. It's rumoured that he made this one as he created that one and experimented a little."

"There's so much history. Do you have a copy of your assignment anywhere?"

"Yeah, I used it in my English Language CSE verbal exam. It's in my bedroom cupboard, the same shelf as Jenny's letters. " We walk back around the front. "You know, for some reason, I feel we are going to be just fine."

"You bet," Maria says, hugging my arm tighter. We stop and wrap our arms around each other in an embrace that only two people in true love can do. "I love you, Maria Hunter."

"I love you, Rob Johnson," comes the instant answer.

That night, Bec stayed in her or my old bed, giving Maria and me all night to say goodbye. We never got much sleep. Much like Brighton, we fell asleep sore but well-fucked. Anna had left when we arrived home after looking at the house. She has to work in the morning. This is a very busy time of year for both her and my Dad.

Maria walks out of the bank, looking a little uncomfortable. Bec laughs. "You must have had a long night, judging by the bags under your eyes and the way Maria is walking," she says. I'm glad to see you've still got it.

"Thanks for staying upstairs," I say.

"It was hard; I'm not sleeping well, but you two needed to be alone. Besides, I get you for another three weeks all to myself."

Maria gets back into the car, and we drive over to Henshaw's. I see the salesman's face drop as I park in the customer car park. We see him call his boss as we get out and make our way in. I notice there is a large space in the showroom.

"Mr Johnson," Mr Millar says, his welcoming smile not meeting his eyes as he moves over. "I trust you have all the necessary paperwork." He's sweating a little and looking a little more greasy than before.

"Mr Millar. I hope everything is ready at your end?" I add.

"Yes, I got the lads to give her a clean and polish. She's waiting out back." We walk toward the back. "Can we get everything sorted first? I will also need your keys." He says, still looking nervous

"Sure," I say looking for my spare key. I unhook my keyring and hand him both keys. Maria hands him the folder with the paperwork.

We spend the next twenty minutes paying for the car and signing forms. It has a three-year warranty, and I promised to bring it in for a yearly service. A mechanic comes in to tell the boss my old car is still in good nick.

We walk around the back, and the moment our eyes fall on her, we all say, "Wow," simultaneously.

"Mr Millar hands me the keys and shakes my hand. "I know you'll take good care of her. The condition of your old car tells me that."

I unlock the car to an electric clunk, my eyes raise, and I smile. "Central locking," I say. After putting Maria's case in the boot, we get in, and I adjust the seat and mirror to suit. As I turn the key, the engine fires to life. It's not overly loud, but a low, deep rumble that tells you that this is no ordinary car.

I blip the throttle and wiggle my eyebrow at Maria, who smiles at me and then pats me on my knee. "Come on, gorgeous, let's get me home."

I smile. "Gorgeous, I like that." As we pull out of the parking space, I see many of the mechanics have come out to watch us leave. There's a mixture of jealousy and contempt. This is the first time I have seen this directed at me. I must say, I don't like it. I stop off at the garage. I've been advised to put premium petrol in, so I fill her up and pay.

"Nice," the young man says from behind the counter.

"Yeah, I just picked her up," I reply.

"Is that the one..."

"Henshaw's, yeah," I say, feeling even more uncomfortable. It's not long before we are on the M20. I've been advised not to overwork the engine for the first couple of hundred miles, but I can feel the car wanting to be let loose. As we fly down the outside, I begin to notice everyone looking my way. I look across at Maria, but she's got her eyes closed. I think she's still feeling the effects of last night.

It's getting dark as we pull into Maria's parent's home, and it looks like we have a full house because there are around four cars on the drive.

"Great, that is all I need," Maria says. She looks at my confused face. "Shit for brain's, mother and father." I instantly knew she was referring to her ex, Daniel. "Come on, Bec, I bet Mum's told Dad all about meeting you." We get out and follow Maria through the front door. "I'm home," she calls as she opens the door.

"Maria, in the lounge," Jason Hunter calls. I see him look for Bec as we walk in, and his face lights up when she appears around the corner. Bec stops to let me catch her up and then stays close.

"Dad, I'm sure Mother has told you about Bec, but Dad, I would like you to meet Rebecca Brown, or Bec as we call her."

Jason stands. "It's a pleasure to meet you... Can I call you Bec?"

"Yes, that's what all my friends call me," Bec says. "It's good to meet you, Mr Hunter. It's overwhelming how quickly Maria and I have bonded."

"Bec, he's Jason to you," Anna says. She turns to a middle-aged couple sitting on one of the sofas. "June, this is Maria's boyfriend and Friend, Rob and Bec."

"So, how many girlfriends do you have?" June says bluntly.

"Maria is my only girlfriend, but I tend to have some friends who are girls," I answer.

"Your mother tells me you will be off to Cambridge tomorrow to get yourself a flat and formally accept your place at University," June says, seemingly ignoring me.

"Yes, but it's only because Rob has agreed to come down every weekend we are free."

"I see." June purses her lips and looks me up and down. "I hear your Doreene and Phillip's son."

"Yes, it explains why Maria and I are so natural together."

June tuts, I don't like this woman. "And what are you studying again?"

"Com..."

"Rob here is a famous computer programmer," Jason says proudly, cutting me off. "He is studying computer programming, coding and mathematics." He looks at me to make sure he got it right. It's close enough; I don't really want to get into this conversation.

"Can't see a future in that, not much money either, I'm guessing."

"He should break his first million by the end of the year," Maria says. "By the time we get married, he will be far wealthier than me," she adds, leaving June doing a goldfish impression.

"Rob, are you staying for dinner?" Anna says, changing the subject.

"Uh, no, thank you, Anna; we have an early start in the morning. I'm driving to Manchester, then Rotherham," I say.

"Does term start on Monday?"

"Yes, but I need to drop a program off for Paul and see Jenny before she leaves for Leeds," I say.

"Jenny?"

"Yes, she's a very old school friend who moved up to Rotherham years ago. We kept in touch; she had some problems, so I'm putting her through university," I say. That seems to have stopped the conversation.

Maria stands and grabs my hand. "Dad, you need to go out and have a look at Rob's car; she's a beaut," Maria says, breaking the silence.

"Your mum did say something, but" he gets up, and Daniel's Dad gets up at the same time. He hasn't said a word since I got there.

"Gregory," he says as he walks up beside me. "What do you have?"

"A XR4 RS Cosworth," I say.

He blows a whistle, "nice."

"Did you say Cosworth?" Jason says as he catches us up after slipping his shoes back on.

"Yes, he did," Gregory says.

"It's the RS500, with custom paint," Maria adds. She hangs back and grabs my hand as I get close. "Baby, go open the car up and then come back in to say goodbye."

When I get out, everyone is looking at the car. I open the doors and then watch as the two men start to look around. When the bonnet gets released, I walk back to the front door where Maria is waiting. "You still have my phone number for the flat, don't you?" I ask.

"Yes, baby, I will phone you Sunday night to tell you what's happening."

"How long until you think I can visit?"

"Ahh, regretting your choice?" Maria says, looping her arm around my neck.

I pull her in tight. "Do you think we really had a choice? The sooner our life starts, the better."

"I'm glad I met Bec before this started. She really loves you but seems content with her life choice and knows she will never be with you."

"I don't think we would have ever made a long-lasting couple," I say. "Anyway, my heart is in someone else's clutches now."

"And don't you forget it. Please make sure you look after my girls as well as Bec. I didn't think I would say this, but I like her."

"I think the girls will look after me, and I'm pleased you and Bec get along. I think there's more to her stay, though."

"What do you mean?"

"Let me have a private chat with her, and then I will tell you," I say.

"No secrets; you know it's the only reason I trust you with my heart." Maria pulls me down for a kiss. "I'm going to miss you, Robert Johnson."

"Just as much as I am going to miss you, Maria Hunter. Just let me know the first moment you know when I can visit."

"Too bloody right I will," Maria pulls me back, and I feel myself getting lost in our last intimate moment for a while.

"Come on, you two, break it up," Anna says. "This young man needs to get on the road before it gets too late."

"Mum, I need to say a proper goodbye to my man," Maria says, desperate to hold on to me just a little longer.

"I know, honey. Just bear the time in mind."

We finish our goodbye and make our way over to my new car. Bec is already in the passenger seat, buckled in and waiting to go. "You take good care of him, Bec," Maria says firmly. "I will phone you later, baby. Be careful."

"Yes, Mum," I return and get a tap on the arm for my cheek.

I got in the car and started the engine. The moment it growls into life, I see Jason look at Gregory and make an impressed face. I can't help but smile. It's a great car. I select first and wave as we pull away toward the large gates.

"Okay, spill," I say to Bec once we are on the main road.

"Spill what?" Bec hits back.

"You are the woman that told the world she loves me and is now besties with my girlfriend?"

"Oh, come on, Rob. You know I love you and that I've made my choices in life. I will not drag you through the mire that is Playboy."

"I get that. So why so nice to Maria?"

"That's easy. You should be able to work it out. If I can't have you, then I need to be friends with who you are with... Maria is the one, Rob. I can see that."

"Yeah, I know, but won't being close to me and not being able to have me hurt more?"

"Not as much as losing your friendship, baby. I love you, and I want to stay friends, at least. Maria is incredible, and I am truly pleased you have found someone. I just need you in my life, that's all."

"Fine, I can accept that. What's the real deal with you?"

"Hugh threatened to kick me out unless I sorted myself out; it's another reason I need you. You treat me like a human being, and I know you will help me recuperate. I messed myself up, and I need this break to get 'Me' back."

"Okay, you have as much time as you need, but remember, I'm not there to entertain you. I need to focus on my Uni work and my paid work."

"That's what I need. I will read and chill, but we will have time to hang out, right?"

"Yeah, not sure how The Club will work around you, though."

"Look, we can't even if we wanted to. If you need me to disappear, I've been told by Maria that I can use her bed at the house share. It's paid until the end of the year."

"Okay, then we are sorted. It will be good to spend some normal time with you." I look across at her and reach over. Bec takes my hand and squeezes it. She turns the radio on, and we listen to Capital in relative silence.

*****

I pulled into the hotel early in the evening. It's been a long day. We stopped off to see Paul at work. It was my first trip to the headquarters, and I got shown around. I'm not sure who got more attention, Bec or me. Bec held my hand tightly all the way around. Paul found it amusing that Len had to do an errand for him and missed Bec. I dropped off a program and picked up my next two assignments. Paul also told me that Jin had asked for his company to be represented at a Japanese gaming convention. It's not how he usually works, but he is putting together a team for some sort of presentation. Paul also explained that all the usual formats (Nintendo, Sega, Amiga, Sony, and Commodore) have asked for licences to sell my second part of Mystical Garden. Being an independent who's not affiliated with any of the big companies allows Paul to deal with who he wants. The company that distributes the game is letting Paul call the shots.

We walk into the reception, and Kelly looks at me a little worried. "Hey Kelly, you remember Bec," I say.

She smiles. "Yes, of course. Hello Bec, good to see you again."

"Hey, Kelly. I heard you got a new man in your life," Bec returns.

"Yes, thanks to Rob. Did he tell you what he did?"

"No, but that's not new. If you have time before we leave, maybe you can fill me in."

"Yeah, sure. Now, as promised, you are in room twenty-one. I guess that will suddenly start getting booked."

Bec looks at me, a little confused. "I'll tell you later," I say. "Are they still serving food?" I ask.

"Yes, you have until nine. I suggest a hat for Bec. Right, here's your key. Have a wonderful stay."

"Thanks, Kelly," Bec says, and we walk toward the stairs. We drop our cases off in our room. Bec finds her baseball cap, and we make our way straight back down to the restaurant. Neither Bec nor I have eaten since lunch, and the food here is quite good.

When we finish our meal, we head for the bar. Bec and I sit close, talking. One thing Bec and I have always been able to do is talk. We are sometimes very blunt with each other but always tell the truth.

"Hi, Rob. Would you mind if I joined you? I'm waiting for Kelly to finish," Sean, Kelly's boyfriend, asks.

"Sure, she was hoping to get an opportunity to catch up," I say.

"Yeah, she said. So, is this another of your bimbos?" Sean asks without thinking.

"Pardon?" I say. Bec squeezes my hand and indicates that I should leave it.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you," he says, looking at Bec.

"I've heard worse," Bec says, but there's something in the way she says it that makes me think she's up to something. A slight smile appears at the corner of Bec's mouth. Blink, and you would have missed it. "Here's another one of your bimbos, Rob," she says with her eyes on the entrance.

I look up and can't help but chuckle. "Hey, Kelly," I say.

"Hey, guys. What's funny?" She says, smiling and hugging both Bec and me.

"Your boyfriend called you a bimbo," Bec hits back, wiping the smile from Kelly's face.

"Wait a minute, I called you a bimbo, not Kelly."

"And by association, that means Kelly is a bimbo," I say.

"You called Bec a bimbo. Why?" Kelly says, clearly annoyed.

"Well," Sean says, looking very embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said it. I wasn't thinking," he says, turning red.

"Apology accepted, but I'm afraid you're a little out of touch. Rob here is a taken man now. He has an official girlfriend," Bec says.

"What, you two are going out?" Kelly says, pointing her finger between Bec and me.

"No, Rob and I are just friends. His girlfriend is called Maria," Bec says.

"Oh," Kelly says, looking confused. "Is that the girl you went to the wedding with?"

"Yes," I say. We were trying to deny our feelings and were afraid to say anything because we were more afraid of losing our friendship."

"Wow, so what's with you two then?" Kelly asks.

"We are now good friends who occasionally have sex," Bec says.

"Occasionally?"

"Maria and I have an agreement. Her dream is to become a Paediatric Doctor at Great Ormond Street. She has said that I can have sex with anyone I'm already linked to except Charlie. As long as I am open with whom I'm with, she's fine with it."

Both Kelly and Sean are looking at us with open mouths.

"That's you still in the mix, then Kells," Bec says. Sean's face drops for a second.

Kelly sees his face and puts her arm around him. "Don't worry, baby. There's no chance of that happening."

Bec smiles. "Yeah, both of these wouldn't do that to you." Bec takes a deep breath. "Anyway, we won't be getting up to anything either." Kelly's eyes widen as she sees Bec's sad look.

Kelly changes the subject. "So why are you here for two nights then, Rob?"

"You remember Jenny?" Kelly nods. "She's off to University on Sunday. We're up to visit and go into town," I say. Kelly's eyes raise, and she nods.

We talk for a while. I explained to Kelly about what happened in Brighton and the New Year's party. I must be boring Sean because he yawns.

"Okay, Sean, let's get you home to bed," Kelly says, squeezing Sean's hand.

"Talking about bed, Rob, can we go up?" Bec asks.

I nod, and we finish our drinks. I hug Kelly goodnight, shake Sean's hand, and take Bec's hand as we head upstairs. "I hope you are ready for some hard-core cuddles," I say as we walk up the stairs.

Bec smiles, "You know, I can't wait." She squeezes my hand, and we make our way to bed.

When I wake up, Bec is in the shower. I do the gentlemanly thing and wait, making us both a coffee. I hear the shower turn off, and a couple of minutes later, Bec comes out wrapped in a towel that is not the largest. She smiles when she sees me look her up and down. "Like what you see?" she says.

"Always have," Bec's smile grows wider at my reply. The kettle clicks off, and I make the coffee. I walk past, giving her a quick kiss before going into the bathroom for my shower.

We head out toward Tesco to see if Jenny is working. The lady at the help desk tells us she's transferring to Leeds Tesco and won't be back. I then backtrack to remember the way to Jenny's parents. I found the place I dropped her off that time and then drove, stopping at each bus stop. I know her house number two-eight-six, and it's not long until we stop outside.

I see a middle-aged woman in the kitchen, and she calls someone. Jenny comes into the kitchen, and a broad smile spreads across her face. She comes running out. "Rob, Bec, how have you been," Jenny shouts before launching herself at me and then hugging Bec. "Rob, you best bring your car in on the drive," she says. I quickly bring the car in and park up over to the side. Jenny's mother watches open-mouthed as Jenny takes me by the hand and drags me into the house. "Mum, I'd like you to meet my best friend, Robert Johnson and his girlfriend, Rebecca Brown. Guys, this is my Mum."

Jenny's mum dries her hands on a dishcloth and then offers her hand. "Nice to meet you, Rob. I must say this is a little unexpected."

"Sorry to drop in on you, Mrs Lake. I am passing on my way up to Edinburgh, and I thought I would pop in to check Jenny has everything she needs."

"That's Christian of you," she says with a smile. "Would you like a cup of tea?" Bec and I both nod, and Jenny takes us into the lounge.

"So, is everything okay?" I ask.

Jenny nods, looks through the serving hatch, comes over and whispers, "I can't believe you brought Bec into my parent's house."

I smile. "They won't know who she is, will they?"

"Nah, but it's going to be fun."

"What's going to be fun, dear?" Mrs Lake asks as she walks in with a tray.

"My first year in Uni," Jenny lies.

"I'm sure. Now, Rob, I would like to apologise to you," Mrs Lake says. "I've seen what you are doing for Jenny and want nothing in return. Can I ask where you get your funds from?"

"I'm sure you know that Jenny and I have been friends since you lived in Kent. I know it's caused some problems for you with us keeping on communicating. Our relationship has always been strictly on a friend's basis, and doing this for Jenny is no problem at all. The money comes from my job as a computer programmer. I have written a number of games for which I am on the credits. I make an exorbitant amount of money, and it would be selfish if I didn't help."

"Computers, well, that explains it then. You must be doing very well to drive that car of yours."

"Yes, I have been very fortunate. I am investing most of it. You never know if the money will ever stop coming in."

"So, do you see these computer things becoming popular?"

"Yes, I predict that most households will have one by the twenty-first century."

"So, Bec, is it? What do you do?"

Before Bec can answer, the front door opens. "I'm back; the town was chock-a-block. It took me half an hour to find a parking space. Who's car..." Jenny's Dad stops when he sees they have company.

"Dad, this is Rob and his girlfriend Bec," Jenny says.

"So you're Rob," he says. He looks at me and then walks out of the room. Jenny smiles apologetically.

"Right, Rob, do you want to get into town?" Jenny says, standing and grabbing her trainers.

I stand. "It was nice meeting you, Mrs Lake," I say.

"Okay, Rob, and you." She turns to Bec, who's holding onto my arm. "It was good to meet you, Bec," she adds.

We make a quick exit before Mr Lake comes back, and we head into town. "I can't believe you brought a world-famous porn star to my parent's house," Jenny laughs. "Turn right at the roundabout," she adds.

There's a small shopping centre, and Jenny directs me to the main car park. We spent a great day walking around and getting Jenny all kitted out. Bec even drags her into a couple of clothing shops to get her some jeans and tops so she doesn't look out of place.

It's been a long day when we get back to the hotel. We have an early dinner and get an early night. We are up, have breakfast, and are on the road by nine and heading up the A1. Jenny will be leaving for university today and starting her new job at Tesco in Leeds next Thursday.

Driving the Cosworth seems to make the journey a lot quicker, and it's not long before we enter the outskirts of Edinburgh. I park around the back to unpack before driving the car to a garage that came with the houses we've bought. I parked the car and locked the garage doors with a new padlock I got before I left.

When I get back, Bec is stretched out on the bed, and there's no sign of Len. I knock on his door and look in to see if he's there. His half-unpacked case is on his bed, but there is still no sign.

"Want to go downstairs for something to eat?" I ask. Bec doesn't answer and just gets to her feet. The way she's dressed is very different from her normal clothes. It's like she's left the porn-star back at the Playboy ranch. She puts on a pair of trainers and puts her hair in a ponytail, then looks at me expectantly.

The Cafe is quiet. I had half-expected some of the girls to be there, but it was nearly empty. I see Len rush past the window, so I bang on the glass to get his attention. "Hello, Mate. I thought you would have the welcome mat out when we arrived." He doesn't reply and just stares at Bec. I roll my eyes. "Len, you have already met Bec twice. I'm sure she won't bite because she knows you."

"I'm not so sure, Rob," Bec says. "But we haven't formally been introduced."

I think for a moment. "You're right. Sorry, Len." I stand. "Len, I would like to introduce my friend, Rebecca Brown, to you. Bec, this is my flatmate, Len."

Bec stands and offers her hand. Lens is in shock and holds his hand out in a daze. "It's a Pleasure to meet you, Len," she says with a satisfied smile.

Bec sits. "Do you want your usual, Len?" I ask. Len nods and sits opposite Bec. I don't think I have ever seen Len stuck for words.

"So Li... I.. I mean, Bec, w-what are you d-doing in Edinburgh?" He stutters.

As I walk around the corner, I hear Bec telling Len what I have been up to since before Christmas and about Maria. Len looks at me with a knowing smile. "About bloody time," Len says.

"Yeah, yeah. So, you are okay with Bec staying for a couple of weeks to recuperate?" I ask.

Len then opens his mouth to speak, but his brain hasn't caught up. "A couple of weeks?" He then yells out. "This isn't a flying visit, then?" Luckily, there's only one other table occupied in the Cafe, and they're not paying any attention.

"Yes, because she is here for a rest, so nobody can know she's here. The last thing she needs is the press turning up," I say.

"Sure, will you still want to come out at the weekend? We usually all go down to the pub my girlfriend works in." Len seems to be over the shock of coming face to face with Bec.

"Will she be okay with Bec staying?" I turn to Bec. "I forgot about her."

"Why?"

"She banned Len from coming to video night on Thursdays," I say. "Not sure how's she going to take his celebrity crush staying."

"With you around, she won't bat an eyelid," Len says.

"How, so?" Bec asks.

"With our very own Ron Jeremy in the same room, she knows I don't stand a chance."

"I don't get why she stops you coming back for Thursday nights then?" I say, confused.

"Because you've only got one cock, and there's loads of them."

I laugh and shake my head. "Ron Jeremy has nothing on Rob. In fact, he's a middle age balding man with an average cock that he doesn't know how to use." Bec says.

Our food arrives, along with Lens coffee. "Can I please get a toasted ham and cheese?" Len asks the waitress as I tuck into my all-day breakfast. Bec has gone for a Ploughman's.

"So, how are you and Maria going to work now, then?" Len asks.

"Rob has guidelines to go by," Bec says as she bites into her crusty French bread.

"Guidelines?" Len says, his eyebrows almost disappearing under his hairline.

"Yeah, Guidelines." I reaffirm. "I can continue sleeping with my previous partners, but no one new," I add, simplifying Maria and my agreement.

Len laughs. "So Debs has shit out then." He has the smuggest look on his face.

"Not necessarily so," Bec says. "She could get permission," she adds with a smug smile.

Len's smile slips, and he looks at me for reassurance. I leave him hanging for a second as I finish my mouthful of food, and then Len's sandwich turns up.

"Don't worry, Len, nothing has changed since we last had this conversation. It doesn't matter what permission she gets; she's still off-limits to me." I cut a piece of toast off with scrambled egg piled on top. Just before I put it in my mouth, I say, "Len, I'm not sure if it's your insecurities or Debs winding you up, but if you feel that bad in the relationship, maybe you should call it quits."

"What? Nooooo," Len says. "I love her."

"I've got to agree with Rob, Len," Bec says. "You might love her, but does a person do this to the person they love?"

We sit and eat our food in relative silence. Len looks out the window and seems deep in thought. "Are you okay, mate?" I ask. He doesn't answer. "Len," I say louder.

"Wha... what?" Len says.

"Are you okay?" I reiterate.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine," he says. He looks at me, then Bec, and puts on a fake smile. "I'll see you two later. Will you two be coming to the Bonny Prince Charlie later?"

"I'm not sure. I have work to do, and we've had a long day," I say.

"Not tonight," Bec says. "But we will come down sometime in the week."

"What are you going to tell Debs?" I ask.

"Not sure," Len says, then an evil smile comes across his face. "Are you sure you won't come down with Bec?"

I look at him for a moment, trying to figure out what he's thinking. Then it clicks: " No, it's not happening," I say.

"What's not happening, Rob?" Bec asks.

"Len here wants to make his girlfriend jealous by flaunting his biggest crush in front of her like she does with him."

"Oh yeah? I guess it wouldn't do any harm," Bec retorts.

"It would risk people knowing you are here. You could end up having to leave once the world knows where you are. You're here for a rest, not to be pestered by a load of horny university guys."

"Maybe she wants to be pestered by a load of university guys," Tracy says.

"Hey Tracy, I didn't see you come in. Have a good Christmas?" I say.

"Not as good as yours, from what Kimberly was telling us before I came out," she says, staring at Bec.

"Sorry, Tracy. This is my good friend Bec; Bec, this beautiful lady is Tracy Fraser."

"Good to meet you, Tracy," Bec says, standing and walking around the table for a hug.

"Oh, wow," is all Tracy can say as the two girls embrace.

"So where's the rest of The Club," Bec asks.

"They'll be here in a bit. I came to snag a table before this place gets busy, but I see we can join you in the alcove. Rob, do you want to help me with the order?" Tracy says, holding her hand out. She obviously wants a private word.

"That's my cue to get going," Len says, getting up. "I'll see you later, Bec, Rob, Trace."

Bec sits back down to finish her meal before we are deluged with women. Tracy pulls me to the counter. "Weeble, my food is getting cold," I say.

"Just give me a minute," Tracy says. "What's Bec doing here?"

"Didn't Maria tell you she was here?"

"You mean Maria knows she's here?"

"Of course, Maria knows. Maria and Bec get on like they are sisters. I have no secrets from Maria. That is how her going to Cambridge will work. Did she explain what our agreement was?"

"No, she just said that you two were an item and that everything else is the same. Any questions we are to ask you."

"Okay, when the others get here, I will tell you all together. What's everyone's reaction to Maria and me being an item?" I ask.

"Bit of a no-brainer. It was obvious to all of us that it was only a matter of time." Tracy turns to the waiting waitress and orders everyone's drink. I hand over a twenty and tell her to add everything to my tab, and I walk back to the table.

I sit and finish eating. Ten minutes later, Dawn, Tracy, Brenda, and Cynthia all walk in. We watch as each, in turn, scans the Cafe, and when they see Bec, they look surprised. Then they see Tracy and make their way over, not looking sure of themselves. For a group of very strong women, they seem a little out of their depth.

"You've had sex with every one of them?" Bec asks in my ear. I nod my head but watch the girls for their reaction to Bec being with us. The way Tracy reacted, I'm hoping they will be a little more diplomatic.

"Hello, Rob," Brenda says, eyeing Bec.

"Hey, Brenda," I say, standing and walking around the table to greet the girls like normal. Brenda steps back when I go to hug her. "What, no hug?" She doesn't answer as she looks at Bec. I tut, more out of frustration. Don't these girls know me by now? "Okay, Brenda, Tracy, Cynthia, Dawn, I would like you to meet my friend, Bec." There's still silence.

"I'm sorry, Bec," Tracy says to her. "The girls are just wondering why you are here while Maria is stuck in Cambridge?"

"I guess you ladies are just protecting your friend, but there's no need. I'm here with the full blessing of Maria and am only here for rest."

"Yeah, right. Shacked up with the love of your life," Cynthia says. "I'm sure you will be getting plenty of rest." If sarcasm was an Olympic sport, I'm sure Cynthia would win a medal.

Bec breathes out, a little taken aback by the girl's attitude. "Unfortunately, none of that can happen, and I have decided a long time ago that I could never put a person I love through being my boyfriend with what I do for a living. Anyway, I would never go behind a friend's back."

"You're friends with Maria?" Dawn asks.

"Yes, I've even met her parents," Bec says. The girls stand there looking for a moment, not believing what they hear. "Oh, for god's sake," Bec finally says. I'm not here to get in anyone's way; I just need a rest, and Rob is about the only person I can get that with." She stands. "Now, who's gonna greet me properly and give me a hug?" Bec looks at the group of girls expectantly.

Cynthia tuts. "Fine, we'll give you the benefit of the doubt, but if we find out something different......"

"Yeah, yeah, you know where to find me," Bec says, smiling.

I'm not sure what changed; maybe it's a girl thing, but all of a sudden, it was all hugs and kisses. I sit down next to Tracy as we watch Bec become an honorary member of The Club. I would argue at this point that she should be counted as a founding member.

We stay in The Cafe a lot longer than we originally planned, but finally, we are caught up and go our separate ways for the night.

******

I wake up and stare at the ceiling with a world-famous porn star draped over me. I listen to Bec's breathing and smile, more for my loss than the position I find myself in. My mind wonders if Maria is missing me as much as I am missing her. Not even last night's blowjob from Bec no matter how good she can deep throat, changes the hole Maria has left Inside me. There's an old Chinese story that when some of the first humans were created they were created as pairs. They fitted together like satsumas. These humans looked down on the others so the created punished them by spreading them around the earth destined to wonder in search of their other halves. This is how I feel and why I smile and not cry. Maria is my other half.

Today is the first day back to class, and I wonder what I am still doing here. Well, I know what I am doing; I just wonder if it's worth doing. I'm already an established programmer, and my name is becoming well-known. It seems to have missed Scotland, though, but with the amount of money coming in, who cares? Surely my relationship with Maria is more important.

Finally, my body decides that I need to get up and pee. When I move, Bec rolls over and pulls the cover over her head.

"What time is it, Rob?" she asks.

"Just before seven," I reply.

"Ahhhhh, wake me when it's morning."

"I would, but I'm out the door at half eight. What are your plans for the day?"

"Sleep, chill, read, and eat."

I smile at my friend. "You wait until I get back into the pool. I'll be up at six."

"At least I'll get back to sleep that early. Now scoot; I don't plan to surface much before ten."

I get up and make my way to the bathroom. I do the three S's (Shit, Shower, and Shave.) Make a coffee and eat some toast. Before I know it, it's time to leave.

The bus is on time, and two of the girls are there waiting with big smiles on their faces. "Dawn, Tracy, how are you two doing this morning?" I ask.

"Cold and don't want to go back," Tracy says.

"I must say, Bec is not what I expected," Dawn says and signals the approaching bus to stop.

"Why, what did you expect?" I ask.

"Not sure, just not so......"

"Damn nice," Tracy buts in with. "What did you expect, though? She's Rob's friend. I think Maria once said. He attracts the right type."

"That he does," Dawn is first to board the bus. I step on and show my student card as the strong smell of stale fags hits me. We sit near the front, away from the smokers at the back and make small talk until the bus stops at our stop. We get off and go our separate ways.

The first week back is always a bit patchy at best, with some students not returning until the second week. It's Tuesday lunch, and Bec is waiting for me in the cafeteria, grinning her head off.

"Surprise," she says as I approach her.

"Hey, you. Getting bored already?"

"More like trying not to," she retorts.

"Do you want anything?" I ask.

"Just a coffee, please."

I return to the queue and wait to be served. I get a pasty with chips and two coffees and make my way back. "So how did you get in?"

"Tracy brought me in. She's got some ology thingy this afternoon," Bec says.

"Fair enough. So is your rest everything you hoped for?" I settle next to Bec and grab the sugar, salt, and ketchup.

"It's just what the doctor ordered. What time do you finish today?" She asks.

"Not sure, should be four, but with half the class missing until next week, I could be back earlier. Why want to do something?"

"I am going to go down to the local shop and make you some dinner. What do you fancy?"

"Well, look who's become miss domesticated. Ummmm, Lamb chops, with mash, would hit the spot running, I guess."

Bec nods as she takes a swig of coffee. Her eyes catch something. "Do you know her? She just gave me a weird look."

"Yeah, you've met her before. She was at the promo you did. A big fan," I say.

"Ah, Sandra, right?"

"Mmmmyeah. Let's see if she recognises you." I grin at Bec and eat the piece of pasty. They put gravy in theirs' here, and it tastes great.

"She's coming over," Bec says.

"Hey, Rob. How was your Christmas? Oh, and how did the wedding go?" Sandra asks without taking her eyes off Bec.

"All good," I reply. "Sandra, this is my good friend, Bec."

"Hi, Bec. You're in one of Rob's photos. I bet you hear this a lot, but you look a bit like Lisa Lovegood as well."

"Yes, you'd be surprised how many times I've been told that," Bec replies in her poshest English.

"I bet. Rob, so come on, details."

"About?" I replied, confused about the subject change.

"The wedding," Sandra almost screams out of frustration.

"Do you want to tell her?" I ask Bec. While I get stuck into my already cool meal, Bec tells Sandra about Maria and I getting together.

"Better late than never," Sandra says when Bec finally takes another sip of coffee. "Have we met before, Bec?"

"Yes, I believe we met briefly last year, or so Rob tells me. I'm sorry, but I meet so many new people; faces just get blurred."

"Oh, don't worry, Bec, but it explains why you seem more familiar and not just because you look like Lisa Lovegood," Sandra says, waffling. "I met her last year when she was doing a promotional tour here in Edinburgh."

"Oh, really?" Beck looks a little uncomfortable. "Rob, I'll make my way back to the flat in a bit." I nod with my last mouth full of pastry.

She then taps me to make me move. "Do you want me to walk to the bus stop?" She nods. "Sandra, keep my seat warm. I'll only be five minutes."

"Take your time. My next class isn't until three," she says.

I take hold of Bec's hand and walk out toward the bus stop. The bitter west wind hits us as we walk out of the front entrance. "I think Sandra suspects who I am but doesn't think it's likely that I would be sitting in the cafeteria at Edinburgh University."

"You're probably right. Most people don't expect to see you here, so they don't think it's you. Are you sure you're okay?"

Bec smiles at me and puts her head on my shoulder. "I've never been more content," she says.

"That's good..... Oh shit, your bus is coming." I say, quickening my pace and sticking my hand out. Luckily, the driver bothers to stop, and I help Bec on. The bus doors close, and I stand there and watch Bec take a seat as the bus pulls away.

"Okay, what's Lisa Love.... Oh shit, you're the Rob the stories are about," Sandra says with eyes the size of saucers.

"Keep your voice down. She's here for a rest," I say.

"But..."

"But nothing. Keep it down and to yourself. Tell no one, and I mean no one."

"But that's not fair," she says.

"Neither's a black man's bum, but you don't see them complaining," I hit back.

"Shit, my dance partner is, 'you know who's' the love of her life. Bloody hell, Rob, what about Maria?"

"She knows," Tracy says, squeezing in next to me. "Have you seen any of the girls?" She asks.

"Not a trace, Trace, and thanks for looking after Bec this morning."

"No problem, she's one of us now," Tracy says. I smile at her. "What? She's a lot more normal than you would think."

"What do you mean? She'll always be just Bec to me," I say.

"That's why she likes you. She likes being just Bec," Sandra says.

"Maybe so, but you need to keep it to yourself. Tell no one, or there will be consequences."

"Promises, promises," Sandra says, smiling, but her smile fades when she sees that I didn't find it funny.

"One thing the girls were talking about, Rob. Will we be starting the Club up again?" Tracy asks.

"Yes, whenever you like. Who's single at the moment?"

"I'll let you know who's available." Tracy kisses my cheek and makes her way to the communal area.

"When are you free to continue the dancing?" Sandra asks.

"I'm just Mr Popular at the moment," I say, smiling. That fades quickly. "Give me a list of the times you could do with me, and I will let you know. I would prefer to do it during the day if we can. I'll see you in class, though, yes?"

"Yes, Rob, I'll write down the days and times of my classes and free periods. Thanks."

"I will be looking for someone to teach me a little Japanese, so my time might be a little tight at times."

"Japanese? Do you want to impress Jin?" Sandra says, getting up and leaving me to myself for once.

The next couple of days are much the same. Classes are a little disjointed because not everyone returns at the same time. Many of the foreign students won't return until next week because of the Chinese New Year. Still, this gives me time to catch up on my work, which I've let slip. The downside is that the Japanese students aren't back yet, so my plan to learn Japanese is put on hold.

Each night, around seven o'clock, I get a call from Maria. She seems a little overwhelmed, and we talk through what we've both been up to. At the moment, none of the girls have needed me, so I've kept myself busy. Bec and I have watched a number of films together and sit and watch TV cuddled up on the sofa. She seems to be enjoying the time off but still gets the odd call from the girls in the US to see how she's doing.

For the first Thursday, there's no video night. Even Len is surprised when he comes home to change to find just me and Bec on the sofa watching the evening news.

Friday, we have decided to make our first visit to The Bonny Prince Charlie. It's quiet, but that's to be expected just after the Christmas holiday. As we walk up to the bar, Len is in his usual chair and sees us coming. A smile spreads across his face.

"Hey, Rob," Len says. Debs has her back to me as a smile spreads over her face. It changes when Len adds, "Good evening, Bec." I see her body tense at the name Bec.

"Hello, Len. Would you mind if we joined you?" Bec says, clearly enjoying the moment, but she has this look in her eye: something is up.

Debs recovers, and the smile returns. "Rob, where have you been, you naughty boy? I was beginning to think you were avoiding me." She turns and looks at me.

"Nope, just been busy," I say without sounding bothered. Debs's eyes look toward Bec for the first time.

"Well, if this one didn't have you plastered all over his wall, then I wouldn't have recognised you. It's a pleasure to meet you finally... Bec. I was beginning to think you were a figment of this one's imagination," Debs says, referring to Len. "I think Len here has a little explaining to do, though."

"That would be my fault," I try to say.

"Nah, he should have said," Debs says very flatly.

"Oh, come on, baby, I was getting a little payback for all the Rob wind-ups."

"Len, you should know a lady only likes to be the one doing the winding," Bec says.

"But you sa...."

"I know what I said, but we girls have to stick together," Bec smiles at me. Oh shit, poor Len.

"So Rob and Maria, this is bull as well?"

"Oh no," Bec says. "Maria and Rob are a full item, so you'll have to bag any hope of getting with her man," Bec says. "No need to worry about me either. I'm here for a rest and can't do anything with even Rob."

"What, Rob is exclusive?"

"Not exactly, but there are rules in place, and unfortunately, you're not a past conquest, so you need special permission. Your problem is I know Rob; he wouldn't even if you got permission."

Debs nods, and then a smile spreads across her face. I don't like where this is going. "So what are you having, Bec?"

"Just an orange juice for me, please," Bec says.

"Oh, come on, you not on the hard stuff tonight?" Len says.

"Sorry, Len. I'm on the wagon until I return to work," Bec says. The truth is that she is on several antibiotics, but we're not advertising that.

"Hey Bec, seems this spoil-sport won't satisfy my need. Do you fancy a roll in the hay?"

"Sorry, Debs, I only do girls for a fat paycheque," Bec say more honestly than I think Debs expected. Debs looks at her and then gives her a slight nod of acceptance.

It wasn't long until the girls came in, and the music started up. Bec drags me up to the Go Go's. "Those girls are crazy," Bec says.

"What, The Club?" I ask.

"No, the Go Go's. I'm friends with Belinda Carlisle, and we hang out in LA sometimes. The shit those girls get up to makes me look tame."

"Name dropper," I say, smiling. Bec shakes her hair and wraps her arms around my neck.

"This is the most fun sober I've had in forever," she says. She screams when the GO Go's are replaced with Belinda Carlisle: Heaven is A Place on Earth. It's at this moment I truly miss Maria. The way she moves with me and how we sync when dancing. Bec sees it wash across my face and pulls me in closer to say, "I know you're missing Maria. I watch you two dance at the club. It was magical to watch."

"Sorry, I didn't want to ruin your night."

"Nah, I'm pleased you two found each other. It takes the pressure off, and Maria's perfect for you. Can we go back in a bit? I'm feeling a little tired."

I nod, and when the song ends, we make our way back to the booth and say our goodnights.

Cynthia grabs my arm and says, "We need to talk about The Club and Thursdays. Meet us in The Cafe tomorrow for breakfast." I nod, and Bec leads me out after saying goodnight to Len and Debs.

******

I have to admit that Bec is looking a lot better, even in the relatively short time she's been with me. She's put on a little weight, and the sparkle is back in her eyes. We are sitting in The Cafe waiting for the girls to turn up. Today, we have decided not to go for the cooked breakfast. I'm planning on returning to my early morning swims on Monday.

Kimberly, Dawn, the two Tracy's and Cynthia all walk in, not looking too healthy. They must have had a little more to drink after we left last night.

"Hi, Rob," they all say as they take a seat around the table.

"Morning girls. It must have got a lot livelier after Bec and I left last night."

"Not at Charlie's, but we carried on when we got back. Someone thought it a good idea to open the leftovers from the Christmas box." Weeble says, looking at Tracy.

"I'm surprised there was anything left over," I say. "So what's the plan?"

"First," Dawn says. "We would like to start video night back up on Thursday if that's okay." I nod in agreement. "As for the other, I think we all need to see if we still have boyfriends. With Maria not here, Cynthia and myself will be organising your time. We are still wondering what you're going to do, Bec, if Rob is busy."

"That's easy," Bec says. "Watch." All the girls are looking at her with open mouths, not knowing what to say. Bec keeps a straight face for a good long fifteen seconds before she can't hold it anymore. "Got ya," she laughs. "If it's okay with you girls, I will use Maria's bed."

"Oh, no, that's perfect," Dawn says.

"Can I ask what happens on video night?" Bec asks.

"We all come round to Robs on Thursdays and video a mass orgy," Tracy says. For a second, Bec looks stunned for a split second, before Dawn and Cynthia both spit their drinks out and laugh.

"You buggers," Bec says. "Now I know I've got to watch you, Tracy. So what happens Thursday nights?"

"We all pile around Rob's and watch whatever video. We usually rent one from the shop."

"Is it okay with everyone if I watch?"

"You are more than welcome, Bec," Cynthia says. She looks around at all the girls. "Right, if anyone wants to leave, I think we are done. Sorry we haven't been more decisive on who's available to spend time with you, Rob."

"Not a problem," I say. "I need to catch up on my work anyway, but if anyone needs me, just call." I get up from my seat, but Bec doesn't move. "Are you staying, Bec?" I ask.

"Do you mind? I'll be up in a bit," she answers. I put my coat on and walk out and up the stairs.

******

I'm on the phone with Maria when Bec comes back up. Maria's not surprised that the girls didn't need to start back up straight away. She told me about her first week and confirmed she had the chance to finish her course a year earlier if she could catch up. We still haven't made a firm date to see each other, but we are thinking of the first weekend after Bec returns to the States.

The first couple of weeks go pretty much the same way. It takes that long to get back into the swing in class and for everyone to return. When the group of Japanese guys came back, I asked if anyone could teach me Japanese. When I explained that I got a trip to Japan in the summer, they pointed me toward one of the University's Japanese advisers.

I walk into the Language block where the office of the person I need is located. I say person because the Japanese guy just said, Professor Kano. I'm not sure if that's a Japanese name or not.

I knock on the door, and a very English voice says, "Come in."

"Hello, I'm looking for Professor Kano," I enquire.

"I am she. How can I help?"

"Oh great. I'm looking to try to learn a little Japanese. I'm going to Tokyo for a gaming convention and would like to understand some Japanese at least."

"You're going to the Sega Convention?"

"Yes, I'm one of the gu..."

"You're RoJo. I've seen some of the posters in the shops in Tokyo that appeared around Christmas."

"Oh," I say, surprised she recognised me.

She smiles for the first time. "So, how can I help?"

"I was hoping you could point me in the right direction to get some lessons."

"It would be difficult to slot you in a class. What are you doing here?"

"Computer coding and Mathematics," I reply.

"Do you have a copy of your timetable," she asks. I look through my bag for something I haven't seen since last September. I finally find the scrunched-up piece of paper. She looks at the paper and then flattens it out on her desk. "Now, because it's you, I will try and schedule you into one of my free periods." She grabs a pad, writes something down and tears it off. "Take this to any bookstore, and they will help you out. That will help you get started. Come back and see me first thing on Monday morning."

"I will, and thank you, Professor," I say.

"What's your real name?"

"Robert Johnson, Professor."

"Okay, Robert, I hadn't heard Mr Timpkins boasting about having you in his class."

"That's because I don't advertise it, but I guess if you recognise me from the poster, others will."

"Interesting, I'll see you Monday then," she says.

"Okay, and thank you, Professor," I reply with a smile.

Life at university is still busy, but it feels a little empty now. Maria and I speak most nights, and everything else just slips back into place.

I go to see Professor Kano on Monday morning before class, and she wants to see me twice a week. One is on Thursday after class. The other is a free period on Monday. I ordered the book over the weekend, and it should be here when I start next Monday.

When I get back from university on Tuesday, Bec is sitting in the living area watching TV. When I walk back out of the bedroom, Bec has a huge smile on her face.

"What's happened? Won the lottery?" I ask.

"You could say that I've got a clear test result back. We can have some fun, but you will need to use protection."

"Sounds like someone is keen to get back on the horse?" I say, not thinking. "You know we could have had sex using condoms."

"Rob," Bec says with anguish. "It's not like that. I just want to share some lovin' before I return. I didn't want to risk giving you anything. You mean way too much. Anyway, now I have a clear test; I should be getting a phone call from my agent."

I sit down next to her and put my arms around her as she snuggles in. "How long do you think you've got?"

Just then, the smile disappears from her face her face. "Oh shit Rob, I didn't think about that. I was so happy that we could have sex that I forgot it meant I would be leaving. I've had such a great time, baby. Being with you for the past few weeks has been just what I needed."

"That's good to hear. So what does the clear test mean?"

"That I'm clear of any infection in or on my body. That includes all three holes. The reason I'm asking for you to wear a condom is because there's a chance I could get pregnant after the antibiotics. Plus, I want to be extra sure you don't catch anything."

I sit next to her. "You know, that just reinforces for me how much you care about me."

"Really? Why?" Bec says, surprised with my comment.

"Because I would have never known, and you could have tricked me into making you pregnant."

"What, and have you hating me? I couldn't live with myself. I luv ya too much." Bec bats her eyelashes at me and stands. "Come on; I've tortured myself long enough." Pulling me to my feet, she leads me to my room.

When I wake the next morning, the street lamp outside illuminates Bec's face, and she's sleeping with a very happy, contented smile on her face. I quietly get up and make my way to the shower. These Scottish winter mornings are both dark and cold. I'm surprised to see a light coming from under Len's door. I haven't seen him much for the last couple of weeks, unlike the girls. They've all been coming and going as they please, keeping Bec company while I'm in class or coming over for a chat.

I'm walking out of the shower and almost bump into a half-asleep Len. "Hello, mate. Long time no see," I say.

"Yeah, Debs wanted to stay the night," he says, walking past and closing the door.

I shake my head. "Too early," I say to myself.

"Rob, come back to bed," Bec says.

I walk over and kiss her. "Sorry, Bec. I've got to get to the pool," I say as I sit down on the chair and start to put on my clothes. I get an incoherent mumble in return.

My second lesson of the day before lunch is coding. It's the one class I can truly get away with going through the programs Paul gives me. Mr Timkins, the lecturer, never knows if I'm doing classwork or my own work, and he's a little too lazy to check. Today, the class is noisier than usual because Mr Timkins hasn't arrived. That's not what gets my attention. My attention is grabbed when the room goes deathly quiet when he does turn up.

I glance up, and there's a boy, sorry, my mistake, a girl with him. She's got a short Tom-boy style haircut and is wearing a way too big sweatshirt with LA Rams on. I guess that accounts for the quiet room. I look back down and put my paperwork away.

"Okay, guys," Mr Timkins says. "Today, I would like to introduce our exchange student from the U S of A, Miss Tina Daniels. Tina, would you like to tell us a little about yourself?"

I look up as she starts to speak. "Oh, yes. Hi guys. My name is, ummm, Tina Daniels. I am from San Bernardino, California, not far from LA. Ummmm, I'm a bit of a gaming wiz; I've been there, seen it, and done it. I had my name on a couple of games as a tester, so if anyone needs any tips." She smiles nervously but tries to look confident. "I think that's about it," she adds.

"Thank you, Miss Daniels. I think we would all like to pick your brains on that subject. I would like you all to treat her with respect and help her out if she needs any." I'm now listening but finishing putting my manuscript away. "Right, if you would like to find yourself a seat, we can begin." Wow, the guy must have taken his pills this morning. He seems to be in a good mood.

Finally, I get sorted and look up to see Tina, eyes fixed on me, making her way up the steps to where I am sitting. "Mind if I sit next to you?" I don't answer; I just gesture for her to sit. "Thanks," she says.

"Robert, or Rob," I say, offering a hand.

"Hi Rob, good to meet you."

"If you two have finished with your introductions," Mr Timkins says, now being his normal self.

"Is he normally such an ass," Tina whispers?

"No, he's worse," I say. "Wait until you get the condescending and patronising," I reply. Tina has to stifle her laugh, causing Mr Timpkins to glance our way. He spent an unusual amount of time going over what we had learnt the week before.

Once he shuts up and lets us get on with a test to check we have taken in what he's taught us, Mr Timpkins walks over. "I'm pleased you're sitting next to Robert, Tina. He's one of our more.... how should I say it."

"A model student," I say.

"Now, that would be stretching the truth a little, Robert. Let's just say he knows his stuff."

Mr Timpkins walks off. "I see what you mean about condescending," Tina whispers.

"Are you finished already, Mr Johnson?" Mr Timpkins says, getting a little annoyed when he sees me not looking down.

"Yes, Sir," I reply, wiping the smirk off his face.

"Okay, okay, wait quietly for everyone else to catch up."

It's lunch, and as I put my test paper on the desk at the front, Tina is right behind me. "Ummm, Rob, so what you got on now?"

"Lunch," I answer.

"Oh, mind if I tag along?"

"No, be my guest," I say, slowing and turning to wait for her to catch me up.

We walk toward the cafeteria, and I point out some places of interest. "So, what are you studying here?" I ask.

"Programming and coding, obviously. I have to do English and Math," she says.

"Looks like we'll have a number of classes together. So what's the dream?"

"I've done some games testing for a couple of distributors, but I'm finding it hard to get someone to look at my stuff. I want to be a games programmer and developer, though; that's where the big bucks are."

"So, what part of the states did you say you were from?"

"I am from San Bernardino, California, not far from LA."

"Nice area," I say as we get to the cafeteria door. Ladies first," I say.

"Thank you, kind sir," she says. Then, her expression changes. "Ummm, I, I will find a seat," Tina says, pointing to the seating area.

"Not eating?" I ask.

"Ummmm, I, I'm not hungry." Tina now looks a little uncomfortable. "My, uh, money hasn't come through yet." She adds, turning red.

"So, when was the last time you had something to eat?"

"On the plane," she gives an uncomfortable smile.

She flinches when I touch her to guide her toward the counter. "Then I will buy you something," I say, ignoring her resistance.

"No, I didn't mean for you to....."

"Look, you have a choice. I can buy you lunch, or if you feel uncomfortable with that, I will lend you twenty quid, and you can pay me back when you have it." My demeanour is insistent, and I'm in no mood to take no for an answer.

"What's twenty quid?"

"Twenty Pounds," I reach into my pocket and pull my wallet out. I take a twenty and offer it. Tina looks at me and then at the money. She breathes out, defeated.

Tina reaches up and tentatively takes the note. "I will pay you back as soon as my money clears," she says. "And Rob, I only owe you money," Tina adds, turning toward the end of the queue, leaving me confused.

We get our food, and I make my way to where I normally sit. Tina sits opposite and is quiet while she tucks into her food. I glance over, but none of my friends are in the cafeteria today, and Sandra isn't anywhere to be seen. Normally, if I am sitting with another girl, I get pestered to find out who my new friend is. Why do I always attract female friends? You can count on one hand the number of guys I hang out with.

"So what do you mean? I only owe you money," I ask when Tina's words click into my head.

Tina looks at me, a little startled. "You know what guys like you are like."

"No, do enlighten me," I say, feeling like I don't really want to know.

"You know, guys into computers and games like D&G are a little short on female company. You could use the fact I borrowed twenty pounds to get...... you know." I look at her, not believing what I'm hearing. I shake my head and continue to eat. "You get what I'm saying, right?"

I've had enough. "No," I reply, get up, and leave.

"Rob?" I hear Tina say as I walk away.

"Hey Bec, I'm back," I call to a quiet flat.

"I'm in the bedroom reading," Bec calls.

"Hey," I say, walking in.

"Hello, handsome," she replies. "My agent phoned this morning," Bec adds.

"Great, if this day couldn't get any worse," I say as I throw my bag in the corner.

"What's up, Rob?"

"Ah, this girl from the US has started today as an exchange student."

"And?" So I told her what had happened...... "Sounds like there's more to this," Bec says after a moment of reflection. She's right; some guys would take advantage."

"Yeah, but you know I'm not like that."

"Yes, I know, but she doesn't. Look at it from her point of view. Some stranger she's just met lends her a twenty, which, considering where you are, is a considerable amount of money. I'm not surprised she's weary. Sounds like she's just made sure you know."

"I guess," I reply, still feeling wounded. I take a deep breath. "So, when are you leaving?"

"I fly out Saturday afternoon," she replies, looking for a reaction.

"So, out Friday for dinner?"

"Thought you'd never ask," Bec says with a huge grin.

I can't feel my legs as I walk into Math the next morning. Bec has worn me out overnight, and I didn't get a chance to do any work. Not that I'm complaining. I'm a little distracted, looking at a folded piece of code. I know the mistake is on this page somewhere because it's this sub-routine that's going wrong. I don't take much notice of anyone and just sit in my usual seat. When the lecturer enters, I put the paper in my bag and face the front, ready to start.

The class goes by quickly, and when the lesson ends, I put my books away and make my way out. I've promised Sandra that I will help her with her lesson today, so I'm in a bit of a rush.

"Hey, Rob," I hear from behind.

I'm not sure I have time, but I turn to see Tina trying to catch up. "Hey, Tina. Were you in my Math class?" I ask, not knowing what else to say.

"Yeah, I thought you were ignoring me, but now I see you didn't see me."

"Yeah, sorry, my mind was elsewhere. Look, I have to rush, but if you want, meet me in the canteen at one." Tina smiles and looks a little relieved that I am speaking to her. She nods, and I take off toward the performing arts area.

As I walk through the door, Sandra's face lights up, and she waves at me. I remove my bag and change my footwear.

"Ah, Robert, thank you for making the effort," Mrs Reilly, the dance teacher, says. "It's a shame some of my students don't have the same commitment," she adds, looking at her students one by one. "Sandra tells me you wowed the people down in Brighton."

"I wouldn't go that far, but I had a good time," I reply. I walk across the dance floor toward Sandra.

"Robert, if you wouldn't mind?" Mrs Reilly asks, stepping into my path. I stop and take a moment to look at the others in the room. All eyes are on me, and I feel myself going a little red. "Now, Robert, we've all seen you dance, and I must say your rumba is exquisite. Those of you who have rotated to this class will watch the movement of both My and Robert's legs and hips. We will do a couple of simple moves. A cross-over break followed by a spot turn and a cross-body lead to finish. Pay extra attention to our posture and sharpness of movement. It's Latino and all about the drama, darling." She makes flamboyant movements and a flourish as she talks. I do like her enthusiasm for all kinds of dance. It's a number of very simple Rumba moves. I have to admit, I'm getting into this and stand with my arms raised and, as Sandra would say, put a pretend plum up my ass. I smile to myself at the memory.

The music starts, and Mrs Reilly does her over-exaggerated movement before strutting over to me. Then, we go through a small routine. I'm not out to outdo her, and it goes through in one go.

The class is over way too fast, and Sandra thanks me for turning up and participating in class. "Sandra, are you coming for lunch?"

"Sorry, I can't. I've been dragged into helping clear the old performance studio out."

"Oh. Bec is going back to the States on Saturday. Are you up for Thursday's film night?"

"Yeah, why not? I'm sure I can drag Helen along as well. How many will be there?"

"Helen, that would be amazing. Half dozen, is that okay?"

"Sounds good; I'll see you before, though, in typing?"

"Yes, not sure how much longer I will be tolerated, though."

"Shush, you're the best student, and you're not doing the course."

I walk into the canteen, and Tina waves as soon as she sees me looking for her. I get my lunch and walk over. "Hey, having a good day?" I ask.

"It's had its moments. Some guy tried it on, and I had to tell him where to go."

"What, not up to your usual standard?"

"You got that right."

"Hey, some friends and I do a film night at my place on Thursdays. Are you up for that?"

I think I've said something wrong because her whole demeanour has changed. "Uhhh, no, but thanks. Maybe another time when I've got more time." Tina answers, looking uncomfortable.

I decide to drop it. "Okay, no problem. So what sort of things do you like to do?" I ask, changing the subject.

"Gaming mainly. I have my rep to keep up. Do you have a good system?"

"Not too bad. I have a Sega Master System..."

"Lame," Tina says, laughing. "Did Mummy buy you that for Christmas?"

"She did..." I didn't get to say anymore.

"I bet you've got a Sinclair Spectrum 48K as well," Tina adds, cutting in, still laughing at her own jokes. I don't bother to bite and start to eat my lunch.

"So, what have you on this afternoon?" I say when she's finished.

"Hang on," Tina says, licking her fingers clean and then looks in her backpack. "Umm, English and.... that's it."

I see Len come in and search for me. He smiles when our eyes meet and then points to the door. "Excuse me a minute," I say to Tina. I get up and meet him in the hallway. "This is a rare privilege. What's up?"

"A courier is waiting outside to deliver a parcel to you. He won't give it to anyone except Robert Johnson."

"Okay, is he here?"

"Yeah, follow me." I follow Len out of one of the side doors and around toward the reception area. "I found him," Len says. "I'll catch you later," he calls to some guy leaning against a van. Len pats me on the shoulder and makes his escape.

"Can you please show me some identification, Mr Johnson?" the courier asks. I look at him and see he's not a normal post office guy. This guy is driving a black unmarked van.

"Oh, yeah." I pull out my wallet and unfold my driving license. "Will that do?"

"Yeah, that's great. Now I have a letter for you. You need to quickly read it and agree to its terms. Then, I will ask you to sign a privacy contract.

I wonder what Paul has got me involved in now, but trust that I won't wake up tomorrow with only one kidney. The guy hands me a letter, and I can see it's from Jin.

My Dearest Rob,

I'm sorry I've not been able to see you of late, but with the wedding plans and the convention, my time is limited.

Mr. Aikawa has asked me to parcel up and send you one of the first off the production line of our new games system.

I stop for a moment and look around to check we are still alone. I take a deep breath, and the excitement gets to me. My breath is causing a large vapour trail.

I continue reading.

He asks that you don't share this with anyone outside Len, your roommate, and Paul, who has already been informed that we are once again hiring you to look at and test one of our products.

I cannot emphasise enough the importance of what the courier will give you once you have signed the new contract.

Once again, sorry for dropping this on you.

Yours always

Jin

My hand shakes, and I look at the courier. "Do you know what you have in the back of your van?" I ask.

"No, mate. It must be bloody important, though. The security that's been around this since it hit our warehouse and the guard over there. So what is it? The crown jewels?"

"No, much more important than that," I say. "Where's the contract I have to sign?"

"Oh yeah. The one who doesn't smile has it," he replies, trying to be funny.

We walk over to a very large guy. "Have you checked ID?" The large guy asks.

"Yes, yes. Can we get the form signed so I can get on with my life," he says dramatically.

I pause before signing. "How's it parcelled?" I ask.

"Brown box with carry handle," the courier says. I sign, and the courier bangs on the side of the van. The door opens, and a guy on a seat hands me a suitcase-sized box with a handle.

I take the box. "Are we done?" I ask.

"Uhhh, yeah, I guess. Nice doing business," he replies, and I turn and walk back in the way I came.

"Where did you disappear to?" Tina asks.

"Sorry. I had a delivery."

"What, Mummy washed and ironed your pants. Anyway, I got to go. I'll see you in tomorrow's class?"

"What? Oh yeah," I say, half listening. I go to bite a chip, but it's cold, and I decide I'm not hungry. Tina disappears for her next class. I have another half hour before I need to be anywhere, so I read the letter again. "Fuck this," I say to myself. I grab the handle of the box and make my way to the exit.

While travelling on the bus, I glance through the open doors of a bathroom and kitchen wholesaler. I've noticed it before, but the fittings are more high-end. What caught my eye was all the closing-down boards lying out on the floor ready to be put up. I push the button for the bus to stop and jump off.

"Excuse me," I call as I walk through the door.

A young guy with out-of-control curly hair walks out of the back office, eating a sandwich. "How can I help you. We're not looking for any help."

"Uhh, no. I do not need a job. I saw your closing down signs as I was passing on the bus. I was wondering what you're selling and what markdown you will be doing?"

The guy walks up to me and eyes me for a second. "I opened this place last year. I made the mistake of overstocking with the same item and forgot to give the customer a choice. I'm selling as much as I can for about forty per cent retail."

"So you have a large stock of the same thing?"

"Yes, bathrooms and kitchens. But what's it to you?"

"My parents have bought some houses not far from here and are looking into making them into student apartments. If we can get quality sets, then that would be all the better. Hang on, can I use your phone to ring the architect?" I phoned the architect, whose office isn't far from here. It takes him ten minutes to get to the warehouse, and he talks to the guy who owns the shop.

"Robert, can you come to the office for a moment?" He calls. "Robert, this man will sell us twelve full sets of kitchens and bathrooms for twenty-three thousand. That will allow us to fit out the first three buildings."

I look at the guy sitting at the desk. He has the most hopeful look on his face. "Will that help you stay open?" I ask.

"It will allow me to vary my stock and hopefully stay open," he answers. "How many do we need in total?" I ask.

"Double that," the architect says.

"Can you supply twenty-four for forty thousand cashier's cheques?" Now, the architect is looking hopeful at the owner.

"I will have to buy the remainder in, which will take a couple of weeks."

"Is that okay?" I ask the architect.

"Sure," is all he can say.

"Okay, I'll give you twenty thousand for the twelve and then the other twenty when you get the last dozen in. Is that okay?"

The man shoots out of his chair. "Deal," he says.

"Okay, I will sort out the cheque. You two can sort out what's needed." I walk out and down the street to the bank and get a cashier's check for twenty grand out of the company account. When I get back, one of the builders is there with a list of what cabinets we need. I give the cheque to the architect and leave. I walk the last half mile to the flat.

Bec is sitting on the sofa watching TV. "Hey, Rob, your mum rang. The house sale has gone through. You and Maria are now proud owners of a beautiful house."

I laugh. "That house has got you as well."

Bec smiles and nods. Then she realises, "you're home early." I smile at her because she's calling the flat home.

Then I remembered the reason I left classes early. "Oh, yeah. Jin sent me a little job. Well, I think it's more of a perk than actual work, " I say.

"Oh, was that the parcel thing that came earlier?"

"Yeah," I say, lifting it up. I then go into the bedroom and lay it on the bed.

"So, what is it?"

"It's a new gaming console she wants me to try out. They're releasing it later this year," I say.

"Oh, what's so special about this one?"

I look at Bec like I'm saying, 'Are you crazy?' "It's the next generation up from the Master system. And you need to keep this to yourself." I see Bec's face change when she realises how big a deal it's for me.

Then, a smile develops on her face. "I love it when you talk dirty," she says. I roll my eyes and undo the packing straps, keeping the box closed tight. As I open the box, Bec appears next to me and looks inside. "Is that it? It doesn't look much different from the one set up over there," she says, pointing at my Master system.

I don't reply, but I get the instructions out. Also, there is a handwritten note from Jin. It lists what's in the box and asks if they can make a Mystical Forest special edition for the launch. At the end of the letter, she adds that she will be in Europe next month and would like to see me, whether for business and pleasure or, if Bec was still here, just business. I smile at Jin's ingenuity. She sneaked the letter into the box so no one else could see it.

Bec watches me plug the Mega Drive into the TV, slide Sonic in, and turn it on. The screen comes alive, and the famous 'Sega' logo appears with the usual sound effects. Then Sonic loads straight away, and I'm away.

The phone rings in the other room. "Edinburgh 38356, Rob Johnson speaking."

"Hey, baby."

"Maria, it's so good to hear your voice," I say, smiling at Bec.

"Yeah, I miss you so much. I'm glad you're in; I was wondering if you could get down either next week or the week after."

"Both if you want. It looks like Jin's coming over next month, but that won't affect us," I say. "Bec is heading back on Saturday."

"I hope you're taking her out Friday," Maria says, more demanding than asking.

"I think you've been reading my mind. I'm taking her out for dinner and dance at The Balmoral Hotel."

"Wow, you're not doing things by half."

"Well, you know that I'll be taking you there when you're up."

"You charmer. No, I'm pleased you're treating her right..... What am I saying? Of course you'll treat her right." Maria sounds enthused. "So what's new?"

"Not much, ummm. Jin sent me the new gaming system from Sega. There's an exchange student that started this week; she seems a little strange. Oh, and I saw a kitchen and bathroom centre closing down, so I went in and secured most of the fittings for the flats."

"A female exchange student, you say," Maria says. "Just remember the rules," she adds.

"I wouldn't worry. I think Bec would stand a better chance," I say.

"Oh yeah," Maria hits back. "I have a one-word answer to that, Sandra."

"Even if she's not gay, I'm not even open to anyone new," I say, remembering how I met Maria.

"So, how much did the kitchen and bathrooms cost us?"

"Forty grand for twenty-four," I answer.

"Hang on, you managed to get twenty-four kitchens and bathrooms for forty grand?"

"Yeah, and they're better quality than we were looking for. The architect is busy redrawing so everything fits."

"Good one, Rob," Maria says.

Then, something occurs to me. "So what's happening next weekend?"

"Well, I've been working my butt off and have decided to give myself a break."

"So, how are your classes going?"

"Good, don't get me wrong, it's hard work, but I don't feel out of my depth. A couple of the other girls have taken me under their wing and helping me catch up. I have a test next Friday that I need to take because it goes toward my end-of-year marks, and after that, I am relaxing. The girls want to go out, and they are desperate to meet the man I keep talking about."

"Okay, I will shoot down after my last lesson on Friday and should be with you by 8:30 to 9:00."

"Sounds good," Maria says. "Can't wait, and hopefully, I won't be able to walk in a straight line by Monday morning." Maria laughs at the thought. I think she was remembering our first night together. "Is there any chance I can speak to Bec before I go?"

"Yeah, sure," I look at Bec and hold the receiver toward her.

A smile spreads over Bec's face, and she jumps up and almost runs over. "Hey, Maria. How's my besty?...... Oh, it's been soooo good. I've not felt like this since before I went to the US......." Bec laughs at something Maria said. "I only got the all-clear the other day and think I overdid it the first night." She laughs again. "No, the girls have been a little distant, but they're all coming over on Thursday..... I guess, but everything seemed a little subdued after Christmas. Most of them are still with someone..... Sure, I'll be sure to give him some loving from you, and you look after yourself, you hear." Bec puts the phone down and walks over to me. "Come on, Buster, I've got my orders," she says, pulling me to my feet.

It's Thursday night, and everything is set for film night. The girls are bringing the video, and Bec has filled the flat with the smell of freshly baked cookies. First to arrive are Sandra and Helen, followed closely by the two Tracys, who bring some drinks and crisps. The moment they walk through the door, they drop their bags and run over to try Bec's cookies. Dawn and Brenda have to step over the bags so they can put the plates of sandwiches on the table. Everyone greets each other and then busies themselves, getting everything set. The last through the door are Kimberly and Cynthia.

"Wow," I say. "Looks like we have a full house."

Brenda comes over and gives me a peck. "We got it in the neck from Maria. She thinks we have abandoned you." She spots a cookie going begging, so she reaches out and claims it.

"So what we got on tonight?" I ask.

"Lost boys," Weeble shouts, then does a little dance. She's a bit of a Corey Haim fan.

"Bec," Dawn shouts. "You need to be over ours at half four tomorrow."

"What? Why?" Bec says, being caught a little off guard.

"Because," Dawn answers and then does some sort of girl signal with her eyes that Bec gets instantly.

Everyone starts to settle. I sit in my usual spot, and Bec sits between my legs on the floor cushions. Brenda sits next to me, with Tracy on the other side.

Sandra starts to move two of the chairs, but Bec shouts, "Sandra," and pats the cushion next to her. Sandra's eyes double, and she freezes for a moment before sheepishly taking Helen by the hand and sitting on the cushion offered. Everyone else just slots in around, and we settle in as Weeble kneels forward and presses start.

I get home just after five on Friday afternoon. The flat is very quiet as I walk in and dump my bag in my room. I shrug, turning the TV and the Mega Drive on --Mega Drive, that's a good name. I missed swimming this morning to play, and I like the new controller as well as the handful of games that have been sent.

I'm lost in the game when the phone rings. Strangely, I haven't heard from Charlie since I last saw her. My mind wonders for a moment if it could be her. "Edinburgh

38356, Rob Johnson speaking," I say.

"Hey, Rob."

"Hello Weeble. What's on your mind?" I ask.

"Ummm, just a question, what are you wearing tonight?"

"Oh, ummmm...." I say, caught out.

"What, you've not.... I'll be right over." With that, Weeble hung up.

Ten minutes later, there's a knock. "Come in, Weeble. The door's open," I call. As the door opens, I see it's her. I add, "Just jumping in the shower."

Tracy doesn't say anything and walks into my room as I close the bathroom door.

A quarter of an hour later, I am out of the steaming room and walk in to find half my wardrobe on the bed. "Having fun?" I ask.

Weeble looks at me and tuts. "I think you need to shave," she says. "When did you get this Armani suit?" Weeble asks just as I turn to leave.

"That's the one I got for Maria's Cousins wedding," I call back.

"That's the one then," she says. "Now shirt," she adds more to herself.

When I walk back in after my shave, I release my towel without thinking. I hear Weeble gasp. "What? You've seen it all before," I say in disbelief.

"Not for a while, and I've missed...." Weeble tapers of and is just staring at my cock.

"Aye, you're taken," I retort.

"Doesn't stop a girl reminiscing," she wistfully returns.

It's just before seven when Weeble and I walk through the door of the girl's house. "We're here," Weeble shouts.

There's the sound of thunder as multiple pairs of feet run down the stairs toward the common room. "Wow," Brenda says. "Looking good, Rob," she adds.

Behind Brenda come Helen and Tracy, who have to push past, and Kimberly brings up the rear. "Sandra's just doing the finishing touches," Kimberly says.

There's an air of anticipation as we wait for Bec to appear. I hear movement, and then Sandra comes through the door. Sue quickly stands next to Helen. She makes sure I have an uninterrupted view off the bottom of the stairs. As Bec comes in to view, I have to double-take. She has a electric blue dress that just hangs off her, touching her body in all the right places and stops just below the knee. As she moves towards me the silver threads in the dress catch the light. Her makeup is understated and natural. Her eyes glisten as she sees the expression on my face. "How do I look," she says, suddenly looking a little vulnerable.

I smile. "Stunning. You are looking so beautiful, Bec." Bec gives a little nervous giggle.

"Taxi's here," Weeble shouts. Snapping us out of the moment.

"Shall we go, my lady?" I say, offering my arm.

"We pull up outside The Balmoral Hotel, and I see Bec visibly swallow. She's got a worried look on her face and is shaking. As the car comes to a stop and the doorman makes his way over, I take her hand and say, "Hey, you're with me, and there's no reason to worry." Bec takes a deep breath, and the taxi door opens, and I get out. I offer my hand and guide her out.

"Are you here to dine, Sir," the doorman asks without taking his eyes off Bec.

"Yes, I booked a table last week," I answer. The doorman nods in answer and guides us to the front entrance.

As we walk toward what looks like the dining area, a man who looks like a waiter eyes us up and down and asks, "Can I help you, sir?"

"Yes, table for two booked under Johnson," I answer.

He smiles when he realises we are not going to be a problem for him to solve. "Very good, sir. If you would follow me," he says as he turns and walks the way we were already heading. He looks at a list as we walk through the door and then heads toward our reserved table. I get the feeling there are a lot of eyes watching us as we are guided to our table. He holds the chair for Bec to sit on and then clicks his finger to get the drinks waiter's attention.

"What can I get you?" The waiter asks.

I glance quickly around the room to see what the other dinners had on their tables. "A tall glass of water with a twist of lemon," Bec says.

"I'll have a vodka tonic, please, in the same glass," I say. The waiter writes it down and leaves.

"Doesn't Maria drink those?" Bec says.

"Yes, when I'm not drinking pints, that's my go-to drink. That's another thing we have in common. I'm also partial to Bacardi and Coke. If I want to get steaming, I go for what we call a flaming arrow."

"What's that?"

"It's quite a difficult drink to get right, but if you do, it goes down, warming everything it touches. You normally make this in a sherry glass. You put in equal amounts of Tia Maria and Cointreau. Fill the glass about a millimetre from the top. Then gently float some Galliano on top. Set light to the alcohol in the Galliano and let it burn for a minute. Blow out the flame, pour into a new glass, and down it one," I say.

"You'll have to show me that one once I get off these antibiotics," Bec almost whispers.

"Sounds good," I reply, looking at the menu. "What looks good for you?"

"You do." Bec smiles at me. "But the poached salmon looks good as well," she adds.

"Yeah, that was...."

"Excuse me, but you are the spitting image of Miss Lisa Lovegood," a guy asks from nowhere, cutting me off.

I see Bec's eyes drop. She looks a little pissed. "I'm not sure whether to take that as an insult or not," she says in a northern accent, looking at me.

"O... uh... no," the man stutters.

"It's okay, I get that a lot," she adds after she's calmed herself a little. I think half the restaurant overheard. The guy scurries off with his tail between his legs. We are pretty much left alone after that, and when the band starts up after the last plates have been cleared away, I stand and offer a hand. "I don't know how to dance to this," Bec says.

"Trust me," I reply, looking into those worried eyes. Bec smiles and stands, and I escort her to the dance floor. "Relax and just flow with me," I say.

"Easier said than done." Bec is rigid, and I'm finding it a little difficult to get any real movement in.

"Close your eyes and feel me," I say. Bec takes a deep breath and closes her eyes. It takes almost the entire piece to get her to relax enough so I can glide her around. The band leader keeps the same mood, and as the melody washes over Bec, I feel her relax more, and a small smile develops on her face. She opens her eyes and stumbles straight away. "Keep your eyes focused on me. I'm driving," I say, trying to encourage her with a confident smile. Once again, Bec relaxes and starts to let me move her around the dance floor. She's really starting to enjoy herself as the piece comes to a slow end, I ask. "Shall we get a drink?"

"Can we stay on for one more?" I smile at her, and we wait for the next piece to begin. This is a slower one, and I pull her in closer, which catches Bec's breath. Don't get me wrong, if anyone who knows ballroom dancing was watching, they would see I was the puppeteer, but to the untrained eye, we are dancing just fine.

By the time this piece ends, my arms are starting to feel it, and I step back to Bec's disappointment. "It's okay; we will come back for more later," I say with a satisfied smile.

As we walk off hand in hand, Bec leans in, "Don't get me wrong, I'm having the best time in a very long time, but I don't want to be out too late if you get my meaning."

"Subtle," I say with a huge grin.

We sit, and I order another round of drinks. The service here is very proficient, and we get our drinks very quickly. In my peripheral vision, I see the guy who had come up before adjusting his tie and getting ready to come toward our table. "Excuse me," he says toward Bec, ignoring me. "May I have the pleasure of this dance?"

Bec's eyes don't leave me. She smiles that smile that I've only seen when a journalist asks a stupid question. She takes a sip of her drink and then answers, "Sorry, my dance card is full for the evening." I raise my eyebrows at her reference, and then she adds, "It's a special night, and I'm not dancing with anyone else. Sorry."

"Oh," is all the guy can say. He stands there, obviously not used to being turned down.

"I'm sorry. Was there something else?" I ask.

"No, but I have to know, are you really Lisa Lovegood?"

"If you go away, I'm whoever you want me to be," Bec says, looking a little put-out. Looking a little deflated, he walks off. We sit and talk for a while before Bec asks to go and dance again. We have another couple of spins around the floor, and I put a couple of extra moves in, to Bec's delight. As we walk off the floor, Bec asks. "Can we go now? I need to ring my knickers out." I laugh and ask the waiter for the bill as I pass him.

I stand and take Bec's arm. As we move toward the door and Bec pauses I say. "Have you forgotten something?"

"No, but can you wait just a minute?" She walks off toward the guy from earlier. He's sat at a table with what looks like his mother. I watch as Bec leans down over his shoulder and whispers something in his ear. I'm not sure what she says, but his eyes double in size. Then his eyes look at me with what I can only call pure envy. Bec gives him a peck on the cheek, and she walks back toward me, leaving the chap still stunned.

We stop outside the flat. "That will be three pounds twenty," the cabby says in the best Scottish accent.

I give him a fiver. "Keep the change," I say.

Bec almost drags me up to the flat, and she carefully removes her dress before literally ripping my suit off me. Tonight, I'm feeling like a condemned man who's been given a last wish. The fact I would have chosen Maria to have sex with does enter my mind, but Bec soon has my attention as she deep-throats me at the start of this long session.

******

"Edinburgh 38356, Rob Johnson speaking," I say.

"Hello, my love. How are you holding up?" Maria asks.

"Missing my best friend," I say.

"You'll see her at Easter," Maria hits back.

"I was talking about you. I'm missing you."

"Oops," is all I get. Maria laughs. "What, you don't miss, Bec?"

"Of course I do, but you would normally be there to talk to and... you know."

"No, explain," she says, sounding a little taken aback.

"It was sad to wave Bec off, but I couldn't help but have a small sense of relief. I know; the emotion confused me a little."

"Oh, give me a minute," she says. This is the first time Maria has been lost for words. "Okay, who's there with you?"

"No one, it's Sunday. Everyone's..... busy."

"What, no one is there?" Maria is sounding a little upset.

So I say the only thing you have to but shouldn't: "Maria, calm down." I take a moment to let her calm a little. "It's strange, but I feel okay having a bit of me time. Baby, please don't worry. We are at the beginning, and I'm okay with it."

"What are you saying, Rob?"

"I'm not sure, but I'm realising just how much you mean to me. If this were just before Christmas, it would be you that I turned to, and it's only you that I needed. I'm okay because that gives me comfort in us and what we are doing. Does that make sense?"

Maria laughs through her tears. "Yes, baby. More than you know." We talk for a while, and I tell her about my Japanese lessons. Maria runs through the directions to her flat. We finally hang up because we both need to get to bed. Maria has been putting in the hours and having extra lessons to catch the group up. There are five people in the same boat, and she's made friends with some girls on her course. Her only complaint is about some of the more senior guys. They are very sure of themselves and exude arrogance. I'm not sure I like the sound of it but know Maria, she's been fending off men all her adult life, and some cock-sure university wanna-be doctor isn't any threat.

The next week drags on. I started my Japanese lessons and spent the rest of my spare time with Tina. I'm now one hundred per cent sure she's living in a different world from everyone else. The girls seem to be keeping their distance; even Sandra is avoiding me unless I'm helping her with her dance class. Funny enough, I'm fine with this. I've had a strange second year at university, and it's good to have some me time. It's not long before Friday shows its face once again, and I pack my backpack for my trip down south. It had threatened to snow on Wednesday, but it was more like sleety rain. As I ease my car from its slumber and make my way south, I open her up and let that engine breathe the fresh winter air.

I'm surprised when I realise I am well past where I would normally stop; this is where I meet some thicker traffic. I love this car, but now I'm doing an average of forty-five as the miles slowly tick by. The time I said I would be there has just passed as I turn off the M1 toward Cambridge.

When I get to Maria's flat, it's no surprise that she has already left. I park next to her car and make my way in. I find the key where she said it would be, and I go in, shower, shave, and get changed to leave. I ordered a taxi and soon headed into the town centre.

Walking into the club was the easiest part, and at first, I couldn't see her. Then I spot her at a table with two other girls, and it looks like some guy is trying his best to get her attention. I get to the bar and order us both a drink as I amuse myself, watching Maria ignore what now looks like one of these self-righteous twats who think they are entitled. Her words, not mine.

I walk up to the DJ and ask him for a favour. It's still a little early, so he's up for a bit of a laugh. I stand and wait for a song. I smile as a tune from the film Grease starts up, and I strut onto the dance floor.

Maria sees me coming and, hearing the intro, knows what is going to happen. I get to the edge of the table just as John Travolta starts singing.

So I start to mime, 'I got chills, they're multiplying

And I'm losing control

'Cause the power you're supplying

It's electrifying.'

The whole table, other than Maria, is looking at me, mouths open.

Maria suddenly stands and starts moving around the table as she mimes Olivia Newton-John's lines.

'You better shape up, cause I need a man, and my heart is set on you.

You better shape up, you better understand

To my heart, I must be true

Nothing left, nothing left for me to do.'

As she approaches me, I hold my hand out and escort her to the dance floor. Just as we get to the centre, the chorus starts.

You're the one that I want (You are the one I want)

Ooh, ooh, ooh, honey

The one that I want (You are the one I want)

Ooh, ooh, ooh, honey

The one that I want (You are the one I want)

Ooh, ooh, ooh

The one I need (One I need)

Oh, yes, indeed (Yes, indeed)................

We sing and dance within inches of each other, our lips close but not quite touching. The joy on Maria's face is priceless, and I would have happily driven home after just seeing that.

As the song ends, the DJ switches.

'Ooh, baby, do you know what that's worth?

Ooh, Heaven is a place on Earth..........'

We shrug and keep dancing, but Maria can't resist wrapping her arms around me and grinding that incredible body against me. "You're lucky I don't drag you out of here and ravage you," she shouts in my ear.

"Sounds unlucky to me," I shout back.

"Come on, let me introduce you to the girls." I momentarily glance at her boobs before Maria gives me one of her smiles and takes my hand. As we walk past the DJ, I high five him and collect my drinks that I left at the end of the bar. When we get back to the table, the guy had disappeared. "Ladies, this handsome young man is my man, Rob," Maria says as she slides back into the table.

"Told ya." One of the girls says.

"Baby, this is Steph and Louise," Maria says.

"So you're the infamous Rob. This lady has pissed every virile male in Cambridge off, and if I am honest, I can see why." Louise says, eying me up and down.

"Hey, eyes and hands to yourself, Lulu. He's mine and mine only while we are together. I've missed my man and do not need no hassle."

"So where's your friend gone?" I ask.

Maria rolls her eyes. "What, Gavin?" Louise says. "Poor Gav has been after Maria since day one, and I can see he has been wasting his time. This girl has got room for only one man in that heart."

"Maria's been a little coy about you, Rob. So, what are you doing in Edinburgh?" Louise asks.

"Computing and advanced Mathematics," I say.

"He's becoming quite famous in his field," Maria adds.

"Oh, in what way?" Steph asks, looking more interested. "I dabbled in programming and gaming a little before I started here. What's your tag?"

"RoJo," Maria says.

Steph's eyes open wide. "You're RoJo? Your name's on my Master system. Do you work for Sega?" Steph gets up and sits next to me so she doesn't have to shout.

"Among others. I'm freelance, so whoever wants me gets me as long as I am free."

"What are you working on at the moment?" She asks.

"I'm about to release Mystical Forest 2 when I appear in Japan in the summer. Polishing off a couple of games, nothing major." I say.

"I've got Mystical Forest on my Amiga," Steph says, looking at me amazed.

"Hey Steph, he's here to see me, and I want a dance, and then we are leaving," Maria says, a little more possessive than I'm used to. The Bangles are walking like an Egyptian as we move onto the dance floor, and once we are there, we get lost in our world.

Forty-five minutes later, we are struggling to open her front door while trying to get a start on the night's activities.

"Maria!" Someone shouts. "Is that all it takes to get into your knickers? To make a fool of yourself to some cheesy song?"

Reluctantly, Maria pulls away and turns toward the voice groaning. "Gavin. What are you doing here? For your information, this is Rob, my boyfriend. He is the reason that you don't have and will never have a chance with me. He is the only man who has access to my knickers, and that is the end of it. So leave me be and chase someone who's available." Gavin goes to open his mouth. "Gavin, please. Nothing you can say will change that. This man has my heart and soul. There is nothing you can say that will change that. Don't degrade yourself any more, and move on." Gavin has no comeback or retort. His shoulders slump, and he breaths out. Gavin's head drops, and he turns and walks away. Maria looks at me. "Why can't men take no for an answer?" She pushes her door open, and we walk in.

"Tea?" I ask.

Maria smiles at me, walks over to me, and kisses me. "I need something better than tea. I'm pleased I wore my knickers now. I would be dripping down my leg if I hadn't."

"What you actually considered going knickerless tonight?"

"Yeah, until you were a little late and then I felt a little exposed." That was enough to spark the passion again, and we dragged each other into the bedroom.

******

After my weekend with Maria, I'm more relaxed than ever, and yes, by Sunday evening, she was walking a little funny. My life seems to have settled with the days ticking by. I went down on the second weekend, and we didn't hardly leave her bedroom. It's not all sex; we have long periods of cuddling and talking.

Life is moving on, and the builders are working on both the house in Kent and down the road. Kath has taken full control of the business. She comes up but stays with the girls, who all seem to be keeping their distance from me. Weeble occasionally meets me in The Café, and once she explained that it is a mix of keeping their boyfriends happy and respecting Maria, I'm more relaxed. I assure her that I am fine, but I will always welcome anyone who needs me for anything with open arms. Thursdays are still film night, and there's always a good turnout.

The one person who confuses me is Tina. She's so cock sure of herself but keeps her distance. She paid the twenty quid back, and I thanked her. To be honest, I wasn't expecting it, but it's nice she did. I still only see her at Uni, and she doesn't mention her life outside other than her gaming.

I'm on the bus heading toward the flat when I spot a familiar face sitting on a bench. I hit the button and jumped off. "Hey Tina. What are you doing out in the rain?"

"Oh, uh, hey, Rob. Ummmm, just getting....." She can't finish her excuse. She looks at me. "The girl next door has her boyfriend around, and I... I don't like the noises.... It sounds like he's mistreating her, but she seems to like it... I just can't listen, and I don't have the money for something." Her eyes are worried that I will judge her or something.

I'm finding it hard to read her, so I don't comment and I just ask, "Do you want to come back to the café below mine?"

Tina pauses. I can see her eyes worried about trusting me and her brain seeing the logic of getting out of the cold rain. "Okay, that would be great," she finally says. "How far is it?"

"See the shop at the top of the hill?" Tina nods. "A couple of doors down," I say. Tina gets up and walks with me up the hill. "I didn't realise we live so close," I say.

"I didn't either," Tina replies. "I guess I'm busy and not that social," she adds.

"Your choice," I say. Tina smiles at my response and seems to relax a little. "You're always welcome." Tina doesn't answer. I glance across at her, and she's looking at me. "What?" I ask, laughing awkwardly.

"You... You're different to every man I have ever met. I can't make you out. Are you gay or something?" I laugh. "What are you laughing at?"

"No Tina, I'm not gay. Just totally in love with my girlfriend," I say.

"What, do you really have a girlfriend?"

"Yes, I've talked about her and even went to see her the last couple of weeks," I say in disbelief. "Don't you listen to what I tell you?"

"Yeah, but I take some of it with a pinch of salt. I know boys exaggerate things to make themselves sound better."

Again, I laugh, remembering everyone I know telling me I do the opposite. We finally get to The Café and take a seat.

Denise comes straight over. "Hey, Rob. Usual?"

"Yes, please, Denise. This is my classmate, Tina. Tina, this is Denise. We used to work together here," I say.

"What, you work here?" Tina says, amazed.

"Used to, Tina," I correct.

"Did you wear the frilly piny?" Tina says, well into piss-take mode.

"And a short skirt," I add. That stuns her for a second. "You should have seen my cap. It really set my eyes off." Now Tina doesn't know what to do. Her mouth is open, and she is unsure if I'm joking.

"Close your mouth, dear," Denise says. "So what would you like, Tina?"

"It's on me, so pick what you want," I say.

"Oh, umm, can I have a flat white and an egg mayo on white." Tina looks at me. "I'll.. thanks." she finally says.

"No need to thank me. I can see you're conflicted. Maybe one day you will tell me your story," I say. "How long do you normally stay away from your room?"

"He's normally gone by nine," Tina says, not looking at me.

"What? That's over three hours. Once we're done here, want to come up. You can play on my Master system?" I can see fear cross her face. So I try to explain more. "I need to get the work I've been putting off for the last two weeks done." I see a look of horror in Tina's eyes fade as her brain processes. "Tina, it's up to you. Like I said before, I am totally in love with my girlfriend, so you will be safe."

"Tina, you can trust Rob. How was your weekend with Maria?" Denise says, putting a mug full of coffee in front of us both. I hadn't seen her there.

"You know his girlfriend?" Tina asks.

"Yes, of course. All of The Club came in here. Maria was a regular when Rob was here."

"What's The Club?" Denise looks a little uncomfortable answering that.

"It's the group Maria lived with. They called themselves The Club," I answer. Denise makes a quick escape after giving me a nervous look. Tina busies herself, putting the sugar in her coffee, stirring it and trying it before adding a little more and repeating the process. "It's about half of a teaspoon each time," I say as she tips the sugar container up for about the sixth time.

Tina nods and puts it down, satisfied she's got enough. "Okay, we can go upstairs after we're done here." She looks happy with her decision. We revert to our dinnertimes together, where Tina talks a lot, and I listen while I eat. However, it's not long until I've paid the bill, and we are headed upstairs. "Wow, it's warm in here," Tina says as she walks through the front door.

"Yeah, we seem to get all the heat from below and can't control our heating. The girls directly below seem to have their heating on full blast most of the time.

There's a knock on the door. "Hey, Gwyn. What's up?"

"Hi, Rob. I got a package for you downstairs. Oh, and this." He hands me a long tube."

"Just going down to get a parcel, Tina," I call back. She nods, and I follow Gwyn down to his apartment. It takes both of us to lift the box up to the flat. "I'll shout you a pint next time we're out," I say. He smiles, does his slap-hands thing he does to look cool and disappears. "Right, do you want tea or anything?" I ask. Tina has sat herself down on the sofa and is looking around, looking a little uncomfortable.

"Do you have any soft drinks?" She asks.

"Yeah," I say, opening the fridge. "We have Coke, Sprite, and a Blackcurrant cordial."

"Blackcurrant, thanks," Tina replies. "Christ, I'm cooking," Tina stands and lifts the huge sweatshirt she's wearing over her head. "Oh, crap," she suddenly says, making me look up. I try not to laugh, but she's pulled her t-shirt up at the same time, exposing a surprisingly nice pair of naked tits.

"Hang on," I say, knowing she would be mortified if she knew. "If you're not careful, you're going to show me and the world your bra." Tina instantly stops struggling, and I pull her t-shirt back down to cover her up and then pull her arm free.

"Thanks," she says once she emerges, looking like she's run a hundred meters.

I walk back over and hand her the glass of juice. Tina drinks it down in one. When she's finished, she looks at me with a purple moustache. I smile at her. "Another?" Tina nods, and I take the glass and make a second. "Right, come on. I have work to do. I pick my blackcurrant up and make my way to the bedroom. The printout is still on my bed, where I left it. I put my glass on my bedside cabinet and turn to see Tina standing at the door with her mouth open.

"You have three computers and one two, no three gaming consoles?"

"Yeah. You can use anything other than the computer in the corner. I have that set for my work only," I reply. Luckily, the Mega-drive is locked away in my cupboard.

"Shit, you're not going to get rid of me at this rate," Tina says.

"Well, you are welcome anytime unless I'm not here, busy, or my girlfriend's here. Then I'll let you know during the day."

"So, you're a what?"

I laugh. This is the first time Tina has lost her cocky façade. "I work for a programming and gaming company that my flatmate's brother owns."

Tina nods. "Okay, all the time I was spouting, you are already where I want to be?"

I scratch the back of my neck nervously. "You need to know that I don't talk a lot about things unless you ask a direct question, and I like listening to your dreams," I tell her. I then tell her how I got started.

"So am I okay with going on the Amiga?" Tina finally says.

"Yeah, help yourself," I say. Tina isn't like any of the other girls that first came to my room. She ignores everything other than the electronics. I settle down and continue with the program.

I sit on the bed and start to go through the program I am working on. I am at the working out what does what stage and absorbed in my work.

"You know, I've met Lisa Lovegood," Tina says from nowhere.

"Really? Where?" I reply.

"In LA, you often see the rich and famous out shopping or on a night out."

"Oh, right," I say. I look up and Tina is looking around the room. I take this moment to have a break and rest my eyes.

"So, which one is your girlfriend. Christ, you know a lot of girls." My wall has lots of photos that the girls have pinned up of our nights out. There must be around forty photos.

I walk up by the side. "These girls are The Club. That's me out with my friends where I'm from. That is me and my girlfriend at her cousin's wedding," I say, pointing to the photo Jason Hunter had taken outside the church.

"She is so beautiful. I can see why you are like you are."

"Yes, our meeting was like it was meant to be."

"I would say everyone thinks that at the beginning, but I think there's more to your story," I tell Tina about how Maria and I met and how we grew close. I left out all the personal details. We moved into the lounge, and I tell her about the wedding and what our parents had told us. "I knew there was more to it. So you two knew each other as babies, were torn apart and then fifteen years later, met up again? Wow, you have to make that into a book or something." Tina looks at her watch. "Crap, is that the time? Can I ask if you could set me up with Paul?"

Tina puts her sweatshirt and coat back on, and I get ready to go out. Tina looks at me suspiciously but doesn't say anything. We walk down the stairs and out the front door.

"He's down next week, so I will phone him and then introduce him to you. He's always moaning that he needs more help. Your only downside is that you don't have a computer." I say as I close the door.

"Oh, yeah. Can I borrow yours?"

"No, that might be problematic. I guess I could buy you one, and you will pay me back with your earnings," I say. "And I only want money for the computer and nothing else," I add. Tina gives me an embarrassed look.

"Let's see what Paul says," she says.

I'm walking back up the hill when I see Brenda looking in a shop window. "Hey, Brenda, how's it going?" Brenda turns; she's been crying. I quickly reduce the distance between us and wrap my arms around her. "Hey, hey. What's happened?"

"I had an argument with my boyfriend, and he said some horrible things," she says into my shoulder.

"That's a shit. Come on, let's get you home."

"Can I stay at yours tonight?"

"No, Brenda. Although you've had an argument. Until you have split and gone through what you need to do, I'm afraid you can't."

Brenda's a little taken aback by my stance but nods her understanding. "Sorry, I just didn't want to go back yet."

"Come on, at a time like this, you need your friends." Again, she nods.

"It's just I feel like such a fool. They've all said that Martin is a bit of an idiot, but I always defended him.

"And so you should. He's your choice, not theirs. So you made the wrong choice. Tell me, who hasn't out of the group?"

"You know, you're right. God, I wish I was in Maria's shoes. She's such a lucky.... you know."

"Yes, but if you remember our first meeting. She had just come back from a bad choice."

"Your first meeting has become legend," Brenda says as she tucks under my arm, and we make our way to the girl's apartment. When we walk in, a couple of girls are sitting in the communal area with their boyfriends, and the mood changes when we walk in. "Hey, guys. I just found this one down the road."

"I thought you had been banned from here," one of the boyfriends says.

"Not to my knowledge," I say. I look at an embarrassed-looking Cynthia. "Cynthia." I look at her, and she gets it straight away when she sees the state Brenda is in.

"Sorry, guys, you have to go," she says, standing. This annoys their boyfriends even more.

"What is your problem?" I ask, knowing the answer.

"We don't like you," one who I forget his name says. "We don't like you hanging around our girls."

"They are my friends. What do you think is going to happen?" I shake my head. "You guys have a low opinion of your girlfriends if you think anything will happen behind your backs. Anyway, I'm with Maria Hunter, so there's no chance even if they are single." I didn't want to bother going into Maria and my arrangement.

"You're dating Maria Hunter," the other guy says in disbelief.

"Yes, so if you don't mind, I have more important things to do than deal with your confidence issues." I let Brenda go and turn to her. "I'm sure you're in the right place now. I'll see you later," I say. "See you later, girls." I don't bother to say anything else to the guys, but I hear the beginning's of a heated exchange as I close the front door, and it wasn't the guys who were annoyed.

When I get home, I look at what arrived today in the package and a letter in the post. Two items are from Jin (no surprise there) and a letter from Jenny. In a tube is a large poster that is being put around Tokyo to promote the up-and-coming convention. On the poster is the photo of me in front of a view of Tokyo that is on one wall in my bedroom. I'm sure she's used the image that she is flashing me her tits in. Down the side is a list of what's happening during the week-long event. The problem is that it's in Japanese, although Jin has sent a second smaller poster on A3 paper in English. "Ah, so this is what the Professor was talking about," I say to myself. In the box are a number of things that she thought I would like. There is something called a mobile phone. I know a phone you can use anywhere. It's ridiculous, I hear you say. It will never take off. There are some more games that I've been involved in, including the first-ever Wipe-out game in a gift box and a second I can play. Some Nike trainers in my size, with the Sega logo on the side and a matching jacket. There are a couple more games for the Mega Drive and some merchandise that goes with other games. As usual, there is a letter, and she has confirmed her visit this coming weekend and given me her flight details.

I then sit on my bed and read the letter from Jenny. She seems like a different person. The letter is not coded for one and she explains that there's no one to look over her shoulder. She's settled in and made a few friends. Her parents seem to have come to terms with their only child leaving home. She doesn't mention her boyfriend Nathaniel or is he now her ex? As usual she finishes her letter with something a little different. Rob, live your life well, because you're still going to hell. I can only smile at my friend, but she seems to be in a better place.

Tina started coming home with me each evening and just hanging out. The large amount of gaming equipment might have something to do with it, or is it my sparkling personality? She still stays away at the weekends mainly because I'm never there.

I once again find myself waiting early Saturday morning at an airport. It seems like forever since I last saw Jin. She's booked into The Balmoral Hotel for appearances. Now she's getting married, she needs to look like she's doing the right thing. Her premise for coming is to get my report on the new console. Check on my progress with Mystical Garden Two and to make sure her star attendee is excited to be going. There's some gaming press conference and of course our horizontal Japanese, English, cultural exchange.

We greet each other more formally compared to the last. At least I knew what to expect this time. A subtle bow of the head out of respect and then I took her luggage.

Jin pauses as we walk toward my car. "Maria bought it for me, so I have no excuses when we have free weekend."

"I hope I am not affecting one of those free weekends?" Jin says more as a question.

"No, Jin. I was down there last week." Jin gives me a satisfied smile as I open the car door for her. "Right, where to first?"

"Hotel, then I need KFC. I have not eaten since last night." I smile. The first time we met it was MacDonald's. Now she's progressed to KFC.

Unfortunately it's too cold to sit outside, so after Jin has checked in and had a quick change of clothes, we make our way to KFC.

We sit in a quieter area and eat. I'm a traditionalist when it comes to KFC. Three pieces of original recipe chicken meal. Jin has the same but seems to be eyeing the other pictures on the boards.

"Rob, how far is your place from here?" Jin asks.

"Ten minutes, if the traffic is good," I return.

Jin finishes her mouthful of chicken. "Rob, I need...... you know. But we will have to be quick."

"What's with all the cloak and dagger?"

Jin's smile slips. "People are watching." For a moment I look around, but nobody seems to be taking any notice. "Rob," Jin says to get my attention. "Not like that. Let's just say that if I'm not careful and it's obvious what we are doing, then it will get back to the wrong people."

"The wrong people?" I say looking completely confused.

"Mmmm," she replies taking a drink. "The press, my family, or my husband to be."

"But I thought...."

"Yes but until we're married things get noticed. Remember there are different rules in Japan. With my position in the company and that I'm the CEO's niece, I have to be careful." Jin pops a chip into her mouth. "Better than MacDonald's," she mutters. "I hear you're learning Japanese."

I'm stunned. "Jin, that was supposed to be a surprise."

"See, things get noticed." I nod, she's proved her point. "So how's it going?"

"Slowly," I say. "You can't get away with being so lazy with pronunciation like we do in English."

I reverse the car into its garage. As we walk toward the flat, I point out what my parents and I are doing. We make our way to the rear entrance and run up the stairs. There will be no unnecessary time spent out of sight.

As I close my bedroom door Jin turns and hungrily pushes me against the door. Her eyes move to the door lock and I hear it click. Pulling her into me, I kiss her firmly on the lips. As the kiss deepens, I hear what I can only call a whimper. Jin pushes her slender body against mine, pressing my hard cock into her belly. I can feel her entire body including her firm breasts moulding into mine.

Jin pulls back. "It. Has been too long," she says breathlessly. She steps away and takes my hand, pulling me toward my bed. "I have dreamt about that hard cock," she adds needfully. I'm struck dumb. Is this the same girl that I met in what seems like a long time ago now? Jin lets my hand go and immediately starts to undress. She looks at me and sees I'm frozen to the spot. "Rob, we haven't much time and I need your cock. I want to be down in the café in half an hour."

I look at her for a moment still frozen, then her words sink in, and I quickly undress. I'm naked before her and the moment she unhooks her bra and it falls to the floor, I scoop her up and lay her on the bed. "I take it then, madam would like the quick full orgasm package," I say in my poshest English accent. I laughed when Jin gives me that are you joking look. Her English is brilliant, but sometimes she just doesn't get British humour.

I climb on top and resume our kiss. Jin wraps her arms around me and pulls me down. I was trying to keep my weight off her, but she has other ideas. After a moment her grip weakens, and I start my trip south. As usual her skin is perfect, and I pause for a moment to admire her spectacular tits. My memory of her pureness was no exaggeration as I satisfy my hunger to reacquaint myself with Jin's body. She is as awesome as I remembered. But I focused back on what I was doing because time is of the essence.

Jin legs are open as wide as humanly possible and I can feel the wisps of pubic hair tickle my stomach as I move lower. I'm examining all her curves and remembering each mole as I find them for a second time. I can already smell her arousal, and Jin has started to push her groin up in a desperate attempt to gain a little extra stimulation.

I get to the top of her pubic area and nuzzle into the top of her slit. For a moment I take in Jin's essence, before continuing to kiss down the crease of her groin toward my goal. I don't have time to tease her, so I go straight in and open her slit fully with a strong slow sweep of my tongue. I'm rewarded with a good amount of Jin cream. There's nothing on this planet to compare. I usually get rewarded toward the end of our love making, but Jin's arousal is so great that her pussy is producing it before penetration.

"Can you do your tongue thing on me?" Jin almost shouts before realising her mistake. "I've missed this so much." Jin starts to quiver as I insert my finger. Her tightness is still there and I feel the cushioned walls quiver. This girl is going to pop before we get started. I blow on her pussy, then kiss her hood covered bud. Jin lets out a strange sound and says something in Japanese that I didn't catch. Her whole body shakes as my fingertip finds it's mark and I rub it a couple of time to make sure I have the right spot. Well in reality I just like seeing the girl's reaction when I do this.

Jin is oozing now, and I know I could have kneeled up and pushed my dick into her easily. But for the first time this weekend I will follow my lady's request. She is nearly ready to cum. I am determined to make it a huge climax when it does hit. Although I have a feeling, she's going to achieve that anyway.

I have to use a little force to get my tongue in to position. I curl the end and apply the suction while I move the tip over the raised area. Jin instantly grabs hold of a fist full of bed covers. Her back arches up and she slams herself down instantly clamping my head in place as her first orgasm hits her and she tries to drown me. I'm in heaven.

Jin's vice grip on my head slowly decreases and I take the opportunity to lap up some of fluids that are dripping from her still pulsating hole. There is nothing like Jin's cum. I'm not sure if it's a race thing or just her. The taste is quite sweet and is a mixture of milky white fluid and a thicker cream.

Just like before, Jin kept her thick black-haired bush. She's not a hairy girl, with a relatively small triangle of pubic hair, that is neither trimmed or shaved. What she is, is delicious. Her pubes are matted with her cum and as I greedily remove as much as I can, her body reacts electrically to my tongue's touch.

Jin groans. "Getting to meet my idol was the best thing to happen to me." she says as she comes back to earth.

"Yeah, it's been good for me," I reply. I crawl up Jin's body kissing her here and there making her spasm. I still have the time constraint in my mind. I will need to have a word with her about that. This is all new territory for me. Usually, I would take my time. Maria wiggling her arse at me and asking me for a quicky comes to mind. I can't seem to get her out of there totally.

Jin almost growls as I line up and push the oversized head of my cock into her tight wet hole. Those first critical inches are the tightest and once I am past them my cock only takes a couple of pumps to get me to full depth. Jin smiled satisfied. "I've had a dildo manufacturer make a slight smaller replica of your cock. Her voice warbles a little as after tremors from her first orgasm continue. She cries out as I pull out halfway and push straight back in. The tightness, heat and wetness combine perfectly as I repeat the move a couple of times.

Jin mumbles something in Japanese, again I don't catch what she says. I'm just getting my rhythm going when on one of the strokes, I slam in pushing as deep as I can. Jin's eyes shoot open, and she says, "futatabi." This is a word my Japanese teacher uses a lot, it means again, or repeat. As you know, I don't like to let the ladies in my life down.

Although Jin is tight the fact that she is already spasming, on the verge of a second orgasm, made her feel even tighter. She was so wet, so needy, I am able to drive into her completely, grinding into her as I do. I am getting close, but Jin beats me to it, which pushes me over the edge. As her virginal walls clamp around my cock, I thrust myself as deep as possible and explode, filling her with a couple days' worth of build-up.

"Shiiiiiiit!" Jin cries, falling over the edge of her completion even as I stay fully buried inside her. Jin bucks her hips gently rubbing herself against me. I keep enough pressure on her to keep her erotic display of release going before me. Christ, it felt so good having her soft pulsating walls surround me.

"Oh wow," she gasps, still trying to catch her breath. "That was incredible. The best orgasm I've ever had."

I look down at the mess that is matted in my pubes and running around my balls. "And there's me ging easy on you," I say, as I start slowly slide in and out of her. My cock hasn't lost any of its hardness, but I move as slowly as I can make myself. Jin is still coming down from her high and each movement causing small aftershocks.

"Easy? Wow, I doubt I would be conscious now then." Jin says still with her eyes closed. I can only grunt in agreement, still fucking her so very slowly, and focusing on the sensations below.

"How are you still fucking me now?" Jin asks taking me by surprise with her use of language.

"What can I say. Your pussy's massaging me keeping me hard."

Jin opens the eye closest to me and looks at me. "You my friend are making it more difficult to replace you," she grumbles.

"Didn't know you was looking to replace me," I say slowing my movements.

She smiles. "No need to stop doing that," she says, her head now fully back in order. Not to disappoint the beautiful naked lady my cock is full embedded in I start moving again. "But I was thinking now you have Maria, I need to look elsewhere."

"Are you sure?" I say not knowing whether to feel joy or pain. I must admit on more than one occasion I thought about phoning Jin to cancel this weekend. The reason I kept our date was because the others had kept their distance, and I needed the distraction.

Jin nods as she starts pushing against my thrusts. "Rob, can you fuck me hard?" Once again Jin uses the 'F' word. Either I'm a bad influence or she is, I'm not one to swear much. I was leaning on one elbow. Without unsheathing myself I centre over the top of Jin's body. I see her physically swallow hard as she comes to the realisation of what she's asked.

"Time to buckle up and enjoy the ride."

Jin gives out a little giggle, but it's stopped short when I start to build up the pace. The giggle turns into a hight pitched squeal as I start to impact her clit. It's not long until Jin's pussy starts to pulsate. With all the extra lubrication from our first round, my cock feels like there's a vacuum seal around my cock. The feeling is like I'm being sucked off. "Shit that feels so good," I say, but Jin isn't listening or is on a different planet. Jin's eyes open wide with a fleeting look of panic before she gives out a real guttural moan, while her body shakes with a full-on climax. I'm still a little way off. I don't let Jin recover as I continue to slide in and out, impacting her harder, as her orgasm flows like a river in full flood. Her vaginal walls massaging and squeezing my cock is an incredible feeling as I feel the beginnings of my own release. I speed up as the feeling becomes more pronounced and I feel my cock harden just a little more. I hold back as long as I can. Jin's eyes have rolled back now as she loses all use of her body, with all brain power focused on her throbbing pussy.

Jin is startled as I grunt the arrival of my orgasm. My cock violently pulsates as the first wave of my second cum hits me and I collapse down, creating another intense climax for Jin. I try but fail to keep my weight off her slender frame as she continues to shake underneath me. I even try to roll off, but Jin's arms wrap around me, pulling me in tight, pushing my still slightly hard cock further inside causing her aftershocks to peak again.

We lay there in post orgasm bliss before Jin's common-sense returns. She pats me on my back to make me move. "Rob, we need to get downstairs," she says. This keeping up appearances isn't the best, but the number of times, Jin and I are together I'm sure I can put up with it.

It takes Jin a while before she is satisfied that she doesn't look well fucked enough to go downstairs. We walk out the front door and into The Café like any normal friends can look, I guess. I don't expect to see any of the girls today. They either know Jin is here or are staying the weekend with their boyfriends.

"So, what you got planned for the rest of the day?" I ask, knowing Jin had a list of things she wants to do.

"I'm glad you asked. This afternoon I'd like you to take me to see Edinburgh Castle and then you can take me to dinner. I've booked a table at my hotel."

"That sounds good. I will warn you though. I did take Bec there for dinner just before she went back to the states."

Jin thinks about that scrap of information for a second. "We should be good," she says. "It's booked in my name. Since you told me about Bec, I've been keeping an eye out for any news about her. She's an interesting lady."

I laugh at Jin's choice of words. "You can say that again."

"She's an interesting lady," Jin repeats. I look up at her surprised. Jin's not one to play with words. "You're rubbing off on me a little," she says suddenly aware she did something out of character. "How did Maria take her public display of love for you?"

"Better than I deserve," I say wistfully as my mind thinks about my girlfriend. "She's a remarkable lady."

"She must be. She's got you.... How do they say?..... Head over heels?"

I smile at my friend's frankness. "You'll get to meet her one day," I say.

"You can bank on it," Jin says looking at her watch. "Come on, I want to change before we go to Edinburgh castle." I get up and pay the bill before escorting Jin back to her hotel. As before, I wait for her down in the lobby. I spend the time looking around trying to see if anyone is watching me. Everywhere there seems to be people looking my way, but then it might be me looking at them causing it.

Jin comes out of the lift dressed more traditionally. A couple stop her and ask to have their photo taken with her. I walk over and do the honours, before we walk out and hail a taxi. "I have to admit that I've been here a year and a half and never visited the castle before," I say as we pull up at the bottom of the hill that leads to the castle.

I pay the taxi and then watch Jin watch the taxi disappear. "It's funny," she says. "If I was in London or any other city for work I would be driven everywhere. I think I prefer this though...." She ponders her words. "It seems less intense and freeing."

"So, what's this weekend classed as?" I ask.

Jin looks up at me. "This is a break," she says. "Normally I would have returned to Japan, but I have business in London on Monday, so with the cover of organising the gaming convention I managed to come here."

"It's almost like a Comi-con event," I say.

"I know, but I couldn't come up with such a catchy name as that. Come on," she adds and gently nudges me in the right direction. I'm quiet for a minute and then Jin laughs. "Stop trying to think of a name and tell me a little about this castle."

"Oh, what makes you think I know anything about this place," I say.

"Because I know you would have looked it up at some point." Jin looks at me out the corner of her eye.

I must concede and smile, shaking my head. "Okay, the first year I was here I had a little time on my hands and did spend time in the city library. Edinburgh Castle is the most important castle in Scotland. It's recorded back to the 11th Century. The area it stands on is call Castle Rock, which has been occupied by humans since at least the Iron Age. The first royal occupancy for the castle was in the reign of Malcolm III in the 11th century, and continued to be a royal residence until around the middle 1600s. It's role as a residence had declined through the 15th century. By the 17th century it was principally used as a military garrison. It played host as a royal residence, an arsenal, a treasury, a national archive, a mint, a prison, a military fortress, and the home of the Honours of Scotland -- the Scottish regalia. It's classed as most important stronghold in Scotland. It has the honour as being the most attacked castle in the world, and the most besieged in Great Britain. Not a lot of the original castle exists. Not a lot predates the middle of the 16th century, when the place was destroyed by artillery bombardment. The largest part to survive curiously is the chapel which if I am not wrong is the oldest building in Edinburgh."

"The gentleman is correct," A man says as we approach the entrance.

"Which way do we go?" I ask smiling at his comment. He points to a door surprisingly marked Entrance.

I continued with my history lesson. "It has a long military history and has been a garrison pretty much up to today. You'll see most of the history as we go around..... Two please," I say to the lady behind the desk.

"Would you like a brochure?"

"Yes please," Jin says picking one from the pile.

"Here's a map of the castle and if you hurry, you can tag on to the tour that's about to leave."

We thank her and I pay. The tour guide was very entertaining and described a lot of the sieges with a lot of enthusiasm. He pointed out some of the battle damage that's still visible today and showed us some things that we would have missed if we had walked around alone. Jin was soaking all the history in.

It is getting dark when we leave the castle, and we make our way down the hill. Jin leans into me. "Rob, do we have enough time to stop off at yours for a quickie?"

"A quickie?" I say surprised.

"Yeah, I realize this weekend's been a little different than you thought. If I had my way we would have been in bed and only surfaced for food."

"I understand Jin, and I've enjoyed spending time with you. You are a great person to be around," I say.

"Taxi," Jin shouts when we get to the main road and she spots one passing.

We get back to mine, as usual, Len isn't in. I sometimes wonder if he shouldn't just move out. His mother isn't getting her monies worth. Jin unzips her silky dress and carefully lays it across a chair. To my surprise she's not wearing any knickers. No wonder she needs some cock.

Jin positions herself, kneeling on the edge of the bed and wiggles her ass at me. "Come on slowcoach," she says.

"Slowcoach?" I say dropping my trousers to reveal my already hard cock. As I position myself behind an eager hand comes from between her legs and guides me straight where she wants me. "Push," Jin says with a heavy breath. Her juices allow me to push straight in. She's so tight, but I manage to get to full depth in a couple of strokes. Because I had already emptied myself a couple of times today I didn't need to shoot my load straight away.

I give Jin a moment to adjust, just moving slowly because it feels so good. "Okay Rob, hard and fast," she says. An image of Maria doing the exact same after we went swimming enters my mind as I pull out halfway before pushing back in.

It takes a minute to get up to speed. Jin has to grab a pillow to bury her face, so she doesn't make so much noise. With the sound of slapping flesh and her groans I don't think we passed that test. I can feel Jin's vaginal walls start to quiver as she approaches her orgasm, giving me the cue to speed up and start to build my own. Jin starts to almost scream as her first orgasm of this session hits her. I can feel her pussy trying to squeeze the life out of my cock, but I am rock hard and continue to drive into her giving her no time to pause let alone recover from her first orgasm before her body starts to spasm with a second. I have trouble at first keeping her in the right place until I manage to get a good grip on both hips firmly and hold her in place. Jin is lost in wherever she goes when we have sex as I feel my balls stir and my cock expanding that little more before I explode inside her. I spasm hard and fall to the side. I'm still absently holding tightly on to Jin so her ass follows me down and my cock stays impaled, spasming, deep inside her.

It takes a couple of minutes for Jin to recover enough to get her mind back into gear. "Rob, would you mind passing me my bag please." I look around and see her bag on the same chair as her dress. Jin squeaks as I pull out. It's the head of my cock that causes this when it expands the entrance and the pops out. I shuffle over to the chair on unsteady legs and get her bag. It makes it harder, because I still have my trousers on. After handing Jin her bag I find a used towel and wipe myself clean. Once again, I'm covered in her white cum and it takes a bit of rubbing to clean my pubes. Jin at the same time pulls a pair of panties out of her bag and slips them on before any goo drips out.

It only takes us five minutes to make ourselves look right and head back out. Jin picks up a second bag that I didn't see her leave when she was here earlier. She gives me that look that tells me it's all for show. I'm still a little puzzled at who we are putting on a front for. It takes a couple of minutes to hail a cab and when I see the taillight go down the hill toward the town centre, I head into The Café for a coffee and sandwich to keep me going until we eat later. I just hope no-one at the hotel recognises me. It's one thing hanging around in the day, but with the night staff, who knows.

I pull up outside the hotel and it's a copy of the time I was with Bec. "Are you here to dine, Sir," the doorman asks like it's his only line in a movie.

I smile. "Yes, I'm having dinner with Miss Hayami Aikawa."

"Ah yes, Miss Hayami is waiting in the lounge."

"Have you dinned with us before?"

"Yes, but never been in the lounge."

The man smiles. "Just head in, you should be intercepted by the Maître d. If not, it's the second door to the right of the reception desk. It has Lounge in big gold letters above the door." He smiles again and touches his hat. "Have a good evening, Sir." For some reason he doesn't follow me to the door. Must be the Bec effect. I put my hand in my pocket and hand him a fiver for his help.

He frowns at the note. "Would have been a tenner if you had shown me to the door, but I'm not as beautiful as my last companion.

As I start to walk toward the door, he shouts, "blue dress. Stunning eyes." I turn and nod in response.

I walk in and head toward the right-hand side of the reception desk. The same man who still looks like a waiter, calls from behind a small desk, "Can I help you, sir?"

I look his way and then decide to walk over. "Good evening," I say. "I'm having dinner with Miss Hayami Aikawa. I've been told she's waiting for me in the lounge." He smiles and goes to get up. "No, stay seated. I know my way." I walk off quickly before he can respond.

Jin is sitting on one of the lounge's couches. She sees me walk in and smiles and waves. I can see she's already ordered me a pint, so I walk over and greet her respectfully, well I think it was respectfully. "Rob," she says.

"Hey, Jin. You're looking stunning," I say. I sit down next to her, directly behind my pint. "Mine, I hope?" I ask.

"Of course," she says. I take a couple of mouthfuls before putting the glass back down. We talk for a while waiting to be called. Jin wants to spend Sunday morning looking around the city centre, before she flies back down to London. "I don't know why you don't fly down to Stanstead and then drive from there to Maria's," Jin says.

"The flights aren't at the right times," I say. "It would be easier, but it cuts my time down south by eight hours."

"And every minute is precious," Jin says.

"Always," I say.

Just then the Matre D walks in and straight up to us. "Your table is ready Miss Aikawa."

The evening is much the same as when I was with Bec other than we didn't dance. The main reason is that Jin's dress wouldn't allow her to move that much. We ended up back in the lounge for a while before I escorted Jin to the lift and then head out front door.

"Taxi, sir?" The doorman asks.

"Yes, please," I say.

"So where is your date from last time tonight?"

"Working," I say.

"So, when the cat's away?" he says as he hails a taxi.

"No, tonight is business. Miss Hayami Aikawa works for Sega," I say. The taxi pulls up and he opens the door. "She's checking up on her star programmer," I say before getting in and heading back to the flat.

It's raining as I step out the front of the flat. I go into The Cafe for some breakfast, before taking Jin into the city centre. We spend the morning walk around the shops. Jin is looking for a couple of gifts for her family and fiancée. We do not have any last tryst. Although she did not show any discomfort, she did say that she was a little sore from the 'ramming' I gave her. Not my words.

I take Jin to the airport in my car and being a domestic flight, she is soon on her way to London, leaving me feeling.... well, nothing. I am getting increasingly uncomfortable with these visits. I'm trying to analyse it on the drive back to the flat, but it is a puzzle.

As I walk past the empty buildings my family business owns, I take a moment to look at all the buildings. They are looking different from the building that were there when I first moved to the area, The outside of all the buildings have been re-rendered and windows replaced with more efficient windows. The first building looks almost finished. You can see in the lower flat and it looks complete other than all the tags and labels on everything. The kitchen that I can see looks good. I know that Kath will be up soon to sign the first six off. We won't be letting them until the new term, but they are there to be viewed by any prospective renter.

I stop at the end where they have put up a security gate. I look at it for a moment and wonder if we can produce a gated community. I've seen them in London and know they can demand a higher price. I'll mention it to Mum when I phone her later to see how Maria and my home is coming along.

Paul's visit is double edged. We spend an hour talking about the upcoming convention in Japan and what we have coming up. The tax year is ending, and my father has asked me to stop any more payments going into the family business. He didn't expect such sizable amounts and worries we will be audited. Not as though we have anything to hide, but he just doesn't want the hassle. After Easter and before Japan, I have two major titles to work with. At this time, games companies are trying to get things made and out quickly. I have a reputation of doing just that and still keeping the quality of the bigger block busters.

Paul talks to Tina. He tells her to get set up, and he will start her with some simple programs. She's not happy, but when she hears this is how I started, she seems to accept it, especially when the five hundred quid per program is explained. We go shopping for her computer, and she asks to set it up in my room. I guess she needs guaranteed time to work.

Japanese is a lot harder than I thought, but me being me, this just makes me more determined to get a fair understanding before I leave for Japan. I've managed to get some, 'learn Japanese' tapes for my Walkman. They are some help, and my tutor is open to questions about pronunciation when we are together.

I get phone calls from everyone except Charlie. I'm not sure why, she normally phones to boast about something her and Simon have done. I'm not sure why I'm bothering, but I am a little worried. The last time she didn't phone she was in hospital. It's Sunday, I wait for a moment when it's quiet, and I phone her Aunty. "Hello, Mrs Kean. This is Rob Johnson. It's just that I haven't heard from Charlie since Christmas, and I'm....."

I don't get any more out, before. "You've got a bloody cheek calling after what you did," she almost shouts down the phone.

"I'm sorry?" I say.

"You will be if you don't put this right," she says.

"I'm sorry, Mrs Kean. I don't know what you are talking about."

"You know very well after what you did and left her with the fallout."

"Mrs Kean. Could you stop talking riddles and tell me what I'm supposed to have done?"

"You know very well. Getting Charlie drunk, seducing her and leaving her in that condition."

"Mrs Kean, what are you talking about?"

"Charlie is pregnant, and you're the father," she says angrily. Then she slams the phone down.

I sit there stunned. I've been doing too much of this lately.

******

Thank you for sticking with me. Please press those stars and leave some feedback.