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Life's Illusions - 10 years on - Chapter 23
She was magnificent, towering 14 decks above them from the quayside, her outside a pristine gleaming white, this would be the maiden voyage for WFC Leonora.
Lenny had named her in an elaborate ceremony only one week earlier, since then she'd completed three trips, each only two days, filled to capacity with travel related guests, these had been free gratis, two day, one night, mini cruises, to familiarise mainly travel agents and travel press writers.
The write ups and feedback had been massively successful.
She was the biggest ship they had commissioned to date, the first of four in her class, of the other three, one was nearing completion, WFC Julia would commence sea trials in just over a month, the other two were due for completion in the spring of next year, at present their names were undecided.
The Chairman of WFC, Billy Fielding Snr, and his wife Julia were traveling with them on this trip.
Standing on the balcony of her stateroom, located next to the large suite occupied by PJ and Lenny, Marion Albright had tears in her eyes.
She was happy that Woody and Jacqueline had offered her a home, she didn't question that their offer was genuine, she wouldn't deny Woody had always been her favourite, it didn't matter what he did, he could get away with murder, but he didn't, that was important to remember, Woody was a wonderful gifted child, who it seemed was put on this earth to ease the way for others.
The episode with Will, when Woody left the company and was adrift for a while had seen her quite visibly angry, so much so that she had actually scolded PJ in public, she'd laid into him with the venom of a mother defending her cub, she surprised even Lenny, but she didn't get any bad response from the family, she only said out loud what they all were thinking.
But even the thought of spending her remaining years in cosseted comfort at Montclair couldn't offset the sadness she felt about leaving England, leaving the house she and Albert had called home for so many years since they were married.
Woody had explained what was on offer to her, either a suite of rooms in the main house, or, if she preferred, a totally separate self contained building in the grounds close to the main house.
At the rear of Chateau Montclair were the elaborate formal gardens, on either side at right angles to the main building were a pair of small cottages, in years gone by they would have been housing for senior members of the household staff.
All four cottages had been renovated to contain a lounge, dinning room, kitchen, master bedroom with ensuite, utility and store on the ground floor, whilst on the first floor there was a further ensuite bedroom.
She decided it would be better to have her own cottage, somewhere the family wouldn't feel she was constantly in the way, somewhere she could set out in cozy comfort, all the things which reminded her of her dear Albert.
She didn't know it yet but she would never feel, 'In the way', at Montclair, instead she would quickly become the resident grandmother whom everyone went to with whatever ailed them, children and adults alike.
There was one other member of the party traveling for whom this was the start of a new life.
Fleur, the shy little girl Pete had rescued in the final moments before an explosion blew them both through the doorway of the stricken Air France Jumbo Jet.
Her parents had perished that day, she had no other living relatives, she had been frightened, confused, grief stricken, placed in a foster home, where Jaque, Pete, JJ and Marcel found her.
JJ had worked his usual charm, in a short time he and Marcel had an arm each around her shoulders.
Pete and Jaque sat a little away from the youngsters as JJ and Marcel gave Fleur a rundown of the family dynamics in their typical blunt fashion.
JJ did most of the talking with a clearly adoring brother in Marcel nodding agreement.
"We have two Poppas, no Momma, our Poppas love each other, it was Poppa Pete who saved you that day, he paid a terrible price for saving you, he was in a coma for ages, but he's getting stronger every day, he told the Queen of England he'd do it again, if he had to, you were that precious".
JJ was re writing history, with artistic licence, but he didn't feel he was hurting anyone, his Poppa was a hero, deny that at your peril.
They all watched as Fleur digested what he'd said, then he went on.
"You won't be lonely, Marcel and I will make sure of that, where we live in France, our Aunt and Uncle, plus our cousins Paul and Roslyn share the house, Roslyn can be a bit bossy but she's really nice, don't tell her I said the bossy bit".
Again JJ paused to let her take it all in before continuing.
"Our Poppas want to adopt you, Marcel and I want you to be our sister, but it can only happen if it's what you want as well, I was an orphan, Marcel lived at the orphanage, so we know what you're going through, our Poppas love us, they protect us and guide us, we're safe, you will be too, we promise we'll look after you, but it's up to you, shall we go and talk to the Poppas?"
Fleur looked directly at his face, she seemed to be evaluating what he'd said, then her face broke out into a smile, the first they'd seen, she'd obviously decided he could be trusted, she nodded.
As they walked towards Jaque and Pete, it was Pete who broke the silence.
"It looks like our little genius pulled it off my love, I think we may have a daughter, and I'm fairly certain in JJ, we have a budding politician or diplomat".
In the initial stages Fleur knew nothing of the troubles Jaque and Pete encountered with their adoption application.
Had they been at home in Montclair it would have been simply a matter of browbeating the local Judge, but the situation they found themselves in was terribly complicated.
A French National, a child, orphaned in a Foreign Country, albeit a European Ally, any application for adoption, they said, until she was on French soil, couldn't be done.
After days of wrangling, the worst happened, Fleur overheard a conversation which told her she was not going to be adopted, she was distraught, inconsolable.
Pete lost his cool, everyone was worried he would harm himself, he was so incensed, but it was JJ who came up with the solution.
"Poppa, they said it could only happen on French Soil, well the Embassy is French Soil, if we're at the Embassy they can't refuse us".
Pete grabbed him, plastering his face with kisses.
"You my child are a genius".
In minutes Pete had bundled everyone into the car and directed the driver to take them to the French Embassy at 58 Knightsbridge.
On the way he called the Ambassador, after identifying himself the family were shocked to hear him say, "We, five French Nationals, will be arriving at your building in the next ten minutes, I suggest you let your guard post know they'd better let us in, unless of course you want to find yourself in more trouble than even you can wriggle your way out of you slimy git".
Not surprisingly as soon as they identified themselves their Rolls was waved through into the Embassy grounds.
Pete was still fuming when they were shown into the Ambassadors office, to be met by a very worried junior diplomat who welcomed them, enquiring what the Ambassador could do to help them, he definitely wasn't expecting the Lenny style blast of verbal that Pete emitted, but then, Pete had learned from a master, his mother.
"The Ambassador can remove you, then he can plant his lazy, good for nothing ass, in the place you're currently occupying, tell him he has exactly five minutes before we leave this building, if that's what he wants, so be it, we'll head home to hold a press conference denouncing a French Nation and its Ambassador, prevaricating and refusing to safeguard the life and wellbeing of an orphaned child of Fallen French Nationals, I'll also be refusing very publicly the Presidents invitation to attend the Elysees Palace next week, I wish him well in trying to squirm his way out of that one, the clock is ticking".
It was approximately three minutes before the Ambassador appeared, he started to explain the reasons behind the blocked adoption but Pete was in no mood to listen further.
"Shut up you snivelling little toad, we are currently on French Soil, as you stipulated, you have conference facilities, I expect you to have a Judge approve the adoption paperwork within the hour, unless of course you would choose to call my bluff".
The Ambassador blanched visibly, realising he'd been cornered, if Pete carried out his threat the Ambassador would be lucky to find himself still in position, but his location would quite possibly be some never before heard about corner of the globe"
Petes words jolted him back to reality, "As I said earlier to your lower level toad, the clock is ticking, I'm in no mood to be messed with, be warned".
As all of this was unfolding, JJ and Marcel stood behind Pete, their arms folded, faces stern, but as soon as the Ambassador scurried from the room, JJ and Marcel dissolved into a fit of giggles, JJ kept repeating, before they went into another fit of giggles, 'you snivelling little toad'.
Fleur meanwhile was looking really upset, until Jaque pulled her onto his lap, "Watch and learn little one, Poppa Pete will not be beaten, nor will your soon to be brothers, you will be our daughter by the end of the afternoon, and we'll be the happiest family in the whole wide world, that I can promise you".
Within twenty minutes, they were ushered into a conference room where a screen showed the face of a High Court Judge, clearly not happy to be dragged from his courtroom, he'd tried to reprimand Pete for his behaviour but Pete cut him off, turning to the Ambassador, "It would appear you have not understood me, we will leave now, I have a press conference to attend".
Turning back to the Judge he smiled, "You pompous ass, it is I, and people like me who put you where you are, by close of business, I should be well on the way to removing you, it's that easy to fail and fall when you forget exactly who you represent".
As the group started towards the the door, both the Ambassador and the Judge almost screamed at them to wait, the apologies were flowing, but Pete was well past listening, they'd used up another ten minutes.
"You have a little over twenty five minutes available to save your miserable arses, I would suggest you concentrate on the task in hand, I have no real wish to listen to you, yet again I warn you, the clock is ticking".
There followed a frenzied scurrying of officials and secretaries, signatures and faxes, before, with exactly two minutes to spare, they were presented with the official paperwork confirming Fleur Aragon, was now Fleur Aragon Montclair, Contessa of Montclair, daughter of Jaque, The Comte Montclair and Peter Montclair, sister of JJ and Marcel, The Vicomte's Montclair.
This last week had been stressful for Jaque and Pete.
When they'd adopted JJ and Marcel, shopping for them had been easy, they were boys, Jaque and Pete knew what they needed, but a girl, how does a man, or in this case, two men, shop for a girl, there were so many things they didn't know, until Lenny stepped in.
Lenny had taken Fleur shopping, the sheer number of packages arriving by messenger from different stores was testament to the fact that Lenny was shopping, PJ often commented, because Lenny didn't carry anything home, she sometimes lost track of her purchases, it was obvious this was the case because Fleur's closets were overflowing by day two of Lenny's shopping extravaganza, the point at which Pete called a halt.
Their cruise ship left Southampton, stopping in Civitavecchia Rome, Palermo Sicily, Genoa Italy, Barcelona Spain, before reaching Marseille France where the party disembarked.
The children had a wonderful time, when it came time to leave the ship, Fleur had bonded completely with JJ and Marcel, she relied totally on them guiding her, whenever she felt nervous she could be seen searching out the hand of one or the other, one or both were usually close by to ensure she felt safe.
Arriving at Montclair, after they exited the cars, Fleur was standing next to Marion Albright, young and old, both starting a new chapter in their lives at Montclair.
Taking the little hand in hers, Marion attempted to put the clearly nervous girl at ease, "It's your first time here, I've visited many times, in all of those visits I've never felt uncomfortable, it's as if the house and the family wrap you up in love, I've always felt safe here, you will too, and you have your brothers to look out for you".
As if on cue Marcel appeared, taking Fleur's other hand.
Whilst the household staff started to unload the luggage a clearly excited Roslyn and Paul came running from the Chateau, Roslyn was hardly able to contain herself at seeing Fleur, whilst Paul was happy to have his cousins back to offer protection from Roslyn's bossy nature.
Unbelievably, as she neared them Roslyn slowed and walked slowly up to Fleur.
"Hello, I'm Roslyn, I'm your cousin, this is my brother Paul, he's your cousin too, I hope we can be friends, don't be frightened, if you need anything, or if JJ or Marcel aren't around, come to me or Paul, we all look after each other".
It was clear to see, Fleur immediately saw Roslyn as a friend, the boys, all three of them, looked on stunned, this was not the normal Roslyn, this was a softer, compassionate Roslyn, the like of which they'd never seen before.
As the youngsters trouped off to show Fleur her bedroom, Pete, Jaque and the other adults decided to leave them to it, heading in to see Woody and Jacqueline.
Roslyn had insisted Fleur's rooms were next to hers, not on the other side of the landing where the boys rooms were situated, since her parents had told them about Fleur, both Roslyn and Paul had worked hard, spending their own allowances to make the rooms special for their new cousin, it was a space fit for a princess and Fleur stood in the middle with tears coursing down her cheeks.
Roslyn was shocked, she was convinced Fleur hated it, they'd need to start again.
"I'm sorry, we didn't get it right, you hate it, we can change it, we'll start tomorrow, whatever you want, don't cry, please we didn't want to upset you............".
She didn't get any further, Fleur threw her arms around Roslyn.
"I love it, it's beautiful, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you, it was just, well I didn't expect anything so nice".
Roslyn was beaming.
"Get used to it, your Poppas are just like our Parents, they'll love you, nothing is too good, we are going to be friends, I just know it".
The boys left them together, JJ and Marcel were close to tears, it was the first time they'd witnessed Fleur putting her trust in someone other than them, it was only now, as they looked back into the room, stood with arms around each other's shoulders that they both realised how worried they'd been, worried that Fleur wouldn't settle, wouldn't make friends, the relief was enormous.
A week after she arrived at Montclair, Fleur started school, she was never going to be alone, her brothers and cousins were in the same home class, but she insisted, on the morning she first started, she wanted to walk in alone, she didn't want anyone to think she needed anyone to protect her, she wanted to be liked for herself, not because of who her relatives were.
Unknown to Fleur her first morning was almost doomed to failure, even with her cousins and brothers already in class.
There was one girl, the granddaughter of the manager of Montclair Vineyard, she liked to bully anyone younger or quieter.
When Fleur entered the playground she didn't see her brothers or cousins at first, all she saw were lots of other children, some older, some younger, some obviously her age, she immediately felt vulnerable, something she hadn't felt since that day at the foster home in England when JJ and Marcel had first put there arms around her.
She was shaking, but she tried to put on a brave face.
It was only a matter of moments before she was the target of the school bully, it took her completely by surprise, the thump to her back caused her to stagger forward, turning she encountered a large girl with an angry expression, Fleur stepped backwards but the girl advanced on her.
From a distance JJ and Roslyn were about to charge in, they were held back by Marcel and Paul.
The bully poked Fleur.
"Newby, what's your name then".
Fleur should have been terrified, well she should have been, if she'd been any other new pupil she probably would have been, but this new pupil had been coached by JJ and Marcel.
This was a locked and loaded new pupil.
As the bully advanced for another assault, Fleur's arm shot out, the palm of her hand turned up, the heel of her hand caught the girl dead centre beneath her chin, snapping her head back, rattling her teeth and stopping her in her tracks.
"I'm the Contessa Montclair, my relatives told me you'd try it on, well you tried, now get lost, unless of course you'd like me to have your parents and grandparents dragged in front of my parents to explain your actions, your choice".
The choice was a no brainier, the bully backed off scowling, but Fleur wasn't finished.
"I'll be watching you, try this crap on any other kid and you, my non friend, are toast".
Fleur had spotted JJ, she walked, maybe a little too quickly towards him, almost falling into his arms.
"You did great Sis, no one has ever stood up to her before, she won't trouble you again, come on let's get to class, Roslyn has some cool friends you'll like".
Once inside the classroom Fleur looked around noticing the seats were arranged in threes on trestle benches with shoulder height back rests, surprisingly when she looked up she found everyone staring at her, but what threw her most was the bully making directly for her.
Fleur was expecting another attack, but she got a complete surprise when the girl stopped short and spoke to her.
"I'm sorry, there was no need for what I did earlier, please don't tell my parents or grandparents what I did, I promise I'll never do it again".
There was a look of begging in her eyes, Fleur picked up on it.
"I'm sitting with my cousin Roslyn, why don't you take the other seat, then you can tell me why you do that, it's not going to win you any friends, you've just proved you can be nice when you want to".
Roslyn rolled her eyes, she couldn't resist butting in.
"No funny business Aimee, I'm not as easy going as my cousin, I'll just put your lights out".
Fleur put her hand on Roslyn's arm to calm her and the three girls sat together on the front bench in the middle row.
The boys made for the rear benches where they could chatter quietly between themselves, the first topic was Aimee sitting with Fleur and Roslyn to which Paul commented.
"I pity Aimee if she starts anything with Roslyn there, my sister has a wicked right hook".
Before their teacher came in and between lessons, Aimee explained, she had no friends, no one ever wanted to be her friend, unless she forced them too.
Roslyn piped up again.
"What do you expect when you try to bully everyone, no one can be bothered with you, drop the hard act, you'll have plenty of friends, Fleur might trust you, I'm keeping my options open, let's see how you behave first, I'm willing to let you pal around with us but remember what I said, no funny business".
As the days and weeks rolled by even Roslyn had to admit, Aimee was okay, funny and quite clever, before long Aimee became a close friend of both girls.
At The Inn in Montclair Aly rolled away from Bo, sticky, sweaty and gasping for breath, "I swear Bo you'll be the death of me one on these days, but don't stop, I'll be the corpse with a grin that says, here lies the cat that got the cream, and plenty of it".
They'd spent the afternoon discussing what to do with the last stable block which abutted The Inn and its restaurant.
They'd had problems since it became known Bo was part owner and operator of The Inn at Montclair, the restaurant bookings had seen a definite hike.
There had been several occasions where guests had asked to meet the chef, only to be visibly deflated when Bo sent his juniors out to the guests table with instructions to inform them Bo was not working that evening.
Unknown to them a famous food critic made a surprise visit.
The first time they knew anything about her visit was when several Nationals dedicated a full page each to the write up.
Both Aly and Bo were shocked, they'd been enjoying anonymity, their restaurant enjoying a good level of bookings, when suddenly everything went crazy.
Armand their Manager, came knocking on the apartment door at around 9.30am that morning, his face registering annoyance.
"What the hell did you do, the phone has been ringing off the hook since I came in at 7am, we're booked solid for the next four weeks, I've had people begging, offering to pay a cover charge up to fifty Euro's if we guarantee them a table".
Aly and Bo looked blank, not understanding what Armand was talking about until he angrily thrust the morning newspaper at them.
"You must have expected a response after this came out, why didn't you warn me, I'm nearly three hours behind with my work, I can't get anything done, the phone just keeps ringing, I need you both downstairs to help out, whilst you still have a manager, even that's a joke, apparently I'm the manager who can't be trusted to know what's going on, in fact, I resign, I'll finish the week but I'll leave on Sunday, five minutes, downstairs".
At that he turned about, dragging the door closed behind him with a loud bang, leaving them both stunned.
Aly was the first to speak.
"Christ, what just happened, did Armand resign?, I don't understand".
Bo didn't reply, he was dumbstruck, staring at the article before him, he'd been found out.
Aly was staring at Bo, he could see the pain in Bo's expression.
"What is it, you know something, I can see it in your face, tell me".
Bo looked at him, offering the newspaper, it's headline screaming out from the page.
"It's my fault, they've found me, I should have known it couldn't last, I wanted it to last, just me and you, I haven't been this happy in so long, now it's ruined, I spoiled it".
Bo grabbed his keys and before Aly could object he was out of the door, Aly was left standing alone, not believing this was happening.
They'd awoken, spent a long leisurely time making love, Aly surrendering himself to Bo who'd thrust deep into his lovers welcoming hole until they both came, together, in an unbelievable orgasm.
Now only minutes later, Armand had resigned and Bo had run away.
He stared at the newspaper in his hand, seeing the article.
'JoBo Is REBORN' Bo is alive and well. He's producing amazing dishes in Montclair France. His new Venue is 'The Inn at Montclair'.
The review went on to describe a series of meals the author had enjoyed.
The description was no surprise to Aly, he'd known Bo was more comfortable in the kitchen, a magician with food, they'd fallen into a very simple routine, Aly looked after the general overall management, doubling as Maitre d in the evenings, Bo took charge of the kitchen, Armand managed the bars and the cellars.
Aly had expressed reservations when Bo had hired three chefs to work with him in the kitchen, he'd been even more concerned when Bo brought in a Pastry Chef who's sole purpose was to create amazing sweet delicacies.
His concerns melted away easily as the bookings increased dramatically.
The restaurant was open 7 days a week for daytime dining, the junior chefs alternated daily in the kitchen, Bo didn't interfere in the daytime, his juniors were in charge, when he worked with them he did their bidding, encouraging them to be as adventurous as they wanted.
In the evenings the restaurant opened Wednesday through Sunday from 7pm with last orders at 9.30pm.
The kitchen dynamic changed dramatically in the evenings, Bo became the master, his chefs falling back easily into the role of juniors, it was clear to see their adoration and respect.
Snapping out of his haze Aly grabbed the door handle, swinging it wide he raced down the stairs, through the bar, out into the yard and stopped directly in front of Bo who was sitting astride his cherished Harley about to leave.
Crossing his arms Aly stood his ground as Bo revved the bike several times.
Bo allowed the powerful engine to idle as Aly shouted over the noise.
"If you think you're going to run away again you're going to have to hurt me to do it, I'm not moving, other than to block your exit, now get off it and talk to me".
Bo's shoulders slumped but he cut the engine.
Aly could see the shaking of his body, he was sobbing inside his helmet.
Walking up to the front of the machine, he was taking no chances Bo might try to get past him, lifting the helmet visor he saw the tears.
"Put it on the stand Bo, you're not going anywhere until we've talked, after that you can do as you please, I promise not to try stopping you, but you at least owe me that much".
Bo didn't say anything, he kicked the stand into place and dismounted, lifting his helmet off, Aly could see the agony in his face.
"I love you Bo, more than anything else in this world, we can get rid of this place, find a little house, hide away if it's what you want, just don't run off, I wouldn't exist without you, I can't imagine a future if you're not going to be with me, I'm going back inside now, I won't try to stop you, but if you leave, there won't be any going back, just remember I love you".
Aly walked back into The Inn, with eyes that could hardly focus through tears, he went into the bar where Armand was frantically stocking shelves.
"What do you need me to do".
Armand looked up, seeing the tears, he was around the bar in a moment and holding a shaking Aly.
"What is it, I didn't mean to upset you, where's Bo?, I'm sorry I was angry, I shouldn't have shouted at you guys............".
He didn't get any further as Bo's voice came from behind him.
"You didn't do anything Armand, it was me, I hurt him, I was stupid, I nearly lost something really precious, come here Aly, I'm not going anywhere, I love you, thank you for making me see sense".
In seconds they were wrapped in a hug, until Armand spoke.
"Okay lovers, this is not helping, that phone is still ringing".
Aly reached out and pulled the connection from its socket, the ringing stopped, there was silence until Bo spoke.
We're going upstairs Armand, we'll be back down in about an hour and we'll help you get the place ready, oh yes, I nearly forgot, we don't accept your resignation, it wouldn't be fair inflicting you on someone else".
In the apartment, Bo pulled Aly down onto the sofa.
"I nearly fucked it all up didn't I?, I panicked, I didn't think I could ever be lucky enough to find what we have after Joe died, but I did, I don't want to lose it Aly, I don't want to lose you, I'm sorry".
Aly had listened, let him ramble.
"You can't lose me Bo, you can throw me away, hurt me badly, like you almost did just now, but you can't lose me, I love you, I didn't think I would ever be happy again either after Stevie died, but you came along, it shouldn't be possible to be this happy, but I am and I'm not giving it up, so let's figure out how to deal with this".
Bo nodded.
"I know exactly how to deal with it now, we take as many bookings as we want, no more, we carry on loving each other exactly as we have, we don't let anything interfere with us, starting today, we beef up the waiting staff, the bar staff, and we go away".
Aly was shocked.
"You want me to run away with you now, why can't you face up to problems Bo, stop running away when things go wrong".
Bo chuckled, then he outright laughed, went into a complete meltdown of raucous laughing, much to Aly's obvious irritation.
As his laughter slowly abated he realised Aly was not laughing, in fact he was not even amused.
"I'm sorry, it's just, well I wasn't planning on running away, I want, well I've wanted to take you to London for some time, to meet my sister, this seems to be the perfect time, they're all coming here expecting to see me, well tough, this isn't JoBo, it's not about me, I'm not going to pander to them, they can come yes, but they'll experience The Inn, don't be angry Aly".
On reflection, with Bo's explanation, Aly could see it was perhaps the right thing to do, if these people expected to come to The Inn and find JoBo's, then they'd be disappointed, but hopefully they'd be impressed as well, impressed with the whole experience, it would reinforce the point this wasn't JoBo if Bo was nowhere to be seen.
Aly had done exactly as Bo suggested, strengthened the waiting and bar staff, making it clear to Armand, he was to be in a supervisory role only, meeting and greeting guests, mingling, ensuring everything ran smoothly.
In the kitchen Bo left three young chefs with mouths hanging open.
"We have a problem guys, some silly food critic published an article saying JoBo is reborn in Montclair, the result, we have a mass of bookings from guests who expect to experience JoBo".
One of the guys spoke up, "Surely that's good, if they see you they'll be happy".
Bo then shocked them completely.
"That's just it, they won't see me, I won't be here, this is not JoBo, this is, and always will be, The Inn at Montclair, anyone who can't see that, shouldn't be coming here, and they certainly shouldn't come back, if the need arises, you have my permission to use that exact statement".
There was silence, they just waited, knowing he hadn't finished.
Aly and I are going to visit my sister in London, you'll be on your own guys, it's your time to fly solo, you've been doing it for ages, you just didn't realise, menu choices, how to present, it's now your decision, this is the perfect time for you, we have every faith in you, make us proud".
Two days later Ally and Bo boarded a flight out of Nice to London Heathrow.
As they emerged from the arrivals gate at Heathrow Aly spotted a grinning Woody with Jacqueline, Roslyn and Paul.
After hugs from Woody and Jacqueline, they were virtually mobbed by Roslyn and Paul who adored them.
It was Jacqueline, heavily pregnant with their third child who spoke first.
"We were due to fly home today but we've put it off, if it's okay with you we'll stay a few days longer".
Aly and Bo were definitely happy to have them stay and Woody surprised them with his next statement.
"Momma's arranged a dinner party tonight, plus Will arrived this morning for a vacation, so it will be a good catch up for us all".
At the London house Bo and Aly were immediately drawn into hugs with Lenny then PJ.
As they were enjoying tea in the beautiful first floor drawing room, the door burst open and Aly was suddenly grabbed by an excited Will, when they drew apart Will spotted Bo, his next remark saw Bo blushing a deep red.
"Oh Bro, you did good, you snagged a real hunk, no wonder you've got that sparkle back in your eyes".
Aly was laughing as he introduced them.
"Bo meet my unofficial cousin Will, the reformed Black Sheep of the family, Will, meet Bo my partner".
Will saw saw the strange look Bo gave Aly as he moved in for a hug, he whispered as they hugged.
"Welcome to the family Bo, don't be surprised by the introduction, it's something I use myself, it reminds me I wasn't always a nice person, thankfully Woody showed me the error of my ways, love him and look after him Bo, Aly and Woody are my heroes, they're both the sort of guy I aspire to be".
Dinner that evening was one which would be forever engraved in Bo's memory.
It started when Lenny sent him to answer the Mews door at around 7pm, telling him someone's car had just dropped them off, conveniently not mentioning who the guest was.
He'd opened the mews door to be met by a beautiful blonde haired girl in a sleek white dress that seemed to cling to every contour of her figure, had she kept her mouth shut and smiled, she would have been a vision in white, but this one came with a stern expression and she immediately launched into him.
"So you're in London again, and I still have to go out of my way to come see you, it's not enough I'm running your empire, I also have to make time to run after you if I want to meet you or this supposedly wonderful guy you've fallen for".
He was watching her face intently, he knew she couldn't keep up the indignant tirade, he was right, it took only a few seconds in all before she screamed and launched herself at him, dragging him into a hug.
"I should be so angry with you Bo, but you know I can't be, if my eye makeup runs I swear I'll kill you, hold me tight, I can't believe I have you in my arms".
They finally pulled apart, just gazing at each other, until Bo spoke.
I swear I'll murder Lenny, she never even hinted you were going to be here tonight".
Maddy laughed.
"She probably thought you'd run if you knew I was going to be here to give you grief".
They went back into a hug.
"Come on Bo I want to meet this guy who's caught you, and if I cry at any point tonight don't be alarmed, it's just me, thanking god you're safe".
As they walked slowly up the staircase to the lobby level Aly appeared.
Looking up at him Maddy stopped.
"Tell me that's him Bo, if it is I forgive you everything, he's beautiful, oh my god, is he for real?".
Bo almost dragged Maddy up the last few steps.
"Maddy this is Aly, the sex fiend who's enslaved me, Aly meet your worst nightmare, my psychotic sister Maddy, who will at some point threaten unspeakable atrocities to your precious bits if you even think of hurting me".
Aly and Maddy were grinning at each other, it was Maddy who spoke first.
"He really does have a high opinion of himself doesn't he?, but I'm really quite interested in hearing what exactly a sex fiend does that he finds exiting enough he can't say no".
Ally was blushing but grinning as well.
"That's easy, I love him, I say yes, nothing more".
Aly walked the two paces between them and pulled Maddy into a hug and whispered.
"You can't even begin to believe how nervous I've been at the thought of meeting you, but now, I feel good, relaxed, I'll always look out for him Maddy, I didn't believe it was possible I'd find anyone to love again, but I did, I've laid my claim, woe betide anyone who tries to hurt him, it won't happen".
Maddy had glistening eyes as they pulled apart.
"I swear I'll hurt both of you if you ruin my eye make up, now let's go meet everyone".
They chatted easily as they made their way up to the first floor drawing room where everyone was gathered.
Lenny, PJ and Woody were the first to greet and hug Maddy, Bo took her slowly around the room introducing her until he got to Raul and Reya, they'd been talking to Will who's back was to Bo and Maddy as they approached.
"Raul, Reya, Will, I'd like to introduce my sister Maddy".
As Bo made the introductions, Will had been reaching for his glass on a side table, when something happened, something he would always say was like a lightening bolt.
Will faltered, with his head turned to take in the sight of Maddy, his hand went into auto pilot, it cleared the table of three glasses and a vase of flowers.
Will was unaware of the carnage his hand was wreaking, his face was frozen, each and every one of his brain cells was screaming, 'Fucking hell she's beautiful', to any observer it would look like he was frozen with his gaze firmly fixed on Maddy.
Ignoring the carnage behind him, Will took Maddy's hand.
"Oh wow, it's a pleasure to meet you".
Bo almost laughed out loud, Will had an obvious erection in the tight suit pants he was wearing, he hadn't taken his eyes off Maddy.
And then it struck Bo, Maddy was just as fixed on Will, she'd let him take her hand and then she stepped closer, until their faces were almost touching, it was as if the rest of the room didn't exist.
Will lifted her hands to place a gentle kiss on each, their eyes never moving from each other.
As Bo eased them apart, steering Maddy back to where Aly was talking with Lenny and PJ, Woody moved in to position Will so that his back was to the rest of the room before whispering in his ear.
"Mate, what the fuck just happened, you've got a stonking hard on which is threatening to wipe out the whole room, get yourself under control".
It was funny to watch, Woody actually giggled as Will shook his head, reality struck him and his hands flew down to cover his crutch.
"Jesus Woody, I think I'm in love, what, who, I err, fuck I don't know what just happened, excuse me, I need to go get my head together".
And he was gone, heading towards the bathroom.
Looking across the room, Woody zeroed in on Bo and then both looked towards Maddy who was staring intently at the departing back of Will as he made for the bathroom.
As Bo and Woody looked back at each other they grinned, this was going to be interesting.
TBC
ARB Allan
Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.