The Rock'n'Roll Romance Box Set (Pam Howes Rock'n'Roll Romance Series) (118 page)

  
He smiled at her. ‘Where the hell did that come from?’

  
She shook her head. ‘God knows. I’ve never made love like that in my
life. I’ve only known you just over twenty-four hours. I feel so wanton and
lusty and - well - it’s so out of character for me to do something like this,’
she babbled, words tumbling over one another.

  
‘Sheena - shut up,’ he said and rolled off her. ‘I
know
you don’t do this all the time. Neither do I for God’s sake.
But there was something between us right from meeting yesterday.’

  
‘I suppose,’ Sheena said sheepishly. ‘Livvy told me that when Roy
first made love to her it was like flying to the moon and back. I couldn’t
begin to imagine what she meant - but now I do.’

 
 
‘I haven’t been able to get you
out of my head,’ Jon confessed. ‘I mean, I’ve hardly given a thought to my
family. My mind has been totally filled with you.’

  
She nodded. ‘I haven’t even called Gerry and the kids today.’

  
Jon sat up and pulled her up with him. ‘Come on, we’ll start feeling
guilty and it will spoil what we just had. Do you mind if I smoke?’

  
‘Go ahead. I’ll make coffee.’ She slid out of bed.

  
Jon’s eyes narrowed as they followed her across the room.

  
‘Sheena, you’re so beautiful,’ he said.

  
‘Thank you.’ She switched on the kettle and turned to smile. ‘I could
say the same about you. You’re incredibly fit.’

  
He leant back on the pillows and blew smoke above his head. ‘Two sugars
for me. By the way, I know it’s a bit late to mention this, but I’ve had a
vasectomy, so we’re quite safe.’

  
She raised an amused eyebrow. ‘Very thoughtful of you to mention it,
Jon, but I’m sterilised.’

  
‘Ah, well, doubly protected then. I feel brilliant. I haven’t felt so
alive in ages.’

  
‘I’ve
neve
r felt like this,
not ever.’
 

  
‘Where’s Livvy this afternoon?’

  
‘Having tea in the lounge with Roy and Harley,’ she said, handing him a
mug. She climbed up next to him and sipped her coffee.

  
‘Shit, I’d forgotten Roy was
coming here today. It’s a good job I didn’t bump into him in reception.’

  
‘You’ll have to wait here until Livvy comes
back to her room, then you’ll be sure he’s gone home,’ Sheena said.

  
‘Actually, if you don’t mind, I could do with staying here until at
least eight. Jess knows it’s my late night and she’ll wonder why I’m home early
if I go now. It’s only just after six.’

  
‘Stay as long as you like,’ Sheena said. ‘Stay all night if you want
to.’

  
‘I would, if I could, you temptress.’ He put down his drink and stubbed
his cigarette out in the ashtray. He removed the mug from her hands and took
her in his arms again. ‘You’ve made me feel good about myself.’ He pulled her
down beside him. ‘Shall we…? Before Livvy puts in an appearance.’

  
‘You’re insatiable,’ she said. ‘I thought you’d be worn out after all
that.’

  
‘I am a little,’ he admitted. ‘But I’m sure I could manage it again with
a bit of encouragement.’
 

***

Roy
checked his watch and turned to Harley. ‘Better be making tracks, Princess.’ He
handed her the car keys. ‘Go sit in the car while me and Livvy have a private
word. Say goodbye first.’

  
Livvy smiled. ‘Before you go I’ve something for you.’ She rummaged in
her handbag and handed Harley a small beribboned package. ‘To make up for some
of the birthdays and Christmas’s I’ve missed.’

  
Harley tore excitedly at the wrappings. She gasped with delight as she
opened a box to reveal a solid gold Tag Heuer watch with a bronze face. ‘Oh
wow, it’s boss. Look, Dad. Everybody wants one with a bronze face.’

  
Roy smiled at her
excitement. ‘It’s fabulous,’ he replied. ‘You’ll have to be very careful not to
lose it.’

  
‘I thought it was something that might last you a lifetime,’ Livvy said.

  
‘It’s cool, Livvy, really cool. Faye Blackwell at school has a fake one and
she’s always showing it off. Wait until she sees this. It’ll really put her
nose out of joint. I can’t wait to show it to my boyfriend, Jack.’ She hugged
Livvy and put the watch into her handbag. ‘Can I see you again, Livvy? Perhaps
over the weekend?’

  
‘Go and get in the car now, sweetheart,’ Roy
said, before Livvy could reply. ‘We’ll organise something soon.’

  
‘But, Dad,’ Harley protested

  
‘Car, now,’ he said.

  
‘Okay, okay, I’m going,’ she said, poking out her tongue. ‘Keep your wig
on!’ She gave Livvy a kiss and hugged her tightly. ‘I’ll see you very soon. Fix
something up with him.’

  
‘I’m going back to Glasgow
on Friday, but I’m free tomorrow. Why don’t you come with me to Sean and Tina’s
for tea?’
   

  
‘I’d love that. They’re my Godparents. I’ll see you tomorrow then.
Arrange with Dad about times and stuff.’

  
Roy turned to Livvy as
Harley called goodbye and walked away.

 
‘I wish you could stay with me,’ she said. ‘I need you so badly.’

  
He blew out his cheeks and looked at her. ‘
I
wish I could stay, too. I hate leaving you after dropping that
bombshell on your toes. But I have to take Harley home. I can’t have her
sitting in the car alone for too long.’

  
‘Of course you can’t. Good luck with telling her. I wish I could be
there for you.’
   

  
‘I’ll be okay. I don’t know what sort of reception you’ll get tomorrow
afternoon.’ He hesitated for a minute. ‘Come to the house at two and take it
from there.’

  
‘What about Sammy? Will
she
be
there?’

  
Roy sighed. Under the
circumstances he didn’t feel he had a choice. ‘Just come to the house and leave
Sammy to me. When did you say you go back to Glasgow?’

  
‘Friday morning. But I’m not going back if Harley’s ill. I want to be
here for her.’

  
‘What about your other daughter?’ Roy
frowned. ‘Don’t you have to get back for her?’

  
‘Sheena could go back to Glasgow
and probably drive Courtney down here for me. Oh, I don’t know. I’m not
thinking straight at the moment. This is so awful. I can’t believe it.’

  
‘I know it is. But we’ll get through it, you’ll see. Harley’s a strong
character. She’ll fight whatever it is. I’ll call you tonight. I’ll try and
speak to you without Sammy being around. But with
my
track record she’ll be watching me like a hawk at the moment.’
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her long and hard. ‘I had to do that,’
he said breathlessly as he pulled away.

  
‘I’m glad you did.’ Livvy reached up and stroked his cheek. ‘I meant
what I said. I need you, Roy.’

  
‘So do Sammy and Harley,’ he whispered into her hair.

  
‘And what about what
you
need?’

  
‘What I want and need doesn’t matter at the moment.’ He pushed her
gently away. ‘I’ll call you later and I’ll see you tomorrow. Bye, Liv.’

  
‘Bye, Roy.’

***

CHAPTER
TEN

Sheena wrestled with the satin
bedspread then plumped up the pillows. She jumped as someone rapped on the
door. She opened it a fraction and peered out. ‘Hi, Liv, come on in. Are you
okay? You look really pale. How did it go?’ She smiled warily, as Livvy cast
her eyes over Jon’s clothes on the bedroom chair and floor. She looked away
from Livvy’s questioning gaze. ‘I’ve – err - just been making the bed. What a
struggle. I’m used to duvets, not all these blankets and stuff…’
 
Sheena realised she was babbling and
stopped.
 

  
Livvy raised an eyebrow. ‘So - where is he?’

  
‘Taking a shower.’

  
‘You decided to call him after all?’
  

  
‘No. He just turned up.’

  
‘What have you done?’

  
Sheena shrugged. ‘Sounds like a real lame excuse, but - well - it just
happened.’

  
‘Jess will kill him - and probably you as well!’

  
‘She won’t know. How can she possibly find out?’

  
‘Wives always do. I wouldn’t like to be in
your
shoes when she does.’

  
The bathroom door opened and Jon strolled out, towelling himself dry. He
blushed as he spotted Livvy and hastily wrapped the towel around his middle.

  
‘Caught in the act! Jon Mellor, what on earth are you playing at?’

  
He shrugged and smiled sheepishly. ‘Not a word to anyone, please, Liv.’

  
‘You know I won’t. But it’s a dangerous game. You’ve got happy
marriages, kids, responsibilities.’

  
‘We won’t be doing it again,’ Sheena said. ‘It was a one off, well - a
two off actually!’ She smiled at Jon who blushed more furiously.

  
‘Sheena. Behave yourself.’ He turned to Livvy. ‘How did it go?’

  
Livvy flopped down on the bed and sighed. ‘Really well. Harley’s lovely.
I’m very proud of her. Roy and Sammy have done a wonderful job of bringing her
up and I’m happy with that.’
 

  
‘So why the frown?’ Sheena asked.
 

 
‘Harley’s ill,’ Livvy said quietly. ‘She may
have leukaemia. She’s having a bone-marrow test on Friday.’
 

  
‘Oh, Livvy, no!’ Sheena sank down beside her and put an arm around her.

  
‘Liv, I’m so sorry.’ Jon patted her shoulder. ‘How’s Harley
coping?’
   

  
‘She doesn’t know. Roy and Sammy are telling her in the morning. I’m
collecting her from Roy’s place
tomorrow afternoon. She’s coming to Sean and Tina’s with us. So you’ll get to
meet her then.’

  
‘And will I get to meet Roy?’
Sheena asked.

  
‘Of course.’ Livvy smiled wearily.

  
‘How
were
things between you
and Roy?’ Jon asked, fastening his towel snugly around his waist.

  
‘Fine,’ Livvy said. ‘I don’t want to go back to Scotland
on Friday. If the news is bad I want to be here for Harley and Roy.’

  
‘What about Courtney and your family?’ Sheena said. ‘They’re expecting
you back. There might also be news of your mother.’

  
‘Listen, Liv,’ Jon said. ‘Go home with Sheena, catch up with your
family, then fly back with Courtney next week. If Jess agrees, you can stay
with us. You can visit Harley if she’s in hospital for any length of time. We
can take care of Courtney for you.’

  
Livvy smiled gratefully. ‘You’d better ask Jess first. I don’t think
she’ll be that keen on the idea. If the news
is
bad, I’ll rent a furnished property for a while. I want to be
here for my girl. We got along so well today and I’m not about to leave her
again at any cost.’

  
‘What about Danny?’ Sheena asked.

  
‘I’ll call him tonight. I’ll call Hank from the band as well. He can
tell the others that I may have to stay in England
indefinitely.’

  
‘What about your career?’ Jon said. ‘You can’t just abandon ship. The
rest of the band depends on you for their livelihood.’

  
‘We’ve only just finished a tour. Half of them work as session musicians
when the band’s not touring anyway. To be honest, at the moment I wouldn’t care
if I never sing again. My daughter is my number one priority right now.’

  
‘Daughters,’ Sheena reminded. ‘Livvy, you need to tell Courtney about
Harley. If you’re going to be living here for a few months, then she’ll need to
go to school.’

  
‘I know,’ Livvy said. ‘There are all sorts to think about. I’ll book
flights back here tomorrow and if you’ll ask Jess if she wouldn’t mind putting
us up, I’d be very grateful, Jon. Don’t worry if she says no.’

  
‘Okay,’ he said. ‘Well – I suppose I’d better be making tracks. I won’t
say anything tonight; because how would I know that Harley is ill? I’ll do it
tomorrow after you see Sean and Tina. Jess may already know if Sammy’s spoken
to Mum.’
 

  
‘I thought you were staying ‘til eight,’ Sheena said.

  
‘I think you both need a little time to talk. I’ll go back to the shop
for a while.’
 

  
Sheena nodded. ‘Thanks, Jon.’

  
Livvy smiled at them. ‘I’ll leave you two alone to say goodnight. Do you
fancy room service later, Sheena? I can’t face the restaurant.’

  
‘Sure,’ Sheena nodded. ‘I can’t be bothered getting dolled up anyway. I
feel worn out.’

  
‘I’m not surprised!’ Livvy looked pointedly at Jon. ‘I’ll see you
soon.’
 

***

Left alone, Jon looked at Sheena.
‘If Livvy stays in England
for a few months you could come and visit often, couldn’t you?’

  
She nodded. ‘Maybe.’

  
He picked up his clothes and began to dress. ‘Do you think there’s a
chance of us seeing one another again before you go back?’

  
‘Not on our own, Jon.’
 

  
‘Why not?’

  
Her eyes filled with tears. ‘Because I could so easily fall in love with
you and I’m not free to do that.’ He stared at the floor as she continued.
‘Let’s put this afternoon down to a moment of madness.’

  
He reached out and stroked her cheek. ‘Okay. But I don’t think I’ll ever
forget it.’

  
‘Nor me,’ she said as he pulled on his clothes. ‘We’ve too much to lose
and too many people would get hurt if we continued.’

  
‘You’re right,’ he said. ‘And you’re too bloody sensible for your own
good.’

  
‘I always have been,’ she said.
 

  
‘Thanks for a wonderful time.’ He pulled her close and kissed her. ‘I
don’t want to go,’ he groaned, lips lingering on hers.

  
‘You have to.’ She handed him his jacket and pushed him gently towards
the door. ‘Now are you sure you’ve got everything?’ She reached up and tweaked
a curl in place. ‘That’s better.’ She smiled brightly, blinking back a tear.
‘Bye, Jon.’

  
‘Bye, Sheena,’ he said, his eyes moist.

  
As he strolled down the corridor towards the lift she called his name
and he turned. ‘
You’re simply the best
!’
she sang and wiggled her hips Tina Turner style.

  
His face broke into a smile. ‘Thanks. So are you.’

***

Roy
poured himself a single malt and handed Sammy a G&T. He sat down beside her
and patted his knees for her to place her long legs across his. He gently
massaged her feet and she sighed with pleasure. They hadn’t had a minute to
themselves since he and Harley had arrived home. Jack had been to visit and
stayed for dinner. Then Jason and Jules arrived with the first scan pictures of
the expected baby. Their excitement had rubbed off on Harley and Sammy.

  
Roy had done his best to
share in their joy, but he’d drawn the line when Jason produced a Mothercare
bag and pulled out baby clothes. Claiming an urgent need for the loo, he’d
escaped to his music room and spent an hour sitting alone. He rolled a joint
and reflected on his afternoon with Livvy. Holding her close and kissing her
had awakened the long-buried feelings, just as he’d expected. He was desperate
to spend time alone with her, but couldn’t for the life of him fathom out how
to organise it.

  
During the affair, Sammy had worked full time in her business and he was
free to see Livvy anytime
she
wasn’t
working herself. But now Sammy was retired, and they did most things together,
it wasn’t that easy to go missing without his absence being clocked. He
couldn’t ask Ed to cover for him again, as he’d done in the past. It wasn’t
right to involve anyone else.

  
He’d called the Midland to
speak to Livvy.

  
‘Hi, Liv, how are you feeling? - I know. Don’t worry we’ll get through
it together. - No, I’m alone in the music room. Jason and Jules are here and
it’s all baby talk downstairs. - Oh of course, you don’t know. The boys are
expecting a surrogate baby. Jason’s the sperm donor.

  
‘A shock – Yeah - How the hell do you think
I
feel? They’ve brought the first scan pictures round. – No, you
can’t tell what it is. Has a look of ET to me. They’re thrilled to bits, so are
Sammy and Harley. It’s me can’t get my head round it. I told ’em a turkey
baster’s no substitute for the real thing. It gives me the heebie jeebies if
I’m honest. - Well yeah - as you say - each to his own.

  
‘Okay then. Goodnight, Liv, try not to worry too much and I’ll see you
tomorrow. – No, I haven’t told her yet. I need a few drinks for Dutch courage.
Just leave it with me.’

  
He’d ended the call and walked out onto the landing as Jason shouted
upstairs that he and Jules were about to leave. ‘Okay, son, goodnight and you
too, Jules.’

  
Harley had wandered upstairs looking pale and weary. ‘Night, Dad, I’m
off to bed.’

  
‘Night, Princess.’ He’d followed her into her bedroom and drew the
curtains. She sat down on the bed and picked up the box containing her new
watch.

  
‘Wasn’t it kind of Livvy to give me this? I really like her, Dad. She’s
so pretty, so very different to what I expected.’ She giggled. ‘She must have
been a right ego boost to an old man of forty-two.’

  
‘Right, monkey, that’s enough.’ He pulled her close and tickled her
ribs.

  
‘Dad, stop, I’ll have loads of bruises there now.’

  
‘Sorry, darling.’ He let her go and stroked her cheek. ‘I didn’t think.’

  
‘It’s okay, don’t worry.’

  
‘Hey, what’s that?’ He reached for the chain around her neck. ‘What’s
this ring?’

  
‘Jack gave it to me,’ she said. ‘We’re secretly engaged.’

  
‘Engaged?’

  
‘Yes. And before you start having a go and say we’re too young,
you
gave Mum a ring when
she
was still at school.’
   

  
‘I did.’ He wrapped his arms around her and his eyes filled with tears.
‘Princess, if it makes you happy, then it’s okay with me.’ He kissed the top of
her head. ‘Right, I’m going downstairs to join Mum for a drink. I’ll tell her
your news.’

  
‘Okay, Dad. I love you.’ Harley smiled as he stood up. ‘By the way, I’ve
told Jack about Livvy. I don’t want to keep secrets from him. He won’t say
anything to Nathan or anyone else at school.’

  
‘It’s okay, love. Jack’s a good lad. We can trust him. What did he say?’

  
‘He thought I was kidding him. I told him to ask his dad for
confirmation.’

  
He smiled and nodded. ‘Sleep tight.’ He’d closed her bedroom door,
choking back tears. ‘God, why
my
child?’ he muttered.
 
‘Didn’t you take
enough from me when you took Nick, you bastard?’

 
 
‘Roy,’
Sammy had called up the stairs. ‘Who are you talking to?’

  
‘No one, love,’ he replied and made his way down to the hall. ‘I was
just remonstrating with bloody God over the unfairness of everything.’

  
Roy continued massaging
Sammy’s feet and braced himself. ‘I told Livvy about Harley’s illness and
what’s going to happen,’ he began as Sammy stiffened.

  
‘And where was Harley?’

  
‘She went to the loo and then as we were leaving I sent her to sit in
the car while I finished telling Livvy. It’s not fair to give her that sort of
news over the phone. She was very upset, devastated in fact.’

  
‘I’m sure she was. But you shouldn’t have been on you own with her,
other than if Harley needed the loo.’

  
‘Sammy, don’t tell me what to do. You know I can’t stand it.’

  
She swung her legs down and glared at him. ‘And
I
can’t stand
you
being
on your own with
her
!’

  
‘Hell, Sam, it was five minutes. I had to tell her our kid may have a
life threatening illness. We were in a busy hotel lounge. Why can’t you trust
me, for fuck’s sake? What on earth did you think we would get up to? Quick shag
on the Wilton? Or what about a blow
job behind the grand piano?’