Chapter 1

Gareth smiled indulgently. He was glad he had forced Trisha
to come along with him to the gallery today. He watched her staring at the painting.
Her head was slanted and she was trying to read the name of the artist scrawled
along the side. He went to her.
‘Like it?’
‘Oh yes, it appeals to me. I like the way it looks almost
abstract, but not quite. I like the bright, earth tones and the vibrant brush
strokes. It makes me think of strong sensual strokes....of you know....’
Gareth laughed. ‘You are a little horny today. You got all
those thoughts from staring at a painting? Then you must meet Jocelyn, the artiste. She will be pleased to know
that her work ignites your erotic fantasies.’
Gareth threw back his head and laughed. ‘But first do you
need a drink?’
‘Oh yes, yes!’
Trisha rubbed her hands together in glee. Gareth laughed
again. ‘My, my. I must drag you to these things more often. It certainly gets
your juices flowing.’
‘Of course. Let’s go over to the pub and get a little
sloshed. That will calm me down and help me survive when I go back to my office
for a long meeting this afternoon.’
Gareth smiled, ‘okay, some white wine is in order?’
‘Of course, of course. Need you ask?’
As they stood at the pub, Trisha turned and noticed a man
standing a little behind them and realized that he had been listening carefully
to their conversation. He stared at Trisha and then at Gareth, raising his
eyebrows. He smiled slightly and Gareth smiled widely back at him. He stepped
forward slowly, watching Trisha’s eyes.
‘Hey, Rod. How are you?’
 ‘Gareth, hi. Fine,
and you?’
‘Yes, fine. Let me introduce you. Patricia Diason. Roderick
Keyes.’
They shook hands and smiled politely at each other. Trisha
liked the feel of his hand. It was warm and strong. She also liked his eyes dark,
curious eyes. He was watching Trisha’s face, as if trying to answer some
question.
‘See you around, Rod.’
‘Yes, yes.’
Rod walked away and Trisha probed Gareth. ‘Now who is that?’

‘He is Jocelyn’s benefactor. They are old friends. He is one
of the partners at Keyes, Barker & Associates, you know, the accountants?’
‘Ah, they are in that large, old building down Connor
Street? Yes, I have heard of them. I think we use that firm for something. But
he looks nothing like an accountant.’
‘Oh really, why not?’
‘He is too good-looking, refined and far too comfortable
with himself.’
Gareth chuckled. ‘Yes, he is also not very traditional.
Jocelyn used to date his brother Wayne for years and when he left her and moved
away, dear older brother basically took care of her. That was about three years
ago and here he is, still making sure she is okay.’
‘Maybe he has his own interest in the matter?’
Gareth laughed. ‘Oh, Trisha of little faith! I doubt that
very much. But I suspect Jocelyn would like to believe that. Just look at her
now.’
Trisha turned and saw a short, pretty blonde woman standing
next to him. Her eyes were wide and flirtatious and she touched his arm possessively.
He simply smiled at Jocelyn and then looked up at Trisha, raising his eyebrows
at her again. She smiled back at him and looked away.
‘Oops, he caught me!’
‘Yes, but I don’t think he really minds too much. I think he
is interested in you, too.’
‘I doubt that. He seems a little sullen for me and he stares
a lot. No, not my type, I am afraid.’
‘Hush. They are coming over.’
‘Shit!’
‘Rod. Hi again. Jocelyn, how are you?’
‘Oh Gareth!’ Jocelyn hugged him tightly. ‘I am so glad you
came. That was so kind of you.’ She gushed in an exaggerated, melodious voice.
‘It is my pleasure, my dear. I brought a friend. This is
Patricia.’
The two women appraised each other and instinctively Trisha
felt an unease about her. She was beautiful in a glamorous kind of way, but her
eyes were too shifty, too cold and they moved quickly over Trisha. She saw a
nervous insecurity in Jocelyn which made her feel guarded. Something is not quite in order with this woman, Trisha thought.
‘Hi, thank you for coming.’ She gave Trisha a mild, cold
smile.
‘It is certainly my pleasure. It has been most pleasant.’
Trisha replied, in the same mild tone.
‘I am pleased to hear that. Let me introduce you. This is
Rod, my best friend in the whole world.’
Rod smiled. ‘We have met already, Joss. Now, do you want a
drink? Need to get sloshed?’ His eyes gleamed in mockery at Trisha.
Trisha blushed slightly and looked away. Jocelyn waved her
hands. ‘No, no thank you, Rod. I am hoping that you will get sloshed though.’
Jocelyn laughed in a girly, giggly way and both Gareth and Rod smiled
indulgently.
Trisha gulped the last of her wine and decided it was time
to leave. She needed to get away from those dark eyes that seemed to follow her
every move. He had a way of looking at her as if she was the only person there,
as if he was asking her a personal question.
‘It was nice to meet you. But I must really be getting along
now. Gareth?’
‘Oh sure, come. Let me walk you to your car. Jocelyn, I will
be back shortly.’

He walked out of the building with her and as soon as they
were out of earshot, he could not wait to ask. ‘So, what’s up, Trisha? Why are
you running away?’
‘I don’t know. I just had a strong sense of ....I don’t
know, danger, fear, or something. There was something oppressive and dark. I
needed to breathe.’
‘Okay, relax. It must be the way he was staring at you. He
seems a little intrigued by you. Relax. He is not a bad guy. Just not much of a
talker. He is kind and quite funny when you get to know him. I suppose you are
so beautiful he couldn’t help himself.’
‘Oh Gareth, you are so sweet. I suppose it is not a bad idea
to get back to work. I have a long afternoon ahead,’ she groaned.
~ ~ ~ ~
Trisha went back to her office, relieved to be away from the
piercing eyes. There was something in the way he looked at her that unsettled
her. She wanted to ask him, ‘What do you want to know?’
Suddenly an image flashed through her mind. He was standing
over her and glaring at her. He was asking her or rather accusing her of
something. She tried to sharpen the image, but she could not hear the words.
They were garbled and lost in the fear in her eyes. She closed her eyes. Please, let me see the words. But her
mind cleared suddenly and all she saw was a blank, white screen in her mind. She
tried to focus on the words on the page in front of her, but the dark eyes just
danced around in front of her. The images started again, but this time they
were faster, more intense and far more disconnected. The eyes laughed at her,
glared at her and gently tried to persuade her. She got up and went to the
bathroom.  There is definitely something
about that man I should be concerned
about. What could possibly cause such intense emotions in him towards me?
She eventually settled down when all the staff in the office
arrived for a meeting. She tried to focus on what was going on and it helped
ease her tension when she slipped into a bored, professional mode. Her mind focused
on the issues of rosters, new clients and parking and the accountant’s intense
eyes slowly faded from her mind. By the time she got home that night, she had
almost forgotten about him.

When she opened the door at home, there was a note from Claire
Clancy next door. Trisha, honey. I have
your gift with me. Please collect. Love, Claire.
Trisha was puzzled. What
present is Mrs. Clancy talking about? She went inside, put down her bag and
made herself a cup of coffee. She needed to relax before she went over to Claire.
When she got to her neighbor’s house, she could hear that Claire was talking to
someone. She knocked on the door and Claire came to the door with the phone in
her hand. She waved Trisha to a large, silver package against the wall. She
pointed furiously when Trisha stared at it. ‘Hold on, my dear.’
‘Look there it is. There is a note. The delivery guy said to
make sure that you get it today. I have to go. Lillian is on the phone. See you
later.’
‘Fine, thanks.’
Trisha lifted the large package and could hardly carry it
out. She closed the door and lugged the large thing to her house. She was very
curious now. What on earth is this? What
is this all about? She ripped the paper opened as soon as she got it into
her house and stared in amazement. It was the painting she had admired at the
studio that afternoon. She looked at the picture, completely enchanted. It was
even more beautiful lying on the floor of her lounge. The strokes looked
stronger and the soft light made her believe she had seen the lines move in
rhythm with the light. She felt the warm sensuality of it and felt a strong
sense that something important was about to happen. It was not the usual
feeling of fear and dread that she often experienced. It was a warm glow that
filled her. She smiled suddenly. Gareth
is too much. I didn’t expect him to buy the damn thing. It was a joke.
She propped it against her couch so she could admire it
further and phoned Gareth.
‘Hi again. Thank you so much. You are such a honey. I really
didn’t expect you to buy it for me. I swear that if you weren’t such a
wonderful friend, I would dive into bed with you right this minute.’
‘Trish? Are you drunk? Did you have more wine at work?’
‘No silly. I like the painting so much. It is absolutely
beautiful. Thank you so much.’
‘Trish! Stop. Rewind. What painting?’
‘Oh Gareth, stop messing with my mind. I just got home and
the painting was here. So don’t pretend you don’t know what I am talking about.’

Gareth was silent for a while. ‘Trish I am having a dilemma
of conscience. If I tell you I sent it to you, I might finally find myself in
your bed tonight. But if I say that I didn’t send it, then some other man gets
the pleasure. Shit, Trish, such a hard choice. Okay, okay. I have decided on
the path of truth and honesty. I didn’t send it you.’
‘Gareth, are you sure?’
‘Yes. Please don’t make me say it again. I am already
regretting it. Trish are you sure it’s the same painting?’
‘Yes, of course. I am looking at it now. Wait, there’s a
card, you horrible tease.’
‘Read it. I am dying to know. Wait, I need to go outside. I
am at Jocelyn’s. Okay, now, tell all.’
‘Oh shit!’
‘What? What?’
‘I must be drunk.’
‘Trish! Tell me! Now! Or I will come over right now and....’

‘It’s from him.’
‘Who Trish?’
‘The dark eyes.’
Gareth waited, hoping he would not have to squeeze every
last detail from her. He sensed her unease and excitement and knew, from years
of experience with her, that her instincts were always right. He kept quiet,
hoping it would jolt her back to him.
 ‘Okay Rod, you know.
We met him this afternoon. He has the cheek to make fun of me. It says, Dear Patricia, I hope you get the full
pleasure of the strong, sensual strokes. Rod.’
Gareth laughed so hard that he was starting to choke.
Jocelyn came outside. ‘Gareth?’
‘I am fine Joss. I am having a very amusing conversation.
Sorry, I will be inside in a few moments.’
 ‘Fine. Rod has just
arrived. We will start dinner shortly.’
Jocelyn smiled politely and went back inside.
He nodded. ‘Trish, sorry about that. You must admit he has a
good sense of humor. He is here now. He is pacing around inside. Gosh, I knew
he was interested in you, but this is a bit over the top.’
Trisha sighed. ‘I don’t know. I suppose you are right. It is
quite cute and funny. I will return it tomorrow with a suitable note. I’ll
think of an equally cute response.’
 ‘No, you can’t send
it back. He bought it this afternoon. Joss was very excited that he bought her
art. But how did he know where you live?’
‘I have no idea.’
‘Oh.... yes, I remember. He phoned me and asked me where you
worked. He was very sneaky. He chatted about Jocelyn and asked me questions
about a dentist she knows. Then he asked me about you. But it was very casual.
He asked some general questions about you.’
‘Like what?’
 ‘Oh, Hi Rod. Yes,
yes, I am coming inside. Have to go, Trish. I will call you later, okay?’
 ‘Fine, fine.’
 ‘Hey Rod. Good to see
you again. Sorry to hold you guys up. Something urgent. Sorry Joss, my dear. I
will switch my phone off.’
 ‘Who is the woman who
makes you smile so widely?’ Jocelyn was smiling.
‘Just a friend who needed some help. Just a friend, I am sad
to say.’ Rod was watching him closely.
 ‘I doubt that. You
seemed to almost die with laughter just now. What kind of woman makes you laugh
like that?’ Jocelyn was not going to let it go.
‘Oh my friend Trisha. She has a wonderful sense of humor.’
‘Ah, the one you brought to the studio? She seemed a bit
unfriendly.’
‘Oh no, she was just a little distracted. She only came
along because I begged her to. She had some meeting in the afternoon and was doing
me a favor. Tonight, she had a small problem.... you know......’ Gareth trailed
off when he realized that Rod was watching him closely.
‘Is she alright?’ Rod’s eyes were concerned.
‘Oh yes, yes. A little confused, but absolutely fine.’
‘Good.’
 ‘Anyway, I have very
good news. After Rod bought that painting, everything just seemed to go. I have
absolutely nothing left to sell from that set. Thank you Rod.’ She caressed his
arm and grinned.
 ‘Oh that is great
stuff, Joss. I am very pleased.’
Gareth looked at Rod, smiling broadly. ‘Yes, Rod, you took
the most interesting one. Where will you hang it?’
Rod glared hard at Gareth. He looked away suddenly and spoke
quietly. ‘I don’t know. It was a gift for someone. I hope she likes it.’
‘Ah, I see. You bought my work for a woman.’ Jocelyn gave
him a pained expression.
‘Yes, that panting made me think of a particular woman. So I
bought it for her.’
‘Rod never buys my stuff. But today, he told me that nobody
was to touch it. It is probably the only one I never named. It seemed to belong
nowhere in my scheme of things.’
‘Yes. I found the right home for it. I call it sensual
pleasures. Because of the strong, sensual strokes....’ Rod spoke slowly and he
had a distant, quietness in his eyes.
Gareth cleared his throat. ‘Yes, that it definitely the
right name for it.’
‘I don’t know what you are talking about. I really never
thought about it in such an erotic way. It was intended to show the blending of
the different roles of a woman in the world. But, men, they only see the erotic
part. You men!’
Both Rod and Gareth looked at each other and laughed then,
knowing that it Trisha who had interpreted it in such a sexual way.
 ‘Oh I give up! Fine.
Make my work the object of your sexual perversion.’ Jocelyn was getting
agitated and Rod quickly changed the subject to her other paintings. She seemed
happy enough and delighted them with tales about moments that had inspired her
art.
~ ~ ~ ~
But Jocelyn was not happy. She was spitting mad and deeply
disappointed. She had assumed that Rod had finally bought one of her paintings
as a symbol of his acceptance of her. She had spent the whole afternoon
floating around, thinking how sexy it would be to find it hanging in his
bedroom. She had planned to seduce him tonight, but she could tell that he was
not in the mood and was thinking of that woman. She wondered who she was. Who is the woman who has my painting and my
man’s attention?
~ ~ ~ ~
Rod left quickly. His mind was flooded with images of her,
the way her long brown hair sat so neatly around her shoulders and the way her
green eyes had looked at him, knowing him. He had been sure she knew what he
was thinking. There was something unusual about her, he was sure about that. He
was also sure that he would do anything just to hold her, to touch her and to
make love to her. He knew when she laughed and threw her head back so
deliciously, that he needed to be the one who made her laugh. He wanted her to
whisper sensual words to him in public places. He wanted her and the irrational
urge to be near her overwhelmed him, confusing his logical brain. He wished he
had not heard her talk so sexually. Yes.
It is her fault. All that talk about sensual strokes.... I am simply aroused by
her. He nodded his head in approval at himself for having solved the
problem. But he wondered why he was pleased when he realized that Gareth was
not her lover. He shook his head, hoping he could dismiss the nagging disquiet
that was slowly seeping into him. He sighed and he drove home slowly. He felt
the urge again that had plagued him the whole evening. It was an unfamiliar
urge to feel her heart beat wildly against his. Patricia, Patricia. The name spun around in his head.

When he eventually got home, he was disappointed. He had
hoped she would have phoned him. He had hoped she would be pleased. But there
were no messages from her. Should he try and phone her? Should he just go to
her? But fear of her rejection kept his desire to see her again under control.
When he had left Jocelyn’s house, Gareth had warned him. ‘Rod, this is none of
my business. But you need to know that she is a very special woman. She is
different. So tread carefully.’
‘Tell me Gareth.’
 ‘Just be careful how
you deal with her. She is special to me and to everyone else.’
‘Fine, okay. I just sent her a painting. I didn’t attack
her, you know.’
‘I know. She is also very delicate.’
‘Are you in love with her, Gareth?’
Gareth had laughed. ‘Not in the way you think. No, I tease
her sometimes, but not in a sexual way. But I do love her. She has a beautiful
soul. She has helped me through a lot of difficult times. So she is special to
me and I suppose I sound like a protective brother, don’t I?’
‘Yes, yes, was she pleased?’
 ‘Yes, but also very
confused. She doesn’t know what to make of you.’
‘Really, why?’
 ‘I don’t know.’
But before he could say anything else, Jocelyn had come to
the door. Rod had left, thinking he would phone Gareth the next day.
~ ~ ~ ~
Jocelyn knew there was something going on and she wanted
Gareth to stay longer so she could interrogate him. These two have never really been good friends and suddenly they are
sharing private jokes and secret conversations. It must be one of the women at
Gareth’s office. He always said the women were gorgeous there. She watched him
chatting up one of her friends and gently pulled him aside.
‘So, what are you men up to?’
‘Oh nothing. Just chatting about nothing. Rod is quite a
nice guy.’
‘Yes, but I suspect he is in love with some gorgeous woman.
He was too pre-occupied today.’
‘Oh? I didn’t notice. Good for him if he is.’
‘I thought it might be someone in your office.’
‘Oh no. I doubt it. I would have seen him around there and
somebody would have spoken about it. I doubt that very much.’
‘Ah, I see.’
But Jocelyn knew he was lying. She wondered why he felt the
need to lie to her. She went to bed that night vowing to find out about that
woman and to stop her in her tracks before that slut sunk her greedy claws into
her man. She lay in bed, fantasizing about how she would rip that woman’s eyes
out and how impressed Rod would be that she had fought for him.

Gareth also wondered why he had not simply told Jocelyn
everything. After all, she is Rod’s best
friend. He wondered why he had decided that he needed to protect Trisha.
Perhaps Trisha had been right to be a little cautious around them. She had said
she needed to leave when they were near her. He wondered why Rod threatened her
so.
‘Trish, asleep?’
 ‘No, no. Trying to do
some work.’
 ‘Are you succeeding?’

 ‘No, not at all.
Gareth, there is something major about to happen. I can’t tell if it is good or
bad.’
 ‘What do you see?’
 ‘Rod. Rod,
everywhere. I can’t see what it means. He is everywhere in my head and the
images are quick and vivid. I think he is angry with me, but then his eyes are
kind and laughing. What does it mean? And there is a dark cloud. I don’t know.’

 ‘Oh Trish, I don’t
know what to say. He is definitely interested in you. He asked me if I was in
love with you.’
‘What did you say?’
 ‘No, of course. But
he is going to ask me more questions. He wanted to know if you are involved,
who you live with and what you enjoy doing.’
‘Oh, and what did you say?’
‘I told him you like to be left alone. I told him that you
like people to keep their distance. But I am not sure whether I simply raised
his curiosity levels.’
‘Oh yes, fine. I also don’t know what to make of it.’
 ‘I really don’t know,
Trish. He said something odd. He told me that your favorite color is blue and
that you like the ocean.’
‘What? Who is this man?’
‘I asked him how he knew that, and he smiled and said, “I
feel like I have always known her”.’
 ‘Oh Gareth what am I
going to do?’
 ‘I don’t know. Also,
there is something I don’t understand. He didn’t tell Jocelyn about you. Now
that is odd. He tells her everything. When she tried to find out about you, I
also said nothing. I just couldn’t.’
‘Okay, yes. I also felt a little heavy around her. There is
definitely something dark around her. I think we need to be a little careful. I
know that about her. What about him?’
 ‘That I don’t know.
Anyway, what could he possibly want from you?’
 ‘I looked at my
cards, but I got absolutely nothing. I tried too hard and nothing happened. So
I gave up. I don’t know what to do about the painting. Since it arrived, I am feeling
so restless and confused. It invokes something in me.’
 ‘Yes, he seemed
concerned that you might not like it. Whatever it all means, he seemed
genuinely concerned about that. So you can’t give it back. I think you should
simply thank him and see what happens. If it bothers you too much, just turn it
around to face the wall.’
 ‘Yes, you are right.
We shall have to wait and see. Thanks for the chat. I feel better already.’
 ‘Good, now get some
sleep.’
But she did not sleep well. She tossed and turned and when
she fell asleep, it was in the early hours of the morning. She decided that she
would call him at work to thank him. She knew if she sent a note, she might not
see him again. And she wanted to see him, just to find out what was going on,
she told herself repeatedly.
~ ~ ~ ~
When she got to her office in the morning, she found his
number and called him. ‘Yes?’ his voice sounded edgy and impatient.
‘Hi, Rod, it is Patricia Diason. Hi.’
‘Oh hello, how are you, Patricia Diason?’
‘I am fine, thank you. And you?’
‘Hmm, fine.’
‘You sound a little busy. So I had better get to the point.’

‘Are you sitting down?’
‘Ur, yes.’
‘Good, now talk slowly and stop rushing as if I am going to
do something awful to you. Relax, Patricia and talk to me.’
‘Okay, I just wanted to thank you for the painting. That was
really sweet, but I guess I shouldn’t accept a gift from you.’
He was silent for a while. ‘Yes, you are right. Do you like
it?’
‘Yes, of course. I ...’
‘Yes?’
‘I was a little embarrassed that you heard that
conversation. I am sorry.’
‘Why are you sorry?’
‘It doesn’t matter now. Thank you.’
‘So you will keep it?’
 ‘Ur,...I would like
to.’ She could have kicked herself for feeling so weak and useless.
‘Good, I am pleased. It belongs with you. Now, talk to me
about things.’
‘Okay. How did you know where I lived?’
He laughed now and Trisha loved the feeling that warmed her.

‘Patricia, I know lots of people. Your firm works with mine,
so I told them I had something urgent to give to you. There you go.’
‘Oh, I see. Okay.’
‘Any other questions?’
‘Yes. Why did you send the painting to me?’
‘Hmm, let’s see. Because when you spoke, I saw what you
meant. I liked the way you looked at it and the way it looked at you. Together
you make a beautiful image. I also hoped at least you would come over to thank
me.’
 ‘Ah, I see. So is
this how you pick up women?’
He laughed again. ‘No, I don’t usually have to pick up
women. I have never bought an erotic painting for a woman before. Did it work?’

Trisha laughed now. ‘You are very charming, aren’t you?’
‘Yes, Patricia, yes. Have I got your attention now?’
 ‘Yes. Of course.’ She
sighed. ‘I don’t know how to say this, but I am not really looking for a
relationship at this time.’
 ‘I see. Do you have
different seasons for relationships?’
Patricia giggled. ‘Don’t make fun of me. You know what I
mean.’
‘I don’t in fact. At this point, I was just hoping for a
dinner with you.’ Rod almost laughed aloud at that fat lie. If only she knows what I really want from her
right this minute.
 ‘Yes, I see. I am a
complicated person. My life is busy and difficult sometimes, so I try to avoid
being picked up.’
‘Now I am curious. Have dinner with me and we will discuss
this. Perhaps I will help you change this to a relationship season?’
She was silent for a while. ‘Fine, but you have been
warned.’
‘Yes, good. Tonight. Shall I pick you up?’
She laughed. ‘I thought you didn’t have to pick up women.’
‘Hmm, very clever. Tonight, 8.00. Wear something casual, so
we can relax.’
‘Shouldn’t just meet somewhere?’
‘No, I will pick you up, okay? I want to.’
‘A little bossy, aren’t we?’
He laughed loudly now. ‘Yes. I will see you later.’
‘Okay, goodbye.’

She smiled as she put down the phone. He was quite cute and
she was so excited that she would see him tonight. She phoned Gareth. 
‘I have a crisis. I am having dinner with him tonight.’
‘Him?’
‘Yes, yes, Rod.’
‘Oh Trisha, what have you gone and done? I thought we agreed
that a little caution was in order here?’
 ‘I know, but he was
so cute on the phone, I couldn’t resist. He does have a good sense of humor.’
‘Ah. I see this so clearly. Between last night and 10.00
this morning he has moved from dangerous and confusing to cute and funny? Did
he phone you?’
‘No, I called to thank him.’
‘Ah, I see. I see. So you want him too?’
‘Yes, but what will I wear?’
‘Nothing, by the sound of things.’
 ‘Oh Gareth!’
‘I don’t what to say. Things are moving so fast. Yesterday
you met him, said two words to him, he sends you a gift and tonight you are
worried what you will wear?’
 ‘Yes, I guess. It’s
just.... he is quite.... I don’t know....different.’
‘Oh shit Trish! Different? Why?’
‘Because he has an effect on me. He makes me feel like a
woman.’
Gareth could not argue with that. He smiled to himself. He
wished she could make up her mind whether she wanted to be with him or to fear
him.
‘Okay, wear those black jeans and a clinging t-shirt.’
‘Really, not too obvious?’
 ‘My dear, you are
have passed the point of discretion here, haven’t you? If you want his body,
then go for it. No. Wear a loose, slightly transparent top. That will keep him
guessing the whole night.’
 ‘Oh Gareth, make up
your mind. What will be more effective?’
 ‘I suppose he is an
accountant. Let’s not push him too far. Okay, black jeans and ....that thin
blue top. Yes. It looks casual, but it will do the trick. Also, wear that nude
bra you like so much. He will definitely battle to focus. Where are you going?’

 ‘I don’t know. He
just said he would pick me up.’
 ‘Yes, I see. Trish,
do you just want his body?’
 ‘Oh, I don’t know
yet. I just want to be with him, even just to talk. I am curious about him.’
 ‘I see. Good luck.
Phone me when you get back from the dinner. I can’t wait to hear the details.’

When Gareth got home that evening, he went and read his
tarot cards and knew that Trisha was not going to phone him that night. He knew
also that she would cry tonight. He held his breath and wondered whether he
should phone her and stop her from going. But he knew that whatever was
happening with Rod was a path she had to take to find the inner peace she so
desperately craved.

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