Thanks to you all for your kind words, but especially to my friends in: Anonymous, Arizona, Galway, Glasgow, the Hebrides, and Ontario. In strict alphabetical order.
For new readers, you might find it would help if you read Chapter 1 first. All comments, public or private, most welcome. I've a thick enough skin to take criticism.
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She didn't call that afternoon, or evening, and he assumed she was catching up on sleep. At 10pm he called Mrs Docherty to tell her he would be round at nine after breakfast: Oh, she's out now, said she might be late so I gave her the key, he was told.
In bed that night he thought about her...It was a mistake, a moment of madness, I shouldn't have allowed it to happen, and it won't again. Too much to deal with in my life just now. And I'm too old to have holiday flings...but he couldn't erase the image of her arse spread invitingly on the castle window...of her masturbating with the vibrator on Ma Docherty's bed. His cock was rigid and he played with it, thinking of her with the toy up her cunt, wanting her. He reached for a Kleenex and wanked hard till his cock erupted, imagining her...wiped himself clean and waited for sleep.
But it didn't come straight away. His life was a mess right now and he wasn't trained to avoid things. The divorce was in process and it was hard going. For him at least, he thought ruefully. He still missed his wife Jean, and couldn't blame her for what had happened. He had messed around and wasn't surprised when she wanted to play, she must have known. But instead of just having an affair with the man, she had fallen in love and moved out. He hadn't touched a woman since, until yesterday, almost scared to, after the mess he'd made of his marriage; the awkwardness it had brought between him and his family.
Money wasn't the problem, so at least he didn't have that worry, and she couldn't clean him out as she had left him. Or so his lawyer assured him. But he was alone now and he had to deal with that, sort out a plan for the rest of his life. He was sixty, but he didn't feel old, he had lots of mountains still to climb, figurative and real. Then yesterday Red had exploded into his life, re-awoken his lust...made him come twice in one day, now how long was it since THAT had happened? Just as well he had come again just now, it should reduce his libido tomorrow. But he was booked for another four days with her before she went off touring on her own...
She awoke to her alarm at 7.30, pulled on her sweaty tracksuit, and drew the curtains on a grey wet morning -- so much for Scottish spring! Then sat on the floor to lose herself in yoga and collect herself for the day. Started her routine, but couldn't focus, mind and body still recovering from her overnight flight and first day in Glasgow. Gave up and sipped tea for a while, thinking about the previous day. Her toy hadn't worked its magic, she hadn't orgasmed after Sandy had left, and she had eventually drifted off for a bit. Came to at eight hungry, showered, slipped into a dress. Decided not to phone him, she was annoyed that he could reject her when she had ached for him, performed for him like that. So Mrs Docherty had given her directions to find a meal, and had given her a key. Bugger you, Mr Alexander, I'll taste Glasgow myself tonight.
It was fifteen minutes walk to Byres Road, bustling with bars and restaurants. She noticed a sign for a curry house up a lane, followed her nose, left well-satisfied after a fine Punjabi meal. Paused after rejoining the street, asking directions to the place Mrs Docherty had mentioned: a bar where a single woman could feel OK. It was a converted church on a busy corner, folks still sitting outside smoking though it was dark and cool now.
Inside was richly and rather strangely decorated, elaborate edgy murals on the walls. She felt comfortable and entered, no music, just a low buzz of conversation. She asked for a good pint of Scottish beer and retired to a corner where she could just watch, between dipping into the guidebook Sandy had sent her in Ontario. 'Scotland the best', hmmm. Well, it mentioned both the restaurant and this bar, but what about tomorrow? She skimmed through the Glasgow attractions, was just getting into the architecture of CR Mackintosh when she became aware of someone standing by her table, a smartly-dressed older woman.
Excuse me, d'you mind if I sit here? Red smiled acquiescence; the woman set her drink on the table, sat down. Thank you. I'd rather not sit down at a tableful of men! A disdainful pout.
Yeah, they get ideas about a woman on her own, don't they? Red said. They exchanged introductions, the woman was Alison, a librarian. She was a very well-preserved fifty-something. Red warmed to her as they spoke. Alison had a brother in Gravenhurst, just down Hwy 11 from Red's home, and visited regularly. They talked about airlines, Toronto, stuff.
But I'm being thoughtless, said Alison. Do tell me what you want to see in Glasgow, maybe I can help?
Hey, that's very kind. I'm only in the city for four days, then off touring. For some reason Red didn't mention Sandy.
Well, you can see a lot in four days, and I see you have the best guide. Looks like rain tomorrow, I suggest you start where the city's history starts: with the cathedral and Provand's Lordship. That's the oldest house in the city, fourteen-something.
Well, I gotta go there!
Yes you must. Alison glanced up, smiled. Now I must leave, my date's arrived, but here's my number, looking Red straight in the eye, something in her smile. I hope we can meet properly before you go? Ring me, please, maybe we can have a meal? Bye for now, and enjoy your evening.
Alison moved off to greet a much younger woman, who kissed her on the mouth. Red lingered in her book, finished her drink. Left with a wave at Alison, whose arm was around her young date.
A gong sounded through her reverie, and she realised it was time for breakfast.
Over the food she thought about Sandy. Christ she had lusted for him yesterday! Quite out of character...well, maybe not completely. But with a wet day today there would be no picnic, no alfresco fun, so she would dress demurely. Besides, she hadn't forgiven him for his rejection. But a skirt rather than pants, maybe suspenders. She needed to remind him she was a woman...
He rang the bell at 9.00 sharp and she was waiting at the door. Took in his jeans and casual top, kissed his cheek lightly: Hey, I thought the deal was, you wore a kilt!
Oh, sorry Red, I thought that was just the first day. Would you rather I changed, I don't want to disappoint you?
She called a parting to Mrs D, pulled him out the door: Yeah, I'd like that Sandy. Would you please, you look really distinguished in it, and remember, your client is always right!
Um, well...I suppose you could wait at my place while I change, it's just round the corner. This way.
He didn't say anything about last night -- or anything else. Neither did she. I was thinking about the cathedral today Sandy, and some old house nearby. You OK with that?
That'll be Provand's Lordship? Yes, sounds like a good start on a dreich day. This is my street right here.