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Chapter 9
***
It was messy.
And painful.
Laura dumped me about a week after Annie's visit. I guess they talked which, in fairness, is no surprise.
"I'm sorry, Rick, but I just can't do this any more. With all the women you're seeing and then my mother!"
I tried talking her round but apart from grovelling regrets I didn't have much to say. I contemplated offering to give up the whole massage business, but there was still the matter of having shagged her Mom. There were a few tears at both ends of the phone. Like I said: messy and painful.
I cancelled some appointments and moped for a few days. I'd hurt someone I cared for and I felt bad. I wanted to make it right somehow but knew that wasn't possible. I tried to let her go, but it was agonisingly difficult.
After a few days messages and texts were building up. When you work for yourself, you can never truly get away from the business, and I had clients. My ladies wanted my attention.
I booked an appointment with Marissa. "The massage is on me," I said. "But I'd like to be punished afterwards." She paused at the other end of the phone. She didn't know the details but must have sensed the need. "You will be," she said eventually and firmly. I was sore for several days but it was kind of cathartic.
Vanessa called early on Monday.
"I am so sorry," she said and she did sound quite upset. "I just heard. I honestly didn't know you were in a relationship with Annie Hart's daughter."
"S'ok," I mumbled. "Something like that was bound to happen eventually."
"It was just silly girls talk over lunch. I am really, really sorry."
She kept apologizing so I just reassured her that everything was fine.
"Look, can I pop over? Bring a bottle of wine or something. Make it up to you," she pleaded. "Maybe tonight?"