This story is entirely fictional.
It was Tom Cassavettes once again who was eventually forced to ring Fiona Napier, but this time she was at work. He had become consumed with curiosity having not heard from her since that memorable trip to France but, more importantly, he had also come up with a great idea to get closer to the young woman who had grown to be so important in his life.
"Goodrich & Chalmers. How may I help you?"
"It's Tom, Tom Cassavettes."
"Oh Tom, hello...look it's not a good time to talk. I'll ring you back in my lunch break."
Tom had no choice but to be patient however she did call back later using her mobile and as usual the sound of her voice caused an instant sensual reaction.
"I'm alone in the staff room having a sandwich," she said prosaically enough although her every word was music to his ears.
"What are you doing for Christmas?"
He asked nonchalantly but was betrayed by heavy breathing which must have been apparent even across the air waves because she reacted instantly.
"Get your dirty mind out of my knickers"
"Okay, sorry about that...but what I wanted to say is that my family are all going out to the Caribbean and it would be great if you could come as my guest."
"Why me?"
This flat reply and the obvious lack of enthusiasm was like a slap in his face particularly knowing that any other young woman of his wide acquaintance would accept the offer like a shot. But he recovered and in the end said the only thing which Fiona seemed immediately to accept as being an honest reason.
"Because I love you."
This was greeted with a silence which seemed to stretch for ever but which she eventually broke.
"I don't think I could cope with meeting your parents."
"Well you won't find that out until you give it a try."
She was quiet again but this time he could actually hear her chewing on something.
"What are you doing?"
"I told you. I'm having my lunch...but would there be room for me?
Was she weakening?
"Room for you? You'll have the choice of half a dozen private cabins."
"Then perhaps I could come?"
But he brushed this tepid reaction aside and immediately informed her of his plan.
"Right, then we can fly out together but unfortunately I can't leave until after a lecture on the 22nd and I can only stay for two weeks. Would that be okay with you?"
"That's perfect."
Having made the decision to join him she was now beginning to show at least some traces of enthusiasm although her fear of his parents might still cause her to back out. Perhaps Tom sensed this doubt but was encouraged to hear Fiona rationalising her acceptance.
"It's my turn to have the fortnight off over Christmas and I've just been told that my parents will be away for four weeks. My dad's going on a religious retreat and my mother is joining him so maybe I can accept your invitation?"
...
Tom asked the chauffeur to stop outside the vicarage and got out of the car to greet Fiona but he had only reached the gate when the front door opened. He stopped transfixed. What a stunning sight she made. How had that dried old stick of a preacher produced such a magic daughter? She was flawless.
Fiona shouldered her carry on bag then extended the handle of her case for the short walk to the car and once there stretched up to kiss his cheek. Her hand on his shoulder as she did so sent tremors all the way down to his feet. Whenever she touched him Tom was thrilled anew and for a moment he was disappointed that they were in such a very public place otherwise he would have crushed Fiona in his arms.
They were whisked in minutes to the noise and bustle of Gatwick Airport and during the ride Tom apologised for what he mistakenly saw as a problem.
"We missed the chance to travel out in my father's plane although I can at least offer you the comfort of a private jet. But I warn you, it's a lot more cramped than the Boeing 767."
"Tom for gods sake don't apologise. I've only ever flown on charter flights and then not very often so all this luxury is a first for me."
She peered surreptitiously around the VIP lounge afraid of appearing gauche but all the looks directed her way were clearly in admiration and she was well used to that. So she slowly relaxed.
A steward brought her a glass of cold white wine and a selection of nuts while Tom talked to the pilot and then in what seemed only minutes they were called for the flight.
It was dark when they boarded and after take off they were served dinner in splendid isolation. Over coffee Tom made his move.
"The steward has already converted the seats in the rear cabin into a double bed for your use."
He pointed behind Fiona.
"But where will you sleep?" She asked already wondering why he wasn't going to join her.
"Don't worry about me. Each of these forward seats extends to form a single bed."
Fiona's face was instantly alive with amusement.
"So having invited me you've finally seen the error of your ways."
"Oh god no...I just didn't want to be rebuffed."
"You should know me by now Tom. I'll tell you soon enough when you've gone too far, so don't be a fool. Besides which I really like the idea of joining the mile high club and not doing it in a cramped toilet."
Tom just nodded feeling so happy that he was unable to utter a word.
Fiona used the facilities and came back ready for bed. She smelt as always of sandalwood and was wearing adorable pyjamas in which she did a provocative twirl before vanishing into the stern cabin.
Tom in total contrast merely shucked off most of his clothes, washed himself, and clad only in Calvin Klein's went to join her.
"Where's the stewardess?" Asked Fiona quietly as they snuggled up.
"She's at the front, on the flight deck. Do you need something?"
"No it's not that. I'm just concerned how much she can hear?"
"Not a lot, if anything."