Page 57 of Judging Duke

“Hey, come on now. What’s wrong?” Not usually a hugger. I held on to her, giving her a big squeeze.

“Everything’s fine. Take no notice of this old fool,” she mumbled.

“Are you sure?” This wasn’t the same woman I’d met two years ago when she first stepped into the spa. That Barbara had been bouncy and full of life.

“I’m sure.” She pulled away from me and stepped behind the screen in the corner of the room. I heard the rustle of clothes and hoped to God she’d be wearing something when she returned.

I sauntered over to the table, selecting her favourite oils, geranium and lavender.

“Are you ready?” I stood next to the table and waited.

“I’ll just be a minute.”

“You’d better not be naked.” I laughed and was relieved when she did too. She’d had me worried with her talk of dying, but when she appeared, her tears had dried.

“I wouldn’t do that to you again. Now, press that button over there, and we’ll have some music to entertain us.”

I’d expected something soothing and relaxing, but the dulcet tones of Frank Sinatra filled the room. It did the trick, and soon enough, she was humming away, content in her own world.

It’d been a few months since our last session, and I’d expected her muscles to be a little tight. What I didn’t expect was the weight loss. I’d not noticed yesterday. Her voluminous dress hiding her frailty. Worry niggled at the back of my mind, and I made a mental note to talk with Cyril at some point.

At the end of the session, she redressed and hugged me. “You’re such a good boy, Duke. I’d have loved a son like you.”

And with that, she was gone, leaving me standing in the middle of the room, unsure of what had just happened. It sounded like a goodbye, but I refused to contemplate that. Barbara and Cyril would probably outlive me.

I closed the French doors and set about tidying the room. A prickle of uneasiness settled, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that all was not well with her.

My stomach grumbled, reminding me I’d missed breakfast. Time to find some food.

I left the room, closing the door behind me, not noticing Simon waiting for me.

“Are you okay? You don’t look happy.” Thank God he was wearing clothes.

“You’re the second person to ask me that today.” I walked past him and out onto the terrace. I needed some air, as warm as it was.

“I didn’t mean to pry. Has someone upset you?”

I sat on a sofa, and Simon joined me, his thigh next to mine, fine hairs brushing my skin.

“Not particularly.”

I stretched out and put my feet on a small table. A sense of unease washed over me. Something felt off, and Barbara’s words had me worried.

“Want to talk about it?” He really wasn’t giving up.

“Not really.”

“Fuck, Duke. I’m trying to be nice here, and you’re giving me nothing back.”

I opened my eyes and looked over at him in his pale-blue T-shirt and tight black tailored shorts. He’d showered, his hair still a little damp and longer than I’d seen him wear it. I preferred it this way. Curls framed his face, gathering at his neck. His blue eyes sparkled in the sunlight, and it hit me then just how handsome he was.

Yes, I’d lusted over him. As a boy, he’d been my fantasy, but right here and now, sitting next to me on the sofa, concern on his face, it was like I was seeing him for the first time.

I reached out but pulled my hand back at the last moment.

I gazed at his parted lips, and remembering Barbara’s words, I moved towards him, making my intentions perfectly clear.

I hesitated a moment before closing the gap between us. My lips met his. He didn’t pull away.

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