Page 3 of Holiday Hater

“Nope and I haven’t had sex or an orgasm in that long either.” From the look on both their faces, I don’t think I could shock them more by saying I am a man. “I’ve been too busy running this place and raising Lila.” Not to mention, I picked such a loser to date last time that I’m scared I’ll make the wrong decision again and have it impact Lila. There isn’t just me to think about now.

“I can’t believe that.” Deja shakes her head. To see her so serious is a rarity; it doesn’t suit her.

“It’s not a big deal.” I glance around the coffee shop to make sure we aren’t ignoring anyone. “I don’t need a man to tell me how to live my life or need one to feel validated like some women.”

“Not saying that, it’s just surely… as a woman you have needs?” Deja’s voice goes uncharacteristically low as she tries to be discreet. “You don’t even have a toy to fulfill them?”

“What do you mean, a toy?” I feel as though we have jumped to a different conversation.

“A vibrator, dear. Something to get off with.”

The new voice makes all of us startle as we swing around to find Fitzy, our ‘landlady.’ She’s old, eccentric, inappropriate, and beloved by everyone for her kind nature. Today she’s dressed in a long chiffon skirt, over a white shirt unbuttoned to reveal pushed-up boobs with a leather vest over the top, more for fashion than warmth.

We are so used to Fitzy being, well, Fitzy, that neither of us flinch although I do glance around to see if anyone else heard.

“I don’t own a toy.”

I’m not going to lie and say the thought doesn’t intrigue me, but it feels like Pandora’s box. Will I want more if I do? Will I want to go and find a man? The sight of the pool guy pops into my head.

“Well, I know what I’m buying you for Christmas.” Ugh, Christmas. Something else to stress about.

Chapter Four - Noah

“Investment isn’t a bad idea, but I would make sure you’re happy to invest the money and leave it sitting there until you make a profit.” He adjusts his black glasses, taking a sip of his White Russian as his eyes glance around at the pool. It’s busy for a late Monday afternoon.

“It’s no good just sitting in the bank not doing anything. Not like the interest rate is anything worth leaving it sitting there for.”

The problem nowadays is that property is far too expensive to invest in. That’s the go-to, easy way of making a project of a large investment. As long as you’re not an idiot that invests in bad properties, of which I’ve known a couple.

“Can you look into a couple and let me know what stocks you think are worth buying?” I don’t think I’m brave enough to make the decision. However, Oliver is trustworthy with a smart opinion. He’s a sound guy.

His eyes jump behind me, suddenly becoming completely distracted. I turn to find Blair walking alongside the pool. She’s wearing a swimsuit with a loose cover-up thrown over the top. She’s a pretty girl—a very pretty girl—and from what I’ve already heard about her from Oliver, she’s smart and talented with her children’s books.

She sits in the chair next to Hank, pecking him delicately on the cheek as she glances at me curiously. “Hi, I’m Blair.” She holds out her hand expectantly, waiting for me to shake it and introduce myself.

“Noah.”

She nods but doesn’t look completely appeased as she glances between Oliver and me.

“Sorry, baby. Noah is the new pool maintenance man. We were just going over some work stuff and investments.” His hand covers hers as he turns back to me to continue our conversation. “I can look into it for you, let you know in a couple days. Blair and I are taking a couple days off.” He glances at her as though he doesn’t think it is going to happen. “If I can get the laptop away from this pretty girl.”

The happiness that sings between them as they gaze at each other is borderline sickening. I ignore the envy as I shoot back the remainder of my drink.

“Thanks, mate. I look forward to it.”

I stand up, pushing my chair back with the backs of my legs as I plot the best way to get across the bar area without getting splashed by the couple kids in the pool at the moment.

“Silvi!” Blair’s shout turns Oliver’s and my attention to the woman walking toward us from the splashy side of the pool.

She is completely unfazed by the water soaking the sleeveless shirt she’s using as a cover-up. The water makes it cling to her figure, showing the generous curves of her hips and bust. The way she walks shows how comfortable she is in her own skin. I don’t think a woman should be judged upon her weight, whether she’s bigger and curvy or petite and skinny. Every woman has their own way of being attractive and beautiful. I just so happen to have always preferred a bigger girl; I like something to grab.

I would remember her figure in an instant, especially since watching it grind to music in a chair wound up with me cooling off in the pool, however involuntary it was. So the elusive grinder is called Silvi.

The split second her eyes land on me, recognition sends her cheeks nearly as scarlet as her swimming costume. “Hey, Blair.” Even though the greeting is directed at Blair, her eyes don’t waver from me.

“Hey! Want to go out for a drink later?” Blair leans past Oliver, cuddling on to his arm as she pleads with Silvi with her eyes. “We haven’t done that in ages!”

Silvi sighs and shakes her head. It’s obviously the usual reaction because Blair’s optimistic expression falls instantly before Silvi even answers her. “I have a child to look after.” I’m surprised by the disappointment that floods me as the opportunity of spending time with her is snatched away.

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