JOHN’S CHRISTMAS PRESENT

copyright@gerryrose

John kept checking his phone during the carol service to see if he had a reply from Marie but she hadn’t graced him with one. Susan kept watching him during the service and he thought he must appear rather rude. After the service they went on their walk through the village. Henry, Lucy and Suzette had to stop quite frequently to wish their neighbours Happy Christmas. John felt like they were part of some Hollywood film of the ideal English Christmas. It just lacked the snow. Susan seemed to continue to watch him closely. John wondered what she had been told about him. He felt sure the story of him turning up unexpected because some woman threw him out was sure to have been discussed. Susan was greeted by her neighbours with kindly looks and he recognised how widows and widowers are treated. He was familiar with the looks of pity and the patting of the shoulders and hands and the sort of half hugs as she was greeted. He didn’t know when Susan had lost her husband but he guessed it was fairly recent by the intensity of those pitying looks.
Once they got back to the house it was full steam ahead for Lucy. The turkey had been in the oven since 7am and all of the vegetables and starters had been prepped. The dining table looked magnificent it had a wonderful centrepiece of holly and ivy with gold candles to match the gold chargers and even the glasses had gold rims. Lucy was someone who liked order. The crisp white linen table cloth even had a gold runner and everything looked perfect. At noon everyone was ushered into the drawing room for presents. Henry poured the adults a glass of fizz and Lucy explained the order. The grandsons would get their presents from Lucy and Henry first, then Tom and Suzette, Susan would be next and then John would be last. John had given the twins vouchers as he had no idea what 14 year old boys would enjoy. He was quite surprised and felt a little envious when the boys opened an envelope each from Lucy and Henry. Cash came tumbling out followed by a printed ticket. When they read the destination they were absolutely delighted. John was surprised by their delight. Back in his twenties no one would willingly go to Belfast but this was back in the time of the troubles before Game of Thrones had ever been heard of. John felt a little out of touch and blamed himself for not having clue that a trip to Belfast to view the places where the Game of Thrones was filmed and a tour of the Titanic Experience would be such a hit with his grandsons. His mission when he moved back to Hove, apart from spending more time with Marie if she was interested, would be to focus on the boys and really get to know them. When Tom and Suzette opened their envelopes they smiled, they had been bought tickets to Paris and a hotel voucher for the weekend that Lucy and Henry were taking the boys to Belfast. John was impressed by how much thought had gone into their gifts. He was struck by how much effort they made and how much everything they did was well thought out and considerate. John was suddenly aware that he was someone who muddled through life. He had some good luck, but he could see that Lucy and Henry were planners and made huge efforts to make things happen. June had been thoughtful but she had always lacked vision and imagination and had relied on him to make all of the plans. The last few days had taught John how hopeless he was at planning anything. Susan was handed an envelope and she gasped when she opened it.
‘That’s far too generous.’
John saw that it was a years membership at the local golf club.
Henry gave his sister a hug.
‘Time you got back out there Sis and I have heard they hold lots of social events where not having a partner is not an issue.’
John was handed a basket which had been packed full of lovely items and was wrapped in cellophane and ribbons.
‘This is delightful, but you didn’t know I was coming!’
Lucy smiled and gave John a hug.
‘Oh we always think of all sorts of scenarios that could arise. I hope you like the whiskey we got some of those miniatures when we were on a tour of the Highlands in the summer we thought they would make great nightcaps.’
‘I am partial to a good single malt and gentleman’s relish has always been a particular favourite of mine.’
Yet again John marvelled at this couple. They worked so well together as a team and it would be very hard to find fault with them. John realised how lucky Tom was to have Suzette and her parents in his life. John felt like a rather depleted person next to them. He knew that him and June could never really measure up to a couple like Henry and Lucy. When it was John’s turn to hand out presents he made excuses for not having bought much for Lucy, Henry and Susan. The champagne was accepted with grace and appreciation by them. Susan said she would put hers in the fridge because she would like to share it with John when they got back to her house later. John noticed that Henry and Lucy exchanged looks that were hard to interpret.
When Lucy went to fetch the canapes John asked her if she wanted a hand but Henry jumped up to help her and topped John’s glass up before disappearing into the kitchen. The boys had snuck back to the snug to watch TV. Susan beckoned to him conspiratorially. She was standing by the front door John joined her.
‘John I hope you don’t mind but charades have never been my thing. Would you mind awfully if we make tracks back to mine at 4pm?’
John looked somewhat relieved.
‘No that would be perfect. We never went in for games on Christmas day in my house.’
‘Well my husband and I always enjoyed our own sort of games on Christmas day.’
John was a little taken aback by this comment particularly as Susan stroked his hand and gave him a rather cheeky wink.
The canapes were delicious. John knew that a lot of work had gone into making them but Lucy made it all seem so effortless. There were tiny goats cheese and tomato tartlets, the obligatory prawn and cream cheese vol au vents, cheese straws, mini sausages, and smoked salmon blinis. Henry replenished the adults glasses.
By 2 o’clock they were seated ready for Christmas lunch. John had Susan on his right and Suzette on his left. Henry poured the adults a rather nice Beaujolais. Susan was sticking to water. Throughout the meal she was occasionally either massaging his right leg or stroking his calf with her foot. John found it was a little distracting but not unpleasant. He should have discouraged her but what man would ever discourage an attractive woman who was clearly giving him the come on.
John was somewhat relieved when the Christmas pudding was served. John hoped that Susan would explain to Lucy and Henry that they would not be joining in the charades.
The queen’s speech was pleasant and John went to the bathroom in the hope that Susan would speak to Henry and Lucy about their departure. When he returned from the bathroom there was a somewhat tense atmosphere.
Lucy addressed John directly.
‘I am sorry to hear John that you won’t be staying for the charades. Susan is feeling a little awkward because she always enjoys our jolly games, but I understand that you really cannot abide parlour games.’ John was taken aback. Susan winked at him and with the champagne from the fridge she steered John towards the front door.
Susan’s remark before they left was. ‘Oh not to worry I am sure that you will have fun without us.’
Tom gave his father a rather disapproving look. John said his thank yous and goodbyes and followed Susan out to the car. Once they were in the car Susan burst out laughing.
‘Sorry John I somewhat dumped you in it didn’t I.’
‘Well I do feel like a bit of a Grinch.’
‘Grinch? I was hoping you were more like a horny little devil. We will have some far jollier games back at mine.’
Later John could not remember the short drive from Lucy and Henry’s. It felt like he was floating on a cloud. He can remember Susan opening the door and pausing only to put the champagne on the kitchen counter before she had him pinned against the wall and her lips and hands seemed to be so hungry for him. Whilst Susan opened the champagne John went to the guest room to look for his Viagra. He brushed his teeth and removed his shoes and then joined Susan in her sitting room. They sipped the champagne which was remarkably good despite probably residing at the corner shop for some time. John knew that he was in a haze of excitement and even vinegar would have tasted good. Susan had beckoned him to come and sit next to her. She whispered in his ear about having wanted him to fuck her the moment she had seen him. John realised that Susan was rather forward. June had been such a timid lover and had never initiated their love making. Now he was being undressed and the excitement was exquisite. Susan was a stranger really and he was not used to strangers opening his flies and massaging his cock. He was pleased to feel that the Viagra was working. He undid Susan’s bra and massaged her ample breasts. She seemed to enjoy this and moaned softly.
‘Now these are the sort of parlour games I enjoy, but let’s get more comfortable.’
The next thing he knew he was being steered towards Susan’s bedroom. She had an enormous brass bed. She turned all of the photos of her dead husband around before pushing him onto the bed. He sank into its downy softness. Susan was issuing instructions with the directness of a Sergeant Major.
‘Now off with your socks, trousers and pants. Remove your jumper and shirt and get under the duvet I have forgotten to put the heating on.’
John did as he was told. His phone fell out of his trouser pocket. He could see that there was a message from Marie. He felt a wave of guilt wash over him. However Susan did not strike him as someone who would appreciate any whiff of his remorse.
‘I hope you realise this is your Christmas present John.’
Susan had been head girl of her school and captain of the hockey team and she strongly believed in going out and getting what you wanted in life. She wanted John to fuck her and that was precisely what was going to happen.
Later John realised that he was no match for a woman who knew what she wanted. He gave her his best and by the sounds of her cries and whimpers she got exactly what she wanted. Afterwards they finished the champagne and Susan served them a light supper of cold meats and cheese with some delicious port. John was told to sleep in the guest room but be ready for a hearty breakfast at 8am. John wondered if a hearty breakfast was a euphemism for more fucking, but he would have to wait until the morning to find out.