Soul Music: Love Sustained - 9. Movement

On the following Thursday, Joy sat reading the paper. She found the news as dull as the weather outside – the drizzle matched her mood perfectly. She was fed up of being stuck in the house without a single visitor apart from Pete Blanchard. She tossed the paper down on the sofa. Would she be reduced to watching daytime TV? All the books she'd borrowed from the library were on the kitchen table, waiting to go back. Reluctantly, her hand searched for the remote behind the cushions. Before she located it, the doorbell rang. Expecting it to be her usual visitor, Joy took her time getting to her feet.

For all she was grateful to the man, he was so uncouth, with apparently no conversation beyond passing the time of day and asking her how she was. As she limped towards the front door, she tried putting a little more weight on the damaged knee. It still hurt, but the pain was getting less. A trip to town would be necessary soon. Otherwise she'd have to ask her rescuer to do some shopping for her. She winced at the thought of what he'd buy – he probably lived off cans of beer and ready meals.

The doorbell rang again – longer this time. Her lips pursed.

“Alright! I'm coming as fast as I can.”

She opened the door to find Gloria standing on the doorstep, clutching a large bouquet of flowers.

“Good morning, Joy!”

Her smile together with the flowers rendered Joy speechless.

She stood there as Gloria continued on. “I heard on the grapevine you took a tumble over the weekend. I do hope you're getting better.”

Joy found her voice. “It was just a silly accident. My knee's the worst. In fact, I can't stand around for too long. You'd better come in, Gloria.”

“Thank you. I'll only bother you for a short while – a friend's coming to pick me up. We have a lunch date in a pub restaurant not far from here.”

Joy noted her inclusion wasn't even mooted. She let the other woman keep hold of the flowers as they went inside.

“My vases are in the cupboard over there, if you'd like to select one suitable.”

Joy showed her visitor where to look in the kitchen, then went and sat in the lounge again. Their initial greeting over, the lack of casual chat between them became noticeable. As far as she was concerned, some of the pain and humiliation of that lunch still hung over everything. The other woman's arrival was opportune to break the tedium at least, and maybe she should start to mend their friendship. Joy stared into the middle distance. She hadn't heard anything from Douglas; either to return her calls or send her a Get Well card. If Gloria knew, then he would also. Their combined circle of friends – or close acquaintances might be a more accurate description – overlapped many times over.

With reluctance, Joy decided he'd used up his last chance socially. She might still deal with him for the house sale, but even there, she was on the brink of changing her mind.

Gloria popped her head round the door. “I thought a quick cup of tea would be nice. Or would you prefer coffee, Joy?”

“Tea will be fine, thank you. There's some Earl Grey in the green decorated caddy.”

The other woman smiled back. “How lovely. That's my favourite kind of tea. The kettle's already on. It'll only be a few more minutes.”

“Good.”

Joy stared at the cuts on the palm of her hand, picking at the surgical tape. She preferred English Breakfast with milk, but in her circle that was considered unrefined. Her lips moved into their familiar position. Sometimes she thought about finding new friends, people with whom she wouldn't have to pretend. It would be hard work, and quite possibly unsuccessful. Perhaps she was better of with the devils she knew? Joy hauled herself out of her chair. Her common sense told her she needed to keep moving, even if her knee objected. She limped out of the room to join Gloria, and see if she still possessed any biscuits to go with the tea.

Gloria put her cup back down on its saucer. “Excuse me, Joy. Something about that floral arrangement irritates me: different colours too close together, I think.” She stood up and moved over to the window where the vase held pride of place. “I shall just move a couple of things.” She swapped a few of the blooms around and rearranged the foliage. “That's better. Don't you agree?”

Joy appeared to survey her work with detachment. “I'll take your word for it, Gloria. You always have a better eye for that sort of thing than I do. Flower arranging isn't something that excites me.” She stopped and looked directly at her. “I do appreciate your gesture in bringing me a gift, though. The flowers bring interest and colour on such a grey day.”

“Well, as I was heading out this way, I could hardly go past without seeing you.” She took a breath. “I know we didn't part on the best of terms the other day, Joy.”

“I was thinking the same thing.”

“It was another reason I decided to call round.” The other woman tilted her head slightly. “Not to apologise; more to test the state of our friendship.”

Joy grimaced. “Maybe I should ask you some of those questions you alluded to. Geoffrey and his … friend were surprisingly helpful.”

Gloria dared to hope for some movement. “Oh … Has Geoffrey visited you since your accident?”

“Here? No … but he did come to see me in the hospital.”

Gloria sipped her tea and raised her eyebrows, encouraging the other woman to continue.

“While I was being treated, his friend came here and cleared up the mess. Afterwards, I thought it was a damn cheek – he being in my home without my say-so. A man I don't know? And he's one of those … I nearly phoned Geoffrey to give him a piece of my mind, but then I thought better of it.” She grimaced. “His friend did an acceptable job; one which I couldn't have done myself. He even replaced the other lightbulb for me.” She pointed at the light in question. “Geoffrey was … civil and he made sure someone comes in to check on me.”

Gloria found that interesting. “In a way, I'm pleased you and Geoffrey had the reason to talk. Otherwise the rift could've gone on for a long time. It must have been rather uncomfortable for you both. It doesn't sound as though the other young man was there. Do you know his name?”

A look of distaste passed over Joy's face. “I have no wish to meet that young man or to learn his name. I'm grateful for his assistance, but that's as far as it goes.”

Gloria's hopes subsided, but not completely. Joy wasn't entirely unmovable. Answering her questions might result in a little acceptance, or at least, tolerance.

She looked at her watch. “My friend will arrive shortly. How about I call round at the same time next week? We can have a leisurely chat, rather than me sitting on the edge of my seat.”

Joy nodded. “I shall look forward to it.”

Her tone sounded more neutral than the words, which wasn't that surprising.

Gloria stood up. “Oh, I almost forgot. Do you need anything from the shops? Food?”

“I wouldn't want to put you to any trouble …”

“It's quite alright. My nephew made sure I can do a shop online if I need to. I'll be glad to refresh my memory if you do need some things.”

Joy looked faintly astonished. She reached over for a small pad of paper and a pen. A short while later, she handed over a list. “Thank you, Gloria. That's very kind. When shall I pay you? Now?”

“No. Leave it until next week. I'll bring a receipt – I can print it off. When would be the best time for the delivery?”

“They deliver?”

Gloria restrained a smile. This was evidently all completely new territory for the other woman. “Yes, Joy. It's like a return to the old days. Do you remember deliveries? In fact. it's the main reason people order online. When I had that bad cold over the winter, I was so pleased I didn't have to go out.”

“Oh. Err … Sometime tomorrow will do. I'm hardly going anywhere in my current state.”

Looking out the window, Gloria saw her friend's car parked opposite. “Right. I've got to go.” She picked up her coat. “Nice seeing you, Joy. I'll let myself out.”

“Goodbye, Gloria.”

Joy continued to sit in the same chair long after her visitor left. The last time she'd been unwell, Geoffrey did her shopping. Again she was reminded of her reliance on other people. Finally, she stirred. Her lunch was well overdue. But before she hobbled into the kitchen, she picked up her notes and Geoffrey's letter about the rental proposition. She would look them over once more. It was time she made her mind up.

Halfway through the following week, Tony sat in a lay-by, eating a very late lunch. A couple of over-running meetings delayed his meal until his stomach felt almost empty. His phone rang. He cursed, and attempted to balance the boxed salad on his knee while he fumbled for the handset. It was a number he didn't recognise.

He answered the call with half his mind intent on his meal. No way did he want hummus, shredded carrot, and whatever else ending up in the foot-well of the car.

“Hello? Tony Marshall here.”

Hi. It's only me.

He smiled. “Hello, you. Everything OK? This isn't your usual number.”

Yeah, I know. It's one of the landlines at work.

“Hmm?”

He heard Geoff sigh. I dropped my wretched phone on the concrete slabs outside earlier on. I was trying to juggle a cup of coffee, a sandwich, and it. The phone slipped out of my hand. Of course, it landed face down. Just my luck.

“God … It is repairable?”

Hope so. It needs a trip to a phone doctor somewhere though. I'm crossing my fingers it won't cost too much. Don't forget I'm on a sim-only contract – nobody's going to send me a replacement handset by courier.

“Haven't you got an old one lying around? Just to tide you over.”

Nope. Sold the last one. Anyway, it'd be too old to run most of the apps I use. Geoff paused. The reason I called was …

“To hear my mellifluous, sexy tones.” He smirked to himself. They both loved teasing each other and they gave as good as they got.

You think?

Tony could almost hear eyes being rolled in the silence that followed. He sniggered.

Whatever. My break's nearly over, so shut up and listen. I'm going to be late back; probably later than you. We're having trouble fitting in the one-to-ones, so my supervisor has asked me to stay over for an hour. They've got to be done by the end of this month.

“OK. We at yours?”

Hnh … Mine.

He knew exactly where Geoff's mind was. “If we haven't heard from your mother in today's post, let's discuss later what we're gonna do next.”

Something to look forward to. Yeah. Let's make it mine. The garden needs more work.

“I'm heading back now. I'm owed some time so I won't bother calling in at the office. Anything you want me to do?”

As in gardening?

The snort that accompanied the question made him grin. “You doubt my horticultural abilities? I'm gutted.”

Well … We haven't got very far with your gardening lessons. Life's got in the way.

“Hey, I can push a lawnmower as well as the next man or woman.”

But can you mow in a straight line?

“What's that got to do with anything?” His mock indignation set them both off giggling. It took several seconds for him recover. “Seriously, does it need doing?”

Yeah, I imagine so. Look – got to go. Time's up.

“See you later, love.”

Yeah. Bye.

Tony shovelled the rest of the food into his mouth – the sooner he finished, the sooner he'd be home.

He parked his car on the kerb some distance down from Geoff's house. Finding a space was always tricky. Most households appeared to run two cars; some, three. Yet unless they tarmacked over the front garden, there was no off-street parking. Even then, there was only space for two smallish vehicles. Geoff's mother kept the front garden of her house intact.

As he opened the door, he stepped over that day's delivery of junk mail. Out of habit, he gave it a cursory look before moving on. He stopped mid-stride. There, partially hidden, was a white envelope of the sort no business would use. Tony pushed the door shut, then bent down to pick the letter up. The envelope was handwritten and addressed to Geoff. Tony stood and held it for a moment. It could only be from Geoff's mother. He found the itch to open it immediately almost irresistible. No, he couldn't give in – the letter was addressed to his boyfriend, not to him. He put it down on the side-table where they left car keys and such, and got out his phone. Half way through composing a message, he remembered Geoff lacked a working phone of his own.

Great. Tony scrubbed the text. He found his eyes drawn to the envelope. Right, that settled it. He would mow the lawn whether it needed it or not. A shower to follow, and starting in on their supper would kill the time until Geoff appeared. He took a quick drink of water, then ran upstairs to change.

To his surprise, Geoff found his front door locked that evening when he tried to open it. He rattled the handle – as if that would make any difference – before he looked for his keys. As he assumed Tony would be home, he hadn't bothered to get them ready. Swearing under his breath, he ended up turning out the contents of his bag. It was the end of a long day. He found the errant keys lurking in a corner. He grabbed hold of them, intending to let himself in, but instead the door opened.

Tony stood there, sleeves rolled up and apron on. A glorious scent of garlic, tomatoes, and paprika wafted out past him. Geoff loved that apron: both for the delicious food it promised, and because his toned, outdoorsy boyfriend looked so sexy in it. Tony gave him a grin and pulled him inside for a kiss and cuddle, closing the door behind them.

“Sorry – forgot to unlock the door when I came in from cutting the lawn.”

Geoff smirked. “My, you've been busy.”

He received a mock bow in return. “I'm sure it's good to know the cook can double as gardener. Or perhaps that should be, under-gardener. …” Tony reached out for something on the table. “There's a letter for you.”

“Letter?” His stomach clenched. “God … We've waited so long for the wretched thing. Now it's here, I'm not sure I want to open it.” He stared at his mother's handwriting.

The other man gave him a hug. “Come on. Let's open it in the kitchen. I need to keep an eye on what's cooking.”

Geoff gave a shrug and followed him, feeling anything but confident about the letter's contents.

The savoury smells in the kitchen distracted Geoff for a moment. “What's for supper?” He still held the envelope in one hand.

“Something new: a vegetarian casserole flavoured with garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, and cumin. There'll be some lentils as well, to give it body. Should be good.”

His question answered, Geoff gave up on postponing the evil hour. He sat down with an open bottle of local beer and drew out the two-page letter. “Here goes. Can't say I'm hopeful.”

Tony sat down opposite. “After last Sunday's hoo-hah, I'm a little more confident.”

He raised his eyebrows in reply as he started to read. As usual with anything important, he skim-read the whole thing, before going back and re-reading it with more care. He couldn't stop a huge grin of relief appearing on his face.

“Good news?”

“Bizarrely, yes. Miracle of miracles, my mother has agreed to your … to our proposal.”

“Wow!” Tony's face lit up. “Really?”

Geoff continued to stare at the sheets of paper. He waited for them to self-destruct any second or mutate into the homophobic diatribe which he expected to receive.

When nothing happened, he read out the headline sentences. “Ehm … 'I have decided not to proceed with the sale of my house for the present.' Hmm … I wonder what's happened to take Whatshisname out of the picture?”

“Pardon?”

“That guy my mother mentioned when I was there. He appeared to have taken on the role of her financial advisor? … Anyway. 'I propose a twelve-month lease, renewable annually with the agreement of both parties. Either party to give three months' notice …' And so on.”

Tony shook his head. “For all it's excellent news, she's hardly oozing with maternal goodwill and thanks. Business, and nothing else.” He held a hand out for the letter. “Still, we'd better not complain. We've got what we wanted.”

Geoff felt light-headed. After handing over the letter, he hung onto the beer bottle as if it were his anchor.

His boyfriend perused what his mother wrote. “Hmm … We'll have to sort out who's responsible for the repairs, redecorating, and so on. She doesn't mention that.”

“Will we need to involve a solicitor?”

Tony sat back. “Good question. I don't know. There may be a proforma agreement we can use. We should get everything down in black and white. I'll have a look later.”

Both men looked at each other with broad smiles. Their thoughts were the same: they now had their preferred house to start living their lives as a couple.

Geoff felt a glow spread over him. “I never thought I'd reach this point. Ever.”

His companion's smile became more sexy. “Hmm … Maybe I'll have to show you how wrong you are after supper. Not for the first time.”

He blushed. “Not the last either, I guess.”

The cooking aromas reminded them supper wasn't that far off, otherwise he suspected Tony's opportunity to correct him would've been taken there and then. He found being so desired still strange, though his cock had no such inhibitions, making the crotch of his work trousers feel more than usually confning.

A smirk told him Tony knew his thoughts, if not the state of his package. He coughed, and reclaimed the letter to refresh his memory of something. “I notice my mother accepted our offer at face value. No 'I'll knock twenty quid a month off because it's you.'”

Tony snorted.

After a moment, he joined in. “I know … I don't think I've ever heard her use 'quid' in my life.”

“What we offered is scarcely market rate.” His boyfriend shrugged. “In fact, if she agrees to take on the cost of maintenance, I'd say it's well under.”

Geoff took a swig of the beer as his mood swung again. “So where does that leave things generally?”

Tony cocked his head.

“Between me and my mother, I mean.”

“I reckon the ball's in her court. We'll have to correspond over the lease, and if she wishes to say anything else, that's her opportunity.”

“Yeah. Suppose so.”

Tony stood up. “We'll be plenty busy over the next few weeks – moving my stuff, and the holiday. She'll feel the loss more than you.”

“Maybe.” Geoff turned to watch him check and taste the food. “Good?”

“Yeah. Another couple of minutes. Just long enough for something else …”

Geoff wondered what it was, when from behind, a pair of arms clasped his chest and a mouth sought his. He leant back and accepted the offered kiss which continued for the allotted time and beyond.