Eternity (3 page)

“It’s an idea, I’m just not sure I can take on all that comes with selling a house and finding somewhere else and moving…” I finish dejectedly.

“Well that’s where we come in” Caz starts more determined now, “I can do everything to sell this place, you just give a brief to your parents of what you want in another place and they can do that side. There are firms you can hire to do the whole move for you?” Caz has always been organised; I’m almost surprised that she hasn’t gone ahead and done it all already.

Finally dad re-joins the conversation “Caz is right love, your mum and me, we’ve been looking for a project and nothing would make us happier than to do something to help you back on your feet” I glance at him lovingly, they really are the best parents anyone could ask for. “Now there is just one more thing, and it’s all arranged so I don’t want any arguments OK?” his tone has gone stern so I know he is serious “you’re going to Mexico.”

“Err…what?” what’s that supposed to mean? Noting my alarm Caz jumps back in “next month, it’s all paid for, 3weeks in an all-inclusive resort; you need to get away, clear your head, plus it will give us some time to get the house sorted” she states as a matter of fact.

“But…” I start my protest.

“No love you’re going, it’s booked and Caz cleared it with your work, you need some space” Dad still has his stern voice on.

“Are we all going” I ask.

Caz takes this one “No, just you. I would have loved to come, but with the kids…and anyway we think some time on your own will really help...you know, strengthen you.”

I’ve got nothing to say. Holiday on my own? I’ve never been anywhere on my own, the house I can get on board with, but leaving the country, alone!? No I’m not sure that’s their best idea yet.

Fishing in her bag mum pulls out a brochure, “here” she says passing it to me. In fairness it does look amazing, crystal clear waters, blue skies and palm trees. On top of that there are numerous restaurants all offering mouth watering dishes from across the globe and different activities that could keep you busy for 3years let alone 3weeks!

It really is a dream holiday, it must have cost them a fortune, they really must be desperate to get rid of me! Or at least be desperate to get rid of sad-sack me.

Looking up at there expectant faces, I take a deep steadying breath. “OK”

Three and a half weeks later and I’m packing my bags, I leave on Saturday, in just three days, nervous does not begin to describe the state I’m in.

Chucking things towards my open case I mentally cross them off the list; Bikini’s check, sun cream check, lots of fly spray check…..what else do I really need for three weeks in Mexico?

I spoke to Mick as soon as I got to work the Monday after “the intervention”, he sported a knowing look as soon as he spotted me.

“You really need this” he had said shutting his office door behind us.

“Are you sure Mick, this seems like a lot to ask” I searched his face for the slightest sign of weakness.

“No Kate, really. You have done so much over the last few weeks, this is the least we can do. And if anyone knows how much you need this, it’s me” he added giving me his, we’re in this together expression.

While I was smiling warmly at him, he reached into his desk drawer. “I have something here for you, now don’t be alarmed, you’re entitled to it, with the big accounts you’ve pulled in recently this is your commission. I just persuaded the accounts team to give it to you early so you have a little pocket money while you’re away” he handed it to me giving me a wink with a mischievous gleam in his eyes.

My mouth dropped to the floor the cheque was made out for £5000! “Mick!!” I screeched jumping into his arms and somewhat startling him in the process “don’t Mick me” he said cautiously removing his arms following my inappropriate gesture, “I promise this was just what you earned, you’ve really shown your worth here, the Boss in head office has been making inquiries about you!”

I couldn’t even contemplate what he was saying, in all my time there I had never received this much in one commission, £1000 tops and I hadn’t been keeping track, quite frankly my commission has been the last thing on my mind recently; I never knew divorce could be so profitable.

By now I’m feeling a lot better, I just have to take things day by day. There is always the occasional hiccup; Jake has fully moved out now, but I occasionally come across one of his shirts forgotten at the bottom of the washing basket, or a present he got me for an anniversary and all the heartache I thought I had put behind me floods back like a tidal wave, literally knocking me off my feet. But I think that’s to be expected, it has only been 8weeks, and what do they say? ‘It takes a month for every year you were together to get over a break up’ on that basis I think I’m doing marvellously.

Caz has the house sale going at lightening speed. It was on the market within a day of us talking about it and within 1week she already had five offers, two of which were well above the asking price, I hadn’t realised how sort after this area was? Caz was straight in pitting the two higher bidders against each other and managed to secure an even better price more than doubling what I originally paid. The buyers are desperate to get in, so everyone is working overtime to make it happen as soon as possible.

Mum and Dad in the mean time have been emailing me daily with possible new places to live, a suspicious amount of them do not meet any of my criteria, but are very close to where they live!

There is one however that caught my eye; it’s a bit rural in location, with no immediate neighbours, but it has the biggest garden I’ve ever seen. It includes a quaint swing hanging from a large old oak at the back and a sprinkling of fruit and blossom trees which will look magical in the spring. The view past the garden is uninterrupted rolling hills, all of which can be seen from the double bay windows in the master bedroom, as well as from the bathtub in the en-suite.

Never in a million years did I think I could afford a place like this. I make an average enough living, but house prices these days are astronomical, this is undoubtedly me dream abode. The only down side is it means a 2hour commute to work. I could put in a request to transfer to the head office which would only be an hour away, but I’ve been with Mick since I started at the firm, straight out of university; I don’t know what I’d do without him now.

Either way it can all wait till after my holiday.

I used some of my commission to splash out on a new holiday wardrobe. I hadn’t noticed how long it’s been since I went abroad; Jake wasn’t a fan of lazing in the sun so never saw the point in “wasting money on the privilege”. Bit by bit it’s been dawning on my just how much of my life I have given up for him over the years; We could have traveled the world, had kids, moved to the countryside, anything, but instead we have wasted away 10years in the mundane daily routine of working, arguing, sleeping. Time relentlessly traveling forward while we stand still, never progressing.

But look at me now, surrounded by sparkling sarongs and leather sandals just itching to start on the adventure of my lifetime.

Two hours later I have packed and then re-packed my suitcase. Then written out an official list of items I need and then ceremoniously re-packed again; I am ready, I am sure of it, the butterflies are cruelly partying in my stomach, but I am ready
,
really, I am!

Slugging my oversized suitcase down the stairs I place it next to the front door and carefully balance my passport and tickets on top. I’ve got my carry-on bag packed and my travel clothes (these are relatively the same as my comfy house clothes just minus the dressing gown and slippers) laid out on the chair in my bedroom.

Just two more days at work and then I’ll be flying away to a far and exotic land!

I have arrived!

Caz, Phil, Mum and Dad all escorted me to the airport accompanied with teary goodbyes, you’d have been forgiven for thinking I was emigrating, rather than just holidaying. The flight was long and uneventful, economy class is not the most pleasant way to travel an 8hour flight, but thanks to the pills Caz slipped me, it went by in a mostly undisturbed daze.

Then a three hour coach ride to the resort, which I spent soaking in the views and marvelling at my accomplishment. I have done what I never imagined; come to a foreign land alone and more importantly, enjoyed the ride.

The resort is magnificent; a beautiful fountain out front proudly presents the main building. Huge marble pillars guard the entrance of gigantic sweeping glass doors. As soon as you step through them you are presented with a cool flannel to wipe the travel grime from your face and an icy cold glass of Champagne.

Check in is swift and before you know if you’re being whisked away to your suite. I had no idea where my suitcase was, only to discover that by some miracle, it had arrived in my suite before I did.

Its early evening by the time I’m settled in, the sun is still sweltering and what with the heat and the travel I suddenly feel exhausted. My room is stunning, a Queen size bed decorated with flowers and intricately folded towels in the shapes of animals, (an elephant and what appears to be a flamingo), a large flat screen TV mounted to the wall adjacent to the bed and a well stocked mini bar below it. The novelty of using the mini bar without the worry of extra charges is too much to resist and I help myself to a cheeky gin and tonic.

Glass in hand, I continue investigating my room; there are bedside cabinets with ornate lamps on each side of the bed, a large wooden carved vanity table against the far wall and then my private bathroom. In one corner there is a powerful shower, big enough to fit a whole family in, the floor and walls all a matching sand coloured stone, with twin, deep bowl sinks opposite the shower. Back out to the room and I spot a humungous balcony, equipped with Jacuzzi AND a hammock and judging by tonight, it catches the glorious evening sunshine. It’s perfect, more than perfect, it’s heavenly.

Unpacking can wait until tomorrow, for now I want a shower and some food. Unsurprisingly there is a comprehensive room service menu next to the phone, this is the first time in weeks I’ve actually felt hungry, so I’m really going to take advantage; picking up the phone I am greeted with an impeccably polite receptionist who takes my order without batting an eye at the size of it.

I’ve ordered fresh fruit, croissants, burritos, a sandwich, a Greek salad, a nondescript fish dish and a selection of deserts.

Expecting to have at least an hour to arrive I had planned on jumping in the shower, but according to the receptionist it will arrive within 20minutes, so washing will have to wait.

Exactly on time there is a knock at the door and I am met by a dutiful bell boy with my trolley of food. He simply advises me to leave the trolley outside my front door once I am finished then gracefully bows out of the room.

Flicking on the TV I find it contains around 200 channels, mostly American, scrolling mindlessly through I settle on an unfamiliar animated kids film, ideal light entertainment. Stuffing my face, the food is divine; I go for taking single bites out of each dish in succession then returning to my favourites for seconds so I get the most out of my delectable feast before I feel full. I manage to polish off the fish and the salad, most of the burritos, half the sandwich, a croissant and most of the fruit. The deserts (yes deserts plural, my Dad would be so proud that I’m getting his moneys worth) I place on the side for later, then deposit the trolley outside as instructed and trot back in, my belly bloated and satisfyingly stuffed full.

Jumping in the shower its jets are so powerful it’s almost painful, but the hot water does wonders for my tired skin. I haven’t unpacked my toiletries yet so instead I use the gels they provide, the first one I pick smells of strawberries and vanilla, the scent quickly filling the room as I begin to wash.

Gently massaging it over my body, its silky texture luxurious under my fingers as I run them over my shoulders, down my arms, across my swollen abdomen and slowly up over my breasts, “mmmmmm” an appreciative moan escapes my lips, the smell and sensation making me tingle. Leaning forward and pushing my head under the streaming water, I let my hands roam down my lower back and over my buttocks, spreading this intoxicating foam as they go.

I only meant to be in there for 10minutes, but by the time I emerge from the bathroom, tussled in a soft floor length robe provided by the hotel, it’s 40minutes later, sleep nagging at my heavy eyes, my limbs so relaxed they can barely support me upright. Collapsing on the bed I manage one bite of cake from my desert selection before I’m comatose.

I wake at 7am the next day, after easily eleven hours sleep, refreshed and ready for my first full day in Mexico. Stepping out onto the balcony the sun is already up and the heat is rising. I’m not going to bother with a shower this morning after my epic one last night, instead I slap on some sun cream and a quick spritz of bug spray, then throw on a bikini and a light blue chiffon sun dress with a pair of pink sandals; pausing in front of the mirror I briefly pull my fingers through my hair, after sleeping on it wet and twisted up in a towel it is anything but manageable.

But this holiday is about relaxing, so I don’t have to care, instead choosing to fumble in my bag for a hair band and then knotting it up mercilessly on top of my head, there shabby chic.