The Shack series

Chapter 75

Lester took them back to his place and offered them the chance to stay. He explained that he had two spare bedrooms and they were all made up, on-suite and ready for use. They accepted gladly and soon they settled in and the apartment was still.

As Lester lay on his back he heard a soft knock and the door slipped open. Charlotte stood there in a terry towel dressing gown, which had been left for her.

"Lester can we talk?"

"Sure shall we go into the lounge?"

"No stay there, I'll sit on the end of the bed if that's okay with you."

"Sure, as long as you're comfortable."

I am, okay, firstly again, I'm sorry for Lizzy and Perdy's little set up today, it was cruel and unnecessary. Secondly, I have no idea why this is happening, but I think I like the new Lester. Thirdly... Oh God. I have no rational reason to do this, but thirdly Lester can I sleep with you tonight."

"My God, yes please that would be awesome, here."

Lester drew the duvet aside and watched as Charlotte shed the robe she wore. Lester looked at her in the feint light and his eyes widened.

"My God you haven't changed a bit, you're still incredibly beautiful. What an arse I was to let you go. Charlotte, I still love you very much, please lay down with me tonight."

Charlotte hesitantly got into bed with Lester, they tentatively moved together, Then Lester kissed her lips.

"Lester, I just want to feel wanted, just hold me OK?"

"Sure, that'll be fine, let's sleep on things, we have a lot to think about."

"Lester?"

"Yes darling,"

"I love you too."

"Good."

Lester lay back on the pillow, feeling Charlotte against him. He smiled and held her hand, his arm over her hip, resting against her flat stomach. Soon they both drifted off.

Later the sun rose as they lay tangled against each other. Neither heard the door open or the two robed figures enter. Lizzy tiptoed to the bedside and sat carefully on the end, Perdy strolled to a chair and sat.

"Ahem?"

Lester finally heard the latest loud stage cough and opened an eye, seeing Lizzy he carefully disengaged his hand and bringing it out of the cover held a finger to his lips, raising his head to nod at Charlotte.

"Daddy, what is Mother doing?" Lizzy hissed.

"I'm trying to sleep, what's wrong Lizzy?"

Lester lay his head down and brushed his hair back, spotting Perdy, he waved slowly, seeing her wink in response.

"What are you doing sleeping with him?"

"Lizzy, I had a real 'Fun' night, but I am tired, can we please do this in the morning honey?"

"Mother it's nine fifteen, and you're in bed with Daddy."

"I know, isn't it funny."

"Mother!"

"Can we get coffee Lester."

"I would go and get you some Charlotte, but I might embarrass the girls."

"I'm on it," Perdy said, rising and striding out the door.

Lizzy flounced on the end of the bed. Lester sat feeling just a little annoyed at Lizzy's childish behavior. His hairy chest and arms startled Lizzy, who stared in wonder. But her lips were tight and she gave Lester a laser like glare.

"Don't say anything Lester or you'll get both barrels." Lizzy murmured angrily.

Lester raised his hands palms flat towards Lizzy. Charlotte groaned and turned over. Lizzy gasped at the nakedness of her mother. Sitting up she turned to Lester and dragged his arm across her small but perfect breasts. Lester smiled and held her hand to keep his arm in place.

"Lizzy, don't spoil things please. We had a great night last night, I danced and drank champagne and for once I could let go and no worry about the consequences."

"Mum, I'm not worried about that. I'm worried that you're letting him, wriggle back into our lives again."

Glaring at Lester, she placed her arms on her hips.

"Ouch, I remember that look Lizzy, I'm not your friend at the moment am I."

"No!"

"Fair enough, but before you sink me, I have to say, you're mother is a grown up, who can make her own decisions. If however this is going to drive a wedge between the two of you, I'll back off until you're sure about me, OK."

"Not with me it's not, I want you back in my life Lester, Lizzy will have to accommodate that."

"And if I don't?"

"Wait, wait, hold up, I came back to try to make amends, not to drive a cart and horses between the pair of you."

Lester stopped as Perdy came in with the coffee's.

"Am I interrupting a family thing?"

"No, you're not Perdy, you need to be here too. Look, I really want to be a part of your lives, but I'm not going to split you two up, you've had enough pain and s**t from me. Perdy, does it bother you that I'm in bed with Charlotte, do you think I have a plan to divide and rule. Come on I trust your judgement on this."

Lester and Charlotte looked at her, Lizzy came and held her hand.

"Oww, nice Lester giving me the poisoned chalice. OK, if I were you that's exactly what I'd do, woo Charlotte and split her and Lizzy apart. But, and it's a very big but, you had an excellent opportunity to screw me and Lizzy over and you didn't. So either you're in it for the long game or you genuinely want to make amends."

"And.."

"And what?"

"And which do you think I am, a snake in the grace or a genuine guy?"

"Well Lester the juries still out I'm afraid. But, it's not my decision, it's Charlotte and Lizzy's."

"Right well I won't let them make that decision, I'm backing out, I'll go away for a while, you can then see how you feel, if you do want me back then I'll come home here. Otherwise I'll start anew abroad."

"Lester, no I need you, last night was magical. I know I should leave something in reserve, but I can't I love you Lester, I still really love you."

"Daddy, I can't forgive you for this. You're destroying everything again. You can't go now, I love you too."

Lester moved quickly to scoop Lizzy into his arms as she shuddered and shook, her arms going round his neck and holding him desperately. Charlotte moved closer and wrapped an arm round each, leaning in so their heads were touching. Lester looked up at Perdy, tears streaming down his face. His eyes implored her to join them and she knelt on the bed and wrapped her arms round Lester and Lizzy, tears forming in her eyes.

Slowly they calmed down and eventually they straightened up. Lizzy wiping the tears from her face on the sleeve of her robe. She ran an arm round Perdy and their heads touched. Lester sat back and Charlotte leaned against him and placed one arm over his chest. Lizzy and Perdy glanced down and saw Lester was totally nude, they looked and grinned, Lester seeing it looked down blushed, but before he could move, Charlotte's other arm and hand came down from his shoulder and covered his lap.

"Perdy, I think we're even now," said Lester with a grin, "Although I got the better deal."

Perdy grinned and kissed Lizzy's cheek.

"I had to unwrap the present for him," she grinned, "but he didn't want to play."

"True, but if you were free and single and so was I, I would have played, you are a truly stunning creature but you belong with Lizzy. As it is, I have the most beautiful woman in the world covering my embarrassment and the most beautiful daughter and her stunning lover sitting on my bed. Tell me I'm wrong but life can't get any better than that can it?"

"Lester?

Lester stood on the sand, his wife Charlotte by his side both were n***d. After six years back together they were comfortable with each other, both had lost a little weight and both glowed with a healthy tan. At the waters edge two laughing toddlers played in the lazy surf, their oiled and bronzed bodies dipping in and out of the waves. Just behind them his daughter and her partner, Perdy moved behind the children. All four n***d bodies jumped and splashed in the warm tropical water. The children wore peaked hats with a square flap hanging over their necks as protection from the Sun high overhead. Perdy had her hair tied back in a loose ponytail, whilst Lizzy's hung down unconstrained over her shoulders.

Lester raised a glass of fresh orange juice to his lips, feeling the chilled liquid cool his mouth. Charlotte's hand held his buttock and she squeezed gently,

"They look great don't they?"

"They do, I'm so glad they were able to have them, they're a proper family now. I'm so glad you're here, all of you."

"Lester, why wouldn't we be here, we're your family too."

"I know, but to close the gallery for a month and just fly out with me, that's love."

"No Lester, that's a free holiday, only joking."