My Rugby Stud (complete)

2 - New beginnings

After I left Martin at the side of the road, I called Sophie to see if I could crash at her place for the night and thankfully she was all for it.  I leave my stuff in the car, just pull out a change of clothes and my toiletries with my laptop bag, walk up her driveway as she stands at the front door waiting for me.  She pulls me in for a hug without even asking what’s happened, she can clearly see I have been crying, my eyes are red and swollen. Luckily, I wear waterproof mascara, that s**t really is waterproof, definately worth the fortune I spend on it.

We head straight to her kitchen so she can make me a cup of tea, my phone sitting on the counter, Martin has been blowing up my phone since I left him.  I think about turning it off but then I need to get this of my chest, so I call his mum to tell her, not realising how late it actually is. I must have sat here for a few hours without saying anything.

“Alice, everything alright sweetie. It’s a bit late for your call" Dianna says concern in her voice.

“Sorry for disturbing you Dianna. It’s just I need to let you that I’ve left Martin. I caught him in our bed with another woman earlier tonight. I just thought I would let you know, once I’m settled in a new place I’ll be in touch” I tell her without breaking down. I don’t think I can cry anymore. I do not want to cry anymore not for him, he is not worth my tears.

“Alice, what do you mean? Another woman? Who?”  she asks all in one breath. So I tell her from the beginning, obviously leaving out the fact I stood for about 10 minutes watching him lick her p***y, which he always told me was not something he would like to do so we never done it, and then pounding into her with a grin on his face. I’m not that cruel, I don’t think she needs to hear those details of her precious Martin.  It takes a while for her to calm down in the end up just cut the call as Dianna sobs down the phone.

As I tell Sophie the full story, leaving nothing out. She is totally disgusted at him. She admits she had her suspicions and I know that, we had talked about it at work on more than one occasion.  We move to the lounge to talk more just as Matt, Sophie’s boyfriend, comes in from the gym.  He sees the state I’m in and instantly knows it’s not good, Matt is my only other friend that has nothing to do with Martin. He pulls me into a hug as Sophie tells him what I discovered earlier. Matt is fuming, he’s ready to go beat his ass but Sophie manages to get him to calm down. Now that is how a relationship is supposed to be. They’ve dated about the same amount of time as me and Martin and they are brilliant together. They communicate if something is bothering one of them and very rarely argue. Matt has always been so supportive in everything Sophie does.

Martin is still blowing up my phone, missed call, voicemails, and texts. He even called Sophie, being all sweet saying we argued, and I left, and that he was worried about me. Sophie lying to him saying she hadn’t heard from me. I scoffed as she hung up his call.

“I can’t get his face out of my head, the look in his eye when he eventually saw me standing there. Oh god, it’s sick. In my bed as well” I shake my head again no tears showing. I’m totally cried out.

As the days go by, I’m still numb about the whole situation. I’ve gone to work and worked late, even on Sunday when the shop was closed, just for something to do trying to keep my mind of the last four years. Memories keep coming to my mind, but no tears have fallen. Martin still calling me all day and night. I had listened to some of his voicemails, him begging me to go back so we can talk that he’s sorry and she meant nothing to him, blah blah blah. You know the usual excuses. I gave up on the fourth voicemail and then just deleted them all without listening. His text messages much the same, deleted them too. Decided after a week of constant calls to block his number.  Maybe he will get the hint.

Sophie and Matt have been excellent though, they allowed me to stay until I found a place of my own. I’m kind of thankful when I moved into Martin’s places, nearly three years ago, that my name wasn’t on any of the mortgage papers, I just gave him half the money for all the bills. That reminds me I need to stop the payment to his account, quickly onto online banking I cancel the direct debit. It shouldn’t take me long to get a deposit together for a flat, with all the overtime and the designs I’ve sold it will help and all soon add up.

Walking into Sophie’s place myself for the first time on my own was a bit weird, she was going out with Matt for dinner, he picked her up from work so I’m on my own. These are the times I shed a tear or two, but I don’t sob like most people are expecting me too.  Remembering the times Martin took me for last minute dinners, when he was actually sweet, I don’t know exactly when it started to go wrong.  The news of our split soon got around all our mutual friends a few have reached out to me and have offered spare rooms if I needed it. Which is sweet of them to do.  I’m more disappointed that Tom hasn’t called or messaged. Me and Tom grew up together, his parents used to live next door to my parents, we went all the way through school together, both primary and high school. I was even the one who got him the job at the bank when he was struggling with his career a couple years ago. Just goes to show what type of friend he actually is. I bet he knew and just doesn’t have the balls to approach me.

With nothing else to do, I get my laptop out and get looking for a flat or apartment for myself. I need to move on, be a big girl and move past it.  I’ve done all my calculations several times to see what my budget would be so, I know what I’m looking for. I want to be closer to the shop which is luckily on the other side of town from where I used to stay with Martin, it is a bit pricier this side but I can afford it, especially since I can sell my shares that I have had for a few years, only as a last resort, I was keeping them for something special, and what more special than your first home.

I have thought about buying a place but that would mean having a meeting with the bank and that bank is something I want to avoid at the moment. After searching online for the area, I wanted there is nothing the right size, all the places are massive 4 bedrooms houses or tiny top floor flats.  I did come across a really nice three bedroom house just along the street from the shop but it’s for sale not rent.  Maybe buying is the best option, would give me something that’s mine a little security for my future.

Doing some research online and a few more calculations a mortgage would be manageable even without selling my shares, doing a few searches for houses in the area I wanted I come across 3 houses all within my financial budget. I make a note to call the agent to get a viewing. Just as I’m tidying up Sophie and Matt, come back from their date.

“Did you eat Alice?” Matt asks as he heads to the kitchen to make coffee. He is always worrying about me.

“Yeah. I had some pasta when I came in" I tell him just as Sophie looks over at my note pad.

“What’s all the numbers and addresses?” she asks as she slumps beside me.

“Was looking for flats to rent but nothing suitable,  then came across a few nice ones for sale, so going to see about buying instead of renting.” I tell her.  My only concern is going to the bank for a mortgage.

“You know there is no rush to find a place. Buy we’ll come with you to view them. Matt babe, you can help yeah" she asks as he hands us coffee.

“Sure, I’ll check them out with you.”  He says. Matt has his own business as a builder and property maintenance, pretty much the best handy man I’ve ever known. He knows his stuff and will always help out with repairs, Martin was never any good at doing DIY, Matt would always come and have to repair a bigger mess after Martin had attempted it.

A few days later myself, Sophie and Matt head out to go and view 2 of the houses I had seen, the third one was already sold. Both of them well within my price range, I had called the bank and they told me the highest mortgage I could get, and I started the paperwork over the phone, the person I spoke to said I would only have to go to the branch to sign the paperwork in the final stages into the purchase. I don’t want to go that high and luckily both the houses I’ve seen are well below that, I want to live comfortably not stretch myself to the limit.

When we arrived the estate agent, Darren showed us around the first house, three bedroom standard family home. One of the bedrooms a lot smaller than the others but still able to get a single bed in or a home office. The master bedroom has a massive closet and en-suite, looks pretty new as well.  It won’t need much to decorate the place as the walls are all neutral colours the kitchen has been newly fitted and appliances are included as they are all fitted in. It has a small utility room with washer and drier that leads to the garage, Pretty perfect.

We leave Matt to walk around himself,  checking the walls and electrics to see if any major work would need doing. It’s a reasonable new build and the price is quite low for it, so Matt is convinced there is something wrong with it. When we spoke more to  Darren he explains that the couple are divorcing so they wanted a quick sale, it’s only been on the market a few days so he knows it will sell quick, and luckily I am the first to view it.

After another quick look around, we leave to head to the next house, it’s just along the road but a slightly older house. Same sort of idea as the first one but the kitchen would need done as the cabinets are not in great condition and the walls are all bright and bold colours so I would need to decorate before I moved any stuff in. Again, Matt goes off on his own and returns not 5 minutes later shaking his head and we leave soon after.

By the looks of Matt’s face that one is out of the question, as we drive back to their place Matt explains what he found  “the second house is riddled with dry rot from the utility room through to the kitchen, the wiring on the electrics in the kitchen looked dodgy would probably need re wired to be on the safe side and damp in one of the bedrooms.  That first house couldn’t see anything wrong with it. Just weird it’s such a low price. I would go for that one" the expert has spoken.

The next morning, I call the agent to speak about putting an offer in on the first house.  After a few calls back and forth between them and an appointed solicitor my offer was accepted. Which was quick, but as Darren had said they wanted a real quick sale, a messy divorce. Just need to finalise my mortgage and I’ll have a new house. New beginnings. I’m so looking forward to it.

After a few more weeks of back and forth with paperwork , I eventually have to face the music and head to the bank to sign more paperwork. Sophie has been amazing and supportive and has agreed to come with me to the branch. I just don’t want to risk bumping into Martin or Sammy, but luck is not on my side, it never is when Martin is concerned. Sammy is working the front desk and by the looks of things she either doesn’t recognise me or is so professional she doesn’t act on it. As we sit in the waiting area, I see Martin in the corner of my eye, he goes over and speaks to Sammy, whatever he said to her makes her giggle but when looks up at me he seems shocked and his face turns red, embarrassment maybe.

“Alice, if you can follow me please" he says as he shows us the way. After going through a few security coded doors, we soon arrive in his office, which used to be my dad’s office.  I see Tom through his office window as we walk past, looking just as shocked as Martin did. Yeah he can go to hell, some friend he is.

“How have you been?” he asks after we’ve been seated. I look up to Sophie, as she nods her head and speaks for me, she can read my mind that girl.

“Do you have the paperwork to sign?" Sophie speaks up, holding my hand for support, I can’t even look at him.

“Sorry. Yeah its here.” He hands the paperwork over showing me where to sign. “so new place. That’s good.” He says as he finishes the paperwork.

“I didn’t really have a choice did I" I whisper, staring right at him. He squirms and signs loudly. I’ve got this, come on Alice.

“I’m really sorry Alice. I didn’t mean for it to go the way it did" he says as he stands up from his desk, handing me my documents. I snatch them from him and glare at him.

“You mean you didn’t want me to catch you f*****g that slut in our bed" I yell, as I leave his room Sophie ahead of me, I slam his door shut earning a few glares from the staff floating around. I pretty much march right out the bank, my head held high, I’m not the one in the wrong, glaring at the slut as I walk past, she still has no idea who I am.

“Thank you for visiting" she says in her squeaky annoying voice.

“To be honest with you Sammy, it wasn’t a pleasant visit. Seeing your slutty face and that piece of s**t has put me in such a bad mood. I hope you know what you’re letting yourself in for. Oh, and nice ring by the way, I wore it for over 2 years.” I say pointing at my engagement ring on her hand. She gasps shocked at the revelation. Martin appearing behind his, face bright red, the prick. “have fun explaining that Martin” Sophie says as she pulls me out of the bank.

Only once I am out of sight of the bank and in the car I break down, sobbing my heart out. Luckily, Sophie brought her car, so she is driving us home. I don’t think I would be able to drive straight in the is state. I don’t want to go back just yet. “Sophie drop me here, I need a drink" I tell her, she pulls into the side of the road. “I’ll be back later. I need time to myself" she puts up a fight but agrees to let me go on my own. She is so sweet and caring and the only person I have at this time.

Heading into the nearest bar I make a beeline for the bathrooms to fix my face. Looking in the mirror I do not recognise myself, I quickly splash water on my eyes, dry them and apply some makeup I have in my bag. I don’t wear a lot of makeup, but I add a bit extra to hide my tear stained face. Once I’m satisfied and I look more human, I head out to the bar. I order a Southern Comfort and Coke and sit up on the bar stool. I check my phone to see a message from Sophie telling me to be careful and to let her know if I need picked up. See that’s a friend right there.  I have a few missed calls from an unknown number, but I just ignore them.

Sitting enjoying my own company, celebrating by myself for the purchase of my new house, when my peace is shattered with my phone ringing, my dad. Great just what I need. I reluctantly pick it up, saying hello and then he goes on his rant. I called them a few days after I moved out of Martin’s, to say they were not happy, that is an understatement, they want me to forgive him, to work on it and stay with him. Seriously I don’t think they are right in the head. I told them it would never happen. They are currently on a six month vacation in Florida visiting my brother and his wife who live there. After several minutes of dad’s rant, I tell him he is engaged to the girl he had the affair with, and he hangs up on me. He hangs up on me, really what a supportive father I have.

See, my dad loved Martin, only because Martin took over as manager from my dad when he retired, Martin being promoted at such a young age was a huge achievement. I think he is more upset about the whole breakup than me. Ordering yet another drink I nip to the toilets to relieve my bladder, when I come back to my seat, where I left my drink there is a few big burly guys standing at the seat I was sitting in. I excuse myself, reaching for my drink and move along to an empty section sitting at the bar again. The place is filling up quickly with all different types of people. Busy for being this early on a Friday I thought to myself, but then I rarely ever went out on Fridays. So, what would I know?

As my phone rings again, I send it to voicemail not in the mood to talk to my dad again tonight, I’ll call him in the morning. The bartender sets another drink in front of me

“I didn’t order that" I say to him as I point to the drink in front of me.

“The guy across there did" he points to the other end if the bar where I was sitting earlier. A tall blonde haired guy in a suit is standing. Oh my! He is hot, like really hot. I nod in thanks as he sends me a wink. I just hope he is not a banker. That’s all I need.

I sip my new drink oblivious to the blonde haired guy walking my way. My phone rings again with a quick glance at the screen and I send dads third call to voicemail.

“Avoiding someone?” the blonde guy says as he leans on the bar rather close for my liking, but he smells good, so good.

“You could say that, thanks by the way" I say holding my glass up and taking a sip.

“you look rather sad to be sitting all by yourself. You meeting your boyfriend, or has he stood you up?” He asks as he orders himself another drink.

“I’ve had a bit if a weird day, and no boyfriend in my life, well not anymore. Celebrating and drowning my sorrows at the same time"

“Ok. Well celebrating I can help with, definitely. What we celebrating?” He asks

“I just bought my first house" I tell him as he raises his glass and clinks it against mine.

After introductions, I find out his name is Stuart he’s 27 and owns his own gym and in the process of opening his second one, which is around the corner from the shop I work in and the only reason he is wearing a suit is because he was at a meeting at the bank. I don’t mention Martin at all as Stuart tells me,

“When I arrived in the bank 5 minutes before my appointment the chick at the front counter was in tears yelling at the manager saying he was a prick and he needs to buy a new ring" I chuckle at that.

“Serves him right. He is a prick" I say as I finish yet another drink and quickly order another one.

“Do you know him?” Stuart asks.  I nod and tell him my story. The full story, from meeting him to our engagement to finding him banging Sammy in our bed to today’s meeting.

“f**k. That’s harsh. What a d**k. He definitely lost out though. You are way better looking, if you were to place that Sammy chick on a scale she's like a 3 maybe a 4 depending on how drunk you are, and you are at least a 9.” he says with a straight face.  I must say he is charming and very good looking. At least 6 foot 4 maybe taller, now he has his suit jacket off and shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows, muscles in all the right places are clearly visible and a few tattoos on his forearms, tribal ones. I just need to see his ass and then I’m good. I do like a man with a nice ass. You know the type that fills any pair of boxers or trousers to perfection. And dimples, god he has dimples, that’s my downfall.  I’m a goner.

We’ve chatted for hours and I haven’t laughed this much in months. As it’s getting late I decide I should head back. I texted Sophie earlier telling her I was fine, and I’ll get a cab home. I finish my drink and head to the bathroom to relieve my bladder, nothing worse than riding in a cab home and bursting on a pee. When I get back to the bar I go to settle my tab for my drinks but find out Stuart has already paid for them all. I don’t see him at the bar where he was earlier, looking about I find him on my way out, looks like he’s leaving as well.

“Stuart, you didn’t need to pay for my drinks” I say to him before he heads out the door.

“There you are, I thought you bailed on me" he says as he ushers me out the door.  I explained to him l just nipped to the loo.  He hands me his phone asks me to put in my number, I’m reluctant to give it to him but he was nice to me so there’s no harm. He will probably just be doing it to be polite. I don’t see me being his type somehow, he looks like the type of guy who would go for models, you know, the tall thin blonde haired chicks with fake boobs.  After much persuasion on his part I give in and put in my number.

“I’ll call you tomorrow, maybe we could meet up for lunch if you aren’t too rough.” He tells me as he waves a cab down for me, as I get in the cab, he leans in and kisses my cheek saying goodnight, once the door is closed I give the driver the address.

As I look back I see him in the street watching the cab drive off, he pulls out what I think is his phone as he climbs into a cab. As soon as his cab pulls away I get a notification on my phone.  I pull my phone out knowing it will be my dad or brother who have been blowing up my phone all night but shocked to see it’s a message from an unknown number 

It was nice meeting you Alice. Save my number. Will call you tomorrow for our lunch date, Stuart x