Calling All Dentists (Calling All... Book 2), page 12
The evening was noticeably relaxed and entertaining once Grant returned from his tour of duty, dropping the in-laws home. Grandad had decided to go straight to bed to ‘sleep it off’, when they arrived home, leaving Grandma to entertain herself all evening with the television remote control firmly tucked in her lap. She was content.
Secretly relieved, Grant could now indulge in a couple of drinks with his family and not worry that he had to drive anyone home.
The buffet offerings were hardly touched as everyone picked at the tins of chocolates, nuts and nibbles, scattered around the living room on the occasional tables and Misty was stretched out in front of the fire, contentedly gnawing on her new bone.
“Well, you got through it babe. You met Grandma… and survived to tell the tale,” laughed Joe.
Curled up next to him, Tiff smiled and rolled her eyes, “I think she’s quite sweet really,” she said, but nobody believed her and everyone knew that Tiff just hadn’t had a long enough experience of Grandma.
Grandma Dot (as most people called her) was a very opinionated, meddlesome woman. Most of the family didn’t particularly wish to get too involved with her (although they all cared about her), purely because of her uncanny way of upsetting or frustrating people over the slightest of things. She had most definitely worsened with age.
Oh dear, I so want you. Andy xx
The drinks cabinet had been opened and every conceivable alcoholic beverage, anyone could imagine, was on display. Grant had taken to making cocktails some years ago and even went on a short course to learn how to concoct the very best of them. When everyone had settled down with their favourite tipple, the games began. The old Trivial Pursuit board game had been updated and replaced for a new quiz game, played on the TV. Grant was always the winner in the trivia games, but this year he had a worthy contender in Tiffany. Her quiet disposition disguised a cunningly, clever and witty mind.
Ditto…RIGHT NOW! Em xxx and then Emma typed; I’m drunk on Dad’s cocktails but still want to desperately shag your brains out. Em xxx
As the raucous laughter and disorganized gaming continued, Emma sat back with her phone poised in one hand and a third cocktail in the other. Although she loved her family dearly and enjoyed being with them at Christmas time, this year felt so very different, this year she wanted to be with a man she’d only just met and she wanted to be alone with him too.
Can’t wait until next week. You are seriously going to get a piece of me. Andy xx
“Come on, wakey wakey, it’s your turn fone-freak!” called Emma’s dad. Startled, she looked up from her secret world of sexually explicit suggestions and tucked her precious phone back into her bra, just as it vibrated once again.
“Last go Dad, I’m shattered. I might have to go to bed soon,” said Emma, knocking back the Brain Haemorrhage cocktail. “Woo,” she spluttered, shaking her head as the potent liquid slid down her throat.
“Want another one of those, before you go Em?” Emma’s dad loved to create miniature works of art in a glass and her favourite drink had been turned into one of the most beautiful looking cocktails she’d seen. Made from Peach Schnapps, Bailey’s Irish Cream and Grenadine, the Brain Haemorrhage was far too drinkable and far too potent to have any more than…
“Go on then, just one more then I’m definitely going to bed,” she said, reaching back into her bra for another Andy-fix.
That sounded violent but don’t worry it will be anything but that. The words slowly, sensually, seductively, steamily and seriously are more appropriate. Andy xx
Bring it on. Miss you madly and this is crazy! Em xxx
As the frivolity abated and everyone sat mindlessly watching an ancient film, ‘Back to the Future II’, while sipping or knocking back cocktails, Emma got up from her chair, gathered her bundle of presents from under the coffee table and said goodnight. Four beautiful drinks had gone straight to her head and now she felt incredibly tired but deliriously happy at the same time. Past caring about her gappy teeth, Emma had to admit that she’d enjoyed her Christmas day (even seeing Grandma) but was now ready to get the rest of the festive season out of the way. She couldn’t wait to meet up with Andrew again for the New Year, make a resolution at midnight and then get her darned teeth sorted out at the dentists – Pronto! She finally had everything sorted out in her mind and some clear goals for the future – although they weren’t perfectly clear at the moment, due to the amount of alcohol she’d consumed. But they were clear enough. Her more than slightly, inebriated mind was made up for sure – she had to do something about her demons in order to comfortably and confidently enjoy a potentially, heavily sexed relationship with Andy. It was as simple as that.
Going to bed now, I’m a bit drunk. I wish you were here so that I could molest you, in the most passionate way possible of course. Em xxx
Goodnight Emma, it seems I’m falling for you already. Ridiculous, I know. I’m sure I’m not that drunk that I don’t know what I’m saying. Sorry if it’s a bit OTT. Sweet dreams, Andy xx
Chapter 10
The last text message on Christmas day had really thrown Emma and resulted in a restless, sleepless night once again. She hadn’t replied to him, not knowing quite what to say in response to his unexpected and rather rash revelation. Dragging herself out of bed, she slipped on her new, fluffy dressing gown and pulled on the matching slipper booties while wondering whether to take his message seriously. Was Andrew more drunk than he thought last night? Would he remember what he’d sent? Time would tell and in the mean time Emma was hungry and the aroma of sizzling bacon and sausages seeping under the door of her bedroom, made her tummy rumble loudly.
Surprisingly she did not have a hangover, as she would have expected after drinking four of her dad’s cocktails, on top of the wine she’d had at dinner time and most of the afternoon. But even if she had had a splitting headache, today would be a quiet day with her parents once Joe and Tiffany had left for her parents. Then it was back to work tomorrow, Emma recalled suddenly and a sinking feeling washed over her. Still, at least there were only two working days left before the weekend came round again and then she could count down to the moment she met up with Andrew on New Year’s Eve. A rush of excitement powered through her sending the ‘back to work blues’ away.
“Morning love, you having a fry-up?” asked Emma’s mum, turning the sausages over in the pan while Misty hovered around her legs, just in case a one came flying her way.
“Yeah, please Mum.”
“Your grandma’s been on the phone…”
“Oh, surprise surprise,” said Emma sarcastically as she flicked the kettle on.
“No listen Em, she’s getting the doctor out. Grandad is not well at all.” The look on her mum’s face said it all. She was really worried about Grandad.
“Oh dear,” said Emma, feeling slightly guilty by her quick judgement, “Maybe he’ll be alright once the doctor gives him something.”
“Hope so. Grilled tomatoes?”
“Yes please,” bellowed Joe, walking into the kitchen, already fully dressed, “Gonna miss me Sis? We’re going this morning.” Wrapping his strong arm around Emma’s shoulder, Joe winked at her.
“Yeah… like a hole in the head.” Emma grinned just as Tiffany’s head peeped around the archway.
Softly, she said “Good morning,” to everyone.
The tinkle and vibration of Emma’s phone teased and tormented her, deep within the oversized pocket of her new dressing gown. She put her hand inside the fluff filled pocket and held on to it, desperately wishing she could read the message.
“You gonna answer it then?” mocked Joe, “Is it your new boyfriend?”
“Might be. Sod off, it’s none of your business anyway,” she snapped as she pulled the mobile from her pocket and walked out of the room.
Morning sexy, happy Boxing Day. Andy xx
Good morning, how are you today? Em xxx
Missing you still. Andy xx
Only 6 days (including today) then I’ll see you again. How sad is that? I’m counting down the days. xxx
Not sad. Maybe you feel the same as I do? Andy xx
“Breakfast’s ready!” called Emma’s mum. Her dad flew down the stairs with his silky black dressing gown flowing behind him, looking like a Dick Turpin impersonator who’d lost his horse.
Really? Take it you meant wot u said last night then? Em xxx Emma’s heart seemed to flutter like a caged butterfly as she sat down at the table.
“Have you turned back into a ‘Texting Teenager Terror’? her dad asked, raising his eyebrows at Emma.
“Leave her alone, she’s got a new boyfriend. I imagine that’s him is it love?” asked her mum.
“Yes,” said Emma, coyly, feeling slightly embarrassed as Tiffany sat down next to her dressed in a grey polo-neck jumper dress, thick black tights and knee high black boots. Emma wished she had got dressed first rather than sit at the table in a pink, spotty, fluffed up dressing gown. Her dad was the only other person not dressed for breakfast and there was a possibility that Emma’s father wouldn’t bother getting dressed all day if he didn’t have to.
Itching to answer yet another vibrating message, Emma ate quickly.
“What’s his name then?” asked Emma’s dad, wrapping a piece of bacon in a slice of buttered bread.
“Andrew.”
“Andrew what?”
“I don’t know Dad. I only met him the other night,” replied Emma, tetchily.
The teenage beast within her wanted to say that she’d only got as far as exploring his genitals – purely for the shock factor and to shut her dad up – but luckily Emma managed to control herself and decided to keep quiet. She didn’t like being grilled by her dad at the best of times and certainly not in front of Tiffany. Her dad’s intentions were always for the good of his children but he did go over the top sometimes and they all felt like they were getting the Third Degree when Dad started.
“What does he do?”
“Dad, I don’t know much about him yet. We spent one evening together!”
“He sounds keen love, keeping on texting you all day long.”
“Yeah,” grinned Emma and raised her eyebrows at Tiffany who smiled back sweetly and quite innocently, Emma thought.
“I’ll get it, it’s probably Mother,” said Emma’s mum, getting up from the table and rushing to the phone. The distraction was a perfect time for Emma to slide the phone from her pocket and take a quick glance at the message, while keeping it hidden under the table.
Happy Christmas. Didn’t get a chance to text you yesterday as I was trying to work out how to use this new phone. Hee Hee – present from my mum and dad! Did you have a nice day? Have you got Pete’s mobile number? I’d like to wish him a happy Christmas too. Love from your best friend Ruby xxxxxxxxx.
Straightening herself in the chair, Emma looked up and felt more justified in the use of her mobile.
“Oh it’s Ruby, she wants Pete’s number.”
“I can’t believe those two are together,” said Joe.
“Well it has only just started Joe, so early days yet but I do hope it works out for both of their sakes.” Emma grinned again.
“Are you having a laugh? Ruby and Pete?” Joe shook his head, knowing both of them very well.
“Grandad’s going in,” spluttered Alex as she returned looking flustered and very upset.
“Hospital?” Grant’s mouth fell open, “Today?”
“Yes, the ambulance is on its way.” Pacing up and down, Alex began to gather the empty plates and cutlery in a robotic fashion, “We should go to the hospital Grant,” she almost pleaded.
“Calm down babe, we can go now. Leave that mess, we’ll get straight down there if you want to.” Grant’s harmonious voice did nothing to calm Alex as she continued to race around, back and forth to the kitchen, cluttering plates and pots around franticly. Misty pricked up her ears and sat patiently waiting, in case there was a chance that she was going out somewhere.
“Mum, text me later and let me know how Grandad is,” said Joe, hugging her tightly. Nodding her head, his mum moved across to Tiffany and gave her a quick hug.
“It’s been lovely to meet you properly Tiffany. Sorry things have turned out like this and we need to rush off.”
“It’s not a problem at all. I do hope your dad will be ok and thank you for having me Alex.”
Grant and Alex swiftly left, leaving Joe and Tiffany to load their car up with their overnight bags and mounds of useless ‘Grandma presents’.
Emma stood at the front door in a semi daze (still wearing her dressing gown), with an over-fed, sleepy Misty and watched her brother and Tiff prepare to leave.
“See you then Sis – come and stay once we get our new place sorted out. Well, that’s if you want to.” Joe rubbed the top of her head, messing up the mess that was already there.
“Yeah I will do thanks.”
“Goodbye Emma, it’s been lovely to meet you. Bring your new boyfriend too if you’d like.” Tiffany smiled and pecked her on the cheek. Another rush of excitement surged as the word ‘boyfriend’, swam dizzily around in Emma’s head.
Waving them off, Emma closed the door and suddenly realised she was on her own (if you didn’t include Misty) and on Boxing Day too. An overwhelming feeling of missing Andrew bubbled up as she padded through to the kitchen and put the kettle on. Then she reached for her phone and sent a text message to Ruby, inserting Pete’s phone number, thanking her for the lovely present (a gold bangle with a tiny, Chinese inscription that, according to Ruby’s note inside the box, represented friendship) and wishing her lots of happiness.
Yes I did mean it (although I’d had a few) I know it sounds completely nuts! I just can’t get you out of my head and it’s doing me in! (sad face cos I can’t see you) Andy xx
Four hours had gone by and still Emma’s parents had not returned and not texted her either. Emma had spent the time getting dressed, texting Ruby a few times, clearing up, feeding Misty some more scraps and waiting patiently for the next text message from Andrew and of course, her mum.
Not having such a great day… sat here on my own. My Grandad has gone into hospital (sad face cos I need a cuddle) xxx.
When everyone has gone I’ll give you a call if you’d like? Hopefully I might be able to cheer you up? Love Andy xx
‘Love!’ he hadn’t written that before, Emma noted as the bubbly feelings resurfaced.
When the car pulled into the drive, Emma peered out of the window and watched her parents get out and approach the door. Getting up, she headed straight for the kitchen and turned the kettle on knowing full well that her dad, in particular, would need a cup of tea.
“Grandad is not good at all,” said Emma’s mum as she entered the kitchen. Her pale complexion and heavy eyes spoke louder than words, “We’ve left your grandma there Em. Would you go and visit after tea and bring her back here. She can stay the night.” Emma’s mum leaned against the worktop and rubbed her forehead. “She’s in a right state and he’s really not very well.”
“What’s wrong with him?” Emma poured the boiling water in to three mugs and made the tea.
“The doctors say he’s got pneumonia.”
“That’s happened quickly!”
“Your grandad has always suffered silently Em. I expect he’s been unwell for a while.”
“Ok Mum, I’ll go after tea. Let me sort something out for us to eat. Go and sit down.”
They both carried the teas through to the living room and Emma passed one to her dad who had flicked the television over to the sports channel and looked just about ready to have a late afternoon snooze.
Going to the hospital this evening. Grandad very poorly We will have to talk later? Xxx
No problem. Hope he gets well soon Virtual cuddles to you. Love Andy xx
The festive goodies, sweets, nuts and nibbles had played havoc with Emma’s teeth. Gazing in the mirror, she performed her daily ritual of smiling in varying degrees and then the exaggerated and rather ridiculous speech, heelloooo…my…name…is…E…e…e…maa… ooh…aah…ee.
One tooth in particular was even looser than normal and she suspected the previous night’s alcohol had yet again, played a part in shrinking her gums back further. Her thoughts played ping-pong in her mind, backwards and forwards, should she be brave and go to the dentist or not? She was still undecided even though she had made a conscious effort on Christmas day to convince herself to go and see a dentist in the New Year. Feeling the usual anger rising and directed purely at her failings, Emma tied up her hair in a loose bun and went downstairs.
“I’m going to the hospital now Mum,” she called, “I’ll be back with Grandma about eight thirty.”
His wrinkled, grey eyes had sunk deep into his face and Grandad looked nothing like he had the day before. Somehow he had aged another ten years overnight. Leaning over the bed Emma kissed his forehead and held his cold hand. His ashen face appeared smaller than normal and his chilled skin felt frail.
“Grandad, are you going to be alright?” Emma knew her question was futile as a sense of dread overwhelmed her. It was more than apparent that he was not well at all. Opening his heavy eyelids, he looked up and gently smiled at her.
“Of course I will be,” he whispered in a wispy voice before closing his eyes again.
“He’s eaten nothing today,” said Grandma, peering up from the chair on the opposite side of the bed, “I told him he needs to eat something.”
“He’s probably getting everything he needs from that drip Grandma.” Emma tried to comfort her with words, “They’ll get him sorted out in here Grandma, try not to worry. He’ll soon be home again. Grandad’s made of tough stuff you know.”
