Thank you all for the great feedback on my first story. I was thrilled by how well it was received. I have a number of stories in various stages of development and have started planning out a Part 2 for Davey and Elena.
This story also has a long lead-up, so if you are looking for a quick read you may want to come back to this when you have more time.
Any and all errors and shortcomings are mine alone, and I offer my apologies in advance.
I hope you enjoy it, and please remember to rate and comment.
DG
Callum Dovedale had his name and photo in the papers.
After gaining his teaching degree over ten years ago he had developed and grown his own literacy and numeracy tutoring business. Due to the demand in the community, he employed three other tutors, and carried a full share of students of all ages.
At the Industry Conference & Awards Dinner held the Saturday just gone, the Chairperson presented Callum and his school with an award in recognition of their services to the industry. The award was now proudly displayed on the mantelpiece in the reception area, along with the framed certificate.
The story in the paper was a good advert for his business and they fielded increased number of calls from prospective clients.
He also received an unexpected visitor the following Friday evening.
Callum was sitting outside in his hot tub, relaxing with a glass of wine, quiet music, and a book he had been intending to read for years, when the doorbell rang. Cursing quietly, he set down the glass and the book, climbed out and wrapped a towel around himself. He had made it through the back door and into the kitchen when the bell rang again, and the person knocked loudly on the door.
"Hang on," he called, walking the rest of the way to the front door, and opening it.
The woman standing on the Welcome mat was quite stunning, about the same height as Callum, 5'7"-ish, and similar age, 36-ish. She wore an LBD which she filled out nicely, with very sparkly earrings and necklace, bare legs, and black sandals with more sparkles on the straps.
"You have really embraced Casual Friday, I see," the vaguely familiar woman said with a smile. "Mr Dovedale, Callum, I am Marian Brown, mother of Holly whom you tutored a few years back. May I come in?"
"Ah, yes, of course." Ushering her into the living room he said, "Take a seat. Excuse me a minute, I wasn't expecting company, I'll just make myself decent."
Looking him over, she said, "You look quite decent from where I'm sitting. Don't go to any trouble on my behalf, but whatever makes you comfortable."
Callum went to his room, pulled a pair of shorts over his trunks, and put on a polo shirt.
"That's better," he said, walking back in. "Mrs Brown, what can I do for you."
"Please call me Marian, Callum, Mrs Brown makes me sound old like my mother." She paused as if expecting a compliment, but realising none was coming, she continued, "you are wondering why I am here. I saw the item in the paper about you receiving the award and I just had to stop by to let you know what a difference you made to Holly. Other tutors had tried to help her without any success at all, but within a couple of sessions you seemed to hone in on what was wrong with her, why she couldn't read. She is now studying for her high school diploma and is working in a job that pays better than she was getting washing dishes and sweeping floors."
"Holly had an inquisitive mind which was hindered by having Irlen's and other Syndromes; it's nice to hear how she is doing now. You look like you are heading out, but can I offer you a drink: tea, coffee, or I have a bottle of red wine open."
"Wine would be nice, thank you. I am meeting a friend for drinks, but I'm comfortable being fashionably late."
Callum poured them both a glass of wine, set the bottle on the coffee table, and sat on the other end of the couch from Marian. Tinking glasses and taking a sip, Marian nodded her head, saying, "That is a nice drop. So, Callum, other than walking around your house half dressed, what else do you do in your spare time?"
"Work keeps me busy, weeknights I am usually preparing for lessons, writing up session notes, that sort of thing."
"That is only Monday to Thursday, it seems. What does an award-winning tutor do from Friday night to Monday morning?"
"Friday nights are for me, my time, as you discovered. I'm usually either lazing in the pool or soaking in my hot tub. Saturday is a mixture of the usual household chores and more work stuff, then time with friends. Sunday depends on the weather, a bike ride, going for a run, swimming, or chilling with a book or a movie."
"Hmm, that explains why you look so good, all that exercise has really kept you looking fine. I remember meeting you a couple of times when you were tutoring Holly, and you look better now than you did then, and that was a number of years ago."
"I remember you, too, Marian, and I could say the same, you don't look any older, but you seem more confident, more poised. You have improved like a good wine."
"Why thank you, Callum, and talking of good wine, I do believe my glass is about empty. Are you up to opening another bottle, I don't have to rush away."
"I can do that. Back in a tick."
Callum returned with another bottle of wine and some nibbles. He noticed Marian had removed her shoes and jacket, and was reclining gracefully, now artfully draped over the couch showing plenty of long well-shaped leg. Replenishing her glass and inviting her to help herself to the food, he sat back down on the other end of the couch.
"This is nice." Marian cooed. "I enjoy a glass of wine or two, and you have good taste, I'm enjoying it very much."
"It's one of my favorites. How about you, Marian, do you have a favorite, maybe one you and Mr Brown enjoyed together?"
