Opportunity Knocks.
I had been married to Richard for nearly fifteen years. We were no longer getting along, not been for five months. We argued our arguments got worse
The reason for this change in our relationship was Richards mother passing away. I should say the implications of his mother passing away.
Matilda had died suddenly at just shy of sixty-five. Richards father had not been around for thirty-five years, leaving Matilda to bring him up from the age of five. They had lived in a substantial house set on ten acres of land in Suffolk near Orford. They had lived with Matilda's parents, as his grandparents spoiled him.
We got wedded and set up home together in East London as we both worked there.
Richards mother continued to live with her parents and looked after them both till they passed away. Matilda was the sole beneficiary of their wealth. Including their house.
Richard decided we were going to move to Orford, into his mother's home with her passing. I didn't want to, so we argued. He insisted that we should.
We both worked in publishing, meeting through our work, our earnings allowed us to trade up apartments to a three-bed from a single-bed. As we were doing ok we bought an off-plan apartment in Ipswich as an investment. Both apartments were modern and needed no work on them. The house in Orford needed gutting, in my opinion.
We were good together, life comfortable, sex was good, I was happy living in London, with lots going on, even Ipswich was lively, unlike dead Orford. I referred to it as Gods waiting room. Considering Richards mother and two grandparents had died in Orford. I was insensitive. We had a blazing row.
Our Tennent in the apartment in Ipswich had vacated the property. We had decided to redecorate it and put it on the market. I hadn't been to the apartment since just before the first time we let it. I had some leave to use up from work, so after another shouting match and thought, I threw some clothes, tools and odd things in my car, I left for Ipswich, telling Richard I had had enough, that I was going do up, then live in the apartment. We had another row.
The reality was far from simple our apartment located on the Waterfront in a good position was in a state. We had let the place partly furnished, partly furnished being a fridge freezer and a bed, which I didn't fancy sleeping in or on.
I ordered a mattress and bedding online to fit the king-size frame we already had in the master bedroom. A couple of days after. I was making the bed and looking forward to sleep in it and not on the floor in a sleeping bag.
I had cleaned the bathroom, shower room and kitchen by now.
I listed paint and other materials that were needed, armed with a scribbled note. I took a trip to the local suppliers, which was within walking distance.
The guy who was serving me was pleasant and attentive. He was, I guessed, ten years my junior, thirty-ish. I noticed his deodorant, his muscular physique and his grooming being clean-shaven and clean. Whether it was having a non-confrontational conversation or the need to communicate with someone, I don't know. We got into a bit of banter. We were flirty with each other.
He put all my purchases on a trolly and asked where I had parked. I smiled with embarrassment. "I walked here, err....., I need to go back and get my car."
"Where do you live? I don't mind dropping it off to you, a half an hour, the depot will be closed for the day,"
I gave him the address, explained to call the apartment on the door entry system.
Feeling emboldened, I smiled and said, "my name is Claire. What's yours, my saviour?"
"Rod, if you want to wait, I can give you a lift back home, Claire."
I nodded my agreement as he loaded the delivery van. He then rushed around the paint depot, tidying up and locking the front of the shop. We exited through the rear door after he set the building alarm.
In the van, for the two-minute journey to the apartment entrance. I notice the van was tidy, had a fragrant air freshener. I also viewed Rod. He looked as good as my earlier assessment mmm..., hunky. We unloaded the delivery on a flat trolly and took it up to the eighth floor to the apartment in the elevator.