This is a story of a relationship, with all its many layers, sex, love, trust, getting to know each other and getting the support from each other when you really need it.
No relationship happens without its ups and downs, and Misha and Froo's is just the same.
I hope you enjoy this slow and steady unfolding of their love. Please send me feedback as with real life, the end is not yet written, and I have incorporated some people's suggestions and feedback as I write.
*
"Froo, you don't need to have any of the potatoes, you still need to lose those few extra pounds."
Misha sat at the table, surrounded by Froo's family, her sister Lorraine on one side of him, her mother to his left. He sat there, burning up with anger at the cavalier way her mother had just spoken to Froo in front of everyone, but was far too polite to say anything.
Watching as Froo stopped taking any potatoes from the serving dish, Misha smiled across at her, catching her eye and winking. A look passed between them, and he knew that she understood what he was trying to say with that look. That he thought her body perfect, that yesterday in front of the mirror he had told her he loved her body, and not to be ashamed of herself. That the choice was hers.
"Actually mum, I think I will have some." and taking a couple and putting them on her plate along with the slices of roast lamb, she gave a sweet smile across to Misha that said, see I'm not ashamed, I will have if I want. The lesson learnt.
Froo's dad continued with his questions to Misha, "So you say your mother lives over here, and that you've been living in the UK for about four years. When are you thinking of going back to the States? Francesca says you have a big family over there."
"I'm pretty well settled here in London now. My business is building nicely, my friends are here, and I don't see moving back in the near future." Looking down the table to her father, eating at the opposite end next to Bryan he continued, "Of course I never rule anything out of my life, but as I see it, the UK is where I am and I intend to be here for as long as I want."
Grunting her father then asked, "Don't you miss your family?"
"Yes Mr Anstell, but I can always go back for visits; in fact I was over with them at Christmas."
Butting in, her mother said pointedly at Froo, "It's a long way away, Los Angeles; I would think your family miss you not being there? I know I would miss Lorraine and Francesca if they lived very far from me."
Misha heard the implied threat in her statement, and bit his tongue. They were setting down limits for Froo. He now could see where she had learnt to have a lack of confidence in herself and her decisions, taught not to take risks in life, and to do as others told her. Deciding to change the focus he turned to his right and asked Lorraine, "So how's Pete and Sarah, I haven't spoken to them since the dinner party, I meant to phone up and thank them and you for introducing me to Froo."
"They're fine, and no thanks needed." Laughing she continued, "It was obvious to all of us how you felt the moment you walked into the room and saw Francesca. Mum you should have seen his face; it was as if he had been hit on the head with a sledgehammer. Priceless."
"Yes? Well that's nice."
"Yeah," Misha murmured, "more than nice." Watching Froo blush as she smiled, he noted it was sweetly embarrassed smile.
*
Standing in the door way, his arms bent up high, leaning up on the door frame above him, Misha watched as Froo put the sleepy little boy into his bed. He had grown very fond of the little boy, enjoying playing with him every night, getting to know him, seeing a lot of Froo in his playful nature, his gentle way, and his eagerness to please.
"Playing with his cousins knocked him out." Froo looked over her shoulder at Misha, standing leaning forward, his arms raised up bent holding on to the wooden frame above him, his white shirt stretched, and his light blue tie askew. "He'll sleep late tomorrow morning."
"Is that an invitation babe?"
