The 2008 financial crash had changed everything for me. I had been Ben's PA for almost twenty years when it hit. We worked for an international company that suddenly decided it needed to downsize and we were both laid off on the same day. We were both given a decent severance package but even so, suddenly being out of work came as a sever shock.
I was still in shock when I met Ben for a final farewell dinner. There had never been anything between us, or even any thought of such a thing so imagine my surprise when Ben asked me to marry him.
Coffee had just been served. "Becky" Ben said, pausing. "I have something to say and I would like you to hear me out before you say anything."
"That sounds mysterious." I said, "Go on then."
Clearing his throat he took a deep breath. "Becky. You and I have known each other for a long time now. You know me better than anyone has ever known me. I know I am a bit of stickler at times but you have always been able to cope with that admirably. As you know my health has not been good of late and when I saw my doctor yesterday it would seem that things are not going to get any better.
"Ben?" I gasped, "I had no idea."
"Just let me finish Becky. You have been a part of my life for twenty years and I would never have been able to cope without you." He paused, took another deep breath. "It is my dearest wish that seeing you every day continues. Soooo. Would you consider becoming my wife?"
The pregnant pause that followed felt like it was days long, "Wha...Ben?"
"I mean it Becky, really. You have nobody and I have nobody. Please don't take offence but I know you must be worried about your finances now that your out of work, and I feel responsible in some way. But apart from all that I am truly very fond of you."
"But...Ben I have never thought of you in...that... way."
"Oh no! I don't mean...well, I wouldn't expect sex or anything. More companionship until, well until my health finally gives up."
"But what's wrong with you? Surely the doctors can do something."
"It seems there is no cure for old age, or for a man who has had more than his fair share of rich food and big cigars, so maybe a year or two at the most. I know there is a considerable age difference, but we do get along so well together. I just thought..."
"Ben, Ben. Calm down."
"Sorry my dear. It's just I have been plucking up the courage all day and, well I just needed to get it all out."
"So what your saying is that we get married just so we are not alone. It doesn't seem like a good enough reason. People would call me a gold digger."
"Well I don't care about them. I know your not and you know your not. When I do finally die it will all go to the taxman as I have no living relatives. I would rather it all went to you. Between now and then I will give you an allowance to spend as you wish. You can do whatever you want with the house of course. It's really in need of a woman's touch. Please just think about it."
"Ok! I will take some time to let it all sink in. I will let you know as soon as possible."
Well three months later we were married. We tried sleeping in the same bed but we had both been on our own for so long it didn't work. So I moved into the east wing of the huge house and he lives in the west wing. That was two years ago. Now we hardly see each other. I have full run of the house and am currently having a conservatory built with an indoor swimming pool, as well as having the whole of the east wing updated more to my taste. Which brings me to the current predicament.
I had to get a builder in for a long term job. The only builders that were instantly available were a man and his two sons. They are ex pats who normally live and work in Spain. Work has slowed down for them there so they agreed to work for me if I could supply a large caravan onsite for them to live in, as there was no B&B locally. Being as impatient and desperate as I was, I agreed.
Alan, the father seemed nice enough and certainly expressed no problems completing the work on time. He and his two sons Dave and Andy initially worked really hard. Now three months in and summer has arrived they seem to think they are still in Spain. Taking their siesta two or three times a day. Twice now I have had a go at them, or I will get someone else.
"You do that darling." Alan laughed. "But don't expect a refund."
Their language was so...common. And they would swear all the time even when I was around. Like a fool I had paid them up front like they asked. Now it seemed that if I sack them not only do I not get a refund, due to a clause in the contract, that I was stupid enough not to read, they would also own all unused materials. So I was stuck and Ben was of no use whatsoever.
"Don't worry my dear they will finish when they finish." He would say.
They had done the foundations for the conservatory and were now working inside the house. I had insisted they start in my wing as Ben was more than happy with the wing he lived in. So they would arrive at all different times from seven thirty in the morning before I had got up or some days not start till gone eleven. They could be working till eleven in the evening or finish at lunch time. There was just no routine. Twice someone had tried to get into my bathroom while I was in the shower. It was just so embarrassing.
I found myself getting angrier and angrier as the days went by. Finally, one morning I decided to give them an ultimatum. I stormed out of the house and half ran to their caravan. By the time I got there I had worked myself up into a stubborn frenzy. I wanted the work done and I would not take no for an answer. I banged on the door and without waiting I opened the door and stormed in.
"Whoa. I don't think you want to do that miss." Dave said. "You better wait outside."
"I will not." I replied, "I demand to see Mr Johnson right now."
"Oh well if you put it like that then please help yourself. Dad, Ms snotty nose demands to see you right now."
"Oh does she now." A voice yelled from the back of the caravan. "Well here I am in all my glory."
I stood totally shocked. He was completely naked and my eyes were riveted to his...thing. It was pointing straight at me, stiff and angry. He was tanned from head to toe. My chin dropped leaving my mouth wide open. "I...I...I...sorry I will come back later." I stammered as I turned to leave. Dave was blocking the door with a huge smile on his face.