"You should go with her."
"No, I don't have the time. I need to finish the painting by the end of the week."
"Take it with you."
I hadn't thought of that. Sophia was right, it could be completed anywhere. Sir Cedric Pattinson had commissioned me to do a painting of his prize horse, 'Lansdowne Lad'.
I had spent yesterday at the stables, taking all the photos that I needed, so I was ready to start. But would it be better if I stayed at home, without any distractions?
"I'll think about it."
Then our Daughter joined us.
"What have you two been talking about?"
"That course you are on. Your Mother thinks I should come with you."
Emma squealed with delight, and then she gave me a tight hug. I had to push her away so that I could breathe.
"Thanks Daddy. That's made my day."
I looked over at Sophia, and she was smiling. I'll think about it, had just become a yes.
Now that it had been decided, I needed to call the hotel and book a room. That might be a problem, so I rang them straight away.
"You need a single room for six nights, starting tomorrow. Is that right?"
"Yes. My Daughter already has a reservation. Emma Wilkinson."
"We are very busy, but let me check. I'll put you on hold."
It was a while before he spoke again.
"You're in luck. There was only one room available, and now it's yours."
The next day we had a late breakfast, and then we set off at midday. It was Sunday, so we weren't expecting a lot of traffic, but it was still going to be at least a five hour drive.
It ended up being nearly six.
"Hi, Walt and Emma Wilkinson."
I got a big smile from the receptionist, but it quickly turned into a frown when he checked our reservations.
I looked at Emma, I could see that she was as concerned as I was.
"We have had a problem with the East Wing early on today. A small fire," then he quickly added, "But there is no danger now. However, it's closed until further notice."
His smile was back, but it was now forced.
"So what are you trying to tell me?"
"Don't worry Mr. Wilkinson, we do have a room."
Both of us picked up on the 'a'.
"We have put in a fold up bed."
He was now looking at me, waiting for a reaction, and I could tell he was worried. It wasn't ideal, but it wasn't the end of the world, so I decided to cut him some slack.
I gave him my best smile, and then I said, "I'm sure we can manage."
That took him by surprise, and he was lost for words, until he said, "Thank you," and I could tell that he meant it.
We decided to leave everything in the car, and go and see the room first. It was nice, but it lacked character. Functional, was the best way to describe it. However, I didn't mind. It met our needs. That's what I thought until I tried my bed. It was a bit too short for me, and it wasn't that comfortable. What had I said to Craig at reception?
"I'm sure we can manage."
Emma could, in that big bed of hers, but now I wasn't sure that I could.
After getting all our stuff from the car, we decided to eat. The hotel had a restaurant, and it was supposed to be very good.
"Do you have a reservation?"
"No. Is that a problem?"
The maรฎtre d' gave me a look that said, "Nothing is ever a problem," and then he smiled before saying, "I will take you to your table."
We took our time choosing the wine, and even longer selecting the food.
"You haven't told me anything about the course."
"That's because you never asked."
She had been smiling when she said it, but her face became serious when she started explaining the course to me. I tried to look interested, and I really tried to understand it, but I failed on both counts. She worked for a large multinational investment bank. The course was to help her with her ambition, of one day becoming a Derivatives Trader. After only five minutes I had to stop her.
I shook my head, then I said, "That's as much as I can take. You get your brains from your Mother, not me."
She laughed, then her serious face was back.
"Daddy, you're not stupid."
"I know, but your Mother is the clever one."
Then the main course arrived. As we ate, I thought about Sophia. We had met at a party when I was twenty one, and as soon as I saw her I wanted her in my bed. She was beautiful, but after talking to her, I realised that she was also very clever. Somehow I managed to charm her, and she agreed to see me again. I couldn't believe my luck. I was a beach bum, scratching a living as an artist. If I sold more than one painting in a week, it was a good week. She was older than me, twenty nine, and she had a proper job. She was an Accountant.
"You're not eating. Your food is going cold."
"I was just thinking about your Mother, and the first time I saw her. You are a lot like her."
That pleased her.
"Daddy, can I ask you something?"
I just nodded.
"Why did she agree to marry you?"
She was trying to keep a straight face, but I could see the hint of a smile, so I knew she was teasing me.
I shrugged my shoulders, and then I said, "I have no idea."
That made her laugh, and then she reached over and held my hand.
"I'm glad she did."
While we were waiting for dessert, I thought about what Emma had said. I had once asked Sophia why she had married me. She thought about it for a while, and then she had said.
"Your rugged good looks. Your sweet personality," then she looked down at my crotch, before adding, "And your eight inch cock."
She wasn't laughing, so I knew she was being serious.
"That's not enough for a good marriage."
This time she did laugh, before saying, "It is for me. Especially that big cock of yours."