Cold Turkey, Part 4

All characters in this story are purely fictional.  Any resemblence 
of these characters to real life people are conicidence only, and are 
not meant to cause offence to anyone.  All place names and locations 
in this story are intentionally fictional.  

COLD TURKEY
by Blackbladder

Part 4

"How has the trip been so far?" Paul inquired

"The holiday has been great, Paul! My Mom and I have had so much fun!  She is
so funny to be with when she lets her guard down.  We have been cycling
together for the last two days around the nearby countryside and local market.
It is so peaceful out here - I think next time, we will bring the kids with
us.  They would love it!" Denise said excitedly down the telephone line.

"How is the smoking thing going?" Paul asked, concerned the purpose of the
trip was being avoided.

"Don't worry Paul, My mother sacrificed her last pack of smokes on our first
night together in the cabin.  We have been by each other's side since.  I
think she is definately on her way to never smoking again, which is good news
for all of us.  Listen Paul, Im gonna have to go now.  Irene noted that we
were running low on food so we are heading to the local store to stock up for
our remaining days.  We will be back in three days."

"Ok darling..."

"So you gonna give Irene a second chance now? She has kept her side of the
bargain."

"Let's see if this quit smoking thing lasts.  Is she still on the patches?"

"Yeah, but she has never brought the subject of smoking up since our chat on
the first night.  Im convinced she has turned over a new leaf.  Anyway, Love
you, bye!" Denise hurried as she replaced the handset to the receiver as her
mother crossed the street to join her.

Irene smiled as her handbag was hung over one shoulder - clearly her mother
was on her way out to enjoy this new experience of freedom.  For the past two
days, Denise had successfully opened her eyes to new pleasures.  

"We taking the car?" Irene inquired.

"Nah, the rental store will be wanting the bikes back so we'll go the scenic
route, by the big lake." Denise said as she checked herself at the large
mirror.

An hour later, Denise and Irene arrived at the Tourist Market, just outside
the nature reserve.  The small complex of buildings spoilt the natural
woodland area - its presence attracting visitors like moths to a light.
Within the petite complex included a Tourist Office of the Nature Reserve
nearby.  Other facilities included a small bistro bar, a Nature Sports shop
for all the local fishermen and a Post Office.

As Denise and Irene returned their bikes to the Bike Hire shop, they puffed
and panted as they walked into the local Grocery Store.  Inside, the store had
few items to sell - just bare essentials, bread, milk, eggs, and bottled water
included in the small stockpile.  As they wandered around the shopping isles,
they managed to regain their breath.  The heat was sweltering inside the humid
store.  

Denise and Irene approached the customer service checkpoint to find the
station abandoned.  

"Hello anybody.  Can someone help us?" Denise raised her voice.

Suddenly,  a hispanic man emerged from a room in the back of the customer
point.  They could both hear the familar waves of radiation and sound
eminating from the room as a television was blaring some baseball game.

"Hi ladies.  Lovely day isnt it? My name is Leo and I am here to help you with
anything you want." The storekeeper said, his dark brown eyes staring
curiously at Irene.  

Denise picked up on this connection as Irene returned his stare, blushing.  Is
this an instant attraction?

As Leo priced the items and sealed them in a bag, his stare returned towards
Irene who had began looking behind Leo at the cigarette display.  For the
first time in days, a hunger once familiar inside her began to reawake her
system.  

"Will there be anything else, ladies?" Leo said, awakening Irene from her
daydream.

"No thank you Leo." Irene responded, bashing her ageing eyelashes at the
storeskeeper.

"Ready for legging it back, Mom?" Denise asked

"Where are you both staying, ladies? I can give you a lift if you like.  It is
a really hot day today." Leo interrupted.

Irene was amazed with this kind offer from this mysterious man.  However
Denise politely declined the offer and the two women walked out of the shop.
The sun was full ablaze, projecting its rays upon the peaceful tourist area.
As both women sighed before heading back home, Leo suprised them from behind
as he locked the shop door.

"Look ladies, I am heading home anyway for lunch.  I can drop you two both off
on my way home.  I insist..." Leo stated.

As the women entered the vehicle, they admired the clean, fresh interior
design of the car.  As Leo spurred the car to life, the women began to relax
in the backseat.

"So where are you from?" Leo inquired, occasionally taking glances in the rear
view mirror towards Irene.

"Broughton.  You been here all your life?" Denise asked.

"Yeah, I have always loved the quiet life in the countryside since leaving my
wife.  What about the both of you? Do you have guys waiting at home for you?"
Leo replied.

"Erm.......not me, im young free and single!"  Irene laughed, giving Leo a
wink.  She was enjoying this innocent flirting between the two of them.

"I have my hubby, Paul and my two kids, Hannah and Sabrina, at home.  Its just
the two of us out at the cabin for a week." Denise stated as the Land Rover
pulled into the Camp Area.

"Thank you so much Leo.  We appreciate the lift." Denise smiled at Leo before
entering the cabin.

"Irene?" Leo asked as she walked away from the car.

"Yeh?"

"Got any plans tonight?" Leo smiled.

"Maybe.......maybe not." Irene said, playing hard to get.  She knew there was
a definate attraction between the two of them.

Leo took out a notebook and pen, and wrote down his telephone number.  He then
ripped out a page and handed it to Irene.

"Would your daughter mind if I took you out to dinner tonight?" 

"Maybe not, but I am here on holiday with her - I could not leave her alone."
Irene replied.

"Oh well, give me a ring anyway if you get a chance - If not, please pop in to
the store anytime." Leo smiled, before turning the ignition key to bring the
car back to life.  As the Land Rover disappeared into the distance, Irene
strolled back into the cabin.

"So Mom, you got the hots for Leo?" Denise laughed.

"Leo seems nice.  He has invited me to dinner tonight.  I really don't know if
I should go or not.  It would be defeating the purpose of our trip if I left
you alone..."

"Don't worry about me, Mom.  How long has it been since you last dated?"

"Who says I am dating, young lady?"

"Who says you are not dating, Mom?"

They both laughed as Irene made her decision about her evening's plans.  She
quickly retreated to the small bedroom to find nice clothes to wear to
dinner...

"You are a knockout!" Leo said, gazing at Irene's black dress.  Her mascara
was black and her lips ruby red.

"Oh don't humour me please.  This place looks nice......" Irene replied,
glaring at the massive building in front of them.

"I have booked us a table.  Let's go get our seats!" Leo suggested as the
couple walked through the big doors.

As they both were shown their table, Irene winced at the sight of an ashtray
sitting on top.  However, looking around, she noticed ashtrays on all of the
tables in the dining suite.  This must just be a custom for the resturant, she
reasoned.

"You know my daughter would kill me if she knew I was outta town with you."
Irene mumbled as she removed her black coat.

"I won't tell her if you won't.  It will be our little secret." Leo replied,
smirking.  He handed Irene a menu as they both chose their meals...

Previous part | Next part