Free Loving Alex by Sarah Elizabeth Ashley Page A

but he managed and did a
good job with James.” She recounts a little of James’ early history. I knew his
Mother disappeared, walked out when he was just six months old. I don’t know
why and now isn’t the time to ask, I feel sure it would ruin such a lovely day
if I pry too much. But, It’s good to know a bit more about my lover, I know a
great deal about him already but there are still gaps.
    We finish our food and pay the bill, Gia insists on paying,
despite it being my treat.
    As we walk out of the restaurant I think of one thing I
should have asked Gia, “What’s with the strawberries Gia? He’s absolutely mad
about them!”
    She laughs, loudly “The strawberries! – You know about them?
I could never keep up with the demand!”
    I smile “Oh yes, I know about them! Bloody strawberries!”
    Gia takes my arm, “When he was a little boy he wouldn’t eat
anything remotely healthy, if it was orange food, you know, battered or
covered in breadcrumbs he’d eat the lot, with chips or mashed potato, but
nothing green, no fruit or anything like that. Lucca asked me to look after him
for a couple of days while he went somewhere, I can’t remember where it was.
Anyway I was trying to get the boy to eat something healthy so, I dragged him
to a supermarket and we went through every fruit and vegetable until he spotted
something he was willing to try –Strawberries! Well, we never looked back and
he still eats them now, like they’re going out of fashion, although I think his
diet is generally healthier now. Is it still a box a day?” She asks.
    “And the rest. With chocolate too!” I laugh.
    “Umm,” she frowns, “I’m surprised he’s never turned red!”
    We both laugh. “Shall I call Archie, are you ready to go?”
    “I think so Alex, but you know, I’ve had a really good few
hours, and thank you so much for the bag.” She squeezes my arm again, it must
be a Gia thing.
    “You’re welcome. We can have lunch next week as well if you
want?” I look at her, I have really and truly enjoyed this couple of hours. I
love shopping with Anna, but this has been like spending some quality time with
an old friend.
    “Yes, but no expensive gifts next week –you understand?” She
scowls at me.
    “We’ll see.” I say as I root through my lovely but useless
bag searching for my phone.
    I locate Archie’s number and tap the call button, as I put
the phone to my ear I look ahead and I’m absolutely sure I see Muriel crossing
the top of Hans Road. I’d put money on it that it’s her, dressed like her, same
colour pale blonde hair, same stature hell, she even walks like her. I watch
the woman walk quickly down what I think it Brompton Road as I wait for Archie
to answer the call.
    “Mrs. Drake.” Eventually he picks up.
    “We’re ready Archie, whenever you are. We’re on Hans Road.”
I tell him, checking the road sign to make sure I’ve given him the correct road
name.
    “Right you are, give me twenty to thirty minutes and I’ll be
with you.” I’m sure I hear a newspaper or book being flicked as he speaks.
    “Not a problem, we’ll have a wander down Brompton Road and
be back where you dropped us off in about twenty minutes.”
    I hang up and Gia takes my arm, “We’ll go for a wander while
we wait for him to get here.” I suggest.
    “That’s fine with me.” She clings on as we stroll down
Brompton Road stopping to look in the Churches window, “My dad used to wear
shoes a bit like these, although they weren’t Churches, probably couldn’t
afford them!” I point at the expensive shoes in the window.
    “Ah, I can imagine Alex. Nothing like Ramiro wears though?”
    I realise I’ve probably said something a little tactless.
“You know Gia, my mum and dad will always be my mum and dad, but I am so
pleased I found Ramiro, he’s lovely I really like him and, well I feel, now
that I know about me, that I’m complete…does that make sense?” I pause trying
to find the words to explain,