"The Party, Chapter 1"

"The Party, Chapter 1"

In the year 1980, situated in Birmingham, United Kingdom, there was little to no presence of social media, mobile devices for photography, or the internet providing explicit content. Additionally, people were not as quick to seek explicit consent as they are in modern times. This narrative revolves around two adults, aged over 18.

In the central library of Birmingham, Rebecca was ready to leave for the day. She carefully placed GR Elton's thesis on the Tudor Revolution into their designated spots on the shelves. She examined her notes with a critical eye, ensuring they were clear and understandable before tucking them away in her bag. She knew that what instructors from Oxford were looking for was a hint of originality alongside knowledge, rather than a recitation of facts. Rebecca understood her teachers' expectations to mean she needed to be able to use said facts in a convincing manner. In simpler terms, she had to be able to BS effectively.

Having faced adversity her whole life, Rebecca saw this opportunity as her chance to demonstrate her capabilities and prove her naysayers wrong - Hobgoblins who constantly doubted her worth. She planned to earn a place at Oxford on her own terms.

Rebecca, who was also applying to Oxford, had cut back on her social engagements significantly. She let go of her part-time jobs at the bar and on Saturdays. Though she expected to be strapped for cash around the holiday season, she had saved enough for the short term. Even her dungeon mistress role for her D&D mutual friends would have to be put on hold. Three of those friends were applying to either Oxford or Cambridge, intending to pursue a career in physics with the end goal of making collisions in Switzerland. They understood Rebecca's situation, but they required assistance facilitating their roleplay sessions.

Rebecca had made the personal decision not to have a boyfriend while pursuing her education. Relationships, in her eyes, would end after school, and would require excessive emotional investment. Intellectually honest, she was terrified of repeating her parents' affair. She had felt incredibly judged for engaging in sexual activities in the past - hand jobs, exposed breasts during dates - being perceived as a prostitute.

However, she didn't think it wise to indulge in these physical encounters. She realized the unwritten rule was for the man to offer sex, and women to seem reluctant before becoming his girlfriend. One night stands were an acceptable means of entertainment, yet they neglected to acknowledge Rebecca's personal reasons for refraining from sex among her schoolmates.

Sadly, Rebecca's age also became a factor. She was a year older than the rest of her peers, resulting from a breakdown after witnessing her mother's tragic passing in a car wreck while cheating on her father with their mutual best friend. This terrible situation had forced Rebecca to leave her home, where students were vigorously aware of her situation's most horrifying details. Balancing honesty with appeasing an attempt at maintaining a semblance of a positive controlled relationship proved to be a costly endeavor.

The recent past had taught Rebecca a few lessons. The first was that in her father's eyes, she was a whore, much like her mother before her. The second was the general judgment placed upon her by society for her mother's car accident. The third was that she was seen as a woman who was not worth the effort of a romantic partnership.

The previous year left Rebecca with a shaken sense of self. She grew up as a girl who had difficulty with social interaction and relationships, but she had since come to understand that her wants did not align with society's expectations of a woman in a school setting. She even began seeking more casual encounters that didn't compromise her emotional well-being. Roy, her upper-sixth colleague who never considered her forward, was a perfect fit - together they would share evenings at their favorite movie theaters, concerts, and dining venues. They gave each other physical affection without interruptions from romance, and he accepted her stance regarding sexual encounters. They shared mutual benefits to their complex arrangements: he gained sexual satisfaction and she teaches him the art of kissing, undressing, and foreplay.

Rebecca was now considering adopting a celibate lifestyle for the remainder of term. The reasoning behind her decision stems from the potential risks she could face during sexual encounters. In her most recent sexual experience, she came close to experiencing a scenario common in the movie "Straw Dogs": instead of facing a tragic end like Susan George's character in the said movie, she averted a dangerous situation. If only she could find a partner who sought sexual entertainment free of romantic involvement or feelings of control. She wishes nothing more than to engage in tender encounters.

Pondering Roy as an option, her thoughts turned to his possible suitability. His acceptance of her need for action without emotion gave her a sense of relief - such affairs would be just that, simply fun.

As she exited the central library, she could not help thinking about Roy and their shared evenings and the potential for waiting for Mr. Goodbar-like incidents. It was well known among those around here, Rebecca got what she wanted.

Eventually, Roy secured a long-term girlfriend, and understandably, the woman wasn't thrilled about him spending time with Rebecca. This was reasonable, especially considering he'd confided in her after their first date that she'd been shocked when Roy knew what he was doing. Roy had been a quick learner. Sort of like her, but with English literature. Not a natural, but when he was instructed or figured it out, he excelled.

Maybe that's why Mark liked her and George disliked her. She was good enough with English to challenge Mark's thoughts without making him feel inadequate. She was better than George and didn't hesitate to show it. Actually, there was a bigger issue there. She'd never perceived Mark would want to sleep with her while George intended to degrade and humiliate her. The stunt she pulled on George at the prize-giving wouldn't have worked on Mark. He'd have laughed it off and played along instead of getting furious and turning red.

She had on a button-down summer dress she purchased from a thrift shop. It was comfortable and flattered her physique well. It was one she purchased when she commenced her studies at St Tom's. The fact that the sixth form could dress elegantly without wearing a uniform proved challenging. She couldn't keep up with her classmates in terms of fashion, so that plan to fit in went awry.

However, she enjoyed the dress. The buttons allowed her to choose between being charming and sensual. As a five-foot-seven brunette with long legs and acceptable, but not remarkable, breasts, she could effortlessly switch between the two personas. Even in the library, with the buttons done up (and wearing her National Health specs), at least six guys had imagined stripping her naked. It was empowering to recognize that she was charming to complete strangers even when she wasn't attempting to be.

One of the men who had stared at her that afternoon was the type who, if she'd encountered him vacationing, she would've flirted with him, provided him with a false name, and slept with him on the final night of the vacation. She smiled at him and slightly shook her head. He smiled back and shrugged. Perhaps if she interacted with him at the library later this semester after the entrance exams, she'd agree to let him buy her a coffee at Birmingham Art Gallery and flirt with him. He gave off an air of being a university student or a young professional.

She inspected her Swatch watch and noticed she had time to make it to the mid-afternoon showing of "The Elephant Man" at the Odeon. According to the articles she'd read, the flick was worth viewing. She'd enjoyed John Hurt in "I Claudius" and "The Naked Civil Servant," and from the preview clips Barry Norman had broadcasted, it appeared visually intriguing.

She planned to attend a bash that evening. She was close friends with two of the hosts, an adversary to the third, and a mystery to the fourth. She'd talk to her schoolmates she liked and pretend she was no longer embarrassed by her financial situation. The truth was she could maintain her quirky, eccentric, and scruffy persona since the long walk had ended. She'd settled on herself that she could loosen up this semester a bit.

She was still deliberating whether to wear one of the summer dresses from Goodwill to the party. Perhaps the one Lorraine had identified as the one her mother had donated. Lorraine wasn't truly a bitch, but her family knew George's family, and once it became public knowledge that Rebecca wore charity shop clothing, she was admonished for it.

Another alternative was one of her waitressing outfits. Suitable enough, but making a statement that she wasn't ashamed of being so impoverished that she recycled work uniforms.

Alternatively, perhaps some of the wardrobe procured from the tips from her summer vacation job at Saundersfoot-or specifically, the fine paid for the unfortunate misunderstanding. She'd determine what she fancied after the film. Emphasizing her sexuality has been enjoyable at the prize-giving. Taking center stage and being both desired and feared rather than mocked was a drastic improvement.

She found herself waiting in line for a ticket when, to her astonishment, she observed Julian acquiring some popcorn. She assumed he'd prefer an artistic, black-and-white movie - especially with the party happening that evening and being one of the party's hosts.

Upon entering the cinema, she recognized Julian in the rear row, with no one else in the row or the row in front. The lights were dimming, and the curtains were opening, indicating the ads would soon be screened. He'd selected one of those ancient double chairs designed for courting couples.

She made up her mind to be friendly and sit next to him. After all, she yearned to shock and flirt with him. Her knees and thighs were automatically near his, due to the double chair's layout. He had the popcorn bucket in his lap.

She was caught off guard when he chose to ignore her. The two had gotten along quite well, and he had understood from the start that she was different rather than labeling her as a freak or a slut. Julian was a pretty decent guy at her school, as Claire stated. He was even one of the few people to defend her after the long walk and the situation with Alex. He was much too kindhearted for his own good, honestly.

She became convinced that Julian didn't recognize her and was confused as to why a woman sat next to him in a cinema with plenty of available seats. She remembered a recent article in the Evening Mail about prostitutes soliciting customers at the Jacey cinema during the foreign films.

She smirked to herself. She was going to have some fun with him, at the very least until he recognized her or the movie began. There would be approximately twenty minutes of ads and trailers, so there was no need to rush things.

Whenever she had needed some release, she had occasionally picked up guys in cinemas this way for sex in the toilets for five pounds or even brought them back home for ten pounds - although this was in towns at least fifty miles from Brum (usually while sporting a blonde wig and slutty makeup). She didn't expect Julian to demand a lap dance in the ladies' toilets (or even invite her home), and if he did, she would tell him what a joker he was.

As the traditional Pearl and Dean music for the advertisements played, she unfastened three more buttons on her dress and raised it up so her knees were visible. She felt him staring at her legs. She then lifted the dress higher and separated her legs enough to hint at the possibility of a warm welcome for an exploring hand while pressing her right leg and thigh against him. She was waiting for whatever would occur during the inevitable Pernod ad.

He placed his popcorn between his legs, making his hands free. She was ready for him to act strangely or panic, but instead, he prepared himself. She was still keen on embarrassing him, though she would be kind about it. He was a friend, after all.

As she anticipated, his left arm moved behind her but still on the back of the chair, which she had expected. Okay, in a bit, he would turn to face her and see her face, and she could start teasing him. To her surprise, the shoulder was grabbed, but he continued to glance straight ahead rather than stare at her. After twenty seconds, his right hand traveled across and grabbed her inner right thigh.

She required some time to think and slid her left leg over her right leg, trapping his hand in between her thighs and squeezing. Was he actually interested in a bit of flirting with a stranger, or was he playing chicken with her? She decided to call his bluff. He was a younger version of Frank Muir, after all.

She took some popcorn from the bucket between his legs and made a sucking sound as she put it in her mouth. She then reached out for more and placed her hand deep into the popcorn bucket. It was apparent that he had an erection.

Perhaps he knew who she was and wanted to take things further. Of all the boys in her year, he seemed to be the most open-minded, and she could imagine him agreeing to the kind of relationship that would suit her: occasional outings to the cinema, restaurants, and theater followed by friendly sex. She could instruct him to become a good lover. His future wife would thank her for it. She could also imagine him not knowing how to phrase the question and thus hoping that she would simply allow things to play out.

Regardless, she owed his family. His brother and Mr. Hampton had ensured that the school forced Alex to leave, even though the brother thought she was no better than she should be.

His left arm now clutched her left shoulder and pulled her closer to him. Okay, let's see where he was going with this. She glanced at him and saw that his eyes were closed, but he was moving in for a hug. Surely, he must have snuck a peek at her face before going for a kiss. He was playing chicken with her. She was determined not to be the first one to give in.

She met his lips halfway and began kissing him gently, occasionally nipping his tongue with her teeth. He might not be the best kisser, considering his limited experience.

She released her thighs and waited to see what his liberated hand would do. It began to move upward, but then he changed his mind. He started massaging her breasts through the thin dress material.

She moved her right hand out of the popcorn and unfastened his shirt buttons. She murmured something to encourage him while her other hand played with his hair.

Last year, she learned that women like her couldn't be raped. The only way someone would be convicted of raping her would be if they caused her to lose a few teeth or an eye. Otherwise, it would always be misunderstood or just a discussion about price. Surprisingly, she felt safer in the cinema than in a car.

She knew she could make Julian stop whenever she wanted, so she let him do whatever he wanted. Within minutes, the buttons on her dress were undone to her waist, and the popcorn scattered on the floor. By the time the commercials ended, her breasts were exposed. He couldn't undo her bra strap properly, so he pushed the straps off her shoulders and simply tugged her breasts out. She wanted to keep an eye on the trailers so she pushed his head down, allowing him to start sucking and nibbling on her breasts. He had already adjusted his duffle coat to cover them, even though she doubted anyone would think they were holding hands.

Julian muttered things about how "beautiful her breasts were" and how he "never thought she was interested in him." This was a surprise - she'd never imagined she'd be his secret desire. She gave a fake laugh by groaning and grabbing his head to her right chest.

She tried to comprehend the situation. She thought Julian fancied Claire. Claire was five feet two inches tall, blonde, respectable, and cheerfully friendly. Her breasts belonged to a woman who was six feet tall, and Rebecca kept her intelligence hidden. Rebecca was five feet seven, brunette, and known for being clever and difficult. Most people at school (except for her math class) thought she was a bitch. Her breasts were decent but not as prominent as Claire's. Perhaps Julian enjoyed danger, which he hid well. If anyone had told her that Julian would want to take her tits out and suck them in public, she wouldn't have believed it.

At this point, if she was going to have a no-strings-attached relationship with someone at school, Julian was a good option. He was wealthy and could treat her when they went out. He also lacked confidence. Additionally, she thought she could convince him to keep her a secret since he wouldn't want to introduce her to the family. Besides, teaching a man might be fun. He seemed to know what he was meant to do.

She wanted to watch the movie, so she had approximately ten minutes to play with during the ads. She couldn't believe he had yet to chicken out, and she wasn't about to give up first. He'd better mean it or have a believable excuse at the end.

Well, everyone in the sixth form knew she was open to exposing her breasts and giving guys a "Balsall Heath handshake" in the cinema, so why not go all the way? She opened his belt and lowered his zipper. His penis was larger than she expected. Also, the popcorn explosion had clearly been more symbolic than anything else; he was ready for more action at 18.

He responded by moaning and moving his left hand up her legs and stroking her thighs. She hadn't imagined he'd go that far or have such a good idea of what he was supposed to do.

Interestingly, he seemed more interested in pleasing her than having her jerk him off. Unless she was exceptionally flexible, her hand couldn't have kept a grip on his penis. By the end of the first two trailers, his body was between her thighs, he was sucking her breasts with enthusiasm, and she had spread her legs and wrapped them around him. His penis was now out of reach, and she was focused on holding him tight, playing with his hair, and ensuring his duffle coat allowed onlookers to believe they were just snogging.

Two people, at least, were watching them, but they appeared to enjoy it, and she didn't know them, so she thought, "What the heck?" If anyone left to report them, she would have to cover it up, but so far, no issues.

His right hand then entered her underwear. Fuck, she hadn't expected him to be so bold and adventurous. He kept saying things like "this is better than I could have imagined" and "you have a beautiful body."

She understood why he didn't want to ask her directly if they could progress to second base. It still astonished her when he advanced to third base and had a finger inside her.

The next trailer came on, and the featured movie was "The Blues Brothers." She later learned that the main music playing was called the Peter Gunn theme, but the rhythm worked for them. He fingered her to the rhythm, gently pushing his finger in on the softer beat and then harder on the stronger one, adding another finger and thrusting deeper. Hell, she intended to have sex while listening to music more often.

Julian might not have been watching the movie due to her chest on his face, but he was definitely listening to it. Being "caressed to the Jailhouse Rock" is an experience she'd like to repeat. Julian then took his hands away, pulled her underwear down to her ankles, and attempted to insert his penis inside her. What was it that had taken hold of him (and nearly of her)?

Whispering rather loudly over the scene of men in dark suits and sunglasses, he said, "I need you, you, you, Claire." The two onlookers chuckled, and another fifteen people tried to locate the disruption.

She whispered softly, "Julian, I thought you loved ME." Upon making eye contact with her, he realized his mistake while also getting on top of her thighs. She wished someone had been filming his face at the time, but not herself, of course. In retrospect, she was lucky he hadn't wet himself from her.

She found it funnier than upsetting. Maybe it would have been different if he had penetrated her.

She put her finger to his lips to silence the apology. "We'll talk after the movie."

He was beet red and offered her a handkerchief. She accepted and wiped her legs.

She adjusted her bra to cover her breasts and winked at him. He laughed at himself and appeared ashamed, albeit a bit flushed.

She said, "Help me button up; it'll be good practice for you. Let's have a drink later. Oh by the way, it was fun. I won't say anything if you don't."

He got the buttons wrong the first time and had to start over. She giggled to reassure him.

The movie was outstanding, and she managed to forget about what had just happened for its duration. Somehow, she had the wherewithal to forget everything that had happened. Well, she did ponder it for five minutes and came up with a game plan. And neither of them would dare bring it up—it was mutually-assured destruction. Like her, he was ready to be fingered by him, and he had mistaken her for Claire and professed his love for her.

At the end of the movie, they went to a wine bar. On their way there, she calmed him down by discussing the film and the performances. It worked quite effectively. The advantage of middle-class respectability is the ability to act as if everything is normal.

He recognized that he should be the one to pay and ordered a bottle of Yugoslav Lutomer Laski Riesling. They seated themselves at a table away from a group of four women who were screaming hysterically. She wondered about the group dynamics and then focused her attention back on Julian.

The room was quite dark, and an empty bottle of Mateus Rose with a candle in it provided the primary illumination.

As he sat down with the bottle and confirmed it wasn't corked, she said, "Ok, Jules, that answers two questions I've been wondering about. You're a randy bastard who would light the fireplace without looking at the mantelpiece, and you daydream about Claire."

He appeared a bit confused.

She smiled at him, "You essentially pretended my breasts were Claire's. I'm not flat, but I'm West Brom in terms of breasts compared to Liverpool. And, I'm also several inches taller than her."

Julian apologized, "Sorry, Rebecca, but I really didn't recognize you."

She raised an eyebrow. "Look, you wore clothes designed to make you look like a spinster librarian in school. Long skirts, jumpers that were two sizes too large, a dated jacket, and was a bit big. I hadn't realized you had breasts and legs until the prize-giving."

He paused, "You know, it's a cliche, but you look completely different without your glasses."

She laughed out loud. It was a fair point. She had made herself as unattractive as possible, and the glasses had helped. Additionally, she rarely wore the glasses for distance, only for reading, so she didn't wear them in the movie theater.

"Are you saying you wouldn't have wanted to sleep with me if you knew it was me?"

"There's no good response to that. I wanted to, but I wouldn't have dared to."

She laughed, "Fair response. Perhaps you should have asked me for my blessing first."

He reddened once more. "Look, you were enjoying it. I didn't want to break the spell by talking about it."

She laughed, "I can't believe you didn't bother to ask me how much. Imagine how you would've reacted if I had demanded ten pounds."

He looked thoroughly downcast, not the result she was aiming for. "Hey, I recognized you the moment I saw you. I thought you knew it was me. I only minded once you went for the grand prize."

This didn't seem to make any significant difference. She wasn't used to dealing with honorable men.

"Jules, no real harm was caused."

"I like and respect you. I'm slightly embarrassed that I assumed you were someone else and tried to, well... You should've checked if I was on board. For crying out loud, didn't you ask me if I was on birth control?"

Initially, he panicked at the prospect that his parents might've convinced him to make an honest woman out of her. Then he started to think logically. "You wouldn't have been upset if you knew it was me?"

"You stood up for me when almost everyone else wouldn't. You've always been respectful towards me."

After a pause, "I thought you'd be pleased with a relationship based on my terms rather than facing my brother's wrath."

He blushed slightly. "You're right and wrong about him."

"He may have some ideas about women, but he knows that just because they agree to one thing doesn't mean they agree to all things. I doubt he'd take kindly to me with his arm." James perceived her as a fun-loving lady but not an unfaithful one. Mr. Hampton had a more idealized vision.

"Okay, you understand most of it, but not fully."

"Here's the deal. You can't believe my dad labels me as a whore while refusing to accept her as your friend because I was accused of attempting to extort sexual favors from a guy."

He seemed relieved. "I'm glad to hear that."

After a moment, "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't tempted by the idea of you being the new Roy. But this isn't the way to start it."

"Julian, I valued your assistance back then. Without you and Claire, I might've fallen apart when everyone at school labeled me a slut, all for being blackmailed into performing a degrading sex act on the hood of a car."

"This isn't making me feel any better."

"Did you truly believe I was Claire?"

He took a sip of wine and eyed her. "Can we be honest with each other?"

"We sure can. We have very little to hide from each other after today."

"I desperately wanted it to be true. I just shut my eyes and imagined you were her. I'm in love with her and believe I could be good for her."

"I think I feel the same way."

"You do?"

"Yes. First, let's address the issue at hand. Why try to shag a woman you were pretending was Claire in public?"

He looked uncomfortable but finally responded, "I spent a few hours with her today at George's party, preparing for the party. It's crystal clear that she's going out with Richard, and he'll treat her poorly."

"Well, Richard's a jerk. If you want me to tell her that Richard is an ass, go for it."

"But will she listen? He has parents who are friends with hers, and his best friend was her previous boyfriend."

"Well, her previous year's beau was equally egotistical; but you know, your parents are also friends with her parents."

"It's different."

"How?"

"We're not known for being entertaining or taking risks."

She couldn't contain her laughter at the memory of how stiff his reactions had been a couple of hours ago.

"I think you've got a subtle sense of humor and, on a different note..." She gestured towards his groin while maintaining eye contact.

He reverted to his exaggerated Kenneth Williams impersonation, "All right, stop making fun."

He abruptly thought, "Okay. If I'm being honest, I know there's no way Claire will agree to date me. I'm not thrilled about watching her being kissed and cuddled by another guy. I can't get her off my mind."

She scrutinized him and said, "It's time to help you win Claire over."

She thought back to a movie she'd seen on television, called "The Night They Raided Minsky's."

Julian told her that David was Joanna's boyfriend. He and his three friends would attend the party to ensure its success. Moreover, Joanna had invited four ladies from her study group. While this gave her more variables to manage, she believed it was a good idea.

She remembered that Julian would be a good match for Claire, as she had previously suggested.

He said, "But she thinks of me as a friend."

"When have you ever given her a clue that you're interested in more than friendship?"

Julian explained that he hadn't made it clear to Claire because he liked the women he was friends with and wasn't sure about any of them in particular.

"The women in our year are also quite horny and shy," Rebecca said. "We need to be careful about showing our sexuality. It would damage our reputations."

"I didn't see you being shy when... two hours ago," said Julian.

"I've nothing to lose, and I trust you. I saw you bottle it earlier than I thought you would or that you meant it. And you didn't just try to sleep with me while hallucinating that I was someone else," Rebecca said. Julian blushed, and she added, "You're avoiding the main issue. What will you do about you and Claire? You need a strategy tonight."

Julian made some unusual noises, and Rebecca laughed.

"I'll be your wingwoman tonight. In fact, I'll be your wingperson."

"So, you're coming tonight?"

"I can't support you if I'm not there."

"What will you do as my wingwoman?"

"First, tell me who your main competitors will be, apart from Richard."

Julian listed the others. Most were as timid as he was, with the exception of Richard, the Rugby captain who believed he could take the place of Claire's past boyfriend, Mark, the pretentious and academically bright man, Joe, who made everyone laugh with his good-natured humour, and William, the good-looking scientist who would likely wait for Claire to approach him.

Rebecca nodded. She took a notepad from her purse and noted down her plans. She had strategies for Mark and Joe that didn't involve her doing anything more than being herself. In Joe's case, it was showing off to an audience. With Mark, it was reminding Claire about his intellectual interests. She'd have to use some of the knowledge she'd been saving for derailing future English Literature classes.

Richard was a bigger challenge. She suspected he was more interested in bottoms than breasts, and knew about the rugby team's obsession. Richard would have to be distracted enough to convince him he wasn't the one for Claire tonight. This would require her to be bolder than she preferred with people who knew her well. It might even mean kissing the man.

William could be dealt with if she handled the other three. He was the one most likely to wait for Claire to approach him. Additionally, he would be leaving school by Christmas, so Claire would be less interested in him.

The key was to distract all four men simultaneously and convince Julian he could pull it off.

Rebecca turned back to Julian. "The first lesson is this, Jules. Act like you think you're worthy of love. Don't be arrogant; instead, realize you're amazing. Girls also have self-esteem issues. How can you expect a girl to be with a man who doesn't respect himself? You're in the top 25% here in terms of intelligence and the top 10% in terms of personality. Behave like someone who believes in themselves."

Julian thought about it and nodded.

"Okay, Rebecca. I'll try to act confident without going overboard."

"Great, coach. I understand your message."

"But a bit of William wouldn't hurt, either."

Julian nodded. He understood her meaning.

"Second, be careful with your alcohol intake. I wonder how teetotalers manage to reproduce. There's a fine line between being brave enough to step forward and getting drunk to the point of embarrassing yourself."

"Got it, coach."

Third, make sure to change your clothes, brush your teeth, and take a shower before heading to the party. We currently stink of smoke. Many people at the party don't smoke, so let's avoid starting off that way. Plus, you wouldn't want Claire to notice smoke on your hands.

"What else?"

Fourth, arrive at the party with me. Pick me up from my friend's place. You can say we met at the cinema or on the bus outside of town, but give her the impression that there's more to our story. Hopefully, Claire will realize that she doesn't want you in a relationship with anyone other than her. I'll dress in a way that suggests I'm open to a night of passion.

She looked at him and said, "Fifth, Claire likes guys who look well-dressed. Jacket, tie, and a shirt instead of jeans and a t-shirt everyone else will wear. It will help you stand out from the crowd. Dress to stand out. That might help you be more like Willie."

She then looked at him and said, "I must say, even though I talked about avoiding alcohol before, I think we both need a glass before we leave. If I'm your wingwoman tonight, I'll need a little more Dutch courage. You'll see why later." She crossed her fingers, hoping that it would cause Claire to reconsider going out with Richard. She also hoped Claire would forgive her for "stealing" Richard from her.

He laughed and said, "Right, I'll pay for those too."

"Of course, think of it as my consulting fee. Plus, I paid for my own cinema ticket earlier."

She paused and said, "By the way, if you've got 50p on you, go to the bathroom and buy a pack of three toothpicks. Better to be prepared." She checked her purse. "I can change a pound if you don't."

When he returned with the wine and the toothpicks, he asked, "Why are you helping me?"

"I like both you and Claire, and I think you two would be good for each other. I'm sure you'd be better for her than the rugby player, the selfish jerk, the chatty guy, and the intellectual."

As he listened to the four women on the bus talking about how they like having rugby players between their legs, she hoped that one of them would be at the party tonight. If so, she might be able to hand Richard off to her and eliminate any potential competition.

When he came back with the wine and the toothpicks, she asked him, "Why are you helping me?"

"I like both you and Claire, and I think you two would be good for each other. Definitely better than the rugby player, the selfish jerk, the chatty guy, and the intellectual."

She then gave him tips on how to behave, but when she finished, she said, "Remember, these are my weaknesses. I'm not all women. If you touch Claire's breasts or vagina, pay attention to how she responds, and if something works, keep going with that. Honestly, you exceeded my expectations today."

He blushed and joked, "I must have read my sister-in-law's Cosmopolitan magazines."

She laughed, but inside, she thought about how tempting it would be to settle for a man like him. He's kind, devoted, and good in bed. She could almost convince herself that she was the best-case scenario for him. She considered looking for a quiet moment to kiss him but then told herself she wanted to be her own person and succeed on her own.

He said, "OK, that's my game plan."

They took the bus back and Julian agreed to pick her up on the way to George's house. The four women from the wine bar were also on the bus, talking about the party at Joanna's. She could only hope they were Joanna's friends from the Crammer.

When she got home, Marion, her mother's best friend and her landlady, opened the door and said, "You had a gentleman caller earlier. I'd recommend you give him a kiss. I certainly would."

"Who wouldn't? What's his name?"

"He didn't say, but he mentioned that you could always count on the kindness of strangers."

Hmm, that guy had a cultural background.

"Okay, I have another guest arriving in 45 minutes. He's a decent lad but easily embarrassed. Amuse yourself, but don't scare him. Escort him to the lounge and keep him busy if I'm not ready yet."

"A boyfriend?"

"Nope. Tonight, I'm playing matchmaker for him and a female friend."

She momentarily paused. "You met his brother on the night of the long walk. The lawyer, not the teacher."

Good lord, that night had been one for the history books. How she managed to make it through unscathed, without catching pneumonia or getting raped (by one guy or four of them) was a miracle. She owed Julian's folks something. She also owed Claire a chance at a boyfriend who adores her more than he does himself.

She hopped in the shower and quickly dried her hair while Marion announced, "You have a potential suitor, Becky."

Jeez, I know guys can get ready faster than us ladies, but this was taking it a bit too far. Still, given how intimate we'd been, no point in wasting time discussing strategy. He could watch me dress and offer up outfit suggestions. I had a strategy for getting Richard's attention that I thought was wild, and his input might be valuable.

"Let him in, Marion. I'm at the ready."

Imagine her surprise when it wasn't Julian but the guy from the library! This was creepy, especially if he'd been stalking her for the past six hours. Had he been spying on her at the movies?

"Rebecca, I thought maybe you were the girl that Joanna and George despise," he said.

"What are you doing here?"

"I found out where you reside. I'm here to alert you that Joanna plans to tarnish your reputation in a way I disagree with."

"I'm aware that George and his sister detest me. That's nothing new."

"I've come because they – particularly Joanna – intend to damage your standing with the villagers, and that's something I disagree with."

She briefly calculated the situation. "Deal. As long as I believe your version of events."

One thing she excelled at was making up plans on the fly.

"And also agree to assist me with setting up Julian and Claire."

He visibly relaxed, "I'll accept that arrangement."

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