Content Warning : Do you want to continue?
This poem contains content which some readers may find disturbing.
It is unsuitable for children or anyone who is easily offended.

YES
I am over 18 years old, I have been warned and I still want to read this poem.
NO
I don't want to read this type of content, take me back to the previous page.


deepundergroundpoetry.com

Image for the poem James Landis story Chapter 45

James Landis story Chapter 45

James Landis story Chapter 45




Mecca was watching his reaction to his own behavior. She found it fascinating! She glanced at Heather and saw she was still staring at James. Mecca moved closer and bumped her with her hip. Heather started and blushed as she looked at her lover. She took Mecca's arm and they walked over to the bar. She leaned in closer to speak quietly. "Fuck! That was really hot! I've never seen James act so aggressive!"

I don't think James is used to it either. Mecca mused and Heather looked back and saw James trying to get his equilibrium back.

The doorbell rang again and James looked up. There was only one more outstanding guest so he struggled to his feet and Grace let him go on his own. He met Isabelle at the door and indicated that he'd answer it.

When he opened the door he saw the back of a fur coat walking away from the door.

Victoria he called out.

The figure stopped then slowly turned. Nervous hazel eyes looked back at him and he smiled.

Come in please! It's cold out there!

Victoria walked back and stepped into the warmth of the house while he closed the door. She noticed he was using a cane and her timid smile was replaced with a look of concern.

What on earth happened, James? She asked, touching his arm.

James shrugged just a little accident in my truck last night. I need to keep all my weight off my leg for a bit. Nothing major, can I get your coat?

She nodded and undid the buttons slipping it from her shoulders. He hung it in the closet by the door and turned to face her again. She was wearing a lovely black lace blouse with a gold underlay, a charcoal skirt to mid-calf and red pumps. Very chic and stylish he added.

As promised she hadn't gone to a salon to have them airbrush away her natural beauty. She'd done her own make-up and kept it subtle... except for her bold red lipstick but that was her trademark so it was expected. Her hair still shone like gold but its style was more casual and loose.

Once he'd taken in her new look he gazed into her eyes and saw her desperate need for approval. Even he was able to recognize that look.

You look so beautiful tonight, Victoria. Thank you for coming to the party! he said and she bloomed. Her confidence and poise returned, perhaps not as strong as it had once been but it was good to see her brittle fear burned away by her happy smile.

Angie arrived with Rose and Zoe. James looked nervously at Zoe and Rose as they stepped forward.

"Victoria! Welcome! This is Angie Spencer, our host for the party and Zoe Sandoval who owns the property next to yours. It's so wonderful you were able to join us. Merry Christmas!

Rose then surprised Victoria by giving her a real hug, not the fake touch less greeting she'd received in the past. Angie did the same as did Zoe and by the end James could see Victoria was beginning to get a little overwhelmed with emotion. Her smile was in place but her eyes had become a little glassy.

The others are in the family room and you can get a drink in there. We're just finishing up the dinner preparations. Angie said and the three headed back to the kitchen.

When they were alone James took Victoria's hands in his as she bit her trembling lip. We're huggers. It's real and honest. You're part of our circle of friends now, ok? If you need help you can call on any of us, at any time. You are not alone anymore.

It was too much for Victoria and she began to cry. As James pulled her against his chest and she clung to him as she cried. He held her until the fear and desperation were gone and she felt composed once more. She pulled back and took a tissue from her small gold clutch purse. She dabbed at her eyes and smiled lovely at Ed.

Thank you so much James. I've never had any real friends, she said sadly.

Well now you have many! he grinned. Come on, let's go meet the rest.

Taking his arm in hers James led her down the hall into the family room. He felt her grip on his arm was a little tight as she was nervous.

He brought her to Grace first as she was closest to the door and his leg was beginning to ache.

Grace stood and met them as she saw the hint of pain in his eyes. Victoria! It's lovely to see you again! she said as she gently embraced the woman, as he took that opportunity to rest his leg.
Sorry, my leg needs a rest. Ed said as Victoria looked at him in concern taking in the wince.

Doctor's orders Mecca said with a grin as she approached. Hello, I'm Mecca Shyamalan and this is Heather Connors. I own the first home on the street and Heather is my fiancée.
Congratulations! Victoria said and stepped forward to give Mecca a hug. She wanted so much to be part of James's circle of friends. Mecca was a little surprised but embraced the woman in return. Heather enthusiastically came forward for a hug of her own and Victoria's smile was beaming as she stepped back. She loved this new level of intimacy. It warmed her to her toes.

As Mecca and Heather stepped back Carolyn and Stephanie approached.

Is- is that a Givenchy? Victoria asked in surprise as she took in Stephanie's dress.

The woman smiled in return. I'm afraid it's only a poor copy but I love it just the same. I'm Stephanie. It's very nice to meet you Victoria! They embraced and she stepped back to introduce her friend. This is Carolyn. We own the two homes just north of Rose's up the hill.

Very nice to meet you! Welcome to the family! Carolyn smiled, reading Victoria's happiness to be included as she stepped in for her own hug.

Victoria was looking a little misty eyed again as Dale and Tristan approached.

We're the only ones in this 'family' who don't actually live in the neighborhood. Dale said with a grin. I'm Dale Grant and this is my lovely wife Tristan.

Victoria recognized Dale's name and it showed in her surprised look. In the social circles she'd... once been in, the Grants were well respected and targets of opportunity. My - husband spoke of you. He was highly jealous of your connections and influence.

Dale grimaced. You are highly fortunate to be rid of that evil man.

Dale! Tristan gasped in horror at his harsh words.

Victoria smiled and pulled Dale into a tight hug. He was smiling when she stepped back. "Yes. Yes I am!" she said, her confidence getting yet another boost.

Tristan was still a little embarrassed but calmed when Victoria hugged her too.

Dinner is served! Angie called from the doorway and her guests made their way down the hall to the dining room.

The long table was beautifully set with tall slim candles in groups of three down its length. Platters of turkey, cranberry jelly and fresh cranberry sauce, turkey dressing, steaming bowls of vegetables, and baskets of fresh baked biscuits filled the surface of the table. Twelve place settings were arranged down the sides of the table, six on each side with a thirteenth at the top for Angie as the host. At the other end of the table was the kids table seating three on each side of the table!

When the kids came upstairs Stephanie made the introductions for Victoria who was delighted to see children at Christmas.

James caught a sad expression flit across her face. He moved next to her and gently bumped her shoulder with his. When she looked up at him he gave her a smile. "Family's worth fighting for," he said and she nodded firmly. He saw the resolve in her eyes as she thought of her daughters.

They looked to find their places at the table and saw beautifully hand written cards positioned before each place setting.

This is exquisite calligraphy! Victoria said admiring the script on the small white card. She was secretly thrilled to see she was sitting next to James.

Isabelle blushed. Thank you! It's a hobby of mine.

Are you an artist too? Such graceful control over a pen usually means you're equally skilled at other artistic pursuits, Victoria continued.

I dabble, Isabelle admitted bashfully.

Angie snorted. Dabble. She's a brilliant artist and I'm not saying that just because I'm her mother!

Mom!

Angie grinned at her daughter's embarrassed, smile.

Take your seats everyone!

With Angie at the top she'd placed Rose at her right hand and Zoe at her left. Next to Rose was, James, then Victoria, Dale, Tristan, and Isabelle who could keep her eye on the kids. Sitting next to Zoe across from James was Grace then Stephanie, Carolyn, Mecca, and Heather.

Once everyone was seated Angie got everyone's attention. "Before we begin I'd like everyone to join hands please."

Victoria felt a thrill as she placed her left hand in James's large hand and took Dale's hand in her right. She looked up at her host with a smile as did the others.

First I want to thank you all for coming to celebrate Christmas with us. It means so much to us that you joined us. Whether you celebrate the religious significance of Christmas or simply appreciate the traditions of the day, the most important purpose of the day is the gathering of friends and family to share the joy and love this celebration is built upon. I can think of no finer friends to share this day with.

Amen! Dale said a little louder than intended and chuckles erupted around the table.

Angie released her friend's hands and everyone began filling their plates. Platters and bowls were passed back and forth. Dale did the honors of opening two bottles of wine and these were passed around as well.

Soon everyone was enjoying the wonderful food and drink and conversation was light and fun.

Victoria was enjoying the wine and her relief at being accepted was so complete it made her almost giddy. She didn't need to pretend to be interested and friendly as it came naturally. Everyone was so genuine and open! For the first time in years she was able to relax with others. She struck up a fascinating conversation with Dale and his wife about their recent trip to Barbados, an island she'd always wanted to visit. Mecca and Heather joined in as they thought it might be a lovely place to go on their honeymoon. When Victoria heard that James and Rose were there with the Grants the idea of traveling with the big man slipped into her mind and that fantasy distracted her for a bit.

James was trying to tell a joke and he was destroying it so badly that Stephanie couldn't stop giggling. On his third attempt Stephanie frantically waved at him to stop as she couldn't breathe. He finally gave up with a grin and pout. Carolyn was enjoying seeing Stephanie lose it. Grace was watching James with a grin and Zoe's eyes were twinkling with happiness.

Dessert was a choice of sticky toffee pudding cake, chocolate peppermint pie, ice cream and a variety of home baked cookies.

James sampled everything but the peppermint pie as he wasn't keen on that flavor.

Too soon the meal was over and the kids were tasked with taking all the dirty dishes to the kitchen before they were allowed to head downstairs to play. Angie and Isabelle moved the leftover food into the fridge while everyone moved back to the family room to relax.




By nutbuster
Written by nutbuster (D C)
Published
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
likes 0 reading list entries 0
comments 0 reads 324
Commenting Preference: 
The author is looking for friendly feedback.

Latest Forum Discussions
COMPETITIONS
Today 9:43am by mel44
SPEAKEASY
Today 9:24am by Too_hot69
COMPETITIONS
Today 4:56am by NANCY_RDZ_STORIES
SPEAKEASY
Today 4:15am by Grace
SPEAKEASY
Today 3:33am by DCLXVI_1989
COMPETITIONS
Today 00:41am by Louismatteo349