The Vacation Chapter 4

The Vacation Chapter 4

Vivian closed her eyes and sighed with happiness as she swallowed the wine. She looked to Kyle. "Good choice!"

"Yes, very nice!" Ditka smiled.

Kyle nodded to the ladies. Then he fixed his eyes on Vivian. "Jules tells me you're rooting for me in tomorrow's ride."

They started to laugh and nodded. "Yes, officially we cannot take sides, but Mr. Billings is a bully and we heard he was going to offer you a night with his wife if you won. What a creep!"

Yeah, I couldn't believe he said it but he may not have been serious! He suddenly paused and looked at her. Wait- where did you hear that? Kyle asked, puzzled.

Ditka looked at Vivian. I overheard Mrs. Wallis telling her husband. She was not exactly being quiet about it. Some of the others were within earshot.

Damn I hope Fiona does not hear it through the grape vine. That would be humiliating, Kyle said with a wince.

She was not worried about your feelings when she told everyone about spotting you coming out of the Livingston's room. Ditka said as she examined Kyle did you really sleep with the both of them.

You don't really expect me to answer that question, do you? Kyle said with a frown.

You are discreet that's good, at least, Vivian nodded cautiously.

May I ask about your relationship with your fiancé? Ditka said carefully.

He looked at her and nodded.

Was it a long-distance relationship?

He sighed. "We were together for five years and lived together for most of that time.

Seven months ago, she was asked to be the editor for this author in France. She leapt at the chance, and I fully supported her move as it was a definite promotion for her. It was not supposed to be permanent. I tried to visit as often as I could. His expression became sad as he thought of the good times they had. He now saw that time in a different light. Knowing how discontented she had become with their life, a life he believed was a dam good one, it felt like such a waste of time now.

Ditka gave him a sympathetic look as she recalled the breakup of her own marriage. It is just a new start. It gets better.

Kyle smiled and nodded.

My marriage lasted only three years. I was on the road doing these tours and my husband took a lover while I was away. I returned home and found divorce papers in my apartment. He had moved out, Ditka said with a shrug. That was three years ago. I know now I'm better off without him.

As I am, without Gwen, Kyle said and raised his glass to touch it to Ditka's and Vivian's.

The food arrived and they sighed with happiness at the delicious aromas. The taste was equally good, and they dug in.

Kyle topped off their glasses a few times, and ordered a second bottle, as the meal went on and they ate until they could eat no more. He surprised them by picking up the tab and they thanked him graciously.

Are you going to be good for the ride tomorrow? Ditka asked, looking at their second empty wine bottle.

Kyle nodded. I am good. No more drinks for me tonight and right to bed with a large bottle of water.

Good! Vivian exclaimed.

They made their way outside and Kyle waved to the ladies as he turned to head back to the hotel.

Hold up! I am heading back your way, Ditka called out.

Kyle waited and Ditka gave Vivian a quick hug before jogging up to Kyle's side.

I am staying with a friend tonight just past the hotel, Ditka explained as they walked back up the lane towards the more touristy area near the central courtyard.

The night was lovely, and Kyle was feeling good. He looked up at the stars as they passed between the buildings. He loved looking at the stars as they always put things in perspective for him.

"It's really lovely here. I wonder what it would be like to live in a quaint little historical village," he sighed.

Ditka snorted. Do you live in a big city back in Canada? she asked with a smile.

He looked over at her, but he could barely see her now as this section of the lane had no streetlights. Just ahead was the brightly lit central court and he thought of the tourist areas back home. He smiled.

Yeah, Vancouver is big. Not huge, but it certainly does not have a small village vibe like this. He took a deep breath and smiled wistfully.

Maybe it would just be running away, escaping the rush and pressure of home but I could get used to this, he said as his steps slowed to a stop and he closed his eyes. He felt is mind and heart started to open to the energy of the place.

Soft lips pressed against his and his eyes flew open. Ditka was standing awfully close, and she was looking at him to see his reaction. He was watching her curiously, but he did not pull away, so she leaned in again and their lips met once more. His arms automatically went to her back as she placed her hands on his shoulders. She was maybe an inch taller than his 5' 10" and Gwen had been shorter. It was a novel experience to have to tilt his head up to kiss her, but her mouth fit his so very well.

She dipped her tongue into his mouth, and he caressed it with his own making her hold him tighter.

He felt her gently pushing his shoulders, so he moved his hands from her back to her hips. She finally ended the kiss though he ran his lower lip across hers as she did, and she gasped.

Ditka patted his shoulders gently as she leaned her forehead against his. That was nice! she sighed quietly.

"What was that for?" he asked.

She pulled her face away and smiled at him as she tilted her head to the side. "An apology for this morning? A thank you for helping me this afternoon. A kiss for good luck tomorrow perhaps?"

I accept. Your, welcome. Thank you, he said as he dropped his hands to let her step back.

I cannot do more, though I would like to, she said with a pout.

I get it. I do. This was nice and I had a really great time tonight he replied.

They got moving once more and stepped out of the dark lane to join the tourists and locals in the main square. Two oblivious visitors set off flashes right in their faces as they tried to get past the pedestrian clogged street.

He grinned at Ditka. Ok, I could do without the tourists.

To be continued