The Younger Man

The music from the pool bar below cranked up a notch as George switched from his daytime R&B collection to music with a specific theme. Tonight it was the nineties; classic indie music with a retro nineties quiz later on. I recognised all the tracks he played. That was my era. I used to go clubbing when that music first came out. Not anymore. I sang along, my frustration growing. I'd like to be down there sitting beside the pool sipping cocktails and belting out Oasis songs with the other inebriated tourists, or better still out on the town...but my husband slept on oblivious to it all.

That's when the idea struck me, a daring idea. What if I stole out? What if I went down to the bar for a quick drink whilst Ted rested? What harm could it do? I was an independent woman; why was I sitting in the apartment forcing down Cypriot wine when I could go downstairs and join in with the merriment in the bar? I could buy a cocktail and sip it whilst letting my imagination loose on a bar full of tanned men! Ok, so I'd be on my own down there, that was scary, but sitting alone on my balcony had to be worse.

"Go on!" urged the devil on my shoulder. "Sneak out! Ted will never know!" Even if Ted did wake up it wouldn't matter. I'd leave a note so he could join me if he wanted to. "Good plan," I muttered to myself.

I stood up, my resolve set. I was going out...alone. I slipped on my best dress, brand new high-heeled shoes and washed my face. I didn't bother with make-up. 'Mutton dressed as lamb' was a pet hate of mine. I'd far rather look my age. Besides, who cared what I looked like? I was going to the bar for a drink and a spot of people watching. That's all.

I gathered up my purse and keys, checked I had some Euros then found a sheet of paper to write a note on. "I'm in the bar having a quick drink. See you there? P. x" I left the note in plain sight on the table so he'd find it if he woke up.

"Back soon," I whispered as I stole away.

I closed the door softly and stood out in the corridor breathing deeply. Half of me was excited at the thought of a sneaky night out, the other half was terrified. I wanted to have some fun but I wasn't sure I was brave enough to venture out alone. I hesitated, my uncertainty rendering me immobile. Should I head onwards or retreat back into the sanctuary of my apartment? Ted might wake up later on, or we could go out the following night...

"Don't be such a coward!" I scolded myself. "Life's for living and you deserve some fun!"

It was true, I did. My life at home was one long juggling act and a constant battle to be in several different places all at the same time. I worked long hours and the kids did a multitude of after school clubs, all of which required carefully timed car journeys to ferry them back and forth. Now that they were older I was also required to be their taxi-driver for their weekend social gatherings. Lucky them. I never went out anywhere and had turned down so many social invitations from friends that they no longer bothered to invite me.

On top of working full time and looking after my family Ted and I both had elderly parents who required regular visits and attention. It was crisis management on a daily basis and showed no sign of easing up. I shouldn't complain, and I didn't usually. I had the best family in the world and lived a full life - I just wanted to do something selfish for a change.

Fourteen days of sun, sea and alcohol had greeted me and Ted when we'd landed in Cyprus and we'd welcomed that with open arms. Freedom - we needed it! My poor husband, however, was shattered. He worked hard all year long, hadn't taken any leave for ages and was finding the heat a bit much. I shouldn't blame him for passing out. He needed the rest.

"I need a drink," I muttered. Decision made I marched bravely onwards towards the bar.

The pool bar was busy and as expected the clientele were all seated around the tables in groups or couples. All were deep in conversation or singing along to the music. The retired 'swingers' occupied their favourite corner. They laughed and joked as they sipped gin and played cards. No-one in the bar was there alone, no-one at all...except me and my appearance, unaccompanied, caused quite a stir. Eyebrows were raised and suspicious glances cast my way. I looked at my watch, pretending my partner was late then picked my way between the tables towards the bar. George greeted me with a wide smile.

"All alone?" he asked quizzically.

I smiled and nodded.

"Slipped out for a quickie have you?" he teased. "What've you done with your husband?"

"He's asleep!" I sighed.

"Already?"

I pulled a face.

"What would you like?" asked George kindly.

"Something strong. A cocktail, perhaps?"

"I can do you a 'George special'."

"Is that strong?"

George grinned. "Oh yeah, it's lethal! I invented it on my twenty-first birthday."

"Ok, that could be dangerous! Cheers George, I'll give it a go."

The 'George special' was an enormous bright blue slush concoction adorned with straws, parasols and an entire fruit salad! Its grinning inventor placed on a coaster in front of me and stood back to watch my reaction. I eyed it suspiciously, uncertain whether I should suck at it with the straw or ask for a spoon. I opted for the straw, taking a long draw.

"Oh that's good," I breathed.

George smiled appreciatively. "Go easy," he said, "it's more potent than it tastes."

It was! The five shots of liberally measured 'whatever' soon kicked in and I felt great! I sat back, picking at the grapes and orange at the top of my glass and watching the world go by. It was odd being on my own in a bar but my proximity to George made me feel secure and sitting there with a delicious cocktail in front of me was far nicer than sulking on my balcony with my bottle of locally grown rocket fuel!

I let out a deep sigh as I took in my surroundings; the colourful lights illuminating the bar swayed in the light breeze and threw dancing reflections onto the gently rippling surface of the pool. The shrill chirping of cicadas cut through the warm night air and bats flitted low overhead hunting a swarm of scarily large insects. High above a dazzling array of stars joined the full moon which hung so low in the sky it appeared twice the size of any moon I'd seen gracing the English heavens. It was quite a sight.

"Mind if I join you?" said a voice from behind me.

Shit! I knew that voice...I turned abruptly to find myself face to face with my sexy twenty-something from the poolside and the lift ride earlier. My cheeks instantly flushed bright red and burned fiercely. I hadn't expected to bump into him again and it was even more of a surprise that he'd addressed me!

"Oh, you frightened the life out of me!" I said, inventing an excuse for my obvious embarrassment.

"Sorry, didn't mean to give you a scare. You were miles away."

"I was soaking up the atmosphere," I stammered.

"It's lovely, isn't it? Mind if I sit here?"

"No, please do," I answered hesitantly.

"Thanks. I don't feel comfortable being on my own in a bar. Isn't that silly?"

"No, not at all," I smiled. "Me neither."

"Yeah, I thought you were alone. No husband?"

"Not tonight."

"I'm Joe," said the man holding out his hand.

I shook it. It was warm and his handshake was firm.

"Pippa," I smiled back.

"Pleased to meet you Pippa."

I eyed up my new companion. He was about six feet tall, well-built and smelled of after sun and Old Spice. His face was handsome and those beautiful brown eyes lit up when he smiled. He was also young, very young, about half my age.

George approached us. "Evening Joe, the usual?"

"Please, and another one of those blue things for her."

"Coming right up," smiled George. He disappeared, humming to himself.

"What the hell is that?" Joe asked, gesturing towards my cocktail.

"Fuck knows! It tastes like lemonade but it's got loads in it. Look, it turns a sort of greenish-brown colour, like algae, when you stir it!"

Joe looked bemused.

"Sorry," I slurred, "It's very alcoholic. I'll be completely stupid after another one!"

"Well, that's what holidays are for," he smiled. "Actually I might join you." He waved at George. "I've changed my mind - can I have one of those blue thingies too?"

George beamed. "Another 'George Special' coming up. You'll love it!"

Joe eyed his cocktail suspiciously when George proudly placed it before him. He hesitated before taking a sip, much as I'd done, but sucked it back rapidly as soon as the delightful taste melted on his tongue.

"I wouldn't gulp that too fast if I were you," warned George, "or you'll get..."

"Oh shit, head freeze!" Joe yelped clutching his forehead.

"Yep, that!" George walked away chuckled to himself.

"Oh fuck I'm such a div!" Joe laughed. "Let's try that again, slowly this time! Cheers!"

"Cheers!" I echoed.

There was a pause. "Where's your wife?" I had to ask.

"Stacey? She's my girlfriend, we're not married. She'd in bed. She's worn out."

I nodded sympathetically. "Pregnancy can be hard."

"So I'm learning. Where's your husband?"

"Asleep. Too much sun at the beach this afternoon, I think. I stayed in the shade."

"You sure?" he said peering at my blushing face.

My colour deepened. "Ok, I got a lot of sun too but less than him."

"Sensible."

"Hum, shame he wasn't."

"Oh?"

"I wanted to go out this evening. I was looking forward to it."

"You are out."

"I'm not supposed to be. I've sneaked out."

"Me too," Joe nodded. "I feel quite guilty about it actually," he confessed.

"So do I!"

There was another silence. I sipped my drink. Blimey that was strong!

"Where did you want to go to?" Joe asked after an uncomfortable hiatus.

"Hmm?"

"Where did you want to go tonight, with your husband?"

"Ted, he's called Ted. I wanted to go the harbour. I thought it would be nice to see all the boats lit up. I've seen them from a distance but not close up. It looked like there were a couple of good bars down there too."

"There are apparently. I've not been either. I've not been out much at all actually."

Joe's brown eyes wandered over my face, studying me. He seemed to be contemplating something and more than once I saw his lips twitch as if he were about to speak.

"What are you thinking?" I asked him.

Joe hesitated. "I was...erm...wondering if you'd still like to go to the harbour with me? It's no more than a mile from here so it won't take long. We could walk along the promenade or the beach if you prefer."

"Go with you?" I spluttered.

His proposition startled me. How could I go anywhere with him?

"Well?" Joe pushed, "what do you think? I know you don't know me or anything but I assure you I'm not some crazed axe murderer! Even if I was they'll be plenty of people around to stop me wielding my chopper at you!"

I giggled. He was funny and I adored that mischievous glint in his eyes...but going somewhere with him? I couldn't possibly. I wouldn't dare. Yet the idea of it excited me. I grabbed my drink and took a large gulp. My hands trembled as I lifted the glass.

"Thank you for the offer Joe, it's tempting but I don't think it's a good..."

"Come on Pippa, say you'll go!" he begged. "It's a lovely night. Come for a walk with me. Where's the harm?"

Joe fixed me with those gorgeous deep brown eyes. He was adorable and he was right, where was the harm? He was only asking me to go for a walk, nothing more. It was a perfectly innocent request so there was no reason for me to turn him down. Well, maybe one; I couldn't help interpreting his suggestion as much more than just a walk. My sex-starved brain twisted his words into an invitation to strip each other naked on the starlit beach and have rampaging sex in the steamy Cypriot night. My brain conjured up images of Joe and me writhing together on the sand and screaming out our orgasms as Joe's fat cock filled my hungry cunt with squirt after juicy squirt of creamy cum. My mind oozed visions of delightfully sordid acts and my heart raced. That was a good reason to turn him down.

"Pippa?"

Joe's voice jolted me back to reality quickly dispelling my preposterous fantasies.

"Pippa? Shall we be devils and go?"

Devils eh? Sometimes it's safer to keep fantasies as exactly that and not push them into becoming a reality. A dream locked away can't be fulfilled but will never be shattered either. In my world all fantasies and desires stayed locked away. I never spoke of them and certainly didn't act on them. Mine was a safe world...safe and dull! I should have said no to Joe. I should have politely declined, finished my drink and returned to my apartment. Ordinarily that's exactly what I'd have done. But something snapped that night; whether it was anger at Ted for leaving me unfulfilled or anger at myself for always taking the safe option I couldn't say. Perhaps it was a bit of both. Whatever the cause a walk with Joe suddenly seemed like a good idea and the possibilities it may lead too became inviting instead of frightening.

"Ok, let's go," I smiled. "I'd love to."

And with that I seized the chance to live out my fantasies for real. Of course, I had no reason to believe our walk would actually lead to anything else. It was completely innocent but if the opportunity arose for a bit of mischief I was resolved to take it. Life was too short, my new friend was gorgeous and I craved adventure. To hell with the consequences!

"Would you like to get a drink with me when we get to the harbour?" I asked, suddenly finding some bravado.

"A drink?"

"Yes, with me." I held my breath.

Joe gave me a curious look then his face broke into a wide smile - a lecherous one if I wasn't mistaken. "I'd love to," he said. "You're on!"

Joe's look gave me a strange fizzing sensation in my stomach, a sensation I'd not experienced since I was a teenager. I felt foolish and exhilarated all at once but for the first time that evening I was glad Ted was asleep. My night was shaping up to become interesting.

Joe and I set off, albeit a little unsteadily on my part. I didn't drink much at home so the cocktails had gone straight to my head. Joe took my hand to steady me and never let it go. Once we were out of sight of the apartments he slid his arm around my waist and the two of us strolled along like lovers. It was illicit, forbidden, and sent shockwaves of pleasure rippling through me. I never dreamed that I would be spending my evening with such a gorgeous man and his attentiveness felt wonderful. I smiled up at him for which I received a tender kiss on the forehead. How sweat, how perfect.

We made our way towards the coast and descended the stone steps that led to the wide wooden promenade. The walkway ran along the entire length of the beach from the headland, where we were, to the harbour at the far end. That night it was brightly floodlit and teaming with people. They ambled along perusing the menus displayed outside the beach side restaurants and bars or stopped to gaze at the cloudless night sky and breathe in the fresh, salty air. It appeared that as many people walked the promenade at night as trod its boards during the day time.

The lights along the promenade reflected on the sea beyond the beach and the distant glow of fishing vessels added to the illumination on the dark water. It was beautiful, a truly romantic setting and I was sharing it with a handsome stranger whose strong arms held me in a firm embrace. I sighed with the deepest contentment. I felt more alive than I had in years.

"Beautiful isn't it?" Joe whispered to me.

It was. He was. I nodded, lost for words. We continued on in silence enjoying the tranquillity of the night and the novelty of each other's company.

"Look, we're nearly there," Joe said pointing ahead. "It does look quite spectacular."

The harbour lay ahead of us and was indeed a sight to see. The yachts moored along the quayside were illuminated with every manner of rope light and lantern whilst the tourist vessels were floodlit to highlight their splendour and entice custom for future voyages. I could see that the small bookings kiosk was still open and doing a roaring trade. The harbour front was lined with bars and restaurants all advertising their presence with coloured neon and loud music. The thump-thump beat was audible from quite a distance away and grew steadily louder as we approached.

Up close the harbour was even prettier and a hive of activity. The freshly painted quayside and pier were crowded with people all there to admire the brightly illuminated examples of nautical opulence bobbing gently on the waves. Many a comment about "when I win the lottery..." was banded about.

"I had to leave my boat at home, it was too big for this tiny harbour," joked Joe.

"Mine too," I nodded, grinning.

We walked on past the pier and came upon quayside the bars and restaurants. They looked new and were all very popular. Joe guided me towards a bar with a spacious outside seating area. It was quieter than most of the other bars.

"Drink?" he asked.

"Definitely. My round."

I caught the attention of a waiter and ordered two cocktails which I picked at random by pointing to the menu with my eyes closed. The smartly dressed waiter smiled politely at my choices and disappeared. When he returned, however, he couldn't hide his amusement as he placed a tall glass of putrid looking purple and green stuff in front of Joe and an enormous round glass filled with lurid pink froth in front of me.

"Enjoy," he smirked.

Yes, I bet he was laughing. Joe and I must have looked a picture!

"What the fuck's that?" Joe exclaimed as soon as the waiter was out of earshot.

I shrugged. "Look at mine!"

"Fuck! You sure you want to drink that?"

"I will, if you will," I grinned.

"Ok, here goes," he declared. "Cheers!"

"Cheers!" I echoed.

My cocktail tasted a little like toothpaste and had a similar texture. The alcohol content, however, was strong enough to numb both my taste buds and my brain and that enabled me to continue enjoying my evening, and Joe's company, with growing confidence. Joe's cocktail seemed to have a similar effect upon him and when Joe relaxed he started talking...and didn't stop! I didn't mind. I liked listening to him. I liked the sound of his voice, his comical facial expressions and the way he used his hands to animate his conversation.

Joe talked about himself and his life. I found out that he was twenty four years old, an electrician by trade and had been with Stacey for two years. The holiday had been booked and paid for before Stacey found out she was pregnant and as it was non-refundable they'd decided to go ahead with it.

"It's not been so bad," said Joe, "just not the relaxing holiday we thought it would be."

I pulled a sad face. "Sounds like my holiday,"

"Well, we'll have to do something about that, won't we?"

He nudged me in the ribs and I nudged him back. I felt like a teenager flirting with a contemporary. Joe squinted at me out of the corner of his eye;

"So you've got two children, both practically adults, and you're, let me see, about thirty-five?"

"Flatterer!" I tittered girlishly. "No, I'm forty-two."

"Really? You look thirty-five."

"Thank you. That's kind of you to say so."

Joe's eyes ran over my body taking in my contours and curves. He lingered on my breasts before arriving back at my face. He nodded approvingly. "You look fantastic."

"Stop-it," I muttered. "I'm old enough to be your mother!"

A scantily dressed cocktail waitress sauntered past carrying a dangerously teetering tray of empty glasses. Joe shot an admiring look at her shapely legs and perk backside as she sidled past our table. I glared at him.

"What? I'm allowed to look," he protested.

"Um," I ran my eyes over his shapely torso and tight ass, slowly and deliberately. "So am I," I teased in a wickedly coquettish manner I'd forgotten I could deliver.