Sticky situations!

1.

The music was pounding through the sound system. The beat was deafening but the atmosphere, electric. The air was full of anticipation for the New Years Eve countdown. Party goers dressed to the nines in their best clothes hoping for the final night of 2012 to go with a monumental bang. Vintage nightclub had pulled out all the stops. A free bar, live music and some of the best DJs in the business. Canapés travelled the room to accompany the alcohol being served to revellers.
The food was carried through the party on beautiful silver platters by beautiful young waitresses. The main hall was decked out in the most breathtaking decorations imaginable. Plumes of fake snow billowed from four cannons around the massive stage, huge crystal icicles adorned the black walls, which twinkled none stop due to the millions of fairy lights surrounding them.
Stunning ice sculptures glittered with a mixture of frozen water and glitter. An ice sculpted fountain stood as the centre piece. champagne poured down the carved body of a woman in all her naked glory where a waitress head to foot in gold glitter handed out drinks in pre frosted Martini glasses. Other waitresses painted silver meandered through the crowds with magnums of champagne held above their heads with huge sparklers omitting a festive glow from the bottle necks.
The VIP guests were the current England cricket team fresh from the test series of india.
Derek Hansell sashayed into the VIP area of Vintage Nightclub all tanned with his muscles rippling over the top of his grey designer t shirt, his sleeves folded up to show off taut, bugling arms. Immediately a young waitress pushed a glass of champagne into his hand. She went as red as her claret dyed hair when he thanked her with a flash of perfect straight white teeth. With one final glance in the bar mirror, Derek made sure his artistically spiked dark quiff framed his face just right, he then sat down in a comfy squishy black leather lounger.
"Ladies." Derek said, as smooth as velvet.
As soon as his Armani clad backside hit the chair a swarm of star struck girls clamoured around him. Like a Greek Adonis with his harem of beauties he grinned stupidly and stretched out his long arms across the back of the soft leather chair and over the shoulder of a stunningly sultry blonde haired woman.
Chloe turned to face her man. She cupped his face gently and stroked his bottom lip with her perfectly manicured finger. Derek wrapped Chloe in his arms and dug his hands into her long blond hair kissing her with gutso. He ran his free hand up her thigh. Oh those legs were long. He gave her tight little waist a squeeze and came to rest his hand on her breast. Chloe pulled away and slapped his hand.
"Derek, not in front of the papps, are you completely stupid." she hissed.
'Who gives a toss baby, we're enjoying each other. '
'But you're forgetting you moron,' she said, through clenched red lips. "You're still fucking married. I want that Grey Star contract, so keep your dick in your pants until we're alone. Idiot.'

Derek sat back and rubbed his chin. Chloe chucked a napkin at him to get the lipstick off his face. He started to feel rattled. He'd just helped get his home country through five gruelling tests, He wanted to let off steam. He was horny and wanted a fuck. Chloe was being a bitch. He glanced over at the waitress, clicked his fingers and she scurried over.
'Mr Hansell, how can I help?' she crooned.
He looked at this young girl. Bright silver hair tied back in a high ponytail. She looked cute in her silver paint. Barely there boob tube, hot pants and flat silver boots. The club had done a good job at recruiting sexy girls.
'A bottle of Glayva please. Plenty ice.'
'Yes Sir'
He watched her hurry away, her arse was nice to. He had a vision of taking her doggy style holding her pony tail making her beg for more.
Derek shook his pervy thoughts aside, she was no more than nineteen. Then again Chloe was twenty two. Alot younger than his 31 years. He looked at his girlfriend. Her long legs were facing him as she chatted over her shoulder to someone. She was fucking beautiful. If her agent didn't get her that contract he wanted firing. Chloe oozed the sex appeal to pull off those jeans.
Sick of being side lined, Derek stood up suddenly.
'Where are you going?' Chloe demanded.
'Er to the toilet, what do you want me to do, piss in the ice bucket?'
Chloe pursed her lips and gave him a scathing look. She turned her attention back to the person she was talking to.
Derek pushed past the party goers clamouring to have a gawp at him. Usually he loved the attention. But he was feeling agitated.
Posing for photos and meeting fans was always fun and a confidence boost to see their stupid faces full of admiration only wishing they could be you, but tonight he couldn't be bothered. He walked as quickly as he could to the nearest bathroom
Since he had met Chloe his profile had propelled her modelling career. She was in high demand. He wasn't surprised with her high cheek bones, chiselled jaw line, and stunning almond shaped brown eyes. Her groomed eyebrows perfectly accentuated her features, making those eyes even bigger. Her body was to die for. Perfect size 6, tight and toned. She was an art form. And boy did she know it. Chloe was the ultimate bitch.
Derek slunk further to the back of the VIP area heading in the direction of the toilet. The club was elegant oppulance. All black leather chairs and chaise longue. Flock wallpaper adorned the walls which were heavily mirrored and covered with old fashioned paintings in heavy ornate frames. Everything was still covered in christmas decorations.
The high gloss black wood floor clicked beneath his boots as he pushed the heavy oak door to the toilet open. The music instantly dulled but Derek could still feel the pounding of the bass on his chest.
'Anyone else in here Gustav?' he asked the toilet attendant.
'Non senior' he quipped in his Mexican accent, a smile was protruding beneath his black moustache.
'Good. Come back in ten minutes. And lock the bloody door.' Derek said
Gustav placed his towel on the pristine white porcelain sink basin and watched Derek meander into a cubicle banging the door behind him. Gustav let out a sigh and shook his head whilst walking to the door. He took a big old key from his waistcoat pocket, opened the heavy bathroom door where music blared in and then dulled to a hum when he was gone. Derek heard a click and let out a breath.
He sat on the toilet the opposite way, Facing the cistern. He had a package in his hand which he opened.
he emptied the powder onto the toilet top and formed a perfectly straight line using his black credit card. Positioning himself over the powder, he hoovered it up his nose in one swoop with a rolled up £20. Derek instantly felt better. He continued hoovering cocaine up his nose a further four times until he could feel the harshness within begin to mellow. Now he felt good.

He cleaned the top of the toilet and wiped his card on a piece of toilet roll. He grabbed a wad of the soft silky paper and opened the cubicle door. Derek walked to the mirror. He looked at his reflection, slightly blurred thanks to the cocaine he'd just shoved up his left nostril. He leaned over the sink tilting his chin upwards as he did so. Taking the wad of tissue he wiped any trace of white substance from his nostril. Splashing his face with water he waited for gustav's return. Eyeing himself up in the mirror Derek thought how far he'd came. He was good looking and had wads of cash. He deserved to let his hair down. He kept checking his reflection for any tell tale sign of what he had just done.
He heard a clink and the stout little Mexican walked back into the toilet. He began spraying Derek with his signature scent and checking his nose again. Gustav took a clothes brush to his shirt and pants and helped prep him for his waiting crowd. When he was free to leave Derek stumbled out of the toilets, slipping slighty on the black tiled toilet floor. He opened the door with a new found strength that it banged against the wall making it quiver along with the beat.
Gustav shook his head in shame behind him.
Back in the crowded VIP area Derek bumped his way back to Chloe who was sitting on her own, her talking partner was long gone.
'Where the fuck have you been?'
She seethed through gritted teeth.
Derek rolled his eyes at her. He grabbed the Glayva bottle and refilled his glass. The songs were pounding through the speakers. Some new Beyonce song. Loads of young talent were gyrating in front of him, skirts riding up to reveal a flash of thong or arse cheek. Derek admired the view. He tapped his foot along with the beat, waving at the occasional fan who shouted his name or 'Derek we love you!' He felt the tensions slip away and could start enjoying himself. It was New Years Eve after all. Derek sat back in his chair, glass in one hand looking at the people with their faces pressed up to the VIP area to get a glimpse of a sporting star.
Derek had worked very hard to get to where he was he had taken several knocks early on in his career. He was constantly a substitute never quite good enough to play with the current side, but a little game rigging was uncovered with the star bowler and wicket keeper. Hundreds of Thousands were laundered and the reputation of the British team had been in tatters. Derek had been called up at the last minute, being a fast seamer he bowled his heart out to help achieve the highest number of runs ever for the British side. He became a star overnight. Spurred on by his sudden run of things an ill fated fall led to a fractured leg and dislocated knee cap resulting in surgery. It took months to recover and another year of physio until he was ready for any international play offs.
Derek furrowed his brow. He glanced at Chloe who was networking with someone or other. It had been Tina who saw him through those dark days. He thought his career was over. She was there every step of the way. After surgery, she never left his side. Helping to bathe and dress him. She worked full time in advertising, managed to cook, clean and make sure Derek was cared for properly.
He met Tina in college whilst studying sports science, and she marketing. She was a lovely girl. Big beautiful eyes and a hearty laugh. Tina wasn't beautiful like Chloe but Derek didn't think many people were like Chloe.
He fell into routine with Tina and before he knew it they were living together and marriage automatically followed. About a year later his career really took off. Mainly thanks to Tina's networking and advertising canpaigns.
Fast forward a whirlwind of publicity, advertising, promotions and photo-shoots he had accumulated in stardom beyond his wildest dreams.
Tina had become more of a friend/buisness confidant than someone he loved deeply. He had feelings for her but she didnt get him hard like Chloe did. Thinking about it, Tina made him gag when it came to sex. Frumpy PJs and bed socks. there was no justifying that she didn't fit with his image. That's how the divorce had came about. Derek had told Tina he didn't think it was working anymore. Then the bitch dropped a bombshell and told him she was pregnant. When he'd told Chloe she went ballistic.
'Well and truly trapped now you dim fuck.' she screamed.
Derek had walked out and didn't look back he couldn't believe she was pregnant. He must of been off his face on drugs to find her sexy in those fleecy PJs and stubbly legs.
Tina had begun divorcee proceedings.

So here he was enjoying his new found freedom with Chloe living the life he always dreamed of. Going to events, earning loads of money and getting mountains of freebies from companies clamouring to have him promote their products.
Derek gulped his Whiskey. It had been a long hard few months.
Winning the competition, flying home, plus team photos, talking to the press, a live interviews and all these parties had taken it out on him.
The cocaine just helped him feel normal. It was lovely just to relax for the first time in months. Derek sat enjoying the music and the mellow which was coursing through his veins.
'Time to go Derek, I've got a flight tomorrow to Sweden for a photoshoot.' purred Chloe.
'If your a good boy, you might get lucky.'
Chloe bent forward, revealing her ample cleavage.

2.
Cricket season was quiet for now but that didn't stop Derek's agent hassling him to do some promotional crap.

'It's a great opportunity Derek, give back to your community. It'll show you care about normal people.' he reeled off fast.

'I don't know Colin, I've still got training and my contracts to honour. I just got signed to be the face of Cherry Watches last week.' he sighed.

Derek rubbed his head. He still felt groggy off the champagne, whiskey and cocaine the night before. Plus he was still frustrated sexually as Chloe had taken forever to remove her false hair, eyelashes and nails. By the time she had performed her cleanse, tone and moisturise routine, he was flat out snoring his head off.

'You really want me to squeeze more in? I've got the mediation with Tina as well.' he remembered darkly.

'Derek I've already signed and said you'd be a business mentor to a woman setting up her own business. It's in your home town. You can catch up with your folks at the same time. It's only for a couple of weeks then you can take a back seat but still make some money from her business.' colin pleaded

'Fine, fine. I'll do it. You'll have to explain to Chloe though, she doesn't want to meet my parents or go anywhere near my childhood town. What type of product am I endorsing?'

'Jam.' said Colin proudly

'Fucking jam!' shouted Derek. I'm a Cricketer not a Farmer! Are you for real?'

'Derek, Derek it's a local woman from your home town. You'll be a treasure, taking an interest in the people around you. Please just have a look. If you're not happy you can pull out. There's full business plans been drawn up. This woman is onto a winner. Her name is Anne Slate. Just do me a favour and have a listen, if it's a no go, just bolt.'

'Ok, Ok. Even if it's just to shut you up.' he sighed.

Derek put the phone down. Rubbing his head more ferociously, his head was pounding. He went to the bathroom cupboard and got some headache tablets and a glass of water. Derek walked back to the bedroom of the sumptuous hotel suite he had rented.
He lay down on the massive queen bed. The leather frame creaked as the mattress adjusted to his weight, The cool Egyptian cotton sheets felt delicious on his bareback. A little snooze would do him good.
Plus he was still vexed not getting sex from Chloe. She had caught a mega early flight to do a photo shoot in Sweden. A wank might do him good as well he thought.
He grabbed the universal remote from the Victorian style bedside table and pressed a button. Almost at once a shutter began to close over the huge glass window. The view of London disappeared behind a black blind. The London eye vanished along with the hustle and bustle in the street below. The decor of the room began to deepen. The cream walls and doors vanished as the blind covered more of the huge glass skyline view.
Complete darkness and no sound to speak of. Bliss.

Fucking jam thought Derek. At least it wouldn't be a waste of time. He could see his parents, catch up and then leave before he had time to get roped into this ridiculous scheme.
Colin needed a serious chat. He was like a dog on permanent heat.

3.
Derek rang a taxi from Yorkshire train station to take him home to his village where he grew up.
Travelling in first class he had a fantastic view of the changing scenery. dull grey skylines and ugly cold buildings gave way to beautiful cascading hills, deep crevices in the valleys, sheep roaming open fields. Even the air changed. smog and dirt filled to beautiful crisp clean air.
Derek was filled with happy childhood memories, racing around the fields with friends, going exploring up steep hills and running home for a hearty delicious home cooked meal and a good scrub in the bath before sitting in front of an open fire reading stories with his parents.
He was really excited to go home to his folks' farm. He loved living and working in Cheshire and commuting to London but the fast paced lifestyle could get you down sometime.
Coming home was a good head clearer. Derek felt excited about sitting in his mothers kitchen at the ancient scrubbed wooden table sipping tea. London tea wasn't a patch on real home brewed tea. A proper Yorkshire brew and a chin wag was just what Derek needed during his break from cricket. Sitting in the train station lobby, Derek was lost in thought about where he would like to go first. He fancied his old cricket ground where he got his first offer after a scout turned up or straight to his parents idyllic cottage by the valley. Derek decided on the latter. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and dialled his folks number. It rang. And rang.
Finally the answer phone clicked on.

"Hi, you've reached the voicemail of Bobby and Jeanette Hansell. We're currently cruising around the Caribbean for the next 4 weeks. Please leave a message after the beep.' BEEP

Great. Fucking brilliant. His parents were halfway across the world. Why weren't they at home waiting for their only son returning home.
He hadn't told them he was coming though. It wasn't the point Derek argued with himself. He was famous, a legend.
Just then a horn honked outside.
Derek stomped off in the direction of the taxi almost flooring a young fan in his desperate attempt to get out of the building. He climbed in the back and crinkled up his nose straight away, it smelled of stale smoke and mothballs.
'Epsom Lane mate.' Derek said coughing slightly as the smell caught in his throat.
The taxi driver grunted and pulled away from the curb. The little skip wagon chundled along the road. Derek sat straight up not wanting the musty smell to sink into his new shirt. He wound the window down to try and entice some fresh air in. It was no good, the old crank gave up half way through and the manky window was stuck half way down.
He leaned his head on the window and shut his eyes tight. Feeling the wind on his face Derek felt the stresses of London melting away. He felt himself relaxing. But not enough to sit back in the dingy car seat. His trousers felt damp and they were frigging new.

Derek sighed. He'd be home soon. He smiled to himself thinking of the way his parents used to fuss to him and made his favourite meals. Then he remembered sourly that they were on a boat miles away having a good time. Derek felt bitter. They should be home waiting for him. He had played his guts out to get England back on top after the game rigging.

At least he could relax in his old room and ponder over memories of cricket as a youngster. No stress, you just played for fun. Derek was lost in his memories when the taxi driver prodded him with a tobacco stained finger.
'We're here, that'll be £25 quid please.' he sniffed

Derek fished around his pocket. He had loads of change and a couple of notes. He thrust the whole lot into the taxi drivers hand.
'Keep the change.' he said
The taxi driver thanked him and the recognition started to dawn on his heavily lined face. His dog tired eyes sparkled for the first time since Derek entered his taxi.

'Hey aren't you....'

'Yeah I am.'

Derek felt sorry for him all of a sudden working hard for a smoke and a pint at the end of a long day. He felt slightly abashed standing next to this man. Derek shook his hand, signed an autograph and posed for a photo on the mans camera phone, next to his dingy old car.

'I can't wait to show the grandchildren this photo.' the taxi driver said gleefully.

'I've met an international cricket star. The boys love cricket see. They play at the local club where you used to play as a boy.' he waffled on.

Derek listened patiently, giving a polite nod and smile every now and again.

'You should pop down and see the young un's play if you have time of course Mr Hansell.'

'Derek. Call me Derek.' he soothed pleasantly.

'I'll try Sir. I'll try' he responded absent mindedly.

The only thing Derek wanted to do right now was flump onto his old bed.

And wash his hands.

Traipsing around the back garden for the spare key turned into a mini scavenger hunt. The stone it originally hid under was empty as were the 20 or so rocks what followed in his fruitless hunt. It was getting dark out and Derek wondered if they still hid the key under rocks.
He hadn't been home in about 5 years. He scratched his head trying to think what his next move would be when a sliver of light appeared and a voice from the gate shouted.
'Oi, what are you doing at the Hansells? Oh Derek hello my love, how are you? Said a relieved voice

An old lady came trundling up to the fence. She peered over intently. Derek noticed she had a frying pan gripped in her gnarled twisted fingers.

'Hello Mrs Stokoe.' I thought I'd surprise my folks by visiting, but low and behold they're not here. I've been looking for the spare key but I can't find it.' he said

'You daft sausage. Folk don't put keys under rocks no more. Times have changed son.' Mrs Stokoe said.

'Ive got a spare I'll chuck it over the fence for you. She disappeared again and Derek moved a little closer to the fence.
He watched little Mrs Stokoe limp away, hair net and apron on, her slippers slapping the cobbles as she walked.
A short lady with bandy legs. He remembered her lovely cakes and biscuits she baked for the school fares.
A few minutes later she peered over the fence and thrust a big old key into his outstretched hand.
'There you go love, mind you return that when you leave. I'll catch up with you tomorrow. It's not every night an international cricket star comes home. Goodnight duck.'
Mrs Stokoe's head disappeared behind the fence. He heard the tell tale slapping of her slippers retreating indoors, a door open then a small chink of light disappeared with a snap of a door

4.
Derek rang a taxi from Yorkshire train station to take him home to his village where he grew up.
Travelling in first class he had a fantastic view of the changing scenery. dull grey skylines and ugly cold buildings gave way to beautiful cascading hills, deep crevices in the valleys, sheep roaming open fields. Even the air changed. smog and dirt filled to beautiful crisp clean air.
Derek was filled with happy childhood memories, racing around the fields with friends, going exploring up steep hills and running home for a hearty delicious home cooked meal and a good scrub in the bath before sitting in front of an open fire reading stories with his parents.
He was really excited to go home to his folks' farm. He loved living and working in Cheshire and commuting to London but the fast paced lifestyle could get you down sometime.
Coming home was a good head clearer. Derek felt excited about sitting in his mothers kitchen at the ancient scrubbed wooden table sipping tea. London tea wasn't a patch on real home brewed tea. A proper Yorkshire brew and a chin wag was just what Derek needed during his break from cricket. Sitting in the train station lobby, Derek was lost in thought about where he would like to go first. He fancied his old cricket ground where he got his first offer after a scout turned up or straight to his parents idyllic cottage by the valley. Derek decided on the latter. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and dialled his folks number. It rang. And rang.
Finally the answer phone clicked on.

"Hi, you've reached the voicemail of Bobby and Jeanette Hansell. We're currently cruising around the Caribbean for the next 4 weeks. Please leave a message after the beep.' BEEP

Great. Fucking brilliant. His parents were halfway across the world. Why weren't they at home waiting for their only son returning home.
He hadn't told them he was coming though. It wasn't the point Derek argued with himself. He was famous, a legend.
Just then a horn honked outside.
Derek stomped off in the direction of the taxi almost flooring a young fan in his desperate attempt to get out of the building. He climbed in the back and crinkled up his nose straight away, it smelled of stale smoke and mothballs.
'Epsom Lane mate.' Derek said coughing slightly as the smell caught in his throat.
The taxi driver grunted and pulled away from the curb. The little skip wagon chundled along the road. Derek sat straight up not wanting the musty smell to sink into his new shirt. He wound the window down to try and entice some fresh air in. It was no good, the old crank gave up half way through and the manky window was stuck half way down.
He leaned his head on the window and shut his eyes tight. Feeling the wind on his face Derek felt the stresses of London melting away. He felt himself relaxing. But not enough to sit back in the dingy car seat. His trousers felt damp and they were frigging new.

Derek sighed. He'd be home soon. He smiled to himself thinking of the way his parents used to fuss to him and made his favourite meals. Then he remembered sourly that they were on a boat miles away having a good time. Derek felt bitter. They should be home waiting for him. He had played his guts out to get England back on top after the game rigging.

At least he could relax in his old room and ponder over memories of cricket as a youngster. No stress, you just played for fun. Derek was lost in his memories when the taxi driver prodded him with a tobacco stained finger.
'We're here, that'll be £25 quid please.' he sniffed

Derek fished around his pocket. He had loads of change and a couple of notes. He thrust the whole lot into the taxi drivers hand.
'Keep the change.' he said
The taxi driver thanked him and the recognition started to dawn on his heavily lined face. His dog tired eyes sparkled for the first time since Derek entered his taxi.

'Hey aren't you....'

'Yeah I am.'

Derek felt sorry for him all of a sudden working hard for a smoke and a pint at the end of a long day. He felt slightly abashed standing next to this man. Derek shook his hand, signed an autograph and posed for a photo on the mans camera phone, next to his dingy old car.

'I can't wait to show the grandchildren this photo.' the taxi driver said gleefully.

'I've met an international cricket star. The boys love cricket see. They play at the local club where you used to play as a boy.' he waffled on.

Derek listened patiently, giving a polite nod and smile every now and again.

'You should pop down and see the young un's play if you have time of course Mr Hansell.'

'Derek. Call me Derek.' he soothed pleasantly.

'I'll try Sir. I'll try' he responded absent mindedly.

The only thing Derek wanted to do right now was flump onto his old bed.

And wash his hands.

4.

Traipsing around the back garden for the spare key turned into a mini scavenger hunt. The stone it originally hid under was empty as were the 20 or so rocks what followed in his fruitless hunt. It was getting dark out and Derek wondered if they still hid the key under rocks.
He hadn't been home in about 5 years. He scratched his head trying to think what his next move would be when a sliver of light appeared and a voice from the gate shouted.
'Oi, what are you doing at the Hansells? Oh Derek hello my love, how are you? Said a relieved voice

An old lady came trundling up to the fence. She peered over intently. Derek noticed she had a frying pan gripped in her gnarled twisted fingers.

'Hello Mrs Stokoe.' I thought I'd surprise my folks by visiting, but low and behold they're not here. I've been looking for the spare key but I can't find it.' he said

'You daft sausage. Folk don't put keys under rocks no more. Times have changed son.' Mrs Stokoe said.

'Ive got a spare I'll chuck it over the fence for you. She disappeared again and Derek moved a little closer to the fence.
He watched little Mrs Stokoe limp away, hair net and apron on, her slippers slapping the cobbles as she walked.
A short lady with bandy legs. He remembered her lovely cakes and biscuits she baked for the school fares.
A few minutes later she peered over the fence and thrust a big old key into his outstretched hand.
'There you go love, mind you return that when you leave. I'll catch up with you tomorrow. It's not every night an international cricket star comes home. Goodnight duck.'
Mrs Stokoe's head disappeared behind the fence. He heard the tell tale slapping of her slippers retreating indoors, a door open then a small chink of light disappeared with a snap of a door.

5.
Derek was apprehensive about this situation Colin had got him into helping some poor sap with a stupid jam idea. The meeting was looming that afternoon. Colin had emailed him the details and the place to meet his possible business adventurer. It was The Sow's Head pub in the village he grew up in.
He was quite reluctant to go there as it would be the same village idiots drinking the same drinks and talking the same shit from years ago.
Derek had found the key to his fathers land Rover last night in the old cracked teapot and decided to use this instead of taxis. As the car trundled and bumped along the rickety road towards the town he was lost in thought about his upcoming mediation and divorce settlement with Tina. It wasn't just a hefty payoff now, he'd be stuck paying child maintenance for the next eighteen years for a kid he didn't even want. He felt like she'd trapped him. Sneaky bitch.
Tina had done this on purpose Derek thought sourly. She knew this day was coming and needed a bargaining tool. Well he could fight back just as dirty. Derek gripped the wheel of the car in anger. He felt his fingers throb under the pressure he exerted through anger.
He let out a heavy sigh, swiftly moved the gear stick into 3rd whilst depressing the clutch.
Derek carried on driving not really paying attention until he reached his destination. He parked the car up and opened the door. He stepped onto the gravel surface and small wisps of dust collected around his new boots. Great. Fucking great. Brand new leather dirty already. He made his way to the pub entrance. A few people sat on old wooden picnic tables outside enjoying a cool cider and a sandwich in the mild afternoon sun.
Derek wrinkled his nose. They looked a scruffy bunch. Wearing dungarees and rigger boots.
Not one glance came his way. This rattled Derek. He was a sporting hero after all. Taking all those wickets against India.
As he walked through the big wooden double doors into the main bar he inhaled slightly. He wasn't sure why he was taken by surprise that everything wad still the same.
The smell of stale beer wafted through the bar from the cellar. The tobacco stained wallpaper still hung on the wall well after the smoking ban, the old dog eared upholstered chairs and well worn tables. His shoes seemed to sink into the carpet but not in the good way. No plump new roll lay beneath his feet. It was the stickiness of plenty spilled beers, muddy wet boots and the occasional vomit riddled youth.
Derek looked closer and he was aghast with horror. The walls were all chipped and there was wiring and plaster hanging out from every corner. It looked a total disgrace.
Derek wondered if it should be allowed to trade. It probably served the dregs of society, the ones who cost the taxpayer a fortune.
Derek approached the bar counter, gagging at the state of the place with blown out halogen bulbs and scratched, dusty glasses.

'Er, a Peroni please.' he said

'A what my duck?' the tubby middle aged woman asked.

'Erm, what bottled beer do you have?'

'Eee, now let's see, we've got Black Sheep, Old Speckled Hen and Hobgoblin.' she said with a flourish.

Derek tried hard to contain his anger what was already threatening to burst over,
'Just give me any' he said with a slight snap.

The woman looked at him with a furrowed brow. She walked to the fridge, opened to door and bent right over to reach a bottle off the bottom shelf. Her arse was huge. It was like a big round cushion, all dimpled and squashy.
She placed the bottle on the counter top with a slight bang causing a little of the ale to pour over and down the side.
'That'll be £2.40, please' she continued to stare at him for a moment whilst Derek fished in his pocket for change. He opened his wallet and pulled out a £50 note.
'Sorry, we don't accept £50 notes, there's loads of forgeries see.' she told him.
'Are you kidding me?' Derek could feel his temper boiling over. He started to count out the change what was on his hand.

'I'll get that Gina.' a voice from over his shoulder said.

Gina looked past Derek's head to the direction the voice came from. Her rosy face broke into a grin.

'Oh Anna lovely to see you, are you having your usual drink?'

'Not today Gina, just a lime and soda water for me thanks.' the woman said.

Derek turned around full of attitude to tell this bint he could buy his own drinks when he nearly shit himself.
His stomach contents bubbled and gurgled threatening to escape through his wide open mouth.
He sounded wordlessly, opening and closing his lips attempting to speak to the woman in front of him. But nothing formed. He stood there looking like an electrocuted cat fish. He was rooted to the spot.

'Hi. Long time no see.' the woman spoke in cheery tones

'Er, what are you doing here? Is this your local? I'm meeting a woman called Anne Slate about a business opportunity.' Derek reeled off fast.

The woman glanced at Gina and then back at Derek. A slight smile appeared on her face.

'I think your agent misheard. It's Anna Tate, and that's me. Gina can we sit in the restaurant and order lunch please?' Anna asked the fat barmaid.

'Tate? I thought....' Derek started but realised Anna was married.

Anna smiled an awkwardly and blushed slightly. She looked at her feet. Derek looked at her. It had been about 14 years since that kiss but he still felt his stomach gurgling the way it did whenever Anna had got on the school bus.

'Come this way duck and I'll come through in a minute with some menus.'
Gina wobbled out from behind the bar and lead them through a side door into another part of the building.
Derek gasped in awe. The restaurant was beautiful. Thick purple drapes and voiles hung from the gothic style curtain poles shrouding the room in an artisan glow. Black chandeliers were position relatively low in the room creating an intricate light over the thick carved wooden tables and chairs. The carpet was a rich, heavy grey colour. Which contrasted beautifully with the grey and silver walls.
'Wow this is amazing. It wasn't what I was expecting at all.' Derek said totally surprised.
Anna glanced over her shoulder at him and grinned.
'The pub is getting a major renovation.' she said
'We've been fundraising as a community for the past few years. The workmen are out front having a pint and some food. The bar is due to be finished in the next four weeks.'

Now Derek thought about it, the blokes outside we're all covered in dirt and wearing high visibility coats. He hadn't even noticed at the time.

He was too busy thinking about himself.

Anna took a seat on a table near the window. Derek followed her and sat opposite. He suddenly felt uncomfortable.
'So. Erm so, to business, I, I think..'
He stumbled around feeling his face grow hotter.
Anna looked at him and leaned over the table to get a folder out of her bag. He caught a glimpse of her tits when she leant down. They looked big and bouncy. Juicy titties. Derek could feel himself getting aroused. Just the thought of touching her chest. He'd thought about it all through school.
Anna straightened up and placed a file on the table in front of them.
'This is my plan, I've been making the jams for the past 8 years and I want to branch out into shops and supermarkets and not just school fairs and farmers markets. There's potential in the market as my jams are preservative free, sugar free and E number free.' Anna explained.
Derek was too busy staring at her. She had her hair clipped up in a sexy French twist. She had some strands framing her beautiful face. A fringe sat neatly above beautiful cared for eyebrows. Her make up was minimal but accentuated her dark brown eyes.
Derek allowed himself a few nods and chin scratches. If he was honest he didn't have a fucking clue about business, this was why he employed Colin. He was annoying but always pulled business in.
Anna was looking at Derek.
'So, have you been listening to what I've been saying?' she asked curtly.
She glanced in the direction Derek was looking and hastily pulled at her top.
Anna sighed.
'Derek I thought we would be able to get past what happened all those years ago. We're both adults and are married.'
Derek shook himself right.
'What are you going on about. I'm just tired. It's been a busy few weeks for me you know. I had to come here from London on very little sleep. Don't flatter yourself Anna, I'm not here for you, this is business. Plain and simple. Plus I'm with Chloe Summers. The model. I'd be mad to trade down don't you think?' Derek bitched at her.

Anna looked hurt by his comments. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
'Look I didn't ask for you. I got paired through the agency. I've worked really hard on my jams, I won't have you pull them apart. I have other people interested in helping me. I think I'll just go, you obviously think its a waste of time.' Anna said as she stood to leave.

Derek watched her pick up her bag and start to walk to the door.
'Wait. Look I'm sorry Anna, I'm just tired. Tired and startled to see you. I don't see anyone from my school days and I wasn't expecting it to be you. A few memories came back. That's all,memories. Derek said smoothly.

Inside he was on fire. He would tell Chloe to fuck off in a shot if he had a chance with Anna.
Anna looked at him and walked back to the table.
'I'm not here for anything but business help Derek. I'm married with a young daughter. She said.

I'm married too. Derek stated.

'To Chloe?'

'Er no. To a woman named Tina, we're getting divorced soon though. It didn't work out.' Derek confessed, his stomach was in knots

'Tina, Tina Hansell? She asked.

'Yeah, do you know her?' Derek questioned.

'Erm no, no I don't think so. I remember reading about your wedding in the paper. Yes, that was the name Tina.' She said a little flustered.

'Oh. Right well I think our food has arrived. I hope these sandwiches are good.' he said rubbing his stomach at how hungry he was.
He hadn't managed breakfast. Derek
had past out in the chair thanks to the beers and lines he had last night.

Fat Gina came waddling through the restaurant with a silver tray laden with chicken club sandwiches.
They were fucking delicious. Derek tucked into his homemade chips and coleslaw whilst Anna filled him in on the jam company.
He sprinkled a little salt over his plate whilst puncturing Anna's talking with an odd 'hmmm' and nod of his head.
If he kept eating he didn't have to talk. He could just look at her.
He concentrated on her face and not her tits. That way he wasn't getting hard thinking about fucking her.
'So what do you reckon Derek? Is it a venture you're interested in?' Anna asked.
Derek chewed his bread pretending to be thoughtful but deep down he didn't have a clue about profit margins and copyright laws.
'Erm I reckon it's a, a brilliant plan. Thoroughly research and your pitch was brilliantly executed. I'm in.' Derek told her, hoping he sounded like he had a clue what the fuck he was talking about.
Anna let out a little girly squeal and bounced in her seat. Derek couldn't help but stare at her chest. Her tits were moving up and down with every bounce she did.
Derek coughed and looked out the window. He could see a dull hue in the sky. It looked miserable and grey. It seemed snow was on the way.
'Look I'll have Colin draft up some sort of agreement, what my share is and how much financial backing you need.' he informed her.
'Derek, it's already been done. Colin sent allow the documents yesterday. You have a 30% share, I have a 40% share and I have a meeting with another potential shareholder next week for the last share.' Anna informed him.
'Oh, someone else as well?' Derek's heart did a little dive. He was hoping one on one time with Anna might lead to something more.
'Oh. It's in the documents Derek, see.' Anna stated pointing to a paragraph about share holders.
If Derek was honest he hadn't even read any of this. He had so much to learn about business. Colin handled all this. He definitely didn't give him enough credit.
Derek rubbed his arm thoughtfully, he had just made a New Years Resolution, be nicer to Colin.
'Yeah, sorry. Now I remember. It's just, I've had a manic few weeks. My feet have barely touched the ground. I've got a couple of weeks R and R at my folks cottage whilst they're away sailing. I've got a lot of reading to do.' he informed a gleeful Anna.
The door to the restaurant opened and a man came in with a toddler.
'Ready to go Anna?' the man said.
Derek was rattled this bloke was interrupting.
'Excuse me, this is a business meeting. Can I help you?' Derek smirked eyeing the man up and down. He was short and stocky but very muscly. He had a kind face, green eyes and short cropped mousy hair.
'Erm I'm Anna's husband Matthew and I've come to take her home. You must be Derek.' he said.
'Yes I am.' Derek said bristled.
The little girl had ran over to Anna and gave her a cuddle. She was very cute with the same shape eyes as Anna but they were the colour of her father's.okg She had lovely straight hair and a cheeky little grin.
'This is my little girl Kimmi. Kimmi meet Derek, he's helping mummy with her jams.' Anna told the child.
Derek smiled at the little girl who hid her face shyly in Anna's shoulder.
'Right I've got to make tracks, there's loads of phone calling to do, this is my number Anna, save you having to call Colin.' Derek stood up,
'It's been an interesting day. Thanks for the sandwiches and the business opportunity. Hopefully with the right amount of effort from all parties, this can be successful.' Derek stated.
He hoped his end speech made Matthew feel intimidated. Derek certainly felt inferior. He shook Anna's hand and patted Kimmi on the head. He gave a curt nod to Matthew on the way out and Derek exited through the bar.
Derek smiled at Gina and waved bye. Gina looked at derek and continued polishing a glass. She didn't smile or wave goodbye.
Derek closed the bar door with a slight snap.
He chanced a glance through the window. He saw a happy family scene in front of him. Matthew embrace Anna and gave her a kiss on the lips whilst Kimmi was cuddling her mother in the middle.
He had no coat on and the wind was really gathering pace. Derek walked briskly to his fathers car. He had never felt so low in his life. He had everything good looks, money, a gorgeous girlfriend and a lifestyle most could only dream about.

So why did he feel like a failure?