Chapter 8

Vince

H ow my life had changed in the last forty-eight hours. I'd travelled on my own to a country I'd never visited, been mugged, and found myself in the bedroom of the most attractive man I'd ever seen.

And to top it all, he'd offered to come to Theo's wedding with me.

This man who didn't know me from Adam. The man I thought couldn't be gay or even interested in me had offered to be my plus-one.

It was laughable, and as I sat in the villa later, my cheeks hurt from the smile that wouldn't leave my face.

He'd change his mind, though. People always seemed genuine at first, but when he'd had time to think about his offer, he'd be back with his apologies and tell me he already had plans he'd forgotten about.

Good things never happened to people like me. Look at Theo. I'd dared to dream that one day, he and I would walk down the aisle together. More of a fantasy than a dream because I knew deep down it'd never be.

But Sylvain. He was in a different league to Theo. His greying hair and beard, his eyes I'd thought were normal but were akin to pools of swirling bronze, gold flecks glinting in the sun.

As he drove me back to the resort, I'd tried not to stare at him, but it was difficult. His toned arms easily handled the steering wheel, and when his hand lightly brushed my thigh as he changed gear, my cock had twitched in my shorts.

At twenty-eight, I was probably the oldest virgin around. I had never even experimented in my youth, unlike Lexi and Theo. We'd spent many a night huddled together, both swapping stories of first experiences and fumbled kisses. I'd listened, eyes wide, hoping that one day, it'd be me telling them, but that had never happened.

My phone rang, and I glanced at the screen.

Instead of the bank I'd expected, it was Lexi. That woman had a sixth sense. Every time I thought of her, she called.

"Hey, Lex."

"Vince." She sounded odd, distant even.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I just thought I'd call. How's your holiday going?"

If I told her about the mugging, she'd panic. If I didn't tell her, my life would be hell. Rock, meet hard place.

"It's been…interesting."

"I don't like that hesitation. What happened?"

"Why do you assume that something happened?"

"I know you, Vince. Your life is anything but interesting, and I mean that in the nicest possible way."

Had anyone else said that to me, I would have sulked and pouted for days, but Lexi knew me inside and out. My life was as boring as they came.

"I went out for dinner last night. A lovely meal, plenty to drink too."

"And?"

"I got mugged."

"I fucking knew it." She cursed. "Are you okay? How did it happen?"

"I'm fine. A little banged up, but I'll survive. A couple of young thugs knocked me to the ground and stole my wallet and card. How did you know?"

"I didn't. The urge to call you came over me all of a sudden. But never mind that. Did you go to the hospital?" The tremble in her voice belied her usual cool demeanour.

"A small bump to the head and cuts in my hands, that was all. I didn't need to go to the hospital, and anyway, Sylvain dressed it for me."

"Sylvain? Is that a man or a woman?"

"A man. He runs the resort where I am. He took me to his house, and I stayed overnight."

"Oh my fucking god. What happened to shy and retiring Vince? Holidaying alone, going out for dinner…alone and spending the night with a man."

"Not like that. I had a bit too much to drink at dinner, and when I left, I felt a bit unsteady, which is probably why I fell. He helped me, dressed the bump on my head, and let me sleep in his bed. He's a nice man."

"Just nice? Or handsome, nice?"

I bit my tongue.

"Ohhhh. That kind of nice. You're a dark horse, Vince Murphy."

"Seriously, it's nothing like that. He was the perfect gentleman, didn't try it on at all."

"I can hear the disappointment in your voice from here. Did you want him to?"

"I barely know him." Although he had offered to show me around on his day off. As tempted as I was to say yes, I'd told him I'd let him know. Things were moving quickly. Too quickly, but then I only had a few more days here. Perhaps I should seize the day.

"You know, for once in your life, put yourself first. You never do that." It seemed Lexi had the same idea. "You were always the one watching out for Theo and me. You care for your mum and still live in your childhood home. Live your life, Vince. Do it, for fuck's sake."

As usual, she was right.

"He offered to be my plus-one to Theo's wedding."

"Then accept that offer and show Theo what he's missing out on. Move out from his shadow, be the wonderful person you are."

"I do have one question, though. Why isn't Theo going abroad to get married? At your wedding, he told me it was going to be somewhere hot and sunny. Not being funny, but Stratford is rarely that, especially in August."

"He's not said, but then I've not spoken to him that much lately. It's like I don't matter anymore now the wedding is on the horizon."

This had always been my fear, that as my friends coupled up, I'd be left behind. It hadn't happened with Lexi, thankfully. She'd been my friend since we'd been six or seven, and now so many years later, we were still best friends.

"Do you think I should say yes to him? To Sylvain? I am tempted, but I hardly know the guy."

"You should take the man up on his offer and bring him to Theo's wedding. Take a fucking chance, Vince."

"Do you kiss your husband with that mouth?" Lexi had always cursed, but this subject seemed to bring out the worst in her.

"I kiss him and suck his—"

"La, la, la. Not listening. Jesus, Lexi. I don't need that image in my head."

Lexi knew I was a virgin, but I didn't think she quite knew I'd never done anything in my life. Yes, I'd watched porn, was aware of how things worked, but I'd never kissed anyone other than family and friends, and certainly not in that way.

"Or maybe you do. What does this guy look like? Is he young, old?"

"He's probably mid to late forties. Greying hair and beard. The most expressive eyes and his lips." I pictured them in my head. Pink, plump lips that begged to be sucked on like ripe berries.

"Hey, lover boy. Where'd you go?" Her voice broke my daydream. I shook myself mentally, returning to the conversation.

"He's out of my league. Don't know why I'm even considering it."

"Because he offered. Look, I have to go. I've done nothing but pee lately and I don't think you want to come with me."

"Too much information, Lexi. I'll let you know how the rest of my holiday goes."

"You be careful and have some wild fun for a change. I want to hear all about it. All the details."

Long after I ended the call, her laughter rang in my ears.

Sylvain had given me his number should I need anything, and my finger hovered over the Call button. This wasn't me. I didn't do things like this, but maybe that was my problem. Maybe I'd never taken the chance for something new, always waiting for Theo.

He was no longer there, though, leaving a Theo-shaped hole in my life that I needed to fill. Even if Sylvain wasn't the one, he was a start.

Fuck it. I'd never get this opportunity again.

I pressed Dial and squeezed my eyes shut, only opening them when he answered the call on the second ring.

"Vince, what can I do for you?" His sensual accent washed over me like a warm spring shower, bringing goosebumps to my skin.

"I wondered if the offer was still open. You know, the one to be my plus-one."

"Of course! I wouldn't have offered if I didn't want to do it."

I blew out a breath. Thank god and all the saints.

"And the day off I told you about has turned into a couple. Maybe I could make up for what happened to you by taking you out, showing you some of our beautiful country. We could get to know each other before the wedding."

"Oh, er. Only if you have time. I don't want to put you out."

"It's no trouble. I have a few things I need to clear up tomorrow, but how does Wednesday sound? I could pick you up early. I know a vineyard we could visit and some lovely places to eat."

"That sounds wonderful."

"Then it's a date. I'll see you at nine at reception. Is that okay? Not too early?"

"Sounds perfect."

"See you then."

The smile from earlier got bigger at the thought of the sexy silver fox taking me out. Me, fat Vince. Fat Vince who all the school kids laughed at. Fat Vince who had hidden himself away and never dared.

Except, I was no longer fat Vince. I wasn't slim Vince either, but I was getting there. Slowly but surely.

The following day, I managed to get hold of the bank and explain my predicament. They cancelled my cards and promised that by the time I got home, I'd have new cards waiting for me.

That problem was sorted, but did I have enough money to last me the rest of the holiday?

They may have only stolen fifty euros, but I'd been relying on using my credit card to get me through the rest of the week. Admittedly, I could have used my phone to pay for things, but what if they only took cash?

The anticipation of my date with Sylvain sat heavily in my stomach. I'd never gone out with a man alone. God, I hoped I didn't ruin it.

How should I act? What would he expect? Guaranteed he'd be backing out of the wedding after spending a day with me.

I was boring, not an interesting bone in my body. I should call him, make an excuse to save him the bother.

I only had another four days here, and the temptation to hide, keep myself to myself was pressing. Anxiety could go fuck itself, for that was what that was. My deep-seated fear I was of no interest to anyone, least of all a man like Sylvain.

Lexi and Theo didn't know, but I'd sought help and spoken to a counsellor who helped me realise the irrational thoughts I had, the thoughts that told me I wasn't good enough, the thoughts that told me I was a burden to my friends, an annoying inconvenience, were my insecurities. Insecurities I'd been working on suppressing.

Keeping busy was the best thing. It saved me from overthinking and imagining all the worst-case scenarios. The ones that ended with me having no friends and being left lost and alone in a world where social media ruled.

I put on shorts and another T-shirt, placed my cap on my head, and strode out of the villa. Sitting on my arse, contemplating tomorrow, would allow the doubts to creep back in, and that was a strong no.

The main village was uphill, but nearby was another, more modern place full of restaurants, cafes, and shops selling knick-knacks.

The walk would do me good. Except it didn't.

I wasn't used to walking such a distance, and my heart thumped until I thought it would beat out of my chest. Out of breath, I plopped down at a table outside a café.

"Monsieur?" An older waiter approached me, a notepad and pen in hand, an unlit cigarette dangling from the corner of his mouth. "What can I get for you?"

"A glass of water, please."

"That is all? No food, coffee?"

Feeling obliged, I added a black coffee and relaxed as best I could into the hard wooden chair. Breathing became easier, but my heart continued to race. Was I having a heart attack?

I placed my hand on my chest, trying desperately to control the overactive muscle beating a tattoo, and gradually it slowed to a more regular rhythm.

A small jug of water, a glass, and black coffee served in a chipped cup appeared in front of me with a clatter.

"Merci," I muttered, but the waiter was long gone.

I gazed around me. The place could use a lick of paint, and the ramshackle chairs looked to come from half a century ago. I counted my lucky stars that the chair I sat on held my weight. In my eagerness to rest, I'd picked the worst café on the block.

With a shaking hand, I poured the water and took a sip, feeling all eyes on me as they watched my every move. The sooner I finished, the sooner I could leave. While I'd not heard of anyone going missing from here, it wasn't beyond the realms of possibility.

"Vince? Is that you?"

I smiled broadly at Giselle. Thank god for her presence.

She nodded to the waiter and joined me.

"I thought it was you. What brings you here?" She placed her bags on the floor and touched my head. "This looks better at least, if a little bruised. How are you feeling now?"

"Better but still embarrassed. I can't believe it, but then again, things like that always seem to happen to me."

"You're lucky Papa was nearby."

Another black coffee appeared.

"Merci, Anton."

"You know him?" I whispered. "He makes me nervous."

"Anton is harmless, if a little brusque at times. I come here often, as does Papa. Anton serves the most delicious bread and croissants. You should try one."

"I may do that." I more than likely wouldn't. I'd checked my banking app, and while no money had been stolen, the amount still looked pitiful.

What on earth had possessed me to come away and spend money I could ill afford?

"Papa is looking forward to showing you around tomorrow. It's not often he takes time off from running the resort. You should feel honoured."

As lovely as her comment was, it couldn't be right. Surely, Sylvain had men falling at his feet. "It'll be lovely to see your country. I've never left England."

"Then you will have a wonderful time. I have one request, though, and please don't think I'm being an overprotective daughter. Papa hasn't had it easy with relationships. He's been burnt more often than not because men and women are expecting so much more from him. He's a humble man and a kind and loving father. I'd hate to see him hurt."

Wow, that was out of the blue. I'd honestly not seen his offer as anything more than him showing me around. Apparently, Giselle knew more than I did. I appreciated her honesty.

"Your father seems like a decent man, and I'm not about to hurt him or take advantage of him. He helped me out of a sticky situation, and I'm beyond grateful. Your papa is safe with me."

If only she knew how safe. I didn't have a clue about how to talk to a man I was interested in, let alone make any untoward moves.

"Parfait. You will have a lovely time."

I'd heard of fathers having a word about their daughters but never the other way around.

I drained my cup and gestured to the waiter.

"This one's on me," Giselle said. "Enjoy the rest of your day."

I pondered her words on the way back to the villa. What could have happened to Sylvain for her to warn me?

While the anxious side of my brain urged me to cancel, Lexi's words came back to me.

Put yourself first, Vince.

For once, I would listen.