The Long Dream Read Free Page A

the long evenings and lonely nights. My happy married life was gone, perhaps forever, and I realised just how very lucky I had been.
    The police investigation stalled and no more clues turned up. Five months later, I resigned myself to moving house. I would have to try to build a new life and escape from all the memories in our family home. I focussed on clearing out the house, but it was tough getting rid of all Paul's clothes. There was no point taking them with me, so I gave them to a charity shop. It was good having something constructive to do, looking at different properties and choosing a new home for us. I sold the house very quickly and also got rid of the furniture, except for three single beds. I hadn't slept in our marital bed since Paul had disappeared, so that went as well.
    We found a lovely house with a big garden much closer to the town where the boys went to school. Being in a new location certainly helped me a lot, and I really enjoyed shopping for new furniture. I bought myself a new double bed, ornaments, pictures and even crockery and kitchen utensils. This was truly a fresh start for all of us and I was determined to make a go of it.

Chapter Three
    The next three years were peaceful and I came to terms with the idea that I was single again, although legally, I was still married to Paul. I'd gone back to the gym and was quite fit again and did get some attention from men, but so far, I was not interested in anyone. I'd got a part-time job in a solicitors' office as a secretary, which I enjoyed greatly, and the boys were going to senior school.
    There was a good crowd of people at work and occasionally, we would all go out for a drink in the evening or go to lunch in a local bistro. It was all good fun and gradually, I felt the past receding further and further away, lifting my spirits.
    It was on one of these outings that I first met Steve, a local estate agent. We had a lot of dealings with him at work through the conveyancing department. He was about five feet ten and had light brown wavy hair and blue eyes. I warmed to him immediately and eventually, he came and sat beside me for a chat.
    "What can I get you to drink?"
    "A white wine please," I said, happy to receive his attention so promptly.
    "Why don't you all come and join us," he said as he turned to face me, "and Helen, I'd love you to sit next to me."
    I was slightly hesitant as I hadn't actually talked to a man on a personal level since losing Paul. "Okay," I said as I moved to the other table.
    Steve sat down and moved closer towards me. "So what do you like doing in your spare time?"
    "Oh, I go to the gym twice a week as I like to keep fit."
    A smile crossed his face. "Me too, I'm a member of a squash club and play a couple of times a week."
    I paused and took a sip of my drink. "I really love horse riding, although I haven't got my own horse yet."
    He looked at me intently. "That's amazing, I love it too. My parents have got a small farm and they keep two horses. I usually ride every weekend and any other chance I get."
    "You're so lucky to have your own horses," I said with excitement.
    I was extremely flattered by all this attention, especially from a younger, good-looking man, but at the same time, I felt rather shy and nervous. Just before we were due back at work, he floored me with his next question.
    "Shall we exchange phone numbers?" he asked as he reached into his pocket and got out his mobile phone.
    I paused as various thoughts shot through my mind. Did I really want to do this? What would it lead to and could I handle it? I had to give an answer as he watched me and waited.
    "Is it okay if we do it next time, as I've really got to rush back to work," I said as I reached for my handbag.
    "Sure," he said, looking slightly disappointed.
    I got up quickly, shortly followed by all of my workmates. We said our goodbyes and headed for the door. Once outside, I felt relieved as we walked back to the office. I needed time to think. Was I