It has been too long is a writing prompt from my current work in progress, as yet untitled. The section it comes from is shown below. The story is a sequel to River Witch and a dual timeline – having fun with that!
‘I must say–’ his father fingers his waxed moustache ‘–it’s been a long time.’
The accusatory tone rings loud in Aaron’s ears. And his heart.
Yes, it has been too long. Has Aaron said the words out loud? He thinks not, so he repeats them. ‘Yes, it’s been too long, and I apologise most sincerely.’ He crosses one long leg over the other. ‘I’m glad to see you both so well.’
The awkwardness of the following silence suggests this is not all that needs to be said after six years. Yet, in this vaguely hostile environment, Aaron cannot bring himself to offer the information he had planned to.
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IT HAS BEEN TOO LONG
“It has been too long since we last saw you,” she said, giving him a warm hug.
Releasing her, Trevor looked at the young woman trying desperately to remember who she was and where they had met.
She spotted his confused expression and said: “You don’t know who I am, do you?”
“Sorry,” he mumbled. “I have a terrible memory for names.”
“Sue, Sue Jenkins. We met aboard Gary’s yacht during last summer’s trip to the Mediterranean.”
Of course. Now the light dawned. She was that very attractive dark-haired woman dressed in the briefest of bikinis hanging off the arm of a local Greek shipping magnate who appeared to have plenty of admirers – both male and female.
“Ah yes. I remember now. I seem to recall every male couldn’t take his eyes off you.”
Sue laughed.
“Well, I didn’t really have much on, so I am not surprised.”
“Where’s your shipping magnate boyfriend?”
“You mean Stavros. We split up not long after that party. Liked too many of the other women. I’m single now.”
“Oh.” Trevor’s interest quickened. “So, what are you doing in Rome?”
“I’m here on business. Opening up a new beauty salon that hopefully will become a highly successful venture.”
Trevor looked more closely at Sue. Dressed in a fashionable coat, long skirt and boots with her hair in a ponytail, she was the picture of elegance – the clothes doing little to hide her hour-glass figure.
“Don’t suppose you have time for lunch?”
“I was about to ask you the same thing,” Sue responded. “I know just the place and it’s not far from here.”
Linking her arm in his, Sue guided Trevor past the Spanish Steps to a little side street with several cafes and restaurants competing for custom.
About halfway down, she stopped and walked through the entrance where a waiter enthusiastically greeted her.
“Senorita Jenkins. Nice to see you again. Please come this way.”
Once they were seated at a small booth towards the rear of the restaurant, Sue began quizzing Trevor about his latest news.
“So, why are you in Rome then?”
“Umm, I am actually here winding up my uncle’s estate,” he replied. “He died a few month ago and named me as executor and sole beneficiary.”
“Oh,” Sue said. “And what does the estate involve?”
“Quite a few properties. During his life, he built an extensive portfolio and I have to decide whether to sell them all or keep them as an ongoing investment.”
Sue looked somewhat thoughtful.
“Do you mind me asking, are you seeing anyone at the moment?”
“No, as a matter of fact, I am not. My last girlfriend left me a few months ago and, with all this going on, I really haven’t had time for a socialising.”
Sue smiled, leaned across the table and kissed him full on the lips.
“Isn’t it time we changed that then,” she said, both arms winding around his neck.