Chapter 8

Thanks to my new alarm clock I was up before Wishes arrived the next morning. I was sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee when she got here.

"Morning love" Wishes bright smile warmed my day, god what it would be like to wake up to that every morning.

"Morning, did you have a good evening."

"Not really." Wishes wrinkled her nose. "We were supposed to be going to the pub for an hour or so last night but several of his mates turned up on his doorstep. They spent the evening playing Playstation games, I just read for a while before I went home."

"Oh I'm sorry," I think Wishes must have been able to hear how insincere that was as she gave me a sidelong glance. "does that sort of thing happen often?"

"Once or twice a week I guess, I have to admit their timing was crap. I was looking forward to some time alone with Mark."

"Have a cup of coffee then we can make a start.” I'm trying to change the subject before I say the wrong thing. “ We have to go out later if you've got time and we can grab some lunch while we are out."

"Okay where have we got to go?" Wishes asked.

"Well I want to go and buy a car. I've used the bus once since I got here and got groped, I don't fancy taking another bus if I can avoid it." I laughed at Wishes expression.

"Yeah that happens a lot on the buses especially if it's busy. I try not to use them too much. What sort of car are you after."

"I don't know something not too sensible I think. I've been careful and sensible for far too long."

"Sounds fun ok."

When we finished our coffee we set too on the painting, laughing and joking as we worked. I enjoyed my morning so much, I had never felt so comfortable In anyone's presence before. The only shadow hanging over the day for me was that kiss, I couldn't get the soft feel of her lips from my mind.

Around eleven we went out to look at cars. Again I had a great time, I found out Wishes knew next to nothing about cars. She had a provisional driving license but had never learnt to drive. But she seemed to be happy to trail along with me as I went from dealer to dealer looking for something special.

I settled on a sporty silver Toyota MR2, just over a year old the car was ready to drive away. It took about half an hour to do the paperwork and arrange the payment and to Wishes surprise I paid for the car in cash.

Climbing into my new treasure when we were done we drove to a small pub on the outskirts of town for some lunch.

While we were eating Wishes looked at me and said.

"That was the first time you know."

"Sorry?" I seemed to be back in village idiot mode again.

"That was the first time I've ever kissed another girl."

This was it I guessed, I guess I was expecting Wishes to say she didn't want to spend time with me any more. I put down my fork.

"Does it bother you Wishes?" I asked concerned.

"I think what bothers me is that it didn't bother me. Do you know what I mean?"

I laughed softly. "Not really, I have to admit I enjoyed it."

"That's just it, so did I. I don't know why but it just felt right at the time. But I don't want you to think I am leading you on. You know I'm not gay, I just like your company."

"I don't think a kiss between friends is going to mean you're turning gay and you're not leading me anywhere. I am just happy with your company, I don't need anything more really." I looked sheepishly at the table. "I've never had a friend before, it's nice, comfortable."

"What never, how can you have never had a friend." Wishes sounded doubtful.

I thought back over my life as Graham and it was true.

"No I've had sort of acquaintances but never a friend. And I find I like having a friend." I said quietly.

Wishes took my hand over the table.

"I can't believe you've never had a friend. I mean every one has friends. Well you have one as well now don't you."

"I hope so Wishes, I hope so. But I was so worried that after yesterday morning you wouldn't want to be my friend."

"Honey it's going to take more than that to scare me off. Come on we got work to do, the ceilings should be ready for a second coat by now."

The rest of the afternoon was spent painting ceilings and giggling. And before we knew it six o'clock had come around.

"It's too late for you to start cooking now. Do you want to come back to my house for supper. Mum almost always has enough for an extra body or three." Wishes asked me as we cleaned up from our days work.

"Yeah that would be nice, I'd like to meet the person responsible for your name." I grinned as I spoke.

"Okay then lets go."