The Long Dream Read Online Free PDF

know."
    He paused and looked directly into my eyes. "But, what I really want to know is, will you go out with me again? Let's go out to dinner, and if it's still no good, you can tell me, and I'll just have to accept it. What do you say?"
    I thought about it for a moment and then relaxed. "All right then. If you think it's worth another go, we'll try it."
    So we made a date for Saturday night. I explained to Jenny about it and she said she could always invite a guy she met a few weeks ago round to her place, and that way, she wouldn't need a babysitter. I admired Steve for trying to face his demons and for being so honest with me. It couldn't have been easy and he must think a lot more of me than I realised, and he deserved another chance.
    ***
    Saturday night arrived and he took me to the same Italian restaurant we went to on our first date, nearly a year ago. The food was wonderful again, and we were relaxed and happy together. There was a small bar at one end with a beautiful girl serving behind it, but I tried not watch, as he went over to order some drinks. I thought it was ridiculous having to watch him, as though he was a small child, ready to misbehave at any moment. This just won't work. So I decided to go with the flow, and chalk it up to experience.
    As it happened, we had a lovely time and got on well together, just like before, but I had already decided not to invite him in when he dropped me off at home. That was a step too far. So we just kissed in the car and he held me tight for a few moments, but I broke away from his arms and got out of the car. He said he would call me later in the week and we said goodnight.
    Jenny had also had a nice time with her date, but we both agreed, now we'd had our freedom and some really fun nights out, we didn't want to give it up, so there was no way I would get into a serious relationship with anyone, unless I was one hundred percent sure, and she felt the same. So, we carried on as normal, going shopping and visiting each other and we planned another night out the following weekend.
    When Steve did call, I said I'd only see him now and then and that he would have to be patient with me, as I was just not ready for anything more. He was disappointed, but said it was better than not seeing me at all, and settled for that.

Chapter Four
    I went on like this for a few more years and Jenny became a very close friend as we spent more time together. I realised that it had been over six years since I had seen Paul. It was surreal looking back at my married life, as if it all happened to someone else, but the best thing to come out of it were my boys, who were growing up fast and doing better than I could have hoped, and they both looked so much like their father. It made me realise that we hadn't done too badly on our own. Both the boys had learned to ski and had been on a trip with the school, and they were often asked by friends to go on summer holidays with their families. I myself wasn't too keen on flying, so was content to stay at home in my garden, which I still loved.
    Steve was still around, and I did go dancing with him at the squash club, and most of the time, we did enjoy ourselves, but there was the occasional lapse, especially after drinking, and so I could never completely trust him. I tried to keep him at arms' length, but he said he loved me and didn't want any other girl, and so I suppose I was flattered and went along with it.
    He was generous and kind, and often bought me presents, but I still had my nights out with Jenny. I had extended my working hours, and had a bit more cash to go out with, and my wardrobe was bulging at the seams, especially with shoes, which I really adored buying. I didn't dare count just how many pairs I had!
    I was reminded by someone at work that Paul could be legally declared dead when he had been missing for seven years. I just didn't know what to do about it, maybe there was a part of me deep inside that still hoped he would turn up