Looking back, I can see how easily my head was turned. I was in my mid-40s and happily married to a wonderful man. Busy raising our six children in the suburbs outside New York — but still an English girl at heart.
This was my second marriage, an unexpected love story. I answered an ad for a tiny beach cottage and fell madly in love with its owner. The man with twinkly blue eyes and a ready smile. I had four children, he had two. We stole moments of romance when the children were asleep, or on rare weekends.
We had been together six years, married for three. We married in a boutique hotel, both wiping tears away as we said our vows. And then it was on to real life. We were so busy chauffeuring the children around, cooking dinner, juggling work and family, we didn’t have time to focus on each other. We were happy enough, even though we had little time just the two of us. We were weighted down by concern, children, financial commitments, exhaustion. There seemed little room left for desire.
My publisher asked to send me to a book conference in California. I couldn’t wait — anything work-related that involved travel was a chance to remember who I was when not defined by being someone’s wife, someone’s mother.
I was to speak on a panel of authors at a hotel. I decided to have lunch in the bar beforehand and a young, handsome man sat next to me. He was clearly one of the other authors on my panel, so I introduced myself.
A dangerous path
Within minutes, we were engaged in lively chat, and our conversation went from small talk about the writing life, to real talk about parents, grief, and relationships. It occurred to me, with a jolt, there might be chemistry between us.
This story is from the May 04, 2020 edition of WOMAN - UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 04, 2020 edition of WOMAN - UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Terminal cancer, BUT HAPPIER THAN EVER
Despite her diagnosis, Jacqui Drake is determined to live the best life she can while also helping others
Simple LOAF CAKES
Three fuss-free sweet treats all made in a 900g tin
SCENIC sailing
Ariver cruise along the Danube Delta is a wonderful way to relax and watch the world float by
THE TRUTH about dating as a single mum
Rosie Green was shocked by what many men were thinking
Younger eyes in 10 MINUTES
Worried your vision is ageing you? These lifestyle tweaks can help
Lawsuits, splits and FAMILY BATTLES!
It's been an eventful time for the royals since the King was crowned last May. We take a look at his first year at the helm of The Firm
When will KNIFE CRIME STOP?
With the world horrified after the recent stabbings in Sydney, we ask...
Ozempic: SHARON vs KELLY
As Sharon Osbourne warns others against using the controversial drug for weight loss, her daughter Kelly Osbourne is all for it
Eric makes me AKID AGAIN
Simon Cowell on why this year’s Britain’s Got Talent is different, training up his son Eric to become a judge and reuniting with Cheryl
Look at me NOW!
Sue Sykes found that losing over 9st had several surprising benefits