(no subject)
MATTERS O F THE HEART
Chapter 47
Meryl had been back home in New York for three weeks and Piece two days. There had been no repeat of the headaches and she was feeling refreshed, fit and raring to go. They had just made love and were packing for Greece. Meryl was wearing one of Pierce’s shirts and he was dressed in just his boxers. They had been in bed most of the day and were loathe to move, but time was moving on and eventually they had got up and started the task of finishing their packing. Most of the luggage would be flown over to London and deposited in the Covent Garden Hotel which was to be their main base in Europe. They were flying straight to Skiathos via Heathrow that evening New York time and would land in Greece around 6 am local time. Three days to themselves and then the fun began. Pierce had dubbed it ‘The Meryl and Pierce Road show’ as they had both been pre-warned that they would be required to do a lot of interviews together. They had great screen chemistry and Universal wanted to capitalise on it. “How am I going to keep my hands off you when we are being interviewed?” asked Meryl. “A tough job babe, I know!” answered Pierce smugly. Meryl slapped him playfully. “Big head!” she told him. “Sex maniac,” he told her. “What? Me? You can talk Bosnan! You think of nothing but sex all the time, I’ll bet!” she said. “Not all the time babe, just every 10 seconds or so,” said Pierce, taking hold of her and going in for a kiss. His hand slipped inside her shirt and found her breast, his thumb gently caressing her nipple, causing her to gasp at the sheer pleasure it gave her. It took all her willpower to break the kiss and push him away. “Packing!” she told him. “We’re leaving in less than an hour Pierce, we need to get moving.” He glanced at the four suitcases in the corner of the bedroom. All hers. “Are you sure you’re taking enough Meryl? I mean, only four suitcases,” he teased. “Shut up Brosnan. I’m only taking what is needed. It’s ok for you men. A couple of suits and several shirts and you’re ready to go. It’s different for women and normally I wouldn’t be bothered but we’ll be away for weeks Pierce. I can’t be seen wearing the same thing twice in such a short period,” said Meryl. She was right, he realised. Normally she wouldn’t be bothered and didn’t worry what she wore, but then, she would look good in a sack, and even better out of it.
The left just under an hour later. Mamie was driving them to the airport and was having their main luggage flown out for them. The traffic was heavy at that time of the day and it took them nearly an hour to get out of Manhattan. Eventually they arrived at the airport with half an hour to spare. Meryl hugged Mamie. “Look after Lou won’t you Mamie. You Dad is too soft with her. Make sure she does her school work and isn’t out until all hours,” “Mom, we’ll be fine, now go and have fun,” replied Mamie, giving her Mom a big hug. “Pierce, look after her for us won’t you?” “I will Mamie,” answered Pierce. Pierce and Mamie were getting along much better now. Now that Mamie knew he cared deeply for her Mom. They were so happy together and that’s all she cared about. Her Dad was seeing somebody too and she herself had just started dating a fellow actor, so all was good in her world.
Hours later, and exhausted from two flights they arrived in Skiathos. It was a blazing hot summers day. It had hit them as soon as they walked out of the airport terminal. Pierce hailed a taxi and gave the driver directions and within half an hour they were sitting in what was to be there sanctuary for three days. They were both shattered and suffering from slight jet lag, but managed to stay up until they couldn’t stay awake any longer and retired to bed.
It was just after 7 am the following morning when Meryl opened her eyes. The sun was shining through the windows and the net curtains were flapping in the early morning breeze. She sat up and stretched and got out of bed and walked to the open window. She gasped when she saw the view. It was beautiful. Nothing for miles around but mountains. The garden had a swimming pool and a tennis court. She came back inside and changed into her swimming costume and she had swum several lengths when Pierce appeared, bleary eyed. “Good afternoon Brosnan!” she shouted, laughing. “Come on in, it’s beautiful and it’ll wake you up. He grumbled something inaudible and disappeared back inside, emerging a few minutes later in his shorts, and diving in, he swam over to her and gave her a long, lingering good morning kiss. They drew apart. “Wow! Said Meryl, looking him in the eye. Then she swam off. “Bet you can’t catch me,” she yelled at him. Pierce, always up for a challenge, lunged after her. “You’re on,” he shouted. But she was too quick for him. She swum whenever she could at home, which admittedly hadn’t been for a while but she was still fast, and in the end he gave up. “Okay, I admit defeat,” shouted Pierce, holding his hands up. “Time for breakfast methinks,” said Meryl as she climbed out of the pool. Pierce watched as she hauled herself up the steps. God she was so wickedly gorgeous, he thought. He couldn’t get over how incredibly sexy he found her to be. Fifty eight years old and with a body to die for. He considered himself a very lucky man.
They dried themselves off and Meryl made them a breakfast of eggs, toast and gallons of coffee. Pierce leaned forward and gently wiped toast crumbs from the corner of Meryl’s mouth. “You are so beautiful Meryl. Do you know that?” he said. “Beautiful inside and out!” “Oh Pierce!” she replied, slightly embarrassed. “You do say the sweetest things,” she told him. “I say what I mean Meryl and take it from me, you are beautiful, accept the compliment.” “Well then thank you my darling and, you’re not so bad yourself,” she told him. “Not so bad?” he asked, with a glint in his eyes. “Well maybe,” she whispered, moving off the stool and putting her arms around his neck and kissing him softly. “Maybe you could be the most handsome man I have ever set eyes on,” she told him between kisses. Her swimsuit was still wet, causing her nipples to stand to attention. Pierce could feel a stirring. “Maybe we should get you out of that swimming costume, and get you dried off. Slowly he peeled it off her and then, took his shorts off and taking her by the hand, led her to the shower. She put her head back and let the warm water cascade over her. Seconds later she opened her eyes. Piece was inches away from her and she shivered in anticipation of what was to come. He poured some shampoo into his hands and then began gently massaging it into her hair, taking his time. He stopped, to let the shampoo rinse away then, he began to gently massage her body with the expensive shower gel she had brought along. Meryl was getting more and more turned on, with every stroke. “Pierce I….” “Shhhhh baby, just relax and enjoy it,” he whispered. He moved down to her breasts and began circling them with the sponge, moving down over her flat stomach, and then to her legs. Steering clear of that special place, for now. She opened her legs. She was well and truly wet for him, but still he kept on, ignoring her silent pleas. He wanted her begging for it, and he knew she was very close. Slowly he soaped her legs, then her feet. He kneeled up, his face level with her waist. Placing a hand on each of her hips he kissed her belly button, swirling his tongue around. Meryl threw her head back and moaned in ecstasy and as much as she loved him doing that, it wasn’t what she wanted, or needed now! “Pierce please, I can’t take it anymore,” she groaned, desperate for that release, she thought she would explode. Pierce moved his hands down to her opening and inserted one finger, which was all it took as seconds later she screamed out in ecstasy as the most intense orgasm she had had in a long time shook her body. She collapsed against wall of the shower, still shaking from the force of it. “Oh my God Pierce,” she gasped. “That was fucking amazing, just fucking amazing!” she exclaimed. “Amazing huh?” he repeated, pushing her wet hair behind her ears and pulling her to him. She could feel how hard he was, and reached for him. As her hand came into contact with his penis, she was immediately turned on, again. Gently she guided him inside her and wrapped her legs around him. “God you feel so good inside me,” she whispered. Leaning her against the shower wall, he gently thrust, taking his time, wanting to prolong the pleasure as long as they both could stand it. She tightened her legs around him and her mouth found his. She thrust her tongue inside and kissed him passionately as she began to grind her hips, urging him on. “Faster Pierce, harder!” she shouted. Faster and harder he went, moaning out loud. “Baby I can’t hold it much longer,” he shouted. “Let……it…..go…..Pierce,” she shouted. “Ohhhh, ohhhhh, Pierce……….. I’m there!” she screamed as another intense orgasm flowed through her body, Pierce just seconds behind her. Pierce rested his head on her shoulder, still inside her, while they regained their breath. “My God Meryl, you are so sexy when you shout out my name, that’s a turn on in itself. Meryl laughed. She really did not see her appeal. In no way had she ever thought she was sexy in any way, shape or form and she told him so. “Don’t put yourself down Meryl,” said Pierce. “Believe me, you are sexy. Period!” said Pierce. “Okay, if you say so!” she said. “I do say so, now, if you can move yourself from me, before I cease up, I would be very grateful,” he told her, smirking. “As much I would love to stay like this, inside you, it’s not doing my back any good in this position.” Chuckling, she gently eased herself from him, placing one leg after the other on the floor of the shower. He legs were shaking as she stood. “Look what you’ve done to me Pierce! You’ve made me go all wobbly!” Pierce laughed out loud. “Wobbly? You are so funny Meryl, without realising it,” he told her. “Am I?” she asked. “You are. You make me laugh. I love how you make me laugh without even trying.” She leaned forward and brushed her lips softly against his. “Well I am pleased that I make you laugh and what else can I make you do Pierce?” she asked, seductively. “Oh I think you know exactly what else you can make medo babe,” he answered, breathlessly.
That is pretty much how they spent their time. They did venture out of the grounds of the villa a few times, but mostly they made love, stopping to eat and sleep in between. It was the best time of their lives and neither wanted it to end, but, tomorrow they would be going back to reality, back to the real world. Now, lying in each other’s arms after another mind blowing love making session Meryl shifted and leaned up on one elbow, gazing down at Pierce. “I don’t think I can do it Pierce,” she said. “Do what babe?” he asked. “The sneaking around. It was okay back then, but we are a couple now Pierce. We live together for God’s sake. I think we should tell the gang. Get them all together tomorrow night for a drink and tell them. What do you think?” “Are you sure that’s what you want?” asked Pierce. “I’m sure, but what do you think? We have to agree on this,” said Meryl. “I think you are right babe, but we will still have to be careful. If it gets out it won’t do the movie any favours, but yes, you are right, the sneaking around was great back then, a thrill and all that stuff. Yes, let’s do it babe,” said Pierce. She leaned down and kissed him gently. “I love you!” she told him. “Love you back,” he told her. They made lover several more times, falling asleep locked together where they stayed until the alarm woke them the following morning.
They were having a last breakfast. “Pierce, I don’t want this to end. I wish we could stay here longer, in fact forever,” said Meryl. It had been just what they both needed. Time away from all the stresses and strains of daily life. No interruptions, no phones ringing. Just the two of them and the peace and tranquillity. “I know Meryl, I feel the same,” replied Pierce. “But all good things come to an end and this is only the first of many babe. We have the rest of our lives together. There’ll be many more of these little getaways, you can count on it. Now, we’d better get ourselves sorted and go and meet the gang,” said Pierce, starting to clear the remains of their breakfast away.
They had planned to arrive at the hotel separately so as not to arouse any suspicion. Pierce was leaving first, in one taxi, followed by Meryl around 30 minutes later in another. Now, all packed up and ready for the off they were snuggled on the sofa having a last cuddle while they waited. The honking of a horn indicated that Pierce’s cab had arrived. They both got up. “This is it babe. The Meryl and Pierce Roadshow is about to unleash itself on the world.” Leaning forward he kissed her gently. “See you later babe,” he whispered.
Now, alone, she sat and waited for her cab. Although she would be seeing him in less than an hour she felt bereft. She missed him so much. It has been nothing but them for three whole days and she was sad that it had come to an end. She lit a cigarette and inhaled deeply. She sent texts to all four kids telling them she loved them and then went outside to wait.
As Pierce’s taxi pulled into the Skopelos Village Hotel, the memories came flooding back. As he got out of the taxi and made his way into the hotel and the reception her heard a familiar voice calling his name. “Yooo hooo Mr Carmichael,” he turned and saw Julie Walters heading towards him, a large drink in her hand. “Julie,” he said hugging her. “I see nothing has changed,” he said pointing to her drink. “We’re all in the bar Pierce, come and join us. Meryl hasn’t arrived yet but everyone else is here,” she told him. He checked in and followed Julie to the bar. There were hugs all round and everybody started talking at once. They were all there. Judy, Phyllida, Colin, Stellan, Dom, Amanda Julie and Chris It was great to see them all after almost a year. Pierce got himself a beer and sat amongst them. “It looks like Meryl has arrived,” said Colin looking out of the window. Pierce looked up. “Has she?” he asked, trying to act natural. “I’ll go and tell her to come right in and join us.” He got up and rushed through to reception. She was just checking in. “Babe, they are all here, in the bar. What do you say we tell them now? Get it over with. Give them all a chance to digest and get used to the news,” he suggested. “Oh God Pierce, I don’t know whether I want to, not just yet,” she answered. “It’ll be fine babe. Trust me.” “Okay let’s do it before I change my mind,” said Meryl. “Nervously, she followed Pierce into the bar and there they were. The people who she had spent all those months with last summer. Her second family, as she had called them then. After the hugs and kisses and small talk Pierce stood up. “Guys, I, we, that is Meryl and I have something to tell you, and you will understand when you know that this has to be kept between us. Nobody else can know just yet. We just thought it was only fair and right that we tell you all.” “What is it Pierce?” asked Phyllida, although she had a sneaking suspicion she knew what he was going to say. She had seen the chemistry between the two of them, more so than most. She knew they had spent a lot of time together off set. Pierce cleared his throat. “Well, Meryl and I, not to put to finer point on it, have fallen in love and we have been seeing each other for almost a year,” he said, breathing a sigh of relief it was out and taking Meryl’s hand. There were gasps of amazement and lot’s off ooohs and aaahs. “I can’t say I am surprised,” said Phyllida eventually. “Oh my God,” said Stellan. You too Phyllida? Well all I can say is congratulations. I think.” “This calls for some champagne,” shouted Colin, going to the bar.
They told them how they had fought to stop it. How their families, mostly had now come to terms with it and how happy they both were together. “We just thought it was only fair to tell you all,” said Meryl. “I don’t think I could cope with all that sneaking around again.” She glanced over at Phyllida. She needed to talk to her. “Can I have a quiet word with you Phyllida?” “Of course Meryl, let’s go to my room. Once in Phyllida’s suite Meryl told her the whole story about how they had kept it quiet so as not to bring unwanted publicity, that it was only fair they told everybody and that in no way did they want it to effect the movie, which is why they hadn’t gone public yet. “Meryl it’s fine. Anyone could see back then you two had something going on. I had my suspicions but, it was none of my business, but the movie is, however it’s not me you need to worry about. Universal won’t be happy if it comes out now, so as long as you are discreet I can’t see a problem. I’m happy for you both.” Meryl inwardly breathed a huge sigh of relief. “Oh God Phyl, I have been absolutely dreading telling you. I really have,” said Meryl. “just then there was a knock at the door. Phyllida went to answer it. It was Pierce. “Come in Pierce,” she said, standing aside. “is everything ok?” he asked, walking over to Meryl and taking her hand. “it’s fine Pierce. We were just talking about everything,” replied Meryl. Phyllida could see how much in love they were and it made her smile. “Congratulations Pierce, Meryl. I am really happy for you both. Anyone can see that you were made for each other. Now I think we should be getting back to the gang. Before you two arrived we were just talking about dinner arrangements for later and the studio want to run through the itinery some time this afternoon. Just to make sure everybody knows what they are doing and where they are supposed to be doing it,” said Phyllida.
Later, in their suite, which Phyllida had hastily arranged, they were getting ready for dinner that evening. They were all going to the Taverna, which had been their haunt most evenings while filming. Pierce was dressed in jeans and t-shirt and Meryl was wearing cropped pants and a vest top, her hair tied back in a ponytail. Phyllida had arranged several taxi’s to transport them all and they made there way downstairs to meet the gang.
After they had all eaten Pierce stood up and tapped a spoon on his glass to grab everybody’s attention. “I’d like to propose a toast. To Mamma Mia,” he said. “To Mammia Mia,” they all chorused in unison. “Let the fun begin……………………………….”
Chapter 47
Meryl had been back home in New York for three weeks and Piece two days. There had been no repeat of the headaches and she was feeling refreshed, fit and raring to go. They had just made love and were packing for Greece. Meryl was wearing one of Pierce’s shirts and he was dressed in just his boxers. They had been in bed most of the day and were loathe to move, but time was moving on and eventually they had got up and started the task of finishing their packing. Most of the luggage would be flown over to London and deposited in the Covent Garden Hotel which was to be their main base in Europe. They were flying straight to Skiathos via Heathrow that evening New York time and would land in Greece around 6 am local time. Three days to themselves and then the fun began. Pierce had dubbed it ‘The Meryl and Pierce Road show’ as they had both been pre-warned that they would be required to do a lot of interviews together. They had great screen chemistry and Universal wanted to capitalise on it. “How am I going to keep my hands off you when we are being interviewed?” asked Meryl. “A tough job babe, I know!” answered Pierce smugly. Meryl slapped him playfully. “Big head!” she told him. “Sex maniac,” he told her. “What? Me? You can talk Bosnan! You think of nothing but sex all the time, I’ll bet!” she said. “Not all the time babe, just every 10 seconds or so,” said Pierce, taking hold of her and going in for a kiss. His hand slipped inside her shirt and found her breast, his thumb gently caressing her nipple, causing her to gasp at the sheer pleasure it gave her. It took all her willpower to break the kiss and push him away. “Packing!” she told him. “We’re leaving in less than an hour Pierce, we need to get moving.” He glanced at the four suitcases in the corner of the bedroom. All hers. “Are you sure you’re taking enough Meryl? I mean, only four suitcases,” he teased. “Shut up Brosnan. I’m only taking what is needed. It’s ok for you men. A couple of suits and several shirts and you’re ready to go. It’s different for women and normally I wouldn’t be bothered but we’ll be away for weeks Pierce. I can’t be seen wearing the same thing twice in such a short period,” said Meryl. She was right, he realised. Normally she wouldn’t be bothered and didn’t worry what she wore, but then, she would look good in a sack, and even better out of it.
The left just under an hour later. Mamie was driving them to the airport and was having their main luggage flown out for them. The traffic was heavy at that time of the day and it took them nearly an hour to get out of Manhattan. Eventually they arrived at the airport with half an hour to spare. Meryl hugged Mamie. “Look after Lou won’t you Mamie. You Dad is too soft with her. Make sure she does her school work and isn’t out until all hours,” “Mom, we’ll be fine, now go and have fun,” replied Mamie, giving her Mom a big hug. “Pierce, look after her for us won’t you?” “I will Mamie,” answered Pierce. Pierce and Mamie were getting along much better now. Now that Mamie knew he cared deeply for her Mom. They were so happy together and that’s all she cared about. Her Dad was seeing somebody too and she herself had just started dating a fellow actor, so all was good in her world.
Hours later, and exhausted from two flights they arrived in Skiathos. It was a blazing hot summers day. It had hit them as soon as they walked out of the airport terminal. Pierce hailed a taxi and gave the driver directions and within half an hour they were sitting in what was to be there sanctuary for three days. They were both shattered and suffering from slight jet lag, but managed to stay up until they couldn’t stay awake any longer and retired to bed.
It was just after 7 am the following morning when Meryl opened her eyes. The sun was shining through the windows and the net curtains were flapping in the early morning breeze. She sat up and stretched and got out of bed and walked to the open window. She gasped when she saw the view. It was beautiful. Nothing for miles around but mountains. The garden had a swimming pool and a tennis court. She came back inside and changed into her swimming costume and she had swum several lengths when Pierce appeared, bleary eyed. “Good afternoon Brosnan!” she shouted, laughing. “Come on in, it’s beautiful and it’ll wake you up. He grumbled something inaudible and disappeared back inside, emerging a few minutes later in his shorts, and diving in, he swam over to her and gave her a long, lingering good morning kiss. They drew apart. “Wow! Said Meryl, looking him in the eye. Then she swam off. “Bet you can’t catch me,” she yelled at him. Pierce, always up for a challenge, lunged after her. “You’re on,” he shouted. But she was too quick for him. She swum whenever she could at home, which admittedly hadn’t been for a while but she was still fast, and in the end he gave up. “Okay, I admit defeat,” shouted Pierce, holding his hands up. “Time for breakfast methinks,” said Meryl as she climbed out of the pool. Pierce watched as she hauled herself up the steps. God she was so wickedly gorgeous, he thought. He couldn’t get over how incredibly sexy he found her to be. Fifty eight years old and with a body to die for. He considered himself a very lucky man.
They dried themselves off and Meryl made them a breakfast of eggs, toast and gallons of coffee. Pierce leaned forward and gently wiped toast crumbs from the corner of Meryl’s mouth. “You are so beautiful Meryl. Do you know that?” he said. “Beautiful inside and out!” “Oh Pierce!” she replied, slightly embarrassed. “You do say the sweetest things,” she told him. “I say what I mean Meryl and take it from me, you are beautiful, accept the compliment.” “Well then thank you my darling and, you’re not so bad yourself,” she told him. “Not so bad?” he asked, with a glint in his eyes. “Well maybe,” she whispered, moving off the stool and putting her arms around his neck and kissing him softly. “Maybe you could be the most handsome man I have ever set eyes on,” she told him between kisses. Her swimsuit was still wet, causing her nipples to stand to attention. Pierce could feel a stirring. “Maybe we should get you out of that swimming costume, and get you dried off. Slowly he peeled it off her and then, took his shorts off and taking her by the hand, led her to the shower. She put her head back and let the warm water cascade over her. Seconds later she opened her eyes. Piece was inches away from her and she shivered in anticipation of what was to come. He poured some shampoo into his hands and then began gently massaging it into her hair, taking his time. He stopped, to let the shampoo rinse away then, he began to gently massage her body with the expensive shower gel she had brought along. Meryl was getting more and more turned on, with every stroke. “Pierce I….” “Shhhhh baby, just relax and enjoy it,” he whispered. He moved down to her breasts and began circling them with the sponge, moving down over her flat stomach, and then to her legs. Steering clear of that special place, for now. She opened her legs. She was well and truly wet for him, but still he kept on, ignoring her silent pleas. He wanted her begging for it, and he knew she was very close. Slowly he soaped her legs, then her feet. He kneeled up, his face level with her waist. Placing a hand on each of her hips he kissed her belly button, swirling his tongue around. Meryl threw her head back and moaned in ecstasy and as much as she loved him doing that, it wasn’t what she wanted, or needed now! “Pierce please, I can’t take it anymore,” she groaned, desperate for that release, she thought she would explode. Pierce moved his hands down to her opening and inserted one finger, which was all it took as seconds later she screamed out in ecstasy as the most intense orgasm she had had in a long time shook her body. She collapsed against wall of the shower, still shaking from the force of it. “Oh my God Pierce,” she gasped. “That was fucking amazing, just fucking amazing!” she exclaimed. “Amazing huh?” he repeated, pushing her wet hair behind her ears and pulling her to him. She could feel how hard he was, and reached for him. As her hand came into contact with his penis, she was immediately turned on, again. Gently she guided him inside her and wrapped her legs around him. “God you feel so good inside me,” she whispered. Leaning her against the shower wall, he gently thrust, taking his time, wanting to prolong the pleasure as long as they both could stand it. She tightened her legs around him and her mouth found his. She thrust her tongue inside and kissed him passionately as she began to grind her hips, urging him on. “Faster Pierce, harder!” she shouted. Faster and harder he went, moaning out loud. “Baby I can’t hold it much longer,” he shouted. “Let……it…..go…..Pierce,” she shouted. “Ohhhh, ohhhhh, Pierce……….. I’m there!” she screamed as another intense orgasm flowed through her body, Pierce just seconds behind her. Pierce rested his head on her shoulder, still inside her, while they regained their breath. “My God Meryl, you are so sexy when you shout out my name, that’s a turn on in itself. Meryl laughed. She really did not see her appeal. In no way had she ever thought she was sexy in any way, shape or form and she told him so. “Don’t put yourself down Meryl,” said Pierce. “Believe me, you are sexy. Period!” said Pierce. “Okay, if you say so!” she said. “I do say so, now, if you can move yourself from me, before I cease up, I would be very grateful,” he told her, smirking. “As much I would love to stay like this, inside you, it’s not doing my back any good in this position.” Chuckling, she gently eased herself from him, placing one leg after the other on the floor of the shower. He legs were shaking as she stood. “Look what you’ve done to me Pierce! You’ve made me go all wobbly!” Pierce laughed out loud. “Wobbly? You are so funny Meryl, without realising it,” he told her. “Am I?” she asked. “You are. You make me laugh. I love how you make me laugh without even trying.” She leaned forward and brushed her lips softly against his. “Well I am pleased that I make you laugh and what else can I make you do Pierce?” she asked, seductively. “Oh I think you know exactly what else you can make medo babe,” he answered, breathlessly.
That is pretty much how they spent their time. They did venture out of the grounds of the villa a few times, but mostly they made love, stopping to eat and sleep in between. It was the best time of their lives and neither wanted it to end, but, tomorrow they would be going back to reality, back to the real world. Now, lying in each other’s arms after another mind blowing love making session Meryl shifted and leaned up on one elbow, gazing down at Pierce. “I don’t think I can do it Pierce,” she said. “Do what babe?” he asked. “The sneaking around. It was okay back then, but we are a couple now Pierce. We live together for God’s sake. I think we should tell the gang. Get them all together tomorrow night for a drink and tell them. What do you think?” “Are you sure that’s what you want?” asked Pierce. “I’m sure, but what do you think? We have to agree on this,” said Meryl. “I think you are right babe, but we will still have to be careful. If it gets out it won’t do the movie any favours, but yes, you are right, the sneaking around was great back then, a thrill and all that stuff. Yes, let’s do it babe,” said Pierce. She leaned down and kissed him gently. “I love you!” she told him. “Love you back,” he told her. They made lover several more times, falling asleep locked together where they stayed until the alarm woke them the following morning.
They were having a last breakfast. “Pierce, I don’t want this to end. I wish we could stay here longer, in fact forever,” said Meryl. It had been just what they both needed. Time away from all the stresses and strains of daily life. No interruptions, no phones ringing. Just the two of them and the peace and tranquillity. “I know Meryl, I feel the same,” replied Pierce. “But all good things come to an end and this is only the first of many babe. We have the rest of our lives together. There’ll be many more of these little getaways, you can count on it. Now, we’d better get ourselves sorted and go and meet the gang,” said Pierce, starting to clear the remains of their breakfast away.
They had planned to arrive at the hotel separately so as not to arouse any suspicion. Pierce was leaving first, in one taxi, followed by Meryl around 30 minutes later in another. Now, all packed up and ready for the off they were snuggled on the sofa having a last cuddle while they waited. The honking of a horn indicated that Pierce’s cab had arrived. They both got up. “This is it babe. The Meryl and Pierce Roadshow is about to unleash itself on the world.” Leaning forward he kissed her gently. “See you later babe,” he whispered.
Now, alone, she sat and waited for her cab. Although she would be seeing him in less than an hour she felt bereft. She missed him so much. It has been nothing but them for three whole days and she was sad that it had come to an end. She lit a cigarette and inhaled deeply. She sent texts to all four kids telling them she loved them and then went outside to wait.
As Pierce’s taxi pulled into the Skopelos Village Hotel, the memories came flooding back. As he got out of the taxi and made his way into the hotel and the reception her heard a familiar voice calling his name. “Yooo hooo Mr Carmichael,” he turned and saw Julie Walters heading towards him, a large drink in her hand. “Julie,” he said hugging her. “I see nothing has changed,” he said pointing to her drink. “We’re all in the bar Pierce, come and join us. Meryl hasn’t arrived yet but everyone else is here,” she told him. He checked in and followed Julie to the bar. There were hugs all round and everybody started talking at once. They were all there. Judy, Phyllida, Colin, Stellan, Dom, Amanda Julie and Chris It was great to see them all after almost a year. Pierce got himself a beer and sat amongst them. “It looks like Meryl has arrived,” said Colin looking out of the window. Pierce looked up. “Has she?” he asked, trying to act natural. “I’ll go and tell her to come right in and join us.” He got up and rushed through to reception. She was just checking in. “Babe, they are all here, in the bar. What do you say we tell them now? Get it over with. Give them all a chance to digest and get used to the news,” he suggested. “Oh God Pierce, I don’t know whether I want to, not just yet,” she answered. “It’ll be fine babe. Trust me.” “Okay let’s do it before I change my mind,” said Meryl. “Nervously, she followed Pierce into the bar and there they were. The people who she had spent all those months with last summer. Her second family, as she had called them then. After the hugs and kisses and small talk Pierce stood up. “Guys, I, we, that is Meryl and I have something to tell you, and you will understand when you know that this has to be kept between us. Nobody else can know just yet. We just thought it was only fair and right that we tell you all.” “What is it Pierce?” asked Phyllida, although she had a sneaking suspicion she knew what he was going to say. She had seen the chemistry between the two of them, more so than most. She knew they had spent a lot of time together off set. Pierce cleared his throat. “Well, Meryl and I, not to put to finer point on it, have fallen in love and we have been seeing each other for almost a year,” he said, breathing a sigh of relief it was out and taking Meryl’s hand. There were gasps of amazement and lot’s off ooohs and aaahs. “I can’t say I am surprised,” said Phyllida eventually. “Oh my God,” said Stellan. You too Phyllida? Well all I can say is congratulations. I think.” “This calls for some champagne,” shouted Colin, going to the bar.
They told them how they had fought to stop it. How their families, mostly had now come to terms with it and how happy they both were together. “We just thought it was only fair to tell you all,” said Meryl. “I don’t think I could cope with all that sneaking around again.” She glanced over at Phyllida. She needed to talk to her. “Can I have a quiet word with you Phyllida?” “Of course Meryl, let’s go to my room. Once in Phyllida’s suite Meryl told her the whole story about how they had kept it quiet so as not to bring unwanted publicity, that it was only fair they told everybody and that in no way did they want it to effect the movie, which is why they hadn’t gone public yet. “Meryl it’s fine. Anyone could see back then you two had something going on. I had my suspicions but, it was none of my business, but the movie is, however it’s not me you need to worry about. Universal won’t be happy if it comes out now, so as long as you are discreet I can’t see a problem. I’m happy for you both.” Meryl inwardly breathed a huge sigh of relief. “Oh God Phyl, I have been absolutely dreading telling you. I really have,” said Meryl. “just then there was a knock at the door. Phyllida went to answer it. It was Pierce. “Come in Pierce,” she said, standing aside. “is everything ok?” he asked, walking over to Meryl and taking her hand. “it’s fine Pierce. We were just talking about everything,” replied Meryl. Phyllida could see how much in love they were and it made her smile. “Congratulations Pierce, Meryl. I am really happy for you both. Anyone can see that you were made for each other. Now I think we should be getting back to the gang. Before you two arrived we were just talking about dinner arrangements for later and the studio want to run through the itinery some time this afternoon. Just to make sure everybody knows what they are doing and where they are supposed to be doing it,” said Phyllida.
Later, in their suite, which Phyllida had hastily arranged, they were getting ready for dinner that evening. They were all going to the Taverna, which had been their haunt most evenings while filming. Pierce was dressed in jeans and t-shirt and Meryl was wearing cropped pants and a vest top, her hair tied back in a ponytail. Phyllida had arranged several taxi’s to transport them all and they made there way downstairs to meet the gang.
After they had all eaten Pierce stood up and tapped a spoon on his glass to grab everybody’s attention. “I’d like to propose a toast. To Mamma Mia,” he said. “To Mammia Mia,” they all chorused in unison. “Let the fun begin……………………………….”