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Fifty-Nine

Mark straddled his Vespa, parked tightly along the curb of Vere Street, a wide smile permanently etched across his stubble. “What’s your favourite so far?”

Alex snapped a burst of photos, capturing the twinkling Christmas lights that stretched high above the Oxford Street intersection. She bounced back to Mark’s side, ignoring a honking black cab swerving past.

“I loved the massive reindeer in Covent Garden—oh, and the huge boughs of mistletoe dangling over Apple Market.”

“Yeah, I know you liked that one. I still can’t feel my lips…” Mark swayed to his left, avoiding Alex’s swatting hand.

Several feet away to their right, four teenage girls stood near the entrance of a Debenhams store, taking sly photos and considering whether to approach. Alex was so mesmerized with London’s festive finery that she didn’t clue in.

“I liked Carnaby Street, the disco balls, but way too many people. I thought we were going to get swarmed.”

Mark put on his helmet. “Yeah, we escaped just in time.”

“The paps caught you, though. I bet those photos are online already.” She took her helmet from Mark’s hands. “Nice getaway-driving skills, babe.”

“It’s easy on these wheels.” He glanced at the girls starting to stir. “Hop on, Lex! Let’s get a closer look at the lights up ahead.”

Alex climbed behind Mark and put on her helmet. “Ooh, can we head to Trafalgar Square after? I want to see the big Christmas tree.”

“Yep, it’s easy going from here. Ready?”

Alex squeezed his waist.

Mark revved his scooter and joined the flow of vehicles through the intersection. High-end New Bond Street, with its pricey boutiques and world-famous labels, sailed past as they travelled southwards on their Christmas lights hunt.

Reaching the short, pedestrianized stretch of the street, Mark slowed his Vespa to a stop, allowing Alex to jump off for more photos. Huge sprays of glistening lights, fashioned into peacock feathers, fanned out across the night sky, creating a magical archway over their heads. Still wearing his helmet, Mark walked anonymously alongside his scooter, weaving through upscale Christmas shoppers as Alex flittered back and forth across the pavement, taking photos and babbling excitedly.

“Wow! It’s SO beautiful!” She climbed on the Vespa. “This is definitely my new favourite.”

Photos happily snapped, they drove past Tiffany and Chanel and down a few side streets until they were zooming up The Mall with Buckingham Palace at their backs and Admiralty Arch and Trafalgar Square beckoning ahead.

Alex fondly remembered this route from their first date: their Vespa ride around London and the two hours they had spent in the sun, lounging on the green and white striped deckchairs in St. James’s Park. An excited flutter tickled her stomach, just like it had almost three and a half years ago. She squeezed Mark’s waist, prompting him to turn his head slightly, acknowledging the relevance of their whereabouts. That hazy June day they shared stories, ‘took the piss’ out of each other, and began a friendship that would blossom into the kind of love Alex had only read about in books.

Cheese sandwiches…rollercoasters…the photos and texts that had followed an hour later—Mark’s words: “London is definitely better with you in it”…

Passing under Admiralty Arch, the wheels of the Vespa jolted over a pothole, bouncing the happy memories from Alex’s mind. Her soft gaze snapped into sharp focus.

Except for a few lights illuminating the fountains, Trafalgar Square and its four bronze lions were plunged into almost complete darkness. A huge Christmas tree stood in the centre of the public space, but no lights dazzled from its boughs. Only a shadow of Alex’s smile remained. Mark slowed his bike and parked by the curb.

She laid her chin on his shoulder. “Booo! Didn’t Traf Square get the invite? They’re totally late to the Christmas party.”

Mark turned his head. “Now that I think of it…these lights get switched on after the others. We’re probably early by a week. Sorry, Mouse.”

“It’s okay.” She laughed. “Gives me a reason to come back when they’re lit.” She lightly pressed her lips together. “So…home, then?”

“Tell you what…I know a pretty place you’ll like, but it’s a bit of a drive.” He winked. “Hold tight?”

Alex perked up. “Holding tight!”

Mark retraced their journey, flying through Admiralty Arch and back down The Mall. Passing Buckingham Palace, he veered off in a different direction, joining Park Lane as it stretched north along the east side of Hyde Park.

Alex spotted the Animals in War Memorial, a beautiful bronze sculpture including two mules, a horse, and a dog, but Mark zoomed by so fast, she barely had time to blow the pup a kiss. Watching it disappear over her shoulder, she faced forward for the drive along the north side of Hyde Park. She cuddled into him, clasping his waist tighter as she laid her head on his shoulder.

After a few minutes and several traffic lights, Mark reduced his speed. Alex took it as a hint that they were near his intended destination.

Mark tilted his head back. “Welcome to Notting Hill, Lex!”