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I didn’t, but I also didn’t want him to think I was a loser with no friends and nowhere to be.
“Once again, thank you for the shoes. I’m sure I’ll have to find an occasion to wear them soon.”
“How about dinner? Tomorrow night. You could wear them then,” he asked.
I paused for all of about thirty seconds before replying. “Sure, why not. It would be nice to get dressed up for a change.”
“Perfect, I’ll collect you at, say, seven?” His smile was wide displaying perfectly straight and white teeth.
I nodded in reply, then showed him to the door. He hesitated, then leaned down and kissed my cheek.
“I look forward to seeing you in the shoes tomorrow,” he whispered. There was something a little erotic in his words, but I put that down to my virgin brain having a melt down at his closeness.
He walked away whistling to himself.
I was on cloud nine. I floated around the flat, picking up his mug and holding it to my lips. The following evening couldn’t come quick enough, I thought.
I picked up the telephone, ready to dial Patty before I remembered she wasn’t at home. I felt guilty about having those few hours just about me. Patty was a force of nature and everything we did was usually her idea with her friends, and all about her. I loved her and she was my best friend, but it felt good to have someone else who wanted to spend time with me.
Marilyn called that evening. Patty had spoken to the police, but it didn’t look hopeful there would be an investigation. She’d been drunk and high, she’d admitted, unable to be sure what had happened to her. She received a lecture about not putting herself in a vulnerable position in the future, and that was it. Marilyn and I both felt that time out of the city would be beneficial for Patty. Although Marilyn lived just outside London, apparently, there was a family member in Norfolk they could visit for a while. I told her I’d make a point of seeing Patty as soon as she arrived home and before they left for the coast.
CHAPTERFOUR
I triedon several outfits before settling on one that I thought matched the stockings and shoes. One that was sophisticated enough for a date with my posh boy. I was excited and nervous. I wished I could call Patty to chat through what I should do or say. I hadn’t dated much, always being known as the geeky friend, not the party girl. But I made an effort with my hair and makeup and was ready at ten minutes to seven.
“Wow, you look stunning,” Andrew said when I answered the door.
I blushed and giggled. “Thank you, and you look rather dapper yourself.” He was wearing a smart blue suit, crisp white shirt that was open at the neck.
“I opted to go without a tie. That’s okay with you, isn’t it?” he asked, and I was taken aback.
“Erm, of course.” I thought he was so thoughtful in asking.
He held out the crook of his arm and I threading mine through it. We set off along the high street. We chatted about our days. He told me all about his work and the deals he was working on. He was pleased when I’d compliment him, placing his arm around my shoulders and squeezing me to him.
We eventually stopped at an Indian restaurant. I’d never eaten Indian food before and was hesitant, but Andrew clearly knew what he was doing, so I allowed him to order for me.
The smells were a little overwhelming, but I moved past that by listening to him tell me all about his life. He was an only child; his mother had been a stay-at-home mum and his dad was a banker. Both were still alive and lived in the Cotswolds. It seemed he’d had a wonderful childhood romping over fields with Labradors and ponies. I loved to listen to him, his life had been, and was, so different to mine.
He asked about Patty, and I told him she’d be heading off to Norfolk to recover. He thought that was a good idea but seemed a little hesitant when I told him I wanted to see her before she did.
“You know, she might be better off not seeing anyone from here for a little while in case it reminds her of what happened,” he said, as our starters were placed in front of us.
“I hadn’t thought of it like that,” I replied. He then told me what dishes were which and encouraged me to taste from them all.
“Well done,” he said, when I’d finished eating. “I want to teach you all about different foods.”
I smiled, bemused, but also pleased that he wanted to take the time to do that.
When our mains arrived, he did the same. He encouraged me to taste and comment on each dish. He held a fork to my lips, his hand under my chin, and there was something erotic about it. Especially when he’d use his thumb to wipe sauce from my lips, then suck on it himself.
“I love that you want to learn new things,” he said.
“I guess it will help when I travel,” I replied, chuckling.
“Well, I hope you’re not rushing off just yet.”
We continued our meal talking about nothing and everything. When it was time to pay the bill, I offered up half which he declined.
