The Affectionate Player - Part2

Chapter 7

I sense the bedroom door opening and the creak on the top stair tells me she's making her way below. I had wanted to greet her, much like Saturday night when she'd floated from it like Venus. She'd taken my breath away, just as she's always done when she's not aware anyone is watching. The simple way she glides across a room or touches a glass; so elegant, and yet so erotic at the same time. Everything about her is beautiful. Shaking those thoughts free, I adjust my trousers. This is going to be a long night.

Making my way into the lounge, my heart skips a beat as I observe Gracie standing by the fire with her back to me. She's draped in a long, black satin gown that rests smoothly on every curve, her sleek brown hair falling softly down her back. With her lightly tanned shoulders aglow, she looks radiant and inwardly I grin recalling briefly her earlier bathroom engagement. Thank God, I chose the tux.

                                                            ***************

The cab pulls up near Leicester square, a few yards from St Martin's Court and the restaurant I've chosen. Booked weeks in advance in anticipation of tonight, we are welcomed at once by the smartly dressed Maitre D' and escorted to our table. I've always meant to try this place, being one of London's most popular seafood eateries and given the occasion, it's perfect for this evening.

The dining room itself is tastefully decorated in art deco style with soft lighting to match, and being renowned for its excellent cuisine, I'm definitely excited about this experience. I note that Gracie is equally impressed. The waiter arrives with chilled Champagne and oysters, the latter I've guessed she likes given her taste for sushi.

"Some Champagne?" I offer one of the flutes.

"Yes, please." Her sweet smile widens and I relax. There's nothing on this table displeasing to her, including me it would seem.

"Happy birthday, Gracie." Clinking glasses, we savour our first taste. "And can I just say thank you for allowing me take you out? I know you didn't have to."

"Yeah, I know. Today's been rough, well the bits that didn't involve you and the kids." Selfishly, hope surges inside me.

"Are you feeling better? You look it." Preparing the oysters, I squeeze some lemon on top adding a few drops of tabasco, before slipping one down my throat. It's delicious; more so than other occasions.

"I do feel more relaxed now, thanks to you for letting me soak." She joins me swallowing an oyster, closing her eyes. A trace of guilt looms at my earlier impatience.

"You needed it."

"I know. God, these are good, baby."

I sit speechless as she reaches across the table to prepare another, completely oblivious to the sentiment she's portrayed. Baby. It's just a word. One word. But it's also a name. The name she called me when she loved me. It's like music to my ears and my heart is dancing to it. Should I respond?

"Here, this one's yours." Passing me the shell I take it from her, deciding instantly against drawing attention to her slip up.

"What you said earlier about your parents lying to you. Tell me what happened." I watch as she shifts uncomfortably in front of me and settle myself to listen.

"Okay." Taking a deep breath she begins. "Please don't judge me until you hear me out."

"Scouts honour." I raise my fingers in salute. Who am I to judge her, after all?

"I've decided I'm going to take two weeks break in Ireland." What the hell? Instinctively, I make to interrupt but she silences me at once.