Once You've Tasted Love

Chapter 6

I got out of the shower, dried and styled my hair, put a tiny bit of make-up on and went into my bedroom and over to my wardrobe, put on some blue jeans, a nice blouse printed with tiny white and blue flowers and then my black ballerinas. I was ready. Well physically. Mentally I was anxious. Why? I didn't know. Maybe because I went out for lunch with a man that I had only known for about four days now but already had feelings for, because yes, I know what I had told myself before and I was still telling myself that, but truth be told, I was lying to myself. I’m not saying that I was already in love or anything, but there were feelings there. What if those feelings weren't shared by him? I just hoped I hadn’t have to suffer from a heartbreak that soon.

I looked at the time and realised I had finished getting ready quite early, so I decided to wait outside, as the weather was nice. It was a warm day, unusual for England at this time of the year.

After about ten minutes I saw a car pull up and I instantly knew it was Gary, it was the same black Audi as last time, plus I could see him through the windows of the car. I walked towards the car but he still got out and opened the door for me.
He panicked a little bit "Am I too late? Bloody traffic, hate it." 
I giggled back "Oh no, I only decided to enjoy the warmth outside as I finished getting ready early." 
He laughed back and let out a sigh, of what I guess was relief.
"You do have time Clara?" Gary asked when he started the car again.
"Yes, of course, why?"
"Cause we’re gonna eat somewhere outside London, so we need time."
I smiled "Sounds perfect."

After about 45 minutes we got to this tiny village, and Gary stopped in front of a beautiful restaurant beside a lake. It looked like something printed onto a postcard, really.
He looked at me "Hope this is alright?"
I smiled "Perfect, but to be honest, even McDonalds would have been perfect. Can’t believe you drove us all the way here just for lunch."
"I meant it when I said, for you anything", he said serious, but with a small smile playing on his lips.

We went inside and got seated outside on this little balcony kind of thing, with a view over the lake and the park that surrounded it. We ordered drinks and food and then just looked at each other, smiling, and for a moment neither of us had the need of saying something.

"You know what we didn't talk about last time Clara?" Gary suddenly smirked.
I could tell the next thing would be embarrassing for me. 
"What?" 
"You being a fan of me." 
"Oh no, please." 
He gave me a pleading look "Please... Tell me about it...." 
"What for? To boost your ego and embarrass myself?"
Again we laughed. In the little time we had spent with each other and got to know each other one could already tell we had fun together.
I sighed and rolled my eyes in a playful way "Well then... I have been a fan since I first saw you back in 1991 in Manchester when you had your bleached blonde hair and wore those more than gay outfits." 
"Ey... Ok, we were the gayest straight band that's true." 
"You were always my favourite. No matter what everyone said over your looks or your weight I supported you always. Even after 1996. And believe me I got hate for liking you after you were dropped by BMG back in 2000. But don’t worry, I wasn’t that much of a crazy fan, I wasn’t camping outside your house or anything like that." 
He laughed “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t even have thought you were a fan if I didn’t know it already, but wow. That's so nice and kind to hear that there were people that still liked me."
I smiled, not knowing what to say, but just then our food arrived. We sat there in silence, comfortable silence, eating our food. When we were finished we ordered some dessert and talked a bit more.

Gary then took my hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze. We looked each other in the eyes. I could get lost in those eyes forever. 
"I could do with a little walk through the park. You?" 
"With pleasure Gary. I really enjoy spending time with you."
Now it was his time to blush.

We walked through the park and Gary didn't let go of my hand once. 
"I don't want to offend you, but don't you mind that there could be paparazzi taking pictures of you holding my hand?" 
He suddenly came to a halt and spun me round so I was facing him. His face was so serious, I never even thought he could look this serious.
"Honestly? No. Listen. I like you. I really like you. And if there were paparazzi around I still couldn't care less, because I want to hold your hand when and if I want, no matter if there are paps around, but Clara do me a favour, if you don't feel the same, say it now. Because I---" 
I couldn't believe what I heard. I don't know what came over me but I slammed my lips on his before he finished his sentence. He started to answer my kiss. His hands grabbed hold of my waist, pulling me close to him, my one hand on his cheek and the other one on his chest. I suddenly felt his tongue against my mouth and I parted my lips. The kiss became more passionate and our tongues clashed against each other as we were exploring each others mouths. It felt great, the feelings in me were indescribable, never had I ever felt something like this before and certainly not a few days after meeting someone for the first time. I pulled away to catch my breath. 
"Wow. Clara I..." 
I put my finger against his lips and snuggled my face against his chest. 
"I like you too Gary." 
He kissed me on the top of my head and held me tightly. It was such a nice feeling of security, care and warmth, being here in his strong arms, I wanted to stay there forever.

When I got back home it was only 5 pm but I was exhausted and so I fell onto my bed, a huge smile on my face. He likes me. The man I have feelings for, has feelings for me too, maybe not as strong as mine were but he had some. What would the future bring?