Something Better

Stupid On The Streets Of London

Martha saw a tall man standing in arrivals holding a card with her name on it. She felt her stomach sink a little as she had expected to see Brandon. He had said in his text that he would pick her up at the airport. She realised Brandon would attract too much attention just standing waiting in London Heathrow, but she was disappointed none the less. Martha took a deep breath and walked up to the suited stranger and introduced herself as the Martha on his card.

"Hi! I'll take your bag, shall I?" He said smiling, reaching for Martha's luggage.

"Great, thank you!" Martha said as she trotted behind him out into the car park.

He stopped at a silver people carrier, opened the back passenger door and stood to one side for her to climb in. As Martha got into the car she saw Brandon sitting in the back seat, she sat beside him and she felt her heart speed up, as it began it's usual race, whenever Brandon was around.

"Hey!" Brandon said in such a welcoming way, Martha couldn't help grinning at him like an idiot. The car began moving and soon they were travelling towards the city.

"Well, talk about new year, new Brandon!" Martha laughed as she got a good look at him, "No moustache, looking slimmer and quite the haircut. Next you'll be telling me you've stopped smoking and drinking...," she paused and smiled, "You've stopped smoking and drinking?!"

"Pretty much," He smiled, "I've been trying hard to be good!" He winked and Martha's heart almost burst.

"I'm impressed," Martha nodded with approval.

"Are you ok about the moustache?" He asked, "I know how you liked it!" Brandon giggled putting his hand up to his top lip.

"I'm sure I'll manage," Martha said with a dramatic sigh, trying to pull her eyes away from his lips.

"You look thinner too," Brandon said quietly, "Although the Scottish winter hasn't affected your Vegas tan!" He smiled kindly.

"It's fake," Martha whispered, leaning in a little towards Brandon.

"So are my teeth!" Brandon whispered, showing off a perfect set of white teeth and they both collapsed with laughter.

They were still laughing a little as the car slowed and came to a stop at the front entrance of a beautiful London hotel. Brandon took her bag and he collected Martha's room key from reception.

"Don't I have to check in or anything?" Martha asked as they got into the lift.

"Everything is taken care of, just like I told you in my 'Martha's questions and answers text,'" Brandon giggled, as he pressed the button to call for the lift. Brandon was tapping and clicking his free hand as they waited. Martha felt the butterflies fill up her whole torso.

They went silent as they travelled in the lift. The lift stopped and a middle aged man in suit stepped in. He stood with his back to Brandon and Martha, who were looking at each other with little sideways glances. Suddenly Brandon showed off his teeth and made a face. Martha had to fake a coughing fit as she thought she was going to explode with laughter. They were nearly hysterical by the time they got out the lift and on to their floor.

"Hey!" Ronnie called from further down the corridor, "You guys are worse than a couple of teenagers! Keep the noise down!" He smiled as he pulled Martha into a hug.

"I've missed you," Martha said as she put her arms around Ronnie.

"You didn't say that to me!" Brandon said with wounded eyes.

"Yeah, she didn't really miss you," Ronnie sighed and slapped Brandon on the shoulder, "So have you confessed about the party you forgot to mention?" Ronnie said with a wicked grin.