Racing For Love

Chapter Twenty Four

We have breakfast together in bed and I try not to get croissant crumbs in the sheets. Lorenzo seems happy this morning, asking about my plans whilst he's in meetings. I'm going to go for a walk through the city and do some shopping, nothing big, but just enjoying having some time to myself, away from the stresses at home.

We make a plan to be back at the hotel by 1.30pm - Lorenzo says that there's something happening this afternoon and i'm intrigued as to what he has in mind. I excitedly kiss him goodbye as he leaves and get ready for my morning. I'm glad i've packed my comfy shoes as I walk through the streets of the capital. It takes about half an hour to walk through the city to my destination - Regent Street. I want to go to Liberty's but I walk slowly, taking in my surroundings and noting other shops I might visit later. I've always been happy in my own company and I listen to music as I stroll, lost in my own world, despite people all around me.

Reaching Regent Street, I see a small group of people with phones out - I look across thinking they've probably seen a celebrity, before realising that I recognise the sandy hair of Jono with his girlfriend stood next to him. They're surrounded by fans, and I'm pretty sure they don't spot me until I hear a shout from behind me - jumping, I pull out my headphones and see Jono, he's slightly out of breath as I realise he must have jogged to catch up with me.

"Sorry - music." I gesture to my headphones "I didn't hear you. How are you?" There's an awkwardness between us - I haven't seen him properly since we spent the day together at my house, and I'm now at a loss as to what to say to him.

"Good, yeah. All good. I'm just in town with Charlotte. What are you doing here?" He looks around to see Charlotte walking up behind him. As she reaches him, she smiles to me but looks coldly towards Jono "You could have waited for me" she chastises him. He tries to put his arm around her shoulder, but she shrugs it off and the awkwardness increases - I've found myself in the middle of their argument, and I think of an excuse to leave.

"Oh, just visiting on my day off. I'm going to Liberty's but we'll catch up soon. Lovely to see you again, Charlotte!" I smile and put my headphones back in before turning to walk away, relieved to be back in my own company, and away from whatever's going on with Jono.

I reach the timber frame of Liberty's. I adore the architecture of the building, the dark wooden interior and the memories of visiting as a child with my mother. She would often frequent the ladies clothing section, bringing me along on shopping expeditions. I would sit amongst the dresses, doted on by shop assistants whilst she would swish in front of me, trying on outfits and seeking my opinion. She was dedicated to fashion almost as much as she was dedicated to me and my father. I breathe in a familiar scent as I walk through the shop taking it all in before I go straight to my favourite section - the haberdashery department. I walk through gently stroking the fabrics - their signature floral prints always reminding me of my childhood bedroom.

I buy very little, enjoying window shopping, but I can't resist a detour to Rigby and Peller to pick up some new underwear since i'm close by. I choose a simple, black set - the cups of the bra trimmed with the softest lace. I think about showing Lorenzo later and a shiver of anticipation goes through me as I wonder again what his plans are for the afternoon. I wander back to the hotel, idly sipping a coffee I picked up on the way - the caffeine necessary to keep up with Lorenzo's stamina - and make my way back to the room. I change into my new underwear before slipping the dressing gown on over the top, and wait for Lorenzo at the desk, thinking that it's a pretty good height for my own afternoon plans...

***

Lorenzo's face is one of shock as he arrives back - I've slipped off the dressing gown and I am perched on the desk wearing only my new purchase and my gifted necklace which glints in the light. His eyes find mine and he crosses to me "I have missed you this morning" he says before pulling me into a kiss, his fingers roaming across the lace of the bra. "You like?" I ask "I bought this today."