Since I Saw Him Last: A Gary Barlow Fanfic

Chapter Twenty Three

It felt like the Gods were trying their best to make my life a misery, the working day dragged like never before. It was 4.55pm when I shut down my computer and gathered my things, I will not be staying a minute over 5pm. The time reached 5pm; I jumped from my desk and sprinted towards the door. I could see my manager walking towards me, he stopped me in my tracks, "Natasha?" he called out. "Sorry Dave, no can do. It's Friday. I'm a very busy and important person. Must dash. See ya!" I swept past him; I didn't have time to look back at his face. Ugh, that man is the biggest loser. He gets a kick out of making my life miserable. Not this time Dave, not this time.

It took me half an hour to arrive home. I tried to calculate the time I would need to leave for Charlotte's. Okay, so it's 5.30pm now. It takes me about 15 minutes to walk to Charlotte's (if I walk quickly, that is), which means I've only got an hour and 15 minutes to get ready! Right, let's get a move on. The first thing I decided to do was pour myself a glass of white wine. This is the most important part; I always have a glass of wine when getting ready for a night out. I took the glass upstairs and switched on my iPod dock, Take That again? I giggled to myself. I clicked shuffle and turned the volume up to maximum level. I took my work clothes off, tied my hair into a rough high bun and jumped in the shower. I quickly rubbed soap all over my body until it lathered up, I washed my body down under the hot water and then jumped out to dry myself. I started singing along to the music I could hear blaring from my bedroom, "We've said goodbye, the taxi cab is waiting. Now don't you cry, just one more kiss before I have to go..." I really do love Take That. Yes, they're a bunch of sexy lads but the songs, the songs... they're just insanely catchy. I don't think my childhood would've been the same without them. I could tell my excitement levels were rising and I hoped that the girls or I wouldn't embarrass ourselves tonight especially after a few drinks. I hoped we wouldn't get into one of our rowdy moods and start chanting Take That songs, that would be embarrassing! I started putting on my make up; foundation to clear my complexion, signature cat eyes, volume mascara to make my lashes full and long, a rose blush on my cheeks and the secret weapon, 24 hour stay scarlet red lipstick. I removed the towel from around my body and picked up the black box that Tony delivered last night. I picked up the knickers from the box, lifted them up in front of me and stretched them. I put them on and reached out for the bra, it fit perfectly. How did Gary know my size? I checked myself in the mirror, the diamanté sparkled under the ceiling light. I always thought red lingerie looked a little tacky but this set looked elegant, at least as much as a pair of lingerie could be. I checked out my cleavage in the mirror and turned around to check my bum, I took the hairband from my hair that kept it tied up and let my hair drop around my shoulders. I rested my hands on my hips and posed in the mirror. Looking pretty good. Gary's eyes should light up when he sees me. I walked over to my wardrobe and picked out my red skater dress, the colour of my lingerie dictated my outfit. I wanted to be a shining beacon at this party, it would be Gary's constant reminder of what he can look forward to later on. I wanted to look irresistible, the red lipstick would act as icing on the cake. I sprayed some perfume around my neckline and on the inside of my wrist. I slipped on some black heels, I couldn't wear heels that were too high otherwise I'd be towering over Gary. I placed essential items into my handbag, grabbed my glass and downed what was left in it. I looked at my phone, 6.45pm! I switched off the music, grabbed my coat and locked the door behind me.

I was feeling a little agitated on the walk to Charlotte's. I felt conflicted, on the one hand I was excited about the evening but my anxiety started to creep in. I tried to figure out why I was feeling so nervous, maybe I was feeling the pressure of meeting the boys. I didn't think that was the case though, that was the one thing I was looking forward to. I tried to think harder. This is the first time Gary and I would be together as a couple, not just in front of the band (I hadn't met some members yet) but also my group of friends. How would they take it? Would they think that Gary and I were a great couple or would they see something that Charlotte or I hadn't picked up on? And what if Gary was in one of his moods? I certainly didn't want the girls seeing that. I was doing it again, I was falling into my over thinking. I had to stop. I'd give myself a headache. More alcohol is definitely needed, I hope Charlotte has a bottle open.