Since I Saw Him Last: A Gary Barlow Fanfic

Chapter Forty Four

"How have you been Tasha? Last time I saw you was when we had dinner at SOS." Mark beamed at me. "I know, I know. I've been so distracted." I nodded my head in Gary's direction. Gary was pouring four glasses of brandy. "I've heard." Mark winked at me. "Charlie and I saw you on the telly the other day. You looked beautiful. Charlie went crazy, flapping about everywhere, it was a great moment." I smiled back at Mark, "And how are you and Charlie?" "What's she told you?" Mark's eyes widened. I shrugged my shoulders, "She hasn't told me anything. I haven't seen her that much. This tour is a great excuse to hang out with the girls more. I haven't spent enough time with them this past month." "Oh, yeah. Since you got with Gaz." Howard said with a cheeky smile. "What's that you saying about me?" Gary sauntered over with two glasses of brandy and handed them to Mark and Howard. "Oh, just that you've been keeping her away from the girls." Mark took a sip of his drink. "Have I 'eck!" Gary retorted. "You were late to rehearsals on Sunday, Gaz." Howard jibed. Mark chuckled, "Yeah. And we all know where you were." Mark looked over at me knowingly and then focused on the glass that was resting on his lap. Gary shook his head at the boys before bringing our drinks over. He sat down and crossed his legs. "So, you prepared for some tour shenanigans with us?" Howard asked. "What do you mean by shenanigans?" I gave Gary a puzzled look. Gary smiled. He was a little embarrassed, "We don't get up to any shenanigans. We're quite boring really." He shrugged off Howard's comment. "I don't believe it for a second. You might not be as wild as you were in your twenties. But I'm sure you have enough energy for a little bit of mischief." I said. Howard smiled as Mark tipped his head back and let out a hearty laugh. "Oh Gary, your girl knows us well." Mark said as he put his drink on the table in front of us. I smiled warmly at Mark. He really knew how to make me feel comfortable in his company. This was the first time I was alone with the boys without any of the girls as back up. I'm holding myself quite well here. "Well, you'll probably find it boring most of the time. There's a lot of waiting around doing not much, especially for you." Howard confirmed. "Have you forgotten that I was and still am a fan? I never would've imagined this in my wildest dreams. Bored or not, I won't be taking it for granted." I replied emphatically. "Yep, she's a fan alright. She's got those crazy eyes." Gary nodded over at me. I glared at him and retaliated by slapping him on the arm. Gary laughed loudly. "Don't listen to him." Mark said supportively, "I don't think any of us could be with crazy fans. We find it amusing, entertaining really but it would never happen. We like our girls to be cool, you know. We get so much attention, so it's nice to be able to make an effort, not have it handed to us on a plate." Mark said candidly. "I remember meeting you at the signing and I thought 'this girl is too cool to be a fan. Put some welly into it!'" Mark chuckled, "But no, seriously, I thought you'd be someone I could be friends with." Mark is so adorable. Just a lovely, friendly and warm-hearted man. I loved that Mark considered me as one of his friends. At this point, Gary reached over to hold my hand. It felt like the most natural thing for him to do but it surprised me that he would initiate such an intimate gesture in front of the boys. Howard looked down to our hands and then looked up at me. He smiled a faint smile. "So anyway, what we doing tonight? Are we gonna join the rest of the crew downstairs?" Mark asked inquisitively. "Yeah, I think so. We should." Howard replied. "Of course, I want to introduce my gorgeous girlfriend." Gary said proudly. "I'm sure they already know who she is from the papers." Howard said sarcastically. "Yeah, but I want to make sure they meet her properly. I want to make her feel at home with us, don't I?" Gary countered. I was feeling a little tense by their slightly heated exchange. "Guys, I'm just going to change myself into something a little more comfortable." I wanted to excuse myself. I stood up to go into the bedroom. "You're not going in your PJ's." Gary laughed. I bent down to whisper in his ear, "I haven't brought any PJ's." Gary's eyebrows lifted as a wide smile spread across his face. I left the room but could hear Mark asking, "What did she just say?"

I tidied up my make up and slipped on a white casual summer dress. I could hear the boys talking away about something tour related. I didn't want to spoil the show for myself so tried to ignore the chatter. Mark came in to use the toilet, "Aww, Tasha. Don't you look lovely. Gaz, Gaz, what a pretty girl you have." I blushed underneath my make up. Mark seemed to be a bit of a lightweight. Gary came in to see, "A dress?" He asked. "Yeah, it's more comfortable. I was so sweaty in those jeans." Gary's eyebrows lifted. "Alright, Dougie. You ready?" Gary ordered. Mark walked out of the bathroom. "Markie, finish your drink." Mark nodded obediently. Gary hated anything going to waste. He grabbed the hotel keys from the bedside table and motioned for the boys to step out of the room. I soon followed. After Gary had locked the door, we walked over to the lift and he pressed for the ground floor. "We can't stay late. You know I need to rest my voice." Gary said as he leant against one of the lift walls. "You only say that cos you're a cranky bastard when you don't get enough sleep." Howard rolled his eyes. "I got an insurance on this thing. My voice needs rest." Gary retorted. I was glad that we'd reached the ground floor. I couldn't bear Gary and Howard making digs at each other. We walked out and approached the lounge area which had been cordoned off for the Take That crew. Howard and Mark greeted everyone with hugs and handshakes. Gary hung back. He was a little more low-key with his approach. He shook a few hands, nodded and smiled at others, and approached the bar to order some drinks. "What do you want Natasha?" He asked as his hand slipped around my waist. "Just get me a glass of whatever you're having." He nodded at me. "Can I have two glasses of red please?" He asked the bartender. I slipped my hand into the back pocket of his jeans and squeezed his buttock. Why is his bum so juicy? "Ta." He thanked the barman as he gave me a sideways glance. He licked his bottom lip. "There we are Miss." He said as he handed me the glass. No, I have to remove my hand now! We walked over to a table that was away from the crowd. Some of the band were sat around it and Gary introduced me. They were pleasant enough although slightly awkward. Maybe they're just shy. Or maybe they see me as an outsider. I could see Howard talking to some of the female dancers in a corner by the bar. Mark was sat at a table on the opposite side of the room huddled around some of the band and a couple of male dancers. I could see Mark point over to us at times. I could only assume he was helping Gary in letting them know who I was. "Have you ever seen the boys live?" One of the band members, Mike, asked. I appreciated that he was making polite conversation. "Yeah, I'm a big fan! I can't believe I'm here. I'm really excited for the shows." Mike laughed modestly, "I think you'll enjoy it. We're all a friendly bunch and have a good time together, especially on our nights off." Mike looked over at Gary. "Yeah, what have we had? Some mad room parties. Some chilled evenings singing around a piano. We've even done the odd karaoke night." Gary laughed. "Karaoke? It's one of my favourite things to do. Although, I'd be too embarrassed to sing in front of you." Mike chuckled, "It's a good laugh." "You'll sing in front of me." Gary insisted. "Maybe after a few drinks!" I exclaimed. "It doesn't make a difference to Howard's singing." Gary grinned. "Oh, poor Howard. Leave him alone." I carped. Gary's face straightened. Mike looked away awkwardly. "Want another drink?" He asked as he stood up. "No, we're okay. Thanks Mike." Gary replied. Mike and the rest of the table got up to walk to the bar. "What was that?" I asked. I wondered if Gary could sense the slight annoyance in my voice. "What was what?" I rolled my eyes as I took a sip of my wine. Howard walked over with a girl in tow. She was brunette, average height and with a body to die for. Her make up was like that of a glamour model. Howard laughed at something she'd said. "Gary, dear. How are you?" Gary stood up to eurokiss the girl. "Scarlett, I'd like you to meet my girlfriend Natasha." She stretched out her arm boldly. "Hi Natasha, so nice to meet you." I shook her hand firmly. She looked back at me with her bambi eyes and with a smile that I found disconcerting. "Scarlett's one of our fiercest dancers." Howard complimented. I didn't know what it was, maybe it was her air of confidence and the fact that she put so much effort in her appearance, that made these boys weak at the knees. Gary was no exception to this rule. "Scarlett, I'm so glad you made it to the tour. When I heard you'd sprained your ankle, my reaction was 'AH, NO', we were all gutted. But we can't believe our luck now." Gary said eagerly. Howard raised his glass at Scarlett, Gary soon followed and they all clinked glasses. I just sat there trying to hide my seething. Who the fuck is this girl? I wished I had my girls with me to help me suss her out. Why does she have this hold over the boys? I could sense her presence would turn me into a shrinking violet and wished she'd leave the table immediately. Howard looked over at me and frowned a little. Gary and Scarlett started chatting about something or other. "You alright?" Howard asked as quiet as he could. I nodded and looked into my drink. Howard shook his head at me, "Cheer up." He said with a gentle smile. Gary and Scarlett were engrossed in conversation. "Howard, I have something I want to ask you." I wanted to forget what was happening next to me. Howard took a sip of his pint, "Mmm. Go on." I inhaled, "I'm just going to come out with this. What's the deal with you and Zoe?" Howard paused before speaking, "Zoe is a fantastic girl. Really." I could sense Howard valued his privacy the most out of the boys. "Anything more to add?" I asked carefully. I didn't want to push Howard too far. "I really like talking to her. We talk everyday. I enjoy her company." Howard was closed off. "Okay, it's just she mentioned that you'd tried organising dinner or drinks but it'd fallen through. I just wondered what that was about." Howard paused again. He didn't like being questioned. "It's been a busy time for us. I haven't had the chance to meet up with her. I'm glad she's coming along for some of the tour though. I'm looking forward to seeing her." Howard looked up and smiled faintly, "I'm just going to pop to the loo." Howard stood up and quickly walked off into the direction of the toilets. I could feel Gary's hand rest on my thigh. "You alright?" He whispered. I nodded sheepishly. "Gaz, lovely to see you. I'm going to get another drink." Scarlett stood up, blew him a kiss and walked up to the bar. "What a lovely girl!" I said. "Yeah, she is, isn't she?" Gary failed to recognise the sarcasm in my voice. Mark walked over with a couple of male dancers. "Here she is, the lovely Tasha." I shook the guy's hands. They sat down at the table with us. "I've seen you in the newspapers. I see you're appointed into the TT family now." Said one of the dancers. "Yeah, I guess I have. It's still so surreal." I smiled timidly. Scarlett started dancing in the middle of the room. "Boys, come, come." She beckoned the dancers to get on their feet. Gary bellowed, "Be careful you lot, I don't want you pulling anything just hours before the first show!" He was such a killjoy at times. I wanted Scarlett to keep dancing. It was in my interest to keep her as far away from Gary as possible. My instincts were alarming me. There's just something not right about that girl. "Where's Howard?" Mark asked with concern. "I think I might have pissed him off." I looked slightly embarrassed. "No, you haven't." Gary shrugged. "Why do you think that?" Mark asked. "I was asking about Zoe." Mark pursed his lips and nodded. "Ah, Zoe. That's a touchy subject that one." You're telling me Mark! "How so?" I leant myself forward. "Well, Howard hadn't said anything. I knew he'd been talking to someone cos he seems to be on his phone a lot these days. I'd question him but he'd shrug it off. Plus he's always got one or two girls on the go so didn't think too much of it." "Just get to the point Markie." Gary said impatiently. "Alright, Gaz. Calm down." Mark chuckled, "Anyway, Charlie quizzed me about it the other day. I told her I didn't know anything but from what I've heard it does seem like he's into her. I tried asking him and he was reluctant to give us any information. I think he likes her." I could tell Gary was getting restless hearing Mark talk about Howard. "Can we stop the gossip now?" Gary insisted. "No, Gary. I want to hear this. Go on Markie." I nodded at Mark to continue. "Well, with girls before, he'll go straight in for the kill and then be disinterested a week or two later. He wouldn't be messaging Zoe if he wasn't interested but I find it odd that they haven't hung out since they met at my party. Howard's been acting weird about it all. I could be putting two and two together and making five but I think there's something in it." Mark sipped his drink. "Gaz, I think you're getting a bit twitchy. I think it's bedtime for you mate." Mark patted Gary on the shoulder. Gary huffed as he rolled his eyes, "Yeah, Markie. I think you're right. Best rest up, first show tomorrow." Gary's face lit up. Mark giggled, "Yeah, I can't wait. I'm buzzing." They both stood up and hugged each other. "I won't be long, I'll just finish this one and then I'm gonna hit the sack too. Night Tasha." Mark hugged me tightly. "Ah, don't squeeze so tight!" I laughed. "I'll see you tomorrow." "Night everyone. The fun begins tomorrow." Gary shouted. The whole room chorused, "Night Gary."

I looked up at the clock in our hotel room. "It's only 10pm, this is an early night." I scoffed. "Welcome to the life of a pop star." Gary opened his arms up in a jokey fashion and shrugged his shoulders. I wanted to question Gary about Scarlett and also the way he'd acted when Mark and I were talking about Howard but decided against it. I didn't want to ruin the night. I think I might ask Mark about Scarlett. Gary and Howard seemed to be enamoured with her but I wonder what he thinks. I hoped Mark could confirm whether my instincts were justified. I feared that Scarlett had set her sights on Gary. Scarlett had smiled at me with a glazed look and it felt as if she didn't want me there. She didn't include me in conversation, it seemed like she wanted Gary all to herself. This isn't good. A harrowing thought dawned on me. Maybe they once dated or at least slept together? This would explain her attitude towards me. She thinks she owns Gary. I feared that speaking to Gary about this now or at any point on the tour would put a massive strain on our relationship. The last thing I wanted was to be seen as a nuisance in Gary's eyes. I needed to confide in Mark, I hoped he could calm these wild thoughts that were so etched in my mind. I'd also feel a lot more at ease if my girls were here with me. "Natasha, what's wrong?" Gary walked over to me, he placed his hands on my hips and looked at me with a furrowed brow. I shook my head, "No, nothing's wrong." "It doesn't look like that to me." He cupped my face in his hands and kissed me passionately. After a few moments he broke away from our kiss but his hands still held my face. He started stroking my cheeks with his long thumbs. "I do have to get some rest but I know something that will put me to sleep soundly." His hands moved down to my neck and along my shoulder blades. He moved in to kiss my neck softly. He slipped the straps of my dress off my shoulders as he did so. My dress fell to the floor gracefully. His hands gently moved down my arms and around my back. He tugged at my bra and let it drop to the floor too. He leant back a little and stared at me. I can't hold your gaze for too long Gary. I could feel the hairs on my neck stand on end. Gary can make me quiver with just one look. Gary took his T-Shirt off whilst still holding my gaze. He ran his fingers through his hair quickly. Gary grabbed my hands and led me to the bed. "You have goosebumps. Let's get you under the covers." Gary slipped off his jogging bottoms and jumped into the bed beside me. He wrapped his body around mine. "Let's warm you up." Gary looked at me with those big green eyes of his. He lifted his hand to my face to stroke it and brushed my bottom lip with his index finger as he looked at me. I could feel a wetness down below. How can such light innocent touches turn me on this much? Gary pulled down on my bottom lip before giving me an ardent kiss. I could feel his cock throbbing in his boxers. My Gary doesn't take long. I moved my hands towards his groin area to remove his pants. "You can't take mine off before yours." He whispered with a cheeky grin. I was desperate to have his cock in me. "Okay." I said. I moved my hands to my knickers and slid them off as quick as I could. "Come on. Now yours." I said abruptly. "Look at you, all impatient." A wicked grin spread across his face. "You just can't get enough." "Gary, just fuck me." Gary slid his hand between my legs to feel my wetness. Gary's eyes lit up. He was surprised at how wet I was. He lifted my leg up over his and pulled me closer to him. Gary teased his cock over my clit. "Oh Gary, stop. Just put it in me." I said huskily. He grinned wickedly again. "As you wish." He gently inserted the full length of his cock. I let out a sigh. I'd forgotten how hard Gary could get. He slowly moved in and out, getting deeper and deeper with each thrust. Gary's hand wandered over to the side of my face, he brushed my hair behind my ear. "Natasha, look at me." How much eye contact does Gary want? He watched my face with every thrust. My eyes squinted involuntarily as he penetrated deeper. He smiled his crooked smile. "Natasha, I only want you." I started to get breathless. I could feel my orgasm coming. Gary rested his head on mine. "I love you Natasha." He whispered. "Oh, Gary. I..." He started penetrating a little faster now. "Gary, I love you too." He grabbed the back of my head and kissed me ferociously. "Gary, I'm close." I whispered in a sultry voice. Gary started fucking me even faster now. I rested my hand on his bum to pull him further into me. "Don't stop Gary." Gary's face tensed up as he used all his might to fuck me as hard as he could. "Oh fuck, Gary." I moaned. "You ready?" He growled. "Oh fuck!" We climaxed together, our moans and growls reverberated. The evening's tension flowed from my body. Gary slowed and pulled himself out of me. We both fell onto our backs. "Natasha, fuck." I couldn't respond through my breathlessness. I nodded in agreement. "That was unbelievably sexy." I nodded again. "You all fucked out?" Gary chuckled. I nodded a third time. "Well, I guess you'll be sleeping soundly too then."