Since I Saw Him Last: A Gary Barlow Fanfic

Chapter Forty Nine

I opened my eyes to find Gary missing. 8.30am, I'm guessing Gary's gone for a run. I decided I wasn't going to wait around for Gary to get back. I showered and got myself ready. I think I'll have breakfast downstairs. I made my way down to the restaurant and was greeted by the host. "A table for one?" He asked. I nodded back at him. I looked to the far end of the restaurant and saw Howard reading a newspaper whilst sipping from a cup of coffee. "Actually, I'll go and join my friend over there." I pointed into the distance. "Very well madam, a waiter will be with you." I strolled up to the table and sat down. Howard peered from behind the newspaper. "Morning." I greeted. Howard gave a half smile, "How you feeling?" He asked. I nodded back, "Yeah, I'm okay. Gary wasn't in bed when I woke up so decided not to wait for him." "Think he's gone for a run." Howard commented. "So, how did it go last night?" I asked. Howard shrugged, "Gaz still couldn't tell us anything. He sort of, went quiet like he usually does, he can be quite proud like that." I nodded in agreement. Proud is exactly the word for Gary. "I thought you wouldn't get much out of him. Something drastic has to happen before he'll ever open up." I said. Howard laughed with surprise, "You do know him well." I smiled and then sighed, "Yep, I've got him down to a T." A waiter came over, "What would you like madam?" "Can I have a cup of tea and toast with scrambled egg?" I looked up at the scrawny looking waiter. "Certainly, anything for you sir?" He glanced at Howard. "Nah, I'm good thanks." Howard replied as he folded up his newspaper. The waiter came over within seconds to bring over a teapot and placed it on the table. I poured the tea into my cup. "So how did it end?" I asked. "I told him straight. He needs to stop messing you around. Mark was great at telling him how you felt. I just told him what I thought, that Scarlett's hell bent on splitting you two up and he's playing with fire if he gives her any more attention." I sipped tea from my cup, "I really appreciate you boys trying to get through to him." "No worries Tash. Mark and I hate to see you upset. You're a great girl." I was glad the waiter came over when he did to serve my breakfast. Stop blushing Natasha!

Howard and I chit chatted whilst I ate my breakfast. We thanked the waiter as we left the restaurant and set off towards reception. "Tasha!" I heard a voice behind us as we waited at the lift. Mark scurried towards me and gave me a warm hug. "You okay?" I nodded, "The sleep helped." I smiled slightly. "Want us to come keep you company?" Mark offered. "Yeah, that would be grand." My smile widened a little. We made our way up to my room, I showed them in and they sat in the lounge. "Tash, did Howard update you?" Mark asked. I nodded. "Gaz was being his typical self. Don't worry about him. I think we got the message across, even though he didn't say much." Mark reassured. "The bastard!" Howard joked. We sat there talking and joking for what seemed like ages. After some time, we were interrupted by the door opening. Gary rushed into the bedroom. I could see, peering in from the lounge, that he was looking for me. "Natasha, you here?" Gary yelled. He turned around and walked into the lounge. "Ah, didn't know you were having a team meeting." Gary scoffed. Mark laughed. "Chill out Gaz." Howard said with a grin. "Right, we best be off." Mark said. Howard and Mark got up and left the room sniggering. "What was all that about?" Gary said, a little annoyed. "Nothing. I met Howard at breakfast and we bumped into Mark on the way up. They thought they'd keep me company." I said. Gary squared his eyes at me. "You went running for quite some time." I commented. "Yeah, needed to clear my head. I'm having a shower. Wanna join?" He asked. "I'm going to head to the spa. I'll meet you at the venue later on." I said. "Oh." Gary's face dropped. "Okay, well I'll see you later I guess." He gave me a half smile as he kissed my forehead. "Enjoy yourself."

I enjoyed a couple of hours at the hotel's spa. I had a massage and spent some time in the sauna. I felt like I had sweated out all of the stress that had been building up. I felt fresh and my mood had calmed. I can't let some bunny boiler ruin my relationship with Gary. I need to stand up for myself and have more faith in my boyfriend. I made my way up to the hotel room. Gary's gone. Let me phone Charlie. I haven't spoken to her in ages. "Charlie?" "Tash? Hello stranger." "Oh, I miss you so much. I can't wait till you're here with me." I said. "I can't wait either. Hun, are you okay?" Charlotte asked. "Yeah, I'm okay." "It doesn't sound like that to me! Mark updated me last night. Gary's being an absolute twat. You wait till I see him. I'm gonna tell him what's what." Charlotte sounded angry. "Calm down Charlie. I've just enjoyed a massage and sauna session. I'm nothing but zen right now." I said calmly. "Why aren't you angry?" She accused. "I was. I am. But I have to have faith in Gary and I need to give myself more worth. Mark called her a bunny boiler and Howard doesn't know why she's sniffing around. It's comforting to know they're on my side. I don't know why Gary's being so secretive but I trust him. I really do." I paused. "Anyway, if I ever get a moment alone with her I will say something. He's my man and I need to mark my territory." I giggled. "Well, don't do that until I'm there. I'd love to give that bitch a piece of my mind." She seethed. "Calm down Charlie!" I giggled. "So, has Gaz said anything to you this morning about his talk with the boys last night?" Charlotte questioned. "He's said nothing. He's a proud man and he's not going to admit he's in the wrong. Unless something dramatic happens. I think what they've said to him has sunk in though. I think he'll be avoiding her as much as he can. Anyway, I must dash. I have a gig to attend." I laughed smugly. "Don't have too much fun, I'll be there in five days!" "Bye Charlie, love you." "Love you too!" Charlotte would be joining us on Tuesday, the last day of the second leg of the tour. Then we'd be headed to the next town on Wednesday where the boys would have their second day off. I wanted to plan an awesome night to welcome Charlotte. I also needed to let down my hair. The tour, so far, wasn't as much fun as I thought it would be. My phone vibrated.

Gary: You enjoy your pampering beautiful?
Natasha: Yes I did. I'm on my way, should be with you soon.
Gary: Great. I don't know why but I'm missing you today.
Natasha: I think that might have something to do with me feeling ill last night. And you this morning, going for a long run.
Gary: Yeah. And you disappearing to the spa.
Natasha: Yeah, there was that. I don't know, I guess we need to be on our own at times. You know, to do our own thing.
Gary: I'm nodding as I read that.
Gary: I just want you to be happy. I want to know that you're enjoying yourself. I don't want you to be upset, bored, stressed out...
Natasha: Why would I be upset or stressed?
Gary: I don't know. I just want you to enjoy being with me. I want you to have fun.
Natasha: I am having fun :)
Gary: Good. I just wanted to check. I'll see you later. We're sound checking. I love you. x

Wow, two declarations of love in one day? Gary really must be feeling guilty about the way he's been acting. In his own awkward way he's telling me that he's sorry. And how can I not forgive him? I won't push him to tell me about this Scarlett thing again unless something else happens of course. Gary wants to enjoy being with me and I too, with him. I won't be letting anyone come in between Gary and I. No one. Not ever.