Forty minutes later and they’re on their way, heading in the general direction of Oxford.
They only have to stop a couple of times for the Geordie to dry retch at the side of the road. (Wisely Nadine chooses to take the less busy B roads – she could just imagine some random motorist phoning a local radio station to say they’d spotted Cheryl Cole puking her guts up in a lay-by and the resulting media storm).
They end up at a picturesque country house twenty miles outside the city, tempted by the signpost for a tearoom. Nadine had been slightly concerned about them being recognised but it’s staffed completely by little old ladies who don’t give them a second look.
It’s only when the one elderly lady with a blue rinse brings their tray of tea and scones over that the staff seem to realise something.
The woman pauses at the table for a second, peering at Cheryl. “Sorry, dear, I don’t mean to be rude but do I know you from somewhere?”
Nadine exchanges an amused glance with Cheryl.
The Geordie smiles broadly, the kind of smile she usually unleashes on sweet old people and children and it’s utterly disarming. “No, I don’t think so. I must have one of those faces.”
The woman nods, smiling absently, and wanders off.
Once she’s out of earshot Nadine laughs. “You should’ve said somethin’. People would flock here if they knew you’d been.”
“She’s probably never heard of us or Girls Aloud,” Cheryl shrugs. “Anyway, I don’t wanna create a fuss. I just wanna enjoy the peace and quiet with you.”
The look Cheryl gives her then makes Nadine’s heart skip a beat. There’s a certain delicacy about the brunette now, the strain around her eyes and the ashen colour of her skin doing little to detract from the overall vision of loveliness. Even suffering from the hangover from hell, Cheryl’ still bloody gorgeous. If Nadine wasn’t so head over heels for her, she’d think it was monumentally unfair.
Covertly she reaches under the table to take Cheryl’s hand and squeezes gently.
***
The food and refreshments seem to do Cheryl a bit of good because she soon starts to regain some colour in her cheeks, the lustre returning gradually to dark eyes.
They decide to get a bit of fresh air and take a walk through the grounds.
It’s amazing how quiet and secluded this place is, like a hidden gem in the countryside. Nadine had expected it might be overrun with kids since it's the school holidays but there isn’t a soul in sight. The only sounds are the birds, a bubbling water feature nearby and the gravel crunching under their feet.
As they stroll through the walled gardens, Nadine silently slips her hand into Cheryl’s.
She looks at Cheryl, to check this is okay, but the other woman just gives a placid smile.
“How are you feelin’ now?” Nadine asks, letting her thumb stroke over the back of Cheryl’s hand.
“A bit more human,” Cheryl says ruefully. She tightens her grip around Nadine’s fingers. “Thanks for this. I know I’m not the best company today.”
“It’s no bother. I’m happy spendin’ time with you.” Nadine pauses then playfully adds, “Even when you’re grumpy and hungover.”
It’s then that Cheryl tugs her to a stop and Nadine gives a questioning look, only for the Geordie to step up to her and kiss her softly on the mouth. It doesn’t last as long as either of them would like; they’re both aware that this is a public place and anyone could see them.
“What was that for?” Nadine asks, bemused.
An enigmatic smile spreads across Cheryl’s lips. “Just for bein’ you.”
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Cheradine- Lost and found
FanfictionNadine is in LA when Cheryl unexpectedly fly's over to visit. Cheryl confesses that she is divorcing Ashley as he has cheated on her again. Nadine decides to take Cheryl out for a meal when a waiter see's them holding hands and assumes they're gay...
