Get Ready For It - A Gary Barlow FF

Chapter 77

A number of hours later, and when I have not gotten any more sleep, I decide to head to the bar for a drink. Maybe that will make me a little sleepy and I might get the last hour or so in the seat fast asleep. Clicking my seatbelt open, I pick myself up from my seat and head down through the rest of the first class section and into the bar area. I lean up against the bar where there are a few people hanging out before the bartender approaches me.

''Evening, sir. What can I get for you?'' she smiles a pearly white set of teeth in my direction.

''Hiya. May I get a double JD and coke if that's alright, please?'' I say back to her.

''Certainly. Would you like some ice?''

''Yes, please. Just one or two cubes though. Thanks'' I smile back at her before she sets about making the drink for me.

A few minutes, there is a rather large glass of JD & Coke placed in front of me. I take a deep breath before a small chuckle escapes my lips.

''Big drink that. I'm only a small boy, you know?'' I wink back at the girl who immediately blushes.

''Oh, we have to have our guest of honor as happy as possible. Is it too much though? I can make you a fresh one?'' she says with a slight hint of panic in her voice.

''No, no not at all. This is great. Hopefully, it will put me to sleep for the last hour or so when I'm finished'' I chuckle back at her, waving off her panic-induced words.

''Okay, you had me going there. Are you at the end of a trip or starting one, Mr. Barlow?''

'She knows who I am? She never let on before that she recognized me. Probably sees famous people every day'

''Coming home, thank God. In LA for 10 days of meetings, writing sessions, more meetings. You name it, I've done it in the last week and a half. Fit for the pillow now and that's about it'' I chuckle out the last few words before taking a sip of the much needed dark-colored cocktail

Smiling widely at me, she seems to genuinely give a shit when she's talking to me. It's always great to see in a young person.

''That sounds like new music is on the way? Is there a new album coming? Another tour maybe?'' she smiles back at me.

Dropping my head slightly, I try to hide the smile as much as possible to try and not give too much away.

''There might be. I genuinely can't confirm anything as it is still very early stages yet, but we are writing again as a band and we are preparing for very busy next 2 years or so...'' I smile back at her.

Doing a small fist pump, she cheers to herself at the news.

''Yay! I love this news. The shows are always world class and the music is iconic! Roll on the tour!'' she smiles at me as she raises her hand to give me a high five.

''Haha, thanks very much. Always great to meet the fans. I would not have put you as a Take That fan, though. No offense meant by that of course!'' I say quickly.

''Oh, don't be silly. I love the music. No offense taken at all''

Smiling widely at her, I drain the final dregs of my drink.

''Care for another one, sir?'' she says softly this time as she takes the empty glass from in front of me.

Thinking about it a little bit, I decide then and there that I may as well have a little bit of fun and enjoy myself. I'm not going to get to sleep now so I may as well enjoy myself whilst I'm here!

''Sure, I'd love another one and please, call me Gary. I'm just going to pop to the loo. Back in a tick!''

*****

I head on through the airport in the dead of night. Another benefit of flying the late flight is that there are never any paps in the airport to bother. I sent James a text as we were approaching to land as he is only 20 minutes away from the airport so there was no point in telling him too early. I always feel bad when I get in touch with him this late and however often I say I'll get a taxi, he will always say no. He will not let me go without him unless he is on official holiday time. I'd be lost without him, I really would be.

''There he is, the rock star himself. How are you, Gaz?'' James chuckles as he steps out of the parked car to help me out with the cases.

''Hey, buddy. I'm good, yourself?'' I smile back at him, letting the case stand still as he pulls me into a nice man hug.

'He gives great hugs, I must admit'

''Good to have you back, mate. Really is'' he winks at me as he takes the case from my hand and heads towards the boot of the car.

I can't help but smile as I pull open the door of the backseat of the car and slide in to begin the final part of the journey home. James gets in the driver's seat and starts the engine making the car roar into life.

''Straight home or is there anything needed before getting you to bed which, by the looks of it, you badly need. You look fucking shattered, Gaz'' he says with a hint of worry and concern lacing his words.

''It's not often I admit that I'm tired, but I am absolutely shattered tonight, mate. I just need to get home, have a shower and get straight to bed'' I chuckle back at him as he pulls the car away from the curb and sets off on the way back to West London.

''Close your eyes and get some rest, Gaz. I'll let you know when we're home''

The words are barely heard as I'm already one step ahead of him as my eyes close tightly and darkness consumes me once more.

*****

''Take care of yourself, mate. You need to allow yourself to rest and recover. Please have an easy weekend. I'll know if you don't'' James winks at me as he places the case on the inside of the door to my house.

''Thanks, James. I'll try my best. I'm sure I'll be given strict orders also to take it easy this weekend'' I say in a low voice, cocking my head backwards over my shoulder in the direction of the house.

James' eyes narrow in thought for a split-second before widening once more and the chuckle soon follow.

''Get inside before she sends out a search party, mate. Good night, Gary. Sleep tight and call me if you need anything, yeah?'' he says with wide eyes.

''I will do, mate. Love yeah. Get home safe'' I say back in a low voice, waving him off as he gets back in the car and heads slowly out the gate and in the direction of home.

Smiling to myself slightly, I pull the door closed behind me as quietly as possible as to not wake up Sophie. I doubt she is still awake but you never know with this girl. Let's just go and find out...