CHAPTER 233: The Hottest Gear

"OK, Barbara...you've got that look in your eye.  You seemed pleased as punch about something"

"Moi, Jeremy?  Maybe I am pleased about something."

"OK, we've had our anniversary...both of when we first met and our first date.  I've remembered your birthday...so what is it?  Halloween isn't for another few weeks..."

"The new stock is arriving today.  You know, that Carnaby Street fashion house has sent me some of their most exciting new clothing?"

"The stock that we paid quite a hefty price for?  I was sceptical when you said we should import directly from England."

"Jeremy, I know this stuff will sell.  We're heading into the Fall/Winter season and we need to freshen up our stock.  Everything British is cool right now:  The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, James Bond, Tom Jones, Mary Quant, Ozzie Clarke, Michael Caine.  This stock is what the young Mods in London are wearing and the Americans are lagging behind on this!"

"You make it sound like the space race"

"It's a culture race and the US is behind England right now.  I'm a Canadian:  I'm part English, part French and part American.  I can see things from a more balanced perspective.  Now eat up, darling...we've got to get to the shop early to set things up."

There was an air of palpable excitement about Barbara and Jeremy hadn't seen her this mix of anxiousness and excitement since she started the boutique.  They arrived in time to take delivery of boxes and boxes of clothing and then began the task of dressing the mannequins with the new items.

"It's just women's clothing, Jeremy, so just change the outfits on all our female dummies" said Barbara, getting into her role of shop manager.  

Jeremy had a sharp cutting knife in his hand and was slicing through the packing tape to open up the boxes.  He pulled out an item of clothing that was wrapped up in tissue paper, laid it across a table and opened it up.  A see-through black whisp of nothing much was contained within and he held it up to see what on earth it was...some kind of VERY diaphanous blouse.

"Erm...you're going to have to help me out here, Babs.  What is this?"

"That's a negligee, Jeremy.  It's part of an intimates collection.  In that same box should be some matching bras and knickers."

"Trust my luck to pick out underwear..." he said.  He had to admit it looked sexy and wondered if Barbara would like to model a set.

It took an hour and a half to dress all the mannequins and the result was that the female section of the boutique looked radically different to what had been for sale just yesterday.  It was a bold collection of outfits, to be sure, and Barbara was impressed by them but also had a small, nagging doubt as to how popular they would be with customers.  Just how many Mods were there in Sim City?

It was now 8:40 and there was time to kill before opening time.  Toni, their shop assistant, hadn't arrived yet so it was just the two of them, alone.  Barbara was excited at the prospect of opening the shop and having amazed and thrilled customers flocking to the boutique.  When she was feeling excited she tended to feel romantic towards Jeremy.  She took his hands and kissed them, gently saying "thank you for being a part of all this.  I wish we could just jump ahead 20 minutes in time so we won't have to wait."

 "What to do in 20 minutes?" said Jeremy, suggestively.  Barbara saw that look in his eye and smiled suggestively back at him.

"Well...Toni might show up any moment now so keep those dirty thoughts to yourself, Mr Saint!  However there was one outfit I was keen to display but we've run out of mannequins.  I was thinking I would become a human one myself and wear what I think is my favourite outfit of the new collection."

"It wouldn't be that black negligee set by any chance?" he asked.

"No, silly!  I'd catch a cold in that!  No, you wait here and I'll change out of this outfit and show you." she said, giving him a coquettish wave before disappearing into a changing room.

When she emerged Jeremy's jaw figuratively hit the floor.  He was also stuck for words, so striking was Barbara's outfit.

"What do you think?" she asked.

"Ah...I...well...it's..."

"You don't like it?" she said, her glee suddenly gone and a worried look replacing it.

"No!  I mean, yes!  I mean...you look amazing!"  Said Jeremy, desperately trying to encourage her again.

"Do you think so?  This is THE Mod look!  I love the hat and the little boots as well.  I've long wanted a Mondrian dress and now I have one!"  Barbara was happy again in an instant her frown became a smile once more.

"Wait a minute...that outfit is still property of the business, not us." said Jeremy, his business mind suddenly kicking into gear.

"I will pay for it out of my own savings...I have to have it!  Everything:  The dress, the hat, earrings, boots and tights."

"I think you've outdone Suzy in the Mod stakes.  If we're ready to go, let's open up and see if your hunch pays off"

Toni arrived on the stroke of 9 and then 10 minutes later their first customer entered the boutique...but it was a man and thus the new collection wasn't what he was looking for.  It wasn't until nearly 10am that the first female customer entered and already she saw something interesting.

"Good morning, Madam, are you interested in this particular outfit?  It's brand new, from the House of Poppy all the way from Carnaby Street."

"Really?  The customer's face lit up at the words.  "I mean...it's so radical, so fab, it's great gear!  It reminds me of....erm...what does it remind me of?"

"You mean the contrast of the cream and black colours?  The Total Look?"

"A Rorschach ink blot test!  But in a good way!  I've gots to try it on!" 

"Certainly madam, the changing rooms are right along here."  Barbara was elated; an impressed customer!

 

Jeremy was likewise busy dealing with customers, all of whom were interested in the new range.

Lots of customers wanted to try things on, but there were no sales yet.  Barbara, Jeremy and Toni were all busy serving but the success or failure of this new range depended on sales and Barbara was now starting to fear that it was too experimental, too cutting edge to find success in this one city in the US.  Sim City was not as cosmopolitan as New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco nor a massive media and star driven place like L.A.

It took just one customer to determine the fate of this range.  A beautiful red headed young woman of college student age who had tried on many outfits but had yet to find the one she was truly interested in.

She said her name was Daphne and she was an amateur sleuth by trade, along with some other friends from college.  She wanted something in pink and purple; her two favourite colours and which she claimed were her signature look.  As it so happened there was one outfit in the new range that fit the criteria and it was a strapless minidress that was designed to be worn formally or at some trendy hot spot in town.  It came complete with complimentary accessories and when Daphne had tried it all on, she was ecstatic.  

She emerged from the changing room and stepped into the main shop, under the spotlights and modelled dress.  Barbara and Jeremy were impressed as this girl looked like a professional model.  This didn't go unnoticed by the other customers and when they saw Daphne taking centre stage in the boutique, it prompted a flurry of enquiries about whether Barbara had more in stock.

After Daphne had purchased the outfit, three other customers were interested in it and the stock flew off the shelves thereafter.  The 'ink blot' outfit also sold well and Barbara was relieved that at last she was making sales.

At the close of business they sat down in their little staffroom and went over how the day went.  It was one of Jeremy's ideas to install fridges stocked with food because he figured money and time could be saved if the option to eat on the premises existed.

"In the end we sold one male suit, two 'inkblot' outfits, 3 men's sweaters, 2 of those pink and purple party frocks and even 2 of those lingerie sets...in black." said Barbara, looking over her accounts book.

"At the mark up we put on those clothes we're well in profit today" replied Jeremy.  

"I knew those Mod fashions would sell, I had a good gut instinct" said Barbara.

"I won't doubt you again" said Jeremy.

"Mind you, you've become quite the salesman.  That man's suit, one of the party frocks and the sweaters were all down to you.  If you weren't already co-owner of the shop I'd have had to pay you a commission."

"I've always been able to learn new things quickly" he replied.

"Well, I'm very happy things are working out for us!"

"Indeed they are!  Say, how about we do our traditional thing and head on down to the Salty Paws Saloon for a few drinks, a little dance, some more drinks and a romantic evening stroll along the harbour?"

"And show off my new dress!" said Barbara.

"They won't know what hit them" replied Jeremy.

The sun was setting when they arrived at the Salty Paws Saloon; they had never been there during daytime but it was their regular, favourite watering hole.  Jeremy was still amazed at how fabulous Barbara looked to the point of being transfixed by her.

They had arrived just ahead of the crowd.  The Salty Paws could get very busy as the evening wore on with both people and cats...

Jeremy and Barbara noticed Eliza Pancakes was there as well...without Bob or their baby.  "Bob must have volunteered to babysit" said Jeremy.

"Volunteered?  Or maybe Eliza volunteered him?" said Barbara with a wry smile.

It wasn't long before the expected throng of patrons started showing up, some familiar, others new faces.  One familiar face was part of the extended "Foundry Cove Gang"; people who were close friends or family of those living in Foundry Cove.  On this occasion it was Francesca Griffiths, Julia's work colleague and best friend.

"Barbara!  Oh my gosh you look amazing!  Wonderful!  Is that a new outfit?  Where did you get it from?"  Francesca gushed enthusiastically.

"This is brand new...arrived at the shop first thing this morning and I had to have it.  We've got more in stock if you're interested"

"Oh I have to visit your boutique again, it's been too long.  Now can I get away with wearing a dress like that?"

"Of course you can!  Jeremy, do you think this dress would look fab on Francesca?" said Barbara as she put her boyfriend on the spot.

"Well...I mean...well...yes.  If you like bright colours and I think you do given the red and orange you're wearing." he stammered in reply.  "Let me buy you and Barbara a drink!  I could sure do with another..."

As Jeremy ordered another round of drinks Barbara managed to have a conversation with Francesca.

"How are things going right now?  How's Stefanie?" Barbara asked, sensitively.

Francesca nodded.  "We're getting there...the routine of work and school helps and everyone's been great, really great but I miss Rod so much and there are times when the grief gets to us.  Fortunately those days where I cry...and Stefanie as well...are getting fewer and farther between.  Julia's babysitting tonight and she's wonderful."

"She is...and she's great with children; has a natural rapport with them."

"I just wish she could find a good husband and start a family of her own" mused Francesca.

"You know what Julia's like with relationships...nothing romantic." said Barbara.

"Well, I'm not so sure anymore...she's been on a couple of dates, you know?"

"No way!  I didn't know." said Barbara in surprise.

"She doesn't talk about it much and the men she went out with were not right for her.  The thing is, there's a man who's perfect for her but...well...he's not around." said Francesca with a shrug.

"Vincent..." 

"Yes, Vincent.  She still holds a candle for him.  I hope and pray he comes back from the Congo to Sim City because he's the only man she's ever had genuine feelings for."

Barbara looked around the bar and noticed Eliza dancing with a man she didn't recognise.  "Oh now there could be trouble..." she said to Francesca.

"Oh Eliza, why be so blatant about it?" said Francesca, shaking her head.

After downing a second drink, Barbara and Jeremy were ready to hit the dance floor but her energy had left her and it was a struggle do manage anything more than zombie like shuffle on the dance floor.

"I think I should take you home" said Jeremy.

"Ugh, I think you should as well...My eyelids are so heavy right now!" Barbara replied.

"I'll call a cab and you can take a nap on the way home, come on, my gorgeous Mod fashion model"

They said goodbye to the regulars at the bar, especially Francesca and a tipsy Eliza (who was enjoying the attention of some men in the place), caught a cab and went home.  All the way Barbara had dozed off and rested her head on Jeremy's shoulder.

He looked at Barbara as she slept and thought about their future together.  She was the one, for sure, and he should put a ring on her finger but with only 4 weeks to go before Summer and Travis' wedding he didn't think it right to propose now because that might be seen as stealing their thunder.  Best to wait until after they return from honeymoon...but then when to plan his wedding for?  March or April 1967 at the earliest.  A spring wedding?  Maybe...

He thought about popping the question, when and where and how, all the way home whilst she slept in the back of the cab but when they got home she had woken up and had perked up a little.

"Hmmm, so good to be home" she said as she headed for the bedroom.  Before she kicked off her boots and took another moment to inspect herself in the mirror.  "Wow!  I love this outfit...it's my new favourite"

"You certainly turned heads...especially mine.  Once again, I'm so fortunate to be your boyfriend" said Jeremy.

"You are adorable and say all the right things..." she said, smiling at him.  

Like "would you do me the honour..." he thought to himself.

Barbara went towards him, threw her arms around him and gave him a big kiss.

"Hmmm, I thought you were tired?" he said when they broke apart for air.

"I was back at the Salty Paws...but now I'm feeling all sexy."

"You are, are you?  Then maybe you'll appreciate this!"

"Oh yes!  Hmmm, more!  Or maybe...we should move this to the bed?  Would you unzip me from my dress...carefully?"

"I will be the personification of delicacy"

Barbara threw her cap across the room and once out of her new dress she kicked off her boots and started to undress him.  Then they went straight to bed, got under the covers and had a steamy bit of woohoo.

Well, maybe not a white wedding now... he thought, mischievously. 

 

CHAPTER 232: Jamie's Luck Turns

Rohan had arrived at my house thirty minutes early.  I could sense the nervous energy in him as he stepped through the door, his eyes darting around the place until he saw my guitar and then they widened.

"Is that it?  The new guitar?" 

"It sure is, Rohan buddy.  It sounds sweet; I'm bringing it to the gig today."

"Yeah...about that gig.  I mean, should we be going ahead with it?  Are we ready?"

That's what was bothering him:  Our first gig as the Bluestones.  It was a combination of rehearsal and gig.  We'd booked the club house at Desert Bloom Park and were going to do a jam session plus go through a few numbers but this time we'd be inviting people we knew and any member of the public could come and watch.  Now Rohan was getting cold feet...

"Step into my office".  I jerked my thumb towards my room and we went in there, away from the attention of my parents.  Rohan was still twitchy so I turned to face him directly and gave it to him straight.

"I know we're taking a step up today but it's not that big.  It's a free show so we won't have to refund any money to disgruntled customers, it's another rehearsal session for us but this time we're trying our act out in front of a small crowd.  You can't back out now, Rohan, think of Efrain and Lulu...especially her.  Think of those big, blue eyes welling up with tears because we've had to cancel today."

Rohan bit his lip and looked worried.  "I'd sure hate to let Lulu down" he said.

"That's the spirit!  So come on; all for one and one for all.  We're the Bluestones after all!"

"OK...but can I stand at the back where I can't be seen much?"

"Rohan, you can perform behind a bush if it means you can play.  C'mon, let's get down to the park!"

"HELLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOO EVERYBODY!  We're The Bluestones and we're gonna be performing right here in just a few minutes so get your dancing shoes on and prepare to GROOVE OUT!"

I didn't expect Efrain to be so pumped up and I'm glad he stepped up to do the introductions instead of me.  I'd just mumble something like "flargh-aargh-fnargle".  I was giving Rohan a pep talk inside the den and Lulu was outside telling the public that we were going to be performing in a few minutes.

Efrain was going to speak again but he had his microphone levels dialled up to maximum and there was some feedback, which hurt his brain.

Lulu was looking all bright eyed, keen and eager...as she usually does about everything.  She greeted me very enthusiastically.

"Jamie!  This is it!  This is really it!  I think there'll be a good crowd here today...I can just feel it!"

"Great to hear, Lulu.  Are you OK to share lead vocals with Efrain?" 

"Sure...sure...he's going to do the first number with me on harmonies and then we'll switch places for the second."

Lulu has this all figured out so I go and give my guitar one more tune up before we start.  Efrain is just about ready and he introduces us as the fabulous Bluestones.  I look over at Rohan and he is, as he discussed, tucked away at the back.  I'm ready to go, as is Lulu...it's showtime!

We let rip with our first number and Efrain's voice was loud and gravelly sounding, which was ideal for the song and a great way to begin the set.  OK, so I missed a couple of notes and I couldn't see where Rohan was half the time but the vocals were impressive:  Efrain on lead, Lulu doing the backing vocals and they were sounding good!

A small crowd started to gather around us and at least no one booed.  I noticed Eliza Dudley was in the crowd and she's this serious, classically trained musician so if she wasn't giving us hassle then we must be doing a few things right.  I caught her eye and she smiled a little, which I took to be a good sign so I turned to Efrain and gave a little jerk of my head in Eliza's direction to alert Efrain of her presence.  Of course he tried to flirt with her from the stage...

"Thank you very much...that's our interpretation of the current hit single 'You're Gonna Miss Me'.  We're The Bluestones and I'd like to introduce you to the band.  I am Efrain Webber...bass and vocals.  On lead guitar is Jamie 'lock up your daughters' McGregor..."

I roll my eyes in disbelief that he's called me 'lock up your daughters'.

"...and on Hammond and rhythm guitar we have....where's he gone?  Ah, there he is...the silent hunter himself:  Mr Rohan Elderberry.  Finally we have the lovely, the delightful Miss Lulu Strang on vocals!"

There was a ripple of applause among the audience but suddenly it went South when Lulu and Eliza saw each other.  I could sense trouble was brewing.

"BOOOOOO!  BOOOOOOOO! DOWN WITH LULU STRANG!" 

"What is your problem, Eliza?"

"You!  Boyfriend stealer!"

"You don't have a boyfriend to steal"

"Ah!  So you admit you steal other people's boyfriends!"

"Stop saying those things!"

"And you smell weird!"

"At least I never spent any time in the loony bin!"

"It was a rest hostel...I have problems with my nerves, Lulu!"

"That's it, Eliza...you give it to Lulu with both barrels!" 

Now top teen model and 'it girl', Gillian Hills, is wading in to the argument.  She hates Lulu as well and I can't understand the animosity she generates amongst the other girls at school.  Every interaction I've ever had with Lulu has been great.  What is going on?

"OK, guys, let's start playing again...it'll drown out their row.  Efrain, what's the next number on the set list?"

"Erm...it's 'Psychotic Reaction'."

"SERIOUSLY?  Our next song is 'Psychotic Reaction' with that fight going on?"

"Well, we can claim they're doing a theatrical performance piece that accompanies the song"

I stand there, torn between smashing Efrain over the head with my guitar or with that mic stand.  Both are expensive so I restrain myself.

"OK then...1, 2, 3, 4!"

I made sure I cranked the amp up to nearly full in order to drown out the argument between Lulu and Eliza and I think we got through that song and the next one OK.  By the time we got to the last tune on our set list, I realised that it was Lulu who was meant to be lead singer!  I looked across the stage area and saw that Eliza had stormed off, making theatrical bad smelling hand gestures as she flounced off.  Lulu realised where we were in the set and came running back just in time.

I was thankful that we made it to the end in relatively good shape.  The small crowd showed their appreciation, some were even enthusiastic, and others threw some coins our way.  I was anxious about the scrap between the girls but Efrain said that if it got us some publicity then he was OK with it.  Plus he said it was kind of horny watching two hot chicks fight.  I was worried one or both of them would get hurt.

We packed up our instruments and started to go our separate ways but Lulu stuck around and helped me finish clearing up the performance area.  With Rohan and Efrain gone, it was just the two of us.  As I finished putting the rest of the trash in the bin, I saw her standing there looking at me as if she had something more to say.

"Jamie...I really appreciate the way you include me in the band...and the friendship you show me" she looked shy and awkward as she said that.

"You've added so much to this band.  You're the reason we could put a show on today."

"That means a lot to me"

I can see a sensitive side to Lulu.  Those comments from those other chicks must really get to her.

"Lulu, you have 3 guys who think you're fab.  And, well, none more so than me."  I blush as I say that.  Lulu then breaks into a big smile and her big blue eyes light up once more.

"Oh Jamie you're so, so great!"  She takes a few steps towards me and throws her arms right around me to give me one of her big, strong hugs that take you by surprise because she looks waif-like and fragile you don't expect such strength.  I catch the waft of her lavender scented perfume and enjoy the sensation of her body pressed to mine.  I don't want the hug to end but it has to, eventually.

I'm excited but I'm also nervous right now.  Lulu's just given me this big hug, she's told me she thinks I'm great and she's stuck around so it's just us two so the signal is she wants to be with me more but...and this is a big but...I've learned the harsh way that when you think things are moving on romantically anything, and I mean ANYTHING, can derail the moment without any warning.  I am now attracted to Lulu and I want to be with her more but what's the right thing to say and do now?  What if I blow it like I always do?

"So...do you have any plans for the rest of the day?" she asks me.  OK, that's a signal to ask her to hang out; it's got to be.

"No.  I am free for the rest of the day...and evening..."

Lulu looks at me with those big blue eyes and she's smiling but she's not venturing anything more:  I have to make the move.

"So, Lulu.  How...would...you...like to....erm...get a bite to eat....with me!  You and me, you know, go for some lunch?  My treat, of course...and we can hang out, talk about the band, music, and stuff?"

"I'd love to, Jamie.  It doesn't have to be fancy but some place we can, as you say, hang out."

"Great!  Let me grab my guitar case and let's head!"

Lunch with Lulu Strang, an actual girl who wants to share a meal with me, it is!  Fan-tastic!

We head to the Sunny Side Diner, which is in my price range, and get a table there.  I can't believe I'm going to have lunch with a chick!

We're given a pretty nice table, away from the kitchen, and settle down.  Lulu doesn't sit down immediately.

"Jamie, I have to go to the rest room.  If the waitress takes our order whilst I'm gone can you order me a chicken salad with a side order of fries and a Pepsi?"

"Sure thing...you know what's on the menu without even looking at it"

"Yeah, I've been here lots of times before"

That got me thinking...who has she been here lots of times before with?  My paranoia is kicking in and I try to suppress it.  I have this little voice inside of me that tries to ruin my love life.  It's always expressing doubts, always sabotaging what I say and do.  Rationally there is nothing wrong with Lulu's statement that she's been here lots of times before...it could be with family, or friends and so what if she's been on dates here with other guys?  That's normal.  That doesn't mean she's a SMELLY BOYFRIEND STEALER...stop it, naughty internal monologue.  You just stay quiet!

"Well, I'll remember that for when the waitress comes.  See you in a bit" 

I try to sound nonchalant so I don't come across as nervous but I remember a time when I was on a date, the girl said she had to go to the bathroom and she never came back.  It's little things like that which play on my mind.  I need to let go of the negative thoughts.  This is Lulu, she wanted to be here with me and we've become friends over the last few weeks.  There is no sensible reason she will abandon our lunch date.

The waitress comes and Lulu's not back yet so I go ahead and order for us both.  OK, it's been a while and I'm now starting to get nervous.  The drinks arrive and Lulu's not back yet.  I spy the Sneedley's over on the other side of the restaurant and they give me a little wave and I wave back.  Lulu still hasn't appeared.  Oh...no...

But then, as the waitress comes over with our food Lulu vectors in from the rest rooms and makes her way back to the table.  She came back!

"Sorry I took so long...hmmm, this food looks good.  I'm famished!  Anyway, Jamie, let's talk about our next gig..."

And that little nasty voice inside of me shuts up.  Lulu and I have a great time over lunch and we talk about music, school and anything that pops into our minds.  I don't feel awkward or lost for words when I'm with her.  This is great.

"Again, I'm really sorry I let Eliza and Gillian get to me earlier on" 

"That's OK, Lulu, they shouldn't have gone off at you in the first place."  I am curious, though, why Lulu is hated at school so much but I don't want to ask.

"You make a couple of mistakes in 9th grade and it haunts you for the rest of your school life."

"The school social hierarchy, eh?"  Weak words of support from me but what the heck did she do back then?"

"I bet boys don't have to go through all this!"

"Ah, that's where you're wrong.  We do but it manifests itself differently.  We all have to defer to David Watts.  What he says goes, what he wants to happen happens...he's like a Roman Emperor at Buckingham High.  Thumbs up and you're accepted, thumbs down and you're not."

"Did he give you thumbs up or thumbs down?"

"Thumbs down right from the start.  I don't know what I did to get a thumbs down but...well...here's the thing.  The Bluestones:  That's my entire friendship group."

"Awww, Jamie.  That's sad but at the same time really sweet" And she reaches across the table to hold my hand.  It's lovely and soft.

"Quality over quantity I say.  I really like the guys in the band.  Rohan's really sweet and Efrain's just a bundle of energy but I like you the best.  You're thoughtful."

And she fixes her big blue eyed gaze at me, I don't let go of her hand.  Eventually our gazing at one another is interrupted by the waitress.

"Is everything OK?  Can I get you anything else?"

"Everything was fine...I'm good, are you good Lulu or would you like dessert?"

"No, I'm good as well."

"Can we get the cheque?"

"Sure thing.  Are you two heading on to the Romance Festival later?" The waitress says suggestively, noticing that Lulu and I are still holding hands.  I look at Lulu, seeing if she would approve or not of the idea.  She's smiling.

"I've not been before...have you, Jamie?"

"No.  Would...you...like to go.  With me?"

"Sure.  Sounds fun"

Well, that's it then:  I'm going to the Romance Festival with Lulu.  The waitress smiles, hands me the bill and I pay up.  Then Lulu and I leave and where we're headed, I'm not sure.

"The Romance Festival starts in a couple of hours, Jamie.  I'd like to go home for a bit, have a shower and change into something more suited for the evening.  I've got the flyer for the festival with all the information on it:  Shall I meet you there at 6?"

"Yeah, I'll do the same and meet you there..."  At the Romance Festival.  I'm going to go to the Romance Festival with Lulu and this is so exciting my heart is pounding hard.  I've gone from a zero love life to...well, a date with a girl who doesn't flake out or run away.

I go home and change...but into what?  I opt for this trendy jacket which has zippers instead of buttons and a pair of off-white pants.  I hope it's OK...I don't have much in the way of "date wear".  Then I make it to the subway and trek downtown to the city centre.  When I get there, I find Lulu has arrived at the festival before me.

I almost didn't recognise her at first because her appearance had changed remarkably since I last saw her at lunchtime.  I was able to recognise her by her eyes and round face.  For starters her hair was all curls and then her outfit was black from neck to foot, from her tight fitting turtleneck sweater, black flared skirt, leather boots and even her stockings created a soft black haze around her legs.  I was stunned at how sexy she looked compared with the cheerful waif I had known until now.

"Lulu...wow, you look amazing!" 

"You're not so bad yourself"

"I noticed your hair...did you go to the salon?"

"I'll let you in on a secret..." she said, looking around to see if anyone was eavesdropping before leaning towards me.  "...it's a wig"

"I'd never have guessed"

"I like wearing wigs sometimes...my own hair is short and there's only so much I can do with it so now and again I'll wear a wig if I want to really go wild"

I wonder what she means by "really go wild".  Roll with it, Jamie, she's obviously put in a lot of effort for this evening.

"Well, I think you look sensational.  Soooooooo, have you ever been to the Romance Festival before?"

"No.  Have you?"

"No.  I guess we'll find out what it's all about as we go along."

"I think the clue is in the title, Jamie" she said suggestively.  I'm starting to really believe she wants me as much as I want her.  Man she looks amazing and I'm seeing another side to her.  Not just the fun, bouncy girl who's always coming up with ideas but a sultry and enticing young woman.

"Let's see if we can get some inspiration from it..." I said, smiling at her.  We walk on right into the midst of the festival and without any conscious effort I find my arm and hers are interlocked.  OK, we're doing a little bit of physical intimacy now.

There's a crowd up ahead getting refreshments and I offer to buy Lulu a drink but when I get to the front there's just one drink:  This pink coloured liquid that is labelled some kind of tea.  I'm reluctant to try it but two things make me get two glasses of the stuff:  One, it's incredibly popular with the festival goers and two, they're giving it out for free.

We get this tea and take a seat wherever we can.  There are two older women sitting opposite us and one of them, a red headed lady, seems very familiar but I can't picture where I've seen her before.

"Hello there" says the woman.  "How are you enjoying your evening?"

"Well, we've only just arrived."

"It's our first time here."

"It's actually our first date" says Lulu.  I look across to her and smile:  She considers this a date!  I feel definitely relaxed now...well, I'm also feeling warm and I think it has something to do with the tea.

"Aww, that's so sweet.  I advise you go go easy on that tea, son, by the way"

"Thank you, ma'am" 

"I love your hair, Miss.  I wish I could get it to curl like yours but mine steadfastly refuses to do anything except be straight and lifeless.  Alas, it's a family trait amongst the women in my family:  My daughter's hair is also straight and won't curl."

And that's when the penny drops...we're talking to Morgan Fyre's mom!  The resemblance is uncanny.  So Lulu makes some small talk with her about hair and first dates and all that stuff and I just nod along to be polite whilst the lady lets loose some information about her daughter which leaves no doubt in my mind that she is Morgan's mom.

I look over to the next table and I spot another familiar couple:  The parents of Judy Keith, my long time crush.  I'm surrounded by the parents of girls I've either dated or wanted to date.  I wonder if we'll bump into Lulu's folks whilst we're here.

Once we're finished with our teas, we get up and take a stroll around the festival to see what else is going on.  Once we're out of earshot of the parents, I whisper to Lulu.

"That lady we were talking to...that's Morgan Fyre's mom.  And over there are Judy Keith's parents"

Lulu looks surprised.  "No way!  She seemed like a nice lady...not much like Morgan"

"You don't get on with Morgan?"

"No...she is such a massive hypocrite and flake!  Says one thing but does another."

"Yeah, I know..."

"Oh, that's right...you dated her a couple of times I hear"

"You heard about that?"

"There aren't many secrets at Buckingham High.  Is that something you don't want to talk about?"

"Better get it off my chest...yeah, I went out with Morgan a couple of times but I wouldn't call them dates...I mean, not like you and me tonight.  We met up and...well...you said it yourself, she's a flake."  I'm starting to feel a warm glow inside of me and my desire for Lulu is increasing.

"Lulu...what you said back there, to Mrs Fyres, that we were on our first date."

"Was I wrong to say that?  Do you see this as...platonic?"

"No!  Not at all!  I mean...well...I'm glad we're on a date because...I really dig you.  You're fun, really positive, you say what you mean, you actually came here with me tonight and that means so much...and...and...what the heck!"

I noticed other people throwing rose petals in the air and I suddenly and spontaneously decide to do the same.  Lulu laughs as she's showered in petals.

Then all of a sudden, as the petals rain down, I find my hands are holding hers.  Once again, I didn't consciously go to hold hers, it just happened spontaneously.  They're so soft and warm and I can't let go, not that she's letting go either.  Lulu is now looking at me with those big blue eyes and I know for sure she digs me as well.

"Well, what are you waiting for you two...kiss already!  This is the Romance Festival" says a food vendor who is standing nearby and is witnessing everything we're doing.

"Well, shall we?"

"Oh yes, Jamie...now's the time"

Oh boy.  That.  Was good.

"Jamie...I'll add 'great kisser' to 'talented guy'.  I'm having a wonderful time.  Thanks for everything."

"Everything?"

"Your friendship first of all, your kind words, letting me join your band and for this evening."

"I would like more evenings like this"

"So would I"

We spend about another hour at the festival but both Lulu and I are getting tired so we agree to head home.  Almost every step of the way we are holding hands and on the subway she rested her head on my shoulder.  I walked her home to her place and even though she was tired I was still won over by how stylish and wonderful she looked.

"Thanks for a wonderful day, Jamie"

"Thank you for being a wonderful companion"

"So...I guess...we're an item now"

"Yeah, that's a pretty safe bet.  So, what next?  Are you free tomorrow?"

"Hmm, I've got lots of homework so tomorrow's not good.  I'll definitely see you at school though"

"Maybe we can hang out for a bit after school?"

"I'd like that, Jamie"

"Well, before I say goodnight...there's just one more thing..."

The second kiss was even better than the first.  I don't know how long we kissed for but we only broke apart when we needed to breathe.

"OK, I'll see you on Monday....boyfriend.  Purrrrrrrr"

"I will see you then...but can I phone you tomorrow evening for a chat?"

"You got it!"  She blew me a kiss and then went inside her house.  I smiled to myself and had a spring to my step all the way home.

So Lulu Strang is now my girlfriend!  It's strange how life goes:  I've spent years pining for Judy Keith and she only just about knows my name.  And I've had crushes on most of her friends as well:  Colleen, Gillian and Halley and then there was that brief on-off affair with Morgan.  Yet it was cute, bouncy Lulu that has trumped all of them.  She is just so much fun, I feel relaxed around her and I'm not so hung up when I'm around her.  She has made the band more lively and positive just by being in it and she's having the same effect on me.  When I get home I go straight to bed...but Lulu is occupying my thoughts as I settle down.  I've done it...my life is now on the up...finally.