CHAPTER 195: You Wouldn't Believe Who Came Into The Shop Today

MOVERS N' SHAKERS GYM: 7:35am

"Suzy!"

"Barbara!  Great to see you here!  You're looking fabulous."

"As are you"

"Oh thank you for saying so.  I'm worried I've put on some pounds lately.  I don't want a repeat of that weight gain fiasco back in the Springtime."

"Oh that was horrible.  We all porked out...except Julia.  She must have a super fast metabolism.  So how are you?  Enjoying the new house still?"

"It's lovely.  That extra space is coming in handy for my work and Neil's art.  How are you and Jeremy?"

"We're good...the shop's doing well but...well, I have to confess..." and at that point Barbara lowered her voice.  "...I still fret about Jeremy's work.  I'm worried what the Landgraabs are up to."

"No good, I bet.  But I admire Jeremy's courage in trying to get to the truth.  I'm also working on that and, well, I've found out some very interesting things about them.  I can't say what right now, but we must all get together soon.  It's been....well...stressful at times learning about them."

For a moment Barbara could detect the stress on Suzy's face and guessed that under that calm, happy exterior she liked to project to the world she seemed to be carrying some kind of burden, like she knew something dark, sinister and troubling.  The small anti-Landgraab group:  Suzy, Neil, Jeremy, Action, Burr and herself hadn't met up as a group to discuss and share knowledge for some time now and Barbara wondered if Suzy was keeping too much to herself.

"We should arrange to come down here on a regular basis" said Barbara.  "Exercise is more enjoyable with good company:  Jeremy and I come here, or the gymnasium in the city, on weekends but I find I need a weekday exercise as well."

"Oh we must!  And then grab a coffee if there's time.  I'm going to head off soon as I've got a meeting soon at the offices:  Word is that an international celebrity is visiting Sim City soon but no one knows who that is.  Whoever it is, I want to land the first interview."  Said Suzy, regaining some of her usual enthusiasm.

"I wish you luck." Barbara replied before heading over to do some leg curls on the weight lifting apparatus.  She envied Suzy in some ways:  The world of high fashion, meeting famous people and, in the back of her mind, being married.  As for her, Barbara liked the idea of being married but there was no rush right now.  She was settled and happy with Jeremy and weddings were very expensive; their finances couldn't bear it.

She was hard at it with the exercise when Jeremy arrived.  They'd agreed to meet just before heading off to their respective jobs and his appearance must have meant that it was time to stop working out.  The time had gone so quickly for her.

"Hey, gorgeous" he said.

"Hey there.  Looking snazzy I see."

"Do you think this is a bit loud for work?" he asked, inspecting his blazer and shirt.  "Only Fanshawe has been wearing more colourful blazers recently and I thought this might be fitting with the times." 

"You're fine; I like it a lot.  I'll just shower and get dressed then we'll head on out." she replied.

On the way to Pack's Clothing, a way point between Movers n' Shakers and downtown where the Landgraab Corporation headquarters was, Barbara noticed that Jeremy was acting restless and nervously.  

"What's up, babe?" she asked.

"Nerves.  The security check at work is entering the second week now and they've been asking all these questions, going through all our files and the stress is getting to me.  I've hidden all incriminating evidence of my investigations but still..."

"If you act nervous then they might start to suspect you" replied Barbara.  "Come inside the shop, grab a drink and just relax before going in to the office"

"I know I should just act relaxed but...heck...I've always been a bit on the nervous side about a lot of things.  It's part of my character."

"Then look your normal, slightly anxious self.  And don't you have a colleague in the building working with you whose backing you up?"

"Yes...but I haven't seen much of him lately.  I feel on my own."

"I think you need to have a group meeting to discuss things:  Get them off your chest to Suzy and Action" she said.

"Maybe..." he replied with a nervous look on his face.

"But for now, come inside and have a relaxing cup of Jasmine tea...I find it works wonders for relieving stress."

"I don't know...maybe I should go in to work early to show my keenness?"

"You need to do the opposite:  Go in to work as if nothing is bothering you.  Come on, just relax for a few minutes."

A short while later Jeremy's mood had completely lifted.  

"That was a delicious tea and fruit salad, Barbara" he said with a big smile on his face.  "And as for that neck and shoulder massage, that really did the trick.  Shame we didn't have time to test out how big the changing rooms are with two people in them..."

"Another time.  But do try to remain calm at work today and if you need to quit in a hurry then there's plenty of work to do around here....Hmmm, some of those counter tops need cleaning." she said, looking around the place and noticing all the things that were out of place.

"I might take you up on that offer!" he said, getting up and smiling.  He appreciated the support that Barbara gave him; she never liked the idea of him going to work for Landgraab's but once that decision was made she stuck by him through thick and thin.  As he turned to give her one last look before heading downtown he thought there had to be a hand of God, or at least fate, in his life:  At one of his lowest points they found each other...the odds were not in his favour, especially after having his heart broken by that Bianca Gregory.  He almost didn't go in to town that day, he had to be dragged there by his best friend Travis.  And then after meeting Barbara that first time he didn't know if he would ever see her again...fate, or God, had intervened there as well.

It was time to open up the shop and the first customers streamed in.  However, one customer put Barbara's nerves on edge.  She tensed up the moment she saw her:  It was Bianca...a woman who once rejected Jeremy's romantic advances but who also seemed to toy with his affections at the same time.  The only time she had met Bianca was in another boutique and the woman was needling her about just how "close" she had been with Jeremy and had made snide remarks about how she knew him better than Barbara did.  That confrontation had then led to a serious and teary conversation between Jeremy and her that threatened to break them apart.  Now Bianca had shown her face in Pack's Boutique and Barbara was torn between having to serve her, ignoring her or throwing her out of the shop.

Bianca either hadn't noticed Barbara or else didn't care to acknowledge her.  Barbara had noticed that she had made her way to the menswear section, where she was checking out some shirts.  Barbara had an instinctive dislike of Bianca's haughty demeanour. 

But Barbara knew that interaction with her was inevitable:  She WAS the shop...the owner and the staff.  A customer's a customer and unless they cause trouble she couldn't think of a decent, professional reason not to serve Bianca.  Once she had finished answering another customer's question, she took a deep breath and walked over to Bianca.

"Hello there.  Can I help you with anything?" said Barbara.

"Oh, I thought it was you...Jeremy's girlfriend.  I trust you still are together?"

"We are."

"And you work here as well?"

"I own this boutique."

"Own it?  I see..." Bianca raised an eyebrow in astonishment.

"Is there anything I can help with?" replied Barbara, not rising to the bait.  "I see you're looking for something for a man, perhaps?"

"How very perceptive.  Yes, I need some hip, with-it shirts for my beau.  As a matter of fact he works with Jeremy at the same place."

"That must be Fanshawe"

"Yes, 'Shaw' as I call him.  He likes wearing more raffish, mod like clothes.  Shirts with a fuller sleeve, rounded collars and in bold colours."

"We certainly have those in store.  Let's see what we can find." said Barbara, maintaining her coolness in front of Bianca.

As Barbara was showing Bianca the various fashionable shirts she had in store another customer entered the shop, almost unnoticed.  She walked around, looking at the dresses on the mannequins with great attention.  After a few minutes a little girl, who was being dragged around the boutique with her dad and who had been acting bored the whole time noticed the elegant and beautiful red headed woman.  A little bell rang in the girl's head that told her this lady was famous...although she didn't know why.

"Daddy!  That lady!  She's from the TV...or that magazine Mommy reads!"

"Shh, dear, it's rude to point" the father replied.  

The lady walked around the shop some more, looking with great interest at the variety of outfit's on display.  She wasn't flamboyantly dressed for a young woman of today:  A lilac sweater and matching skirt, black pantyhose and matching sling back shoes but there was a grace and style about her that made her look like a model.

As Barbara listened to Bianca's requirements as to what she was looking for in men's shirts she noticed the newcomer and, after a few seconds, the penny dropped as to who this was.

"Oh my God!" she blurted out in a quiet voice.  Bianca looked puzzled.

"What?  What is it?" Bianca replied.

"That's Jean Shrimpton...the Shrimp!"

"You must be mistaken...what would The Shrimp be doing in your shop?"  Bianca looked in the direction of where Barbara was staring at.  "Oh my goodness...you're right!  That's her!"

Jean Shrimpton.  Along with Twiggy and Patti Boyd she was Britain's top model and one of the best in the world.  Her face was world famous and what she wore was the height of style.  Every young woman in the Western world wanted to look like her.  And she was here, in Sim City and in Pack's Clothing Boutique.

"I should say something to her" said Barbara.

"You should.  You own this shop" replied Bianca.

"But what do you say to someone like Jean Shrimpton?"

"How about 'can I help you, Miss Shrimpton?'"

"That's very familiar.  What if she takes offence?"

"What if she takes offence at you, a trendy fashion boutique owner, not recognising who she is?"

"Good point"

Jean walked over to where Barbara and Bianca were standing.  The little girl scowling at them for not knowing who this woman was.

"Excuse me.  Would one of you be the owner of this establishment?" said Jean in a cut glass English accent.

"That would be this young lady..." said Bianca, indicating Barbara.  

"Oh hello" said Jean, smiling politely.  "I do like your shop.  Such fab gear"

"Ah...thank you..." stammered Barbara.  Jean was even more beautiful and elegant in person than she was in the magazines.

Bianca piped up at that moment.  "Barbara here is too modest:  This is THE place to buy the latest fashion.  She has a great eye for colour, detail and style."

"Uhm, thank you...Bianca" replied Barbara, stunned at Bianca's statement.

"Oh you deserve the praise for putting Sim City on the cultural map" continued Bianca.

"Well, I just play a small part..." said Barbara, meekly.

"You're too be congratulated, Barbara." said Jean.  "I've never been to Sim City before and I've only got a short time before I'm due in New York for an American Vogue photoshoot...then Terence is flying over from London to spend some time there and on the West Coast."

"Terence...as in Stamp?" said a flabbergasted Barbara.  She had a massive crush on the handsome young English actor.

"The same" said Jean, smiling.  "Please, Barbara, relax.  We're both in the same business" she added, reassuringly touching the star struck young shop owner's arm.

They talked more about the shop and what was in fashion...or what was going to be in fashion next season before Jean had to stop and sign some autographs for the customers.  Barbara saw Bianca over at the menswear section and made her way over to her.  The next part was going to be difficult to say, but it needed saying nonetheless.

"Bianca...thank you for those kind things you said to Jean back there." 

"Not at all.  You deserve the credit for what you've done here."

"Did you know that Jeremy is part owner of the shop as well?"

"I did know, as a matter of fact:  Fanshawe told me...he helped draw up the loan agreement."

Barbara took a deep breath before speaking again...this was the toughest part.

"Bianca...I know you and Jeremy have history but I want to know where you stand with him now."

"I treated him unfairly, Barbara.  I realise that now.  But you've lasted, what, six months now together?"

"Coming up to six months"

"He's clearly devoted to you and I am having lots of fun with Fanshawe.  I think it's time to draw the line under my past with Jeremy.  I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to move on."

Barbara nodded.  "So we're cool?" she asked.

"We can be cool"

"In which case, can I interest you in a funky shirt or two?" said Barbara, with a slight smile.

In the end Bianca bought a couple of colourful shirts.  As Barbara was ringing up the cash register Bianca spoke again.

"Thank you...and once again, well done on winning over your celebrity customer.  You're on the map now, Barbara."

Barbara looked over to where Jean was standing and noticed she was still surrounded by admirers.  "I think I'm going to have to rescue her in a moment!" she quipped.

"Excuse me for one moment" said Barbara, gently ushering Jean away from the gathering crowd.

"Thanks Barbara!  I was being bombarded with so many questions back there!" replied Jean.

"Oh I have many of my own but I don't want to bore you with them" 

"For you I'm happy to chat and answer away."

Barbara drew a deep breath and cast her gaze all over the shop.  "Where do I even begin?  What's Carnaby Street really like?  Who's your favourite photographer?  Is Terence even more handsome in person?  Do you know The Beatles?  What was it like to wear the first miniskirt in Australia?..."

"It's truly fab.  David Bailey.  Oh boy, is he ever!  Yes, but not very well.  Very exciting.  Does that answer everything?" Jean giggled.

Barbara giggled too and clapped her hand over her mouth.  "I can't believe this is happening!  I'm sorry if I seem like a silly little girl acting this way around you...but...but...you're here!"

"Don't let it bother you so much!  I've noticed Americans are more excited when they meet people who are famous."

"That's just it, I'm actually Canadian!"

"Well, God Save The Queen.  We should stick together as daughters of the Commonwealth.  Now I've noticed that there's lots of people here but they're not actually buying anything..."

"I know" Barbara sighed.  "I should be dealing with my customers but I didn't want to appear rude to you."

"Not to worry...you've been so welcoming and I love the idea of a young person setting up their own business and doing well.  Hmmm, I think I have an idea to drum up some more interest...Can I choose any outfit here to try on?"

"Jean, you can try on absolutely ANYTHING."  

"I think I've spotted something I like....can I get some shoes and accessories as well?"

"Help yourself!"

"OK, you keep chatting to your customers and I'll be right back." said Jean.

A few minutes later and Jean emerged from the changing room wearing the hottest trend in Sim City right now:  The peppermint green floaty dress with white collar and 3/4 length sleeves teamed with white strappy shoes and off-white seamed tights.  She had immediately zoned in on the up to the minute look without being prompted.  Barbara was impressed.

Jean walked up and down and sashayed, displaying the outfit like a true top model.  "I'm not a catwalk model so apologies if I'm not doing this quite right" she said, self-deprecatingly to Barbara.

"I'm just sorry I didn't bring a camera" replied Barbara.  "But keep going, you're doing swell."

Soon a lot of customers were enquiring of Barbara if she had more of those dresses in stock and in what sizes.  She had sold three of them by the close of business and with the matching shoes and accessories as well.  Once 5pm came around and Barbara had flipped the sign to "closed", Jean breathed out a sigh of relief.

"I trust that helped" she said.

"Oh believe me, it did!  The sale of those outfits alone covers the cost of a day's rent.  I ended up doing very good business."

"Glad to help..." said Jean before going back to the changing room to get back in to her original outfit.  When she emerged she handed back the borrowed items to Barbara.

"No, you can keep them if you wish" she said.  "That's my small way of saying thank you for the honour of modelling in my own shop!"

"I don't want to take from you, Barbara"

"Consider it payment in kind"

Jean smiled and asked for a bag in her soft, politest English accent.  "I have to go now.  I'm meant to be somewhere called The Kitten Club for a publicity shoot this evening.  Hmmm, I think I'll wear this dress you've kindly given me."  Jean and Barbara hugged each other and with that, the most famous person Barbara had ever met left the shop.

Five minutes later, Jeremy had arrived at the shop to take  Barbara home.

 

"Was business good today?" he asked.

"Oh my goodness, was it ever!  A bit slow for most of it but then came a big flourish of spending at the end.  You know that peppermint green dress I have in stock?  Completely sold out of them by close of business."

"Wow.  How did that happen?"

"That's the most fantastic thing about it:  I had Jean Shrimpton right here, in this shop!  She was actually here, Jeremy, and I got to speak to her, and there was a hug..."

 Jeremy interrupted her.  "Sorry, who is Jean Shrimpton?  Someone famous?" he asked.

"Only the top model in the world!  You know, the English one?"

"The only model from England I've ever heard of is someone called 'Twiggy'" he replied, overemphasising the name 'Twiggy' as if it was ludicrous.

"Jean's the other one...listen to me, calling her 'Jean'!  Oh Jeremy, she's absolutely amazing!  She knows The Beatles!"

"How nice for her...and she was in the shop today?  Wow, that's a feather in your cap.  I just don't know my fashion models very well."

"Do you remember when I met Llamaman and I had no idea who he was?  Well, this is me getting even with you for meeting a celebrity."

"You met Llamaman, not me.  You're way ahead of meeting the stars than I am:  Llamaman, Darling Walsh and now this Jean Shrimpton.  Soon it'll be Rock Hudson or Doris Day...now, how about we celebrate by hitting the Orange Peel club tonight?"

Barbara loved the idea of going dancing at her favourite nightclub.  She was absolutely buzzing with excitement and adrenaline about what happened today.

It wasn't very busy, being a Monday evening, but the disc jockey's mix of sounds was really good this evening and Barbara got right into the swing of things.  Jeremy was more subdued, which was normal when it came to him dancing.  The bright oranges and purples of the decor and lighting in the Orange Peel went well with Barbara's outfit and if Jeremy wasn't focussing wholly on his dance moves then it was because he was drinking in the beauty of Barbara.

Eventually they paused for a drink and went to the bar.  Jeremy ordered two fruit cocktails for him and Barbara and they sat down to take the load off their feet.  

"Here's to celebrity friends" said Jeremy, raising his glass.

"To celebrity friends, cheers" said Barbara, clinking her glass to his.  "I was so bowled over by everything today...I was even nice to Bian...." she said, suddenly stopping herself from saying Bianca's name fully.  She had forgotten to tell Jeremy about her other customer today...

"Nice to Bianca?  What, she was in the shop as well?"  said a startled Jeremy.

"Yeeeeah, did I not mention that earlier?" she said, sheepishly.

"You certainly didn't!" he replied, firmly planting his glass on the counter top.  "Now did she give you a hard time?  Was she trying to get to me?  Did she upset you?" 

"No, no, no...I was worried at first as well but do you know what, she was actually nice to me and she talked me up to Jean.  I believe she's too keen on Fanshawe to think about bothering us."

"Too keen on Fanshawe's bank account if you ask me!" Jeremy retorted derisively.  "Well, I'm glad she wasn't bad to deal with today."

"I think we're turning a corner in our lives, Jeremy.  Today was awesome.  It's up, up, up from now on; I can feel it!"

CHAPTER 194: Meet The Bluestones

"Do you have any plans for today, Jamie?" asked Mom.

"I thought I'd go in to town and meet some friends...you know, Rohan and Efrain?"

"Oh...Efrain.  That's nice.  I haven't heard of this Rohan before."

"Yeah, he's just joined our school but he's a nice guy.  Lives out Britechester way."

"And when you meet up, what will you be doing?"

"Nothing illegal, I hope!" 

"No...nothing like that, Dad!"

"Good"

"Efrain, Rohan and I are thinking of starting a band together."

"A band?  How exciting."

"Hang on...a band?  That would require money for a guitar which you're still saving up for!" 

"I know, Dad, but there are some I can practice with that don't cost anything...and I can always borrow one but we're a long way away from any gigs.  We're meeting up to practice after school."

Dad paced around the room and then sat down on the sofa, looking worried.  Mom went and sat next to him.

"Is there something on your mind, Colin?" 

"I've been doing the monthly household accounts and things are still tight.  I don't want us committing to spending something costly right now!"

"Well, it seems like Jamie has thought this through and he knows not to overspend...don't you, Jamie?"

"Oh yeah, sure, I'll be careful"

Dang it, now Dad's going to nix my saving plan to get a guitar.  I'm going to have to rely on the communal one at the Desert Bloom Park snug for now.  But there are other things to consider right now and I should get out of the house or else I'll be stuck with Dad's negativity all day.

As it so happens today is the day of the flea market downtown and maybe, just maybe, there'll be a cheap guitar for sale there; you never know.  I try to call Efrain and Rohan but both are busy this morning so I'm going to have to catch them later.  

I get to San Myshuno just before midday and there's a nice, busy vibe down there.  The bus stops right outside a bar and the flea market is on the other side of the town square and as I walk over to it I hear a voice behind me and feel a tap on my shoulder.

"Well hello, Jamie" 

I look over my shoulder and who should it be but my non-girlfriend girl friend:  Morgan.

"Oh, hey there, Morgan...nice to see you" 

"...'nice to see you'?  What kind of greeting is that?"

OK...she wants more...but how much more?  I slowly move towards her and give her a hug.

"Now THAT'S better.  You shouldn't be so scared around me...well, maybe a little bit...but that's all part of the fun...*giggle*"

OK, we're doing this flirty thing again.  What's her mantra again?  'Don't think...do!'  Well, what the hell?  Let's roll with her mood.

"So.....what brings you down here, Morgan?  Meeting anyone in particular or are you going with the flow?"

"I always go with the flow, Jamie...and the flea market is a GREAT place to find something unusual or hand crafted that I might like.  You see, I do like checking things out..." and again she's flirting with me as she says that.  "And what about you?  What are you looking for, Jamie?"

"A guitar...a decent second hand one.  You see, I'm putting together and band with a couple of other guys and we need some instruments."

"...and gear.  You need some stage gear, like decent threads."

"Yeah, that too.  I hadn't thought that far ahead."

Suddenly Morgan looks over my shoulder and notices something, or someone behind me.  She waves enthusiastically to whoever it is.  I look behind me and see a guy I don't recognise in the distance waving back.

"Sorry, Jamie, gotta dash...I need to speak with that guy over there.  You sticking around the market for a while?"

"Yeah"

"I'll see you in a bit...we'll catch up on your band stuff."

And with that, she runs off.  Hot and cold...yeah, same as ever.  Oh well, time to crack on with my main purpose for being here and I start to browse the stalls hoping there's a guitar or, failing that, something else cool.  I stop by a bench where this lady's selling shiny minerals, crystals and quartz.  I pause to examine these fancy looking stones in more detail and all of a sudden she's by my side, looking at what I'm doing.

"Anything here takes your fancy?" 

"Erm...just browsing, really."

"Do you know much about crystals and minerals?"

"Not really"

"Take that amethyst there...that's the purple one...makes an excellent paperweight or a conversational piece on a coffee table."

"It's nice...say, I like that blue one"

"The Lapis?  I'm doing a deal today...10% off any stone you purchase"

The stone ends up costing me $3 but I figured it wouldn't break my budget so I buy it.  It's not a guitar, and I can't see any of the stalls selling one so I figure this shiny semi-precious stone could go on my desk or side table in my room to liven it up a bit.

Well, that's about it for shopping so I make my way over to the food stalls where there's this busker and a small crowd gathering.

I'm trying to see where Morgan has got to but she's nowhere to be seen.  Never mind, I'm digging the vibe around here anyway and there's a sizeable crowd around here today for this singer to perform to.  I imagine that'll be me and the guys in the near future.  I wonder who you contact to get a gigging space around here?

The singer finishes her song and goes off on a break.  It looks like she won't be coming back soon so I go for another walk around the market to see if there's anything else that catches my fancy but mostly I'm just browsing and looking...not just for something to buy, but to see if there's anyone here I know...including Morgan.

Suddenly, there's that tap on my shoulder again and it's Morgan; she's found me.

"Hey, Morgan, how did it go with your friend?"

"Yeah, cool.  He's gone now.  So, do you want to hang out some more?  Maybe get a drink together?" she says, jerking her thumb towards the bar nearby.

"Sure thing!  But they won't serve us in there"

"Don't you have fake I.D.?"

"Erm....no....actually I left mine at home."

"I see....well, we'll use mine.  I'll get the drinks and bring them out here."

"At least let me give you the money for them...my round."

"Jamie...you're such a gentleman" 

She fixes me with those green eyes of her and I'm like jelly.  Yes, I should keep clear of her but she's just so alluring and those eyes cast a hypnotic spell over me.

I watch her saunter over to the bar and I can't help but watch her lovely, swaying figure and those amazing legs as she just fearlessly enters a bar as if she owns the place.  We could be an item but the stars just aren't aligning right at the moment.  I wonder just what she sees in me?  What am I doing right and what's stopping us from becoming boyfriend and girlfriend?  I want more, but I fear in the pit of my stomach that what is going on between us now is the best it's ever going to get.

I pace around the square, trying not to look out of place on my own here, waiting for her to return and going through all the possibilities in my mind.  How does she kiss?  What does she taste like?  What does she like in the romance department and...eventually...what would it be like to WooHoo with her?

After a few minutes she returns carrying two tumblers with bright green liquid in them.  She hands me one and I take it.

"Here you go...turns out they didn't ask me for my I.D. anyway.  I got us some Rocket Fuel, is that OK?"

"Rocket Fuel is fine."  I take a sip and it burns the back of my throat.  I'm not sure about the artificial lime green flavour either but I don't want to look either ungrateful or uncool in front of Morgan.

"So tell me about this band of yours?"

"It's early days yet but it's me, Efrain Webber from school and I don't think you know Rohan Elderberry, do you?"

She shakes her head and takes a gulp of her drink.  "Is he at our school or another?"

"Another, down Britechester way.  So I'm lead guitar at the moment, we haven't sorted out a lead singer yet.  Or gigs for that matter."

"When you get your first gig, let me know.  I'll be the one at the front cheering the loudest"  Again, she fixes me with her green eyed gaze and touches my arm gently with her hand.  

"Say, Morgan, how about you and me go on a...on a...a kind of..."

"A date?"

"Yeah, a date.  I like being around you and we've come close to...you know..."

"Dating?"

"Yes, dating.  We seem to click and I think you're groovy and just gorgeous so I figure we should...erm...you know..."

"Be dating?"

"You see...you get where I'm coming from.  Yeah, I thought maybe we could step things up a level and date?"

"Jamie...I like you a lot; you're a swell guy..."

No, Morgan, no!  Don't do this!  Don't say the next part!"

"but what is 'dating' anyway?  I live in the moment, I go where the inspiration takes me.  All that 'let's go see a movie', 'let's go to the prom' is so passé.  I don't want that kind of conventional bag, Jamie.  I mean, us...one day we could be hanging out like this and the next...we might...hold hands, or kiss..."

"We could?"

"Yeah...but maybe not.  Or maybe any number of things.  I'm seeing loads of guys and I'm seeing none of them; do you know what I mean?"

"Kind...of..."

"But you're right; we do have a bond but don't think of it like a normal, lovey-dovey cute couple thing; I hate that."

"OK, but going back to that part about kissing..."

"Maybe, Jamie, or maybe not.  When, or if, it happens it can't be planned.  We'll know the right time"

"So you're not saying 'no' to the idea?"

"I never say 'no'...just 'not now'"

And I'm no clearer about where I stand with her.  But she's not saying no or never, at least.

We finish our drinks and I offer to take the glasses back to the bar and get another round in; if the staff are being lax about checking I.D. I should show Morgan I'm mature and confident enough to go right in and order more.

"Thanks for the offer, Jamie, but I need to be getting on now:  There's a meeting of my club soon.  It's been great catching up."

"I could come with you or part of the way?"

"That's sweet, Jamie, but you're not the type to join The Renegades.  You take care and we'll hang out soon, OK?" 

She leans in and gives me this strong hug that she holds for more than 10 seconds.  I take in her exotic perfume, her soft hair brushing against my cheek and the warm embrace...she's so good with hugs!  Then she gives me a kiss on the cheek.  As I had hoped, her lips are as soft as her touch and I know they've left a little lipstick mark on my face.  She eventually lets go, steps back and smiles with her eyes locking on to mine once more.  With a gentle, feminine wave of her hand she is off...I feel warm and let out a sigh of contentment.  Oh, and I've got a massive boner as well.  I can't help it and I rue the fact we get so far with each other before she, inevitably, pulls away.  I don't know what to do about this:  I should just say let's be friends and put up some boundaries so there's no grey area but on the other hand there's the prospect of us kissing, cuddling and sharing physical intimacy that creates this buzz whenever we're together.

I'm not sure I want to hang around the market anymore.  There's no musical gear, I spent most of my money on that stone and a round of overpriced drinks and I'm too confused about Morgan on top of all that.  As I start to walk off, I hear my name being yelled across the square.

"JAMIE!  JAMIE!"

I look around to see who's shouting and it turns out it's Lulu Strang from my school.  She runs...literally runs...right up to me, her eyes wide with excitement.

"Jamie!  It is you!  I thought for a moment that I'd mistaken you for some random guy and ended up embarrassing myself but, phew, it definitely was you!"

I'm so taken aback by this enthusiastic hello that I'm momentarily stuck for words.

"It's me, Lulu!  Lulu Strang?  We're at the same school?  We met last week at Desert Bloom park?"

"Oh yeah, I know...sorry, you took me by surprise there for a moment."

"I'm sorry"

"Don't be.  It's good to see you, Lulu.  So, what brings you here?"

"I love browsing the flea market.  There's so many fab things here, lots of gear.  I bought these earrings..."

She moves a strand of her hair and turns her face so I can see the earrings better.  

"They're great; they really suit you"

"Really?  Yeah, I like them."

She turns her head back to look at me and I'm struck by the sheer joy on her face.  Despite being both redheads, Morgan and Lulu are very different.  Lulu's eyes are more prominent and are a bright blue.  Maybe they're a little bit too large for her face, which is round and with cherubic cheeks, but the effect works on her.  Morgan's body is slim but she wears close fitting clothes that show off her hips, boobs and ass to great effect.  The black tights and sheer sleeved top make her limbs look slender and tapering.  Lulu is skinny, her hips not as curvaceous and I can't tell if she's wearing hosiery or not but the lilac coloured sweater fits her very nicely and doesn't tantalise like Morgan's top.  Morgan's long, soft hair makes her face look even longer...in an elegant way.  Lulu has this pixie bob hairstyle and that's describes her look well:  She's a pixie.  Morgan's the Lady of Shallot. 

"Have you found anything you like, Jamie?"

"Nah.  I came here hoping to find something for the band, but what I've ended up with is this nice semi-precious stone."

I take the stone from my pocket and show it to her.  She gasps when she looks upon it and then asks if she can hold it.  Sure, I reply.

"This is so pretty...so, what are you going to do with it?"

"I don't know really; maybe use it on my desk as a paperweight or just have it on my bedside table.  I just liked the look of it."

She hands it back to me.  Lulu is so...what's the word?  'Effervescent' that I'm actually enjoying her company without having to think about it.

"I say...Lulu...would you like to grab a bite to eat...erm...with me?" I point towards the food vendor stands nearby and she looks in that direction.

"Hmm-hmm, I'd like that...you can fill me in on how the band is going as well"

We walk over to the vendors and I spy some spicy Asian food that looks appealing.  Lulu, however, is not so sure...

"Wow...it all looks so exotic.  I've never tried anything like this before.  What do you recommend?"

"Do you know, Lulu, I have no idea!  I've not eaten here before either!"

We both laugh and choose meals solely by the criteria that we like the look of them.  We find a table and bench, sit down and chow down.  Mine is actually really tasty, Lulu's was very spicy and hot.

"EEK!  That is hot!  Oh my gosh!  The back of my eyeballs are burning!"

"Here, have some more water, Lulu." I pour her a glass which she picks up and chugs down in one go.

"Oh, I'm so sorry...I hope I'm not embarrassing you"

"No way! Can you manage the rest?"

"I think so...how can you remain so cool?"

"Probably because mine is only lightly spiced."  I refill her glass.

"Tell me more about the band" 

"We're making slow progress.  I'm on lead guitar, Efrain on bass and Rohan on piano and organ.  We're sharing vocals."

"Do you have a name yet?"

"No.  Still looking for inspiration."

"Hmmm, let me think..."

"Do you have any ideas?"

"Well, I am your first groupie so I feel I should help out in things like finding a suitable name.  How about....hey, that stone you have:  How about....The Bluestones?"

"The Bluestones?"

"Yeah, like you're either The Bluestones or the Blues Tones...works both ways like The Beatles or The Monkees"

"I like it.  I'll put it to the other guys."

Lulu smiles and looks pleased with herself.  We sit there, finish our meals...which she learns to handle...and talk about the band, music in general and who we like.  Time passes quickly and I'm completely relaxed around her where I don't notice what time it is.  Eventually the market shuts and the sun is starting to set.

"Got any plans for this evening?"

"Alas, Jamie, I have.  Family do.  But I've had fun today and I'm glad we bumped in to each other."

"We must meet up again, soon."

"Absolutely.  I guess I'll see you at school tomorrow?"

"Hopefully."

We both stand up and she smiles, a little nervously at me.  Then she moves closer and gives me a little hug.  Not an enveloping one with arms around me like Morgan does, but it's sweet...as befits a pixie like girl.  Her aroma isn't as strongly intoxicating either...it's more floral and just barely detectable.  We say our goodbyes and I watch her walk off.  She's got a cute little mincing walk and I start to think whether I fancy her or not?  She's not like Judy or Colleen and definitely not like Morgan!  She's pretty, with very lively eyes and a sweet smile and she's just so easy to get along with. Before I met her I would have said she's not my type, but after a while she gets to grow on me a little.  Maybe...

I head over to Desert Bloom Park to meet up with the guys...The Bluestones?  Maybe.  Rohan's the first to arrive and after I say hello to him Efrain shows up on his bike.

"What's the latest, guys?"

"Not much, Efrain"

"I was at the flea market today...I met with Morgan"

"How's it going with her?  Made it to first base yet?"

"Who knows with that girl!  We're somewhere between friends and girlfriend/boyfriend and even then that's way too specific.  Oh, and I met Lulu as well."

"Lulu Strang?"

"Yeah!  She's actually quite cool to hang out with.  Oh, and I got hugs off both of them!"

"Just hugs, though."

"That's more than you ever get off a girl, Efrain!"

"What's Lulu like to hug?"

"Nice, Rohan.  She's sweet."

"So not at all like her reputation at school then?"

"No...say, where does she get her reputation from because I can't detect any trace of what they say about her?"

"Like she smells"

"That's just it; she smells OK."

"I dunno, Jamie.  I just hear things on the grapevine.  So do you like Lulu Strang?"

"I do!" 

"I was asking Jamie, Rohan.  I know you like her."

"Yeah, she's actually really nice...I like her company."

"We should ask her to join the band!  I've heard her sing; she has such a heavenly voice!"

"Calm down, Rohan!  But, need I point out to you, Jamie, that you liking Lulu Strang is going to put you at odds with Judy Keith, Colleen Corby, Gillian Hills and all the other girls at school who hate her?"

I hadn't considered that at all the whole time I was with Lulu.  Well, that's a bind...I can't see anything wrong with her that would get her so much hate but on the other hand there's no smoke without fire and that's a long list of names who actively hate her that Efrain has mentioned.  Plus, Rohan seems to be besotted by Lulu and do I want to be in competition with him?

"Anyway, I had a nice time today with two cute chicks so that's me 2, you guys 0.  So...let's talk band business.  I've got a possible name to run past you.  How about....THE BLUESTONES?"

Neither of them object but they nod appreciatively.  With that settled, we head off to the snug for a band practice.  We run through a provisional set of 3 songs that we all know.  We'll add more once we've got these three tunes spot on.  After an hour, we kick back and relax in the snug where we're soon joined by a couple of chicks who heard us perform.

"Not bad, guys.  Who are you?" 

"We're The Bluestones.  Jamie, Efrain and Rohan.  And you are?"

"Shanice.  Say, are you guys performing anywhere?  Like clubs or theatres?"

"Soon, Shanice.  We're rehearsing for now but we'll let you know when our next gig is..."

"First gig, surely?"

"NEXT gig, Rohan.  Our NEXT gig.  We're not newbies."

Sometimes Rohan is so naïve.  We want a bit of a good reputation before we've even got going.  Another girl enters the snug and I'm sure I've seen her somewhere before.  Rohan nudges me in the ribs.

"Do you know who that is?"

"Hmmm, she seems familiar."

"That's Eliza Dudley...she goes to my school.  She's this super-talented violinist.  Won competitions and everything!  And she's here!"

Although she was dressed quite plainly and her hair was worn loose and not styled at all, there was this presence to Eliza that I could actually feel...like electricity.  She carried herself like someone important. She looked inquisitively at the three of us.

"I hear you three are in a band"

"We are.  And that was us playing just now.  I'm Efrain, that's Jamie and this is Rohan"

"Hi, Eliza!"

"Hello Rohan.  Are you the boy at school who plays piano at lunchtimes?"

"That's me!"

"Hmm, you're not bad."

"You're welcome to come to our first gig, Eliza"

"Jamie...you've got to stop giving away free tickets to our gigs:  Half the audience are people you've invited!"

"Relax, Efrain...we need to build a fan following."

"Thanks, guys, but a word of advice from someone who has gigged...you're going to have to smarten up.  You can't go out on stage looking like that!"

I looked at myself, then over to Efrain and then Rohan.  She was right.  But, hey, one day as The Bluestones and already we have four female fans...and we haven't played a serious note!