CHAPTER 234: Dinner At Eight

Class had ended and Joanna was thankful that it had...now she had a clear weekend ahead of her.  After finding her early psychology work easier than she expected, her second semester was ramping up the workload and complexity.  This week's lectures, seminars and coursework were much harder.

She heard a voice behind her calling out her name.  Turning around she saw that it was her fellow psychology student, Pace Tye, calling to her.

"Joanna...wait up!  It's been a while since I last saw you" he said as he jogged up to her.

"I've had to hit the ground running this semester.  It's nothing personal although it's real good to see you" she said with a suggestive smile and tone in her voice as she looked him up and down with approval. 

"Are you going into Darby's now?" asked Pace.

"Yeah...if you are?" was Joanna's expectant reply.

"I sure am.  After you..." he said, making a gesture to usher her in that direction.  She led the way but he opened the door to Darby's Den for her.

They found a sofa to sit down on where they could continue their conversation.  The Den was a hive of activity from people having their main meals to a couple of people debating just around the corner from where Joanna and Pace were sitting and they had attracted a crowd.  Others were sitting around and talking by the fireplace.

"So, am I right in thinking you've got Professor Fen for psych?" asked Pace.

"Yeah...he's a real taskmaster, you know?  I mean, he's OK in some ways and I'm learning a lot from him but he keeps bugging me about how I express myself." Joanna replied. 

"And how do you express yourself to him?"

"I kind of use a lot of street slang and shit like that..."

"Including profanities"

"You mean I swear a lot?  Yeah, I shoot the shit a lot 'cos that's the way I grew up:  You had to have a big mouth or else you got nuffin'.  Catch my drift?"

Pace smiled "Yeah, I dig it but cats like Fen want a lot of flowery, high falutin' words and terms.  I'm in my second year here and I've had all my rough edges smoothed out..." he said, making a smooth gesture with his hand.  "When I go back home my folks can hardly understand what I'm saying.  To them I now sound like Laurence Olivier!" he added with a chuckle.

Joanna let out a little laugh as well but inside she felt awkward.  Her lack of polished language was yet another sign of her rough upbringing and she was keen to get away from the pain and sadness of those years.

Pace in the meantime had picked up a book and handed it to her.  "Go on" he said "if you want to sound more sophisticated and collegiate read a few fancy poems" and he nodded at the book she was now holding.

"I'll borrow this and read it tonight" she replied.

"No.  Now.  And out loud as well.  No good reading it to yourself alone in your home because you've already shown you're smart and understand the coursework.  Now you have to sell your ideas by saying them out loud to other people."  Pace then turned his attention to the microphone stand that was nearby and Joanna saw what he was looking at.

"You're not serious..." she said, smiling suspiciously at him.

"Oh I certainly am.  Do a live poetry recital right here, right now" he replied.

"I'll look like a ditz" she said.

"This place is loaded with them...go on, have a gas with it.  I dare you"

Joanna was never one to back down from a dare so she took the book, stood up and walked to the microphone, opened up the book at a random page and started to recite one of the poems.

"I wandered lonely as a cloud....oh come off it!  Seriously?" she said.

"Keep going, you're doing OK" said Pace, trying to be encouraging.  Joanna took a deep breath and continued.  

"...That floats on ooer...is that 'ooh-er' or 'oh-errr'?"

"It's short for 'over'"

"Then why not write 'over'?  It'll still scan"

"It's called 'poetic licence'"

"I'll take your word for it...let's read on.  Hey, this isn't bad once you get over the first two lines.  I get it; this dude digs nature."

"And he's really into daffodils.  It's by a Limey called Wordsworth and if you read works by him and by some of his contemporaries you'll enrich your writing skills."

"Can you recommend any American poets?"

"Walt Whitman.  He's pretty much the go-to guy.  You could try the beat poets like Furlinghetti but they write like you talk now."

"I'll read Whitman for tips and Furlinghetti for fun" said Joanna, nodding.

"I like your style" Pace replied.  Looking at Joanna in an admiring way he then said "how about we take a walk by the canal?"

"Yeah, I'd like that...although no making me do some kind of Shakespeare performance whilst we're there" she replied.

"It's beautiful along here.  I've been here one semester and I've only been to lectures, then Darby's, then Pepper's Pub and finally back home.  I didn't know about this area." she said, taking in the tranquillity of this little bit of land around the back of Darby's Den.

"I come here when it gets too noisy back there" said Pace, jerking his thumb towards the main campus.  "They've tried to make the whole campus like those European ones with the network of canals, the granite buildings and the ornate gardens."

Joanna took it all in but said nothing.  She still had to pinch herself to remind her that she was a college girl now and that her everyday life was going to be nothing like she had ever known.  She also worried that she was coming across as an unsophisticated slob to Pace...he was having to explain everything to her, everything that other people from better homes took for granted.

 

"Do you like it here?" he asked.

"Yeah, it's neat...I don't mean to make it sound like not much but I've already said it was beautiful here and I don't want to repeat myself." she replied.

"I meant do you like it at Britechester?"

"Oh that!  Yeah, I dig it.  It's challenging, sure, but it's stretching my mind in ways I didn't expect but that's what I want.  That's why I came here."

Pace nodded.  "That's what I like about you, Joanna.  You've got drive, energy and a will to succeed."

No one had ever said that to her before; not even Action and certainly not any of her family.  All she could respond with was a shy "thanks".

"Say, are you free this evening?" he suddenly said.

"I haven't anything scheduled" she replied.

"Would you like to go out for dinner with me?  I was thinking of somewhere off campus, somewhere nice and groovy."

"I'm up for that" she said, her thoughtful expression changing to a sultry smile.

"Dinner at 8?  I'll pick you up from your place."

"You got a date, Mister" she said.  A dinner date!  Hell yeah!

She went home, showered and looked for something fancy to wear but she only had one "formal" dress, or at least a dress that could be worn to swanky places and she had bought that back in the springtime...before she came into her inheritance and when she was still on the game.  It was the dress she wore to impress clients.

Nevertheless it was her one smart dress and still a damn fine one so she wore that with a pair of white heels and white fishnets to complete the look.  Along with styling her hair differently, some striking make up and a pair of brand new earrings she was all ready to be wined and dined by Pace.

She saw him walk up the driveway to the front door and noticed he polished up very nicely in his drainpipe pants, sky blue blazer and narrow black tie.  The blazer was tailored in such a way that it showed off his lean frame and broad shoulders and she liked it.

Joanna opened the door and stood in the doorway, a hand on her hip in a seductively expectant manner.  Pace stopped in his tracks for a moment to take in her beauty.  "Whoa, you look sensational" he said.

"You're not so bad yourself" she said, smiling.

"I'm parked just there, would you care to be escorted?" he said, offering his arm.  She smiled and took it.  'Escort'....she thought....it had a different meaning in her world.

They drove to Newcrest where there were a number of restaurants, many of which were high quality.  Pace parked up and the two, yet again, walked arm in arm to the place where Pace had booked a table.  Joanna, however, recognised where they were going.

"Oh, the Villa Bovine!" she exclaimed.

"Do you know it?" Pace replied. 

"Um, yes.  I've been here once or twice before" she stammered in reply.  Yes, she had been here before but with clients.

"Great!  I've not been but it comes highly recommended.  Maybe you can suggest what's good on the menu"

I don't really remember the menu, Pace... she thought to herself.

As the two of them were chatting away a family of three very blonde white people barged past Joanna and Pace and entered the Villa Bovine.  

"Say, what's that little princess' problem?" said Joanna in annoyance as the daughter, a very snooty blonde girl who was dripping with a sense of self-superiority, swanned past her and making bodily contact along the way.  There were no apologies or acknowledgement from the girl that she had bumped into Joanna.

"Relax, Joanna.  No need to sweat it.  You don't want to lock horns with a teenager." Pace replied.

Joanna was still glaring at the girl and noticed once she'd got inside her expression changed from haughtiness to sadness.  There was definitely some kind of discord in that family, Joanna thought.

Pace opened the door for Joanna and ushered her into the restaurant.  The maitre d' took a look at the couple and his facial expression wasn't warm or friendly.

Pace went up to him and said "Table for two under the name of Tye"

The maitre d' looked at his booking list and hummed.  "Hmmmmmmmm, no sir.  I don't have anything under that name."

"What?  I called earlier!  Check again!" said Pace.

"Is there a problem?" Joanna said as she approached the podium.  The maitre d' gave her a harsh look and Joanna could tell he recognised her.

"As I was explaining to your....gentleman associate...we have no record of your booking and, as you can see, we are fully booked tonight" The man had said the words 'gentleman associate' with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.  Oh he knew who Joanna was alright...she thought.

"Listen, Mac, is this a race thing?  Don't you serve coloured people in here or what?" said Pace with anger in his voice.

"Certainly not, sir!  I can assure you we comply with the Civil Rights Act here!" The maitre d' looked behind him, towards the outdoor seating area at the back of the restaurant where a black man, Asian lady and their mixed race daughter were seated and being served with civility by the staff.

Joanna looked at the family, then to the maitre d'.  "It's not us...well, it's not you, Pace.  Isn't it, Mister?" she said to the man.

"Madam is correct.  This is a high class and family environment." the maitre d' replied, still in that stern and haughty tone.

"Wait...I don't get it" said a very confused looking Pace.

"I'll explain outside, Pace..." said Joanna.

This time it was Joanna's turn to usher Pace outside.  He was confused and bewildered by what had happened.  It wasn't racial but something to do with his date.

"Pace...it's about time I told you the truth about me" she said. 

"The truth?" Pace was astonished and dreaded what was to come.

"Let's sit down over here and I'll tell you all about it.  Now I happen to have crossed paths with that Maitre d' before and he knows a bit about my past.  You see, I used to come here with clients"

"Clients?"

"Yes.  Gentlemen clients.  It's like this, Pace, how do I put this nicely as possible but honestly at the same time?  I was....I was a professional escort."

"Escort?  As in..."

Joanna leant close to Pace and whispered in his ear "I was a hooker"

"A HOO....erm, I mean *a hooker*" he whispered.  "No!  You?  I can't believe..."

Joanna just nodded.

"But...you...I mean...you're so don't seem the type!  You're intelligent..."

"A lot of hookers ain't dumb, Pace.  I told you; I'm from the streets and I grew up rough.  There weren't a lot of options for a black girl with my looks in a neighbourhood controlled by crime and gangs.  It's like I didn't have a choice."

Pace didn't say anything at first but looked down at the ground.  When he looked up to Joanna he had a pleading, searching look in his eyes.

"You didn't lie...you just left out some details.  So the stuff about the inheritance?"

"That's all true and it was my escape out of that ghetto" she said.  "I used the money to move to a better part of town, get an education and cut all my ties with my past.  I have no parents, no other family and no one I want to remain in contact with."

"It makes sense now...that guy who came up to you at the Waterside Warble...he was..."

"One of my old Johns.  Look, Pace.  If you want to end this evening and whatever we had cooking between us, I understand.  I come with a lot of baggage and I certainly ain't no virgin either."

Pace drew a deep breath and looked Joanna in the eyes.  "I'm no choirboy either.  What kind of free spirit and live and let live kind of guy would I be if I held someone's past against them...especially when they're trying to start a new life?  No.  I thank you, Jo, for being candid with me.  I can handle this....I hope I don't come across as too stuck up?"

Joanna smiled.  "Not at all.  So...what now?" she said.

"I promised you a nice evening out and that's what you'll get." Pace replied.  "The only thing is, where?"

"I know a place that's still open at this time of night and who won't turn us away..." said Joanna.

"Two of your finest bowls of chilli with a side order of tacos, my good man"

"Hey, Joanna...look at you all dressed up fine like that.  Two bowls and some tacos, comin' right up."

As the street vendor got her order he still chatted away to her.

"I thought you didn't hang around here no more?" he said.

"I don't...usually.  I moved to Willow Creek and enrolled at Britechester U."  She replied.

"Good for you, little lady.  I always knew you were too good for this place...I don't mean stuck up, I mean you always had it in you to do better.  And that guy over there?"

"He's my boyfriend.  I don't turn tricks no more.  I should say 'anymore' as I'm a college girl now and should talk like one."

"He looks a smart guy...college as well?"  Said the vendor, handing over the food to Joanna as she paid him.

"He's waaaay smarter than me and, yeah, that's how we met.  On campus.  Anyway you take care:  Great to catch up with you" she said, winking at the old man before taking a seat next to Pace.

"Hey there..." she said to Pace.  "...I know it's none too fancy but you can always get a seat here."

Pace took a taste of chilli and nodded "My compliments to the chef....and to my date for saving this evening"

"Saving?  I thought I ruined it" Joanna replied.

"Nah...it'd take a lot more than being refused a table at a restaurant and finding out your date was...well...I won't elaborate...it would take a lot more than that to ruin my evening with you."

"I can't get rid of you that easily, huh?"

"Only if you want to get rid of me first"

Pace finished his meal and stood up.  "I get where you've come from but I always look forwards, never backwards.  I think we've got a lot of groovy things going for us; I feel a vibe, a connection.  I hope you feel it too but if you think the past and the fact that I now know something of it is too much of a barrier I will split and maybe we'll see each other on campus as just friends."

"Pace...I'm going forwards as well.  I'm sitting here, looking around this old hood and although some of the old friendly faces remain I feel no attachment to it.  I do feel an attachment to you, though.  You've been like a guide, helped me navigate my way around the campus, deal with the rich kids and the old money...heck, what's the word for someone who helps you like that?"

"Mentor?"

"Yeah, that's it.  You've been a mentor and now, hopefully, something more..."

"A lover?"

"You're a bold one Mister Pace Tye.  So let's move things along to where we both know this is heading.  We could go back to your college room where no doubt your dorm mates are chugging beers and singing rude songs or we could go back to my nice, private and quiet house...." she said, smiling at him seductively.

It turned out to be a good choice as Pace was impressed by her home.  "Now this is a groovy pad.  Interesting and nice to look at...it reflects you well." he said.

"Would you like a nightcap, Pace?" she asked.

"I'm good thanks...how about we skip that part and move straight on to..."

No words needed to be exchanged.  The two of them were utterly focussed on each other with no room for small talk.  They held each other in a warm, increasingly passionate embrace, kissing, fondling and gazing at one another until they had lost all track of time.  Then things reached their inevitable culmination.

It was later, as the hour approached midnight, that the first words were spoken since that first kiss.

"Pace...would you stay with me the night?" she said, softly.

He realised the significance of those words.  By staying he would be a lover, not a client.  He saw a pleading look in her eyes that told him that sex with her would be consensual and loving with no trace of a transaction or business to it.  He stroked the side of her face.

"Of course I will.  I'm not going anywhere tonight" he said.  She smiled warmly at him and whispered "Thank you".

He laid back down in the bed and she snuggled next to him, with him putting his arms around her before they both fell asleep.

The next morning they arose...not knowing what time it was but as it was a Saturday it didn't matter.  Pace went to the bathroom and after he had finished he found Joanna standing in front of him.  He was naked but she still had her underwear on.

"Hey there...you have me at a disadvantage" he said, looking down at his exposed privates and looking around for something to give him some modesty.  The only thing to hand was a tea towel.

"I do indeed..." she said, saucily before kissing him passionately.

When they broke apart she said "Thank you for last night.  It means a lot to me that you accept me for who I am."

Pace smiled but said nothing.

"Hmmm, I think I need a new bed.  My shoulders are sore this morning" she said, grimacing and touching her left shoulder.

"We were quite physical last night..." said Pace.

Joanna let out a short laugh "yeah, I guess we were".

"Now as it so happens Pace Tye has healing hands..." he said, immodestly.  "Turn around and let's get that knot out of your shoulder..."

This was looking to be the start of a beautiful relationship.

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.