……I spent a good few minutes cleaning up and calming down before walking back to the bar, I’d calmed down sufficiently and the tall bell hop who’d taken my case and bag made a beeline for me; sir, can you come and check in please. I headed past the bar back to reception and was finishing up when I heard that familiar soft voice behind me.
Sarah, darling, can you make sure the gentlemen’s drinks this afternoon and evening are on our corporate tab; he’s a special guest with us today. I turned and Craig was standing behind me still sporting the suit, I smiled and thanked him; that really is a great suit I complimented again. I have to compliment you he said, Emma is absolutely stunning, the picture does her little justice, she’s a beauty.
Emma? I said enquiringly, oh yes he said, she’s absolutely charming and she’s one of us clearly!
One of us? Indeed he scoffs, she’s devouring the champagne, come back and join us!
Us?, us? I thought turning back towards the bar, this cocky bastard is just starting to annoy me a little bit.
Heading back to my seat I’m greeted by Emma surrounded by five tracksuits, two of them perched on the arms of sofa, one sat in my spot, another standing surveying the scene and sat next to her; Craig snorts, keeping our girl company lads? They all look up at him as he stands aside and introduces me; beware gents, this is the main man and her bodyguard I believe.
To be fair, they are all amazingly courteous, metaphorically tipping their hats to me and I smile, I’m sorry I proffer, football isn’t my game so as famous as you all are; I’ve no idea who anybody is. Craig laughs loudly as everyone cracks up, this breaks the ice and fifteen mins of chat ensues back and forth. I’d sat down by this stage, retaking my seat across from Em and for the first time I noticed the tracksuit sat next to her. He’d barely spoken and he’d not moved a muscle since my arrival.
He was bigger than the other tracksuits, more muscular and strikingly large hands, he noticed me and proffered a huge smile, learning forward to introduce himself with one of his shovel hands. He was also softly spoken but confident, we chatted for a minute before they all began to excuse themselves, leaving one by one. Craig was nowhere to be seen and Em and I were all at once alone together again.
The bar area was busy now and the lighting had changed, I realised it was getting dark outside, but I was jet lagged so really had no idea of the time. They all seemed nice guys I said, taking a small drink from my glass, yes she replied, especially…….. the bell hop was back, apologies for the interruption, explains our room is ready and would we like the champagne moved to our room with us?
We agreed and headed to the elevator, which tracksuit was he I asked and I noticed that tell tale glint in her eye which needed no explanation; the guy sat next to me, he’s their goalkeeper……. |
