“It’s so weird that you haven't done this before when you've been a fireman for years.” I feel sad - he hasn't cared about going to things like this. He hasn't been living at all.
“It’s not my thing - at least you being here will make it alittlefun.”
“Oh, thanks!”
“You know what I mean. Gary is cool too - you've met him at the pub, he got married last year, and his wife is nice. You would get on with anyone anyway.”
His comment warms me. “Yeah, I guess.”
We enter the vast reception area and Dec gives them his name. I know we're sharing a room. He brought it up last week and said he would book me a single. That was when I decided I was going to go all out with the couple’s thing. No way would anyone believe we were together if we weren't sharing a room. He’s asked for twin beds, though - no one will know they're twin beds. I like the thought of him sleeping next to me - in the same room.
A guy in uniform appears with a trolley to take our bags upstairs and asks us to follow him into the lift. I swallow nervously, taking in the surroundings as we walk down the corridor to our room. This place is stunning. I could never in a million years afford to stay here. Dec told me that there’s a fund for firefighters - they pay a small amount of their wage into it every month – it goes towards this weekend, whether they go or not - it's not compulsory, but Dec says they all do it. So, it’s kind of an all paid for package - it must cost an absolute fortune.
Our room is everything I thought it would be from the corridor and the whole place. It’s spacious with two double beds, a TV, docking station, mini-bar - everything you could want, and there’s a beautiful bathroom with a huge walk-in shower – can't wait to get in that. My mind wanders to being naked in that shower with my vibrator and the doors sliding open and Declan joining me...a girl can dream.
The concierge left, and I was giddy like a little child.
“Oh. My. God. Would you look at this place? You did not tell me it was so posh!” I run towards Dec and when I hit his chest, I bounce up and down. “This isamazing.”
He grabs my hips and smiles down at me - his eyes dancing with amusement. “Glad you like it, Blue. Come on, Gary messaged me - he’s at the bar with Lydia.”
“What about unpacking?”
“You can do that when we get back to the room. We’re all meeting for dinner at seven. There’ll be plenty of time - don't worry.”
I nod. “A drink sounds good.”
I spot Gary as soon as we walk into the bar. I don't know him that well – he’s one of the quieter firemen that have come to the pub, but he seems nice. He’s blonde and slim - tall, of course - they all seem to be.
Dec leads me over and introduces me to them.
I smile at his wife, Lydia. “Hey, nice to meet you.”
She gives me a friendly smile. “Oh my God, your hair isgorgeous. I keep wanting to do something like that, but I don't have the guts.”
“You should do it - you could totally pull it off.”
And right then, I know we were going to have a good time. You never know if someone will be on your wavelength, but I know I already like her right there.
“I wish. Come and sit down.”
“Hey, Gary,” I smile at him.
I look at Dec and raise my eyebrows.
He smiles. “You want a drink.”
I grin. “Yes, please!”
“Let me guess what mood you are in today. I'm thinking Prosecco?”
“I was gonna order a pint, but if a Prosecco is on the menu, then yes please!”
He grins and asks the others if they want a drink. Lydia orders a Prosecco with me – woo hoo - a drinking buddy!
He comes back to the table with the drinks, a full bottle of Prosecco, which must have cost a fortune - I’ll buy him some drinks back. I know he doesn't have lots of spare cash.
We fill our glasses, and overcome with happiness, I raise my glass. “Let’s make a toast to new friends, fun times and lots of laughter.”
