Chapter 8 The Ritz

• Ian and I met at The Alternative Ritz, a bar on the outskirts of the city with a daily live band. I was wearing a hot red figure hugging dress and red heels. My hair was styled, and fell in waves on the sides of my shoulders. That was all thanks to Leah who lectured me on putting effort to my appearance for dates.
• If it was up tom, I would just wear a clean shirt and jeans plus sneakers. Maybe that was I was still single. I literally didn't try to look sensual or romantic. Only one guy in the office had expressed interest in dating me but then again, there was only a handful of men there. The place was overflowing with estrogenic and progesterone energy which was not a bad thing but it killed all my office romance dreams.
• "You're lucky to have survived that mess," he said. "I have never been in a shooting before but it sounds quite scary to be involve in one. I'm so sorry you had to experience something like that."
• "Thank you," I said. "Thank you for being here. I'm glad you called because I really needed someone to talk to."
• "You could have called me. The man doesn't always have to call you know."
• "I know but we have only known each other for a few days. I'm still quite shy you know."
• He laughed. "Yeah not really. Besides, there is nothing for you to be shy about. I'm just some regular guy looking for a good woman to spend time with."
• I smiled. For me, he was no regular guy. He was special and I was going to treat him as such. For a long time, no one, except my friends from work had treated me the way he had, despite us knowing each other for such a short time. Maybe fate had brought us together.
• He came into my life just when I needed someone to hold my hand, someone whose shoulder I could lean on. Someone I could celebrate my joys with, and face suffering with. For a long time, I had dreamed of my knight in shining armour. Looking at Ian's smiley face, my smile even grew. I hoped he was the one I had been waiting for all along.
• "You're very beautiful, Lilly." He said. His blue eyes were shinning. "What am I gonna do when I return to my dingy old town. I haven't known you for a long time but I think I will miss you a lot. I wish we could spend all our days together."
• You know those moments when everything just feels right? This was one of them for me. Ian and I were connecting effortlessly. We didn't have to force or try to create chemistry because it was flowing on its own. It was like I had known him forever.
• I had to pinch myself every now and then to remind myself that it was real, and I was not dreaming. A totally handsome man with a kind heart was talking to me, confessing how much he would miss when he was gone.
• "Are you real?" I asked. "You're way too perfect. Handsome guys are usually jerks."
• He laughed. "I know. Some of them have spoilt the reputation for the good ones. But wait you think I'm handsome."
• I laughed, shaking my head. "Come on. Don't tell me you're one of those 'you don't know you're beautiful' types."
• We both laughed. "This is why I will miss you so much. How do you always say the right things?"
• "I don't but some people just make you say the right things."
• I was not such a smooth talker around everyone. There were people who actually thought I didn't talk at all because I had nothing to say around them. And then there were those who thought I couldn't shut up because I said too much when I was with them.
• People bring out different parts of us. Ian was bringing out the best part of me and I was loving it.
• Ian nodded. "Wow."
• For a moment there, I saw a bit of discomfort. It disappeared as soon as it came so I inwardly scolded myself and decided I would keep my tongue in check. If I spoke too much too soon, there was a possibility that it would send him packing.
• "Would you like to get out of here?" he asked. "I know much cooler place. It's a club called Rave. Good music and lively crowd. People here are old and boring. We have talked, now it's time to have fun."
• He was right. "Okay, let's go."
• When I stood up, I realised i was feeling a bit tipsy already. Normally that was my cue to go home, but that evening I wanted to have fun with Ian. Besides, he would be leaving soon and I wanted to enjoy the moments while they lasted.
• His car had a hint of strawberry scent. It was not what I expected in a man's car but it was great. I loved it. It made him even more perfect. A man who was not trying hard to be seen as a masculine was great. It was clear he was comfortable with himself and his masculinity.
• I paid no attention to the road as he drove, because I was deep in thought about how the night would end. Were we going to go our separate ways or was there a possibility of us ending in bed. To be honest, it had been a while since I had been with someone and the alcohol had not made things better when it came to my urges. Deep inside was a small fire that I knew would explode if Ian touched me. There would be no going back as that would bring all my defences down.
• The car stopped.
• "Where are we?" I asked Ian, rolling down the window. Peering outside, I didn't see anything I recognized. The panic button in my brain became activated and I turned to face Ian who was texting someone.
• "Not very sure if I'm on the right track. Just texted my sister for directions."
• "Yep, right place." He said after his phone lit up with a text. "Let's go."
• "Is it a secret club or something?"
• "No, the club is not here but my sister is. She's at the reception of this building."
• "Alright."
• "I'll get your door."
• I smiled and waited.
• "Had no idea you were such a gentleman."
• "Now you know."
• We walked into the building. It was only when I reached that I realised it was a bit desolate but there was noise coming out from one of the rooms. It seemed there was a party going on.
• "Most people use the back door to enter this building," he said.
• "Why, what's wrong with it?"
• I may have imagined it but I felt a light on my face, as if someone had just taken a picture. Ian called his sister and went to towards the window, leaving me there, standing alone. The receptionist was staring at me so I raised eyebrows at her. She just shrugged.
• "She's upstairs." Ian said
• By now, I was getting a bit suspicious. I shook my head. "I'll wait for you here."
• "okay." As soon as he left, I walked out of the building. Suddenly, I felt someone pressing a cool cloth to my nose. I inhaled and soon felt my body getting limp. Before long I was out cold.