~ 13 ~
Lily
There was something exciting about international train stations for me. Like airports, they held the promise of a new place and, in a way, a new beginning. I’d asked Rona to meet me at St Pancras International at two in the afternoon. Its huge arched glass roof was always a pleasure to pause for a moment in. I wanted to take Rona out on a proper date.
I waited for her by the giant statue of a couple embracing, known locally as The Lovers Statue. Rona was a few minutes late.
“Oh my God, Lily Sharpe!” Two teenage girls came over to me. “Would it be okay if we got a selfie with you?”
I smiled, automatically. “Sure.”
The girls, both wearing oversized tracksuit tops, scooshed in either side of me. The taller girl took the picture, holding her phone up high.
“Thanks, Lily,” she said, once she got the picture. “Is it okay if we share this on our social media?”
“Of course, that’s totally fine. Nice to meet you both.”
They both blushed a little and said goodbye.
It was always a bit awkward when people came up to me, but I tried my best to be gracious about it, especially with young people.
The interaction made me forget about what I was doing here, until I spotted Rona coming towards me.
She was dressed casually in loose dark grey jeans and a warm fleece. She smiled when she saw me through the crowd and I found myself beaming back at her.
When we got to each other, we hugged, wrapping our bodies together, pressing so close it instantly turned me on. I didn’t want to let her go.
She pulled back first. “Hi,” she said, tucking some of my hair behind my ear, still pressed close to me at the hips.
“You look beautiful,” I whispered. “Ravishing, actually.”
“Bit spicy, Sharpe. We’ve only just met up.”
Smiling, I took her hand and nodded in the direction of the bar on the terrace. “Let’s have a drink.”
We went to the champagne bar overlooking the station. Rona’s eyes lit up when she saw where we were headed. We sat on bar stools underneath sparkly glasses and low lights hanging from long wires, and sipped champagne.
Rona had the most interesting face because her eyes were so alive, taking everything in. Observant. Her lips were smooth and full. Her skin made me want to cry. I always wanted to know what she was thinking. The inside of her mind felt like the most intriguing place. I couldn’t stop looking at her and didn’t want to. I had a feeling I never would.
“You know when they say you can tell when you’re being watched,” Rona said.
“You’re so fucking special, Rona, do you know that?”
She pursed her lips, as if surprised. “I don’t know if I know that, no. But thank you.”
“How are you feeling today?” I rested my hand on her thigh, in that place I kept gravitating towards. Her leg was warm. “Really.”
Rona seemed to relax at my touch. I loved having this effect on her.
“Honestly? I’m far too excited to be seeing you again. I’ve been looking forward to it all week.”
It was my turn to smile.
“And you? Really?”
“Same. Is that ridiculous?”
“Yes.”