Don't You Remember (24 page)

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

The date: March 9

Johnny got up and went for an early morning run followed by a workout in the gym at home. He felt firm and fit, ready to take on the world.

He downed a large bottle of water and heard the phone ring. “Hello.”

“Johnny. It’s Sandra I’ve got four rings that fit your brief. Can I bring them over to you?”

“Yes, please do, but use the security car. I’ll send it over to you now.”

“All right. I’ll be with you within the hour.”

“See you soon.”

Johnny wiped his brow with a small towel and decided to end his workout. He could do more but didn’t have to. Johnny looked at his watch and planned his day. He would take a shower, view rings and decide on one, get Sandra to prepare equipment for the band’s performance at the party tonight, late lunch, rehearse song for tonight at home, write some new material if time allowed, make something for dinner – what? He would think about that later. Attire for this evening? Wear stage clothes, leather trousers with vest or shirt unbuttoned.

Sandra arrived with her bigger-than-life smile always happy to please. She had a pretty cool job, with all her friends being envious that she was the assistant to Johnny Cromwell.

Sandra entered Johnny’s apartment wearing a long colorful 70’s style wrap skirt, a cotton t.shirt and a leather biker jacket. She dressed unconventionally believing it matched her job title and was in keeping with the somewhat alternative nature accustomed to the music industry. Sandra made her way to the living room, putting four small velvet boxes on the table.

“These are for you to look at,” she said, motioning for Johnny to open them and take a look.

Johnny took a deep breath realizing he was about to buy an engagement ring for Eliza. He opened each box up and took a look turning each one round to get a 360 degree view of the diamond. He was no expert, he just had to determine whether he liked the ring or not.

“Which one do you like?“ he asked Sandra.

“I like these two,” she said, pointing to the middle two boxes

“Why?”

“I don’t know, I suppose the diamond looks more sparkly or something.”

“Mmm,” he said, “I see what you mean. They’re also the biggest.”

“Yes, well, they say diamonds are a girl’s best friend. So if I choose the ones with the most sparkle and the biggest, it just means that I like the best.”

“Yes, I bet you do,” he said, shoving her shoulder playfully.

“So which one?”

“Which one is the most expensive out of these two?“ he asked, referring to the two middle boxes in question.

“This one, but not by much.”

“That’s settled then. I’ll get this one; the most expensive, biggest and shiniest. What could possibly go wrong?” He smiled making Sandra melt for a moment.

“OK, this one it is,” she announced, collecting up all the other rings. “I’ll take these back and use the credit card you gave me to purchase this ring,” Sandra concluded.

“Great, Sandra. I really appreciate it.”

“You’re very welcome.”

“Listen, regarding the party tonight; are all the preparations underway? Have you organized for the equipment to be delivered to Amber?”

“Are you kidding me?“ she said, pointing to herself. “Look who you are talking to, Miss Organized. Have I ever let you down?”

“Nope, you most certainly haven’t.”

“So there’s your answer, all under control.”

“You’re a star.”

“Um haven’t we established you’re the star.”

“So I am. But you’re my star helper.”

“That I am.” She nodded and stood up to leave, taking her big long bohemian skirt with her as she left.

*****

I left work early so I could get ready for the party. I showered and washed my hair leaving myself plenty of time for the finishing touches without being rushed. The phone rang and I went to my bedside table and picked it up.

“Hello.”

“Hello, Jen. Are you getting yourself ready for the party?”

“Yep, getting myself sorted as we speak.”

“So have you thought any more about my proposal?”

“Yes.” I smiled into the phone. “I’ve actually sent my CV to some international recruitment agencies and I’m waiting to hear from them.”

“Would it be too presumptuous of me to believe that you are siding slightly more to moving than to staying?”

“I’m not making any promises, but I will make up my mind very soon.”

“You know you could always write a book.”

“I know, but I haven’t got a story I want to write about.”

“Well, listen, I’ll be working later than usual but I’ve got my clothes for the party. I’ll shower at work and get a car to come and collect you.”

“Sounds like a good plan.”

“Can you be ready for Eight this evening?”

“I’ll be ready,” I said, looking down at the towel wrapped around my body. “I’ve just had a shower and I’m doing the final touches.”

“OK, sweet. I’ll see you soon. Love you.”

“Love you too,” I said, meaning every word of it.

I hung up the phone and walked back to the bathroom taking my towel off and putting on my underwear. The black dress I had been saving for a special occasion was coming out to play tonight and I knew I would instantly feel pretty special in it. I climbed into the fitted dress, fixing it to my curves. The spaghetti straps and the large gapping back area of the dress meant I could not wear a traditional bra but I did not need to worry about that as there was a push up insertion fitted into the dress giving my bust a natural lift. I turned my body around so my back was facing my full length wardrobe mirror to make sure the crisscross straps lined up perfectly and caught a glimpse of my behind. I smiled at myself realizing it wasn’t half bad.

The one great thing about getting older is that I’ve started to realize I’m not as horrible, gawky and gangly as I used to think I was. Funny, how hindsight works sometimes.

I continued to get ready, blow-drying my long brown hair then applying make up, carefully giving myself a perfect smoky eye. When I had finished I took myself back to my full length mirror twirling around a couple of times, first to the right and then to the left. I touched the material on my dress and cupped my hands over my breast area to make sure my boobs where inserted correctly. I showed a slight cleavage, just enough, still leaving something for the imagination. Next I packed a small handbag with my essentials, money, bankcard, keys, lip gloss and small hair comb, just in case. I checked my watch and decided to put my strappy sandals on, locked up and made my way down the stairs, carefully, making sure not to twist my ankle in my heels.

The car Sean had arranged was already there, so I climbed in. “Hi, I hope you haven’t been waiting long.”

There was silence…

“Sean? Is everything OK?” Still no answer. “Sean?” I said, shaking him as he stared into my eyes.

“I’m more than fine,” he remarked, snapping himself out of his trance. “I’m bowled over by you. You look stunning. That dress is so sexy, you look sensational in it. When did you get it? Why haven’t I seen it? I know what I could do with you in that?”

I laughed. “Thank you and I’ve never worn it before.”

“Well, you should wear it more often.”

“Thanks,” I shyly smiled.

“Well, there’s one thing for sure. I’m going to have the most beautiful girl on my arm tonight.”

“So how long has it been since you’ve seen your cousin?” I asked, changing the subject.

“About five years. We’ve always got on; life just gets in the way.”

“Yes, I know what you mean.”

“Still, it will be nice to see him after all these years, especially with you on my arm.”

“Happy to help.”

We arrived at Amber at 8.30pm with the party officially starting at 9pm. Everyone was told be there before 9pm, so that the birthday boy could make his entrance to a screaming cheer of “surprise!”

Sean got out of the car and came around to my door opening it up to let me out.

We entered Amber through thickset metal double doors and followed the staircase downstairs. The sign on the door read:  Private Party, Invites Only. I pushed the door open and walked through. The place was packed with people. I held Sean’s hand as he led me to the bar.

He lent over and whispered “Did you see everyone looking at you?”

“No,” I said confused. “Why? Is there something wrong?”

“No, not at all. You are getting the once over because, like I told you, you look beautiful.”

Sean looked for the bar staff and indicated for them to come over to us. “Two gin and tonics,” he said to the barmaid.

Sean looked around for any familiar faces.

“Do you know anyone here?”

“I’m looking for my brothers,” Sean replied, still scanning the dark room.

I looked around and noticed a stage with equipment on it but didn’t think twice about the hired band.

Sean saw one of his two brothers, waved and nodded to him to come over.

I sipped on my gin and tonic realizing the big entrance would take place any minute. I told Sean I was going to the bathroom so that I could make sure I was back in time. As I walked to the bathroom I did feel a few eyes on me, but I didn’t look up at anyone to verify this, instead choosing to think I was being paranoid.

*****

Johnny had arrived and waited back stage, if that’s what you called the back of a stage at a nightclub. He playfully ran his fingers through his hair and fixed his leather shirt and trousers he decided to wear, in keeping with his image. As soon as everyone shouted ‘surprise!’ the band would enter and play one of Michael’s favorite tunes called, ‘If You Were Mine’.

Dave, the guitarist in the band entered back stage after collecting some drinks at the bar. “I just saw the most stunning woman I have ever seen.”

“Really? Are you going to ask her out?”

“No. Unfortunately I think she’s here with somebody.”

“Shame.”

“Oh, Johnny. When I say stunning, I mean sensational and stunning.”

“Yeah, yeah, right. I get the picture. Love at first sight but what that means is lust at first sight. You think she’s hot.”

“Very,” he said, waving a pretend fan. “Pop your head out there and tell me what you think, she’s standing at the bar with some guy wearing a blue shirt and black trousers or jeans, I can’t remember. I remember her, though, she was wearing a fitted black dress which covered every perfect curve on her magnificent body.”

Johnny pulled the curtain back slightly to look, but couldn’t see the woman in question. “Can’t see her.”

Dave came over and moved Johnny back while he took a peek. “Oh, she’s not there, she must have moved or something. Hang on, the guy she’s with is still there, but I can’t see her, perhaps she’s talking to somebody. Anyway, keep an eye out, you will definitely notice her.”