Chapter Three
Tabitha felt herself freeze, momentarily, when she opened the door of her flat to greet Freddie at seven on the dot. For some reason she’d expected him to be wearing a suit. Dressed in half laced combat boots, black jeans, a black leather bomber jacket and a grey v-neck shirt accessorized with a loose scarf he looked smooth, suave and sophisticated. Effortlessly cool was the phrase that best summed up his fashion. The dark colors made his blonde hair and blue eyes even more striking.
Tabitha liked to make the most of her appearance. She knew, despite regular efforts at the gym, however toned, she would always be on the curvy side. Her dress was one to emphasize her figure. The two toned black and white halter dress was slashed diagonally. What made the dress unique was the asymmetrical nature with one full length sleeve on the right and no sleeve on the alternate side –exposing the bare flesh of her shoulder and arm.
To outsiders, the couple would look chic and fashionable. Both aware it was an unspoken first date, the two were slightly self-conscious and in awe of one another’s dress style.
“You look amazing,” said Freddie bluntly. “But please tell me you’ve got a coat, because the weather is very chilly out – especially where I’m taking you.”
Tabitha rolled her eyes.
“We do have seasons in New York too,” she said lightly, as she swung on her mid-thigh length black autumn jacket.
Tabitha stepped out and locked the door behind her. Freddie didn’t know whether she was a rare breed of woman that made the effort to be punctual for dates, or was sending out a strong signal that he wasn’t welcome inside.
“Check this out,” said Tabitha excitedly, opening her large Gucci bag.
She passed Freddie his umbrella and pulled out one of her own.
“Once bitten,” observed Freddie.
“You haven’t seen the best bite yet.”
Tabitha opened the umbrella. The print on the umbrella was a reproduction of the Van Gogh’s Starry Night.
“That’s unusual, but too garish and eye catching for my taste. Maybe stay ten paces back if you’re going to use that with me around.”
“Don’t be mean. I picked it up today at Portobello Market.”
“You certainly are the fledgling tourist,” said Freddie as he flagged an iconic black cab.
“I thought we were taking the tube,” said Tabitha, emphasizing the word tube.
“I can’t take you on public transport dressed in that. I’ll be fending the men off. I can do without that hassle.”
Tabitha was grateful a cab stopped within minutes. London by night was beautiful. Theatre land came alive with hustle and bustle and as they crossed over Waterloo Bridge she had a better view of the Thames River by night. The cab pulled up close to Waterloo station.
Freddie was quick to help Tabitha out of the taxi and quite naturally she linked her arm through his as he took her toward a restaurant.
“This is Canteen,” Freddie notified Tabitha. “It was originally located in Spitalfields, if you like markets, you should pop there sometime. Anyway, if you’re after decent British fare, this is the place to come.”
Dinner came as a surprise to Tabitha. She’d assumed Freddie would stick to safe topics of conversation revolving around work, but he seemed more interested in Tabitha’s life in Brooklyn, including her upbringing, family and friends. She couldn’t fathom how such a phenomenally good-looking man hadn’t been tarnished by the attention his appearance would have gathered over the years.
Raised by a motivated, hardworking, single mother in a small cramped apartment as part of a public housing initiative, Tabitha had been the first in her family to attend and graduate a university that offered a degree in fashion. Her mother had also kept aside enough savings so her two younger siblings could also pursue higher education to better themselves.
Tabitha had always had a love of fashion and started in retail at the age of sixteen. Taking on internships every summer vacation, she was recruited by Hastings-Bass upon completion of her degree. Aside from fashion, her close circle of friends consisted of those she had grown up with at school and she considered them all a part of her extended family. She knew her father had walked out on her mother and suspected he had troubles with the law. Her mother always made a point not to badmouth or put down their biological father.
The meal rolled by so quickly, Tabitha realized she’d spent the majority of the time talking about herself and hadn’t had time to probe into Freddie’s life. Berating herself for dominating the conversation, she hoped Freddie didn’t perceive her to be overly self-absorbed.
Touched by the brief but frank introduction to Tabitha’s upbringing, Freddie felt embarrassed by his somewhat more privileged life.
As they left the restaurant, Freddie laced his fingers through hers. The subtle tactile gesture alleviated Tabitha’s anxiety.
“How about you?” she asked Freddie quietly.
“I’m sorry to say mine is a boring story by comparison. I’ve been very lucky in life, but I think I got luckier meeting you. I have a feeling you might teach the employees of Hastings-Bass some very useful lessons in life with your homespun philosophy.”
Tabitha was sure it was meant as a compliment, but his turn of phrase had her feeling like a redneck hick. Wanting to hit out that she didn’t need pity and was proud of her roots, she chewed her lips and forgot to take notice of the beauty of the river as they sauntered by it.
Freddie checked his watch.
“We’ve got just enough time to catch the last ride,” he announced.
Looking up, Tabitha saw the magnificent London Eye. The giant 443 foot Ferris wheel offered the most spectacular views of the city. As Freddie fast tracked the line, she was surprised to see a pod waiting for them. Crossing into it, the doors closed and they moved slowly up on the wheel.
“Is no one else getting on?” asked Tabitha.
“No. Just us and the champagne.”
It was over the top and extravagant, but Tabitha loved it anyway. Freddie studied Tabitha as she observed the famous landmarks. It was easy to recognize Big Ben, Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament at Westminster. Tabitha’s genuine interest in the city was infectious. Instead of sitting, Freddie stood behind Tabitha to assist her in identifying the OXO Tower, Tower Bridge, and St Paul’s Cathedral. His hands rested lightly on her slim waist. Tabitha could feel her skin tingle under his touch. His body felt warm and solid and she fought the urge to lean back into him.
Turning to face him, Freddie refused to move backward.
“Don’t judge me too harshly,” he said simply.
It was such a cryptic sentence and his eyes were so soulful, Tabitha didn’t know whether to kiss him passionately or hug him and assure him everything was going to be okay. Their gaze held a fraction too long. The pod suddenly felt too small to hold them both.
“More champagne?” offered Tabitha trying to break the somber atmosphere.
“May as well finish it off.”
Freddie poured the champagne and kicked himself for not seizing the opportunity to kiss Tabitha. Having spoken to her at length over dinner, he felt an intrinsic desire to not jeopardize the potential relationship with this remarkable woman; and not let it develop into something romantic and long-term.
They drank in silence.
Hopping off the London Eye, Freddie was relieved he’d be able to introduce Tabitha to his friends to reduce the mounting tension between the two.
As they walked along Southbank, side by side, Tabitha was confused by Freddie. He seemed open and friendly and yet his comment to not judge him harshly made him revert back to the mysterious man from the office she’d experienced twenty-four hours earlier. Part of her wanted to clear the air and ask him to clarify the statement, but he appeared to have closed himself off from her and she didn’t want to alienate him any further.
“Here we are,” announced Freddie, reverting back to his jovial self.
“Where? What? I don’t see it.”
“That’s because it’s on the river.”
Freddie pointed at a party boat filling with people.
“Does that run every night?”
He shook his head.
“No, it’s a private charter. It’s my sister’s thirtieth birthday tonight.”
“And you thought taking me to a family function was a good idea?”
Freddie laughed.
“I told you I wasn’t a psycho. I don’t think it’s quite time for you to meet the parents. This is a young affair. No parents allowed. Not only is there free booze and a top DJ, but you’ll be mixing with people in your own age group.”
“It does look fun.”
“I promise you I’ll take you home if you hate it.”
Tabitha shot him a look.
“I can party with the best of them. In fact I’ll probably be the last woman standing.”
“Not if I have my way,” thought Freddie devilishly.
“Let’s go party, then.”
Any concerns Tabitha had regarding Freddie from earlier soon diminished. She worked on the philosophy that you could tell a lot from a person by the people they hung out with – the people Freddie hung out with were superb fun. Their sharp British humor, genuine friendliness and sheer exuberance for life made it difficult to find fault with them. It didn’t go unnoticed by Tabitha that they were high earners or from wealthy backgrounds, but they had no desire to flash their cash. They were focused on ensuring Freddie’s sister Isabella was enjoying turning the big 3-0.
The soles of her feet burning from Freddie flinging her round the dance floor, Tabitha took herself off to sit down for a while, to relax and recuperate before joining in with the bumping and grinding again.
“Tabitha isn’t it?” asked Freddie’s sister, Isabella.
Smiling, Tabitha shook hands with the birthday girl.
“Are you enjoying your party?”
“I am. More so because you’re here.”
“How’d you figure that?” quizzed Tabitha.
“I think the whole introducing your girlfriend to the friends’ scenario is a huge occasion. What if they don’t get on or fit in? It just makes things awkward in the relationship.”
“I just met Freddie last night,” said Tabitha.
“Wow, sorry. I didn’t realize. Freddie’s so private I never actually know what’s going on in his life. I just assumed by the way the two of you interacted that you were close.”
Tabitha shook her head.
“I’m glad you told me that. I had this sinking feeling that your brother was a complete madman and having known each other for all of twenty-four hours, was rushing round telling everyone I was his girlfriend.”
Isabella was in hysterics.
“That’s definitely not Freddie’s style.”
Isabella looked on the verge of asking Tabitha a question, but the words stayed on her lips. Keen to know more on Freddie, Tabitha was tempted to prompt her into asking the question or revealing the detail, but didn’t want to pry. With the feeling that she’d just created awkwardness between herself and Freddie’s love interest, Isabella immediately defused the situation.
“How did you and Freddie meet then?”
“At work.”
Again Isabella looked a little stunned by the simple fact.
“How’s that working out for you?”
“I’ve only been there a week. I think I’m going to have a lot of work to do to bring the company into the 21st Century.”
Isabella clinked her champagne glass with Tabitha.
“I’m a journalist in fashion. If you manage to work the magic here that you did in New York, I’d be happy to help out.”
“Thanks. My first contact.”
“Don’t feel it restricted to business. London can be a lonely, old city for any newcomer. I’d be happy to go for lunch or shopping if you fancy it.”
Tabitha was touched by the offer.
“Thanks so much, that’s even better than having a fashion journalist in my contact list,” she winked.
The girls parted, with Tabitha smiling at how well the evening was going.
“Not flagging yet?” asked Freddie, taking her by the hand toward the dance floor.
“How’d your sister know I work for the New York branch of Hastings-Bass?”
Freddie flinched.
“Guess I mentioned it earlier on.”
The explanation slipped easily off his tongue and Tabitha had no real reason to question it.
As the party dwellers diminished in the early hours of Sunday morning, true to her word, Tabitha was the last person standing. She dragged Freddie on the floor for a final dance having begged the DJ for one last track.
“The tubes have stopped running, you know,” said Freddie softly in her ear as he held her.
“Guess we’ll have to split a cab.”
“I’m not sure I’m going to be able to stay awake. I can get you home, but if I crash out after that the taxi driver won’t know where to go to drop me off.”
“Tell me and I’ll be sure to tell the driver, or better still write it on your hand to show the driver, that way we’ll both get home safely.”
“You really are no fun,” said Freddie in a mock sulk.
“You really need to work on your pick-up lines,” laughed Tabitha.