Lady in Red

Autumn.

She finally arrived.

My favourite time of the year. October especially, when my relatively "small" London becomes soaking wet from rain and auburn colour from leaves falling on the ground. There isn't another love like I have for this city. I moved here 2 and a half years ago and I am never looking back.

Mom always said that her heart was with dad in Scarborough but her soul she left in London with her family. It's a waste when she was gone, none of that family wanted to remember her or her soul.

I sat in front of the large window in my favourite corner cafe, thinking about her. She was extraordinary. She believed that there's more to life than work. Her joy in life and her smile light up the whole world. Life became grey without her. Even my positivity and craziness couldn't fulfil that gap.

I looked at my phone beside me. Quarter to 3. I did good today. I managed to finish all my work way before the deadline.

I work as a Graphic Designer for one of the most prestigious publishing houses in London. It was my dream job, I have studied hard for it and it shows. I'm well respected and work with a small team, I'm allowed to work from home in my own time as long as I meet the deadlines, which I have never failed yet.

I finished typing an email to my boss and finished weeks of work with one click of a button. Closed the laptop and braved opening my phone. I've been ignoring my friends for weeks on and off. It was time to let them know I am actually alive.

Laura popped on my messenger first.

"Esme. Please. Answer. It's getting ridiculous. You need to let us know if you're OK.. Everyone is worried."

"Babe if you're not gonna answer in the next hour I will be calling the police. Xxx"

"ESME! Answer the bloody phone!"

I scrolled down reading her messages one by one.

"I'm alive. Life just sucks. It's Friday, you up to much? Xxx"

It didn't take her long to respond.

"look who got back from the dead. I'm shook. Until you explain yourself, you can't go anywhere with us! The Bay, 8 o'clock! Xxxx I'll call you later".

I decided not to argue and just send a smiley face. I was hoping for just a coffee with her but seeing everyone might not be a bad idea. It's been too long and I've missed my old self. Maybe this could be my first step out of this shell I created for myself. Laura has been a great friend of mine since childhood. We went to the same schools, we lived on one street and even studied similar courses. She was always very dominant and outgoing. We never had a problem finding ourselves a small group of friends, thanks to her. I always thought she was much prettier than me. She was naturally blonde with sparkling blue eyes, a small waist and curves in the right places. She always had, and always will have this natural beauty and magnet that made boys in school, and now men in clubs go crazy for her. I was lacking it.

I looked through the messages in the group chat and dialed dad's number. He lived all the way across the country, up North, and worked as a night time police officer in his area. Since mom's death he hasn't stopped yet. He says what's the point of sitting at home alone if he can work, so I try catching him in between work and sleep.

- Hallo? - he clearly just woke up.

- Dad?

- Esme!? Oh nice, good morning that..

- You see, after all I do remember about you! - we joked. That's the thing with my dad. You could hear his smile through the phone.

- You ok pumpkin?

- I'm alright dad. How are you holding on?

- As good as an old man can you know... aches and pains, at least I know I'm alive. Like any other day actually.

- Do you need anything?

- No, thank you darling you?

- I'm alright. I'm thinking of going out with Laura tonight.. Do you think it's a bit early?

- Honey, it's been over a year now. You're 23 only once.

- I know, I just wanted to make sure I know what you think..

- I think it's a great idea.. Go make me some grand babies... I won't be alive forever you know..

We both laughed.

Conversation went on for a little bit longer after that. We spoke about our Christmas plans and how excited he is to visit me in London this time. I told him all about the plans I have for that weekend and where I'm planning to take him. I love my dad so much and the fact that I can still talk to him is the biggest blessing in my life.

After I hung up, I finished my cup of coffee, packed my stuff and walked down Oxford Street in a hunt for a new outfit for tonight. There was nothing worth my attention in my wardrobe and I knew it. I haven't been out for a year or so and my wardrobe contained mostly black jeans and black "turtlenecks". As per usual in the UK, around 4 o'clock it got dark. Streets were lit up by neon shop signs and street lights. After two years of living here that view still mesmerises me. I walked around a few shops but found nothing spectacular. I decided to pop into Harrods. This was my only way of treating myself, so I might as well go full out.

I love how close to each other all London's biggest attractions are. It gives me an excuse to walk more. I walked in through the majestic doors of Harrods and walked straight upstairs avoiding all the tourists in the crowded areas. It was awkwardly empty but it meant I had all the time and place to myself. I started browsing through the dresses on the racks.

- Give her whatever she needs, just don't fucking ask me.. You have people from this. Deal with it.

I turned around to a man standing right behind me, shouting something into the distance while trying to type something on his phone at the same time. From further conversation I figured he is with his girlfriend and she's doing most of the shopping. I braved to walk around the rack and look at them.

Yes I am nosey, yes I probably shouldn't be, but curiosity takes the best of me.

He was very tall and very handsome. If I needed to guess at the time I would definitely say - Italian. Looked like a modern gangster from a film. You don't expect to meet people like him in real life. You assume they don't exist. Yet, he was standing right there with his few day stubble and carefully made hair, brushed back. One curl just randomly fell on his handsome face. I caught myself looking for a bit too long, so I decided to move on to another section of the floor. He was standing right in front of the escalators, so I felt pressured to stay on the same level and not disturb him.

I finally found the dress. Silky thin stripe dress in bright red. It was perfect and meant I will finally add some colour to my very plain, black wardrobe. I took the dress and made my way to the changing room.

I'm really sorry madame but this changing room is fully occupied, could you please use the one on the other side of the shop?

A small, blonde woman in a Harrods uniform smiled politely. She looked stressed and nervous, so even though the changing room was basically empty, I nodded my head and started making my way to the other side of the shop. He was now standing right in front of the entrance to the changing room. Shouting something in Italian to the person on the other side of the phone.

- I'm really sorry, can I just... - I tried being quiet and not distribute his phone call.

He looked at me from above and I could for a split second look him in the eye. They were dark and deep. Never seen an eye go through me like this one.

He stopped talking. Moved away and let me pass. I could feel his eyes walking me all the way to the changing room. I could see him in the mirrors around. I finally closed the curtain and took a breath..

"What in the world is going on in here?" - I thought while looking at myself in the eye.

I finally changed into the dress and decided to come out and see it in the outside big mirror. It laid perfectly on my body. My curvy, yet slim body. I was famous for my big breasts and curvy butt and this dress was definitely doing me justice. I spinned around in one spot and looked at myself over the shoulder. I looked hot. Even I needed to admit that.

I turned around and saw the same man standing there. This time he wasn't talking anymore. He was just leaving on a door frame to the changing room area.

He looked me up and down and smiled. He even smiled differently. So sexy.

I returned the smile and went back to the changing room.

After a longer moment, I started making my way to the till. Mysterious man disappeared and with him the whole stress in the eyes of the employees. I laid down the dress and pulled my card out.

- It must be your lucky day ma'am.

I looked at the gentleman serving me with confusion.

- Gentleman before you, Mr Saverio already paid for your purchase today.

- Parndon? - I looked at him with even more confusion.

- Mr Saverio already paid for your dress today. Do you want me to pack it for you?

- I guess.. Yes. Please. How is that..

I looked around trying to find 'Mr Saverio' but no sign of him. It was just me and the employees.

- Does Mr Saverio come here often?

- I'm not allowed to say ma'am. I'm really sorry.

- It's OK, but if he does.. Could you say 'thank you' to him from me?

- I'm pretty sure, knowing him, you will have an opportunity to say that to him yourself.

Disbelieving anything that he said I thanked him and walked out of the shop. On my way I tried to look for the gentleman once again but he must have been long gone by now.

~*~

I got home around quarter past 6. I already knew I would be late to see Laura and the rest.

In a hurry I opened my front door and collected all the mail from the floor. Decided to open it tomorrow. I had no time for shower so I tied my hair in a high, messy, ponytail and let it fall down on my shoulders. I fixed my eyeliner and stuck some eyelashes on. Finished the look with classic red lipstick that matched the dress.

Quick change into the dress and heels. I put a pair of flats in the bag for just in case.

Last look at the time. 7:30pm. It's a good thing I live so close to the tube.

~*~

I made it to the club just after quarter past 8. Laura and everyone was already in, so the bouncer cut the queue for me.

We loved 'The Bay'. It has been our regular spot for over two years now and we have managed to make great friends around the staff.

Bar itself was styled into a beach hut with serious Caribbean vibes. We loved it. All night you listened to Latino music and around 10:00 this place turned into the most wanted club in the whole city.

Laura sat right at the back of the club around a large table. With her were already seated Mike, Laura's new.. play man, Hannah and Josh.

I walked up to the table and they all spit out their drinks.

- HOLY SHIT... You actually came!

Hannah jumped out from the stool. She was so tiny, she couldn't have been taller than 4ft 6. She had short brown hair and the biggest eyes on the planet. Her boyfriend Josh was a good friend of mine from University. He was tall, blonde and very well built. They made a great couple. He followed in her step and squeezed the life out of me.

Mike stood up from his chair and just put his arm around my neck.

- It's good to see you lass. It's been a while..

- It has. I know.. - I looked uncomfortable to the side, hoping no one would continue the conversation.

- Well she's here now. She's safe and sound. - Laura kissed my cheek and followed it with a proper squeeze.

I smiled. I was so thankful no one continued this conversation and we could just go back to our old selves. I quickly bought myself a drink, sat down and joined an ongoing conversation.

~*~

Bar got busier and busier as the night went on. There was even a rumour that some celebrities appeared in the VIP section but we never saw them. After yet another song on a dance floor I decided to go for a cigarette. I don't smoke often but on nights like this it's a great excuse to leave for some "fresh" , cold air. I passed by the toilet queue and made it to the smoking area. For a pub full of people, the smoking area was next to empty. A couple in the back was just finishing their cigarettes, so I stood a little bit closer to the exit and pulled out one myself from my bag. I picked up my head to lit it and met "face to face" with an already lit up lighter, but not my own.

I kindly used the light and nodded to thank the person next to me. I finally managed to turn around and look at the person offering help.

- Are you stalking me? - I pulled a small snarky smile on my face and stood there not believing my own eyes.

He just smiled and looked me up and down. It was him. " Mr Saverio". He stood right in front of me at quarter to midnight in my bar, lighting my cigarette.

- I wouldn't call it stalking.. Just a happy coincidence.

He laughed and lit his own cigarette.

- You look good.

- Oh yes.. Thank you. You shouldn't have. - I blushed. - I can afford my own clothes.

- I know.. I just thought you look good and every woman should look and feel good..

- Well.. Again. Thank you. I would be happy to pay you back..

- it's no problem. Don't worry so much..

He winked at me and turned away to smoke. It's like he never saw me before all over again.

I took a deep breath and even deeper drag and finished my cigarette. Quickly threw it in a nearby ashtray and returned straight to the dance floor where I saw Laura already holding my drink and tray of shots. I took it away from her and took a shot.

- Something happened in that smoking area or you're just happy to be getting pissed with us? - she laughed and followed it with a shot.

- I'll tell you later. I'm OK.

- You should be! If I had a specimen like this staring at me, I would be more than OK. - she pointed out my mysterious new friend behind my shoulder.

- What? - I turned my head around and saw him just standing on a balcony upstairs staring right at me.

I waved with my fingers and went back to dancing with Laura.