Chapter 27 - Amor Vincit Omnia

Sunday, March 11th 2018 – 09.10 am

Croydon High Street

An hour later, Bo and Lauren were sat in a café on the high street. It was already busy, with the majority of the tables occupied. Bo sat by the window while Lauren ordered their breakfast. Bo looked around ordinary people, having an ordinary day. But for her, it was far from ordinary. She was again with Lauren and considering giving them a second chance. Something she told herself she would never do if they ever saw each other again. The issue with that was that they never did see each other, and Bo missed her. Lauren walked back to the table, carrying a tray with two plates and two cups, a tea for her and black coffee for Bo.

"Enjoy. I got you us both a full English." Lauren pulled cutlery from the tin jar on the table and handed Bo hers'.

"What is this?" Bo poked at the green fried mess on her plate.

"Bubble and squeak." Lauren gave a mischievous grin, "You know I like you trying new things."

Bo scooped up a large forkful and ate. "What was that?" she pulled a face.

"Refried left-over vegetables from the night before." Lauren smiled, "Waste not, want not."

"These cutesy things you do are sweet. Like when you introduced me to Marmite, but I'm here to forgive you, not have a relationship with you." Bo had to hold her resolve. She was already falling back in love with Lauren but didn't want to completely let go of her defences. "All I need from you right now is the truth, and maybe we can move on. Maybe as friends? Maybe more? I don't know what I want right now, except the truth from you."

"Okay, so what truth do you need to know?" Lauren swallowed hard, another blow that was felt in her heart. This wasn't going to be easy, and she had to be honest if she wanted any kind of relationship with Bo. And she did. Lauren wanted Bo back so badly. Even if that was the slow route back, she would be patient and show Bo that she was sincere.

"So, what do you do for work?" Bo looked up from her plate. "Your card said Protection Agent."

"Straight in. I protect a British Diplomat when they travel, and the rest of the time I intelligence gather," Lauren cut up her breakfast, "Its mundane most days."

Bo nodded, "Is it dangerous other days?"

Lauren placed her fork down and reached for Bo's hand, "No, not really. Well, yes, sometimes, but not always. Depends, erm." Lauren struggled with her words. Her assignments in the past had been dangerous. Still, nowadays, she spends a lot of time in London assisting other agents.

"Well, what one is it?" Bo was impatient with Laurens ramblings.

"Okay, sorry." Lauren apologised and took a deep breath; her second try. She doubted Bo had many more left. "So when I am out on protection detail, it can be dangerous. However, my diplomat is stationed here with no immediate plans for him to go back abroad."

"But if he does, then you follow?" Bo asked.

"Yes."

"So we have less than six weeks before I return to Canada." Bo placed her cutlery down, "and you could be called away during that time?"

"We only had sixteen days in France." Lauren smiled. "I know it's not ideal, but don't you think it's worth us knowing. Worse case is that we leave as friends."

"True, but like I said this morning in your bed, I can't promise you anything, Lauren. It is likely I will return to Toronto. I am negotiating my contract for another season with Vixens." Bo loved how saying in your bed felt like but remained straight-faced. Her truth was she had doubts about re-signing, despite the considerable pay-rise offered. Bo wanted a break, a rest, and she needed to take some time for herself. Both work and Lauren came at the wrong time for her.

"Totally understand," Lauren lied, "There is a lot to discuss. And you are a megastar who attends parties with Sir Elton John, so I'm fully aware we are not on the same level."

"Don't say that. You said something similar in Morzine." Bo's heart broke, and she hated to think that Lauren thought like that. "I am still me, still the Bo who will laugh at your terrible jokes and can't eat anything spicy."

Lauren laughed out loud, "Remember when you tried a chilli?"

Bo laughed along, "I had to drink the whole carton of milk. I thought my tongue and lips were falling off."

"I haven't laughed that much in a long time."

"Glad it amused." Bo reached over the table and held one of Lauren's hands. "Not much has changed, albeit I'm a bit more famous, richer and with cooler people in my phones contact list."

"So what do you propose we do then?" Lauren reluctantly asked.

"Let's date and get to know each other. No sex. I don't think clearly after mind-blowing orgasms."

"Okay, Agreed," Lauren replied. "But I can't help it if I get any fanny flutters."

Bo laughed, "I forgot how funny you are."

"What?" Lauren pretended not to know what Bo was talking about.

"Fanny, I guess is another delightful word for the, erm, pussy." Bo kept her head and voice low, "And I know what a flutter is."

Lauren laughed. "Fair enough, no sexual encounters then. Better?"

"Yes, Although I did have a sexual encounter this morning in your shower." Bo saw that Lauren had stopped eating and was staring at her, mouth ajar. "I'm talking about your tantalising mint shower gel."

Lauren laughed out loud again, causing the others in the café to look over.

"I guess you know what I mean?" Bo laughed along.

"Well, it does say it tingles." Lauren grinned.

"Burns, more like, I feel violated." Bo leaned over and whispered the last part.

"When I get back, I will pour it away." Lauren leaned into the middle of the table.

Bo grinned, "Let's not be hasty, Lo."

Sunday, March 11th 2018 – 09.40 am

Evonys Hotel Suite

"What do you mean you can't find them?" Evony shouted back at Massimo, who stood cowardly in the corner of the room. "She needs to finalise her contract. This is delaying me. It's already two weeks overdue. Her fucking suicide attempt really fucked my schedule up."

"Bo's phone is switched off, and the hotel says they haven't heard from her since yesterday." Massimo crept forward. "She never stayed there last night."

"Typical, she thinks this trip is a holiday." Evony huffed.

"Why give free days if you didn't want them to be off?" Massimo quickly ducked as one of Evony's shoes flew past his head. "Sorry, I didn't mean to question you."

"Days off are meant to be spent in the hotel, so I know where she is. Not out galavanting with the fucking chef." Evony picked up a newspaper, slapped it across Massimo's face, then threw it in his lap.

"Brilliant." Massimo studied the paper, "Lauren fucking Lewis is here. We have unfinished business."

"Get over it, Mass. You only served a year." Evony smiled, "I bet it pissed her off that the CPS released you early due to bed shortages, and you didn't do the full three years."

"I shouldn't have done any." He argued, "She fucking shot me. Don't worry, I will find them both." Massimo powered up his laptop.

"Good, you're motivated. Bo phoned the show begging to go back. So at least we'll know where she'll be tomorrow, but I want to know where she is now. " Evony ushered him away, "And call the press, tell them that Bo is dating an English girl. That will drive a wedge between them. The last thing a spy wants or needs is a spotlight on them."

Massimo nodded, "Her phone pinned in South London. A place called Croydon. I will check there first. Bo must stand out like a sore thumb in that shit hole. Google says it has the highest knife and gun crime in London."

"Well, get her the hell out of there. I don't want to see a picture in tomorrows paper of her slumming outside a KFC with a damn bargain bucket. We would kiss goodbye to her sponsors and endorsement deals."

"And Lauren?" Massimo asked, "What should I do with her?"

Evony laughed, "My boy, she took you down five years ago, kicked your arse when she was a rookie officer. Now she is a protection agent for M16. If you want to embarrass yourself again, go ahead. Just don't be getting yourself shot."

Massimo didn't answer. He simply acknowledged Evony with a goodbye and left. Closing the door quietly behind him, walking to the lift and smiling at the porter who passed him. However, once in his room, he punched the wall and screamed into the air. He promised that he would make Lauren pay for humiliating him on that mountain and continuing to do so in the eyes of Evony. Grabbing his mobile, he dialled a familiar number.

"Hey, it's me. Lauren Lewis is back in London."

The phone was silent for a second. "Are you sure?"

"Read today's Mirror, front page with Bo. It's a side angle, but it is her. She and Bo are magnets." Massimo replied.

"When you find her, you tell me straight away. And Mass, you better stay away from us. We haven't forgiven you for hiding in the car that night."

"I drove you to the hospital." Mas resonated, "I helped you."

"You told us she was a rookie, and her brother was a no-one. Then she took us all down like flies. Tommy still walks with a limp, and Connor lost his sense of smell."

"There was five of you, and it ended quickly. By the time I realised you might need my help, it was over."

"She is dead, Mass. And it will be my family who does it. You understand?"

Massino didn't answer, and the call ended.

Sunday, March 11th 2018 – 12:20 pm

Croydon High Street

After breakfast, Bo and Lauren walked along the high street, non-stop talking about anything and everything. They felt so comfortable in each others company. Familiar almost, but both kept that revelation quiet, wanting not to spook the other.

Bo told her all about the Play on Tottenham Court Road that she had secured a leading role in and how it was her first time in front of a live audience. Evony hadn't liked the idea, but she had free time, and it was her mothers' favourite play. It was only a few nights. A special appearance from the Vixens Star, the posters called it. Each night had been sold out in minutes.

Lauren told what she could about her travels omitting any confidential details or any activity she did on the side with Jack. Bo did not need to know that she had chosen the left hand and joined Jacks' Black Op Team. Or that her current job was only set up to allow her entrance into Countries with diplomatic immunity and access to governments databases. No more hiding in cars, the information on their systems would put Google to shame. That disclosure would be a conversation a lot further down the line, if ever. Some secrets needed to remain for the safety of them both.

They had shopped for hours, stopping in all the high street clothes shops. Bo only wore designer labels that she was sponsored to wear. Lauren convinced her she could also use an 'out of work' outfit. "I can't believe I got a whole outfit for less than a hundred British pounds, including new boots." Bo held up her shopping bags.

Lauren laughed, "If you like bargain shopping, then you'll love Argos and Ikea." Lauren bumped Bo's shoulder, "And it's called a quid, not a British pound. If you don't wanna get any weird looks here."

"Got it. Quid." Bo spun and walked backwards to face Lauren. "Maybe if I learn a bit of cockney, I can actually understand Vex."

Lauren laughed, flinging her head back, "Ignore him. He thinks it makes him interesting. I will tell him to stop it." Lauren reached for Bo to help her not walk into another pedestrian. "And that's slang, not cockney. In cockney, a hundred is a ton. And you wouldn't say quid. It would be 'I got this lot for less than a ton'. But we'll just go through that as and when it comes up."

"Thanks," Bo took Laurens offered hand, spinning back around, keeping hold of it. "So, where next?"

"My stomach is telling me it's time to eat again. Can I treat you to a boozy lunch?"

"Sounds like a plan," Bo agreed, "hair of the dog. Where are you taking me?"

Ten minutes later, Bo was sat at a booth in a local Weatherspoon's. Lauren had insisted on buying Lunch despite Bo's protests that she had also got breakfast. Lauren casually walked back to the table, carrying two pints of beer and a packet of roasted nuts gripped between her teeth.

Bo took the packet from Lauren, "Let's get those nuts out of your mouth. And I hope this isn't all we have for lunch?"

Lauren blushed crimson. "No, I got us the beer and burger meal. Both with cheese, bacon and skin-on-chips. Is that okay?"

"Yes, perfect," Bo replied, "not sure if my nutritionist Signour would agree."

"Oh well, what they don't know won't hurt." Lauren smiled and sat down beside her."

"Exactly." Bo grinned, "Lauren, are you ready to open up some more? I have a few questions?"

Lauren nodded. "Sure, where do you want to start?"

Bo took Laurens' hands in her own and placed them in her lap, "Lauren, you look petrified."

Lauren squeezed Bo's hand. "I have been in many scary situations, yet nothing scares me more than saying something wrong and never seeing you again."

Bo looked at Lauren and felt something that she had bottled up for years, love. She was back in love with Lauren as if she had never left, not that she would admit that, not yet anyway. "Start easy and remember, don't lie to me. I just want to know how much of what you told me in France was true."

"Most of it, actually," Lauren smiled. "Believe it or not, I found it hard lying to you."

Bo smiled a full dimple smile.

"It's your dimple. It has powers."

Lauren took a large gulp from her beer. "What would you like to know?"

Bo joined in drinking from her pint. It was the first pint glass she had drunk from, but she would keep that first for another day. "I have an idea. This is our official first date, so let's be normal. Talk about something unusual that can't be found on a google search. Nothing you wouldn't ask or share on a real first date. Sound okay?"

"Yes. So Bo, something unusual about me?" Lauren paused, "I know. I don't have a birth certificate."

"Really? How is that even possible."

"I know, and believe me, I have looked." Lauren popped a few more peanuts in her mouth. "When mum died, there wasn't any documents left and nothing registered with the school I attended."

"The story about your mum dying on Boxing Day. That was true?" Bo asked.

"Shit, yeah." Lauren answered, "Only a psychopath would lie about their mum dying at Christmas. Like I said, your dimple had me hypnotised."

"So, what do you know about yourself?"

"I believe I was born in Canada. I think I told you I don't know my dad, so I'm not sure if he is Canadian or British. But I traced mums passport a few years ago. She went to Canada a year before I was born. So I assume I was consummated and born there. She left when I was five, and I travelled and named on her passport. With my mothers' passport, I was granted my own British passport. However not dual nationality as I haven't found anything about my father, and I suspect I never will. And still no birth certificate."

"My father isn't named on my birth certificate either." Bo added, "I might have also told you that. Mum said I was a product of a magical but whimsical one-night love affair. She never told me his name either. How strange, we both have that in common." Bo caressed Lauren palm with her thumb."

Lauren nodded, "Men, hey?"

Bo laughed. "My turn. I have a mad obsession with ABBA. Not just a fetish, but I live my life in their songs." Bo waited for Lauren to calm her laughing. "Seriously. Any moment ABBA songs play in my head like a soundtrack to my situation."

"What song is on now?" Lauren playfully teased. "Is it waterloo, as we are in London?"

"Oi, don't tease. Do you even know that song?" Bo lightly hit Laurens arm.

"Sorry," Lauren held up her hands, "My, My, at Waterloo, Neoploan was defeated. You have me that's all I know. I don't think I have ever listened to the actual lyrics."

"Besides, this is more like Mama Mia." Bo drank her beer and hoped Lauren never knew those lyrics either, as she would be embarrassed admitting, Here we go again, how can I resist you? Does it show just how much I missed you?

Lauren tried to attempt the lyrics in her head, she only got to Mama Mia, here we go again, la, la, na, na, na-na-na-na. "Your secret is safe with me. I guess it's my turn again. I had a child therapist as I believed mum was taken by aliens."

Bo drank some of her pint. She wasn't expecting that. "So what happened to make you think that?"

"In France, I told you that mum drove Philip home, and a few hours later, the police knocked on my door to tell me that they were both dead. Which is, of course, what must have happened, but as a child, I remembered it differently." Lauren took a deep breath. "I thought I was also in the car, and when we came to the bridge, there was a bright light. Mum told me to get out. I did, and as she drove forward, I saw aliens appearing from that light. They took my mum and Phil then pushed the car off the bridge. Another light appeared, and more aliens arrived. One had a kind voice and told me it would all be okay. I woke up in my foster carers house. I had therapy for child trauma, but not before I told that story to the kids in the foster home, who then told the whole school, who laughed every day and still do. Which may explain me being a bit of a loner."

"I am so sorry to hear that." Bo held Lauren's hand. "It must have been terrible to think aliens took your mum but then to also have other children laugh at you. What an awful thing to remember?"

"The therapist called it Memory Distortion." Lauren replied, "some nights, I suffer night tremors and relived the same memory."

"I have had a therapist since I was four years old." Bo shared, not letting go of Lauren's hand but gently caressing her palm, "My mother also, except mine isn't dead or possibly taken by an alien. Mine is real, abandoning me for her latest man or telling me I am not talented enough. My therapist blamed me, saying I was emotionally absent from my mother and caused the toxic relationship. I guess mother was paying her. I stopped going when I was twenty and instead got myself a Kenzi. She talks good shit."

"Wow. We both needed better therapists. I have Vex. He is the only person I have ever trusted to give me tough love advice." Lauren laughed, happier it was moved back to a lighter subject. "Something else that I found strange was I never went back to my house. I never got any of my things. They simply appeared the following day."

"I guess that is what happens after an accident. If the house was mortgaged, it would return to the bank and child services would collect your things." Bo explained. "And was you okay?"

"Yeah," Lauren admitted. It wasn't like any horror stories, and she did meet Vex. "Vex was already there, and he looked after me. And we both stayed until sixteen, then you're kicked out to fend for yourself unless you go to a sixth form. Luckily for me, I did. Vex didn't. Vex sofa surfed for a few years, and when my time was up, I applied for RMA Sandhurst, an Army Barracks when I was eighteen."

"Army barracks?" Bo asked.

"Yeah, I discovered that higher education was expensive unless you enlisted in the Army, then it was free." Lauren half-smiled. "Also thought it meant free travel. So I enlisted."

"So not Le Cordon Blue?" Bo laughed and bumped Lauren lightly.

"I wish it had been. I have a natural talent for cooking. But alas, it wasn't meant to be. Being a Royal Military Academy meant I could live on campus. But alas, College was a let-down with zero travel. My days consisted of drills and classes, parades and polishing boots."

"Sounds like you enjoyed it?" Bo laughed.

"Every minute," Lauren took a large gulp of her beer, wiping her mouth on her sleeve. "Learnt to drink and make a bed that I could catch a coin from."

"Wow, we digressed then. Form usual facts to your full family history." Bo leaned in; Laurens' life was more fascinating than she had been led to believe. "You have a hall pass to ask me anything, and I will answer you truthfully."

"I do have one question that I was afraid to ask if that is okay?"

"Of course. Free pass" Bo held her breath, hoping it wouldn't be about her love life. She never wanted Lauren knowing she had closed off her heart after the breakup or how much she had really meant to her. It was too soon.

"Was it a suicide attempt?" Lauren locked her gaze to Bo.

"No, of course not," Bo replied honestly, feeling relieved strangely. "I wanted to just escape. So I had one vodka, which turned into half a bottle, then a line turned into two. Then when all that didn't work, some pills, washed down with more vodka. Before I knew it, the room was spinning, and things were going black. The last thing I remember is hot vomit leaving my body as I lay on the bathroom floor."

Lauren held Bo tight. "I am so sorry for all that I have put you through."

"It wasn't just you." Bo leaned back slightly but stayed in Lauren's arms.

"So we start fresh." Lauren held her glass up. "And talk to each other before making rash decisions."

"Agreed." Bo lifted her glass.

They clinked glasses and finished their pints off.

The burgers arrived, and the conversations changed back to more lighthearted topics. Even though they both agreed to talk more, neither disclosed any more personal details. Lauren kept quiet about Jack, Mehmet and what she had done in New York. Bo stayed silent about her arrests for using prostitutes, Tamsin and her addictions. Some topics were not first date material, and they both knew that.