Chapter 28 – First Date

Sunday, March 11th, 2018 – 17.10pm

Laurens' Flat, Croydon

Several hours had passed before they finally returned to Laurens' flat, agreeing to take things slowly. They were both a bit tipsy when they crashed back into the flat, nearly falling over one of Laurens' many potted plants. Grabbing hold of each other to steady themselves, faces only inches away and a perfect moment for a kiss, if Vex hadn't been standing in the middle of the room.

"Good, you're back. We're out tonight, celebrating." Vex clasped his hands together. "I have called the gang, and we're all heading down the Sparrow for a few. So not out, out, just out."

"I'm not sure," Lauren stepped back from Bo. The moment had gone.

"But we need to celebrate as I've just been promoted to area manager."

"Really?" It was more of a question than a statement, and Vex knew it.

"Yes, really!" Vex grabbed Lauren and spun her around. "They saw my talent, my flare for success and offered it to me today. No interview, no hoops to jump through, and I start tomorrow."

"How on earth?" Lauren still could not believe it. She loved her brother, but one thing he was not was responsible or even reliable.

"Well, okay, the old guy croaked it, heart attack", Vex held his hand in the air, "high five. "Lauren rolled her eyes and walked away. "What too soon? poor taste?" Vex lowered his arm, "It's all arranged. You have to be there."

"Vex, No." Lauren stood back by Bo's side. They had already talked about staying in and watching a movie. "We are not going out, even if it's not out, out. It's been a long day."

"Well," Bo stepped forward and turned to face Lauren, "I'd like to meet your friends and learn more about you. And I do have an outfit ready."

"That's settled then." Vex hugged them both, "I'll tell you more stories about her, and what I forget I'm sure Codeye will remember."

"I'm not sure," Lauren protested, "Bo is so recognisable. Look what happened last night."

"I have an idea," Vex added, "You get ready, put on your new outfit, then come to my room." Vex laughed and walked away, leaving Bo and Lauren bemused, holding hands.

"What do you think he is going to do?"

"I have no idea," Lauren replied. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Do you not want me to come tonight? Meet your friends?" Bo looked down. "Is this too fast?"

"Yes, I do want you to meet them. It's not you. And I really mean that. It's not just a line." Lauren replied, "It's them. They make Vex look normal."

Lauren, Bo and Vex walked out of the apartment, dressed to impress but not over the top. Bo wore her new outfit consisting of black leather trousers, a dark green lace-up bodice, and heeled boots. Vex had insisted on applying her eye makeup and gave her one of his long black wigs to wear. Her wig was clipped up the top and straightened at the ends. Bo felt terrific, not her usual designer skirt and sweater combo, but a look she liked. Lauren couldn't take her eyes off her or her arse.

Vex equalled her with his own style of black jeans, heeled thigh-high boots and a ruffled purple shirt. His eye makeup, a prominent feature, added texture to his contoured cheekbones. Lauren more subtly dressed in blue jeans, a crisp white shirt, and her brown leather jacket. Her hair was curled and hanging loosely over her shoulders. They were ready for a night out.

"So, where are we heading?" Lauren asked as they exited the double-decker bus. "We should've stayed on for another stop."

"I'm keeping my word and taking the scenic route to show Bo where we grew up" Vex linked his arm with Bo. "Now Bo, you may see that this road is called Oaks Avenue, but tonight it's memory lane, like that house with the van outside, number 22, that's where we lived as foster kids. And you see this lamppost," Vex stood next to it and wrapped his arms around it.

"Yes," Bo answered.

"Well, Lauren didn't," Vex laughed, "She walked straight into it when she was fifteen, in front of her crush Jaynie."

Lauren punched his arm, "Pack it up, Vex."

"She cried for a month," Vex dodged Laurens' attempt at a second punch, "Had a black eye. And earned the nickname Lampy."

Bo pulled Lauren in close, "Ahh, you best stick with me and walk on the inside. I'll protect you."

Lauren wrapped her arm around Bo's waist, "Gloves are off Vex. I know more stories about you."

They walked into the pub and were instantly greeted by a large group of people, shaking Vex's hand and hugging Lauren and Bo. The group sat down, and Lauren quickly introduced Bo to everyone as her date. Bo met Sarah, Dana, Smithy and Bruce.

A big man leaned over and took Bo's hand, "Nice to meet you," gently kissing the top of it. "The name is Bruce, but everyone calls me Codeye."

Bo greeted the friendly-looking giant, a big man full of muscles, full of tattoos and with a shaven head. "Is it because of your lazy eye?" Codeye went quiet, and Bo regretted what she had said. "I mean, well-"

Codeye laughed, "Yes. But the look on your face just then was priceless."

Bo relaxed and laughed along with the others.

"And what do you do?"

Bo looked over to Lauren, who answered for her. "She's an actor; now stop with the third degree, and who's round is it? We'll both have a double gin and tonic."

"Okay," Codeye stood. "Actor, hey, I have been an extra in many shows in my time. Remind me to tell you the story of me on Crimewatch. It'll crack you up."

Codeye went to the bar, bringing back a round of drinks. Lauren's female friends recognised Bo but were polite enough not to say anything. Everyone was at ease; conversations were flowing smoothly. Bo had never experienced a time when she had been in a bar of locals and not celebrities. Most of her hangouts were trendy bars, ushered into booths and keeping with her own entourage of people. This suited her more, and she made a promise to herself to find a good bar when she was back home. Bo even had the chance to see Lauren squirm when Jaynie walked in, heavily pregnant with her fourth child. The whole table chanted 'Lampy', with Lauren sliding further under the table.

Bo and Lauren engaged in small talk, but they mainly spent the evening talking together. Lauren making Bo laugh, revealing more embarrassing stories. Vex already consumed many rum and cokes and was starting to slur. Hearing their conversation, stood up and clapped his hands together.

"People, people, I have an announcement—"

"Yes, your gay, we know. We have eyes." Smithy shouted back.

It was Bo's round, and she had bought just returned carrying six shot-boards, consisting of four different flavoured shots. Placing them on the table and sat down just in time for Vex's announcement.

"Ahh, brilliant Bo. Just want we need."

"Right, shot one," Codeye stood, "Is for Vex. Congrats that ya old boss is brown bread, and you've been promoted."

The tabled cheered and downed the first on their tray. A vanilla shot, all agreed, was lovely.

Vex quietened the group, "Okay, thanks, but the rest of these will be nominated by whoever gives the best story about my skin. You see, this is a date, and Bo wants warts and all about Lauren."

Again, the table cheered. Lauren leaned over and told Bo that skin was rhyming slang for 'skin and blister' and meant sister. Lauren stood, "Okay, I am game. But I don't have any embarrassing stories." Causing an even louder cheer.

Smithy stood, "Lauren was maybe ten or eleven when she wanted to ride my-." He paused for dramatic effect purposely before continuing, "my skateboard."

Bo and Lauren breathed again.

"And like all things Lauren, she was a natural. Balance perfect. So I thought fuck it, let her ride Addington Hills. So she jumps on, and I push her down. She swerved left." Smithy added the actions to the story, "She swerved right. Missed a cat, a pensioner, and dog shit all in easy, swift actions. Then I hear her cry out, 'Smithy, how do I stop?', so I shout back, 'put ya foot down'." Smithy drank some pint, loving the audience. "And she did. And boy did she fucking fly. She was fucking Tinkerbell over those fields. I thought, Christ, I hope she lands soon, and she did, on the only fucking rock in the field. Breaking her two front teeth and fracturing her arm. I had to carry her to Mayday Hospital. So before she was Lampy, she was called Tink for a bit."

The table laughed. Smithy bowed and nominated a shot for the table, the black one. Each one held their shot and drank in one. Faces pulled; it was liquorice.

Dana stood, "So me, Lauren and Sarah," Dana pointed across the table. "We were fifteen and all in the same class at school. It was Science with Mr Pervy Peters. Sarah noticed the afternoon sun was on her arm, so she spent the first part of the lesson trying to blind him with her watch. We all hated him. Always asking if we had boyfriends and what we got up to. Lauren had come out a year before, so it was even more creepy for her. Now you need to imagine Lauren's hair was short; she was flat-chested, skinny and tomboyish."

"Was? She still is." The table again laughed at Codeyes joke. All except Lauren, who was beginning to hate this idea of Vex's.

"So Sarah was, well, being Sarah and fucking about with trying to get the sun to reflect in Pervy's eyes. When it worked, and he was blinded for a second, he stumbled forward, and his glasses fell on the floor. None of us knew that he was blind without them. Any way he screams, 'you boy,' and points at Lauren. The whole class laughed, 'pick up my glasses.' So Lauren runs up, accidentally steps on them, and they smash. He has hold of her by the arm, asking who it was. She puts on a weird accent that I don't know what it was to this day. He had a tight grip, but Lauren manages to push him off her."

The table is captivated by the story while Lauren buries her head into the crook of Bo's neck.

Dana strokes her friend's arm. "She didn't just push him; she fricking launched him. He went back with such force, one foot got stuck in a waste paper bin and fell backwards. As he was falling, he tried to steady himself by reaching back. But all that was there was the fire extinguisher, and yes, he set it off. He was lying on the floor covered in foam, foot in a bin. Then when he thought it was over, a cup of newly brewed coffee that was balanced on the counter toppled. And yes, landed in his crotch."

Everyone was laughing. The next round was nominated by Dana; it was a cherry sour. All enjoyed their shot. The last shot was tequila.

Codeye stood. "okay, people, listen up. I have a story about Lauren. When her mum died, she thought she had been taken by aliens."

No-one laughed.

"Poor taste, Codeye," shouted Smithy.

"That's not funny." Added Sarah. "It was a childhood trauma."

"Not cool, mate." Vex stood putting his arm on Codeyes shoulder, assisting him in sitting back down.

"Sorry, Lauren." Dana reached over the table to take her friend's hand.

Bo stood, "I do already know that one. And agree, it's not funny. And where I am from, unfunny stories have huge consequences."

The table all looked up at Bo, who was gathering all the tequilas from the shot trays and emptying them into one glass. "This is your reward."

Codeye shrugged and took the glass, "Fair enough." He drank them all in one and pulled a face. "Erg, pass me the lemon." Smithy ignored his request and moved it further away. Sarah and Dana did the same, followed by Vex, Lauren and Bo. "Oh, like that, is it?" Gulping his beer instead.

The table again laughed and threw their lemons at him.

"Okay, patrons," a voice echoed from the pub's speakers, "The karaoke is set up, don't rush to me. The books are at the front, pens in the pot. Don't just tell me the song; write it down and give it to me. Oh, and Smithy, Codeye, your both banned after last time. Enjoy."

"Prick", Codeye shouted out, which made the others laugh.

Lauren turned to Bo, "Last month, Codeye was singing Fall Out Boy, my songs know what you did in the dark, and he kicked the speakers."

Bo bit her bottom lip, "Oh no."

"Yeah. Got his foot stuck. Had to buy another one. So, Smithy sold him one and last week it blew up." Lauren chuckled. "The landlord would bar them if he didn't think he would lose all his revenue."

"Hey, guess what?" Codeye announced to the table, "I'm signing up to Netflix."

"Why? When do you watch TV?" Came the group's responses.

"My brother Jonny is into this show that is only on Netflix." Codeye continued," Called Vipers or Vixens, something like that, anyway, says it full of hot slappers shagging each other on-screen as well as off-screen."

"Well, it will be cheaper than one of your phone calls," Smithy added, making Codeye laugh.

"You shouldn't believe all that you read", Sarah interrupted the laughter, seeing Lauren about to unleash her anger. "They're real people in that show."

"Yes, but their sort doesn't visit Croydon, now do they," Smithy added. "Didn't you fancy that leading lady Laur? What's her name? You have all her shows on DVD, erm something Dennis."

"Bo Dennis." Bo replied, "And yes, she is me. As Sarah says, don't believe all you read. I hope that I can trust you to keep this from the press about Lauren and me dating. It is still fairly new, and we want to get to know each other before the media circus arrives."

The group was silent. The ladies smiled knowingly and assured Bo that she was in a safe group and no one would leak anything to the press.

"Fuck me." Codeye finally spoke. "firstly, love, I'm so sorry about what I said. I'm a prick."

"It's okay." Bo shuffled closer, "Our sort don't normally drink in Croydon, so I didn't give you a fair advantage."

"Thank you, I think I'm gonna faint. I'm drinking with a fucking real celebrity." Codeye replied. "I will never tell a soul. Like who the fuck would believe me anyway. And if anyone gives you any shit, point them out, and I'll sort it."

"Do you have a phone, either of you?" Sarah asked.

Bo pulled her phone from her pocket, unsure what Sarah wanted with it. "Oh no, the battery died."

"I didn't bring mine, it was dead this morning, and Bo was using my charger." Lauren added, "Why?"

Sarah flipped her phone, "You're on the front page of the Mirror. I didn't know it was you Laur until you walked in with Bo, then I put two and two together. But the press already knows something."

"Thanks." Lauren took the phone, and they both read the article. Not much depth, just theories.

"Evony would have seen this. She'll want a chat tomorrow."

"Are you keeping her employed, after what you have found out?" Lauren struggled with the idea. Firing her would have been the first thing she had done. "If the roles were reversed and I learnt someone I employed overstepped the line, I would fire them."

"I will talk to her, Lauren. Let her know that I won't stand for her behaviour, but I won't fire her. She is the best in the business, and everything she did, she did for my career. A lot happened in five years, and she always had my back."

Lauren leaned in and kissed Bo's shoulder. Bo smiled." Okay, you know what's best."

Things returned quickly to normal, albeit now everyone was aware that they were drinking with a megastar actor. Laurens' hands were wrapped around Bo's on her lap. Lauren was so close Bo kissed her forehead, and Lauren looked up. Bo moved forward and contained her excitement as Lauren edged her lips up towards her also. Arching her head slightly sideways, she closed her eyes. It was such a short distance, but now it felt like an eternity. Finally, soft lips were within reach.

Lauren went to bridge the final gap when she felt herself being yanked back. Opening her eyes, she saw Vex and Smithy over her, "Sorry, Lampy, but your name is being called."

"Eh-wh-wh-what's going on?" Lauren looked back and saw the same disappointment in Bo's eyes.

"So, we have a treat for you tonight. Those who went to Croydon High and left school in 2004 will remember this? Please welcome, Vex and Lauren to the stage." Lauren was dragged to the stage, protesting. The DJ handed Vex their microphones.

Vex placed his hands-on Laurens' shoulders, "just like at the school dance, same dance routines and same singing parts, you're first, me next, chorus, then us both together."

"Did you not see what was about to happen?" Lauren grabbed her microphone, "And you were first then us for the chorus, then me, and we bring it home for the last chorus."

"You have all night to snog Bo Dennis." Vex grinned, "Let's do this."

The first part of the song started to play, and a small crowd gathered. Bo joined Codeye and the others at the front of the stage. Bo never knew what was cuter, Lauren handing her jacket to hold or the wink she gave her as the song started.

The DJ had his audience. He had not had a crowd around him in ages, so he took full advantage, "So ladies and gentlemen, Vex and Lauren with Bloodhound Gang and The Bad Touch."

The room roared, and soon you knew why, the sibling's dance routine had everyone up on their feet, clapping. Mimicking each other's sexy moves, Bo watched as Laurens' sexy swagger was commanding the small stage; she had not sung a word yet, but she had a presence. Vex was first to sing, and Bo only made out a few of his words; Texas drought, Prince, feel nuts, Siskel, and Waffle House. He was brilliant, had the crowd eating out of his hand. Bo danced along, arms in the air.

Everyone joined in on the chorus, "You and me baby ain't nothin' but mammals, so let's do it like they do on the Discovery channel."

Lauren took centre stage. She had removed her shirt, revealing her tank top. Grabbing the helm and tying it at the side. Bo's mouth went dry. Lauren had the most amazing abs she had ever seen.

"You're a lucky woman," a bump on the shoulder from Codeye brought her back to the moment, "And it gets steamier."

"Love; the kind you clean up with a mop and bucket. Like the lost catacombs of Egypt, only God knows where we stuck it. Hieroglyphics? Let me be specific I wanna be down in your south seas. But I got this notion that the motion of your ocean means 'Small Craft Advisory'."

Bo didn't hear anything else; the dance routine had her captivated. Laurens' long blond hair swooshed with her hips, high kicks, and sexy floor moves. Bo was utterly lost. A red-haired girl lunged on the stage, but before Bo could drag her back, Vex dropped to his knees and licked her face causing her to retreat back. Vex looked over to Bo, who smiled her acknowledgement.

Lauren saw the commotion and purposely danced to Bo, making sure the redhead saw her make her claim. The song ended, and the DJ stirred the room into a frenzy, the noise in the room deafening. Codeye was hugging Bo. Lauren and Vex joined them. Lauren instinctively put her arm around Bo, and Bo kissed Laurens' shoulder. Lauren put her shirt back on, and Bo handed her jacket back.

The group returned to their table, where another round of shots was ordered.

Soon the pub was closing, and everyone was outside, saying their goodbyes. Each one hugged Bo and insisted that she join them again. Bo and Lauren turned down the offer to go into the city to continue the night. Vex understood their reluctance. He saw first-hand the crowd Bo attracted and how easy it got out of control. After kissing them both, he strutted off with the rest of the gang.

"It's been a lovely night, Lauren, thank you."

"Yeah, everyone loved meeting you too." Lauren placed a protective arm around Bo's shoulder and hugged her tight to her body, "I've called a cab firm, and two should be arriving soon."

The cab arrived, and Bo looked at the floor, "I want to invite you back, Lauren. I really do, but at the same time, I don't want to rush back into anything. I'm not ready. Besides, who knows who is camped outside my hotel right now."

"It's okay." Lauren stepped forward and opened the door, "I understand. There is no rush. I know you're busy, so I will give you some time then contact you soon."

"Yeah, I would like that." Bo stepped inside the cab, and Lauren closed the door. "Message me when you miss me, and we can arrange something?"

The taxi pulled away, and Bo looked back to see a second one pulling up behind and Lauren getting inside. Resting her head on the headrest, she gave the driver her hotel name and closed her eyes. She had a perfect day with Lauren and now was kicking herself for not inviting her back, or at least getting a goodbye kiss. She missed kissing Lauren, but the truth was she was scared. She knew the minute their lips met, she would never let them leave her again.

Bo looked down, her phone flashing up a new message, eyes smiling that it was Lauren who had sent it.

Lauren: I miss you. Are you free tomorrow night? If so, can I take you out for dinner? Lo xx

Smiling, so much for waiting. Excitedly Bo typed in her reply; Bo: Yes. Pick me up at 7 pm. Miss you too. xx