- Oh, your jacket. – she started taking it off -
- No, no, leave it on.
- It will get soaked, and it's not raining inside. – she handed it to him –
- I don't want you to be cold.
- Don't worry, I'm not cold inside and I do not want to ruin it.
- Fine, have it your way, but now you will have to accept my invitation.
- You are a hard bargain. – she laughed – Where's that drink then?
- That's the spirit – he signalled to the bartender – two shots of Absynthe, please.
The bartender gave them their drinks.
- Why did you go out when that woman poured her drink on you?
- Well you see, I have a very bad temper. Don't get me wrong, but if I would have remained, I think one of them would be pulling a dart out of her neck and the other would have a terrible headache from the bottle in her hand...
There was an intense moment, but then Tom bursted into laughter.
- That, that is gold! – he continued laughing which made her a bit offended –
- I don't think it is funny. They were being really rude, and I wasn't sure if I stepped over a boundary or something when I fell on you and if I would have done the things I wanted to do to them, my passport would be teared to pieces and I probably couldn't come back here.
- Wait – he tried to contain himself – wait a second, passport? You are saying you're not British?
- Not in the slightest. Why?
- How do you do that? – his eyes started to shine -
- What?
- Your English is impecable.
Her face started to turn to red immediately.
- Thank you, that's kind of you. I try.
- You try? Darling, I'm supposed to be the actor, but you, you fooled me. Where are you from then?
- Hungary. Middle-Europe, before you start joking on that you're not hungry.
- I wouldn't – he smiled -, so why are you here? And how did you end up in this pub?
- Well, I came for an international conference at Kingston University on business intelligence about a new software.
- That sounds really interesting. Are you a student?
- No, thank God, no, I just got my Phd, no more studying for a while. – he smiled -
- That sounds so amazing. – his voice dropped – Well, I'm just an actor and..
- What wait, stop it right here. I may pretend that I do not know a speck of your work, because I didn't want you to be treated like a piece of meat, but I've seen some, and they were the most memorable ones I ever have. Many underestimate your field, as it does not involve anything scientific, but do believe me, what you do, what you make people feel through a character needs more mind, more concentration and deepness one can ever posess in sciences.
She got a little flustered, but stopped with the monologue. A slight silence struck between them. They just sat in front of eachother, leaning on the bar, staring at the other's eyes. In this light she could finally study him better. He was tall, not well built, but definately had defined muscles, face shaved, his hair was dark, mid-lenght and in a back-combed fashion, wore a dark blue blouse with some black trousers. Even casually dressed, he looked quite elegant, while she, the wet pile of wreckage felt miserable about not being able to present herself in an at least proper manner. She wore a navy jacket, black thight trousers, same coloured corset-like vest with a white blouse under it which was soaked. She felt petty while her heels were on the floor, because the fabric got cold and she had to take them off, from the fear of catching a cold. When she dismissed the soggy sight of her shoes she looked up at Tom. It all came back to her, how blown away she was, when she first saw him in the cinema and with that the cruel realisation that she looked awful in front of that of an ideal of a man. While scanning him, she realised that he was intensely looking at her with his piercing blue eyes and blushed for blowing her cover of ruthless staring.
- Another round then? It will be on me now, and I do not take a no for and answer, or would you like to disappoint a lady? – she was trying to save some of her dignity after the staring – And I will try to lighten up your mood with the stupid story of how I ended up in this pub.
He smiled and stroke his hair backwards.
- Have it your way, then. – made that devilish smile, while getting his stool closer to her – Do you mind? I can barely hear you.
- Of course not. Two absynthes, with two glasses of water, two spoons and two cubes of sugar, please. – she looked at Tom – I prefer it with its small ceremony.
- I am in your hands.
He glared a sly smile while their drinks were prepared.
- So, straightning the end of my bargain, I was in Budapest, heading with a taxi to the airport. Almost half-way we got stuck in traffic for a while, it wasn't that bad. But the road outside the city to the airport was so bad we got a flat. After half an hour arguing with the driver about not paying the fee for standing in only one place I took my stuff and moved on on foot. If that wasn't enough, the road was muddy and full of puddles, the other cars not only did not want to pick me up, but ran over them, so my overcoat got so muddy, I looked like a hobo. After about three kilometers, or so, finally a bus stopped and picked me up. The driver was kind enough to give me a bag, to put my coat in. When I arrived at the airport they did not want to accept my luggage, hence the muddy coat would stain other baggages. So I had to open up one of mine and put it in, or they'll confiscate it from me. After that there was a problem because of my nationality, because I have a double citizenship. I spent one and a half an hour with these menialities and I had to rush to get on the plane because of them. When I finally arrived to London I was happy, that nothing else happened. I got my luggage pre-sent to the hotel I was supposed to go to, so I would not have to carry them again. Then, I got a taxi and told him an address about 10 blocks away, which was clearly a wrong one, because the paper I wrote the address on was washed away by the rain here, so I couldn't quite get it right. And from that on you know the story.
- Well, you weren't bored.
- Yes, it was quite eventful, I guess.
- I believe this requires a toast, milady. – he lifted his glass – I wouldn't have such a lovely company, if it weren't for the rain.
- To the rain then. – she lifted her glass as well –
- The next round is mine, love. – he winked –
They went along this path until the bottle of absynthe evaporated. It was about time, because the bartender was ready to close. They didn't really notice anything, they just talked and talked, until the crowd slowly disappeared. Although the music's volume dimmed, their seats were just getting closer. His legs were touching hers and they were now leaning in on eachother, talking freely about languages, books, silly little things, everything what just came on their minds. Stop it, her mind told her, you don't even know him, from what you know he could even rape you in a dark alley... it's not rape if it's consesual... STOP IT. But she couldn't. Not now... Stop it, his mind told him. She'll think that you go only for one night stands, or take her for granted. You don't even know her, by any means she could even rob you... she could steal my clothes anytime... STOP IT. Tom looked at the bartender's nerved expression.
- I believe we have to go.
- Oh, yes, I think you're right. Nobody's here, but us.
- Do you have where to go? – his face turned suddenly serious while looking in her eyes –
- If I could get out what I've written on the paper, then, yes. – she started to meddle in her bag –
- Let me see. – he browsed through it several times – I'm, sorry, but this is really smudged and at this light I think I could only make it worse. Look, you could come home with me – What are you doing Tom? – I mean, I have 2 and a half bedrooms, you could make yourself comfortable, I'd just feel terrible to know that you are out on the streets and...
- Yes. –What are you doing? –
- I mean it's okay, if you don't want to, I understand, you don't know me..
- I said yes, Tom. – You are joking, aren't you? You know he'll be expecting something... He can expect anything he wants... STOP IT – I know how a big city can be at night, I don't want to wander around either, thank you so much for offering.
He was shocked. She was being reasonable and agreed at once. He picked up his phone, ordered a taxi and payed the bartender. When the cab arrived he held her close with one hand and covered them both with his jacket with the other untill they got in. It was quite a short ride, but it seemed long enough, as they did not speak to eachother. When they arrived to the apartment, Tom lead her in.
- Are you sure of this? I really do not want to intrude. – Now having second thoughts, genius? –
- You aren't intruding - he smirked - , if you were, I wouldn't have even mentioned it. I'll get you a robe and a towel, so you can finally get out of those soaked clothes – and take you here and now... STOP IT – and put them to dry. Feel yourself at home, dear.
He took her jacket and went into another room. The apartment was a pleasant place. It consisted modern and ageless furniture combined with a sophisticated taste. Some pictures of family on a smaller table and smaller norse statues on shelves. She did not want to sit anywhere, so the furniture wouldn't be ruined. As she looked at one of the paintings on the wall, he came in, as said, with a robe and a towel.
- I believe it will fit you well. Why didn't you sit down?
- I didn't want to ruin your furniture. – he shook his head and smiled –
- You are hopeless aren't you? Well take these, and I believe that you'd like a hot shower. It will be the first door to the right, dear. I'll go and make us something to eat, because I'm famished.
- Thank you, Tom. – she kissed his cheek and headed to the bathroom –
Now what the hell was that?... I was nice to him... Maybe he'll want more... I hope so... STOP IT! As she closed the door behind her, Tom, frozen, was staring in that direction. Tom, there is a naked woman in your shower... And sadly, I'm not in there... TOM... Maybe I should start that food... Maybe you should have let me think instead of you... Maybe I should go in that shower as well... STOP IT! He shrugged and went into the kitchen. He put on some water to boil, and made a light sauce with chicken for the pasta. She got off her clothes and stepped into the shower, almost pounding her head to the wall for being stupid. Why did she have to do it. It was not that much of a gesture, but what will he think? She would have chewn on it, but the hot water took away her capability of thought. She thought she'll never get warm that day, but now. Now she was in heaven. After a while she realised that she lost track of time, so she hurrily got out, dried her hair and washed her teeth. Luckily she had always some emergency stuff, like a toothbrush in her bag. She stepped out the room and smelled the delicious smell of Tom's cooking.
- Where can I put these?
- Ah, you're done? Got warm enough?
- Yes, thank you I almost got carried away, it was so nice to have a normal temperature again. – Yes, there, insinuate that you may have masturbated in his shower, wonderful job –
- Here, there's the dryer next to the pantry, dear. Just put them in, and I'll take care of it.
After he switched off the gas under the sauce, he went to the dryer to wind up the temperature of the room. Oh, dear God she was wearing suspenders and stockings... I should have taken her there and then... Tom, calm yourself down... But she's naked under those robes now... STOP IT!...
He was clearly flustered, when he came out. By that time, she put on some plates on the table.
- Sorry, I thought I could do something, while you are such a great host.
- You don't need to do that, you are my guest, and I like to please my guests – And I'd like to please you even more ... she looked at her with that devilish grin again –
He brought the food to the table. And they started talking, like in the pub again. They weren't seated that close this time, none of them knew if it'd be proper, as she was only in a robe.
- Tom, this is terrific, you are a wonderful cook. – I'd kneel, just because of this... STOP IT! –
- Oh, this is just something I picked up since living alone.
- Now, don't be that modest, many women I know, who live alone can't tell the difference between a frying pan and a bowl.
He laughed. I could show you my other hidden talents... STOP IT!
- I must admit that I am still not sleepy. If you want to, though, I could show you to a room. – Mine would be perfect... STOP IT! –
- I'm not ready to turn in either. Do you have french cards?
- Yes, I have, what would you like to play?
- Remi would be nice, do you know Remi? – Or strip poker... STOP IT WOMAN! –
- Yes, my parents taught me Remi when I was young.
- Wonderful, then you should get the cards and I'll wash the dishes, untill then.
- No, I can't let you do that... – she put her hand on his –
- Please, that is the least, for you letting me stay.
- Well, I can't deny a wish of my lady then.
He grinned, kissed her hand and went for the cards. What the hell was that, Tom? What are you doing? You still don't know what she could do... Oh, but I want to find out... TOM... SHUT UP!
She went to the sink and started to wash the dishes. Stay calm now, he just kissed your hand it's not a big of a deal. He's done that before, who knows how many women fell for this already... Well, I hope he wants me to fall for it as well... STOP IT!... SHUT UP! As she finished the dishes he already setted the coffee table in the living room for the game.