Blackpool (Part1)
Lee and Lucy's relationship went from strength to strength, and they were soon almost inseparable. Lee continued with his 'mission' to grow up, constantly surprising Lucy, in particular with his new-found emotional maturity. He was also more responsible financially, having kept his word about getting an additional job. Within a couple of weeks of them getting together he found work as a delivery driver for a couple of local food shops.
One evening, two months later...
"Hi Luce, how was your day?", Lee asked as she breezed into the flat and sat down next to him, kicking off her shoes.
"Good actually. Banchettos have finally been on the phone".
Lucy had been waiting two months for the manager of the restaurant where she'd contracted food poisoning to officially admit the restaurant's responsibility and to offer any kind of compensation, even though he'd given her a grovelling apology. She'd been told the delay was something to do with continuing investigations and the involvement of lawyers.
"Oh right, what did they have to say?"
"Well, sorry again of course. He said the restaurant was responsible for the food poisoning and then started talking about the actions they'd taken to stop it happening again, you know, a review of hygiene procedures and staff retraining, that kind of thing. They've offered me compensation".
"At last. How much?".
"He offered me three thousand pounds".
"Wow! Did you accept it?'
Lee had assumed Lucy would be offered something out of court, as they were clearly afraid she might sue them, but he didn't think it would be as much as three thousand pounds.
"No".
"No? Why not?
"Wait, let me finish. I told them about my stint in hospital, and explained that I was self employed so there was the five days of lost earnings, and your lost earnings as you were looking after me. Then I mentioned that you'd had to have your car valeted, and then of course the trauma of the whole thing. So, they ended up offering me five thousand pounds, which I've accepted. You know the claims company I phoned thought they could get me a couple of thousand at the most, so I didn't hesitate. I've got to go and pick up a cheque in the morning".
"Five thousand pounds! Blimey, that's a lot of money Luce!".
"I know. I thought to celebrate we could book that trip to Blackpool we talked about now, no expense spared on the hotel, what do you say?"
"With that amount we could go somewhere better than Blackpool".
"I still want to go though. How about we spend a weekend in Blackpool then move on to the Lake District, stay in a cottage or something for a week? It'll be romantic, our own little lakeside hideaway. I know you don't like flying so I won't suggest a holiday abroad".
"Okay, that sounds lovely. I'll call my boss and if she agrees to me having the time off we can start looking for accommodation online tonight".
Lee was more than keen on the thought of a romantic getaway with Lucy. With them both working and their flat regularly being invaded by Daisy, Tim and Lucy's parents, they didn't get enough time together alone.
...
Two weeks later, in Blackpool...
Lee and Lucy had booked a suite at a five star boutique hotel, which was conveniently located right on the seafront and was a five minute walk from a tram stop. It was one of the most expensive hotels in the town, but they had decided to push the boat out seeing as Lucy had recieved her compensation money. After only one night there they had already decided it was worth every penny, the room was comfortable and luxurious and the staff could not have been more friendly and helpful. There was definitely no one from the 'scary landlady' school of hospitality here.
Having eaten a delicious breakfast they stepped out of the hotel, their senses immediately awakened by the evocative sounds and smells of the seaside. They heard the seagulls loudly squawking, the waves crashing on the shore and the squeals of excited children playing on the beach. They let the sea air fill their lungs, the smell of the ocean and freshly cooked fish and chips bringing back happy childhood memories. The sun was now shining and the sky was blue, so unexpected and welcome after the rain which had greeted them on their arrival last night. After a whole day of travelling they hadn't really had the time or energy to do anything last night, and after checking in and unpacking they'd gone straight to bed.
"Welcome to the Golden Mile Luce".
"I made it at last", she said, taking in the sights in front of her.
"Just remember what I said, keep your expectations realistic and you won't be disappointed".
"Okay", Lucy chuckled, "How is that job with the Blackpool Marketing board going anyway? I can just see that slogan on a poster"
"It was either that, 'tackiness is in the eye of the beholder', or 'Blackpool- it's not as grim as you think, so I think I chose the kindest one".
"If you say so. Anyway, I'm here, I've got an open mind, I'm ready to experience Blackpool".
"Good, the come on then, what do you want to do first?", Lee asked.
"I don't know. You know Blackpool, what do you recommended?".
"I suggest we get the tram to the Pleasure Beach, go there if you want. How are you on fairground rides?"
To be honest I'm a teacups and waltzers girl. I only really like the tame ones".
"Oh good, coz if you're planning to go on the Big One don't expect me to come with you. I don't do rollercoasters, not after the trauma of the last two times".
"Oh yeah, all that crap with your dad and the whole goldfish thing. I remember you telling me".
"Yeah, well, let's not talk about my dad now, it'll spoil the mood. There's lots of tame rides at the Pleasure Beach so we'll be fine. After we've been there I suggest we take a slow walk via the South Pier along the promenade back up towards the Tower".
"Sounds good to me. Can we stop for fish and chips at some point though? I can smell them and it's making me hungry"
"Yep, the best ones always used to be from a place half way between the North and South Pier. I hope it's still there"...