A Dangerous Love Affair

Chapter One-3

John handed Sally his phone, and she took one of him. “I’ll get your photo made up for you soon,” John promised.

As they sat and sipped another glass of wine, John felt more relaxed than he had been for some time. The sound of orchestral music drifting on the breeze made it the perfect setting.

“Have you had any luck in finding an agent?” Sally asked, interrupting his thoughts.

John shrugged. “No. It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack.”

She nodded. “Yes, I know what you mean. It took me several years before I found someone to represent me.” Sally snickered. “I expect as I’m a woman, you think it would be easy to find one. However, although my books are sensual, it doesn’t mean I am.”

John’s eyebrows shot up. “Sally! I wouldn’t think for one minute you would allow your sexuality to be used to get an agent.” He chuckled. “Still, I’m sure it must have helped.”

Sally nodded. “Yes, I must admit a few did mention they could help me, at a price. Although only hinted at, the suggestion was there.” She sighed, then continued, “It wasn’t until I wrote my third book that an agent approached me. A woman who’d read my previous books thought I had the potential to write a best seller. Thanks to her invaluable advice and coaching, a top publishing company contacted me. They did such a wonderful publicity job with my book; a producing company took it up. They made it into what turned out to be a blockbuster success.” Sally paused. “From there, I never looked back. I went on to write several more books that also became bestsellers, one of which became a successful film.” Sally’s smile began to fade. “So, John, now you know how I came to be what I am.” She shrugged. “I’m only sorry sometimes that I stopped writing. It’s been years since I did. My agent died several years ago and, in a way, I suppose it’s why I stopped writing. We were so close; I didn’t want to continue without her.”

Sally’s face brightened. “Anyway, never mind me. It’s you we need to get fixed up with an agent. It’s the only way to get noticed by the big publishers.”

After hearing a few tales from Sally’s publishing days, John suggested they take a walk in the park. As they set off, Sally stopped. To John’s astonishment, she said, “I want to thank you for a lovely afternoon. It’s been a real pleasure.”

John blushed. “Don’t be silly; it’s me that should be thanking you. Since breaking up with my girlfriend six months ago, I’ve barely talked to another woman. So, for me, it’s been great, and I appreciate the time you’ve spent with me.”

Sally gave him a playful poke in the ribs. “For someone who says he’s not a romantic, you know the things a woman likes to hear.”

John chuckled. “Well, with you, the words feel right.”

By the time they returned to Sally’s hotel, John was surprised to see the clock over the reception desk showed six o’clock. “Good grief, I never realised we’d been out so long.” He grinned. “As they say, doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun?”

Sally gave John a curious look. “So…, you enjoyed this afternoon, did you?”

John sighed. “Of course, but it’s a pity it has to end.” To his surprise and delight, Sally said, “If you want, it doesn’t have to. We’ve not eaten, and I am a bit peckish.” Sally tilted her head. “If you don’t mind waiting, I could slip upstairs, take a quick shower, and come down again?”

John nodded eagerly. “That would be great. I’ve enjoyed our day so much, the longer it lasts, the better.”

Sally’s eyes twinkled. “There you go again, another compliment. Right, you make yourself comfortable. I’ll be back as soon as possible.”

As Sally started to walk to the lifts, she turned. “By the way, some flight attendants are staying here, so behave while I’m away.”

“There’s no need to worry on that score. I’m more than happy being with you.”

Sally gave a dazzling smile and tossed her hair. “Remember those words, because as Arnie said, I’ll be back.”

John called after her, “And I’ll be waiting.”

A short time later, Sally reappeared wearing a dark blue trouser suit. John walked over to meet her, and instead of offering his hand, kissed her on each cheek. “You were not only quicker than I expected but look fantastic.”

“Thank you, but I had to be quick.” Sally looked like she was stifling a laugh. “I couldn’t leave you alone with those pretty flight attendants walking in and out.”

John chuckled. “I only had two smiles, and before you ask, I didn’t smile back at them.”

Wearing a look of amusement, Sally asked, “Is that true, or are you fooling with me?”

John shook his head. “I’m joking, of course. Once you get to know me, you’ll find I don’t play games with people I like.”

As they went to walk out of the hotel, John asked, “So, what do you fancy?”

Sally’s eyebrows shot up. “That, John, is a leading question.”

He chuckled. “Oh, I see. You’re not only a pretty face but witty as well.”

They were still laughing as they reached outside. Although the evening breeze felt warm, John felt comfortable while they stood and discussed where to dine.

Sally gestured towards him. “Well, as I picked the last place, you decide.”

John thought for a minute. “I know, there’s a bistro not far from here that serves excellent food. We can go there.”

Sally linked her arm in John’s. “Lead on,” she said. “I’m going wherever you are.”

As John said, it was close by; they decided to walk. About ten minutes later, he stopped. “Well, here we are. I hope you like it.”

Sally took a glance in the window. “If it’s as good as you say, then I’m sure I will.”

Although the bistro was busy, they managed to find an empty table. “You must be bringing us luck,” John said as he pulled out a chair for Sally. “This is the second time today we’ve managed to get a table.”

Sally flashed a smile. “Who knows, maybe I am.” As she looked around, Sally nodded in approval. “You’re right. I like the look of this place.” With a look of anticipation, she added, “If the food is half as good, I’ll be delighted.”

A short time after they ordered, a waiter brought over their bottle of wine.

While waiting for their meals, they made small talk and sipped their wine. When the waiter returned with their order, after inspecting her seafood salad, Sally licked her lips. “This looks delicious.” Looking across at John’s plate filled with fillet steak, rice and salad, she said, “Well, enjoy, because I’m sure I will.”

They had just finished their meal when through the background noise, the sound of a guitar became audible. Sally turned to see a smiling, stockily-built young man sat on a high stool playing the guitar. Her eyes widened in delight. “Oh! Did you know he’d be playing? I love guitar music.”

John grinned. “Yes! That’s my friend Chris. He plays here most nights.”

“So, you’re into music? What’s your favourite?”

He shrugged. “I like a variety of music, but prefer jazz or blues. What about you?”

Sally raised her eyebrows. “Surprise, surprise, I also love jazz, but for me, the music from the Sixties is the best.”

John nodded. “That comes as no surprise. It was a great period for music.”

They spent the next few minutes discussing various Sixties’ bands. John, who loved the Rolling Stones, discovered Sally favoured the Beatles.

During a break from his set, Chris spotted John and came over to their table. He reached out to shake his hand, “Hi, John. Good to see you.” Turning to Sally, he grinned.

“And who’s this gorgeous woman? You’ve been keeping her a secret.” As he shook hands with Sally, he shook his head. “Mind you; I’m not surprised.”

Sally laughed. “Oh, I can tell you’re a friend of John’s. I’m Sally; John told me you’re Chris.”

Chris gave a mock bow. “At your service.” He winked. “Anytime John’s too busy to see you, let me know.”

Seeing Sally stiffen, Chris chuckled. “Don’t worry; I’m only joking.”

After sat talking with them for a while, Chris stood up. “Sorry, but I have to get back to it.” He shook hands with them, then left to resume his set.

“He seems nice,” Sally said. “I like his music.”

John raised his eyebrows exaggeratedly. “Well, I can see I’d better not bring you here again.”

Sally reached over and gave John a poke. “He may be cute, but I’m sure he’s not in the same class as you.” They laughed and raised their glasses in a toast. “Here’s to good friends,” Sally said, “and long may they last.”

John nodded in agreement. “The longer, the better,” he said. On a quick glance across at Sally, John thought she looked as happy and relaxed, as he did. Thanks to her, he had enjoyed a fantastic day.

After finishing their wine, they sat and listened to Chris playing in the background. With a smile, John enquired, “Well, shall we go, or would you prefer to stay longer?”

Sally shook her head. “If it’s all the same to you, John, a walk would be ideal. We’ve been sat for so long; it’ll loosen up the joints.”

He nodded. “That’s a good idea. I’ll sort the bill, and we’ll leave.” As Sally went to speak, John held up a hand. “Don’t even think of it, it’s my turn to pay.”

They laughed, and John thanked Sally for making it such a lovely evening.

She flashed John, another of her dazzling smiles. “My pleasure John. Thanks to you, I’ve had a beautiful day. Good company, a pleasant walk, and an excellent meal with the bonus of Chris playing the guitar.”

John beamed with delight. “I also enjoyed it, but mostly your excellent company.”

“Wel…l, the day’s not over yet.” Sally tilted her head. “Unless you’re tired of me by now?”

John wondered how she could even think as much. “Don’t be silly; I could never get tired of being with you.” He then helped Sally up from her chair. As she turned to face him, she said, “If it’s all the same to you, why don’t we take a walk back to my hotel? We can have a nightcap there. That’s unless you have any other ideas?”

John’s eyes widened; he could not believe his good fortune. He’d thought the day had come to an end. “Sounds good to me. I can take a taxi home from there later. I left my car at home.”

Sally nodded. “I wondered if you had a car. It’s something we never mentioned. Also, where do you live in London?”

“I have an old Mercedes that gets me from A to B. As for home; I have a flat in Putney.” John sighed. “The car and the flat belonged to my parents. As I said earlier, they died in a car accident. Their car was in for a service, so they were using a hired one.” John shrugged. “Who knows? If they’d been in the Mercedes, they might have survived.”

Sally’s eyes softened. “I’m so sorry, John. That must have been a terrible time for you.”

“Yes, it was, but life must go on. Anyway, as for the flat, it has two bedrooms, a decent sized lounge, and separate kitchen. It suits me fine.”

With a sideways glance, Sally enquired, “If you don’t mind me asking, do you share with anyone?”

John shook his head. “No, it’s only me.”

“What about cooking and cleaning, do you do everything?”

John grinned. “Yes. I like cooking, and as for cleaning, I’m a tidy person, so it’s not a problem.”