Free London Harmony: Roctoberfest by Erik Schubach Page B

any way to talk to a lady?”
    I mocked, “Must... not... answer...”  She slapped my shoulder then grinned and stepped back.  “We'll never get anywhere with you heating me up like this.”
    I grabbed my bag and found myself connected to her belt loop as we walked out.  I said, “Your vehicle?  Or we can walk.  I don't have a car.”
    She prompted, “Any place good close?”
    I nodded and said, “Cavendish's Cafe is just down the lane.  It's like an old time soda shoppe from the Americas.”  I swung her hips by the belt loop as we walked, which only made her smile and lean against me as we walked along.
    We arrived at the fifties looking diner with its bright reds and chromes everywhere.  As we stepped in and were immediately greeted by an enthusiastic waitress, Olive.  She was always working the weekends.
    She was grinning like she had a secret when she looked between us.  She whispered to me as we slid into a booth ans she was handing us menus, “You might want to freshen up though her shade looks cute on you love.”
    I grabbed the chrome napkin holder and looked.  Bloody hell.  I smiled at the innocent looking woman opposite me and asked, “Why didn't you say anything?”
    She shrugged in an exaggerated fashion and said, “Just staking a claim.”  Which made the burn of a blush heat my cheeks and the back of my neck.
    I shot her a playfully indignant look. “Be back in a flash.”  Then headed off to get her decidedly pink lip gloss off my face.
    I took a moment to stare into the mirror after I cleaned up.  Trying to see what Mei was attracted to.  I sighed, it was best not to question my good fortune.  I peeked out the door at her reading the menu.  She was so far out of my league.  Then I bit back a giggle when I added “And a great kisser.”
    I marched back out to slide back into the booth across from her.  Her feet were instantly playing with mine.  I blushed again when I saw Olive leaning on her elbows at the ice cream bar, her fists tucked under her chin.  She had the kind of dreamy expression on her face as she watched us that made you wonder if a bunch of cartoon animals were going to jump out at any moment.
    I smiled at her and she hustled over with her order pad.  I've seen her act that way around other young couples.  I had no doubt she was addicted to romance books and musicals.  She looked between us.  “What can I get you, ladies, today?”

Chapter 5 – The Gig
    Later that night, I was out by the curb with my drums, as Mick pulled up with Carol.  Mick hopped out and said, “Give me some sugar.”  I gave her a hug, then she slapped my butt to get me going in the truck when I tried to start loading my drums into the back.  I squeaked out a gleep and giggled as I hopped in beside Caroline, rubbing my arse.
    Carol squinted an eye. “You do that on purpose don't you.  You know she'll never let us do anything physical if she can help it.”
    I defended poorly, “I do not.”  She grinned and I broke. “It's nice to have someone want to take care of you sometimes.”
    Then she bobbed her head down to her shoulders and squinted as she admitted, “I know, me too.”  We watched Mick move my drums into he back like they were toys then she joined us.
    She looked between us and squinted. “What's the topic?  My arse again?”
    We chuckled and I said, “No.  Just that we love you.”
    Quick as ever she didn't even miss a beat on her reply, “Well, of course, it can't be helped.”
    Caroline added, “And modest too.”
    Mick rocked over and bumped the blonde's shoulder, causing her other shoulder to hit mine.  Then she asked as she pulled us out into traffic,  “You two eat yet?  You know how much energy these gigs take out of you.”  Then she added, “Darin and I didn't get anything to eat today.”
    We blinked at that, she really was going after the poor bloke.  The twinkle in her eyes was something I had never seen.  I really think she was smitten.