We'd loaded up the service car with the presents, trolleys, boxes of food and drink, and spent the empty stock working readying the train for the influx of excited families. The lead steward asked me if I'd pop up to the loco when they'd run round and do drinks for the crew while the rest of the buffet crew helped with settling the passengers. The loco crew would have been on several hours before us lighting up and getting up steam for the day's trains, so they'd be grateful for a drink.
I helped with the initial influx of passengers at the top of the train, but as soon as I felt the bump of the loco coming back on the train, I got off onto the platform and walked up to the loco. The fireman was building up the fire, and didn't notice me.
"Hello, hello -- would you like a drink?"
The shovel went back into the coal, and a head came out of the cab door.
"What would you and your driver like to drink?" I asked.
No response, and a long stare. Tall and skinny. Lovely face. Arrested green eyes you could drown in. And suddenly a blush.
"Sorry -- I didn't hear what you said,"
"You did seem to lose your concentration," I laughed up. "What do you both want to drink?"
"I'll have tea, white no sugar, and the driver would like chocolate. Thanks."
"No problem. I'll be back with them in a minute," I was glad to turn away. I think I fancied the fireman. As I walked away, I heard the engine hissing, and looking back realised the face had disappeared to attend to it.
I wasn't looking for love. In fact I was enjoying not having any ties, being able to concentrate on the challenges in my job and relaxing with friends while enjoying my railway hobby. If you've never been on a Santa Special on a steam railway, you've actually missed a treat. All the train staff dress up in the most ridiculous Christmas costumes. I was dressed as a Pixie. Christmas treats are served to all, and the buffet staff are continuously busy while the passengers make good use of the licensed bar served up to their seats. Of course the kids get to see Santa and receive a gift -- they're not bad either!
But through the day I couldn't get my fireman out of my mind. Since when did the fireman become my fireman? Unfortunately I was busy when the loco crew had their next lot of drinks, so I didn't get a second look. Occasionally when the train went round a bend I could see a figure in the door of the loco, but that was it.
We were busy clearing up ready for the next day on the empty stock working, and without thinking I'd manoeuvred myself to clear the carriages nearest the loco. Once the set was propelled into the carriage shed, I worked my way to the end door, stepped down and set off towards the loco. My fireman was just about to swing up into the cab to go for fuel, so I quickened my pace and called out.
"Are you coming with us to the pub?" As my fireman turned towards me I was sure I saw a brief flash of interest.
"Yeah. I was planning to eat there. See you there, I hope. But don't expect us for at least couple of hours -- we've got to coal up and dispose as well as shower."
I was surprised at how much I minded the neutral reply. I wasn't looking for love -- or was I? Well at least my fireman would be there.
"We've still got half an hour of cleaning left in the set, so I'm sure we'll still be there. See ya." I waved and smiled as my fireman swung up into the cab, the loco whistled to announce a move, and glided off to coal up.
How could my fireman have got so under my skin? We hadn't really spoken; didn't know anything about each other. I turned back to help finish the cleaning and preparation for the next day, thinking, "Must be about 5ft 10. Skinny, but muscled. Must be to do that job. Much taller than me. God, I hope I'm not going to make a fool of myself. Wonder what colour hair is under that greasetop cap?"
As soon as we'd finished, we removed our costumes and stowed them in the service car and trooped out. The lead steward turned off the carriage shed lights and locked the door behind us. I went straight to the pub with the others, and we all ordered food. It was a jolly party round the table and the conversation ranged widely over the day's amusements.
Suddenly my fireman was there, ordering food at the bar. Strange, I hadn't imagined long hair under the greasetop cap, let alone long shiny blonde hair cascading down. I must have been staring. When my fireman turned round, there was a frozen moment, then a huge smile. I was so relieved I couldn't help but smile, and I knew it was a big one because I could feel my face ache. What shocked me was that my nipples hardened. It was only then that I realised I would have been devastated without that smile. God I had it bad.
I was stuck in the middle of the table. The only empty seat was at one end. I watched as the occupant of the chair returned. The banter was light hearted but pointed, and my fireman got to eat sitting down amid much laughter at the occupant's expense.
Our gazes kept clashing over the length of the table, and as a few people got up to leave, I managed to slide down on the bench near to my fireman.
"Glad to see you're getting your strength up." I whispered, then laughed when I saw a definite fumble with the cutlery.
I hadn't ordered a pudding, and the treacle sponge looked so good. My fireman held out the spoon.
"Go on, taste it."
It was gorgeous on a cold evening. That lovely sweet taste with the crumbly sponge and smooth custard.
"Hey, what about me?"
I realised I had eaten about half of it. I picked up a spoonful and fed it into that kissable mouth. When the tongue came out to lick the lips, I sighed with pleasure, and my fireman leaned over to whisper in my ear:
"If we don't hurry up and finish this, I think I'm going to spontaneously combust."
