While working at my dad's offices during the summer break, there were times when I needed a change of scenery, particularly when things were intense while working on statistics for reports. Often, I just needed to get away from people, or the tension in the office. During my lunch hour, I often went to Knightsbridge, using the Piccadilly line from Russell Square. Sometimes looking around the department stores, particularly Zara, Harvey Nichols, Burberry's, or Harrods. My interests usually in shoes, perfumes, and underwear, spending many happy lunchtimes browsing, or on occasion buying something nice for myself.
Frequently taking a leisurely five-minute walk to the Brompton Road, and into Hans Crescent to a cafรฉ there that I found particularly quiet and welcoming. It had outside seating, the waiting staff, came to know me as a regular patron, and took care of me on an exemplary manner, shielding me from unwanted attention. Sitting at my table whilst taking my light lunch, I often enjoyed watching the world go by and relaxing before returning to work.
Recently, I noticed an older man, probably in his early 50's who seemed to be there whenever I turned around. He tried to hide that he was watching me, and in so doing only drew my attention to him more. Most days he would be around in the crescent, sitting on one of the benches, while I took my lunch. Sometimes when I was in one of the department stores, particularly if I was browsing the lingerie, I would see him observing what I was looking at, or what I actually bought.
Finally, one day, I paid my bill, and walked back up to Brompton Road, turning left towards Knightsbridge tube station. Walking slowly around the corner, I turned after a few steps and waited. He came around shortly after me, his eyes anxious having lost sight of where I was. He stopped as he saw that I was waiting for him. Looking him directly in the eye I spoke.
"Good afternoon, do I know you?"
He hesitated before answering.
"No, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to alarm you miss, I'm so sorry."
"Why are you following me, I've been aware of you for several days now?"
"I don't mean any harm, it's just, well, just that you are such lovely looking girl, I couldn't help myself. I just wanted to keep seeing you and watching how well you move."
I was conscious that several passers by were looking curiously at us. So, I moved closer to him and lowered my voice to a warm reassuring level.
"Well, now you've met me, my name is Lucy, and you are?"
"I'm sorry, how rude of me I should have introduced myself earlier, I'm Neil."
"What is it that you want from me Neil, what is it that you hope to find?"
"I was hoping I might get to meet you, perhaps talk with you, even spend some time in your company."
"Well, now that you've introduced yourself, and you've spoken to me, is that enough? Do you want to know more? Or are you a just a little bit disappointed?"
I'd love to spend some time talking with you Lucy, I have quite a few questions in my mind"
"Such as?"
"Do you live far from here Lucy?"
"Not really, I live with with my dad in Hampstead."
"So, you travel to and from work each day?"
"Not always, I'm at university and I only work in the holidays, but if I work late, and dad's away I stay in town overnight."
"Oh, where do you stay."
"Usually in our apartment in Kensington, but sometimes it's used by corporate guests, who are here for meetings, and clearly I'm not part of the services on offer."
"Then, where do you stay if the apartment is not available?"
"I usually stay in a hotel overnight, but it doesn't happen that often."
"Which do you prefer, Travelodge, or Premier Inn?"
"Neither I've never stayed in one of those."
"I'm sorry, I just assumed that for one night."
"No, I use the more upmarket type of hospitality hotels."
"So, are they 5 star?"
"Of course, I often use one close to here, at the junction of Brompton Road, and Knightsbridge."
"That must be nice, I've never stayed in a hotel like that."
"I must go Neil I have to be back in work soon, it's almost a half hour journey."
I saw the look of disappointment on his face, and feeling sorry for him, I added."
"Apart from that, it's not easy to talk like this on the street. Why don't you meet me at the cafรฉ for lunch tomorrow, shall we say 12:30pm?"
His face lit up, and he stuttered slightly as he spoke.
"Oh, yes, yes please I'd really like that."
"I'll, let the staff know, just join me at my table when you get there."
With that I said my goodbyes and walked to Knightsbridge tube station to catch the next train back to work.
The following morning, I got up, and made my morning preparations, showering, cleaning my teeth, brushing my hair, the normal everyday procedure of getting ready for work. I usually wear simple but comfortable clothing for work, particularly if I'm travelling to and from on the tube. Unless of course I am overcome by my exhibitionist streak. However I was meeting Neil for lunch, so I put a bit of effort into my outfit. Knowing that it might create a bit of a stir at the office, but I knew I could easily cope with that.