*I have never written anything like this before - constructive criticism welcomed!*
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The Spanish night was so warm I could feel sweat trickling down my spine. Sexy maybe but not when you're a 40-something woman walking solo in a town you don't know very well. I wasn't sure that coming on holiday alone had been a great idea after all.
I turned down a side street and took a stool at a little bar which didn't feel too intimidating. When asked what I'd like to order I requested a glass of rose and sat back to enjoy people-watching. As I sipped my glass I caught the eyes of a handsome dark-blond man opposite me. He smiled, his eyes as blue as the Mediterranean, and then dropped my gaze. I would have liked to have held his gaze a bit longer. My eyes slid away, then back again. He looked at me again and this time his eyes hooked mine. Just as I started feeling a little spark of interest, a woman in a cream Grecian tunic with long caramel-coloured hair sat next to him and he took her hand. I turned away, feeling disappointed.
"Can we sit with you?"
It was the woman who I had just been envying for sitting next to the blond man. Her tanned hand was on my shoulder. She had skin so smooth and honeyed it looked like she had been dipped in linseed oil, and her linen tunic hugged every curve. She was make-up free and her eyes were dark and feline. I felt that tug that you get when you really wish you looked like someone.
"Er - sure," I said, a little nonplussed. I moved over and both of them came to join me.
"Possibly a bit forward, but we noticed you're on your own and we're friendly. If we're annoying you, say so. Some people like being on their own." She smiled, obviously not expecting to be rebuffed. I was charmed by her openness.
"I was actually feeling pretty lonely," I admitted, "so I am glad you were forward!"
The waiter came to offer more drinks and we got chatting. They told me they came to Barcelona several times a year and stayed in the same apartment. Gareth was in law and Molly was an artist. I enjoyed talking to them both. They were at ease with each other and I liked the way conversation flowed between us. As the night drew on, the bar got quiet and a breeze started to chill us a little. Molly mentioned that their apartment was not far away and asked if I'd like to join them there for more drinks. Happily, pleased to have made new friends, I agreed.