Thursday, January 25, 2007

A Little Bit Country


I stood, shivering outside the imposing Centrepoint building at Tottenham Court Rd, stamping my feet in an effort to keep warm on the first day it snowed in the UK for a year. My Creative Zen was blasting Lady Sovreign into my ears; something energetic to prevent my mind from dwelling on the sharp winds whistling around me. During the second verse of 'Random', I felt a tap on my shoulder. S had appeared, wrapped in the cosiest looking jacket and beaming broadly at me. We hugged and all at once I forgot the cold, I forgot the touts jostling us, trying to get us to buy tickets for Jamie T at the Astoria, and my little world was filled with him.
Yes, yes, I know it's melodramatic but a) I think we've established I have a tendency in that direction and b) I hadn't seen S for 10 days and I missed him. We went to 101, usually a place I like to avoid like an ex-boyfriend but on a chilly Wednesday night it was practically empty plus it was happy hour on the cocktail menu (I'd drink in an abbatoir if they had a deal on drinks). We drank White Russians and laughed constantly while I revelled in the joy of being near him again. There's always a little physical awkwardness between us when we first meet, neither one wanting to be the first to touch or sit right next to the other. It doesn't usually last that long but I've realised that he's as afraid of rejection no matter how minor, as I am. I wonder what's behind that particular emotional door...

S had tickets to a gig at The Borderline, a small venue near Greek Street famed for it's Country and Western associations and big name bands that like to patronise it with intimate, private gigs - often under a psydeudonym so only those in the know, know. We went to see Railroad Earth; a band I hadn't heard of until S lent me a couple of CDs of theirs. They're pure, Blue Grass Country hailing from (I think) New Jersey who hadn't played in the UK before. They are one of S's favourite bands and he was beyond excited. The venue is indeed, tiny and smoky but amazingly atmospheric. We found a great spot, seated atop a waist-high cupboard (which, embarrassingly S had to help me up onto - I have very weak biceps) right next to the stage. After the support acts finished, the place filled up and pretty soon there were long-haired blokes and cute chicks dosy-doing and generally having some kind of giant hoe-down. It was a great atmosphere and I found myself completely absorbed in the music, smiling involuntarily at the exuberance of the fiddler who was nearest us on the stage. S made a point of holding my hand or touching me in some way throughout. During my favourite song of theirs also called Railroad Earth; a beautifully whimsical acoustic track, he leant over and kissed me for the first time that night. I'll say one thing for the boy; he's certainly got timing.

Earlier that evening we'd started talking about movies and, knowing my love of Arnie films he suggested we should have a Predator night. This rapidly grew into a 'schlock night' featuring Predator and Running Man and to counterbalance that, a 'comedy night' with The Three Amigos and Spinal Tap. He asked when we should do it and I suggested Friday night, knowing my housemates were out. Luckily he was free although we couldn't decide which theme to go with for movies so we're going to do The Three Amigos then Predator (it's our thing we can change the rules). I'm going to cook - probably some three alarm chilli in honour of The Three Amigos and I think S might bring some tequila (seriously).

We went our separate ways a little after 11pm and at the scene of our first kiss, in Tottenham Court Rd tube we kissed again. I whispered something about how spending the evening but not the night with him kind of sucked and he agreed although he did point out that we were seeing each other in two day's time and that would definitely include a night (beyond excited about this).

Elsewhere the new job is calming down a little now the pitch is out of the way. I am able to try and get to know my colleagues and the job a little better. Unfortunately I am now dreaming in Powerpoint slides due to massive overexposure in recent days.

Our official farewell to K in Soho last Saturday night was a lovely evening. We ate Italian then the five of us tripped off into Soho and found a bar on Carnaby Street. We all got tremendously drunk which was pretty much the point.
She actually leaves this Sunday so on Saturday night, A, K and I are all staying in for chick flicks, wine and junk food (your typical girls night in minus the face packs of our youth) as a special goodbye. It's going to be really sad and I'll miss her loads but on the plus side I have a new job to keep me busy, a new flat to settle into and a new man to make me smile.

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