We All Wear Masks Sometimes

[BadForm]

OOC: Another open-ended, free-directional thread from the derailed mind of BadForm. I just thought of the above title and liked it, but couldn't think of what exactly to do with it. Welcoming any number of creative writers who can. This can involve anything that you wish to draw my authoress into, but should somehow fit with the basic idea behind what she is trying to write.


IC: I sat in the Inkwell, as Reuters Cafe on Addleburn Alley was known. It was a quiet place where many of the local writers and artists went to relax, and where wannabes like me went for inspiration. The trouble was, I wasn't having any of that right now.

I chewed my pen, half-consciously, as I mulled over what I had written so far. A title. "We All Wear Masks Sometimes." It wasn't a bad title, in fact there was something about the phrase I liked. It seemed to say a lot about what people were, what we all did. We all hid our true personality sometimes, we all wore 'masks' to make people think we were different to what we truly were. Yes, it was a nice concept for a story, but the story itself wasn't coming.

I sat and drank my cafe mocha, sighing as I spilt a little carelessly onto my blouse. Thankfully it was brown, I thought as I carefully mopped up the little drip. Oh well, if I didn't find any inspiration for the story tonight, I would go on to something else.

 

[BadForm]

<wishful bump, if there's no interest I'll let it fall>

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Natasha

"Look are you gonna cover for me or not?"

My voice was slightly raised as I spoke into the mobile.

Damn this was annoying. Fliss was supposed to be my best friend. This had taken ages to plan and now she was going on and on about being careful and did I know what I was doing?

I carefully controlled my voice to take on patiently hushed tones:

"I know.. yeah.. I know... "

I bit back a sigh.

"Look, I told you, he's.. older.. no.. I don't know.. well.. I.. ok.. ok.."

Rolling my eyes at her nagging I played with the foam in my capuccino.

"I'll phone you... No I don't know when.. but.. for God's sake don't drop me in it.. right?"

I smiled. Fliss would come through for me.

"Ok.. ok... yeah.. and you take care too?"

Soo close... nearly all set.

"Byee.."

Click. Finally.
I let out a sigh of relief and checked the clock.
I still had 5 minutes.

Time for transformation.

I'd managed to get out of the house in the lil denim skirt I'd bought. I slipped off the dowdy tshirt, stuffed it in my bag and pulled the gypsy style blouse lower over my well-endowed chest. Not bad for 19 even if I thought so myself.

I smiled and flicked open the compact. Draining the coffee before me, I set about painting on the face. I had to look as old as I could. I look could look about 21 in full makeup. This guy was experienced, sophisticated and I wanted him to want me.

I concentrated on the mirror, thinking, sure I knew what I was getting myself into, what was there to worry about.....?

 

[SouthernSting]

Fuel

Don't be fooled by me.
Don't be fooled by the masks I wear.
For I wear a mask. I wear a thousand masks, masks that I'm afraid to take off, and none of them is me.
Pretending is an act that is second nature with me, but don't be fooled for God's sake, don't be fooled.
I give the impression that I'm secure, that all is sunny and unruffled within as well as without; that confidence is my name and coolness is my game; that the waters are calm and I'm in command and I need no one.
But don't believe it; please don't.
My surface may seem smooth, but my surface is my mask, my ever-varying and over-concealing mask.
Beneath lies no smugness, no coolness, no complacence.
Beneath dwells the real me, the confusion, in fear, in loneliness, but I hide this, I don't want anybody to know it.
I panic at the thought of my weakness and fear being exposed.
That's why I frantically create a mask to hide behind, a nonchalant sophisticated facade to help me pretend, to shield me from the glance that knows.
But such a glance followed by love and acceptance is precisely my salvation. My only salvation.
It's the only thing that can liberate me from myself, from my own self-built prison walls, from the barriers that I so painstakingly erect.
But I don't tell you this. I don't dare. I'm afraid to.
I'm afraid your glance will not be followed by love and acceptance.
I'm afraid that you will think less of me, that you'll laugh and your laugh will kill me.
I'm afraid that deep down inside I'm nothing, that I'm just no good and that you'll see and reject me.
So I play games, my desperate, pretending games, with the facade of assurance on the outside and a trembling child within.
And so begins the parade of masks, the glittering but empty parade of masks. And my life becomes a front.
I idly chatter with you in suave tones of surface talk.
I tell you everything that's really nothing, nothing of what's crying within me.
So when I'm going through my routine don't be fooled by what I'm saying.
Please listen carefully and try to hear what I'm NOT saying; what I'd like to be able to say, what, for survival, I need to say, but can't say.
I dislike the hiding - honestly I do.
I dislike the superficial phony games I'm playing.
I'd like to be genuine, spontaneous, and me; but you have to help me.
You've got to hold out your hand, even when that's the last thing I seem to want or need.
Each time you are kind and gentle and encouraging, each time you try to understand because you really care, my heart begins to grow wings. Very tiny little wings.
I want you to know how important you are to me.
Please help me.
You alone can release me from my shadow-world of panic and uncertainty, from my lonely prison.
So do not pass me by. Please do not pass me by. It will not be easy for you.
A long conviction of worthlessness builds strong walls. The nearer you approach me the blinder I may strike back.
It's irrational, but despite what the books say about me, I am irrational.
I fight against the very thing I cry out for.
But I'm told that love is stronger than the strongest walls, and there lies my only hope.
Please try to beat down those walls with firm, but with gentle hands, for a child is very sensitive.
Who am I, you may wonder? I am someone you know very well....
For I am every man, every woman, you meet.

 

[cgraven]

Frank Bedlow

Frank

Natasha 21 a meet set the time set her voice was so young and sweet it did not have the edge of life live even at 21. But who was I to quibble.

I made my way to the club in my slightly out of fashion sports coat, shirt and tie. After all I was a recently devoiced man, had not been on a date in years.

I found it much easier this way, the older man, been out of circulation, just starting to date again. Yes I liked them young but they would shy away from a single guy my age but the poor bubbling character I played was like a magnet, and I had a rather amazing choice of tasty morsels to choose from.

We had met online, chatted exchanged little secrets I had confessed my fears about dating again , I had hung back just enough, resisted just enough till I let her convince me we should meet for drinks.

I told her I would wear a red rose in my lapel.

I checked my watch and walked in just as we planned .



Frank Bedlow, 39, single, and rather well off in life, but Little Natasha knew none of this.

I stood there she was to signal me.

Soon the games would really begin.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Natasha

Natasha snapped her compact shut and checked her watch.

Soon, so soon… she kept her eyes on the door.

She didn’t know this place and wondered how he did.
She glanced round.
She had hoped that she would have a chance to remain anonymous for precious moments, before she made herself know to him.
Moments that would allow her to assess whether they would “click” as well in real life, as they had seemed to online.

Anonymity seemed unlikely, however. She felt as if she stuck out a mile.

The door opened once more and she looked up, her expression at once expectant and wary. She sighed in relief noticing the unkempt man who entered did not wear the rose she sought. Before her eyes could glance away, he gave her a hopeful leer.
She turned away in disgust.
“In your dreams…” She whispered softly to herself.

So intent was she on avoiding that man’s gaze, that she did not hear the door open once more, or see Frank walk into Reuter’s Café.
When she did raise her gaze once more, her eyes rested on the rose.
The redness stood out like a flag and that flag was approaching her tentatively.

She let her eyes do a quick assessment, as her face broke into a smile, at first slightly forced, then breaking into a natural expression of relief.

He looked ... "normal"; kind eyes, a bit rumpled, but shy and seemed to feel as awkward as she herself felt as he stood before her table, his look questioning and hopeful.

“Frank…?”
She spoke first. Her tone one of soft enquiry, though she was certain it was him.

He nodded… “Natasha..?” He answered, mirroring her need for assurance.

“Yes..” She smiled and laughed at the relief on his face, gesturing him to a seat.

 

[cgraven]

Natasha..?” my eyes and voice mirroring her need for assurance.

“Yes..” She smiled and laughed at the relief on my face, gesturing me to a seat.

Natasha I think to my self as this youthful dream smile attempts to reassure me all is well there is all ready a stirring in my loins as I shyly survey this tempting morsel. Ah young Natasha you are so tempting

“Natasha can I get you a drink some thing as sweet as you are… maybe a “Sex on the Beach”

I force a blush and am just a bit awkward, playing the role of the shy guy who has not dated in a long while.

“Natasha I hope that you are not disappointed with me now that we are face to face.”

I look down at my hands as I nerveriously toy with a bar napkin on the table.

“Are you.?.......... You still at college, or working?... I don’t think you said?’

So the hunt & game begains.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Natasha

I watched as he sat himself opposite me. He seemed awkward and unsure. I smiled reassurance and watched as his eyes moved shyly to mine.

“Natasha can I get you a drink some thing as sweet as you are… maybe a “Sex on the Beach”

God.. how corny ... but his blush and awkwardness excused the over obvious compliment and innuendo. I could tell he'd been out of circulation for a while. I could not imagine any girl being flattered by that offer as an opening line.

"I've had coffee so far.."

I gestured to the discarded spoon, realising I was playing with it nervously and releasing it with a clatter."

".. but a white wine would be nice.. dry please.."

I smiled, happy to think this request was unpretentious and hinted at the sophistication I wished to portray.


He nodded, but questionned me before moving to the bar.

“Natasha I hope that you are not disappointed with me now that we are face to face.”

I looked him over. He was about what I had expected, though the nervous movements of his hands as he played with the napkin, seemed to show a real lack of confidence. He had confessed as much to me online, but to see his discomfit made me warm to him. Contrary to my initial fears, he seemed to be the one who was more retiscent and unsure.

His eyes had lowered as I watched him, but he raised his eyes now to mine, his expression curious, but guarded:

“Are you.?.......... You still at college, or working?... I don’t think you said?’

"No.. I don't think I did.."

I stalled, trying to decide what to tell him.

"I do a bit of both, office work with release for college courses."

It was near enough the truth.

I looked at him, wondering when he was going to move to the bar to get the drinks, but did not like to hint.

I badly needed the distraction of a drink, more to occupy my hands than a real need for alcohol. With effort, I held my hands still, realising that they were itching to fidget and betray my true state of mind.

Outside, I was sure I appeared cool, but was still unsure what to make of my "date" For the evening. I tried to lead the conversation and draw him out:

"So... Frank,... do you know this place well?...I've never been here before myself..."

I let my eyes roam around the room, as if studying people, but in reality allowing him a respite from my curious glances, hoping he would settle more if I took my attention off him.

I felt slightly awkward that the conversation, that had flowed between us online, now seemed stilted and measured.

 

[cgraven]

Our conversation is stilted I play the shy older man, I let her draw me out slowly, I watch Natasha she is nervous, not at all what she pretends. Younger and this excites me for the younger she is the more I desire to have her. My thoughts suddenly interrupted.

"So... Frank,... do you know this place well?...I've never been here before myself..."

I blushed at Natasha question and was very cautious, was she testing me?

"No Natasha this is my 1st time here. It seemed to be convenient to both of us….. I have a friend who recommended it said the atmosphere was very pleasant, afraid I have not been out lastly…. Oh your wine white… dry.”

I excused myself ad got up and went to the bar. I waited as others got their orders. Then I got Natasha her wine and I a B&B in a snifter.. Neat. I returned to the table and sat down as engaged in light small talk getting to know each other better.

I noticed Natasha eyeing my drink.

“It’s B&B would you like to try a sip?”

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Natasha

I keep my voice light, showing interest, but still he blushes and hesitates before answering.

"No Natasha this is my 1st time here. It seemed to be convenient to both of us….. I have a friend who recommended it said the atmosphere was very pleasant, afraid I have not been out lately…. Oh your wine white… dry.”

I smiled as he moved to the bar, unconsciously letting out a sigh of relief.

Damn, this was more difficult then I’d imagined!

I had to keep remembering what I’d told him, keep pretending to be older and added to that, he was not making conversation easy.

I glanced over at him making the order at the bar. Waiting patiently, not jumping the queue, so self-effacing, no, I corrected myself, so lacking in confidence actually.

Even if this was … difficult … I couldn’t just walk out and leave him. The poor guy had gone through recently, hell I’d almost had to twist his arm to meet me.

I smiled and laughed to myself. Hardly the marauding Casanova Fliss had insisted he would turn out to be. She was such a cynic. There were nice people in this world too!

The smile was still on my face as he put my drink before me on the table. He met my eyes and responded with a shy smile of his own. I thanked him for the drink and sipped it. The cool liquid was soothing. I put down the glass, making sure I did not drink too quickly.

”French… nice..” I said encouragingly.

“Yes…”

Again a silence.

Desperate for something neutral to talk about, I began to ask him about places he'd visited and about holidays I'd had. He didn't need to know that each of these had been with school or parents. I kept the details carefully edited.

As we spoke, I noticed that he held his glass tightly. I watched his fingers toying with the sides. He was still nervous, though a shy smile kept breaking through now and again… It was going a bit better now, but it was still hard work.

“It’s B&B would you like to try a sip?”

I started.
His voice broke into my thoughts and pulled me back to the conversation.
I looked blankly as he pointed to the glass.

“Want to try Natasha?”

B & B?! My mind raced. What the hell was that?
He obviously assumed I’d know.

Without thinking, I reached for the glass, curiosity getting the better of me, but drew my fingers back, remembering that I needed to keep a clear head.

“No.. I don’t think so, Frank.”

I smiled to soften my refusal.

“I don’t like to mix my drinks,”

I added, pleased at the flash of sudden inspiration.
That comment would certainly suggest, I had an appropriate knowledge of alcoholic beverages, although in truth I rarely drank and did not tolerate alcohol that well when I did.

I smirked to myself: No this was not the time to see how many drinks it would take to get me rip roaring drunk.
I suppressed a giggle at the thought. That would freak him for sure.

Suddenly becoming conscious of Frank sat silently opposite me, I looked across at him and was stunned to find him watching me, his gaze suprisingly intent.

God. Did he guess? Had he realised how old I was.
I began to panic for the first time. My mind raced.
What if I did come clean, confess?
No. I knew I couldn't do that. At worst, he'd be angry, but added to that I knew that he was pretty pissed off at women in general right now. He didn't need to think that a so-called "Friend" had lied to him.

Lies and deceit. Tangled webs. I berated myself.

"Well, Tasha, you’ve got yourself well and truly trapped now."

I had no choice but to run with the persona I'd created for myself.

Quickly I looked away, avoiding his gaze, feeling guilty and willing myself not to blush.

 

[cgraven]

I returned with the drinks the conversation was stilted, I could see she was nervous, and then when she said;

No.. I don’t think so, Frank.” ………..“I don’t like to mix my drinks,”

My interest peeked, the descriptions of trips, places she had visited, confirmed my belief that Natasha, was much younger than she made out to be, probably still in High school and that thought alone made me want to see her naked and on her hands and knees.

Slowly, but steadily, I relaxed, shyly taking over the direction of the conversation.. Again I slipped in an offer to sample my drink, the brandy would hit her hard, and loosen her up quite a bit.

“ Natasha yes B&B is an acquired taste, the Brandy & Benedictine more suited to the mature pallet, a wonderful combination of the bite of Brandy and the honey sweet taste of Benedictine……………..Are you sure you want try some?”

She is really nervous, lowers her eyes demurely and a hint of a blush colors her cheeks.

“Natasha is that a family name? Bet you have a Nick name. ……. Natasha seems so formal.”

My voice is light and airy as I encourage this young Miss to open up, to talk more about herself. My eyes smiled at her while my mind striped her.


To all outward appearances I played my role as the shy guy hanging on her every word.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Natasha

It was strange. Almost as if he sensed my nervousness, he began to open up.

I sipped my wine, realising too late that I had consumed half the glass in a relatively short space of time. I put the glass away from me and put my hands determinedly on my lap. I listened to him speaking of places and travel.

All the while I wondered if I could pull this charade off.

“Is the wine ok..?”

Frank enquired gently as the conversation lulled.

“Ohh…yes.. fine…”

I stammered, blushing stupidly and reaching out to sip at my glass, welcoming the coolness of the liquid, not to mention the distraction it gave.

“How’s yours?”

I asked by way of keeping the conversation going.

Damn. I really had to act “normally” for a 21 year old.
Nineteen wasn’t so different was it?
… but I knew it was… and I was only just 19 too…

I had to get out of here I realised.

As before, his voice interrupted my panicked thoughts.

“ Natasha yes B&B is an acquired taste, the Brandy & Benedictine more suited to the mature pallet, a wonderful combination of the bite of Brandy and the honey sweet taste of Benedictine………”

The mature pallet..?… I looked over at him. Was he hinting? …testing..?

I looked at him, searching for the meaning behind his words, but then he met my gaze with a sweet smile, as he offered once again:

“… Are you sure you won’t try some?”

It was a simple offer. No hint of a challenge.

But ... it would be an ideal opportunity to show how “mature” I was.

“Ok.. just a sip… I don’t really like spirits.”

My voice was deliberately casual.
He offered me his glass.
I was careful to let just the merest drop pass my lips.

The liquid was a combination of sweetness and fire.
I was pleased that I did not have to hold back a gasp;
surprised that the liquid slipped easily down my throat.

“Not bad.. “ I commented non-commitally.

I hand back the glass.
We exchange a smile.
For the first time I feel the connection we share behind the screen, but has been missing in our “date” so far.

Perhaps I'll stay for a bit.. well.. another five minutes I think.
Then I really should try to get away.

“Natasha is that a family name? Bet you have a Nick name. ……. Natasha seems so formal.”

I smile as he initiates the conversation, his tone is interested, coaxing.

“My friends call me Tasha..” I offer… hesitantly,

“So does my mom… daddy prefers “Natasha” though.”

I find myself telling him.

I sip my wine… and continue with a grin ...

“Usually when I hear “Natasha” at home, I know I’m in trouble…”

Unwittingly, I’ve all but told him I live at home…

 

[BadForm]

OOC: Great scene guys - you two don't need a third. I'll drop. Enjoy.

 

[cgraven]

“Ok.. Just a sip… I don’t really like spirits.”

Natasha barely sips it but the warm glow in her cheeks leads me to believe that it will hit her hard.

“Not bad.. “

It is obvious that she is very young and nervous.

Gently I steer the conversation as she drains her wine.

“My friends call me Tasha..” she hesitates a bit shy, unsure

“So does my mom… daddy prefers “Natasha” though.”


Tasha’s wine is all but gone there is a rosy glow in her cheeks, her conversation lest guarded. I catch the barmen’s eye and signal for him to send over two B&B ‘s

“Usually when I hear “Natasha” at home, I know I’m in trouble…”

Still living at home is it Tasha I think to myself O yes she is no more than a senior in high school, just the thoughts of her naked with her legs spread has me as hard as iron. The waitress set down a snifter in front of us each, and clears away the empty glasses.

“So Tasha have you picked your major yet?”

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Natasha

“So Tasha have you picked your major yet?”

I look at him and think rapidly.

"Not really... French maybe...or English Lit.."

I bluff.

Two drinks are placed on the table.
One is put before me.

"Errr... another coffee, Please..."

I ask smiling at the waiter.

I push the B & B firmly across the table towards Frank.

"Ordering two rounds at once?"

I enquire lightly.

There is no way I'm having anymore to drink.

The waiter removes my glass and walks back to the bar.

 

[cgraven]

"Not really... French maybe...or English Lit.."


The drinks comes and Tasha pushes hers towards me, then addresses the waiter.

"Errr... another coffee, Please.......... Ordering two rounds at once?"

There is a shocked look on my face, I stammer, blush deeply.

“Natasha, I’m sorry I didn’t…. I… God this is hard getting back into the dating scene………..I have offended you………I better go”

I start to rise.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Natasha

I look at Frank. Fliss' warnings ringing in my ears.

Coffee was much the safer bet. If he were a gentleman, he would understand that.

I look up at Frank and notice his shocked face.


“Natasha, I’m sorry I didn’t…."

He stammers.

"I… God this is hard getting back into the dating scene……….."

I smile reassurance, but he is already standing up.

"I have offended you………I better go”

Instinctively I put out a hand and rest it on his arm, hoping to reassure him.

"Frank... there's no offence... I just prefer a coffee right now. "

I smile, wondering if he will indeed walk out.

Compassion mixes with exasperation.

Then it enters my head that perhaps he doesn't like me, perhaps he has realised I am too young for him and this is a mere ruse to get out of the way.

I pull my hand back and look for the coffee, which is sure to come soon.

"If.. you have to go...."

I say softly, not looking up at him.

 

[cgraven]

“Go Tasha?............. That is the last thing I want to do.”

I pause I look directly into her eyes, and let a glimpse of longing to be with her show. My voice soft with a longing in it.

“No Tasha your right coffee is a good choice, we need to get to know each other better……. I know it is a bit forward but would you like to go out and get a bit of supper.?”

I pause again my hand now resting on hers, my fingers gently rubbing the back of hers.


“Or are you expected home soon?”

Tasha I must have he one way or another this night, I have no intentions of letting this young miss slip throuhg my fingers.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Natasha

Go Tasha?............. That is the last thing I want to do.”

He uses my nickname, the more familiar version. I'm suprised at how it feels to hear it from his lips.
My eyes meet his as he sits down again.
I blush in confusion.
His gaze is strangely, unexpectedly intense.
It's the first time Frank has really looked at me, the first time he's actually shown me he ... likes me..?

“No Tasha your right coffee is a good choice, we need to get to know each other better…"

Again the name. As if we've stepped onto a higher plain of intimacy, but I missed it. One minute he was walking out, now...
My mind races to keep up.

As if oblivious, Frank continues:

"I know it is a bit forward but would you like to go out and get a bit of supper.?”

I try not to look suprised Frank's voice is soft, persuasive.
I see a glimpse of the man he must have been, before his bitch of a wife destroyed his confidence.

My mind races. Mom and dad think I'm staying with Fliss this evening, but I'm still not sure what I should do. Going on somewhere else hadn't been in the plan.

I shiver and look down finding that his hand has found mine.
His fingers are moving as if absent mindedly over the back of my hand. The touch, though casual is strangely intimate.

“Or are you expected home soon?”

I try to focus back onto what he was saying.

Did I tell him who I lived with?.. no .. I hadn't... so.. I'd have to keep it vague.
What would I say now? Did I want to go and eat with him?
I'd have felt "safer" with the shy bumbling Frank, but right now I was intrigued by the man I glimpsed beneath.
I was amazed to see the blossoming confidence which had strengthened enough for him to ask me out.
Illogically, I felt flattered that he felt able to be more himself with me.

"Supper... I... I don't know..."

I curse myself as I stammer.

If I left with him, I knew I had to phone Fliss, once I know where I was going. She'd made me promise. It was the only condition to her agreeing to be my alibi.

"Wh..where would you want to go..?"

I try to make my voice light. Not agreeing, but not dismissing his offer. I had to make sure I wasn't going to be out of my depth.

I smiled to myself.
See.. I was sensible. I could do this. I could date, hell I could flirt.
What trouble could I get into if I was careful?
It's not as if I was naive or anything!

I smiled shyly over at Frank and waited for him to speak, aware that his hand was still on mine.

 

[cgraven]

I watch Tasha’s shy smile the nervousness playing at the corner of her eyes as she plays her role. I wonder if she knows how young she really appears at this moment. The thoughts of this young girl as she slowly gets in deeper and deeper over her head till at last I have her moaning under me thrills me beyond belief. Y eyes are soft and my voice taking on just an edge of shy ness, as I continue to stroke the back of her hand.

“Well ther is a new place just out of town, very sophisticated, and a bit Avant Guard, but I understand the food is great, French cuisine.”

I pause as I gaze into her eyes then my lips brush the back of Tasha’s hand.

I really would like to get to know you better, and a relaxing dinner might be a bit easier on both of us then setting here in a bar.

My voice is soft soothing, and when I speak my hazel eyes look deeply into hers.

“Tasha It would really please me if you accepted, it has been a long time sense I have been out with anyone as pretty as you are.”

There is a hopeful spark in my eyes as I wait for her answer.

My mind is busy calculating this next move, Cocktails, dinner, wine and Irish coffee. Then to end the meal "Little Tasha" for desert.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Natasha

His hand is still on mine, stroking lightly.
I try to concentrate on his words.

“Well there is a new place just out of town, very sophisticated, and a bit Avant Guard, but I understand the food is great, French cuisine.”

He pauses. I try not to panic. French? Sophisticated? Help!

Before I realise it, Frank’s lips brush the skin on the back of my hand, sending a delicious shiver through me.

”I really would like to get to know you better, and a relaxing dinner might be a bit easier on both of us then setting here in a bar. “

I nod, before I realise what I’m doing.
His voice is soft and reassuring, but his eyes are full of… something I don’t understand.. an intensity I find disquieting and hypnotic.

“Tasha It would really please me if you accepted, it has been a long time sense I have been out with anyone as pretty as you are.”

I blush hotly. Still the pet name. I’m immensely flattered.
He finds me attractive, he wants to buy me a meal, wanted to get to know me.
Frank looks at my shyly, willing me to consent.

I realise I do want to go with him, learn more about him, but the façade will be difficult to maintain.
How could I bluff dinner in an expensive restaurant?
What could I tell him about myself?
But just because I was dishonest, could I let this poor man down, just when he’d found his courage to start dating again?
Damn.. I wish I’d never started this, not with the false persona.

Even as the reasons for not going with him are running through my mind, I’m already calculating when to ring Fliss.
I calculate that I should ring her just after we arrive at the restaurant.
That would be time enough.

I look up at Frank.
His eyes are still on me.

“Just dinner… I can’t stay too late though… ?”

I speak hesitantly, not quite believing I’m still going through with this…

 

[cgraven]

A smile brightens my face almost like a High school kid. A bit of innocent eagerness hopefully just the right touch to put Tasha at ease, to let her defenses slip just a bit more.

“Yes just dinner, in a quiet corner so we can talk.”

I pause look a bit sheepish.

“It is small Chateau style place, a medieval setting, I hope you like it.”

I pay the check and pull out Tasha’s chair for her. We walk to my car, a conservative sedan, but well appointed. I hold the door for her and am delighted the way her skirt rides up exposing a generous view of Tasha thigh. Damn I wanted to bend over right then and there and lick my way up to her sweet warm crotch and watch her squirm, but that would come later, this evening.

We drove out of town and I chose a series of back roads that brought us through the countryside and to the “Chateau de Muadire”. Yes a restraint but also a private club for those of us who prefred our women very young. A place that would facilitate, and cater to our needs to help us achieve our goals wither the young lady was willing or not. There would always be a little something special in their drinks and food to help loosen them up to fan the fires that would lead to their down fall. I of course would prefer that Tasha submit willingly, yet the thoughts of taking her by force had their own appeal as well, but either way her fate was now sealed. As we walked in to the medieval setting and where shown to a private dinning chamber.

“Tasha I hope you will enjoy our evening.”

I smiled to myself for I knew I would.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Natasha

I meet his smile. He seems so pleased!
I loved his boyish enthusiasm.

“Yes just dinner, in a quiet corner so we can talk.”

Again the hesitant Frank is back:

“It is small Chateau style place, a medieval setting, I hope you like it.”

I watch as he pays the check.
Medieval and chateau style.. it sounded intriguing..
I couldn’t help feeling excited anticipation.
Wait ‘til I told Fliss, she’d be green with envy and she wouldn’t be able to say “I told you so..” I thought smugly.

We left the café and Frank led me to his car.
I had a fleeting feeling of unease.

“Is it far from here then?”

I asked hesitantly, preferring to go somewhere local.
Frank looked so crestfallen as he stuttered that we could go to the local places if I felt better about that.

We stood for moments.
Me, undecided, he, almost squirming.
I looked at the car, a comfortable sedan.
The air had cooled. I only had a light jacked over my black skirt and light top.
I carried the shoulder bag with me.
It wasn’t bulky, but bulkier than it should have been.
I dipped my hand into it and switched the mobile on.
I knew that if I didn’t call in, then Fliss would call me.
I could still call when I got there.

“Frank.. .let’s go then..”

I smiled softly, a hand touching his arm lightly.

“You sure…?”

He queried as I nodded.

Ever the gentleman, he eagerly opened the car door and helped me in.
His look was attentive. He was grinning and I couldn’t help but smile back.
I leaned back in the passenger seat as Frank drove away.

The streets were darkening and I wasn’t exactly sure where we were going.
I watched with a twinge of unease realising we were leaving the centre.

“Tasha I hope you will enjoy our evening.”

I met his eager eyes and smiled.
He was so willing to please and I could see he wanted to take me somewhere special.
He was obviously wanting to make an impression.

“I’m sure I will Frank… “

I smiled happily at him.

 

[cgraven]

Tasha met my eyes and smiled, she was trying so hard to play the part she had assumed.

“I’m sure I will Frank… “

Her smile was happy.

Fredrick played his role to the tee.

“Sir do you have reservations?”

I look a bit shocked but quickly recovered and put on an air of confidence.

“Is there a problem?’

My voice is steady calm.

“Oh no sir we have a private dinning room if that would be suitable?’

“Yes it would.”

Fredrick shows me to the Private dinning room.

“I’ll have a B&B”

You Miss, the same or would you prefer white win?”

Fredrick Had done every thing correctly he was attentive, Holding Tasha chair for her, taking her warp.

I smiled at Tasha take her hand both of mine and appear to be lost in her eyes. I wonder if this sweet Miss will be a plum that drops into my waiting hands or if she will have to be conquered against her will, no matter which I would have her this evening.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Tasha

I tried not to gasp and the car swung up the drive.
The place looked like a mansion. It was isolated and set in what appeared to be extensive grounds. I didn't know exactly where I was, but the most worrying thing was that the place seemed to be very exclusive and must be horrendously expensive.
I was somewhat overwhelmed and was struggling to play it cool.

I smiled nervously at Frank as he swung the car round.
He insisted on helping me out so whilst he walked round the car I quickly tucked the mobile into my handbag, but left the bigger bag in the car. I couldn't walk in with that over my shoulder.

His arm supported mine as I stepped out of his car.
I held onto him lightly, then smoothed my skirt straight.
I looked up to see that he had held out his arm, offering it to me oldfashioned gentlemanly style.
I smiled into his eyes and coiled my arm lightly round his.


I was glad of the support when the superior looking Maitre d' enquired if we had reservations. I watched Frank hesitate and the worry cross his face. I squeezed his arm reassuringly.

“Is there a problem?’

He enquired then, his voice more confident.

“Oh no sir we have a private dinning room if that would be suitable?’

He beamed at me, looking pleased with himself.

“Yes it would.”

Still holding on to his arm we were shown to a very secluded room. I was overawed and wondered how Frank could know a place like this...

The Maitre d' hovered, all affability now. He held the chair out for me to be seated, took my wrap and enquired as to whether we'd like a drink straightaway.

Frank ordered a B&B then the man turned to me.

"You Miss, the same or would you prefer white wine?”

"A white wine would be lovely, dry please."

I said politely.
I watched him as he inclined his head slightly and moved away.
I could not see an obvious bar and our table seemed set apart from other diners.

Before I could look more closely, Frank took my hand.
I looked down to see my small hand held between both of his and, with sudden shyness glanced up to meet his eyes.

I am surprised by the intensity of his gaze.
I cannot drag my eyes away from them.
His eyes seem to draw me in, his gaze adoring, then a hint of something else passes... then it is gone.
And still he holds my hand and looks...