“First stop the deli” The excitement in Sarah's voice was like that of a child. We all laughed, It was such a nice day. It seemed quite bizarre really, here I was, with two complete strangers, going on a picnic. Yet strange as it sounds, I felt comfortable and relaxed and as though we were all just best friends spending the day together. “Here we are, the deli” Ralph pulled up out side “Can you ask for some non alcoholic wine and some glasses” Sarah jumped out and called over her shoulder “Already done”. “She is one very efficient assistant” I smiled at Ralph in his rear view mirror. “Yes she is” he replied turning round to face me. “If you give me directions or your post code I'll put it in the sat nav”. Sarah came back laden with picnic hamper and cooler bag, she opened the boot, put it in and got back in the car. “Oooh this is so exciting, I haven't had a picnic in ages”. Ralph smiled and said “Don't forget, this is still work hunnie”. Sarah stuck her tongue out. “I know, but all work and no play makes Ralphy a dull boy”. The car was filled with laughter as we continued on to my place.
“Lee, would you like some help when we get to yours?” asked Sarah. “yes, thanks”. I had no idea what to grab and it would also give me a chance to ask her a little bit about Ralph.....purely on a professional basis of course. “ OK ladies here we are, please don't take all day, we need the light remember”. We both got out of the car and replied “ Yes boss” and entered the front door giggling.
“Nice place” said Sarah as she followed me upstairs to my bedroom “Do you live here alone or with a house mate?” “Hahaha, sort of” I laughed . “It's just me and Sasha”. I caught Sarah's facial expression from the corner of my eye. “Oh” she said. This made me laugh even more, “Sasha is my cat!” We both smirked and entered the room. Sarah was nosing around as I was sorting through draws and my wardrobe. “OK, help. What should I bring with me?” Sarah peered into the hanging space. “Hmmm, let's see. Jeans ¾ length, shorts, blouse, cashmere sweater, sandals...........oh that defo” as she picked up a play suit. “I like this, playful yet sexy. Do you have some shoes to go with?” Quietly I thought to myself, this girl is more than just a receptionist. “yes, all my shoes are in the box at the bottom there”. I grabbed another hold all from the top of the wardrobe and began to pack. “Sarah, can I ask you a few questions?” I said, folding my things. “Yes, fire away” she replied. So many things to ask, keep it to the essentials. “Is Ralph married or involved with anyone?” to much. Sarah laughed hard. “No sweetheart, he is very single. He's kind and generous to a fault, I couldn't ask for a better boss” her eyes grew wide as she spoke of him. “And if your wondering, he doesn't mix business with pleasure or didn't till you came through the door yesterday”. I blushed again. She saw me shift awkwardly, and touched me lightly on the arm. “It's OK, I won't say anything to him. “So, my turn. How was your first shoot?” the room filled with laughter again. “Very good” I replied with a smile and a wink.
BEEP, BEEP..the giggling continued as we ran down the stairs, out the door and into the waiting car. “And what are you two giggling about? Said Ralph as he started the engine “Or should I not ask? Trying to keep a straight face, I looked at him in the mirror. “Nothing, just girl talk”. “Anything I need to worry about? He said winking back at me. “No” giggled Sarah. “I just made an awkward observation about her house mate”. We both fell into fits of giggles. “What? Girls, honestly, you can't get a sensible word out of you when your like this?” Ralph shrugged his shoulders and pulled away. “Next stop, the country side!” The scenery flashed by, the sun light filled the car and it's warmth made everything so cosy, so cosy that I must have dropped off. Something I hadn't done since I was a child. A voice was calling me out of my sleep. “Hey sleepy head we're here” said Sarah nudging me gently. “ where's here? I replied stretching my arms. 'Virginia Waters' was what it said on the sign outside my window. I stepped out of the car, and walked about trying to get the circulation back in my legs. “So what do you think?” said Ralph putting his arms around both Sarah and me. “Beautiful isn't it, we have wonderful gardens, wooded glades and the lake. I think this will make an excellent back drop for your next shoot Lee”.
