by Kara Bryn
"I told him you'd lost a bet," she said, "He said he felt like he'd won the lottery." She grinned at me, obviously happy with her evening's work.
"So, my little English author," she continued, "How do you feel now? Like running and hiding?"
I thought for a second. "Strangely not," I said, "Now I'm here it's not… that weird, which sounds weird. That waiter… he was just powerless. It's quite liberating, actually."
Elisa smiled again. "And now you see that you have to experience such a thing to be able to write about it."
I nodded reluctantly.
I heard footsteps approaching again and the waiter appeared with a tray. On it was the bill and two small glasses. His eyes mostly lingering on me, he talked to Elisa.
"It seems you have made a friend," she said, "And these two limoncellos are on the house. I think he would like us to stay as long as possible."
I picked up one of the small glasses and raised it to the waiter.
"Gracie," I said to the waiter with a clumsy accent. Our eyes locked. He smiled back.
"Prego," he said. My heart fluttered at the gorgeous rhythm of the Italian language.
The waiter turned and left and Elisa sat back in her chair, her glass in her hand. We talked as we sipped at the liqueur.
"You know," she said, "I didn't think you would go through with it." Her eyes indicated my naked torso.
"I don't like to disappoint," I replied with a shrug. It sounded more confident than I felt.
Elisa shrugged. "Whichever one of us had done it, it would have been an evening to remember."
She sounded as if she was disappointed that it wasn't her sitting here naked. I guess I was the one getting the attention from the waiter.
"Well, if you feel like joining me…" I said. And it might make me feel better if she did.
Elisa laughed. "No, there's only a place for one naked woman in this restaurant." I laughed. "Come. You've finished your limencello. Let's go."
Elisa took some notes from a large bunch of euros in her wallet and left them with the bill. "My car is outside."
With that, she stood up. I realised that I still had the hardest part of the deal to come and I was about to give up the cover of the table. I could still hear a couple of voices across the other side of the restaurant. I was hoping we'd be alone by the time I had to leave. My heart beat harder in my chest.
Elisa picked up on my nervousness. "Come. Once you start it will be fine," she told me as she picked up her bag and started walking towards the exit.
I stood quickly, not wanting to be abandoned. The chair squeaked loudly on the tiled floor and four pairs of eyes at a table across the room turned in my direction. I stepped away from the table and heard the intake of breath and muttering as I came into their eyeline. I could feel the attention of the two young men and women as I forced my legs to propel me forwards.
I tried to imagine I was on a catwalk as I made my way towards the door, and by focussing on where I put my feet I was able to partially shut out the feeling of exposure. The waiter was behind the bar, his eyes unable to take in as much of my body as he wanted in one glance. As I passed I thanked him in Italian but I heard no reply. I looked forward and saw Elisa holding the door for me.
I heard her say something to the two couples at the table. They laughed and then one of the girls gave her partner a playful slap in admonition, although it did nothing to stop his eyes from following me as I crossed the room.
The twenty-two paces seemed to take all eternity but finally I was alongside Elisa at the doorway. She smiled at me, this time a gentler and more playful smile than I'd seen before. "Well done," she said, "I think we're going to enjoy working together." I smiled by way of reply and stepped gratefully into the street.
The air suddenly felt much cooler and I felt my nipples respond to the chill in the air. I folded my arms over my chest and suddenly felt more covered. I looked around and then turned to Elisa.
"Where's your car?" I asked her. None were parked on the narrow street.
She smiled at me again, and this time it was another smile full of mischief. "Come," she said, "It's just around the corner. And besides, it's a pleasant night to walk for a while."
I felt as if I didn't have much choice in the matter as we walked down the cobblestone street.
"So," Elisa said, "Tell me more about this woman in your book, the one who discovers the power of her body. Tell me how she feels."
I looked ahead of me down the street: we were approaching the town square. I could see the glow of outside lighting and hear people talking outside cafes and restaurants. Soon I would hear the shock in their voices and see the surprise in their eyes as I walked naked past them, outshining even the beautiful Elisa beside me.
It was my turn to smile; I was suddenly bubbling with ideas and passion. Writing this story was now going to be much easier than I had expected.
Other Books by Kara Bryn
Changing Rooms
Susan discovers that the more clothes she loses, the more she learns about herself. Changing Rooms is a seductive and evocative introduction to this complex character.
The Hen Weekend
Susan's journey of discovery continues, with a little help from her friends. Situations get out of control, rivalries grow, but you'll find you're rooting for Susan to come out on top in the end.
Connect with Kara Bryn
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Please note, my postings on Twitter, blog and Pinterest are very much not suitable for work! Just the way we like it, of course.
Best wishes,
Kara
~ Table of Contents ~
Naked Women In Shorts
The Girl On The Tube
The Guy On The Tube
Dressed In Tattoos
Helena And Pareia
The Boy Band
Overstayed
Interview With An Artist
Passed For Promotion
The Naked Office
The Pianist
The Author
Other Books by Kara Bryn
Connect with Kara Bryn