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\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dgmargin \dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1800\dgvorigin1440\dghshow1\dgvshow1\jexpand\viewkind1\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\splytwnine\ftnlytwnine\htmautsp\nolnhtadjtbl\useltbaln\alntblind\lytcalctblwd\lyttblrtgr\lnbrkrule\nojkernpunct\rsidroot9521573 \fet0\sectd \linex0\headery708\footery708\colsx708\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3 \pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}} {\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9775379 \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid9775379 This story is a work of fiction and so no offence is meant to anyone who is mentioned within it.}{\insrsid6688106 }{\insrsid12459069 You should be over 18 reading this. All characters in this story are over the age of 18, therefore are considered consenting adults.}{\insrsid6688106 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13194255 {\insrsid15670418 \par }{\insrsid1274080 Hope }{\insrsid423012 you }{\insrsid9979227 all }{\insrsid423012 enjoy it and if you\rquote ve any constructive}{\insrsid1274080 comments to make please }{\insrsid12459069 e}{\insrsid1274080 mail me}{\insrsid15598267 or PM me.}{ \insrsid1274080 \par }{\insrsid423012 \par }{\insrsid15598267 John Connors}{\insrsid423012\charrsid2122827 \par }{\insrsid742670 \par }{\insrsid2122827 \par }{\b\insrsid742670\charrsid742670 MF, Oral, Cons, Rom \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3293514 {\b\fs28\ul\insrsid2710968 \par \par }{\b\fs28\ul\insrsid3740421 Big Feeling}{\b\fs28\ul\insrsid6176578 \par }{\b\fs28\ul\insrsid11556670 \par }{\b\fs28\insrsid11556670\charrsid9050136 I \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6691133 {\lang6153\langfe1033\langnp6153\insrsid3540728\charrsid6691133 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3293514 {\insrsid3293514 It was under a sky the colour of gunmetal that I}{\insrsid5662383 \rquote d}{\insrsid3293514 arrived at the town of Grange Villa in the North East of England. Grange Villa was the last night of a tour I\rquote d started eight weeks previously as support to a superb English blues singer-songwriter called Johnny Dickinson. We\rquote d travelled the length and brea}{\insrsid6507781 d}{\insrsid3293514 th of Britain playing in small to medium sized venues in some of the bleakest towns in the country and Grange Villa was no exception. As I manoeuvred my way through the streets of the town it became all too apparent that like many small towns and villages throughout the country that the closure of the adjacent mines had savaged the }{\insrsid10420548 towns\rquote }{\insrsid3293514 economy and decimated any lustre that it might have possessed. It seems that Grange Villa had once boasted a thriving coal industry until the 1980\rquote s when Margaret Thatcher had, in her infinite wisdom, closed mines throughout the country}{ \insrsid6040686 wiping out thousands upon thousands of peoples livelihoods}{\insrsid14112522 . As I continued through the narrow cobbled streets, Elmore James blasting out of my CD player, I scanned both sides of the road searching out the venue where tonight\rquote s gig was. Out of the corner of my eye a sign caught my attention and there before me was the Working Man\rquote s Club. I grimaced when I saw it\'85.. \par \par The Working Man\rquote s Club was certainly not the most salubrious venue I\rquote d played on this tour. Stepping out of my car}{\insrsid12150330 , a battered red 1985 Ford Sierra,}{\insrsid14112522 I screwed a cigarette between my lips and lit it, inhaling deeply. }{\insrsid4785375 The club was a dimly lit establishment and like many of its ilk it had probably been built in the 1930\rquote s with functionality a premium and aesthetics }{ \insrsid2710968 but }{\insrsid4785375 a minor concern. It was an ugly venue and on approaching it I noticed that the club sign was hanging at a crooked angle and was in dire need of a fresh coat of paint. God only knows what it would be like inside. Wearily I went back to my car and started getting my gear out.}{\insrsid14112522 \par }{\insrsid4785375 \par }\pard\plain \s15\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4785375 \fs24\lang6153\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp6153\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4785375 It came as no surprise that the main hall was in no better state than the club exterior. The walls and ceiling were coated with thick tobacco stains and a fetid stenc h of mildew mixed with stale smoke hung in the air. Off-colour white paint was peeling from sections of the walls which were also littered with large jagged cracks. The stage looked to be just a large piece of plywood perched on numerous plastic crates. I t didn\rquote t look as if it would be able to hold an amplifier never mind a fully-grown man. I tell you the pl}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7948053 aces we struggling musicians have}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4785375 to play! Looking at my watch I saw I didn\rquote t have long to get set up and sound check for the gig. \par \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15361377 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4785375 Less than two hours later I was climbing on stage to be greeted with a muted applause. }{ \insrsid15361377 I scanned the room. It was three-quarters full with a healthy mix of men and women. Most of them seemed to be middle-aged or older but I had noticed some younger people sitting in several places and as I played I noticed them nodding their heads or tapping their feet along with my playing. It was great to see younger people into blues}{\insrsid12150330 and roots music}{\insrsid15361377 . \par \par Time flies by when you play live. As I stared out through the haze of smoke I caught sight of the sound engineer who pointed at his watch and held up two fingers. I\rquote d played for nearly forty minutes and it was time to wind down the set. Nodding in his direction I struck the opening notes of the Scottish folk song \lquote The Lass of Loch Royale\rquote the fingers of my right hand picked the notes the glass slide on the little finger of my left ghosted up and down the fretboard. Once I heard my own voice kick in I closed my eyes and became lost in the story. I imagined I was the sailor gone overseas leavin g behind the love of his life pledging her his return, physically sitting alone on a makeshift stage in the North of England in the 21}{\super\insrsid15361377 st}{\insrsid15361377 Century but mentally traversing the South Seas on a frigate bound for the Indies in the 18th. When the last notes of the song had sounded I opened my eyes and was greeted with a warm applause with a few enthusiastic whoops and calls for an encore thrown in for good measure. I thanked the crowd profusely and made to get off stage only for the calls of encore to grow louder so I reached down beside me, took a quick swig from my pint, wiped my mouth with the back of my hand and addressed the crowd; \par \par \'93Thank you very much. Thank you\'85I\rquote m going to play one more song and then get off the stage so you can all see the amazingly talented Johnny Dickinson who is guaranteed to knock your socks off.\'94 \par \par Taking another quick slug of beer I reached for my lap steel guitar and positioning it across my knees adjusted the mike causing it to emit a high-pitched squeal of feedback. Grimacing I spoke as I tuned up: \par \par \'93This next song is for anyone who has ever worked in a job and found one day that their livelihood had been taken away from them. I wrote it for my father who sadly passed away last year and who worked for thirty-three years in a Sheffiel d Steel Mill before being made redundant. This song is called \lquote The Mill\rquote , my name is Alan Rogers and I hope you\rquote ve enjoyed the show as much as I have playing it.\'94 \par \par Clearing my throat I began to sing\'85\'85. \par \par }\pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15361377 \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid15361377 Ten minutes later I was standing outside the club smo king a cigarette and watching the first drops of rain splatter on the pavement debating whether or not I should try and drive back to Sheffield tonight. It was going to be late by the time this gig wrapped up and the weather forecast had predicted a sharp drop in temperatures tonight. Rain and a sharp drop in temperatures. There\rquote d probably be ice on the roads then which meant that getting home tonight was going to be extremely hazardous. A night in Grange Villa? Great}{\insrsid2710968 ...}{ \insrsid15361377 \par }{\insrsid409714 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid409714 {\insrsid409714 My train of thought was interrupted by the heavily digitised sound of Wagner\rquote s \lquote Ride of the Valkyries\rquote . Reaching into my pocket I fished out my mobile phone and checked who was ringing. Raising my eyes to heaven I answered; \par \par \lquote PJ\'85.how are you? \par \par A heavy Irish accent roared down the phone: \par \par \lquote Alan\'85how are ye\'85.it\rquote s good to hear from you boy\'85how are ye keeping. How is the tour goin\rquote ...any problems?\rquote \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15361377 {\insrsid409714 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13193049 {\insrsid409714 It was my agent Patrick John Hennessy. A jovial giant of a Cork man }{\insrsid742670 in his early sixties }{\insrsid409714 with a shock of white curly hair PJ, as he was known to everyone in the business, was widely renowned as being one of the shrewdest agents on the folk/blues/country scene; and one of the toughest.}{\insrsid1576145 He\rquote d worked in Ireland managing Showbands in the 1960\rquote s and 70\rquote s before moving to America where he\rquote d had great success managing Country bands. He\rquote d settled in England in the mid-90\rquote s and had been my agent for the past 18 months. Since then I\rquote d gotten a lot more work and my profile had risen steadily.}{\insrsid13193049 Behind his ample girth and amiable demeanour was a character that possessed a }{\insrsid742670 steely }{ \insrsid13193049 hard streak. He worked hard to get his acts places and in return he expected you to work equally as hard. So this phone call was not going to be just a social call. Taking a drag from my smoke I answered; \par \par \lquote I\rquote m fine PJ how are you?\rquote \par \par \lquote Sure I\rquote m grand\'85.}{\insrsid2710968 can\lquote t}{\insrsid13193049 complain at all\'85and sure even if I did who\rquote d listen?\rquote \par \par He let out a jovial little chuckle and then continued \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15361377 {\insrsid409714 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13193049 {\insrsid13193049 \lquote So how did the gig go\'85you were playing\'85.where was it again...ah yes\'85.the Working Man\rquote s Club in Grange Villa\'85J}{ \insrsid7948053 aysus there\rquote s a mouthful for ya}{\insrsid13193049 ....so how did it go\'85.did you manage to sell many CDs?\rquote \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15361377 {\insrsid13193049 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13193049 {\insrsid13193049 Running my free hand through my hair I paced as I spoke; \par \par \lquote The gig was good. I got a pretty good response\'85.a lot better than I\rquote d expected. But the venue\'85.\rquote \par \par I threw a glance over my shoulder and lowered my voice. \par \par \lquote The venue was a complete shithole though PJ. The stage was just a piece of wood on a couple of plastic crates. I thought I was going to fall through the fucking thing\'85.and the sound was dreadful. They must have been using a mixing desk t}{ \insrsid7948053 hat was manufactured before }{\insrsid13193049 WW 2.\rquote \par \par \lquote But the gig was good apart from that. Did you sell many CDs?\rquote \par \par I glanced up at the sky and saw that the rain was now pouring out of the heavens. I pitched my cigarette hearing the hiss as it extinguished on the wet concrete; \par \par \lquote I suppose about a dozen. But I told them they could be bought on the website as well as through mail order. So with a bit of luck we might get some more sales.\rquote \par \par I ignited another cigarette and waited for PJ\rquote s reply. \par \par \lquote So a dozen there added to\'85.how many have you sold so far on the tour?\rquote \par \par \lquote I dunno\'85.at a rough estimate a seven hundred maybe. Well that was at the last time of counting.\rquote \par \par After a pause of several seconds PJ spoke; \par \par \lquote That\rquote s not bad. }{\insrsid2710968 Seven}{\insrsid13193049 hundred CDs in }{\insrsid742670 eight}{\insrsid13193049 weeks. \lquote Tis not bad. Could be better mind but \lquote tis not bad}{\insrsid3559420 \'85 ..but you know that you have to work hard to promote\'85\'85}{\insrsid13193049 \rquote \par }{\insrsid3559420 \par Sighing, I closed my eyes and shook my head. I was too weary to argue with PJ. Eight weeks of touring without a break had knocked the stuffing out of me. I }{\insrsid7948053 desperately }{\insrsid3559420 needed a few days off to recharge my batteries. PJ was still talking but I was barely listening.}{\insrsid1064886 I had zoned out completely}{\insrsid8478148 my attention drawn to a piece of plastic wrapping paper that was being tossed to}{ \insrsid7948053 o}{\insrsid8478148 and fro by the }{\insrsid742670 stiff }{\insrsid8478148 breeze}{\insrsid742670 that had appeared out of nowhere}{\insrsid8478148 .}{\insrsid3559420 }{\insrsid8478148 I was so fascinated by the trajectory of this inanimate object that I never heard what PJ had said.}{\insrsid3559420 \par }{\insrsid8478148 \par }{\insrsid3559420 \lquote Alan? Alan? Are you there\'85.did you not hear what I said lad?\rquote \par \par Awaking from my dazed stupor I mumbled; \par \par \lquote Wha\rquote ?\rquote \par }{\insrsid8478148 \par The }{\insrsid14302073 indignation}{\insrsid8478148 in PJ\rquote s voice was palpable \par }{\insrsid3559420 \par }{\insrsid1064886 \lquote Jaysus you tell a man that he\rquote s been offered a }{\insrsid8478148 chance to record an album in Paris}{\insrsid14302073 and he doesn\rquote t even have the de}{\insrsid1064886 cency }{\insrsid8478148 to pay attention. \rquote }{\insrsid3559420 \par }{\insrsid8478148 \par Now I was alert! \par \par \lquote What did you say?}{\insrsid14302073 An album in Paris?}{\insrsid8478148 \rquote \par }{\insrsid14302073 \par \lquote Yes\'85it seems some French Blues label got hold of your CD when you were playing in London a few weeks ago\'85.what the hell is their name again\'85.Ah yes\'85Cypres Records. For some strange reason they think you\rquote re good. Very good. They want to meet up with you to discuss the possibility of you recording an album for them. And they want to do it soon. Like the day after tomorrow.\rquote \par \par \lquote Are you shitting me PJ?\rquote \par \par Hearing the incredulity in my voice PJ emitted a bellicose laugh}{\insrsid3540728 and continued}{\insrsid14302073 . \par \par \lquote }{\insrsid3540728 I thought that might get your attention! }{\insrsid14302073 No boy I\rquote m not \lquote shitting\rquote you. }{\insrsid742670 Sure why would I be wantin\rquote to do that? }{\insrsid3540728 Now listen to me Alan we need to meet up tomorrow because these boyo\rquote s want to meet up in London in two days time and I think we both need to be the}{\insrsid7948053 re. Now I\rquote ve talked to them about it and they seem to be kosher\'85.BUT }{ \insrsid3540728 you can never be sure so before }{\insrsid7948053 we commit to anything we need to find out a little more about them and the kind of deal they\rquote re offering}{\insrsid3540728 . So }{\insrsid7086683 drop in to the office tomorrow around mid-day and we\rquote ll take my car down. We should be down in London by tomorrow night. Is that ok?\rquote }{\insrsid7948053 \par }{\insrsid1270061 \par My thoughts were racing at this point so all I could manage to say was; \par \par \lquote Sure PJ. I\rquote ll see you tomorrow. Midday was it?\rquote \par \par Another chuckle reverberated down the phone \par \par \lquote Hit you for six with that news haven\rquote t I boy?\rquote \par \par \lquote Hit me for six\'85you could }{\insrsid12807838 knock }{\insrsid1270061 me over with a feather. Have you any idea when they want me over there should I sign.\rquote \par \par \lquote No idea\'85I\rquote d imagine as soon as possible.\rquote \par }{\insrsid13242791 \par Lighting another cigarette I took a drag; \par \par \lquote Sure probably within a couple of weeks of sign\'85oh shit\'85PJ\'85the Tommy Emmanuel tour! That\rquote s in two weeks time!\rquote \par }{\insrsid13392121 }{\insrsid13242791 \par PJ}{\insrsid13392121 let out another trademark roar of laughter.}{\insrsid13242791 \par }{\insrsid13392121 \par \lquote Jaysus boy don\rquote t be worrying about that\'85.}{\insrsid12089574 Sure }{\insrsid13392121 I told them already about that. What type }{\insrsid6968471 of an agent do you take me }{\insrsid10758193 for?}{\insrsid6968471 \rquote }{ \insrsid13392121 \par }{\insrsid13242791 \par }{\insrsid6968471 And so it came to pass that after I\rquote d finished a }{\insrsid1576145 six week}{\insrsid6968471 tour with Tommy Emmanuel that I packed my bags and headed for Paris\'85\'85}{\insrsid1270061 \par }{\insrsid6968471 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11556670 {\b\fs28\insrsid11556670\charrsid9050136 II}{\b\fs28\insrsid1270061\charrsid9050136 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13193049 {\insrsid13242791 \par }\pard\plain \s15\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14378074 \fs24\lang6153\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp6153\langfenp1033 {\insrsid14378074 There wasn\rquote t a soul on the}{\f40\fs15\cf17\insrsid14378074 }{ \cf17\insrsid14378074 Avenue de la Belle Gabrielle}{\insrsid14378074 when I emerged from the cavernous depths of Studio Deux dazed with fatigue. I shivered as the c ool morning air permeated my clothing, seeping into my sleep-deprived form. Christ it was cold! Hard to believe that it was springtime in Paris. I looked up at the sky. Not a cloud there. The first rays of the new day\rquote s sun were starting to illuminate the gloom. It looked as if it was going to be another beautiful day. \par \par }\pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13193049 \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid14378074 Zipping up my jacket I screwed a cigarette between my lips, lit it and inhaled deeply savouring the sweet corrosive poison that billowed into my lungs. Closing my eyes I jetted short sharp s purts of smoke from my nostrils as I exhaled, a contented grin etched on my lips. Three vocal and rhythm guitar tracks recorded, with only lead and overdubs left to do. They wouldn\rquote t take much longer than a week to get done. I had over three-quarters of the album recorded and despite the fact that I hadn\rquote t slept properly in the }{\insrsid12089574 month }{\insrsid14378074 since I\rquote d arrived in elegant sunny Paris from dreary, sleet soaked Sheffield I was feeling pretty damn fine. }{\lang6153\langfe1033\langnp6153\insrsid14378074 Picking up my guitar I sauntered into the fresh Parisian morning fe eling a wave of giddy exhilaration wash over me. The thud of my boots on the pavement and the incessant chirping of the birds in the trees overhead were the only sounds to be heard as I strolled through the Bois de Boulogne}{\insrsid14378074 . }{ \lang6153\langfe1033\langnp6153\insrsid14378074 I smoked contentedly and as I walked toward the Metro I saw the Champs Elysees frame}{\lang6153\langfe1033\langnp6153\insrsid1012742 d by the rising sun and grinned}{ \lang6153\langfe1033\langnp6153\insrsid13242791 . }{\lang6153\langfe1033\langnp6153\insrsid1012742 Life just didn\rquote t get much better than this. }{\lang6153\langfe1033\langnp6153\insrsid7086683 \par }{\lang6153\langfe1033\langnp6153\insrsid1012742\charrsid1012742 \par }{\insrsid1012742 When I was seated on the Metro I slumped into my seat, stared out the window }{\insrsid10758193 and thought}{\insrsid1012742 about events after the gig in Grange Villa. \par \par }{\insrsid13242791 The meeting }{\insrsid1012742 in London had}{\insrsid13242791 gone without a hitch. }{\insrsid1012742 PJ had found out quite a bit about the record label that he hadn\rquote t let on during our phone conversation. They were a decent sized Jazz/Blues/Folk label based in the centre of Paris. }{\insrsid13242791 The head of Cypres}{\insrsid14811516 Records, Sylvain Dutronc }{\insrsid1012742 was }{\insrsid14811516 a thin }{ \insrsid10758193 be speckled}{\insrsid14811516 man with a ponytail}{\insrsid1012742 and an absolute music fanatic}{\insrsid14811516 . In his early forties Dutronc had grown up around music, his uncle being the legendary French troubadour Jacques Dutronc. Sylvain it turned out was a huge fan of American blues music}{\insrsid1012742 , particularly Blues}{\insrsid14811516 from the Mississippi Delta and had been so impressed with }{\insrsid1012742 my performance of }{\insrsid14811516 \lquote The Mill\rquote when he\rquote d seen me in London}{\insrsid1012742 that he\rquote d decided to sign me. }{\insrsid13242791 It was a fair}{\insrsid14811516 ly straightforward arrangement; a}{\insrsid13242791 two album deal with an option for another two}{\insrsid1012742 .}{\insrsid13242791 }{\insrsid1012742 The budget was quite reasonable and the record label even sprang for the rental of a sm}{\insrsid1669196 all apartment for me in Pigalle }{\insrsid1012742 slap bang in the middl}{\insrsid12089574 e of the Moulin Rouge. Nothing fancy really just a small one bedroom place. My neighbours consisted mainly of young working class families, prostitutes and three Australian travellers who had decamped to Paris to work.}{\insrsid2769895 It was not exactly the quietist place to live but the upside of this was that when I wanted to play the guitar late at night there were no complaints from my neighbours who were otherwise engaged in other nocturnal activities.}{\insrsid15880177 Sitting there playing the guitar }{\insrsid10694004 with a bottle of wine beside me }{\insrsid15880177 looking out at the crimson sky as the sun sank over }{\insrsid10694004 the city, listening to the hustl e and bustle of Paris at night is something I will never forget.}{\insrsid14302073 \par }{\insrsid2769895 \par The days when not recording were spent traversing Paris absorbing the history and culture of the place. However when the weather was good, and lately that had been }{\insrsid10694004 with much more frequency}{\insrsid2769895 , I\rquote d take my lap-steel guitar up to Montma}{\insrsid9387017 r}{\insrsid2769895 tre and busk}{\insrsid12399824 }{\insrsid2769895 close to the Sacre }{\insrsid10758193 Coeur}{\insrsid2769895 which afforded me not only a spectacular view of Paris but also a prime market for tourist cash. }{\insrsid1669196 I had done it purely out of fiscal necessity. }{\insrsid15880177 I even managed to sell some of my CDs too whic}{\insrsid10694004 h meant that my financial situation was much improved. It was helped even more when after recording one day Sylvain had taken me aside and asked me to do a favour for a friend of his who owned a new Blues club}{\insrsid8351126 }{\insrsid10758193 called, very appropriately,}{\insrsid9387017 Bottleneck (gotta\rquote love that title!)}{\insrsid1669196 . It meant playing a couple of gigs at the weekend and was obviously a great way to promote my }{\insrsid12399824 forthcoming }{\insrsid1669196 album. There were several acts on Cypres who woul}{\insrsid6968471 d be playing as well as myself so I guess Sylvain got to use it as a showcase for his labels signings.}{\insrsid9387017 \par }{\insrsid6968471 \par }{\insrsid9387017 As the train pulled in to Pigalle station I}{\insrsid12399824 }{\insrsid9387017 hauled my jaded form up from the seat and pretty much sleepwalked to my apartment. \par }{\insrsid6968471 \par }{\insrsid8347352 \par \par \par \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11556670 {\b\fs28\insrsid11556670\charrsid9050136 III}{\b\fs28\insrsid3958239\charrsid9050136 \par }{\b\fs28\ul\insrsid11556670\charrsid11556670 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13193049 {\insrsid8351126 Sixteen}{\insrsid9387017 hours later I was onstage and halfway through my set.}{\insrsid8351126 The venue was }{\insrsid6968471 just ov er two-thirds full and }{\insrsid10758193 extremely smoky, the seating literally on top of the stage. So close that even through the haze of the stage lights and cigarette smoke you could see the expressions on everyone\rquote s faces and so it was easy to gauge people\rquote s reactions. Throughout the set my gaze was drawn to a particularly attractive blonde haired woman sitting just in front of me. She was wearing an extremely low cut top thus affording me a great view of her impressive cleavage. }{\insrsid5260158 Throughout the gig I had a serious fight on my hands to avert my gaze from }{\insrsid2308872 straying down her top}{\insrsid5260158 . }{\insrsid4488953 She knew it too as}{\insrsid6963449 she kept bending down anytime I\rquote d look in her direction before smiling up at me. }{\insrsid4001601 Being the consummate professional that I am (yeah right) I managed to finish my set without too many }{\insrsid9068141 glitches and as I sauntered off stage and towards the bar I looked in her direction and smiled. She returned my smile with a sexy little grin and }{\insrsid9314663 a }{\insrsid9068141 wink}{\insrsid9314663 . }{\insrsid8478148 \par }{\insrsid9068141 \par \lquote }{\insrsid9314663 Yeah\'85Looks like you got an admirer there man.\rquote }{\insrsid9068141 \par }{\insrsid9314663 \par I turned around and before me was a tall young man who looked to be in his twenties. He was leaning against the bar a cigarette dangling between his lips, unkempt blonde hair,}{\insrsid2308872 blue eyes, a faded grey Jimi Hendrix T-shirt,}{ \insrsid9314663 ripped blue jeans. An American too by the accent. \par \par }{\insrsid13835894 \lquote Maybe\'85but I think she\rquote s probably taken. See the goon there with the brown hair\'85.I think they\rquote re probably together.\rquote \par \par I pointed, discreetly I may add, at a lean longhaired man who had just arrived at the venue. The two of us stood in silence as we watched him begin to weave his way ski lfully through the maze of tables towards where the blonde was sitting. On reaching the table he leaned down and kissed her passionately on the lips. \par }{\insrsid2308872 \par \lquote Damn\'85guess you were right.\rquote \par \par Shrugging I turned and faced him again; \par \par \lquote Ah\'85easy come easy go.\rquote \par \par I ordered a beer and as I waited lit a smoke. It was my new acquaintance who broke the silence. \par \par \lquote That was a great gig. Real good. You can really fuckin\rquote play. I loved your version of \lquote Red House\rquote , man. I\rquote ve never heard it played on one of those slide guitar things before. Man it\rquote s a song I\rquote ve always wanted to learn how to play}{\insrsid5533710 properly}{\insrsid2308872 .\rquote \par \par \lquote You play?\rquote \par \par He grinned sheepishly; \par \par \lquote A little}{\insrsid5533710 \'85when I can. It\rquote s a hobby though. I like playing stuff like Hendrix, Dylan that kind of stuff. I\rquote m no good at that really wild guitar playing stuff you were doing. Much as I\rquote d love to be able to do that stuff\'85\rquote }{\insrsid2308872 \par }{\insrsid5533710 \par Taking a swig of beer I }{\insrsid146677 shrugged}{\insrsid5533710 ; \par \par \lquote People prefer to hear songs though. If you just piss about with solos and that type of stuff people will get bored very quickly. The only peop le who can listen to that type of stuff all the time are other musicians. And believe me even they get hacked off with it.\rquote \par }{\insrsid13777463 \par He nodded and we both took swigs from our perspective drinks. His looked to be harder than mine. From the smell of it, bourbon. I was the one who br}{\insrsid9243197 oke the silence this time. Str}{\insrsid13777463 etching out my hand; \par \par \lquote My name is Alan by the way.\rquote \par \par \lquote Michael.\rquote \par \par \lquote Nice to meet to you Michael. So what brings you to Paris?\rquote \par \par For the next twenty minutes we talked, mostly about music. Michael was retice}{\insrsid8663155 nt to talk a lot about himself }{\insrsid13777463 except that his full name was Michael Pitt and he was in Paris acting in a film by an Italian }{ \insrsid9243197 d}{\insrsid13777463 irector}{\insrsid7173559 whose name he refused to disclose}{\insrsid13777463 .}{\insrsid5787304 }{\insrsid13777463 I on the other hand told him a lot ab}{\insrsid5787304 out myself and how and why I had ended up in Paris. }{\insrsid8663155 We were in the middle of a conversation about the merits of Bob Dylan\rquote s new albu}{\insrsid5787304 m when we were interrupted by a }{\insrsid9243197 reproachful}{\insrsid5787304 female voice}{\insrsid9243197 .}{\insrsid5787304 }{\insrsid13777463 \par }{\insrsid5787304 \par \lquote Michael\'85}{\insrsid9776376 there you are\'85}{\insrsid9243197 Louis and I were wondering where you }{\insrsid12399824 had }{\insrsid9243197 gone.\rquote }{\insrsid5787304 \par }{\insrsid9243197 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4524241 {\insrsid9243197 With that I turned around and was confronted with a vision of pure joy.}{\insrsid4524241 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13193049 {\insrsid9243197 \par She was quite simply one of the most beauti}{\insrsid3369387 ful women I had ever seen. }{\insrsid7017787 Tall and }{\insrsid10185188 slim with lustrous dark hair that ca}{\insrsid7017787 scaded well past her shoulders she stood hands on hips with a scowl on her face}{\insrsid472198 and a pout on her full lips}{\insrsid7017787 . Her blue eyes blazed out through the black kohl applied sparingly underneath them. }{\insrsid6688106 I just stood there for about twenty seconds drinking in her beauty}{\insrsid1316398 and}{\insrsid6688106 my stare }{\insrsid1316398 was }{\insrsid6688106 only broken when I heard a screech of }{\insrsid1316398 mock }{\insrsid6688106 contrition to my left and saw that Michael had dropped to his knees and }{\insrsid1316398 was begging her forgiveness in such a comical fashion that I couldn\rquote t help but laugh. As if using my reaction as a cue Michael reached out and clasped her knees and began to sob and bawl at how sorry he was. By now most of the patrons in the venue were staring at us in confusion obviously wondering what the hell was going on.}{\insrsid9243197 \par }{\insrsid1316398 \par Obviously embarrassed the girl }{\insrsid1392086 hissed;}{\insrsid1316398 \par \par \lquote Michael\'85stop it\'85.look what you have done!\rquote \par }{\insrsid1392086 \par This drew fresh cries from Michael and another stifled laugh from me which wasn\rquote t appreciated by the girl who glowered; \par \par \lquote Why do you encourage him?\rquote \par \par By now Michael had returned to his feet; \par \par \lquote But he doesn\rquote t need to encourage me Eva\'85..your reaction i}{\insrsid14245199 s all the encouragement I need M}{\insrsid1392086 a }{\insrsid341680 Cherie}{\insrsid1392086 .\rquote \par }{\insrsid5533710 \par }{\insrsid1392086 The fact that these words were spoken in quite possibly the worst French accent ever heard was enough for all three of us to descend into laughter. When we had recovered our senses}{\insrsid8787705 Michael }{\insrsid16004211 put his arm around the girls shoulder and kissed her cheek.}{\insrsid8851682 }{\insrsid16004211 \par \par \lquote Forgive me?\rquote \par \par She looked at him and gave him a little push: \par \par \lquote Do I have a choice?\rquote \par }{\insrsid341680 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14245199 {\insrsid4524241 Shit. Were they were together? I was astonished to feel the hackles in my throat when I saw them together. }{\insrsid14245199 At that moment I remembered a line I\rquote d read in The Godfather several years ago. Michael Corleone had been exiled to Sicily and had happened upon a local Sicilian peasant girl. When he\rquote d seen her he had had this overwhelming sensation of desire; that he must possess her. As it was described he had been \lquote hit by the thunderbolt\rquote . That is what it felt like when I first saw her. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13193049 {\insrsid16390840 \par }{\insrsid341680 With that she turned to me and my heart skipped a beat as she smiled at me. Such a wonderful warm smile that a fl}{\insrsid146677 ush}{\insrsid341680 of warmth surged through my body. \par \par \lquote Eva this is Alan\'85Alan this is Eva}{\insrsid1983290 . Eva is one of my co-stars in the movie I was telling you about.\rquote }{\insrsid4538398 \par }{\insrsid1983290 \par }{\insrsid4538398 \lquote }{\insrsid1983290 It\rquote s}{\insrsid4538398 nice to meet you Alan.\rquote \par }{\insrsid13835894 \par }{\insrsid4538398 We kissed each others cheeks and as we}{\insrsid4524241 did my heart did another leap. }{\insrsid1274080 }{\insrsid11020705 \par }{\insrsid8851682 \par }{\insrsid1274080 They invited me back to their table where I was introduced to the third member }{\insrsid7543134 of their group, Louis who was also an }{\insrsid1274080 actor }{\insrsid7543134 and }{\insrsid4537915 another star of the film that Eva and Michael were in. He was a pleasant enough man }{\insrsid1274080 who had a shock of black hair and like Eva spoke English perfectly. }{\insrsid7808725 Like Eva he had spent time in England where he\rquote d studied acting although not in the same place as her. }{\insrsid1588692 As we }{\insrsid7808725 talked I learned more about the movie they were working on. It }{\insrsid1588692 was called \lquote The Dreamers\rquote and they were almost finished it. The Italian director whom Michael had mentioned was none other than Bernardo Bertolucci. \par \par \lquote Bernardo Bertolucci? Stealing Beauty and The Last Emperor? That Bernardo Bertolucci?\rquote \par \par They were amused at my astonishment. \par \par As the evening wore on I found }{\insrsid8851682 I couldn\rquote t keep my eyes from }{\insrsid1588692 Eva\rquote s}{\insrsid12937545 fac}{\insrsid1274080 e and this was even when the other two were}{\insrsid12937545 talking}{\insrsid4524241 at me}{ \insrsid12937545 . A couple of times s}{\insrsid1274080 he caught me }{\insrsid11491325 looking }{\insrsid1274080 and smiled }{\insrsid7543134 back }{\insrsid1274080 lower}{\insrsid7543134 ing}{\insrsid1274080 her eyes a little}{\insrsid12937545 .}{ \insrsid5971611 }{\insrsid7808725 It also became obvious that there was nothing romantic going on between Eva and Michael, which Louis confirmed me when I\rquote d \lquote innocently\rquote enquired. A}{\insrsid5602407 s the next act took to the stage}{ \insrsid7097091 , a two piece combo called Bluesy Train,}{\insrsid5602407 }{\insrsid1983290 Michael and Louis went to the bar to get some more drinks. Eva turned to me;}{\insrsid8851682 \par }{\insrsid4537915 \par \lquote So }{\insrsid1588692 Alan\'85}{\insrsid16390840 where are you staying in Paris}{\insrsid4537915 ?\rquote \par \par I moved over to the seat beside her. \par \par \lquote }{\insrsid16390840 I\rquote m living in a rented place just off Pigalle. Les Quartieres Blanc\'85or something like that. The record label are paying for it so\'85..so although it\rquote s small and can get quite noisy at night I really shouldn \rquote t complain.\rquote \par \par }{\insrsid15472665 She shook her head and laughed a little}{\insrsid16390840 ; \par \par \lquote In Pigalle? }{\insrsid15472665 But y}{\insrsid16390840 ou must never get to sleep at night...\rquote \par }{\insrsid15472665 \par I smirked; \par }{\insrsid16390840 \par \lquote I know\'85.the neighbours can be\'85.well very animated at night.}{\insrsid15472665 But at least I can play my guitar late and no-one complains. Besides I\rquote m a night time person so it really doesn\rquote t bother me.}{\insrsid15670418 It \rquote s only for a few weeks anyway and the area isn\rquote t nearly as }{\insrsid4596678 bad}{\insrsid15670418 as I\rquote d been led to believe.}{\insrsid2622264 It is not as bad as Gare }{\insrsid4596678 du Nord anyway. So what about you}{ \insrsid11407559 Eva}{\insrsid4596678 ? Do you live in Paris or are you just here for the film?\rquote \par \par \lquote I live in a little apartment with my sis}{\insrsid11407559 ter}{\insrsid4596678 }{\insrsid11407559 close to the Latin Quarter. It is a small place th}{\insrsid14245199 at my parents bought years ago.}{\insrsid2622264 \rquote }{\insrsid15670418 \par }{\insrsid2622264 \par \lquote The Latin Quarter? Very nice.\rquote \par \par }{\insrsid8525625 \lquote It is nice\'85.but there are too many tourists around there for my liking. But for my sister it is great. She is five minutes away from her University.\rquote }{\insrsid16390840 \par }{\insrsid8525625 \par \lquote Oh}{\insrsid13122346 ...}{\insrsid8525625 what is she studying?\rquote \par \par \lquote Business and Finance. She wants to make a lot of money}{\insrsid13767509 very quickly}{\insrsid8525625 .\rquote \par \par }{\insrsid13767509 Taking a sip from my beer I asked;}{\insrsid2622264 \par }{\insrsid13767509 \par }{\insrsid7753848 \lquote She\rquote s not interested in a}{\insrsid13767509 cting}{\insrsid7753848 ?}{\insrsid13767509 \rquote \par \par Eva let out a merry little laugh; \par \par \lquote Oh no\'85.Joy is far too practical for that. She is like my father. She wants to have order and security in her life. She sees acting as}{\insrsid5855969 far too insecure a profession\rquote }{\insrsid13767509 \par \par }{\insrsid5855969 She went silent for a few seconds staring at the stage as Bluesy Train kicked into their opening song. She turned to me then; \par \par \lquote I am more like my mother. More of a free spirit. She was an actress too so I suppose that is where I get my addiction to perform.}{\insrsid4406530 She always tried to discourage me telling me that it was not for me, that it was too difficult a thing to become involved in. But I was drawn to it. It was where I felt most comfortable. And as a little girl, of course, to get dressed up in different outfits\'85well that was a joy!}{\insrsid5855969 \rquote \par \par I }{\insrsid4406530 grinned}{\insrsid5855969 and took another sip of my beer. }{\insrsid4406530 Eva clapped her hands together;}{\insrsid5855969 \par }{\insrsid4406530 \par \lquote But what about you, Alan? Tell me more about yourself. How long have you been playing music?\rquote \par }{\insrsid15229464 \par }{\insrsid4406530 \lquote }{\insrsid15229464 Full time}{\insrsid5261304 ? I suppose it must be two}{\insrsid4406530 years now. I started playing}{\insrsid15229464 much more seriously}{\insrsid4406530 when I\rquote d finish}{\insrsid15229464 ed studying music in college but that was in between working as a substitute music teacher\'85.\rquote \par \par Lighting up another cigarette I continued; \par \par \lquote And then I decided to give up teaching and concentrate solely on music. I left the band I was in at the time and started playing solo gigs. It was easier to get them in smaller venues, particularly without a drummer. So here I am two years later}{ \insrsid3372101 ...\rquote }{\insrsid15229464 \par }{\insrsid3372101 \par \lquote What did your parents think?\rquote \par \par \lquote Oh\'85my mother hated it\'85absolutely. She\rquote d be like you described your father: very practical and worried about my future security. When she heard I was leaving teaching she hit the roof\'85.My father\'85 well he was the one who gave me my first guitar when I was seven\'85so he never questioned it at all. He never wanted me to do anything}{\insrsid2383479 that I hated like he\rquote d had to. And s}{\insrsid2520069 o that is the, very, }{\insrsid11495348 potted story of how I got into the crazy career }{\insrsid4465209 that I }{\insrsid4417500 am currently in.\rquote }{\insrsid4465209 \par }{\insrsid8525625 \par }{\insrsid4537915 She nodded and placed a cigarette between her lips. Before she could reach for her lighter I had mine }{\insrsid3303236 in my hands}{\insrsid4537915 . As I }{\insrsid3303236 flicked}{\insrsid15670418 }{\insrsid4537915 it she placed her cool, smooth hands over mine and guided it to }{\insrsid2520069 the tip of the cigarette}{\insrsid4537915 . She let her hands linger on mine for a few seconds as we both stared at each other}{\insrsid2520069 . A fee ling of great joy and warmth engulfed}{\insrsid4417500 me }{\insrsid2520069 at her touch }{\insrsid4417500 and t}{\insrsid15670418 he ur}{\insrsid2520069 ge to kiss her was overpowering. }{\insrsid15670418 I almost certainly would have had Michael and Louis not returned at that very moment.}{\insrsid2520069 From the look on her face I chance she might have let me.}{\insrsid11556670 As they approac hed the table she excused herself and went off in the direction of the Ladies room.}{\insrsid4537915 \par }{\insrsid2520069 \par Michael placed the drinks down and addressed }{\insrsid11556670 me}{\insrsid2520069 in a very bizarre }{\insrsid10056109 Southern American accent.}{\insrsid2520069 \par \par \lquote Did you miss }{\insrsid10056109 me honey?}{\insrsid2520069 \rquote \par }{\insrsid10056109 \par }{\insrsid11556670 He looked at me and gesticulating wildly snorted; \par \par \lquote Look at this Louis. I go away for five minutes and look! This\'85This\'85bum musician has stolen my seat! Sir, you offend me! I demand satisfaction!\rquote \par \par Louis handed me a beer and sat down across from me; \par \par \lquote I think Eva would prefer him to sit there. After all he seems to know how to act like an adult. Unlike some people not a million miles away.\rquote \par \par As}{\insrsid4354432 he said this, he winked at me; a }{\insrsid9061569 wink which }{\insrsid677405 I interpreted as}{\insrsid9061569 say}{\insrsid677405 ing}{\insrsid9061569 that he could see how enraptured I was with Eva. At least I hope that was what it was! \par \par It was becoming more obvious that }{\insrsid677405 Michael}{\insrsid9061569 was starting to feel the ill effects of the bourbon he had consumed. He let}{\insrsid11556670 out a hoarse cry}{\insrsid9061569 which caused many seated around us to hush him;} {\insrsid11556670 \par \par \lquote Et tu Louis? You would stab me in the back. Apost on thee! When I have }{\insrsid9061569 smote this ignoble bard\'85.I shall then smite thee.\rquote }{\insrsid11556670 \par }{\insrsid9050136 \par We both managed to quieten him down somewhat and by the time Eva had returned he was more docile. As she sat down, smoothing out her skirt, she shot me a little smile. \par \par The next few hours were a blur}{\insrsid677405 . We talked and laughed as if we were old friends and not just people whom had met }{\insrsid13122346 only a few hours previously. As the night progressed Michael became more and more inebriated, and when it reached the point where he could no longer hold his head up under his own strength, Louis decided that he needed to be brought home. So with great difficulty we hoisted him out of his seat and with his arms draped around our shoulders we dragged him out of the club. Eva went out in front of us and hailed down a cab. As the air hit Micha el he became more }{\insrsid13907725 agitated}{\insrsid13122346 and cursed myself and Louis.}{\insrsid9050136 \par }{\insrsid13122346 \par \lquote I can fuckin\rquote walk man\'85I\rquote m not a fuckin\rquote retard! Let go of me you fuckers!\rquote \par \par I looked at Louis who raised his ey}{\insrsid13907725 es to heaven and shook his head. We attempted to move forward a few more steps and at this Michael managed to break his bonds screeching with indignity; \par \par \lquote I SAID LET GO OF ME YOU BASTARDS!\rquote \par \par There was nothing myself or Louis could do but let him go}{\insrsid11557890 . }{\insrsid11409795 This led to the inevitable.}{\insrsid11557890 As he lurched forward to the open door of the cab he tripped over his own legs and collapsed with a horrifying thud onto the pavement. The three of us lurched forward calling out for him, asking him was he ok. The relief when he answered in the affirmative was palpable. It took the three of us to bundle him into the ca b. Louis sat in the back with him. Eva closed the door and turned to me, an apologetic expression on her face; \par \par \lquote Alan\'85I am very sorry about this\rquote \par \par Putting my hands on her shoulders: \par \par \lquote Don\rquote t worry about it\'85.a bit of excitement on a night out is always good.\rquote \par \par She laughed a little at this}{\insrsid11014120 and ran a hand through her hair}{\insrsid11557890 . We stood looking at each other for a minute }{\insrsid5794353 and as I was just about to lean in and kiss her the sound of someone vomiting interrupted followed by Louis\rquote disgusted cries; \par \par \lquote }{\insrsid11014120 Michael\'85for fucks sake\'85..Eva c}{\insrsid7870094 ome on}{\insrsid11014120 we have to get him home\'85.\rquote }{\insrsid5794353 \par }{\insrsid11014120 \par With that I felt, just for a couple of brief seconds, Eva\rquote s lips on mine. It was no more than a brush of lips but it was something I will never forget. Before I could say a word she had turned and without looking back she had jumped into the cab. \par \par As I watched it disappear into the night feeling elated at what had just happened a bolt of horror shot through me and my legs felt weak. So weak in fact that I had to sit down on the curb. I clasped my head in my hand s as I realised that I had never even asked her for her telephone number. Hell I didn\rquote t even know her surname.}{\insrsid2520069 \par }{\insrsid2108902 \par All I could think at that moment was: \par \par Fuck. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2108902 {\insrsid2108902 \par }{\b\insrsid2108902\charrsid2108902 IV \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13193049 {\insrsid2520069 \par }{\insrsid3289048 The next week saw me descend into a gloom so dark that I was barely able to record anything worthwhile. Every night I\rquote d return to the Bottleneck club hoping beyond hope that I would happen upon her but I never did.}{ \insrsid15685668 }{\insrsid15671459 I trawled the length and breadth of Paris trying to find out where \lquote The Dreamers\rquote was being filmed but to no avail. }{\insrsid15685668 Putting it plainly}{\insrsid15937531 ,}{\insrsid15685668 }{ \insrsid3289048 I gave up all}{\insrsid15671459 hope of ever seeing her again. }{\insrsid15685668 \par \par Then}{\insrsid3289048 one day}{\insrsid15685668 two weeks later}{\insrsid3289048 , quite by chance, we found each other again. \par }{\insrsid15685668 \par It was a glorious afternoon }{\insrsid67314 towards the end }{\insrsid15685668 of May when I took my guitar and wandered up to Montmartre. I\rquote d put the finishing touches on the album and was now just waiting it to be mixed.}{\insrsid2904252 I \rquote d just returned to Paris from a brief trip to Sheffield to get my car and some personal stuff because }{\insrsid15685668 I had been booked to play a tour around France with a couple of other acts. We were due to go on the road for most of June and even }{\insrsid15937531 part of }{\insrsid2904252 July. }{\insrsid15937531 After that a tour of England\'85and well you get the picture}{\insrsid1317465 . }{\insrsid15937531 I found a spot where I could play and soak up the sun at the same time. Setting up I began to play while all around me tourists basked in the warm Spring sun}{\insrsid67314 shine}{\insrsid15937531 . \par \par }{\insrsid15745350 I didn\rquote t even notice that she was standing in front of me because I had my eyes closed and was totally immersed in singing. It was only when I\rquote d finished the song and looked up that I saw her. My heart }{\insrsid11409795 leapt}{\insrsid15745350 }{\insrsid11409795 as }{\insrsid15745350 I recognised her immediately even though she was wearing sunglasses. }{\insrsid11409795 She cocked her head slightly and smiled; \par \par \lquote So here you are\'85is this your new job now?\rquote }{\insrsid1536725 \par }{\insrsid13051824 \par \lquote Yeah\'85what do you think?\rquote \par \par \lquote I think that it looks really uncomfortable? How do you sit there?\rquote \par \par }{\insrsid15077179 \lquote With great discomfort...believe me.}{\insrsid13051824 \rquote \par \par She took off her glasses and stepped forward; \par \par \lquote Well if it so uncomfortable maybe you\rquote d like to find somewhere else to sit and maybe have a drink?\rquote \par }{\insrsid11409795 \par }{\insrsid7227293 \lquote Are you asking me out?\rquote \par \par With a mock frown on her face she placed her hands on her hips; \par \par \lquote It is just for a cup of coffee\'85.don\rquote t get the idea that I want to marry you.\rquote \par \par }{\insrsid15671459 Grinning, like an idiot, }{\insrsid15077179 I\rquote m sure, I picked myself off the pavement and went over to her. W}{\insrsid1901553 e kissed each others cheeks and h}{\insrsid15077179 aving packed away my gear we headed off}{ \insrsid7227293 to a little caf\'e9 nearby. }{\insrsid1901553 \par \par }{\insrsid7227293 It was rustic in appearance}{\insrsid1901553 with tables outside that }{\insrsid1576145 were somewhat shaded from the blaze of the sun. Having ordered coffee Eva and myself spent the next three hours locked in conversation. }{ \insrsid196862 I managed to find out her surname, Green. Not very French but her father was Swedish so\'85 \par \par }{\insrsid1576145 She had finished filming \lquote The Dreamers\rquote and was now getting ready to shoot another film, a French one this time, }{\insrsid10633823 called \lquote Arsene Lupin\rquote . When I enquired about Michael she told me that he \rquote d returned to the States a couple of days after the incident at Bottleneck, his scenes having been finished. I was disappointed as, apart from when he was drunk, he\rquote d seemed like a }{\insrsid4354432 good}{\insrsid10633823 bloke. Louis had returned home for a few weeks and would be making another film soon. She didn\rquote t know what it was. Lighting a cigarette she leant forward a little on the table: \par \par \lquote What have you been doing Alan? How is the album?\rquote \par \par Sparking up myself I brushed the hair out of my eyes, I needed a haircut badly, and sighed; \par \par \lquote Well the album is done and should be mixed in a week. Then I have a tour of France}{\insrsid150748 and Belgium starting in June. Back to England for a while touring and after that\'85..well I don\rquote t know. It\rquote s still up in the air. It \rquote s the life of a lonesome hobo....\rquote }{\insrsid10633823 \par }{\insrsid150748 \par Putting }{\insrsid13643887 on }{\insrsid150748 my best, or should that be worst, Bob Dylan impression I started to croak out \lquote I am a Lonesome Hobo\rquote \par \par She giggled a li}{\insrsid13643887 ttle at this and slapped my arm}{\insrsid150748 ; \par \par \lquote Stop it! You are as bad as Michael!\rquote \par \par Leaning forward I asked; \par \par \lquote I\rquote m}{\insrsid14745924 so}{\insrsid150748 sorry\'85can you ever forgive me?\rquote \par \par \lquote }{\insrsid14745924 Why should I?\rquote }{\insrsid150748 \par }{\insrsid14745924 \par \lquote Because if you do.\'85.I\rquote ll buy you dinner.\rquote \par \par }{\insrsid8467713 She looked at me for a couple of seconds then }{\insrsid14745924 leant forward, and much to my surprise, kissed me }{\insrsid6760965 softly }{\insrsid14745924 on the lips.}{\insrsid6760965 It couldn\rquote t have lasted longer than ten seconds but }{\insrsid8467713 it seemed to happen in slow motion.}{\insrsid14745924 I must have had a very strange }{\insrsid6760965 look on my face because she started to giggle. Eventually I managed to say something; \par \par \lquote I guess }{\insrsid14317398 that means }{\insrsid6760965 I\rquote m forgiven.\rquote \par }{\insrsid8467713 \par She brushed the hair out of my eyes and grinned; \par }{\insrsid6760965 \par }{\insrsid8467713 \lquote You are very quick.\rquote }{\insrsid6760965 \par }{\insrsid2239584 \par ******************* \par }{\insrsid8467713 \par The next }{\insrsid14317398 few days}{\insrsid8467713 were a blur to me. We saw each other almost every day}{\insrsid9594432 and became close}{\insrsid8467713 . We had so much in common, film, music, literature that we always had something to talk about. }{\insrsid407514 As we got to know each other better and the more comfortable I became with the relationship I opened up more, telling her about my father \rquote s death and my strained relationship with my older brother Dan. As I explained to Eva one day when we were walking along the River Seine; \par \par \lquote Dan just feels that I should work, what he would call, a steady practical job. I guess he resents that I\rquote ve gotten the chance to do something that I really love to do whereas he\rquote s stuck in a factory. Things have gotten progressively worse since my Father died. Dan thinks that I should move back to Sheffield and help look after Mum\'85.even though she\rquote d never hear of it\'85she knows what music means to me\'85 I mean I did offer to head ba}{\insrsid1524183 ck home and teach music but she\'85.\rquote }{\insrsid407514 \par \par }{\insrsid1524183 I sighed and lit a cigarette. }{\insrsid407514 Eva put her hand on my sh}{\insrsid1524183 oulder; \par \par \lquote It is ok. You will make things up with your brother. He may be angry now but that will change. Give it time.\rquote \par \par \lquote I hope you\rquote re right because I do love him..\rquote \par \par She grazed my cheek with the back of her hand; \par \par \lquote It will be ok.\rquote \par \par We hugged each other swaying in the warm Parisian sunshine. I think it was then that I knew I }{\insrsid15936732 really did love}{\insrsid1524183 her. \par }{\insrsid407514 \par }{\insrsid1524183 So as I said things were going incredibly well. }{\insrsid12861696 The only cloud on the horizon was the impending tour I was booked on. It would mean that seeing Eva would become more and more difficult}{\insrsid14317398 , something that didn\rquote t fill me with joy. To see the least}{\insrsid12861696 . }{\insrsid9594432 I tired to bury this thought and enjoy the time I had with Eva. I could tell that she was doing the same.}{\insrsid8063681 }{\insrsid8467713 \par }{\insrsid9594432 \par The night before I headed out on the tour we went to dinner and afterwards to a caf\'e9 for a drink. Up to that point we had both tried to }{\insrsid6573881 avoid bringing up the issue }{\insrsid8063681 trying to keep up the, admittedly, forced gaiety between us. The mood became even more sombre as we walked back, hand in hand, to her apartment in the Latin Quarter. There was silence between us. I was feeling miserable and could tell Eva felt the same. Putting an arm around her shoulder I drew her closer to me. She slipped an arm around me and placed her head on my shoulder. }{\insrsid5011645 When we reached the doorstep of her apartment she slipped her hands around my waist and drew herself in closer to my body, her head resting on my shoulder. The feeling of her warmth so close to me was en}{\insrsid12388387 ough to coax my penis out of it}{ \insrsid14561822 s flaccid state, m}{\insrsid5011645 uch to my embarrassment. It didn\rquote t seem to bother Eva though and }{\insrsid14561822 she drew herself even closer to me. I placed m y fingers underneath her chin and kissed her, our lips locked together for what seemed like an eternity. As out tongues swirled in unison, dancing around each other I gently caressed her cheek with the tips of my fingers. I felt her hand slip inside my ja cket and stroke my midriff through my jumper. }{\insrsid13976633 When we broke off the kiss we held each other, enjoying the warmth of the still Paris night and the warmth of each other. }{\insrsid6955185 It was Eva who broke the silence; \par \par \lquote Do you want to come inside?\rquote \par \par I looked at her; \par \par \lquote Are you sure? What about Joy?\rquote \par \par \lquote Joy has gone away with some friends to Nice. So we will be alone.\rquote \par \par With that I planted a kiss on her lips. \par \par \lquote Are you sure you want to?\rquote \par \par She answered this question by kissing me. \par \par }{\insrsid2239584 ************************* \par }{\insrsid6955185 \par The apartment was a medium sized one}{\insrsid9581671 situated on the fourth floor of the complex. When we entered I saw it possessed }{\insrsid6955185 a kitchen cum sitting-room and two bed-rooms. The Parisian equivalent of a student flat. But much cleaner then any Student flat I had been in. }{\insrsid9581671 It had a good view of the Latin Quarter and while Eva went to the bathroom I took off my jacket and peered out the window for several minutes watching the anonymous people below saunter through the streets. I hadn\rquote t noticed that Eva had returned and my gaze was drawn away from the window only when I felt her hand o}{\insrsid2239584 n my shoulder. She wrapped her arms gently around my neck and we kissed passionately. My hands gripped her waist and drew her closer to me, my penis once again springing to life at the feel of her shapely form pressed so firmly against me. }{ \insrsid9200221 I slipped one hand onto her ass and stroked it. We stayed like this for several minutes until Eva broke off the kiss and taking hold of my hand and led me towards what I presumed was her bedroom. \par \par It was a decent sized room w ith a large double bed. The walls were covered in blue paint and the floor was a wood of some type. There were plenty of books in the room and a CD rack and stereo in the corner. Eva gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and whispered}{\insrsid9581671 \par }{\insrsid9200221 \par \lquote I will be back in a minute\rquote \par \par }{\insrsid986939 When she\rquote d left the room }{\insrsid9200221 I strolled over to the CD collection and had a look. There was some good stuff there. Blues, Jazz, Folk\'85some Radiohead, Ani DiFranco\'85 not bad. I took a look at some of the books. Again there was a bit of everything}{\insrsid986939 there from romance to philosophy. Quite a few English language novels. As I perused them I heard the door close and then Eva\rquote s voice.}{ \insrsid9200221 \par }{\insrsid986939 \par \lquote Do you approve?\rquote \par \par I turned around and saw she was leaning against the door. I looked her up and down nodding; \par \par \lquote Oh}{\insrsid9716751 ...}{\insrsid986939 I approve alright.\rquote \par \par She laughed softly; \par \par \lquote You are }{\insrsid12938501 very }{\insrsid986939 silly!\rquote \par \par Leaning down to kiss her I mumbled; \par \par \lquote But isn\rquote t that why you like me?\rquote \par \par }{\insrsid12938501 It wasn\rquote t long before we found ourselves on the bed }{\insrsid8539960 kissing and cuddling.}{\insrsid12938501 My hands wandered from her face down to her breasts and I began}{\insrsid8790591 to caress them gently through her top. At the same time she slipped a}{\insrsid12938501 hand underneath my }{\insrsid8790591 shirt and began to stroke my flesh slowly. We were kissing with more fervour now and I began to fumble with the buttons of her cardigan. She removed my hands from them and planted a kiss on my lips. She winked at me and sliding off the bed, to a groan of protest}{\insrsid3419419 from yours truly}{\insrsid8790591 , she turned on the side lamp before switching off the main bedroom light. }{\insrsid6960331 \par \par }{\insrsid8790591 She then unbuttoned her cardigan slipping it off her shoulders to reveal a short sleeved blouse}{\insrsid8539960 . Sitting up on the bed I watched as s}{\insrsid4010542 he undid the belt of her skirt and as it slipped to the floor I saw she was wearing black panties. She had }{\insrsid6573881 great legs and a very shapely little butt. I couldn\rquote t take my eyes off her as she climbed onto the bed and crawled up beside me. She pushed me back down on the bed and began kissing me slowly and deeply. She slid her hand underneath my t-shirt again and began caressing }{\insrsid7605063 the area around my belly-button, ghosting }{ \insrsid8875599 the area }{\insrsid7605063 around my bel t buckle. Sliding my t-shirt off me she began to run both her hands up and down my chest, nuzzling my neck at the same time. I felt her warm sweet breath of my neck and groaned. My cock was now straining against my jeans and I was getting extremely turned on. }{\insrsid8335027 I drew her face to mine and w}{\insrsid7605063 e started to kiss and as we did, tongues dancing together, I fe}{\insrsid8335027 lt Eva\rquote s hands drop to my belt and begin to unbuckle it. After fumbling with it for several seconds she managed to get }{\insrsid14562599 it unhooked tossing it over the side of t he bed. Climbing on top of me she kissed me gently on the lips and straddling me she slowly began to unbutton her blouse never taking her eyes off me. She had a sexy little glint in her eyes as she took her blouse off. Reaching behind her back she unhooke d her bra and slid it off revealing a pair of the most gorgeous breasts that I had ever seen.}{\insrsid4264245 All I could think at that moment was; \par \par \lquote Where the hell has she been hiding }{\insrsid9716751 those?}{\insrsid4264245 \rquote }{\insrsid14562599 }{\insrsid4264245 \par \par }{\insrsid9398121 I sat up and began to kiss her. As our lips met we kissed slowly and languorously, Eva wrapping her legs around my waist. She sighed as I began to }{\insrsid14250243 kiss}{\insrsid9398121 her neck and moaned a little when I began to kiss and lick her breast}{\insrsid14250243 s. She arched her back }{\insrsid9398121 as I started }{\insrsid14250243 sucking and licking}{\insrsid9398121 her }{\insrsid11107310 large erect }{\insrsid9398121 nipples swirling my tongue around the aureole of each on}{\insrsid2713189 e}{\insrsid9398121 in turn. I slid a hand down her stomach and }{\insrsid7888465 under her panties which caused her to bite her lip and let out a little sigh. As I slipped two fingers inside her moist sex, I kissed her }{\insrsid16208626 lightly}{\insrsid7888465 on the lips and}{\insrsid2062447 laid her down flat on the bed. \par \par I began kissing and licking her body again more slowly this ti}{\insrsid11029332 me trying to get every inch. As my tongue danced all over her body, my fingers continued to play with her clitoris }{\insrsid15813087 causing her to let out little sighs and moans of pleasure. A}{\insrsid11029332 s I reached the wai stline of her panties I pulled them off revealing a neatly shaved black bush of hair. I now knelt up and looked down at Eva. Her hair splayed all over the pillows, her cheeks were flushed with lust and her eyes ablaze with desire. I moved up the bed and k issed her. She responded by wrapping her arms around my neck and her hips around mine. I slid my hands down her body and began to caress her inner thighs with my finge}{\insrsid9445430 r}{\insrsid11029332 tips.}{\insrsid9445430 Kissing all over her body again I reached her pussy and began to kiss and lick around it, massaging her clitoris with my fingers. I kissed her inner thighs softly swirling circles with my tongue inching closer and closer towards her clit. S}{ \insrsid15813087 naking}{\insrsid9445430 my tongue around her labia I heard her let out a low moan}{\insrsid15813087 and she shivered. I started to str oke her clitoris with the very tip of my tongue while continuing to massage her inner thigh with my fingertips. She shuddered again and her breath started to shallow as I began to lick and suck on her clitoris. She was moaning a lot more freely now, mostl y in French and mostly swear words}{\insrsid5453164 from what I could tell}{\insrsid15813087 . As my oral ministrations continued she let out a hoarse cry and her body went }{\insrsid10231800 rigid}{\insrsid13593801 for several seconds before }{ \insrsid7097557 she }{\insrsid13593801 relax}{\insrsid7097557 ed}{\insrsid13593801 }{\insrsid15813087 on the bed br}{\insrsid11107310 eathing heavily. }{\insrsid2062447 \par }{\insrsid6955185 \par }{\insrsid5453164 I crawled up beside her and kissed her lightly on the lips noticing the thin film of sweat on her brow. She turned and smiled dreamily at me rubbing my chest with her fingers. We kissed and I felt her hands creep towards my }{ \insrsid9066654 crotch}{\insrsid5453164 . She pulled down the zip }{\insrsid9066654 of my jeans }{\insrsid4271047 and }{\insrsid5453164 slipped her hand}{\insrsid4271047 s}{\insrsid5453164 }{\insrsid590555 into}{\insrsid5453164 my u nderwear. The feeling of her }{\insrsid6507781 soft}{\insrsid5453164 hand}{\insrsid4271047 s}{\insrsid5453164 }{\insrsid4271047 massaging my stiff penis was indescribable}{\insrsid5453164 . }{\insrsid4271047 It was so good I felt sure I would }{ \insrsid5528001 let go}{\insrsid4271047 right there}{\insrsid15105967 and then}{\insrsid4271047 . Fortunately I managed to }{\insrsid6706783 control myself}{\insrsid15105967 and lay back allowing Eva continue. While one of her hands }{\insrsid15873869 explored }{\insrsid10959031 the shaft of }{\insrsid15105967 my cock, the other had cupped my balls and wa}{\insrsid14175736 s running them through the palm of her hand}{\insrsid15105967 . }{\insrsid12998154 With great difficulty I managed to slide my jeans over my hips and while I was struggling with this Eva began kissing my chest. When I had finally escaped from my jeans I guided her head back to mine and kissed her }{\insrsid10231800 running my fingers over her breasts playing with her nipples. She broke off the kiss and reaching over to the side table she took a condom out of the drawer and having unwrapped it, planted a wet kiss on my li}{\insrsid14034829 ps and slipped the condom skilfully over my cock. }{\insrsid13593801 \par \par }{\insrsid14034829 We kissed passionately b}{\insrsid13593801 efore I slid myself inside her. A little groan escaped her lips as my length penetrated her. My lips grazed hers and we lay there for several seconds eye to eye, nos e to nose, bodies cradled in each others heat. She ran the palm of her hand over my cheek and I kissed it. I lowered my head and kissed her, beginning to }{\insrsid15738498 thrust my sheath covered penis inside her slowly and deeply. She had closed her eyes and }{\insrsid3557218 wrapped her arms around my neck stroking it with her fingers. }{\insrsid5528001 A little }{\insrsid3932851 surge}{\insrsid5528001 of pleasure rushed through my body as she did this and }{\insrsid3557218 I kissed her neck continu}{\insrsid3932851 ing}{\insrsid3557218 to slide myself in and out of}{\insrsid5528001 her building up a steady rhythm.}{\insrsid3932851 Eva was now caressing my back with her hands and had wrapped her legs around my waist and ass. We kissed each other forcefully and continued \par \par As my thrusting intensified we were both start}{\insrsid8613427 ing}{\insrsid3932851 to moan out loud, our bodies slick with perspiration. Eva was raking my}{\insrsid14900076 chest with her fingernails, eyes clo sed, biting her lip against her moans. My breathing was becoming much more laboured as I felt my orgasm build. I wasn\rquote t going to be able to hold on very much longer. Glancing down at Eva I saw that she staring up at me. As I stared into her eyes a feeling of incredible joy overwhelmed me and before I knew what had happened I had ejaculated and I arched my back and moaned in pleasure as my cock erupted. Underneath me I felt Eva\rquote s body shudder and heard a low sobbing cry. }{\insrsid3932851 \par }{\insrsid14900076 \par We lay in silence breathing }{\insrsid8613427 heavily, bodies wrapped togeth}{\insrsid14044182 er absorbing each other\rquote s heat, k}{\insrsid16588811 issing and cuddling for what seemed like hours, only breaking to have a smoke which we shared between us. }{\insrsid9242171 \par When the cigarette had been extinguished Eva snuggled up close to me her head resting on my chest, her fingers playing with my belly-button. \par \par \lquote I wish you didn\rquote t have to go.\rquote \par \par I ran a hand through her hair and sighed; \par \par \lquote I wish I didn\rquote t have to.\rquote \par \par She lifted her head and looked up at me; \par \par }{\insrsid2241874 \lquote You won\rquote t forget about me will you?\rquote }{\insrsid9242171 \par }{\insrsid2241874 \par Grinning I winked; \par \par \lquote Didn\rquote t you know that we musicians have a}{\insrsid12413073 different woman in every city?\'94}{\insrsid2241874 \par \par Pretending to count them off on my fingers I continued; \par \par So let\rquote s see\'85there\rquote s Natalie in Bordeaux, Christine in La Rochelle, Amie in Perpignnaaaaah.\rquote \par \par I felt her hand take a tight grip of my cock. Looking up at me she grinned; \par \par \lquote I thought that might stop you.}{\insrsid2383479 If you value this you will behave.}{\insrsid7888600 \rquote }{\insrsid2241874 \par }{\insrsid2383479 \par \lquote I\rquote ll be good\'85.I\rquote ll be good.\rquote \par \par }{\insrsid16402983 Giggling she began to bite and suck on my nipples and }{\insrsid7888600 started to jerk me off at a steady pace, tickling my scro tum as she did. I was hard within seconds. Having slid a fresh condom over my rock hard member she impaled herself on it gasping as she did. Running her fingernails over my chest she leaned down and whispered; \par \par \lquote With so many women\'85..I\rquote m just going to have to make sure you don\rquote t forget about me.\rquote \par \par Planting a kiss on my lips she began to slide up and down my penis arching her back as she did. I began thrusting in unison grasping her waist with one hand and }{\insrsid1200362 fondling}{\insrsid7888600 her breasts with the other.}{\insrsid16402983 Sitting up I sucked and licked her large aureoles in turn. She wrapped her arms around me and drew me in closer pressing my face tightly against her tits. We}{\insrsid16276156 kissed each other, our tongues dancing around each others mouths probing each other. Pushing me gently back onto the bed, Eva started sliding herself up and down my cock. I lay back and began to play with Eva\rquote s breasts again marvelling at their size. She looked down her face flushed with lust; \par \par \lquote You like them?\rquote \par \par \lquote Oh yes!\rquote \par \par She laughed a little and began arching her back a litt}{\insrsid9120395 le as she continued to ride me }{\insrsid16276156 increasing the tempo of her pelvic movements.}{\insrsid15948206 }{\insrsid16276156 \par \par }{\insrsid16402983 With my index finger I traced a line from her neck down}{\insrsid7888600 }{\insrsid16402983 to her snatch and began stroking her clitoris with my thumb. She let out an airy sigh and leant down to kiss me briefly flicking the hair out of her eyes. I began to plunge my penis into her more forcefully now, grabbing hold of her ass as I did. We were both straining against each other now both panting heavily, b}{\insrsid16276156 odies alive with pleasure. I was nearing the point o f no return and no matter how I tried I was unable to avert the inevitable. With a series of lustful moans, groans and animalistic grunts I came. Long and hard I may add. The sensation that blanketed my body was something I had never experienced before. } {\insrsid3670111 I think it was then that I realised that instead of merely having sex I had actually made love to a woman. }{\insrsid15948206 As I marvelled at this Eva let out a moan and I felt her body emit a little shudder as she climaxed. We collapsed in each others arms unable to speak, hardly able to move. The only thing I could do was wrap my arms around her and hold her tight. }{ \insrsid15299116 \par \par }{\insrsid15948206 That is when we both drifted off to sleep.}{\insrsid16276156 \par }{\insrsid9120395 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10294661 {\b\insrsid2122827\charrsid2122827 V}{\b\insrsid9120395\charrsid2122827 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13193049 {\insrsid2122827 \par }{\insrsid4857203 Two}{\insrsid2122827 week}{\insrsid4857203 s}{\insrsid2122827 later }{\insrsid4857203 found me}{\insrsid2122827 sequestered in a cheap guest house in the picturesque town of Arles in the South of Fr ance. Arles was a town where Van Gogh had spent a year of his life painting and where several of his works were on display. Every year there was a festival in honour of Van Gogh. As part of this there was a }{\insrsid4857203 prominent }{\insrsid2122827 local }{\insrsid4857203 music}{\insrsid2122827 festival that we\rquote d (two other bands}{\insrsid4857203 and yours truly}{\insrsid2122827 ) been booked to play. It was a two night thing }{\insrsid4857203 that promised to be quite an attraction. Several French music celebrities were touted }{\insrsid13718843 to appear. It was rumoured that }{\insrsid4857203 even the great Johnny Hallyday could make an appearance. Hallyday was apparently making a film not too far away and it was whispered he\rquote d even made several visits to Arles already. Needless to say this caused great excitement in }{\insrsid11956925 this sleepy rural town}{\insrsid4857203 . }{\insrsid15948206 \par }{\insrsid13718843 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6249416 {\insrsid8610636 Normally I would have been more enthusiastic abou}{\insrsid11956925 t this type of thing but as}{\insrsid8610636 I strolled through the elegant centre of Arles, resplendent with banners and crepe paper, I had other things on my mind. Well one other thing on my mind. Eva.}{\insrsid13718843 \par }{\insrsid8610636 \par The day we\rquote d parted in Paris had been hard. I\rquote d left with a heavy heart and in a }{\insrsid14827764 black }{\insrsid8610636 mood. The prospect of not seeing }{\insrsid14827764 Eva}{\insrsid8610636 for }{\insrsid14827764 what, 6 weeks, }{ \insrsid11956925 was a heavy wrench. True we\rquote d spent hours on the phone too each other but it was simply not the same.}{\insrsid11345627 My thoughts drifted back to that incredible night }{\insrsid4799172 we\rquote d shared together. Just the thought of Eva, naked, blues eyes alive with passion was enough to get my cock twitching and the images racing through my head of Eva writhing below me as my dick pistoned in and out of her pussy }{\insrsid6249416 was}{ \insrsid4799172 giving me a raging hard on. Keenly aware that I was traversing the main street of the town that was quite busy despite the relatively late hour I fought with all my might to deflate }{\insrsid12198243 my very prominent erection. At half mast I began to relax. }{\insrsid4799172 \par \par }{\insrsid11956925 Eva was }{\insrsid10780357 heavily }{\insrsid2716101 immersed in the filming of Arsene Lupin}{\insrsid10780357 and couldn\rquote t get a break from it. Likewise my touring commitments meant that I was traipsing all over France playing almost every}{\insrsid14827764 night. I wouldn\rquote t have had the }{\insrsid10780357 time to travel}{\insrsid16666157 too and from Paris to see her. }{ \insrsid8610636 \par }{\insrsid16666157 \par The thought depressed me as I made my way ba}{\insrsid607844 ck to the guest house. The light and heat from the sun was dissipating as night approached. It had been a long day and was going to be an even longer one tomorrow. With a jaw cracking yawn, I rubbed my eyes and headed to my room intending to }{\insrsid11345627 sleep forever}{ \insrsid607844 . }{\insrsid11345627 Well until the following morning at least. I wasn\rquote t due to play until 7.30pm so I had plenty of tim}{\insrsid12198243 e to arse around Arles tomorrow and catch some of the local sites. Several members of the two bands I was touring with were going out to a local caf\'e9}{\insrsid6249416 and invited me to join them. }{\insrsid12939872 Respectfu lly I declined and despite their protestations that it would do me good I managed to extricate myself from }{\insrsid5833176 them and headed straight for my room.}{\insrsid8915532 }{\insrsid6031466 Flicking on the TV I collapsed onto my bed and closed my eyes}{\insrsid3350174 oblivious to the sounds emanating from the idiot box\'85}{\insrsid12198243 \par }{\insrsid3350174 \par I\rquote m not sure how long I dozed before I was awoken by a rapping on my door and the sounds of a stern female voice.}{\insrsid16677260 It must have been the }{\insrsid6119820 old }{\insrsid16677260 battleaxe who ran the guest house, Madame Cleureux. The minute she\rquote d met me she\rquote d taken a dislike to me. My French was shit and she pretty much let me know this. }{\insrsid3350174 \par \par \lquote Monsieur Rogers}{\insrsid15487554 \'85}{\insrsid3350174 Monsieur Rogers}{\insrsid15487554 ...}{\insrsid3350174 Il y a une femme a la telephone pour vous. Elle a dit qu\rquote elle a une message tres important pour vous. Monsieur Rogers...Monsieur \'85Est que vous ici?\rquote \par \par I sat }{\insrsid16677260 bolt }{\insrsid3350174 upright}{\insrsid16677260 which caused my head to spin which in turn caused me to groan. Running my hands through my hair I snapped.}{\insrsid3350174 \par }{\insrsid16677260 \par \lquote Une moment\'85Je viens}{\insrsid6119820 maintenant}{\insrsid16677260 .\rquote \par }{\insrsid6119820 \par In my haste to answer the door I tripped over one of my shoes and belted my foot off the end of the bed. \par \par \lquote Fucking hell!\rquote \par \par That stern voice hidden behind the door called out again; \par \par \lquote Monsieur\'85Monsieur}{\insrsid15487554 ...}{\insrsid6119820 Qu\rquote est ce que c\rquote est la probleme?\rquote \par \par Muttering under my breath I cursed her long and eloquently. Pain coursed through my leg and limping over to the door I unlocked it and wrenched it open; \par \par \lquote Qu\rquote est ce que c\rquote est la probleme\'85\'85.\rquote \par \par }{\insrsid11667922 My face softened and the}{\insrsid6119820 rest of my planned diatribe was silenced as I saw who it was. \par }{\insrsid9327518 \par \lquote }{\insrsid11667922 I have a very important message for you from a pretty young woman from Paris.}{\insrsid9327518 \rquote \par \par }{\insrsid11667922 Folding my arms I cocked my head, a little grin on my lips. \par \par }{\insrsid9327518 \lquote Oh\'85.}{\insrsid11667922 and what would that be?}{\insrsid9327518 \rquote \par }{\insrsid11667922 \par Stepping forward Eva looked up at me; \par \par \lquote I love you\'85\rquote \par \par With that we embraced consuming each other in our mutual lust. I slammed the door shut and we stumbled over to the bed ripping at each others clothes}{\insrsid16470508 . Lying naked on the bed we devoured each others bodies our limbs entwined. Eva began kissing and licking my chest her tongue darting all over my chest as she made her way towards my groin. I ran my hands through her hair as she drew nearer my now very erect cock. I moaned as she peeled back my foreskin and shivered as her tongue started snaking it\rquote s way around the sensitive head of my penis.}{\insrsid15487554 Eva}{\insrsid16470508 flicked her hair out of her face affording me a great view as she kissed and licked the throbbing purple head bathing it with her saliva.}{\insrsid9523079 }{\insrsid15487554 She then began flicking her tongue quickly around my cock head. }{ \insrsid16470508 I moaned and groaned my approval}{\insrsid9523079 not really able to do much more because it felt incredible. Her hair fell back in her face and once again she flicked it away. }{\insrsid15487554 Guiding my cock into her mouth she started to suck and lick me into nirvana her tongue like a magic wand as it traversed the length and breadth of my member. Her hand encircled my penis and she began to pump it slowly as she bobbed her head moan ing a little as she began to take more of my length inside her mouth. Her moans melded with mine and I knew that if she didn\rquote t stop I\rquote d }{\insrsid6187640 spurt}{\insrsid15487554 . \par \par Guiding her back to my face I kissed her hard and deep my tongue waltzing with hers, my hands exploring her lower back and coming to a rest on her ass cheeks. I squeezed them and looked into her eyes.}{\insrsid11667922 \par }{\insrsid15487554 \par \lquote I love you Eva.\rquote \par \par }{\insrsid4919926 She smiled and hugged me, her body pressed tightly against mine. I could feel her heart beating next to mine as we lay together}{\insrsid6187640 embalmed in the heat of two lovers}{\insrsid4919926 . I clos}{\insrsid6187640 ed my eyes and stroked her hair, reached across for my wallet, }{\insrsid4919926 opened it }{\insrsid6187640 and took }{\insrsid4919926 out a condom. She sat up on my lap and ripped open the packet. Guiding myself inside her I lay her down on the bed and grabbing}{\insrsid5204979 hold of her waist I sank the full length of my penis inside her tight pussy. }{\insrsid6187640 As I started thrusting I leant down began to suck her erect nipples causing her to let out a little cry as I bit them gently. Our hips were grinding together harder and harder as our fucking intensifie d. Rolling on top of me Eva kissed my chest and began to grind her pussy down on my cock. I began thrusting into her with a lot more urgency. I looked at her face flushed and contorted with desire}{\insrsid11357865 . }{\insrsid6187640 Her eyes were closed }{\insrsid11357865 and she was moaning loudly. Her breas ts were bouncing in time with our thrusting and I buried my face in between them kissing and licking them all the while continuing to fuck her. I felt her wrap her legs tightly around my waist and ass and hold me tightly to her. \par \par It wasn\rquote t long as I began to feel my orgasm building and I began to go hell for leather. Sure enough I ejaculated and let out a series of lustful grunts, groans and moans. At the same time Eva let out several sobbing cries and shuddered. I felt her pussy }{\insrsid14044110 contract}{\insrsid11357865 }{\insrsid14044110 around}{\insrsid11357865 my }{\insrsid14044110 meat}{\insrsid11357865 and this drew another }{\insrsid11808276 moan from me. Holding her close to me I stroked her neck with my fing}{\insrsid14044110 ers breathing heavily. We didn\rquote }{\insrsid11808276 t say anything as we sat there cradling each other in our arms.}{\insrsid6187640 \par }{\insrsid11808276 \par *********************** \par }{\insrsid11667922 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid465201 {\insrsid11808276 I awoke at 5 in the morning as the sun was beginning to crest in the sky. Goosebumps littered my body as the chill air assaulted it. }{ \insrsid465201 Clad only in my boxer shorts I sat on the window sill and lit a cigarette staring out at the crimson sunrise.}{\insrsid8199401 As I sat there smoking I glanced over at the bed where Eva was fast asleep. Through the gloom of the early morning light she looked so peaceful lying there her hair draped to one side on the pillow, several strands resting on her face. Stubbing out my cigarette I tip-toed across to the bed and caref}{ \insrsid746976 ully slipped between the sheets. With the tips of my fingers I stroked the hair off her cheek. She muttered a little and placed her hand on my chest. I slipped my arm around her waist and drew her closer too me. }{\insrsid11142321 She let out a little sigh and I felt her warm breath on my chest.}{\insrsid12204690 I kissed her cheek lightly}{\insrsid4675455 and as I }{\insrsid1524183 started to }{\insrsid4675455 drift off to sleep, the ghost of a smile on my lips, }{ \insrsid1849774 the lines of the Billie Holliday song \lquote I\rquote ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm\rquote flitted through my mind;}{\insrsid12204690 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa100\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15671459 {\insrsid1524183 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa100\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10307480 {\insrsid1524183 ************************}{\insrsid3736931 *******************************}{\insrsid3350174 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13193049 {\insrsid15948206 \par }{\insrsid10780173 \par }{\insrsid2241874 \par \par }{\insrsid9242171 \par \par }{\insrsid13593801 . \par }}