Chapter 5 C5: Between the Bridges

"Wow! This place is amazing. Thank you, Amy, for showing me around," I exclaimed. My eyes brimmed with awe as we roamed over the breathtaking view.

We're currently in Sky Garden, which offers 360 degree-panoramic views of the city's iconic skyline, public gardens and other establishments.

For the whole day, Amy and I visited many places around London, such as The Grand Staircase inside St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, the Victoria & Albert Museum, The Hill Garden and Pergola, and Westminster Abbey. We also went to an incredible coffee shop where we enjoyed the overlooking view of Big Ben and Parliament Square.

"There are many places to visit, but it's impossible to see them all in just one day," she remarked.

I smiled at her. "You're right, one day isn't enough. Perhaps another time when you're available."

"Indeed. I do hope that Simon can join us on our next outing."

Amy has developed a fondness for my best friend. Although she hasn't told me directly, it's quite obvious. Her eyes gleamed as she looked at Simon last night. Her smile never left her lips the whole time. Although she was fond of Simon, he seemed oblivious to her feelings. He continued to treat her with kindness, which I find quite endearing.

Simon insisted on leaving last night. However, I suggest that it would be wiser to set off early in the morning instead. He dozed off on the couch in the living room. Luckily, it was large enough to accommodate him. It's a pity but still proud that Simon had to head back to Leeds immediately as he got promoted as Content Marketing Lead.

"I hope for that as well. Simon enjoys exploring wonderful places," I remarked.

Amy's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Really? Could you share more about your best friend?" she asked, her voice brimming with excitement.

Indeed, Simon seems quite charming. His dimples are particularly endearing. Additionally, his stature and hairstyle evoke a youthful Henry Cavill aura. So, it's impossible that Amy didn't notice that. As Simon's best friend, I saw women try to flirt with him on many occasions but never succeeded. He graciously turned them away since he's a gentleman. I don't know if Amy would stand a chance to get his attention.

I'm looking forward to it. I giggled inside my head.

"Uhm, what exactly do you want to know about him?" I inquired, then sipped on my bubble tea.

Currently, we are facing the impending sunset while seated on a bench.

Amy paused for a moment to think. "How about his ideal for girlfriend? Does he have a preference for women?"

I almost choked on my bubble tea. I gently tapped my chest while coughing.

"Are you okay, Fleur?" he asked worriedly while rubbing my back.

I lifted my hand. "I'm okay. Don't worry about me." I whimpered and tried to smile.

I was unaware of Simon's preference for an ideal girlfriend. Hold on! I can't seem to remember him telling me about it. Does he even have one? After all, he never indicated that he was interested in women.

I snapped my finger. "Yes! I think I know something about his ideal girlfriend."

"Really?" Her eyes glinted. "Tell me, Fleur! Please?"

"Mmm..." scratching my chin. "..... he likes women who have soft personalities but not too soft like those introverted ones. I think it is a combination of being a soft and strong woman. You know what I mean? A confident yet humble person. Having a pretty face is merely an added advantage."

With a gasp, Amy clasped her hands in awe. Her eyes were sparkling with merriment, and her cheeks were flushed. "That's so nice of him!"

I grinned. "Don't worry. We'll hang out with him soon. I'll make sure of it. You could ask him yourself about anything."

Amy's face became even more flushed. "That's going to be exciting!"

Grinning, I patted her shoulder. "Of course it is."

We continued witnessing the daily masterpiece that never failed to captivate everyone as the shadows grew longer, and everything was bathed in a soft golden light.

"I will always cherish the sight of the sunset," I muttered, admiring the magic dying of the day.

"It's impressive, isn't it? It serves as a reminder that regardless of how challenging your day may have been, it can still end beautifully," Amy stated.

I chuckled. "Indeed."

I recall how Adaira and I cherished climbing trees or roofs just to witness the sun gently vanish. We frequently exchange our life aspirations as we watch the sky transition into night mode. Does she still watch sunsets today? I hope she is.

After a short time, we made the decision to go and find a restaurant for dinner.

"Where are we going to eat?" I inquired as we made our way through the elevator.

She grinned, followed by a wink. "Between The Bridges."

My eyes widened. "Is this the new drinking spot and the place for delicious street food?" I inquired, thrilled.

"Oh yes," she answered fervently. I grinned.

After a three-minute walk to Monument, we took the train to the Embankment and then strolled southwest across the Golden Jubilee Bridges for ten minutes, arriving at the Southbank Center Winter Market.

There, situated at an absolutely prime position right next to the Thames between the Southbank Center and the London Eye. Between the Bridges offers a fantastic selection of street food and drinks, along with a lively program of events.

My eyes wandered around the area where I could see people enjoying a lively atmosphere with their friends and families.

I smiled broadly.

"Come on! Let's grab a bite and a drink," Amy said, tugging at my hand and leading me to a nearby food stall to check out the menu.

After a few minutes of looking everywhere, we must admit that everything we see appears to be delicious. We struggled to decide what to eat.

"Here! This is good. I had already tasted them before and it was amazing. Try this bait. It's a seafood sandwich filled with fresh crayfish, buttered lobster and smokey king prawns," Amy suggested.

My mouth watered at the sight of it. "I'll have those," I decided.

Amy grinned. "And mine will be the LiL'Watan."

After paying, we started eating while watching people sing and dance to music under the flashing lights. Even Amy started to groove with the music while munching on her shawarma wrap.

Amy was right, this dish really tastes good even though I'm not a fan of seafood.

"How was it?" Due to the loud music and the singing of others, her voice was a little louder.

I gave a double thumbs-up with a grin. I was unable to speak as my mouth was full.

Amy chuckled then patted my shoulder. "Told you! I'll grab some beer. You want some?"

I grimaced and then nodded.

"Okay. Stay here."

Amy disappeared as she strode into the crowd. As for me, I quietly munched on my food until I noticed a group of friends not far from where I was sitting. My eyes narrowed as the three men were staring at me with a mischievous grin across their faces. The man with a red cap and a beer bottle in his hand, winked at me.

I looked over my shoulder to make sure they weren't looking at me, but all I saw were plants. I glanced back at them and still, their eyes were all on me.

Choosing to ignore them, I kept eating until I caught a glimpse of one of the three men getting up and marching in my direction.

"Hi!" said the man with a red cap, still holding his beer.

I frowned when he took a seat in front of me without asking if he could do so. I have such disdain for disrespectful individuals.

I slightly smiled. "Yes?"

His grin widened, making his whole yellowish teeth visible. "Sorry if I interrupted your moment of enjoying your food. Your beauty caught our attention, so I just thought maybe I could introduce myself. I'm Garry, by the way."

He offered a handshake while a mischievous grin was plastered on his lips. I noticed he had piercing in the corner of his brow and nose and a faint scar on his left cheek.

Hesitation flooded through me, but I decided to be polite. "I'm Fleur, and thank you for the compliment," I said and accepted his handshake.

"You're welcome. It was nice meeting you, Fleur," he said, giving my hand a squeeze. I withdrew my hand with a firm tug. Thankfully, he released it.

The way he looked at me made me flinch. It was a disturbing gaze, the type that one might describe as lecherous.

Where the hell are you, Amy?

"So?" he inquired. His breath stinks of alcohol. "....why don't you and your friend come and join us at our table? For sure, you two will enjoy yourselves more tonight if you hang out with us."

I heard the other two men chuckling in the distance.

I smirked. "No, thank you. We're fine."

His creepy stare landed on my chest as if there was really something to look at. This man's gaze seemed to be peering through my shirt, even though I wasn't wearing anything skimpy at the moment. "Oh, come on, Fleur. Just for tonight. I promise you won't get bored."

I'm starting to feel irritated. Not scared, but irritated. "Well, I wasn't, but I am now. Please go back to your friends. I think they missed you."

This scenario is not unfamiliar to me. I have come across numerous men who behaved similarly, but as soon as they realized I was with Simon, they began to withdraw. Simon's well-built physique could be quite intimidating, as he frequented the gym, one of his favorite places.

Lol, but your dear best friend isn't with you!

Right. What to do?

Damn it!

The man rose from his seat, walked towards me, and grabbed my hand. "Come on. Don't be such a hard-to-get, lassie. We can have more bevvy and get booze all night."

Stunned by his sudden action, I stood and pulled my hand out from his manky grip. "I said no! Let go of me, you wanker!" I spoke firmly, with a tone that was not too loud, yet audible enough for him to hear. I don't want to draw attention from the crowd.

Ignoring me, he continued pulling me. "Why, lassie? Don't you like me?" With a swift, his arm encircled me and tried to kiss me, but before I could even react, a muscled hand gripped his neck, making the wanker Garry unable to talk. His face was suddenly suffused with red and purple colors.

"Aaacccck!"

Nonplussed by the scene, I glanced over to my side to see the raging dark sea-colored eyes of a man blazing with cold fire while gripping Garry's throat.