Meeting Clive

So how did it all begin? I hear you scream out at me. Well to be honest I don't know, it all happened so fast and now I'm in a really odd place in my life – but I'll get to that later. First I have to explain what has happened, maybe it'll help me clear it all up in my head. Maybe it won't.

I got to work at half nine and settled in with a coffee for a slow day with lots of gossiping with the three other people on with me. I work in a large complex with about thirty shops scattered about. We sell really expensive gifts and old people fall over themselves to buy things for people who won't appreciate them. It was this morning when I met Clive. I'm used to the mal guards that we have, they're Neanderthal but harmless. Clive however looked as if he might have at least one brain cell. He came in, radio in hand, short auburn hair, uniform and a smile.

"Morning Clive." My colleague said. "How are we today?"

"Fine thanks, and you?" He leant on the desk and made a big deal of looking me up and down but trying to hide it badly. My colleague said he was fine and then asked if he'd met me. "No, I don't think I've had the pleasure."

"Hi." I took over. "I'm Clarice."

"Clarice?" He looked amused.

"No Hannibal jokes please."

"You get them a lot?"

"Far to much." I grinned. He smiled and looked away. I excused myself to go help a customer and he left. I thought nothing more of it until later that day when my colleague decided to tell my boss that he liked me. "What do you mean?!" I asked, shocked.

"He's after you." My colleague – Jim – said. " Can't you tell?" I shook my head numbly. "He's been past at least six times today and he's always looking in."

"Pah. That means nothing!" I waved it off, feeling myself getting a bit flustered. "Plus I'm new, he's probably just remembering me." They both raised an eyebrow at me and I frowned.

I tried not to think about it that day, there was no way I wanted to start to lust after another guy. I had had a traumatic break-up from Jason, my ex. He had been bullying and controlling and I wanted a break from men for a month or two. Not that I was scared or didn't trust men, I wanted to be in control for once, make the decisions, especially about my own body. What Jason had done – and made me do – still made my stomach knot at the thought. There was no way I was going into something blind. Not this time.

But I couldn't avoid it. I liked Clive, he was the first guy I'd had feeling for since Jason. I wasn't sure what to do about them. Luckily Cupid was there to give things a friendly shove in the right way. It happened one night at five when I was leaving. Clive was checking the doors and held one open for me.

"Thank you Sir." I smiled.

"No problem Milady." He said, as I stepped outside, I felt something on my arm. It was Clive holding it. "Clarice...I've heard about Jason. And if you ever want to chat, I'm here." He pressed a piece of paper into my hand. It was his phone number. As I turned to say thank you he planted a tender kiss on my cheek and I felt everything turn to mushy gooey lovey stuff around me. He went back inside and I walked home, the piece of paper feeling warm in my pocket.

Cupid decided that he would play a dirty game with me. That was the only reason I could find for what happened next. I turned up for work a few days later and saw a man performing magic for the kids. I smiled and gave him a wave and he beamed at me and waved back. That smiled turned me to goo straightaway. He wasn't anything stunningly attractive, but he was kind of cute! And I must admit I have a massive weakness for cute guys! He looked quite a bit older than me, but at that point I didn't care. As I walked into my work I saw Clive talking to Jim.

"You seen that guy there?" Clive rolled his eyes. "He's a nuisance."

"Aww, why?" I asked, leaning on my desk.

"He just is." Clive leant next to me, arm gently brushing my own. It was electric, such a small touch, but so close at the same time.

"You're just jealous." I joked. "'Coz he'll get all the girls!"

"Nah!" Clive laughed out loud. "I don't think I have anything to be jealous about....do I?" He asked. I looked out of the door at the tall slim guy.

"What's his name?" I asked, not avoiding his question.

"Angelo." Clive told me.

And then Angelo was suddenly in my life...and it began to get interesting...