Well, what can I say – I’m pleasantly surprised. It’s not at all how I’d imagined. I’ve even peeled off my jumper and replaced it with a shirt as there’s sunshine! Yes, actual sunshine and the kind of heat that I usually associate with hot countries – it’s hard to believe that I’ll be skiing in a few days just a couple of hours’ drive away. And the shops! Don’t get me started on shops – I’m back from a quick coffee trip on bahnhofstrasse and the main boulevard is every woman’s dream. Plus, who knew Switzerland would be so clean? I’m walking around my hotel room in a daze. Despite being a small hotel, my room is a lot more spacious than I was expecting and my mind flits to the waiter that smiled at me as I’d passed the hotel restaurant on the way to the reception desk. He had a bald head which usually wouldn’t be my thing, but it was in such stark constant to his piercing green eyes and thick, long dark eyelashes that I couldn’t help but stare. Frederick was the name I’d noted from his metal badge. And since my stomach is making gurgling noises from a lack of food and it being nearly lunchtime, I decide there’s no better way to plan out the rest of my afternoon than a quick pit stop with a light snack and hopefully Frederick for company.
Grabbing my bag and room key, I pause as I pass the open bathroom door with its stark white and glass decor, quickly checking the mirror to see how dishevelled my appearance is. It’s a pleasant surprise when I notice that my smoky blue eyes, which have seemed more of a dull, moody grey of late, are sparkling bright again – so much so that they look almost sky blue. My untamed, curly hair, that I’d somehow moulded into bouncy curls, sits perfectly parallel to my cleavage and my light, natural make-up appears untouched.
The fitted white top I’ve changed into hugs my curves in all the right places, accentuating a hint of my generous bust and small waist. My dark blue skinny jeans are beginning to feel marginally uncomfortable, yet they do a magical trick where they make my legs appear much longer than they really are – something that nearly every five-foot-two woman aspires for. So I decide not to bother changing them, especially since I’m wearing gold ballet flats – I need all the extra leg I can get. I notice that I have a very healthy tanned glow that, thanks to my naturally olive-coloured skin, even my jetlag and slightly dry facial complexion can’t detract from. The overall appearance isn’t the one I was expecting to be greeted with. I look rather passable if I say so myself and briefly wonder if there’s something to be said for the mountainous air and whether I could bottle it to aid in feeling gorgeous in the future – something that hasn’t happened very frequently of late.
Walking through the hotel corridor with its plush red and gold carpeting, the smell of freshly baked bread hits me. I pick up my pace, eager to get stuck into a schnitzel or whatever it is they eat here. By the time I’ve arrived at the almost deserted dining area, I’m beginning to wonder if this was the best of ideas. The huge windows looking out onto the main street on which the hotel is situated shows a buzzing crowd of passers-by and the bright afternoon sunshine reflects off the highly polished cutlery at my lonesome table. There are only three other diners sat at the far end and the strange Morris dancing type music is so low that I can clearly hear their conservation. Plus, there’s no sign of Frederick. I’m about to change tactic as, through the window, my eye catches a little boutique selling semi-precious stone jewellery, when a menu is placed in front of me, making me jump.
I look up in surprise and Frederick stares at me with a broad smile. I immediately notice the perfect bow of his dark upper lip. Despite his shorter stature, his muscular frame is evident from the fabric of his crisp black shirt straining itself across his pectorals and biceps and I can’t draw my eyes away from his smooth, shiny hair-free head. There’s a twinkle in his sparkling gaze and I sense he is aware of me observing him and enjoying the ordeal a little too much.
‘Welcome to the Montana Hotel. And sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.’ His heavily accented English sounds alluring and seductive and I feel my face flushing with heat. There’s something about him that has me riled up which is rather odd since he’s not my type at all. I’m usually a fan of the tall, blond, chopped hair variety but maybe that’s where I’ve been going wrong. I meet his gaze and frown when I see a small smirk forming where his smile was only moments ago.
‘Thank you, but there’s no need to apologise, I was miles away – I didn’t hear you approaching. I just want to grab a light lunch before I head off out to explore.’ I’m feeling slightly flustered as he’s staring at me oddly.
‘Can I ask if you’ve stayed with us previously?’ The way he’s pursing his lips and squinting his eyes at me suddenly makes me wonder whether I’ve misjudged the situation. ‘You remind me of another guest we’ve had here before.’ He places one hand on his hip and bites his bottom lip thoughtfully in an overly exaggerated manner that is reminiscent of my very girly and closest friend, Tilly. ‘Are you Monsieur Eugene Marcel’s partner?’
I’ve absolutely no clue who he’s on about but I’m certain it’s not me. I think I’d know if I had a very French and sexy sounding boyfriend. Trying to hide my disappointment at the prospect that he is either overtly feminine in his ways or – perhaps more likely given the way he is now pouting at me – gay, I politely shake my head.
‘No, I’m afraid you’re mistaken. I’m Everly Carter, I’m here alone.’ I make a move to pick up the menu and am taken aback when he breaks into yet another gleaming smile.
‘Oh, your accent is so very English!’ He places one hand on his chest in what appears to be delighted surprise. ‘You’re here alone – for work then, I assume?’
I’m beginning to wonder if I’m here for lunch or the Spanish inquisition, as he’s making no attempt to even acknowledge any food order. Yet, his energy is so infectious that I’m more than happy to entertain him.
‘Well, a holiday actually – I’m a schoolteacher. It’s my first time here in Zurich.’
‘First times are always the most exciting.’ He winks at me with a cheeky grin and finally points to the menu. ‘OK, I’ll give you a few moments to have a look and I’ll come back to take your order.’
He practically dances away, and I marvel at how upbeat everybody seems here so far. Since the minute I stepped off the plane, there hasn’t been a miserable or harassed looking person cross my path which I know is purely coincidental but it’s a far cry from what I’m used to lately. Especially since the news last month that my school failed its bi-annual inspection, with my department picking up flack.
I glance over my shoulder and notice the other diners must have already left during my exchange with Frederick and I’m now totally alone in the high-ceilinged dining room. Quickly scanning the menu, I opt for the enticing combination of Emmental cheese and stewed pear on fruit bread and wait for Frederick to reappear. As if by magic, he’s back beside me within seconds and as I relay my choice, he raises an eyebrow, seemingly impressed.
‘So what do you have planned for today?’ He seems rather disappointed when I stare at him blankly. ‘Zurich is a beautiful city that you should be out enjoying! It’s a beautiful day to take a cruise down the Limmat river and see views of the old town and city.’ He lowers his voice to a whisper. ‘Don’t sit in here too long. There’s so much else to see.’
River cruise. Now there’s a good suggestion. ‘That sounds good – I’ll look into it and I might do a little shopping too.’ At the mention of shopping, his face lights up and I finally get my confirmation that my suspicion is correct.
‘Oh, there’s no end to the fabulous shops here – especially on Bahnhofstrasse.
