My Weird London Trip

Many, MANY years ago my best friend and I had the opportunity to travel to London. We were both nineteen and I don’t know how we convinced our ultra-conservative parents to let us travel that far away by ourselves.  I think it was because the opportunity struck so fast, and we were literally getting on a plane before the notion even sunk in with them.

We boarded a Virgin Atlantic plane to find stewardesses in non-traditional flight attendant garb dancing down the aisle to, “I Wear My Sunglasses At Night” by Corey Hart. After that mild culture shock, we settled in and were on our way across the Atlantic. A shaggy, blond-haired guy moved down the aisle, pausing every few rows before he stopped at ours to say, “Hi, I’m Richard Branson.  I hope you’re enjoying the flight.”  We knew who the gentleman was because we were big into records at the time, and recognized him as the guy who owned records stores and bought a commercial airline.

Now we’re in London, making our way to Buckingham Palace, where a large crowd has gathered. We climb up onto a nearby fence just because everybody else was doing it, and the finally mustered up the courage to ask, “What’s going on?” Well, it just so happens at the moment we wandered into Buckingham Palace, some guy who had been carrying the Olympic torch around the world was making his way down the Mall to arrive right where we were standing. And then to our surprise, the gates at Buckingham opened up as Charles and Diana walk out to congratulate him!

The next day we get off the Tube and decide to check out Hyde Park. We can’t get through the park because there is a makeshift fence in the way, and an empty stage. As we stand there scratching our heads and wondering what’s going on, Sir Bob Geldof walks by. (Okay, he wasn’t a sir yet…I don’t think). Anyway, today’s wanderings apparently placed us a few hours before the first ever Sport Aid event.

And lastly, on our eighties wonder-tour, we end up at a restaurant owned by none other than George Michael’s father. Okay, I admit I was a WHAM fan. There, I’ve confessed that in public. George’s father actually sits down at our table and starts chatting with us!!! He asked, “What would you do if my son walked through the door right now?” I mumbled something humble like, I’d say hello. He chuckled and added, “He comes in here all the time. Usually because he has no cash on him.” Then, this delightful Greek man serves us the best filet mignon we’ve ever had in our lives.

I could go on about our endeavors in that youthful trip, but you’re probably rolling your eyes already. 

I love London, and it was so much fun to be able to revisit it in my new romantic suspense novel, SHADOW. 

**

The Shadow was watching her again. Sophie Diem could not see him. She could not prove he was there. 

Sometimes he would approach. On those occasions she tried to run. Running was pointless, though. He would always return. And he would always ask the same question−over and over and over… 

Where is Nathan Bethard? 

Sophie's boss has skipped town, abandoning their counseling firm. Now a stranger is stalking her. Granted, the man is drop-dead gorgeous, but nonetheless, he is still a stalker. In an attempt to flee him, she seeks a new job...in London. 

Surely crossing the Atlantic will be enough to deter her shadow.

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Hugs,
Maureen

www.MaureenAMiller.com