Karaoke

You wait next to the Touch of Eros, trying to dispel the nerves you feel and just be confident in yourself. You got your hair freshly cut, and popped three mints before this, so you're at your most attractive. Right? Your smart-casual shirt and chino trousers are comfortable, but if you sweat you know it'll result in obvious damp patches. Trying not to think about that, you bring yourself back to the present. Suddenly, you realise you've been absent-mindedly ogling the statue's nude women in their impassioned embrace, and search for something else to look at.

You don't have to look far. Gabrielle is an absolute knockout, her golden waves of hair positively glowing in the pink light of dusk, illuminating her flawless features. Her eyes look almost amethyst when paired with her gorgeous blue dress, which also makes her look both classy and sexy at the same time. Her black heels click against the pavement, and she holds a matching leather purse by her side. By far the prettiest part of her, though, is the {if Gabrielle>5%}hint of a smile that tugs at her glossy pink lips.{else}casual, dazzling smile she gives you as she stops beneath the statue.{endif}

"So, Mr Samson, where to?"

When you tell her your destination, you are pleasantly surprised by her positive response. You would have thought her expensive-looking dress meant she was expecting something rather more formal - but Gabrielle seems genuinely happy with your choice of date. You lead her into a bar, and find one of the more secluded tables where you can still see the stage. When you see the supermodel-worthy Skye girl sit opposite you, you can hardly believe this is happening. Two already-drunk girls are singing Mariah Carey completely out of season over a murmur of conversation from the customers, and you realise Zara was right about the atmosphere. It would be hard not to enjoy yourself in a place like this.

The French girl leans towards you to be heard over the singers. "So, karaoke. Do you sing much?"

"I sung for a band a few years ago," you relate, smiling at the memory.

"Oh?" Gabrielle smiles back.

"Well, we never went anywhere," you recount. "But we had fun, picking our favourite pop and rock songs and playing them for our modest following."

"And yet you gave up your career as a popstar to come here," grins Gabrielle.

You incline your head towards her. "Given the woman sitting opposite me, I think I made the right decision."

You decide to order some food from the bar's modest menu. You decide to try a highly-rated burger and chips, whilst Gabrielle orders the green salad. When it comes, the burger is hot and tasty, with a portion of chips big enough that you know you'll be comfortably full. Gabrielle's salad, on the other hand, hardly qualifies as food - it's literally some butterleaf leaves with a drizzle of vinaigrette. Watching your date carefully, you see her expression fall as she receives her meal, and picks at it as she listens to three blokes singing All Star.{if Charm>35}By her body language it's clear her excitement has waned somewhat.{endif}