It was in the spring of 1980; I was playing bridge with some friends in Lee Green, south-east London. My friend Robert had a large house and rented out rooms. I'd gone to the kitchen to fetch some water when I met one of his tenants who was making a snack for himself.
"Good evening. I guess you're one of Robert's tenants?"
"Yes I live upstairs." the handsome young man replied.

I loved his English spoken with a soft Italian accent. We just stood there smiling at each other for some time. I realised I was staring at him and said, "My name's Iain. I'm playing bridge with your landlord and a couple of friends." He made no reply but continued to look at me so I asked, "What's your name and what do you do?"
"My name is Alessandro. I'm a student over here for the summer." he continued his snack making as he spoke.
"Well I have to get back to the bridge table. I'd really like to see you again if you don't have a partner and you have some free time." I smiled at him and give him a big wink as I turned to leave.
"I'm free tomorrow in the afternoon and evening and no; I don't have a partner. As I'm only staying here in England for the summer I'm not interested in making any commitment with anyone."
I stood before him with my glass of water in my hand. "Well Alessandro, you good-looking and handsome fellow, that's okay for me and I'd be happy to meet you tomorrow afternoon or evening." I was delighted to hear this information. I put my glass of water down on the draining board and approached him.oing and opened his arms as I approached. On

Alessandra turned from what he was d

this first meeting when we looked into each other's eyes we knew that there was some magical chemical reaction taking place. We hugged and kissed passionately then quickly made arrangements to meet on the following day before I left him to return to play cards.

Alessandro had been a soldier in the Italian army. He was a very loving and attentive partner for the short time we were together.