“Thank you,” I say before continuing. “You really don’t have to, I’ll be okay.” I’m not sure who I’m trying to convince more, him or myself.
“I didn’t say you wouldn’t be okay, but sometimes it’s easier to be okay when you have someone to talk to.” I can see sincerity in his eyes, but it doesn’t feel condescending, it feels like he really means it, almost as if he’s talking from experience. I nod not trusting myself to talk as I feel the lump forming in my throat.
“Anyway, think about it.” He grabs another napkin and the pen from my apron, and jots his number down again, pushing it across the counter towards me. “In case you lost it.”
And just like that, he turns and leaves.
“Damn girl, if you don’t climb that, send his number my way,” Jodie jests as she pulls me from my racing thoughts.
“I told you I’m done with men,” I laugh, sliding the number towards her. “Knock yourself out.”
“Don’t mind if I do.” She grins as she folds the napkin and places it in her pocket.
My feet are crying out to be released from these heels. The shop has been busy all day, and my poor feet are paying the ultimate price.
I arrive home to see a small box left outside my door. I take it inside and drop it on the counter before opening the envelope.
A little something to make life easier. Be sure to make the call.
I smile to myself and open the box. Inside is the latest iPhone. I’m in complete shock. Why would someone go to these lengths when I’m clearly not worth it. I’ll cause him nothing but headaches and drama.
I remove the phone from the box, switching it on, surprised it’s already been set up. Opening the contacts, I find a single number underClay (call in an emergency situation).
Wow, the bloke has some willpower, I’ll give him that.
I consider returning it, but I have no idea where he lives. Plus, I could do with a phone, and there’s no way I can afford one anytime soon.
I log in to my Apple ID and find that all my pictures of the boys are still there. I find some solace as I scroll through the hundreds of photos, remembering every single moment in time.
Clay
Sitting in the corner of the club, I sip my whiskey. Ever since I met Belle on the bridge, it’s the only thing I’ve been able to think about. I have this overwhelming urge to make sure she’s safe. I’m hoping that she doesn’t think it’s stalkerish sending hera phone, but she really does need one for her own safety. My phone then alerts me to an incoming text from her, I saved her number earlier as ‘Beauty to my beast’. I grin smugly, satisfied with my day’s work.
Beauty to my beast: Thank you.
I fire off a quick reply.
Me: No worries
I don’t want to push any further and scare her away. I think me rocking up at her place of work and sending her a mobile is crazy enough behaviour for one day.
“Shit, the VP fucking smiles,” Drifter jokes, taking a seat beside me.
“Yeah, until this dumb fucker sits next to me,” I retort, playfully.
“You didn’t get in ‘til late the other night, brother. All okay?”
I pick up my whiskey and take a sip before answering. “Yeah, of course.”
“Sure? You’ve been a little preoccupied.”
“Yeah, I’m all good.”
“Okay, but the last time you went for a ride that late, shit with your brother was playing on your mind.”
I pat him on the back. “Honestly, brother, I’m all good,” I say, knocking back the rest of my drink, the ice chinking in the bottom of the glass.
Joker brings over another round of whiskeys, placing them on the table and taking a seat opposite us. Anyone would think this was some kind of intervention, brotherhood style.
