I work hard during my shift, and when I finish and am walking out the door, I pull out my phone and see Axle’s number in the dating app messages. I’m in two minds about it. What if he ends up being a stalker or some guy who won’t leave me alone? Then he has my number. I guess I could block it.
I wish I had my sister, Ava, or someone apart from Mel to talk to. I want to talk to Ava so bad... but I’m not sure if she’d even answer my call. We used to be so close, but everything changed when she met her husband. I need someone to talk some sense into me because I’m clearly not in my right mind.
When I arrive at home, I dash up the stairs. I shower and then lie on my bed. The reason I moved here was because I needed a change. My life never moved forward in my old town. I needed to experience life and meet new people. My heart surges as I try to decide whether to call Axle.
I heave a sigh.Just do it!I give in to my intrusive thoughts, pick up my phone, and dial the number.
“Hello,” a husky voice answers. There’s loud music in the background, and I freeze. My mouth opens, but nothing comes out. It gets quiet. “Hello... Elena?”
“Hi.”
He chuckles. “About time you called,” he says playfully.
I can’t help but smile. “I was at work.” Did he miss talking to me? I shake my head. Don’t be ridiculous.
“Hold on a sec, I need to go to my room.” It makes me wonder where he lives and if he’s living in shared accommodation like me.
There’s a shuffling sound of movement, then a bang, as if a door was slammed closed. The music quietens. “Are we going on a date tomorrow?” he asks boldly.
I choke on nothing. “A date?”
“Yeah... a date... with me. Come on, I know you want to,” he purrs.
He’s a massive flirt. I’m in way over my head.
“Does your silence mean yes?”
I chuckle nervously. “I’ve only just started talking to you. I can’t meet you yet.”
“Why? We’re friends, remember? Friends spend time together.” He pauses. “Are you too good for me? That’s not very nice, you know.”
I huff. “I am not too good for anyone.” Damn it, a wave of guilt washes over me. “I’m a nice person.”
“I don’t know about that. You seem a little judgy. I think you’d judge me.”
I’d like to think of myself as kind and not judgmental. “No, I wouldn’t,” I say sincerely.
“Prove it!”
Still uncertain, I say, “I’ll think about it.” It’s a big risk on my part.
“I’ll take that as a yes,” he’s quick to respond.
I gape. “I never?—”
“See you tomorrow, Elena,” he cuts in, his tone seductive. He hangs up and I’m left staring at my phone. He must be joking... He doesn’t know where I work.
I put my phone down. Surely, he won’t find me. I pick up my reading glasses and book and open it at the bookmark. I try not to think of Axle, but my thoughts keep drifting back to him.
Six
Surprise!
Elena
My phone chimes,waking me up. I groggily bring it to my face and see a message from Axle.
Axle
