Mason
I have been sitting on the stairs to the floor above Olivia’s for the past three hours and my arse is going numb. I am worried about her. Where she is and how she is? I told myself that our dalliance with flirtation was going to end badly, worse than yesterday and here we are, or at least I am. Fuck knows where she is.
The idea of her hearing Arianna’s words about her, but not her, not how she thinks the words were meant and the fact that she thinks I’m married do make today more of a nightmare than yesterday.
I lie back on the stairs, stretching, hoping to ease the tension in my back. I could have posted her keys, purse and train pass and then just left her bag on the doorstep, but I haven’t because I really want to see her, to explain and make amends. Why? My irritating inner voice asks, and I have no reply for it, none that I am prepared to admit at least.
I am startled to hear footsteps on the stairs, but heavier than I imagine Olivia’s would sound, heavier than they were the other night when we ascended them together, stopping every few steps to kiss. I miss kissing her I decide and then groan as a woman stops before me. Oh no, this is not happening, the ball breaker friend is standing before me, over me from my sitting perspective.
“What are you doing here?” We each ask making us both smile.
I get to my feet and as I am two steps up I stand much taller than the very tall woman in front of me, a position I like. It restores my equilibrium somewhat since I know that the woman before me has the upper hand where Olivia is concerned.
“You first,” she says.
“I need to see Olivia, to explain, she misunderstood.” It sounds like the lamest of explanations and fully expect this woman to punch me as hard as Olivia did yesterday. “Where is she?” I don’t care that my lame has morphed into desperation, even to my own ears.
“Not here and she’s not coming back tonight. I’m grabbing some overnight things for her,” she explains calmly.
I am surprised she isn’t screaming at me. In her position I’d be screaming at me.
“I need to see her,” I plead.
“Not happening tonight matey.” Her words are firm then possibly seeing my expression she shakes her head. “Do you want to come in and talk while I get her stuff? And maybe I can help in some way, so long as what she thinks about you isn’t true.”
“Thank you.”
I release a breath I had no idea I’d been holding in and have never been quite so grateful in all my life for someone being willing to speak to me as I am right now.
Sarah turns out to be quite friendly, all things considered, and is a very good listener I realise as I fill her in on what was actually being said rather than what Olivia thinks was being said. She has even made me coffee so that we can chat properly, which we do sitting opposite each other at Olivia’s small white table in the kitchen.
“I really want to explain to her, what she heard, what she thought she heard,” I tell the woman before me who is looking back at me thoughtfully.
“Not tonight, maybe not even tomorrow,” she replies, making me huff and frown. “Look, she is upset and hurt, her hand. If I get my way, I’ll encourage her to take a couple of days off work and stay with me. She needs to clear her head because she doesn’t do this.”
“Do what?” I expect her to just say the one-night thing, but she doesn’t.
“Any of it, she doesn’t do drama, nor mix work and pleasure like this, oh and she doesn’t punch people, ever and all of that after a one-night stand. This is not Olivia, well it wasn’t until she met you,” she almost accuses.
I smile knowing I am responsible for her friend’s change in behaviour. That must mean something I tell myself.
“I just want to explain and to try and not be such a dick,” I say with a cringing movement that seems to amuse Sarah judging by her huge grin.
“How about we strike a deal, you and I?”
I know that if she is going to offer me a chance to see Olivia and clear up some of the mess I’ve made I’ll take whatever she offers and nod my confirmation of this.
“You speak to her boss and let it slip that she was really unwell and has hurt her hand, then if I can get her to call in sick he is not as likely to be pissed off with her.”
“That’s not a problem.” There’s total conviction in my voice because she could do with a couple of days to rest her hand. “I can square things with Christian, discreetly.” I add the final word sensing that she is about to object.
“Thanks.” Sarah smiles before she continues with her demands. “I don’t doubt that you could find her number, but I am asking you not to, she needs a couple of days to get her head sorted.”
“Sorted?” I know I sound a bit peeved but that is because I am. I was hoping to be able to gain some access to Olivia tomorrow if not tonight andsortedsounds final, as if freeing herself of me might be part of her sorting plan.
“Yes, sorted. She’s confused but she is also the most conflicted and complicated person I know, and I know her far better than you. So, assuming you’re not just after a quick bunk up with Olivia you’ll do this my way. You know that club where you met her, Dazzler? What if I could get her there Friday night, maybe you could be there too, once she’s had time to question whether this thing between you two could be something?”
“Why would you do that?” Suddenly I’m unsure of myself and suspicious of this woman who I don’t know and have no reason to trust and yet she seems to be bending over backwards to help me.
