“Perfect. We’ll be seeing you in a few days then, Miss Duncan.”
My brows pinched. I hated formality. “Please. Karen is more than fine.”
Nikki smiled wider and started the walk to the door. I quickly caught up after I’d said my goodbyes, and wandered out of the door she’d held open for me.
“Thank you so much for everything, Nikki.”
“You’re welcome. I’m looking forward to working more with you.”
My mouth pulled into a large smile, in fact, my cheeks hurt because of smiling so much. And as I made my way to the car, I thought how nice it would be to be part of something again.
I soon had the car started and was pulling out of my space in the drive. As I checked in my rear-view mirror, though, I saw him again, Gavin. His hands were slotted in his pockets as he watched me. I’m not sure what it was about him, but he made my insides tingle. Was it the sullen mood or the eyebrows that hung low from how he frowned all the time that gave him that edge? I had no idea, but it was something I’d like to think on, or even get to know better.
By the time I arrived back at my apartment, Holly had already left for work, so I was alone. My camera and purse were dumped on the couch while I grabbed a soda from the cooler.
As I opened my drink, I picked my camera up and turned it back on. I flicked through the photos I’d taken today of Paisley and Roman. She was so pretty; they were so well suited to each other; I thought as I smiled at how much in love they looked.Then I scrolled through the official ones of just Roman on his own for Boss. These were going to be amazing. I could spend tomorrow editing them on the computer, and hopefully, by Monday, I’d have them ready for drop-off. I placed my camera on the end table as I yawned and stretched myself out along the couch. I placed my soda on the floor in front of the couch, and I turned on the tv. But as I aimlessly scrolled, I couldn’t get him out of my mind.
He was good looking, but he knew it. His dirty blonde hair parted at the front and fell over his darkened eyes while his square jaw was cut so sharp it was almost movie star worthy. Stubble littered his face and chin, and showcased his plump lips, and when he leant down to me at the gate, he smelt so good. All masculine and woodsy. He held a certain confidence about himself that I could never rival.
My cell vibrated in my back pocket. I reached around and pulled it out. A text from Holly sat on my home screen. I unlocked my screen and opened the message.
Why don’t you come for drinks tonight, there’s a band on later and half price drinks til 9 x
My tired eyes stared at my screen. I was exhausted after the shoot today; did I want to go out, really? But then I didn’t spend much time with Holly on the social scene, she was always working while I was always tired. I wasn’t a massive drinker either, I was such a lightweight.
I don’t know. I’m tired. I need to get up early to edit tomorrow. I promised those photos back on Monday, at some point. X
I hit send, hoping she wouldn’t push. If she begged, I’d have to make the effort because I just couldn’t say no. Not to her anyway.
My finger stopped on the remote as my eyes began to droop, my cell in one hand and the remote control in the other. As I rested my cell on my chest, my head turned to the tv; it had stopped on some animal documentary. I tried to focus, but it was no good, instead my eyes closed, and I soon drifted off.
When I woke, I found two missed calls and another message from Holly:
Please. It’ll be good. The band are soft rock, and I know you love that music. Just a couple of hours…
I looked at the words on my screen, but they weren’t forming. The programme that was on had changed to something else. I blinked a few times and lifted my cell back up. The time in the corner read seven forty-five. If I was to go, I’d need to shower and wash my hair… it all seemed like so much effort. When I really thought about it, my hair wouldn’t take too long to dry, I could leave it natural, it wasn’t all down my back either, it hung just past my shoulders.
Maybe just a couple of hours.
Just as I was about to send her a message back, another one came through:
Please? Say you will. And anyway, you need to fill me in on today. X
A long sigh fell from my lips as I rolled my eyes. I guessed that was it then. I dragged myself up from the couch, went to the refrigerator and pulled out all the makings for a sandwich. I needed something quick.
I typed a swift reply to Holly,
Fine. A couple of hours, that’s it! X
I pocketed my cell again before I cut my sandwich in half and went back into the lounge. It didn’t take long to eat it. Once I was done, I headed for the shower. Maybe after that, I’d feel ready for a night out.
I got out the cab just in front of the bar Holly worked at. The Emerald was an Irish bar, it opened until two in the morning and had a lot of live bands on. It was a cool place to be, if I was honest, but I didn’t go half as much as Holly would’ve liked. She always tried to get me to come down here, but I usually said no, point blank. For a twenty-three-year-old, I didn’t go out much at all.
Once I was through the door, I smiled at the bouncer and headed for the bar. I found a stool and plonked my ass on it, and waited for Holly to see me. It was a big place with a smallplatform at the opposite side for the band. They were all set up but hadn’t started yet. When I looked at my watch, I saw it was still only a quarter to the hour. I’d done well, I was dressed and ready to leave by half past, and the cab came right away.
When I saw a free bartender, I popped my hand up, and he came right over, “What are you havin’?”
“Just a beer, thanks.” As I finished ordering my drink of choice, a squeal came from behind him.
