Chapter Twenty-One
Maya
Jack text me first thing this morning. After he realised I work in the city he decided to meet me near work. Which is ideal, as I can escape back to the girls to head home. Since we’re basically all living together now, we car share to and from work.
I don’t know why I haven’t told my friends where I’m going, I’m a little worried they wouldn’t approve. It just feels nice to be able to get out and be me for a while. With a perfect stranger who doesn’t know anything about me, or what I’ve been through.
Summertime in Worcester is beautiful, the heat of the sun warms my skin as I walk through the city. The streets are packed full of shoppers and tourists, wandering around enjoying themselves. Watching them go about their day makes me realise just how crappy I’ve been feeling, I wish the dark cloud hovering over me wouldleave. What I would give to be like them.
I make it to the coffee shop earlier than planned and enter through the baby pink door. This shop is beautifully unique, quirky decorations like teapots and books littering the shelves around the room.
I see Jack instantly, his bright smile beaming at me, bringing out my own smile in return. God he is so charming, I can imagine many women are falling at his feet.
“Hi gorgeous, I’m so glad you could make it.” He stands, leaning in to kiss my cheek. Such a gentleman.
“It’s nice to see you,” I say, as I take a seat opposite him.
“How has work been today? Do you usually just work mornings?” he asks, seeming to be really invested in what I would say in return. How refreshing to have a man give you his undying attention.
“Not just mornings, but I only do short shifts at the moment. I had to take some time off and just easing myself back in. What is it you do for work, Jack?”
“Oh just this and that, I’m in sales,” He says vaguely, before continuing. “So, are you from Bewdley? It’s a beautiful area.”
“Yes, I have my own place on the outskirts. Is that where you’re from too?” If I had any memories, surely we would of met before if he was, it’ssuch a small town.
We’re interrupted then as the waitress takes our coffee orders. I turn back to Jack as he carries on.
“Originally yes, but I travel a lot with work so I’m hotel hopping for now. I’d love to learn more about you.” He leans onto his elbows, eyeing me mischievously. How is it possible for someone flirt with just their eyes?
“What would you like to know?” Not that I know much to tell him.
“Your darkest secrets and deepest desires?” He laughs when I blush in response.
“I will be completely honest with you, I don’t have any. I was in an accident six months ago and don’t remember much of anything before then,” I admit, staring at him as I try to gage his reaction. The strange thing is, he doesn’t seem surprised.
“That’s awful, are you well in yourself otherwise?” he asks, studying me with a look I can’t decipher in his eyes.
“Yeah, other than a sore arm and no memory of any of my friends.”
“This sounds to me like the perfect fresh start. A clean slate on life. You should enjoy it, not many people get the chance at a do over,” He says, smiling encouragingly at me. I guess he’s right though, I never thought of it like that. “What’s the one thing you’d love to do with your new freedom?”
I think on that for a moment. Idon’t know what I’d want to do. I have no idea what I have or haven’t done before. The only thing that comes to mind isn’t something I should be telling a man I have only just met.
Although, he is good looking and has that cheekiness about him that makes me think maybe he’d be up for it.
No, I can’t. Not yet anyway.
“I want to go somewhere where nobody knows me,” I finally say. The only PG13 thing I can think of, but true all the same. I need to be somewhere with a level playing field.
“Then that’s what we’ll do the next time I take you out,” He winks.
Oh he is forward, but I like it.
“Sounds perfect.”
We carry on chatting about mundane everyday stuff, laughing the whole time at the things he comes out with. He’s got the gift of the gab, that’s for sure.
An hour passes by quickly and I tell him I need to head back to work. The girls will be finishing up soon and I still need to pick up something to wear for tonight.
