Page 24 of Just a Number

She gives a throaty laugh. “Oh, honey, you’re so jealous right now. You need to get down to the pub and claim your man. Want me to meet you there?”

I sigh. “I can’t do that. He distracted me so much earlier that I didn’t finish this contract review, so I need to get it done tonight. There’s another meeting in the morning.”

“Dammit.” Her tone is distinctly dissatisfied.

“Maybethisis a sign from the universe that it shouldn’t happen.”

“Pah. No, it’s not. We just need to figure out the logistics. Maybe you should hire a hotel room so you can be as loud as you like without Zack overhearing?”

“Cassidy, stop. I don’t think it’s gonna happen.”God, but I wish it would.

“Hmmm, we’ll see.”

I need to throw her off the scent, so I ask how Tom’s doing. She surprisingly takes the bait and tells me about the day they’ve had together, but as the conversation comes to a close, I’m not convinced I threw her off completely, when she says, “There’s a live singer at the bar on Friday. He’s supposed to be amazing. Let’s go see him and maybe you’ll get to watch your guy at work while we’re there.”

I don’t even want to say no. I don’t know if Alex will be working then, but I’m curious to see him in the work setting. I want to see him outside of this house, in a different environment. I can kid myself that it’s because it might break the spell. But I think I’m just becoming obsessed. And if he’s not there, then maybe I’ll still be able to blow off some steam and have a good night.

“That actually sounds good. I’m in the mood for a dance.”

“It’s a date,” she cries excitedly. “I’ll see you then.”

We hang up and I get back to my contract review, determined to get it done this time.

Friday is here.

I’ve managed to avoid Alex up until now. I didn’t hear him come in from his late shift after our kiss, and my early meeting the next day meant I was out of the house before he emerged for breakfast. He wasn’t home for dinner last night, and I was scared to arouse suspicion by asking Zack where he was.

I pull up at home after all day in the office and let out a sigh of relief when I don’t see his bike here.Another lucky escape.

Shit, what if he’s avoiding me?My shoulders sag.Perhaps he regrets the kiss and doesn’t want anything to do with me. Maybe I shouldn’t go to the bar tonight. If he’s working, he might think I’m stalking him.

But Cassidy was so excited when I agreed, and he might not even be there tonight, anyway. If he’s there, I’ll just make sure to stay well clear. He’ll be busy. It will be fine, I try to convince myself.

I head inside and get changed into something more casual than my office attire. I squeeze into some faded black jeans that make my backside look fabulous. I add a lacy black camisole, strappy black heels and dig out my leather biker jacket. I haven’t worn it for ages but it will keep some of the chill off from the autumn evening.

I let my hair down from the clip I held it back with today and run my fingers through it. Bending down and hanging upside down, I shake it out to give it a bit of volume.That’ll do.Next up, I freshen up my make-up with some smoky eyeshadow and a thicker line of eyeliner and finish with a red lip.

I bite my lip as I look at myself in the mirror.Trying too much? Or not enough?I’ve worked really hard on my confidencein the last year or so since John left, but every now and again I have a little wobble.

He left me.

He didn’t want me.

Why would anyone else?

No.I shake my head and refuse to let these thoughts consume me. I’m just heading out for the night to meet a friend, have a dance and a few drinks and I’ve dressed up for the occasion. That’s all. I don’t need to turn this into something bigger than it is.

Chapter ten

Mel

Icall up the taxi app and request a lift. It’s only going to be a ten-minute wait, so I grab some dangly earrings and switch them out with the delicate studs I wore for work.

Zack’s out with friends tonight. He told me last night not to wait up and that he might even stay over at a friend's place. I shoot him a quick text to check in and to remind him to let me know if he won’t be home. A quick one-worded ‘yes’ comes back with a thumbs up.

An alert on my phone tells me that my ride’s nearly here, so I leave the porch light on and step outside, locking up as I go. As I get in the car and head towards The Thirst Trap, I flick a quick text to Cassidy to let her know I’m en route.

Cassidy:

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