Page 11 of It Started with a Kiss
The thought did nothing for my churning stomach. ‘Um... nah. I think I’m going to get some work done, Tom. Thanks, though.’
‘Oh, come on, Finlay. Live a little, pal. It’s Saturday. Let’s do breakfast and drink plenty of coffee and then if youreallyfeel the need to work, you can do it later, okay?’
I didn’t need much convincing, and although my stomach lurched again at the thought of food, I couldn’t really be bothered working either. ‘Yeah, okay. Give me half an hour and I’ll meet you at The Edinburgh Larder, okay?’
‘Great! See you there.’ He hung up and I slumped onto the couch to rest my head in my hands.
A text pinged through and I lifted the phone once more.
Hey kiddo, how are things? Has Dad fired you yet? I wouldn’t put it past the miserable old git. If I were you I would jump before I was pushed. I’m here if I can help. And remember, if that apartment gets too much you’re always welcome to stay with us. It would be good to have someone else on the nappy changing rota. Love you. Cal.
My brother had a point. My father was nothing if not vindictive. I envied Callum for the way he could just switch off. He had the innate knack of letting my father’s words wick away like water from a duck’s back. Although Dad firing me wasn’t something I was really expecting. Surely he wasn’t that bad?
Once I’d showered, I felt a little more human, and grabbed the first clean clothes I set my hands on—dark jeans and a blue v-neck sweater. I pulled on my boots and stood in the centre of the vast space I had once shared with Elise. Callum was right, not only would I need to consider looking for a new job but I would need to move. The place was too big for me, and to be honest, I needed a fresh start. I needed to be somewhere that didn’t reek of my father and his money and it was best I left before I was forced to do so.
Half an hour later, I walked into the Edinburgh Larder and spotted Tom perusing the menu. He looked up and waved as I made my way over to sit opposite him.
‘Feeling any better?’ he asked with a smirk.
I sneered. ‘Sod off.’
His responding laugh caused his whole body to vibrate. ‘I’ll take that as a no then.’ A young waitress came over, took our order, and quickly left us in peace. ‘So... what happens now?’
I glanced at Tom to see the grin gone and concern etched on his face. The guy made fun of me constantly, but there was no doubt in my mind about how much he cared for me.
I rubbed my hands over my face as if doing so would bring some ideas forth. ‘Honestly? I haven’t got the slightest clue.’
‘Are you looking to move out of that penthouse? It’s a wee bit big for one, don’t you think?’
I nodded as I stared at the tines of my fork. ‘Funnily enough, I was thinking the same before I left there to meet you.’
The waitress arrived and placed our food and drinks down before smiling warmly and leaving us once again. Tom added sugar to his bucket of coffee. ‘Have you spoken to your folks since the shit hit the fan?’
The mention of my parents made my stomach roil. ‘Nah. Don’t want to either. I’m tired of all the bull that goes along with being a Hunter. I wish I could change my sodding name.’
Tom threw his head back and guffawed. ‘Oh, yeah. I can imagine it now. Like that time onFriendswhere Phoebe changed her name. Johnson McBudgysmuggler would suit you down to the ground.’
In spite of the fact that I felt like a bear had beaten me over the head and crapped in my mouth, I joined in his laughter.
* * *
Monday morning was dull and rainy. The dark clouds overhead matched my mood and the feeling of doom that hung over me. To make matters worse, I’d got up late, so I rushed round like a headless chicken, trying to get myself ready for work. Although, my father was due to be back and I really didn’t feel like facing him—this made summoning up the energy even more challenging. We hadn’t spoken since the day of the non-wedding and I felt sure he’d have more reasons to have a go at me.
Choosing a black power suit from my wardrobe—in the hope that I’d exude the confidence I was internally lacking—I dressed slowly, trying to delay the inevitable. Thoughts of a pink-haired girl sprang to mind as I fastened my tie.Those eyes. Where the hell did I know her from? Why was she so familiar to me? Why did I feel drawn to her? I remembered the slashed T-shirt she wore and the way it gracefully slipped from one shoulder, exposing her collarbone and slender neck. She wasn’t the type of girl I was usually attracted to, but for some reason, the image of her walking slowly past, smiling, kept on flitting through my mind.
I shook my head.Enough of that, Hunter. You’ve a father to stand up to.I grabbed my overcoat, keys, phone, and briefcase before heading out of the door and down to the ground floor.
The doorman nodded and opened the main door for me. ‘It’s a cold one, Mr Hunter, sir.’
‘Yeah, it looks that way, Mortimer. Thanks.’ I gave a rigid smile and began the short walk to work just as the heavens opened. I’d forgotten to pick up my umbrella and considered heading back, but checking my watch, I realised I was already late.
Oh, great. More ammunition for my father to fire.
Once I reached my usual coffee house, I was soaked and freezing. Droplets of water slid from my hairline and down my nose, and the sky showed no sign of letting up its ice cold deluge. I stopped and peered in through the rain-covered window to discover there was a ridiculously long queue, and I debated whether to risk it and join the wait for the best coffee in Edinburgh. Could I justify being even later?
Suddenly, a flash of pink caught my eye from behind the counter and it hit me.Thatwas where I knew the girl from. McVey’s coffee shop. The realisation stopped me from joining the line of dripping wet customers, and I dashed off as quickly as I could before she saw me. Embarrassment at what she had witnessed at the karaoke bar caused my heart to leap, and made the thought of meeting her face to face once again something dreadful.What the hell must she have thought of me?And come to think of it, why did I care what she thought? She didn’t know me. I didn’t know her. We were only acquainted through our shared interest in coffee so what did it matter?
Thankfully, I’d seen fit in the past to ensure I had a set of towels at work. They were mainly for my post-workout shower in the days I deigned to go to the gym before work. Thanks to today’s heavy downpour on my way to the office, I certainly needed one.
