Page 43 of Straight to Me

“I have a slot available at ten if you’re able to make it?” I could ask VP to take me home or catch a taxi straight there.“Yes, I’ll be there, thank you. Could you email me the address?”

“I’ll do that now for you, Miss Reed.”

After saying goodbye, I end the call while walking back to the kitchen. VP places two bacon sandwiches on the table with a pot of tea.

“Everything okay? Miss Reed.”

“I’ve got an appointment for viewing a flat in Clitheroe. I’ll get a taxi home so I can grab my car.”

He looks at me confused and says, “Or you can stay and eat, then I’ll take you?”

“VP, I don’t need you to worry about me. Remember, I can take care of myself.”

Taking a long blink, he sighs. “Mads, I told you I want to take you wherever you need to go.”

It’s sweet, but I really should do this on my own.

“It’s fine.”

He glares at me, slowly tearing the crusts off his bread. I glare back. See how he likes it.

“When did you change your name?” I pinch my lips, unsure of whether he needs to hear my sad life story.Don’t overthink it. “You can tell me, Mads,” he says, as if reading my mind.

“After my husband left me for another woman, who he got pregnant,” I tell him. VP’s features soften as he looks into my eyes.

Standing, he moves towards me. His hands rubbing up and down the side of my arms. “You’re better off without him.”

“How so?” I smile.

“Because I’m here. There’s not a chance in hell I’d ever hurt you or let you go.”

Charmed by his protectiveness, I stand on tiptoes, slowly curling my arms around his neck. “Kiss me,” I whisper.

He does, gently.

Our hands stroke each other tenderly, only stopping when he cups my face in his hands again. “Now eat. You’ve got a flat to view.” He winks, then nods at the table. I’m guessing he’s decided on taking me.

After breakfast, we ride out to the flat overlooking the River Ribble. VP cuts the engine after parking in a space out the front. The place is clean and reasonably quiet, which is ideal. I’ll be able to walk or catch a bus to work each day from here. Hidden off the main road, it holds six to eight flats in total. I love it.

As I start towards the lady waiting by the main entrance, presumably Michelle, VP follows me. “What’re you doing?” I ask confused. I stop in my tracks and wait for him to understand I want to look around my potential new home by myself.

“Coming with you.”

“Uh, no, VP. This is for me to look around. I don’t need you to come up. Just wait here, I won’t be long.”

He looks deflated.

Why does he even want to come and look anyway? I know he said he’s happy I’m up north now and I know I said I wouldn’t overthink things, but seriously, this place would be mine. For me. I want to look round it alone. Without another word, he sits on the seat of his bike as I walk away.

Michelle greets me by the door, leaving it open as she walks in. She takes me through the communal entrance, up a flight of stairs, and unlocks the door to number eight.

It isn’t as big as the pictures made it look. A small corridor with two doors to the left and an open archway on the right is all I can immediately see. The archway leads to a kitchen/dining area, all painted beige. It’s boring, but I’d be allowed to decorate it to my liking.

The kitchen’s small, but the layout suggests I could host a few parties. I shake my head with a smile. Who am I kidding? It will be me, myself and I. And maybe VP.

A large window overlooking the river makes the room seem much bigger than it is, with lots of natural light flooding in, making it look pretty. Michelle then leads me through the archway to the only bedroom.

Again, a smaller room than I’d imagined, but it’s perfect for me. A double bed sits central, with a window overlooking the carpark. There’s a walk-in wardrobe to the left-hand side, perfectly large enough for my few items of clothing.

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