Page 8 of Straight to Me

He’s an important man in his world-I’m a nobody. Heart rate failing, I suddenly spot it; the letters ‘VP’ at the very bottom of my contact list. VP for Vice President.

I smile and slap my palm to my forehead, I can’t believe I shouted that at him. My heart kicks back into action at once, as if he were standing right next to me. I count eleven digits and breath. Wondering what to text him, or if I should even text him at all, my fingers do the work for me.

Me: VP huh? Thanks for getting me home safe. Mads

I go to click the screen into lock mode but see the dots wiggling straight away. He must have stopped his bike and pulled over somewhere. The thought makes the biggest smile spread across my face.

VP: You’re welcome Mads. You got plans tomorrow?

Me: None

VP: Be ready for 10. Wear suitable clothes for riding on the back of my bike.

Me: Okay

Am I really doing this? I should really spend tomorrow house hunting. I must be mad. But somehow it feels right.

Throwing the door open, I rush to the kitchen for a glass of water, then race up the stairs as if zombies were chasing me, taking two at a time. All the while my face is beaming from ear to ear. I fall asleep replaying the night over and over in my head.

Chapter Five

Iwake with a start as Bex places a cup of tea on my bedside table. “What time is it?” I ask, panicking that I’ve overslept. I sit up on my pillows and rub my eyes.

“Almost nine,” she says. “Why?” A questioning frown appears upon her face.

“I’m off out soon,” I reply, as dismissively as I can, hoping that for once she won’t be able to read me and just leaves it be. I can’t imagine her face when she sees an outlaw biker pull up outside her house.

Shit. Will he remember where we live? Breathing quickly, I pick up my tea to busy myself. I can hear the cogs turning as Bex mentally tries to work out what’s going on with me. I cut her train of thought before she can. “How the hell are you up so early anyway? I was in bed before you got home?”

“You know Mitch?”

Obviously, how could I forget the little prick. “Yeah…” I encourage her to continue.

“He started telling really sexist jokes. I got so annoyed; I just left the bar. I met Hayley, you know, who works in town, she was grabbing some food, so I thought, sod it, I’ll join her.” Bex, the socialite, who can talk to anyone atanytime.

I laugh a little to myself as she continues, “We got chatting and I totally sobered up. I feel fine this morning.” She turns to leave the room. “Also saw a few badass bikers speeding through town on our way home—”

I choke on my tea, spluttering and covering my mouth as I try to breathe. “Madison, what are you doing?” She jumps towards me on the bed.

“Oh shit, nothing, sorry, you just, I mean I…”

“You’re acting weird.” I know I am. I’m all flustered, hot and sweaty and now covered in hot tea. I imagine she saw mybadass biker,VP.

“I need a shower,” I say, as I plonk my cup down on the coaster, making my way out the room before she can quiz me any further.

I blow-dry my hair in the mirror, still undecided on what to wear today. He just said to wear something suitable for riding on the back of his bike, which isn’t very helpful.

One of the news headlines scrolling across the bottom of the television suddenly catches my attention.Man’s body found in public park in Southampton. Police are calling it a revenge attack given the gruesome nature of the body and are appealing for any witnesses that may have been in the city last night.Jesus Christ. That’s near us. I was in the city last night. The poor man, his family must be devastated.

Shaking my head at the news, I decide on something practical to wear and as I lace up my converse, my phone pings from the bed.

VP: 5mins

Me: Okay, see you soon x

Oh no! A giant hole appears in the ground for me to jump headfirst into. A feeling of impending doom drops over me. The dreaded kiss at the end of a text message. My cheeks flush. It is way too soon for that. I want to curl up and die but there’s no time.

On a last glance in the mirror, I decided my light blue mom jeans, and long sleeve print top that makes my breasts look bigger than they are, will have to do. I grab my sunglasses and leather jacket from the back of the door. I’m not one to usually go for leather, but something about it seems fitting for another encounter with VP.

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