Page 75 of Our Stop

‘What are the chances …?’ she marvelled.

Daniel nodded. ‘You said I was perfect for her. You called it.’

He could hear Gaby smiling too. ‘Well, yes. But I also have to let you know that if you fuck her over I will hunt you down and kill you, okay?’

‘Message received,’ Daniel said, laughing.

There was a pause. ‘So, what now?’ Gaby said.

‘I sent her flowers,’ Daniel said. ‘And tonight we’re finally going to have that date.’

‘You had better show her a good time,’ Gaby said.

Daniel thought about it for a minute. ‘Gaby,’ he said. ‘Do you want to help me?’

50

Nadia

Nadia steadied herself in front of the mirror in the loo at work. This was just like last time. Well, just like last time except she hadn’t gone to all the effort of getting her hair done and wearing an outfit she’d actually ironed. Tonight’s date had taken her by surprise but, in many ways, that was infinitely better.Go to the lobby when you’re ready, his last text had said. She’d only had an afternoon to build it up in her head. Just a few hours to deal with the clammy forehead and dry mouth. She riffled through Gaby’s toiletry bag: typical Gaby, always prepared. She gave a spray of deodorant and a sweep of pressed powder on her chin. She picked out a piece of gum, topped up her lipstick, and rearranged her boobs in her bra, so that her chest looked a little perkier.

Here we go, she thought, throwing on her coat.

51

Nadia

In the lobby, just like before her first first date with Train Guy, Nadia saw Gaby.

‘I can’t stop!’ Nadia said. ‘I can’t be late!’ she trilled, thinking of how her conversation with Gaby was the thing that had held her up last time.

‘You won’t be!’ Gaby said, reaching out for her wrist.

Nadia spun around and looked down to where her friend held her.

‘Listen to me,’ Gaby said. ‘Daniel wanted me to tell you something. I’m here as your first clue on where to go.’

Nadia balked. ‘You spoke to him?’

‘I did. He said to tell you to stop in front of anyone wearing a yellow rose.’ Nadia suddenly realized Gaby was wearing a yellow rose, clipped to the top of her dress. ‘There are things he wants to say, before you get to where you’re going. The first one is that you are clever and kind and smart and he promises this: that this time he won’t waste your time. He’ll be there.’

Nadia didn’t know what to say. ‘Okay …’

‘He promises he’ll be good to you, Nadia. Now, go. Wait outside. Look for the yellow roses.’

Nadia looked at her friend.

‘Go!’ Gaby said, smiling.

52

Nadia

Nadia walked out of the office, and immediately her eye was drawn to a man in a security uniform, wearing a yellow rose in his lapel. He looked to her immediately. She recognized him as the man who had come up to her lab earlier that day with the flowers – the one who had stared at her and said the thing about understanding what all the fuss was about.

‘Hi,’ he said. ‘Nadia.’

Nadia nodded. ‘Hi, again.’

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