Page 50 of Knotting Hill
“Saw you come in. Everything okay?”
She places her hand on my arm. I freeze and glare at it. Looking back up into her face, I see the intent swimming in her heated gaze. This isn’t the first time she’s tried it on. I dismissed her the other week ateliteto take her friend home instead. I can’t even remember her name.
I stink.
Seriously, I get why now Storm is so put off by our behaviour.
“I’m good,” I say and shake her hand off my arm.
It must be my lucky day, though, because the doors bounce open and in swoops my Guardian Angel in the form of a gothed-out omega whose best friend I’m trying to mate with.
“There you are, darling,” she purrs. “Started without me?” She bustles her way between the blonde and me, giving me a half hug that makes me chuckle inwardly.
“Here,” I say and shove the third shot towards Cassidy. “Sweetheart.”
“Thanks! Bottom’s up!”
Cassidy downs the shot in one gulp like a champ and slams the upside-down glass on the bar.
“Let’s go.” She takes my hand and drags me away, giving the blonde a smug smile as we leave the bar.
“I’m not finished. You took my last shot,” I complain.
“It’s not even lunchtime yet, and tough titties. Sandy is a viper, and she wants you. She has made no secret of that. You’re lucky I saw you from across the road on my way into work.”
“Thanks,” I mutter.
She scrunches up her face. “So, what’s up?”
“Nuthin’,” I lie, scuffing my shoe on the pavement as I stuff my hands into my jeans pockets. “Storm.”
“Things not going well?” she asks sympathetically.
“Things not going, full stop,” I point out.
She sighs. “Look, I promised her I would back out, but consider this a parting gift. She is going to karaoke tonight with the girls and me. You know the place?”
I nod.
“She is bummed out, so we’re treating her to a night out to forget her woes. Be there or be left behind. It’s all I’ve got for you, buddy.” She punches me on the arm, and with a nod, she crosses back over the road, leaving me a bit fuzzy in the head after two shots with no food and wondering what the hell we are going to do later.
I guess it’s time to call an emergency meeting, because timeisrunning out, and not just for my dad, but for us as well. If we don’t lock this down soon, our chance will be gone.
Thirty
Storm
It’s nearing7PM when the girls call for me on their way to the karaoke bar. It’s a fun night out, and I’m in serious need of some fun. I have no money to spare, but Cass said she had this, so I agreed. I know I’ll pay her back one day, but for now, I’m accepting charity because being jobless will soon mean I’m homeless.
I check myself in the mirror quickly before I leave the flat. I look good in a tight black dress with cutout sides which don’t leave a whole hell of a lot to the imagination, and high black heels. Not that I’m on the prowl, I just want to feel good about myself for a few minutes before reality crashes down around me.
The time with JP earlier has left my head and heart in an utter mess, and I don’t know what to think. I don’twantto think. I just want to drink and sing.
An hour later, slightly merry and not butchering Dancing Queen by Abba with Cassidy and our other school friend, Meredith, we blast out the lines and return to our seats to a round of applause and catcalls.
I beam, happy with my performance and let Cass lead me to the bar for more Vodka. I take my glass and walk back over to the table we are sitting at, only to find myself greeted by an alpha with a big smile.
“Hey,” he says. “Saw you up there. I’m Alfie.”
