Page 1 of Chasing Storm
1
STORM
Waking up should be a gentle process, but my alarm clock clearly disagrees. My eyes flutter open in the warm morning sunlight, my alarm still beeping from its spot on my bedside table. My body feels heavy and my head pounds. The pain radiates through my body as I roll over and reach for my phone. Snatching it up, I turn off the alarm, which has already been snoozed twice.
“Ugh.” I pull my tongue from the roof of my mouth and sit up so I can grab the bottle of water and take a big glug. Glancing around the studio flat I call home in the exclusive neighbourhood of Notting Hill, I need to get my body to move. Work is waiting, and I don’t want to be late. I like my job as a back-of-house medical receptionist, and it keeps me independent from my parents. They are both doctors, sharing a private practice not far from here. At twenty-five, I didn’t want to be still living with them and having them pay for everything, so I went out and got a job.
With their rivals.
Robb & Robb share the area with Rivers & Rivers, my parents. Do I think the Robbs hired me because I’m the Rivers' daughter? Keep your enemies close and all that. It has crossed my mind once or twice, but mostly I think I got the job on my own merit. I was able to rent this studio flat a few months later, and here I am, living my best life.
I realise I'm still wearing the pink skirt from last night, along with my pink lacy bra. I lie back in bed for a moment to gather my thoughts, taking a few deep breaths, but eventually, I push myself up and swing my feet over the edge of the bed, looking for my top.
I find it scrunched up under a pillow.
Not good.
It was Ladies' Night at one of the area’s most exclusive clubs,elite, spelt with a smalleto show you how pretentious they are. My friends and I may have indulged in one too many bevvies, but it was fun and something I don’t do as often as I used to. I don’t have money to throw around anymore, but that’s fine. I’m making it on my own, which has always been my goal and is important to me. As a woman in her mid-twenties, I can’t say that the idea of finding a guy to settle down with hasn’t crossed my mind. I’m not obsessed with it like some of my friends, but the thought is there and it’s playing on my mind more than I’d like to admit. I’m kind of done with casual relationships, so this is the next step.
I’ve never actually had a proper relationship before. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had boyfriends, but nothing that lasted more than a few months. Mr Right has just never shown up.
As I undress and head to the shower, I smile to myself at the small and cosy place I call home. The sunlight streams in through the windows, lighting up the room with a warm, golden hue. Outside, I can hear the sound of the streets in the distance. It is early Spring, and the air is still fresh, but the sun is warm through the glass. Located in an old brick building in the heart of the suburb, the flat is a tranquil oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of life in London. When you walk into the flat, the first thing you notice are the large windows that offer plenty of natural light, brightening up the entire flat, which is decorated with a light, airy colour scheme that gives it a cosy, inviting atmosphere. The walls are painted a soft white, and the floors are a warm natural wood that adds texture and contentment to the space.
It consists of one large room with an open-plan kitchen, living room and sleeping area. The kitchen has modern appliances, including a fridge, an oven, and a dishwasher. There is plenty of counter space for food preparation and storage and is bright and inviting.
The living area has a comfortable sofa and armchair with a large area rug to complete the look. A large bookshelf filled with books and plants adds a nice touch to the living room. A flat-screen TV is mounted on the wall, perfect for nights in watching movies.
The sleeping area is at one end of the studio flat. The bed is a comfortable queen size with a soft mattress and luxury cotton sheets. The headboard of the bed is upholstered in a light blue fabric, adding a touch of colour. A bedside table with a lamp gives a warm glow to the room, and a chest of drawers offers plenty of storage for clothing and other items.
The shower room is located off the sleeping area and is a small but functional space. A large mirror is above the sink, and there is a shower in the corner.
The best feature of the flat is the balcony, which offers a great view of the suburb. The balcony is furnished with a tiny bistro table and two chairs, perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee or tea in the morning.
I love it.
Only a few weeks after starting my job, I was lucky to snatch it up when I did.
It was like my life fell into place all at once..
Taking a deep breath, I reach for my towel, walking naked through the small area, leaving the door open while I shower, trying to gather myself through my mild hangover.
As I step out of the shower and dry myself off, I take a moment to look at myself in the mirror. I take in my reflection—the memories of my night out still lingering on my face, the slight dark circles under my eyes. I meet my green gaze, and I feel a sense of determination wash over me.
Like all others, I know that this day will be full of choices, but I’m determined to make the best ones. I take a few more deep breaths, and I head back into my room. Dressing quickly in a white skirt and a cute short-sleeved white top with laces at the cleavage, I tie them in a big bow. I brush out my long dark hair and tie it up in a high ponytail to keep it out of my face. Grabbing a light-weight pink cardigan from my wardrobe, I put it on, and slip my feet into skyscraper nude heels, making my way to the door after grabbing my phone and purse. Throwing them haphazardly into my oversized white handbag, I make my way out the door. I’m fresh-faced with no need for makeup, so I don’t usually bother. I take care of my skin, and it glows.
Deciding to splurge one last time before I cut back on my spending for a bit, I aim for the expensive coffee shop on my way to work. I’ll indulge in a pricey coffee and maybe a croissant before I fall back on the vending machine at work. It’s not the best, but it’ll do, especially as I’m in a hurry now. I usually try to take a flask of hot coffee and a packed lunch, but I’m running out of time now.
The early morning air is still cool, but the sun is warm on my face. I reach into my handbag, root around for my huge white Chanel sunglasses, and shove them on my face. I take a few more deep breaths, feeling most of my hangover disappear, before I begin my walk. I look around and take in the sights and sounds of the bustling streets. I’m starting to feel more awake and alive in the sun and fresh air.
I’m looking forward to the day ahead, despite my dodgy start.
2
JONATHAN-PIERCE (JP)
Sitting in a corner in the coffee shop, too early in the morning for my liking, trying to get rid of my hangover, my gaze trails up her long legs, visible under the short skirt, over her peach of an arse and lingering on her slender waist for a moment before travelling up to take in the gorgeous face of the woman ordering a coffee.
“She’s married, you arse,” Josh, one of my best friends and housemate informs me, running his hand through his dark hair. He is the exact opposite of me in temperament and looks. He is moody and brooding and a realist that is kind of irritating on occasion. I’m wealthy enough not to have to deal with realism much. I want, I have. Simple. Does that make me a dick? Of course it does, but at twenty-eight and single with no future prospects on the horizon, why the fuck not? I’ll grow up when the time is right. For now, I like my charmed life, and itlovesme.
