Page 13 of Taylor
I thank her before hanging up. I fall back against my pillow, still grinning like an idiot. I flip over, shove my face into my pillow and scream. I have no idea if Lilly’s here or not but I don’t want to wake her if she is. I can’t fucking believe this. It’s happening…it’s reallyhappening.
I have no idea what the pay is and I really don’t care. I’ll get a second job if need be. All I know is that I’ve landed myself a job working alongside some seriously talentedphotographers.
When I researched the company after getting back from Caleb’s, I learnt that they’re a relatively small company started by a husband and wife team a few years ago. They’ve since grown and have landed some incredible contracts in the fashion industry. When I saw they were advertising, I couldn’t believe my luck. I didn’t think I stood a chance alongside all the other experienced photographers sure to apply, but I went for it anyway. When I got the call to go to an interview, I thought they were joking—a little like a few minutes ago. I didn’t tell anyone about it. If no one knew about, no one would know when I didn’t getit.
Once I’m a little calmer, I get myself dressed and head to the kitchen to make a coffee. I’ve got stuff to organise if I’m going to move my life to London in twoweeks.
“Taylor, it’s been a while,” Caleb greets when he answers mycall.
“I know, sorry. It’s been crazy finishing up uni.”And shagging my way around Cheltenham trying to forget about you,Ithink.
“No worries. Everything gookay?”
“Yes, just waiting for my final grade. Listen, I need a favour,” I say, getting straight down tobusiness.
“Goon.”
“I’ve landed myself a job in London. Any chance of crashing on your sofa for a few weeks until I find my own place? They want me to start in two weeks and I’m not going to be able to get anywhere sorted thatquickly.”
“Uh…” Caleb answershesitantly.
“You’d be doing me a massive favour. I promise to be out of your hair as soon as possible,” I say, almost begging. I’ve no idea if this is a good move or not, but I’d much rather stay with Caleb than wherever my new bosses have inmind.
“A couple ofweeks?”
“Yes. Just until I sort something out formyself.”
“Okay. You won’t need to sleep on the couch, though. I’vemoved.”
“What? I was looking forward to walking through the piss-scented stairwell every day. Where are younow?”
* * *
“Wow,how much are they paying you for that body?” I ask as Caleb opens his new front door for me. From the second I exited the tube station, I could tell I was in a much nicer area than when I first visitedhim.
“Enough,” he answers as he takes one of my bags from me. “Is this all you’vegot?”
“Yeah, I don’t own much shit.” When I moved out of my childhood home, I took only what I needed, and I’ve never had the money to add to my small collection ofstuff.
“This is your room,” Caleb says as he drops the bag he’s carrying onto thebed.
“Thank you, Caleb. I really appreciatethis.”
“You’re welcome, I think.” He still looks and sounds very unsure about letting me stayhere.
“What’re you worriedabout?”
He looks down at his bare feet before letting out a breath. “That I’ll come home to find you with a different man everynight.”
“Caleb,” I say on a sigh. “I know how I’ve acted before, but this is your flat. I wouldn’t.” I don’t say what I really want to say in fear he changes his mind about me staying, but the only person I want to be shagging in this flat is him. I hoped maybe some time apart would’ve helped change his mind, but as he stands in the doorway to the room I’m going to be sleeping in for the next few weeks, he looks as closed off asever.
“I’ve got a shoot down south all week so you’ve got the place toyourself.”
“Oh, okay.” My heart drops at the thought of spending my first few days in Londonalone.
“Get up to whatever you want to in this room, but nothing anywhereelse.”
“Caleb,” I say as he turns to leave. “That warning isn’t necessary. I know what you think of me, but I’m going to show you you’rewrong.”
