Page 19 of Those That Don't Exist
Turns out I might not want Adicious to have her because maybe I want her for myself.
I meet my gaze in the mirror above the sink. I’m so fucked.
CHAPTER 10
AURORA
The day of Hallow’s Eve dawns. Claire is in full party preparation mode, already coordinating the rest of us whilst we try to finish breakfast. I’d skipped the toast and pastries her parents had supplied, opting for just a hot coffee, trying to warm my hands. I’d gotten cold in the night and the drink was giving me more than the caffeine kick this morning as I clutch it to my chest.
We’d stayed at Claire’s parents overnight, having dinner with them the night before. I like her parents, they are the epitome of a happily married couple. They also treat me like a second daughter. They helped me a lot with sorting my dad’s stuff, and renting out our family home, after this summer. I’m glad I had their support.
Their townhouse is a fun mix of vintage and modern but even the thick duvet, and chunky weave throw, on the bed I’d slept in hadn’t stopped me shivering.
The deep purple under my eyes looked even more stark this morning against my almost blue skin before I’d put my glamour up. I really needed to sort myself out soon. I thought about asking Claire’s father some questions, seeing as he is a doctor,but I didn’t want to worry them, or cause a fuss when we’d been looking forward to this party.
As I sip my coffee, looking at the box of decorations I was in charge of, the quietness of the morning is broken by Claire yelling at her brother to get up and help. I chuckle as I listen to their sibling bickering.
David is still studying even though he’s three years older than us. He’s finishing up a doctorate program so he can follow his father into medicine. The medical school was separate from the university, located up the river a little, near the hospital, so we barely saw him.
A minute later I hear steps padding down the hall and David appears, still in his rumpled sleepwear, with even more rumbled auburn hair and looking half asleep.
“She’s gone full dictator, I was hoping for a lay in this morning,” he grumbles to me as he slides into the space on the bench seat next to me at the big beech dining table. It’s tucked into a nook of the kitchen, which is painted a deep orange and has shelves of different trinkets and vases of dried flowers, making it very cosy and homely.
I catch a whiff of his scent, goosebumps erupting down my arms. I don’t remember noticing how good he smells before.
“You’d better get started on those orders though,” I mock sternly but let a smile catch my lips to let him know I’m joking. He shakes his head and groans.
“Not you too.” He reaches across the table. “And not before coffee.”
He’s tall, around six feet, and lean, but strong with a runner's body. His muscles flex as he reaches for the coffee pot, and gives me a flash of his trim waist as he leans across the table, his top riding up. My body finally feels warm.
I must leave my gaze lingering too long because he flashes me an impish grin and raises an eyebrow as he pours himself adrink. Bree and I have discussed how attractive David is before but I’ve never thought about him on more than a surface level. My cheeks heat now though under his gaze.
“You want a top up?” He tilts the coffee pot toward me. Thankfully not calling me out for checking him out.
“You read my mind,” I say, clearing my throat, holding out my cup.
He waits until I take a sip before saying, “Yeah, I think I did. I wouldn’t say no either.”
Coffee comes out of my nose. Coughing and sputtering I swing towards him so sharply I think I crick my neck.
“I meant to the offer of coffee.” He gives me a shit eating grin now. “But your reaction is noted.”
I grab a napkin to wipe my face and the table where I’d spat the drink. The whole time I’m praying for the ground to swallow me up.
I guess the next best thing does occur because Bree bounces into the kitchen, looking fresh and energised for the day in lycra leggings and a stylish oversized jumper.
“Morning,” she calls across the room as she grabs a glass from the cupboard and fills it with water.
David and I return the greeting as she comes over and grabs some fruit from the bowl on the table, but doesn’t sit down.
“How’d you sleep?” she asks me. It's casual but there’s a tiny bit of assessment in her eyes as she looks at me. I’ve been worried she’s overheard my nightmares, worried I might talk or scream out loud when I cry out in my mind.
“Yeah, fine.” I keep my voice light. “You?” I ask, taking a mouthful of coffee, managing to swallow it this time.
“Good, yeah me too.” She nods slightly, hopefully accepting my answer. “I’m going to make a start on the lounge, want to help?”
“I’ll finish this coffee, then I’ll be there.” I smile up at her. She nods again before turning on her heels and walking out, taking her breakfast with her. Neither of my friends have raised any concerns they might have about me since I blew up at them on pizza night, but I’m sure Bree noticed I wasn’t eating any of the breakfast on offer.
