Page 20 of Where She Is
My insides turn as I watch him relish every word that comes out of his drunken mouth. I should tell him to stop; that I don’t want to hear any more. I can’t seem to find my voice and my stunned silence only encourages him to carry on.
Okay, now I think I might actually be sick. Richard warned me about Daniel’s reputation and I chose to ignore him, but there must be some element of truth for both of them to mention it. I sit motionless and dazed while Matthew continues his verbal assault.
“I heard he picked anyone up, used them, then threw them away, usually when he was off his face on drugs.”
My brain slips into gear. “Stop. I don’t want to hear any more.” My heart nearly beats out of my chest and my throat is tight. I massage my neck while trying to get my head around all this fresh information. I have no real reason to feel so hurt. I have no reason at all. Daniel isn’t mine. I barely know him, but if what Matthew has told me is common knowledge in Sydney, Daniel must know I would find out. Then it occurs to me. We had a “Google” conversation, which means he assumes I already know. I need to be alone with the thoughts that invade my head. I’m about to excuse myself when I’m drawn to Matthew making quick work of the second bottle of wine. He chugs glass after glass in quick succession while I’m still on my first. His constant vile ramblings are all aimed at Daniel and his evil habits, be they sex or drugs. His words grate. I don’t know if he’s pissed or justpissed off, but it’s plainly obvious Matthew is not a Daniel Grant fan. I don’t need this. “I think it’s time for me to leave. I have a busy day tomorrow and—”
My worst fear is now in progress as his hand cups my knee and immediately slides under my skirt and towards my thigh. My breath hitches then I slam my hand over his before it travels any further up.
“I don’t think so.”
His body slouches on mine, his speech slurs all over the place and every so often, he spits a word at me. He is disgusting and there are only so many times you can give someone the benefit of the doubt.
“Oh, come on, Hannah, we both know if that arsehole wasn’t on the scene, we’d be fucking like bunnies.”
Oh. My. God. I’m done. I slam my hands on the table and push myself up to leave. He attempts to get up with me, but loses his balance and hits the chair with a thud, causing it to scrape along the floor. I should make sure he gets in a taxi, but I don’t want to help the smarmy shit. He’s wound me up for the last thirty minutes. I can’t stand to spend another moment with him. I glare at his sprawling body, “Don’t get up, Matthew.”
I walk out with confidence, knowing he has no strength within him to chase me. As luck would have it, a taxi stops in my path and deposits a group of girls for their night out. I quickly take the chance to grab it and fall into the back seat. As I pull the door shut, I notice Matthew stagger towards the cab before it pulls away. He was obviously more compos mentis than I thought, just not quick enough.
Once I’d given the driver my address, my breathing calms for the first time in an hour. I fall back in my seat and close my eyes. What a nightmare. I’m sure life wasn’t this dramatic when I lived in London. I don’t know what’s got into Matthew. He was almost venomous towards Daniel. Then there’s his accusations which are a whole other issue. Was Daniel really into drugs? Ihonestly can’t believe it. I have this nagging feeling Matthew has it all wrong. His gossip should have me running for the hills, yet I’m drawn towards Daniel more now than ever.
I open one eye while my brain bashes the inside of my head. Why me? I wasn’t the one chuffing the Red. And my mouth! My God, my mouth tastes like the bottom of a birdcage!
I rest my arm over my eyes to shield them from another beautiful morning. Then the memories of last night file through my brain and I smack my palm on my forehead, growling out loud, “It doesn’t make sense.” Then I have a genuine dilemma. I want to talk to Daniel about it, but how the hell do you begin a conversation like that? What do I do? I have a few days to think about it, but I don’t hold out much hope of finding the right answer. It is, after all, none of my business.
I notice a fresh arrangement of flowers on my desk as I turn the corner into the office. They’ve been placed next to the beauties delivered the previous day. This time, it’s a mixed bouquet in various shades of yellow. The card attached reads,
I think I may have upset you.
I’m sorry. Did I speak out of turn? Please call me.
Matthew Bailey.
Only a tosser like Matthew would write so much, but mean little of the sentiment. My anger boils as I throw the card in the bin. I scan the office hoping to find someone to to give the flowers to. As no one is around, I take them to the girls on reception. Someone may as well enjoy them. As my day continues, so do the apologies from Matthew. First, I pick up two voicemails that beg me to return his call. Then, after popping out to collect Richard’s dry cleaning, I find a note.
I’m sorry I missed you. I hope you like the White Roses. Please forgive me and let me take you out to dinner on Friday night to apologise. Matthew Bailey.
For the second time that day, I tear up the little white card and throw it in the bin, I can’t help but mumble under my breath, “Not on your nelly, mate.” He’s apparently mistaken Daniel’s bouquet, which sits beautifully on my desk, as the flowers he sent. Well, this only tells me someone else ordered those flowers on his behalf. He can’t even apologise properly. I don’t know why he bothers.
The rest of the week flies by. I enjoy a night out with other PAs from our office. I ended up legless but didn’t regret a moment of my fantastic night at a pub in Darling Harbour. A live band played covers all night, and we danced and sang our heads off. A few local girls seemed to take me under their wing, in particular, Maddie, Ruby and Layla. It was good to have some girl time. Ruby and Layla had both travelled around Europe and stayed in London for a couple of months, so we chatted about bars and clubs we knew. We instantly clicked, and for once, I wasn’t the first to leave. At the end of the night, we all drunkenly agreed we would be best friends forever.
I spent a long time on the phone with Lucy this week, but decided it was best for me to continue my Daniel blackout for now. I have yet to understand all his alleged issues so until I was sure about whatever it was we had; it was best to keep quiet, otherwise, I could see Lucy getting her knickers in a twist.
Matthew was another story. I couldn’t hold back my anger when it came to his drunken advances and what an irritating twat he was. She laughed, but there was worry to her tone. While she talks for England about the girls back home, their antics and thegossip, I sense a stumble in her words; a tremor, almost. Although she’s constantly talking, it’s what she’s not saying that concerns me more. I don’t press for answers. She’ll tell me when she’s ready.
By the time Friday arrives, I’m ready for anything. It’s a good week, work wise. Richard has me on the run here, there and everywhere and I feel I’ve really earned my money. He left for Melbourne on Thursday and wouldn’t be back for a week. I was glad to have some space. It meant I could keep my trip to the farm a secret, although he’d find out at some point.
My voicemail is updated and final checks done. I wait until the last minute of the working day displays on my phone. I swear it takes more than the usual sixty seconds to reach six o’clock, but finally, I’m out the door before you can say ‘Hot cowboy waiting.’ Daniel’s prompt driver is ready to take my weekend bag as I skip out of the lift and sing-song my words, “Hi, Jack.”
He doesn’t say a thing, but nods in acknowledgement as he opens the door to a black off-roader. This car is beautiful with its immaculate interior, all black and cream leather. It smells like heaven. I notice the name ‘OVERFINCH’ across each seat and I’m confused. I could swear it’s a Range Rover. I’ve never heard of this car before, but I’m in love with it. I sink into the super-sized seats and enjoy the benefits of climate control away from the muggy heat. The city flies past in a blur before my attention falls back to the growing excitement through my body. I’d deny it if someone asked me, but I can’t wait to see Daniel again. He has instigated our communication this week while I did my best to play it cool. I didn’t know what to say or how I would handle things now my mind has been poisoned. That said, our small talk and flirting has helped me push Matthew’s venomous rant to theback of my mind. I’d avoided that worm successfully this week and his dinner invitation has gone unanswered.
By the time we reach the farm, my body has had nearly two hours to relax and think. I’ve decided not to listen to gossip and give Daniel the benefit of the doubt. I’d like to know his side of the story. I have to know the truth.
Chapter Seven
I noteDaniel’s imposing frame at the end of the driveway. Arms folded, his slender, lean body rests heavily against a column by the main door to the house. He looks utterly delicious. Dressed in his familiar ‘cowboy’ Akubra, dark jeans, and sky-blue check shirt, he pushes his body to stand upright before casually striding over to the car and opening the door. I accept his outstretched hand as I step out into the warm air and use my other hand as a visor.Without warning, I’m whisked off my feet. His mouth quickly takesmine and I sense the heated flush to my cheeks as my heart pounds against my chest. Our bodies press firmly together and when I glance over his shoulder, I catch a hint of a smile from Jack.
“Hannah?”
