Page 21 of Chasing Blue
My phone vibratesin my pocket as I make the short walk home. The reason I chose the apartment I live in was because of its proximity to our office, shop and showroom, and the fact I can walk to work. A lot of the time I’m out visiting clients, so I have to take my car, but today has been spent in the office, and the cool crisp winter air has helped clear my head the few minutes I’ve been walking in it.
I keep moving as I read the text.
Matt:Hey. I got away early, shall I come straight to yours? X
My step falters as I take in the message. He’s so full of shit. He’s expecting me to say yes, probably thinks if he gets me on my own at my place, he’ll be able to woo me with those magical lawyer words of his.
Matt’s told me many times that he’s good at his job, one of the best in the country, apparently. And I can see it. He has a way of convincing people that black is white and uses this ability to manipulate every situation to suit himself. Despite expecting him to pull something like the text I’ve just received, I’m still kind of disappointed at how easily he thinks he can already control me.
“Well fuck you, buddy, those days are done,” I mumble as I type out my reply.
Me:Hey. I managed to get away early too, I’ll just head straight there. I’ll see you at the bar.
Matt:The bar? Did you not book a table?
I let out a frustrated laugh and step into a shop doorway so I can concentrate on my response.
Me:We’re catching up for a quick drink Matt. You can order bar food if you’re hungry. Text me what you want, and I’ll order if I’m there before you.
I wait a moment for him to reply but start moving again when I get nothing.
Instead of heading towards the entrance to my apartment building, I move towards Spangles, the bar and restaurant where I’d agreed to meet Matt.
Set amongst several other bars, restaurants, and shops, it’s on the ground level of the building I live in.
The cocktails at Spangles are the best in town, and because of this and the fact our apartments are above, me and Zoe are regulars.
The owner, Spangles, and his husband, Anthony, have become like family over the past couple of months, and I can always rely on them for support and sound advice.
It’s because of this, I’ve chosen to meet Matt here. He freaked me out when I last attempted to end things, and as all I’m doing is confirming that I’m definite about my decision, I feel no guilt about doing it in public this time.
Despite it being onlyfive on a Thursday evening, I note the place is already half full as I enter and head straight to the bar, where Anthony greets me with a smile.
“Hey, Scar. Where’s the mouthy one?”
Like Zoe, Anthony too is from London. The pair enjoy giving each other shit about things only English people would likely understand. Span and I usually sit by in confused amusement at their banter.
I return his smile as I take off my jacket and sit on a stool in front of the bar.
“Hey, Anth. I left her working. I’m meeting Matt here, and she’s not exactly his biggest fan.”
He rests his elbows and forearms on the bar and leans towards me with raised brows.
“Matt? You’re meeting Matt the lawyer here? I thought you’d kicked his arse into gear a couple of weeks ago?”
I let out a sigh before responding and do a quick check behind me in case Matt has suddenly appeared before I speak. “I thought so too, but he’s back from the job he was working on in Sydney, convinced I’ll have changed my mind while he’s been away.”
“And have you? Please tell me you haven’t. What are you drinking? Shall I make you something special? You look like you need it. Actually, Iknowyou’re gonna need it.”
I frown in confusion as he flaps and fires off his questions. A pair of arms wrap around me from behind, and soft lips and whiskers brush against my cheek.
“Evening, princess. What brings you in here on a school night?”
“She’s meeting Biggoty Bill,” Anthony rushes out, speaking for me. “I’ll get the drinks; you need to talk to this child while I create.” My mouth opens to speak as my eyes move from Anthony to Spangles as he moves to lean against the bar beside me. My eyes move between the couple.
“Biggoty Bill?” I question, wondering what the fuck Matt must’ve said to earn himself that title.
I watch as a look passes between them and know instantly the explanation isn’t going to be something pleasant.
