CHAPTER 5

ADAM

 

I read the text that Darcy has sent me back and try to think of a comeback.

 

ME: I hope he’s not as good looking as me. ;)

 

Hopefully she’ll see the funny side of that. I wait for the bubbles to appear on the screen to tell me she’s typing but they don’t. Fuck!

I go back to my email I was replying to and act cool. I had a response from one of the magazines I applied to, they were interested because I told them I do photography too so I can mix that with my writing. I send an email back accepting the interview for in two days and look back at my phone; still nothing.

I need to know more about her.

I know she thinks I’m cocky - but I want to show her there’s more to me than that. I’ve never had a reaction to a girl like this before, not where I want to spend more time with her. It’s like she’s got under my skin and set up camp there.

I re-open my document as my phone pings with a message. Quickly opening it up to read it... eager much.

Opening the message, I smile, it’s from her.

 

Hot mechanic: Ohhh, much hotter. ;)

 

Smiling, I type out a text to send back to her.

 

Me: I don’t believe you…

 

Hot mechanic: Sure, of yourself aren’t ya?!

 

Me: Of course, I am. LOL

 

Hot mechanic: You never fail.

 

Me: I have to keep up appearances. :)

 

I wait a few minutes for her to reply when she doesn’t I get into bed and scroll through Facebook. A message pops up at the top of my screen, so I tap on it to open it up.

 

Hot mechanic: OMG! LOL! I’m going to bed, I’m tired and I’ve got an early start. Thanks for the chat.

 

Me: Anytime babe. I’ll text ya when I fancy another cup of coffee. ;)

 

She doesn’t answer this time, so I put my phone on the bedside table, settle down and let the vision of a cute little redhead lull me to sleep.

Two days have passed since I’ve seen or spoken to Darcy, I’m trying not to crowd her since the last time I saw her as we parted on good terms, no awkwardness. I don’t mind chasing her but I don’t want to piss her off either. I intend to chase her until she gives in. After speaking to her over texts the other night - it’s made me want to know her even more.

I’ve spent the last two days in either the cafe or my study just writing. I secretly hoped she’d walk into the cafe again, but she didn’t. In all honesty, I was disappointed but it’s done me good and kept me motivated.

I’ve just got a few chapters left of my book, then I can get it ready to send to the publishing house and hope they’ll take it on.

I walk into the house and Todd is in front of the television. I had my interview today, they loved my photos and even my writing, so they offered me the job straight away. I of course accepted, because it’s freelance I can work from home but we have a weekly meeting.

“Hey, bud.” I sit in the chair.

“Hi, what you up to, how did your interview go?” Todd asks me.

“Good, I got the job….”

Cutting me off, Todd answers, “Already?”

“Yeah they offered it me there and then. What can I say, I’m brilliant!”

Scoffing at me, “Yeah if you say so.” Todd turns his attention back to the telly

“So, I was thinking…”

Todd looks across at me and frowns, “Don’t hurt yourself.” He answers laughing.

“Funny! Anyway, do you want to hear or not?”

“Go on then, let’s hear another one of your laughable ideas.”

I clutch my chest and force a laugh out at him, “You’re so funny, dickhead. I really don’t know why I bother!”

“Oh, just tell me, pussy!”

“Okay so, you know Darcy is into cars…?”

“Obviously, since she’s a mechanic and all,” Todd says rolling his eyes.

“Who the fuck has your boxers in a twist today, you, snarky fucker?”

“Sorry. Just tell me!”

“Well I was thinking of taking her Go-Karting. I don’t know - what you think?”

“Yeah why not, ask her. You won’t know otherwise.”

I tap out a text to Darcy asking her whether she wants to go out and do something on Saturday, as friends of course, and wait for her answer. I look back at Todd and ask him what’s wrong but again I get the brush off.

Huffing and telling him he knows where I am when he wants to talk, I head upstairs, get this shirt off and replace it with a t-shirt. I sit in my study at my Mac and start on edits while I wait on an answer from Darcy.

After an hour of waiting for a reply I finally hear the ping of my phone. I pick it up and read the message:

 

Hot mechanic: Thanks for the offer but I’m really busy on a weekend and I just don’t have time. Sorry. Another time maybe?

 

I don’t answer the text, instead I shutdown my computer and grab my truck keys. I head downstairs and shout I’m going out and jump in my truck.

I will get her to come out with me.

 

DARCY

 

I see Adam’s truck pull on to the forecourt of the garage and I know I’m in for it now because honestly, it’s easier to reject him on a text than in person. His eyes get me every time and he smells so good. As much as I tried to stop the fluttering sensation in my belly when I saw it was him - I couldn’t. He’s different and he doesn’t seem quite so arrogant either, but maybe that’s because I’ve dropped the attitude a little. I loved it when we were texting the other night but I’m just too busy to go out.

I busy myself in the office with my back facing the door as I’m stood at the filing cabinet. I still jump though as a knock on the door sounds because I know it’s him.

I answer quietly, “Come in.”

The door opens to a very fit and clean shaven, Adam. Dressed in black jeans and a white t-shirt that clings to his chest and biceps... wow!

I slowly avert my eyes to look up at his face and see him looking back at me with a raised eyebrow, holding his phone up and waving it in his hand. I smirk slightly and bite the corner of my lip.

I watch as his eyes darken just slightly from the dark blue they already are to an almost amethyst colour. “Hey Adam. What brings you here?”

“Hey. So, you’re busy on Saturday then?” I nod my head, afraid to speak. If I speak my voice will betray me and tell him it was a lie and yes, I will make the time for him and go out. “What’s stopping you?”

I shrug my shoulders and answer quietly, “Well, I have to help my Mum at the weekend, so I can’t just leave her in the lurch…”

He cuts me off, “Darcy, look, I just want to take you out, as friends… I promise. I know you think I’m just an idiot joker with a big ego, most people do,” he shrugs. “But honestly, I just want to get to know you that’s all and maybe show you how to have some fun.”

Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, I decide fuck it. I smile and nod. The massive smile forms on his face which makes him look even more gorgeous.

He slips his phone into his pocket. “Text me your address and I’ll pick you up on Saturday.” Adam gives me another beaming smile and stops as he reaches the door. “Your hair looks really nice by the way.” He smiles again and then he’s out of the door.

 

When I arrive home later that night, doubt starts to set in again... Should I go with him, should I stay at home and help Mum ... yeah maybe I just should stay here.

“What are looking so deep in thought about?” Mum asks as she enters the kitchen.

“Oh, nothing really.” Mum sits at the table across from me and frowns.

“You sure about that, do you want to talk about it?”

“Well.... a kind of friend has asked me if I want to go out Saturday, but it’ll be all day, you’re at work and it’s not fair to you, so I’m just going to say no,” I say the last bit quickly thinking Mum won’t hear me but her ears are like radars; they pick up everything.

“Oh yeah, anyone I know?” She smirks slyly as she fishes for answers.

“Nooo, just someone I met recently…”

“Oh yeah. Sooo?”

“Ugh, if you must know, his name’s Adam.

“Adam, huh? Nice. So, what’s the problem?” She takes hold of my hand across the table.

“Well, you’re at work and I usually help you at weekends.”

“Darcy, you’re twenty-one, you need to get out more and stop worrying about us. I can cope... I don’t want you putting your life on hold.”

“I’m not. It’s just that I’m so busy, I’m always tired and there’s the garage too.”

I look at my Mum to see her giving me the look that tells me, ‘don’t argue with your mother,’ and no matter how old I get - that never fails. “So, you think I should go?”

“Yes, Darcy. I think you should go and have some fun, for me if not for yourself.”

Nodding at my Mum, I agree and smile at her then make my way upstairs for a shower.

 

Later on, once we’ve had dinner I send Adam a text with my address. I get a smiley face straight back and the bubbles appear again, I wait eagerly to see what he says,

 

Adam: You’re gonna love what I’ve got planned.

 

Me: You think so huh?

 

Adam: Yeahhhh babe, I know so. See you Saturday. 10 on the dot!

 

Me: Bossy... I don’t think I want to go with you anymore ;) and my name is DARCY….!

 

Adam: It’s too late to back out now. Wow, shouty caps too... Sorry DARCY. ;)

 

A smile pulls at my face as I look back at the exchanged texts, I realise how easy it is with Adam. Oh well, like he said, it’s too late to back out now. I’m going to pull up my big girl knickers and take this... friends date, one step at a time.

I know the next couple of days are going to fly by in a myriad of mass emotions.