CHAPTER TWELVE
________
JAMES
Hours later, I lay still in my bed after tossing and turning for most of the night. I was restless, replaying everything that had happened that evening, staring at the ceiling of yet another hotel room.
I hadn’t expected to be so entertained, so fulfilled, without the need of stimulants. It was all Emma. She made it look so easy. And even though I knew I had to get away, make her life easier so she wouldn’t be hounded or traumatized by my lifestyle, the group of girls standing outside her place when we dropped her off wasn’t big, but it could get worse.
I still craved her company, her laugh, her sense of calm, and most of all her lips. The night before I’d been hypnotised by the way she spoke, the way her lips curled at the corners when she smiled. How her hands moved with excitement as she told a story.
I had to see her again. That much was certain. Although we’d never arranged to meet, I knew that with a quick call to her mother, I could get her phone number. Getting off the bed with a new purpose, I looked for my phone and instantly put it back on the table. It was only five in the morning.
Deflated, I sat back on the bed. Going to sleep wasn’t an option, but I needed something to take my mind off things, clear my head, so I would be ready to see her again.
The hotel had a fully equipped gym on the ground floor. Some exercise and a quick dip in the pool would release the tightness of my muscles.
I opened the door and made sure no one was in the corridor. Knowing that most people used the lift, I went straight for the stairs. The last thing I needed was being recognised.
Sliding inside the gym, I removed my cap and glasses. Relief washed over me as I noticed the gym was empty, the machines sitting ready to be used.
After turning on my MP3 player, I stepped forward and started the treadmill. My legs loosened with every step I took, the rhythm matching the tune in my ear. Until I felt a tap on my shoulder.
“What are you doing here so early?” Ralph asked, a slight grin growing on his lips.
“I couldn’t sleep, so I thought exercise would help. What about you?”
“I had to pick Hugh up from the airport, and I didn’t see the point of getting back into bed.”
I’d completely forgotten the arrival of Ralph’s brother.
“Where is he now?”
“Having a shower and getting ready for breakfast, I suppose.”
I nodded, not knowing what else to say.
“What are you going to do with the Emma situation?” Ralph asked, still holding a towel but not making a move for any of the machines.
“I have to see her again, but apart from that, I’ve no idea.” I wiped the sweat off my forehead with the towel. “I’m worried about the girls standing outside her place.”
He nodded. “Cross one bridge at a time. Meet her today, then see where that leads you.”
“When did you become such a guru?”
“I’ve always been one, sent by the gods to give you advice and enlighten your day,” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
“Fuck off!” Getting off the treadmill, I continued, “The first thing I’m going to do is have a shower, eat something, and call Emma’s mum. Maybe she can tell me where she works.”
“There’s nothing better than using the stalker approach. I’m sure she’ll love it.” He chuckled. “But let’s get real. Michael would kill you if you go somewhere public. Mostly since Emma’s already been noticed.”
“What would you do, smartarse?”
Ralph took his time to answer. He stood on the machine beside me and set it on slow.
After a few slow paces, he said, “Exactly the same as you. We’ll just find you a disguise.”
________
I had no idea when the last time was that I stood in a supermarket, let alone having the intentions of actually going in without buying something.
Excitement bubbled in my gut when we parked outside, not only about doing something so out of my new norm, but at the prospect of seeing her again. I knew I’d have to explain myself, knew that Michael and Jack would find out, no matter how great my disguise. But I needed this.
I had to see her and make sure she was okay. With only one week of freedom before reality set in, I planned to spend as much time with her as possible.
I was already kitted out with the fake moustache, which looked surprisingly natural, sunglasses, and a cap.
“Are you sure you don’t want to stay and wait?” Ralph asked.
His brother, Hugh, cleared his throat. “I agree. You should stay in here. We’ll get her.”
No, there was no way I would stay in the car. I’d already set myself the challenge. Plus, the thought of letting go of the eagerness pulsing through my veins was not something I wanted to do.
I shook my head in denial as I opened the door.
Ralph moaned. “Fine, I’ll come with you. But if Michael explodes, I don’t want to be blamed.”
“Don’t worry, mate. I have your back.”
We didn’t have to walk far as the place wasn’t massive. We were at the checkouts before long. The whole route there I remained vigilant, wondering if I’d manage to stay unrecognised. Looking at the people milling around, I was relieved to discover nobody was paying attention.
Then I saw her.
I could’ve stared at her forever. Her delicate movements, the way she concentrated on whatever she was doing, simply captivated me. I stood rooted, watching her, completely in a trance, until Ralph nudged me.
“Better go and get her, tiger,” he said. “I’ll go back to the car and keep Hugh company. Try to not get yourself into trouble.”
With a flick of my wrist, I pulled my cap a little lower and waited patiently until the old man Emma was serving finished. She obviously knew him, and before he left, she smiled, and I felt my heart stop. Her whole face glowed and her eyes sparkled.
She was the most beautiful girl, and she didn’t know it.