Allie

 

Hangovers suck.

That’s the only thought I can come up with as I wake up. I thought drinking my weight in vodka to forget what happened last night at the party was a good idea. It really, really wasn’t. I’m never drinking again. Okay maybe I will but for now, I’m not drinking again.

My phone is buzzing somewhere in my bed and I feel around for it.

Maisybear- Meet you in town at Starbucks at 12 (in two hours) and invite your roommate. Izzy says she is cool. Xx

Me: Sounds good, I will need coffee for my headache and I will ask her xx

Maisybear: Hangover you mean ;) see ya Alliecat x

I laugh as I get up until I look in the mirror by my bed at my mad hair. I look like I’ve been dragged through a bush backwards. Or thoroughly fucked, not that I know what that feels like. I quickly change my thoughts and grab some clothes. I quickly shower before drying my hair and putting it up in a high ponytail. I hurry to put some makeup on. I look at myself in the mirror quickly and decide I look okay in jeans and a simple long-sleeved black top. 

I grab my phone and keys shoving them in a purple handbag before going to get something for breakfast. I come to a complete stop when I walk in the kitchen. A shirtless Elliot is cooking bacon. My mouth drops looking at the massive angel wings tattoo on his back that is beautiful. It’s like a hot dream, a gorgeous guy with massive muscular arms and chest, cooking with no top on. Elliot doesn't notice me as I walk up to him and stare more at his tattoo; it’s extremely detailed as you can see every feather in the wings. I notice there are raised scar lines in the wings, which they seem to be covering. Without thinking I reach out to touch one of the larger scars in the right wing. Elliot tenses under my touch and I quickly move away. 

"I like your tattoo," I say clearing my throat and thinking what the fuck did I just do? I’m feeling really awkward when he turns to grin at me. I notice straight away his cut lip and bruised cheek. Elliot always looks like he just beat someone up.

"Couldn't help yourself, by all means, touch away," he says and widens his arms.

"Is that bacon?" I ask, changing the subject and looking away from the nice view of his chest I have now. Fuck me, that's a nice six-pack with that v shape dipping into his jeans. All girls love that V shape, even if it’s not talked about. I could imagine running my hands all over him, wondering if he feels as firm as he looks. He runs his hand through his messy black hair, winking at me before cooking again. 

"Yeah, grab a plate, angel. There is more food on the table," he says I know he is smirking as he turns back to his bacon. I shake my head at how flirty he is being. The reason I got drunk in the first place last night was because of his flirting. It’s like someone has hit Elliot on the head and he has had a change of his whole personality. I don’t mind him not winding me up but honestly, I think I miss it. I walk into the living room, forcing myself to think of all the reasons I don't like Elliot King. I’m not finding many reasons and it’s pissing me off. Also, why the fuck is he calling me angel? He really doesn’t know me well if he thinks I’m any kind of angel.

"Hey, Al," Emilia says when I sit down. Blake is typing away on his phone and waves before eating his food.

"Hey Em, do you want to come shopping with me and the girls today?" I ask her and she grins at me. I don’t know why but I get the feeling Emilia was a little lonely before she moved in with us. Maybe sheltered.

"Sure," she smiles before eating some more. I grab some eggs and toast before sitting down. Elliot walks in a little later, thankfully wearing a top now and hands me the plate with bacon on it. I take a few pieces before handing it back and look over to see Blake looking between me and Elliot. He smiles before laughing to himself.

"Shut up, Blake," I mutter and kick him under the table. He doesn’t even flinch and it makes him laugh louder before trying to hide it with a cough. 

My phone starts ringing and I quickly pull it out. It’s Harley King. I have literally no idea why he is calling me.

“Hey Harley, what’s up?” I ask as I answer and I see Elliot turn to me, giving me his full attention as he eats.

“Allie, morning. You remember I agreed to let another dance instructor set up a new class for eight to sixteen-year-olds on Sundays at four?” He asks.

“Yes I remember, I think I'll try to come and watch a few,” I say.

“Well, the instructor has fallen and broken her arm. I now have thirty-two children expecting a class tomorrow. It’s all paid for and I know it’s not your thing but could you take over it? Just until I find another instructor that lives near here. I will pay you.” He asks me.

“I can’t teach that many children. I don’t know what to do.” I reply.

“Izzy and Maisy said they will come and help you. Please, I need you Allie. The kids are so excited about this class. Ten of them are from a local foster home, and even if I refund them, they won’t find anywhere else to go this year. The next gym is miles away and no one else does dance classes in town.”

“This is a guilt trip. I can see where Izzy gets it from. Fine, I'll try.” I tell him.

“Thank you, Allie, you’re the best. Say hello to my sister when you see her.” He says.

“Will do. Later Harley.” I say.

“Goodbye, Allie.” He replies

“What was that about?” Blake asks before Elliot can say a word. He looks tense as he watches me.

“I’m apparently teaching a new dance class for thirty kids with your girlfriend on Sunday. The old instructor broke something and Harley can’t find anyone else in time.”

“Ah but Izzy isn’t exactly very good at dancing. Don’t tell her I said that but maybe teaching kids isn’t the best idea.” He says. I know where he is coming from. Izzy is very attractive and smart but something goes wrong when she tries to dance.

“I know. I'll have her work with the younger ones or get drinks or something.” I smile and he nods in relief.

"Morning everyone," Gage says coming into the room and leaning over me to grab a piece of bacon off my plate. I frown at him which makes him kiss my cheek. Gage likes to steal other people’s food, it’s the main reason I have a mini fridge in my room.

"See you later sexy Allie. We need to talk," he smirks at me before walking out. 

"Sleeping with your roommates now?" Elliot says drawing my attention to his bored- looking face. 

"None of your business," I say, choosing to glare at him. 

"Clearly. I thought you had standards but you don't," he waves a hand in the direction of where Gage went. 

"I do have standards and Gage is nice," I say. I don’t know why I don’t just say I’m not interested in Gage. I see his jaw tick before he stands up. 

"I'm clearly wasting my time on someone that isn't worth it," he glares at me across the table and walks out. I look down at my food not wanting anyone to know how much his words hurt me. I remember the last time he said those words to me.

"Allie, do you want a drink?" A cute guy from my science class asks me. I’m fifteen and at my first party, so why not? I go to answer but Elliot King, the boy I hate so much, comes to stand right next to me with his arm around Lily, his girlfriend and one of my friends. 

"She doesn't need a drink do you, Allie?" He sneers at me looking me up and down before grimacing at what I'm wearing. I don't wear dresses often anymore since Elliot told me I look terrible in them in front of my whole class and everyone laughed. 

"I don't mind," I say trying to move away from them both as I leave I hear Elliot laugh saying to the guy,

"Don't bother with her she isn't worth it. Just some girl in a slutty dress."

I remember leaving the party and crying all night before waking up and deciding I don't care what Elliot King thinks. The next week at school, I told him to screw himself and he laughed. I never cried over Elliot King again.

I get up and leave the room. I hear Blake shout ‘wait’ behind me but I just shut my door. I was a fool to think he would ever change. I spend the next hour in my room, calming down before meeting Emilia and getting in my car. Elliot King has always been a nasty pain in my ass. The amount of times he stopped me getting dates, got me detention or in trouble at school. I hated him growing up. Tristan and Maisy always told me to avoid him and he would leave me alone. He never left me alone.

"You okay? I mean that was harsh with Elliot," she asks straight away. She gently touches my shoulder.

"I don't want to speak about him. Anyway, how was your night?" I ask.

"Alright, but there was a guy I didn’t expect to see there. I don't want to speak about it," she mutters with a slight blush and we both laugh. 

"Boys, huh? Who would have them?"  I say to her.

"Hey, we are both single and I think we should keep it that way," she grins and we laugh together on the way to the shopping centre. 

We walk through the shops commenting about random things before finding Maisy and Izzy sitting with Jake at a table in the coffee shop. I wave as we walk over. 

"There's the most handsome man I've ever seen," I say as I walk over to Jake who is five months old sitting in his pushchair eating his hand.

"Hey, you two," Izzy says with a grin as I sit down. I look over at a few guys on another table as they stare at Izzy. Izzy attracts attention wherever she goes and the best part is that she doesn’t even realise. She has long blonde hair that is so bright it’s almost white, a slim figure and a pretty face. When I first met her, I should have guessed she was related to the King Brothers. She has the King green eyes.

"We were just talking about the wedding," Maisy says with a grin. Maisy is just as pretty, a little taller than me and has long thick black hair, that I love. I tickle one of Jake’s sock- covered feet making him giggle at me before joining the conversation. Jake looks like his mother in his face but has black curly hair, as thick as Maisy’s.

"So the theme of the wedding is midnight blue and white. I’m wearing white so you guys are in blue. We can choose a style at the fitting next week that suits everyone. Also Allie, you and Elliot have the job of sorting the reception." She drops in before picking Jake up. 

"What?" I glare at her across the table. She turns Jake around so he facing me and she looks like she is hiding behind her son. I swear she is using Jake as a shield right now so I don’t throw something at her.

"Sorry, Alliecat. I know you don't get along with Elliot but you’re my maid of honour and he's Sebastian's best man. It's your job to help me with things." she grins over Jake’s head, like she is winning an award. I'll give her an award, an award of having me chase her ass around the shops. While throwing random things at her. She smiles at me, I’m sure she knows what I’m thinking.

"The wedding is in two months, how the hell am I going to plan a whole reception?" 

"You’re not. You and Elliot are. I don't mind what you do, as long as everyone has food and there's a band." She replies.

Izzy laughs when Maisy grins at her. I feel like I'm missing out on some kind of joke. 

"Me and Elliot planning anything together is going to be a mess. You seriously don't want that to happen in front of all your guests." I say and lift an eyebrow at her when she waves a hand at me. I cannot work with that asshole, she has to be kidding. With his new weird behaviour, I'll end up killing him on the first discussion.

"You won't mess anything up because you love me, and Elliot will be on his best behaviour." 

"I don't think this is a good idea," Emilia says. I know she is thinking about this morning. I look over at Maisy’s hopeful face and I know I have no choice. I can’t let her down and I love her too much to say no. She has been through so much this last year and part of me feels guilty for not finding her sooner when she left. I should have hunted her down but instead, I thought she would come to me. In the end, it all worked out when her fiancé found her.

"Alright," I say and she grins at me. 

"I can't wait to get married," Izzy sighs clearly thinking about Blake. Blake and Izzy have been together a while now and they are still great together.

"I think one King wedding a year is enough," I laugh even thinking about it.

"Oh not right now, but I know I want him," she replies.

"I would never have guessed that,” I say sarcastically and then say,

“You two are perfect for each other, Iz," I smile at my best friend’s blush. 

"Can I get you anything?" A waitress interrupts. I order a coffee and Emilia does too. Maisy and Izzy already have their drinks with them. Jake starts crying and Maisy pulls a bottle out of her bag to give to him. His eyes light up when he sees the food. Typical boy.

"I think you and Elliot would be good together," Izzy says with a grin. 

"No, we wouldn't. I mean I think he would rock my socks in bed but the moment he talks, he ruins his pretty body." I say and Izzy coughs up her drink before laughing and wiping her face with a napkin.

"I think Izzy was talking about being good at working together on the wedding reception," Maisy says with a small chuckle. 

"Oh well," I say looking away while my cheeks light up a little. It’s rare I get embarrassed but talking about Elliot does seem to have that effect on me. I’m not sure I like it.

"Are you finally going to admit you fancy my brother?" Izzy laughs at my blushing red cheeks. Luckily for me, our coffee arrives and Emilia walks off to take a call. Jake finishes his bottle with Maisy and sits up, doing a massive burp. He is even cute as he burps.

"Let me hold my nephew," I say putting my arms out for Jake. 

"Sure," Maisy smiles handing the smiling baby to me. I kiss his stomach making him giggle before holding him in my arms. I push some of his black hair out of his green eyes before admiring his cute outfit. He is wearing an 'I love daddy' top with rockets on it. He has little trainers and jeans on, too.

"I like his clothes," I say to Maisy. 

"That's daddy. Poor Jake doesn't have a choice in what he wears until he gets older. Seb keeps buying them matching clothes, I really feel Jake will hate them when he grows up." Maisy laughs taking a sip of her drink. 

"Anyway, I will send you and Elliot a list of the people coming. I guess you can surprise us with the rest of the details." She says looking innocent at my suspicious face. I’m suspicious because Maisy isn’t the type to just hand over the control of a massive thing like her reception. I know she must have a plan but I’m not sure what it is. Emilia comes back to the table with a small smile.

"Oh, and thanks for both of Blake’s birthday presents Allie," Izzy winks at me making me laugh thinking of what I got Blake; well it was for Izzy to wear. I made him a chocolate cake as well; the cake didn’t last two minutes when the King Brothers saw it.

"What did she get him?" Emilia asks Izzy.

"A very sexy underwear set in my size. Let's say Blake thinks Allie has great taste and wants me to go shopping with you more," Izzy laughs. I’m suddenly thankful I was so drunk last night that I fell fast asleep straight away and didn’t have to hear how much Blake liked the present. That was the downside of our apartment. The walls are way too thin.

"I can do that, bestie," I wink at her.

"Only you would give a sex orientated present for a birthday," Maisy says with a laugh as Jake is climbing over my shoulder and pulling my hair at the same time. I pull him down and I realise that he is eating my hair too.

“Jake, that can’t taste nice,” I mutter pulling my ponytail out of his hands. He grins up at me, a grin that reminds me of his dad and uncles. Jake defiantly has inherited the King Brothers good genes.

We spend the rest of the day shopping before me and Emilia go home. I spot my dad’s car in the parking lot as I pull in. I smile as I see him get out. I go to get my bags out of the boot and when I close it, I see that Blake is chatting with my dad. Emilia takes her bags and walks over with me to my dad. I know Emilia knows who he is because he has been at our apartment a few times to pick me up.

"You best be staying away from my daughter, Mr. Frost. I would hate for you to owe me anything," my dad says with a cold tone I haven't heard before.

"Only ten fights left, Arthur," Blake sneers before seeing me and smiling.

"Hey, did you have a good shopping day?” Blake asks as we get close.

“Yes, Izzy brought some new things,” I say to Blake who grins.

“I like you, Allie.” He chuckles and then says.

“Talking of Izzy, I got to meet up with her. So bye guys, see you around Mr. Lewis." He looks at my dad but I can’t see his expression before walking off. 

"Hey baby girl," my dad walks over to me with a big grin and kissing my cheek. I really love my dad. Although he is almost always away on business, he checks up on me. We chat every week on the phone and we go out for meals at least twice a month. He is always there for me if I need him and I love that. I wish he and Tristan were as close as we are. They seem to hate each other and I’m not exactly sure why.

"Dad, I know if you met before but this is Emilia," I say noticing how tight Emilia face gets.

"Ah, Roddy's daughter," he mumbles, looking her over.

"Yes, I've seen you with my dad before at the...," 

My dad cuts her off by rudely interrupting saying,

"At the pub, yes." 

"Lovely to see you dear, Alexandria, we have dinner plans." I flinch at his use of my full name. I hate it because it's my mother’s name and thinking of her only brings pain.

"Em, can you take my shopping bags in?" I ask Emilia who nods, not looking at me before walking away.

"What was Blake saying about only ten fights left?" I ask following my dad back to his car. I noticed straight away how tense he goes before he laughs it off. 

"I have no idea, baby girl." 

I know he is lying to me but I decide to not press it. My dad has a short temper and pissing him of would only mean a very long night.

"Right. Is Tristan coming?" I ask as I get in the car and do my seatbelt.

"No," my dad says curtly before driving off. The whole meal is tense and I'm not sure what's wrong with my dad. Tristan is all over the place and I need answers, which I know my dad has but won’t give me. Sebastian once told me that Elliot knows something about my brother. The phone call a few days ago pops into my head, when Tristan told me to stay away from Elliot. So maybe Elliot does know something. If only I can have a whole conversation with him without wanting to kill him.