London Has Your Eyes

Chapter 22. Liam

The ringing of the alarm clock splits my head into a billion little pieces. I cover my head with my pillow, trying to reach for the phone with my hand and turn off the damn signal. Last night was fun, although Alex made me nervous... Alex!!! She's not seriously going to find me a whore, is she? Pfft, that's bullshit. Who's she gonna find? And usually girls don't know much about these things.

I stretch lazily and open my eyes. There's some cute blonde lying next to me. I can't remember her name. What does it matter anyway? We had a good time last night. Let's stop there. Although... I'm pulling the blanket off her butt, her firm thighs beckoning. I'd like to slap her right now. I think I'll take her number, just in case.

I get out of bed, take a shower and pour myself a cup of fresh coffee.

Buying a coffee machine at home was probably the best decision. With each sip I feel myself waking up, and my head works more clearly.

- Hey, baby, time to get up,- I say to the sleeping girl, - I have to work, I can't leave you here alone. So wake up.

The girl wrinkles unhappily and opens her eyes. There is obvious surprise in her gaze. She's trying hard to figure out how she got here.

- Liam, what the hell am I doing here? - She peeks under the covers in a jerk, - And naked?!

- You attacked me first,- I put my hands up in a friendly manner, - I just didn't want to stop you.

- You're an asshole! - She gets out of bed and starts to get ready in a hurry. - I don't want to be around you one more time!

A blonde tornado sweeps across the room, raking stuff and quickly ending with the slam of the door. It was very simple.

It's already time for lunch, still a few hours away from the start of the shoot. Dialing Daniel's number.

- Hey, bro. What's up? - I greet my friend.

- Hey, man. I'm good. What are you doing? - he answers irritably.

- I want some breakfast. At our place in half an hour? - I suggest.

- Come on,- he replies abruptly and hangs up.

There is a small cafe in an alleyway in London, hidden from prying eyes. It's small and compact, with only ten tables, but the food is excellent. We spotted the place a couple of years ago and now we always meet here after parties.

I'm ordering breakfast when Daniel shows up at the door. He throws his stuff on the table and loudly sits down opposite me..

- What's up, bro? - I ask. It's been a while since I've seen him this annoyed. No, I'm lying, though. With the arrival of one girl in our lives, Daniel's taken an emotional swing.

- Alex,- he confirms my hunch.

Of course Alex, no doubts. I raise an eyebrow meaningfully, waiting for the continuation.

- I got up, she was asleep. I went down for breakfast like a gentleman. Soph called on the way back. Anyway, when I came back, room was empty, door locked. Alex isn't answering her phone. What's wrong with her? I've called her, like, 10 times. It's like she's got nothing to freak out about or something. I don't understand at all, - Daniel shakes his knee nervously, which is annoying as hell.

- You said her holiday was almost over. A grown woman on vacation in another country. For adventure, and here you are. Here they are, fresh emotions. Why are you surprised? You've been fucked, man - how does he not understand this? It's obvious.

- No, it's bullshit. Shit! But it sure looks like it! - he frowns. Realizing the truth isn't easy.

- You're not...- my phone rings. The name of my neighbour, Mrs. O'Brien, a disgusting woman, pops up on the screen. Just give her a reason. I've got girls moaning too loudly, then the music is too loud, or I'm just talking loudly. What does she want now? The blonde and I were having fun last night, but apparently she overslept, so what does she need?

- I'm listening,- I answer a little rudely, letting her know I'm not to be trifled with.

- Mr. Hale, there's a strange girl walking around our house. She's already asked everyone about you. Can't you solve your strange needs quietly without disturbing your neighbours? - Mrs O'Brien's voice oozes mockery.

- Strange needs? What girl? - I don't understand what she's talking about.

- Your taste has changed, I suppose? - she grinned. - The previous ones were much prettier.

- Erm... If you want me to solve your problem, then take a picture of her, because I have no idea who you're talking about,- I'm puzzled.

- This is YOUR problem, not mine. But if a photo will help solve it faster, then I will send it immediately.

Mrs. O'Brien disconnects the call and sends me the photo.

- What the...? - To say I'm shocked is not to say anything. And then I realise, bloody Alex! That bastard!

Daniel is clearly intrigued. I turn the screen with the photo to him, and a second later he's laughing all over the cafe. Asshole. On the screen is an elderly caterpillar in tight leggings and a moustache over her upper lip. I can't believe someone's fucking them. Makes me want to vomit on the spot.

- Dude, you're fucked,- Danny doesn't shut up and I give him the middle finger. If it wasn't me this woman was stalking, I'd be laughing heartily myself right now, but I'm just pissed off.

- Fuck you! I'm not going to sleep with her. I'll never get a hard-on after that. I underestimated your girlfriend. She's a bitch. All right, I've got to get rid of her somehow. I'm gonna call Mrs. O'Brien and get her out of here. I'll have to be nice again,- I say.

I think of Alex. I hate her with every fiber of my being and respect her at the same time. She's a difficult girl, stubborn. I like 'em. If it wasn't for Daniel, I'd have taken her on myself. You can't passing over such women. They either make your life a paradise or they drive you to the bottom of hell. But they're certainly not boring.

Dialling again for Mrs O'Brien:

- Could you give this woman the phone? - I ask nervously. I have to get this scarecrow out of my house as soon as possible, because I don't want to ruin my reputation. Rumors would spread. And what if she spoils my karma, and beautiful women will discourage?

I heard rustling in the phone, and then a hoarse, unfamiliar voice:

- Helloooooo, Liam? I'm waiting for you, bunny. I've been asked to be very, very gentle with you,- she drawls nastily.

- Look, whatever your name is, you forget my name now and get out of my house. How much is your hourly rate there? А? I'll pay you for everything. Just get out. IMMEDIATELY!!!- I shout, unable to contain myself any longer.

- Double fare,-Caterpillar snaps.

- Are you out of your fucking mind?! - I am stunned by the sudden insolence for a second.

- Then I'll wait for you. Trust me, I'm well paid to see this through.

- Goddamn it! You fucking Alex! Right, text me the card number, I'll pay for it, - I know she's going to stand her ground. Apparently Alex paid her well for her stubbornness.

I go inside even more nervous than Dany was.

- Where'd you find her, that bitch Alex? Bitch! You know, Danny, it's a matter of principle now to bend that Alex.

Danny's straining, gritting his teeth.

- I'm speaking figuratively,- I raise my hands conciliatory. - It's even funny. We're two of the girls' favourites, sitting here in a cafe this morning, freaking out over the actions of the same woman.