Escape Across the Pond

Chapter 13

Dear Dad,

Can you be scared of being happy? What if you finally find what makes your soul sing? What then if that thing is taken from you just as everything else has been? Is it worth the risk? Will you ever be happy again? Is there ever the choice to jump? Or do we all just fall? Will he catch me? Oh God, I hope so.

Thursday, I was a little worse for wear and decided to take it easy. Well, that was the intention but I had forgotten that Anna needed the day off so it was just Ollie and I on our own but we made it work. Alex popped in to grab a couple of coffees but we were swamped and without Anna, I didn't get to talk to him as much as I wanted. But I did confirm that Charlotte and I would stop by the garage for a round of pool Friday after work. I think we're both looking forward to it.

After work, I was exhausted. Being the only one in the kitchen is a lot of work but I honestly love every minute of it. I took a quick shower when I got home, ate some of what was left over from mine and Charlotte's girl's night, then went to bed early. Tomorrow was going to be a good day.

Friday morning I was excited to get the day started. I was well rested and I knew Charlotte was coming over tonight to get ready with me before we went over to The Lad's garage. I was hopeful that we could all have a good time despite the fact I was not very good at pool.

I didn't see Alex that morning at work but Charlotte came by at lunch to talk about what our plan was for wardrobe. "Uh... I mean, I was just going to wear some jeans that weren't ripped and one of my nicer tanks." I shrug.

"No, you're not. I'm going to bring you some options to try on but you cannot wear jeans tonight. I don't think I've seen you in anything else except for at the pub." she scoffs.

I laugh at my fashion-forward friend and give in, "All right. If it'll make you happy, I'll let you pick out my outfit. But I get the option to veto."

She sticks her hand out, "Deal." And we shake.

I might have regretted my decision in just a few short hours but a deal is a deal. So here I stand in front of my mirror staring at myself a little shocked. I'm wearing a high-waisted, black skirt that flares out around my hips and hits my mid-thigh. On top, I have a white, short sleeve, a crop top that shows just a small strip of my stomach. To finish the outfit, Charlotte brought black wedge sandals that are tall but extremely easy to walk around in for heels. My curls are bouncy without my usual frizz and my makeup really makes my eyes pop. I'm shocked at what Charlotte has done with just some clothes and a little makeup. I would never have put this outfit together for myself but honestly, I love it.

"Well, what do you think? Are you going to say anything?" she asks from behind me.

"I don't think I've ever looked like this before. Thanks, Charlotte. I've never really known what to do with makeup or even what to wear unless my stepmom or someone picked it out for me. I just stick to what's comfortable, you know?" I tell her honestly.

"You won't have to worry about that any longer Cora dear. You are in good hands. Stick with me and I'll have you all sorted. I have an idea of what you like now after seeing your response to some of the options I brought." she giggles while fluffing her dark tresses behind me. She's wearing a cute floral, spaghetti strap romper that's dark blue with beautiful white flowers and a pair of strappy sandals. It makes her tan legs look miles long.

"I'll take all the help I can get. Are you almost ready?" I ask. She finishes up with a little pop of her lips when she's finished applying her lipstick.

"Yup."

Charlotte and I pull the car into the lot behind The Lad's garage. I send Alex a text letting him know we were there. We walk into the alley to see Alex standing just outside the same doorway that he was when I first saw him. He gives me a smirk and rakes his eyes up and down my body while Charlotte and I approach. He pushes his hand through his hair while his eyes make their ascent back up my body and I feel chill bumps rise across my skin. I would be lying if I said that I wasn't taking him all in myself. His beard is getting fuller now but it doesn't take away from just how mouthwatering he is. If anything, I think it adds sex appeal to his already dark and mysterious nature. He's wearing a black henley today with the sleeves pushed up and I know I'm staring at the artwork on his arms. It's beautiful in a dark sort of way. He has a skull with a snake crawling in and out of its mouth and eye socket. It's so detailed that the snake's scales look real enough that it could be moving when he flexes his arm. I also see an intricate sword on the inside of one of his forearms and I believe an angel that has dark hair and delicate facial features.