The Mistakes We Made

The Cold Hard Truth

I wrapped the towel around me tightly as I stepped out the shower and combed my fingers through my damp hair attempting to make myself presentable. Making do, I then struggled to open the window that was stuck, to help let the steam out, I gave up with a huff. I looked up to the corner of my bathroom where the mould was already making an appearance in the grout. The memories of how bad it got last winter depressed me. The council never did anything to help, just said I needed to open it to let the air in which was impossible when it was freezing and I had a baby in the house and impossible even more when the bloody window wouldn't open.

I walked across the landing and into my bedroom. I momentarily paused as I stood in the doorway and took in the sight of Bradley King starfishing in the middle of my small double bed. Only the smallest section of bed sheet covered up his modesty.

I could literally make a million selling a photo of this image before me, but having the real thing was worth so much more to me. I always tried not to think too hard about Brad's fame. He never seemed to find it difficult to transition back to Brad from Burr, but it was us, his friends that sometimes found it hard not to see him differently when he sported a Rolex and drove a fucking Bentley, inviting us on skiing holidays and weekends away to New York or Paris, all expenses paid.

Picking up my mobile from my bedside table, I saw I had a message from a weird number. "It's Darren..." The text started off with. "... I hope you are playing dumb with the Facebook message you sent, Bailey, but if not, I can spell it out for you. I just want you to stop contacting me! I can be at yours for 1. Let me know because I'm so done with this."

Sitting on the edge of the bed I was momentarily shocked. Where the hell did he get off playing the victim role "See you at one then!" I replied.

I took a moment to let the anger subside then leaned over and kissed the side of Brad's face. "Bradders, I've gotta pick Chase up soon. You are gonna have to get that sexy ass of yours out my bed." I said softly. Brad woke up with a smile. "Do we have time for me to go down on you, one last time?" He asked licking his lips as his eyes adjusted to the light and he made visual contact with me. I shook my head. "Might have time for a cuppa and some toast?" I countered. "That sounds good too." He said pulling my hand towards him and kissing it gently.

The morning after the night before was never difficult with Brad. I think maybe if he was a normal person who lived here all the time then yeah, the friends with benefits I would probably get fed up with over time and want something a bit more permanent, but I knew that wasn't an option with Brad, who now sat opposite me at my dining table that sat in my kitchen/diner/living area.

"You got any available time so we can squeeze in some normal stuff? Shopping or the zoo. Bet Chase would enjoy it." Brad asked as he shoved some frosties in his mouth. "When are you going back to London?" I asked. "Probably Monday, could stretch it to Tuesday at a push. I've got a radio interview, plugging the new song. then recording a seg for Sky on Wednesday with Blossom Howard." He said like this was normal everyday activities. "Blossom Howard, huh? I would love to but I can't. Darren, actually replied to my message. He is coming over today but  my Mum is having some friends round for a birthday party for my Dad, tomorrow, if you wanna be my plus one then that would be cool." I added, seeing Brad's face change on hearing Darren's name. "Plus one it is. Sounds fun!... Is Darren coming to talk things through then?" He asked. I shook my head. "Not by the sounds of things. He sent this." I said showing him the text on my phone. "The guy is such a pretentious prick. He doesn't realise how good he had it Bailey. I mean that. If things were in a better place then you know I would snap you up right." Brad said with a smile.

A stupid grin appeared on my face. "I know. Maybe one day, huh. I'm not cut out to be ripped to shreds by your adoring teenage fans or wish to spend my days cleaning your 6 bedroom London town house ... while you travel from country to country eating pussy." I said quoting the last bit from him from a conversation he had with Seth in the early days of his band.