Midnight Message

Chapter 18 - You want me

Gemma pulls open the door of the Mt View hotel and walks inside. As she steps into the crowded room she feels her phone vibrate inside the back pocket of her tight jeans. Gemma pulls it out and glances at the screen. Her stomach twists into a knot when she realises who is calling her. Incoming call from Ego Boy.

Gemma stops mid stride and her eyes widen in panic. Beside her, Emily feels her best friend's body stiffen.

'What's up?' Emily asks.

'It's him.' Gemma says. Her voice is strained, barely above a whisper. Emily struggles to hear her over the noise of the room.

'Do you see him?' Emily asks.

Gemma tears her eyes away from her phone and casts them around the room. It is small. A long bar lines one of the walls and various people are sitting on stools, facing the bar. Other people are standing around the room in small groups. Holding drinks and carrying on conversations.

There's no sign of Trent's athletic body in the room.

'I....I don't know. I don't think so.' Gemma stammers.

Her phone stops vibrating and the screen turns black. Gemma relaxes. Going out to bars and clubs isn't usually her thing. In fact, Gemma has never been to a bar or club. She never really got into the party scene at high school and has not attended a single party at her University campus this year. She studies hard and prefers to spend her free time reading or watching a movie with Emily. But she has to admit, there is something exciting about being in a room full of strangers. There is a certain energy in this dimly lit room. Everyone is drinking, talking and having a good time.

I may actually enjoy myself tonight. Gemma thinks to herself.

The girls move further into the room and find a place to stand. The energy in the room is infectious and Gemma grows in confidence.

Who cares about Trent Caldwell. I'm going to have fun tonight!

A male voice interrupts Gemma from her thoughts.

'Can I get you ladies a drink?'

Gemma and Emily turn around to see the owner of the voice.

'Jake' Emily says in an exaggeratedly, surprised voice. 'What are you doing here?

Gemma isn't buying it.

'Really?' Gemma says, looking at Emily sceptically. 'Your boyfriend just happens to show up at the same bar as us.'

Jake shifts his feet uncomfortably and looks at the ground. Emily wears a sheepish expression on her face.

'Ok, I have a confession.' She says. 'When I told Jake what we were doing tonight he was worried about us going to a bar by ourselves.'

'You just never know these days.' Jake says quietly.

'Uh huh'. Gemma says drily. She fights hard to stop a smile sneaking onto her face. Jake is such a sweetheart. The Mt View Hotel clearly isn't his scene, but he's come anyway in order to 'protect' us. Emily is a lucky girl. Jake is a small guy, only slightly taller than Emily herself. But he would no doubt do everything in his power to protect her from anyone who tried to harm her.

Gemma watches Emily squirm in discomfort.

'Ok look' Emily says. She pushes a stray blond curl out of her face and starts speaking quickly. 'I didn't tell you Jake was coming tonight because I didn't want you to change your mind. I didn't want you to think you'd be the third wheel or that it would be awkward and I didn't want you to back out and stay home because then you'll never meet Lover Boy and get married and have HOT babies together!'