The Art of Attraction

Chapter 4

Roger ignored the notifications on his phone and walked briskly to the tube station. He went down the steps and felt out of breath as he rushed to catch the train that had just stopped. It was rush hour and he was left standing and holding a hand rail as the train began moving. For some reason he was grateful to be lost in the throng of people. Everyone stuck in their own minds and not asking him what was going on in his.

The events of the past hour ran through his head and he went back and forth on what he should do. The act of running away starting to feel a bit foolish in hindsight.

The train eventually reached his stop and he got out. Another notification sounded on his phone and he stepped over to the side of the steps and looked at the messages.

Brian: I just want you to know I am not mad or put off by what you said. Can we talk?

Brian: I want to know you are okay and you are safe. Please let me know you are.

Brian: Please call or text me. Worried about you.

Roger sighed and felt guilty about leaving his friend hanging. But he didn't want to engage in a conversation in the middle of a busy tube station. He climbed the stairs and walked to the coffee shop located next door. He went in and ordered his usual and had a seat. Appreciating the warmth of the shop and the soothing music playing low in the background. Needing some coffee to balance out the wine he had drank earlier.

Roger: Sorry to worry you. Was on the train. I am safe. I am heading home after getting a coffee. I will try to call you later.

Brian: Okay. Thanks for letting me know.

Roger pocketed his phone and collected his coffee. He left the shop and walked straight home. The notion of telling his wife at all about what had transpired left him as he opened the door and prepared himself for another night at home.

"I'm home!" Roger called out as he went in and set his coffee down. He pulled off his coat and listened for his wife. He grabbed his coffee and walked to the lounge. Finding it empty and the television was off. Roger checked her office and found it empty. He noticed Audra's laptop was not there. He walked down the hall and saw the light on in the bedroom. After stepping in he saw Audra placing clothing in a suitcase.

"Hey..." Roger said and instantly wondered if his wife was leaving him. Audra looked up from her suitcase at him with a solemn face.

"Hi..." Audra replied as she situated the clothes. "I'm packing to head to my Mum's..." she announced as Roger's heart began pounding in his chest. "Her best friend...Marie...died suddenly this morning..." she advised.

"Oh! I'm sorry to hear that..." Roger replied. Genuinely surprised. "They were friends a long time..." he recalled as Audra nodded and sniffed a little. Making Roger feel bad at seeing her emotional.

"Since grade school..." Audra said as a tear slipped down her cheek. "She was my godmother and I've known her my whole life..." she remarked as Roger went over and put his arm across Audra's back. Feeling bad for her loss.

"That's right...god...I'm so sorry Aud..." he told her sincerely as she turned and let Roger pull her into a hug. He heard her sniffle some more as he held her. "Do you want me to come with you?" he asked her. Feeling like it was right to offer.

"No...I want to go alone..." Audra replied. Pulling away and returning to her packing. "There isn't going to be a big funeral or anything...but I may be gone for at least a week..." she said as she picked up some black shoes and placed them in her bag. "I want to be there for my Mum right now..." she stated as Roger nodded understanding.