First Impressions - RIVER CARTWRIGHT

Chapter 3

Despite three pairs of socks, a rapidly cooling hot water bottle and a fleece blanket, Lexie was cold. She’d spent the previous day somewhere between hungover and on cloud nine but her good mood had tumbled along with the temperature. It was coming up to 1am and there was still at least 4 hours to go before the changeover in shift. She dug the radio out of her pocket to check in with Andy.

“Fancy a perimeter walk, And? I think I’ve still got some tangfastics if you’re interested?”

“Yeah the walk might warm me up a bit. I’ll swap ya for some malteasers.”

“Got any tea left?”

“No bab, sorry, long gone.” Lexie tutted,

“Should have brought bigger flasks.”

“Maybe next time.”

“I’m not bloody doing this again Andy. Not until August at least. Come on, get your arse out the car, see you in a few minutes.” Lexie rolled her shoulders and blew into her hands to try and get warm. She started the walk of the perimeter they’d set at dusk and headed toward their designated meeting spot. She heard Andy before she saw him. So much for covert. She handed over the sugar covered contraband and they exchanged a quick high five as they passed each other “Don’t forget to lock your car.” He muttered. Once she got back to the car, she could see an object on the hood of her car. She frowned and looked around frantically. She’d only been gone 15 minutes… approaching carefully, she saw steam rising from a travel mug, and a small paper bag nestled next to her windscreen wipers. She peeked in the bag to see a chocolate brownie. “Ooh. Sophie Clarke you’re good to me.” She grabbed the goods and jumped back in the car, locking the door behind her. She reached for her phone to check for messages, but there wasn’t a new one from Sophie. It was River.

“Told you it’s cold. Hopefully this will keep you going for a bit longer.”

Lexie looked around in the dark, trying to see if he was still around. The cup was still piping hot and she hadn’t seen another car.

“Have you gone again? I must have just missed you. Went to deliver haribo to Andy”

“Back in my warm bed already. I’m not lurking out there like a creeper!”

“Shame. I’d have made you swap with me. No one will ever know. Please, please don’t 
mention warm beds.” Please don’t mention your warm bed Lexie added mentally. She knew where she’d much rather be right now.

“Height difference might give it away. You’re also a lot cuter.”

“You’re sleep deprived. Thank you for the chocolate, you’re a hero.”

“Be safe, speak to you in a few hours. X”

The kiss at the end was new. Lexie let the short conversation warm her from head to toe and settled in for the final stint of her shift. By the time she’d debriefed her replacement and had a quick ten minutes with Andy, it was nearly 5am. Lexie was dead on her feet. She blasted the heat through her 
car and Lizzo through her speakers, the heat making her tired but the music keeping her attention. She parked up across the street from the flat and piled her arms high with her cold hot water bottle, blanket and rubbish. The front door opened without her having to juggle everything and she looked 
to Sophie gratefully.
“Thanks babe, fuckin’ cold. So tired, why the hell are you up already? I didn’t know you were on shift today?”
“Kettle’s on,” Sophie’s voice dropped to a dramatic whisper, “he’s here!” Lexie’s eyes widened.
“What?!” she mouthed “I’m a fucking mess! I look like a fucking vampire!”
“Go and dump your stuff and get another hoodie on. I’ll make tea.” Sophie said loudly, giving Lexie time enough to try and make herself somewhat presentable. She dashed to her bedroom without looking to the kitchen. Her room wasn’t a mess. Good start. Not that that mattered, it wasn’t like she was about to invite him in. But she needed to tidy herself up a bit. Pulling off her cold jeans and jumper, she swapped out for a cozy loungewear jumpsuit and dragged a brush through her hair. She checked the mirror. Not too bad, a bit pale, but it was 5am after all.
“Good morning night owl.” River smiled as she made it to the kitchen after a couple of minutes. Sophie nodded her approval at the outfit change.
“Morning, I see you’ve met Soph?”
“I have. I met Jess too before she left for work.”
“Aww my Jessy. That’s why you’re up early.” Lexie turned to Sophie.
“I’m not far behind her actually, just long enough to check in with you and meet River.”