Chapter 2;
Natalie p.o.v
I had to wake up early for work the next day. I worked at the local job centre. It was far from my ideal job, but I just counted myself lucky that I had one, especially in this economy.
Luckily, it was Friday and I had a party to look forward to later ... but I had to endure hours of torture first and it didn't help that most of my colleagues were arses. It was like being back in school sometimes, honestly.
There were actually cliques in this hell hole. Thankfully, I wasn't in one - I didn't plan on being here much longer.
Eric had told me that I just need to stick it out, that I would find a better job soon. Or failing that, I could become a singer/songwriter with him.
That would be amazing but there was just one little hitch - I had no discernable talent, I thought bitterly.
"Natalie! Are you listening?" My colleague Dean shouted at me. Luckily, Dean was one of the very few people at worked who I actually liked.
"What? Oh sorry, I'm just wishing it was clocking off time is all." I joked. We were sitting at our desks after lunch, waiting for the customers to come back.
"You're not the only one!" Sophie joined in. This was the Sophie who's party we were going to tonight. "I can't wait until later - I need to drink!" We all laughed and the doors were opened to the public, meaning the was only 4 hours until we could finish.
.................................
As I was letting myself into my flat that night, my mobile rang. I dug it out of my pocket, looked at the caller id and smiled.
"Hey, everything ok?" I greeted him.
"Hey, Tallie. What time did we say I'd pick you up?" I could tell that Eric was out, judging by the amount of background noise on the other end of the phone. He had said that he would swing by my place tonight before the party as I didn't have any other way of getting there.
"Umm I think we said 8.30. Why?"
"Ok. Is it ok if I come round in a bit instead?" He asked.
"Sure ... Why though? What's happened?" I asked, concerned.
"Oh, nothing yet - that's what I'm trying to avoid!" He laughed. "I was getting some things for tonight and Tomas phoned me - he said there are 'more than a few' press outside my place. Apparently they heard I would be out today." He sighed.
"God. Yeah, I'll only be getting ready so you'll have to amuse yourself but I don't mind."
"You are a lifesaver!" He chuckled. "Ok, I'll probably be about ... 20 minutes?"
"Ok, see you soon." We said goodbye and hung up before I had a very quick shower. I had just dressed in my lounging clothes when I heard 3 quick, and loud!, raps on the front door.
"Guess who?" I shook my head fondly as I walked to open the door, towel drying my hair as I walked.
"You're so loud!" I laughed as I pulled it open, gesturing for him to come in. "The neighbours will think you're here to rob me!" I joked.
He just grinned as he walked past me into the living room. I noticed he had a bag in his hand that he plonked down on the floor.
"So what did you get for tonight? I thought she said don't worry about bringing anything?"
"Well, mostly new clothes. But I did get this-" he held up bottle of alcohol. "for later." He smiled, showing his 'fangs' as I affectionately called them.
It was weird - I knew for a fact that he was straight - he'd had enough beautiful girlfriends - but I'd never thought of him as anyone's boyfriend or even thought of him as good looking.
Don't get be wrong. I mean, of course he was good looking. Now that I looked at him, I saw it. He was tall, slightly tanned with dark hair and big beautiful brown eyes. I guess looks came second even you knew the real person.
"You're too nice for your own good, you do know that yeah?"
"Oh no, I can be horrible if I want." He winked.
We laughed, and I went to get ready.
