Fallen Angel

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

‘What?’ I forced a laugh out.

‘Just answer the question,’ he repeated, ‘are you an angel?’

‘Of course not, Sam don’t be stupid, no one is an angel,’ I rolled my eyes and started moving some boxes around to hide my nerves, ‘I don’t even think angels are real.’

The look on his faced showed that he may have made a mistake suggested that he was hiding something. He must be an angel too. I mean, how did he know about me and my music?

So I took a leap of faith and asked, ‘Sam, are you an angel?’

‘I knew you were one!’

‘I never said that,’ I said, deadpan, ‘I just know... people who are angels.’

‘So yours really was a lucky guess?’ I nodded. ‘Oh, I thought... don’t worry then.’

‘I’m not going to tell anyone. As long as you’re not a black angel, are you?’ I clenched my fists in preparation.

‘No, why else would I help you out and build you a practise room free of charge?’ Sam laughed.

‘Maybe, because you lost a bet.’ I pointed out.

‘Do you really think a black angel would follow up on their bet?’ I shook my head, realising he was right. ‘So, who are the others?’

‘I don’t want to tell you yet; I don’t trust you enough.’ I said a little sadly, a part of me did want to trust him.

Sam looked a little hurt, ‘okay, I understand.’

The bell above the door jingled as a female voice said, ‘this is, like, the best music shop ever.’

‘I’m sure it is, Daph,’ the boy said, ‘if you come in here.’ The girl was a pretty redhead flanking a dazzling, unfamiliar boy. He looked around the shop and then locked eyes with mine. ‘Hey, I’m Reid.’

‘Hi, I’m the shop owner.’ I said, unsure if I should state my name – don’t want to get friendly with the wrong people, if you get what I mean.

‘So, The Shop Owner, I’m told this is the best music shop in town.’ Reid smirked, ‘true?’

‘True,’ I tilted my head as I confirmed his rumour, ‘can I help you?’

‘Hmm,’ He raised his eyebrows as he looked me up and down, ‘maybe you can. Are you single?’

‘Excuse me?’ My eyes widened, weren’t boys meant to be subtle about things like that? ‘That’s none of your business.’

‘Can’t help being attracted to a pretty thing like you,’ he shrugged, ‘like a moth to a flame and all that... I didn’t mean to offend you.’

I just stared at him and forced myself not to blush. ‘Is there something you wanted?’

You, Sam’s voice crystal clear popped into my head, making me spark to life.

‘Well?’ Reid paused, checked me out again, ‘are you single? Or should I expect the boyfriend shooting in on me?’

‘Err, no – no boyfriend.’ I started to think clearer, ‘single, but not interested.’ I could feel Sam smiling – practically beaming – behind me right now. It was like he was radiating it like his body heat or his smell... which was incredibly alluring. Just made me want snuggle-

‘I see my charms haven’t worked on you, yet.’ Reid seemed pretty sure of himself.

‘If there’s one think more that is a turn-off than guys who are blunt, it’s cocky ones.’ I turned away to start lining up the instruments.