The Unlikely Couple [COMPLETED]

Chapter Seventeen

The day before a birthday is always strange. There’s this feeling of excitement and anxiety that doesn’t leave until you wake up and you’re a year older. I felt more of the anxiety than the excitement, and not because I was about to be twenty-eight. The day after I would be on a Qantas Link plane to Wagga, my first trip with Hal. It was only short, and we’d be back before the week renewed, but I was nervous as hell. My suitcase was packed and I picked out a comfortable outfit for the plane. He said we’d land in the afternoon, go to the hotel then eat at the most popular Italian restaurant in town. That was fine, but what would happen when we get back to the hotel? My thoughts were disturbed by the shrill of the apartment phone.

“Hello?” I shouted into the receiver.

“Please don’t yell, Stacey.” Dad sighed at me.

“Sorry!” I bit my glossed bottom lip. “What’s up?”

“Lindsey informed me that you have plans with Hal tomorrow.” His tone indicated that he wasn’t impressed.

“He wants to take me out for the night.” I blushed.

“I know, which means you’ll have time for us in the morning, won’t you?” Dad’s voice was so sly, so convincing.

“Do I have a choice?” I asked.

“Of course not. Lindsey booked a big table at the Coffee Club for nine.” Oh Lindsey.

“Can Hal come?”

“He’s already been invited.” Dad said. “And apparently, he’s bringing his daughter. Unfortunately his father couldn’t make it.” Noises in the background distracted me.

“That’s fantastic. I can’t wait. I’m sorry Dad but I have to go.” I began to freak after seeing the time. Eleven-thirty and I still wasn’t out of the apartment. Gavin called last night and requested that I go to the office. It didn’t sound like I was getting fired, but I’m still scared shitless.

“Alright honey. See you tomorrow.” Before he hung up, I blew him a small series of kisses. I ran for the door, stopping to retrieve my shoes from the lounge room. Quickly, I overlooked my outfit. Small black heels and an orange shift dress. Not fancy and not casual. As I swung the door open, an unexpected figure stood abnormally still. I let out a small shriek, after a second identifying them as Gavin. How’d he know what floor?

“Stacey! I thought I’d visit you instead! May we come in?” We? An embarrassed girl stood behind him.

“Of course.” I hope the apartment is tidy. Like any curious person, Gavin stepped in and poked around. He walked through the lounge room, dining and kitchen while I stood near the door with the girl. “I’m Stacey.” I tried to comfort her. She stuck a pale hand out.

“Olivia.” A faint sprinkle of freckles were hidden by gold hair on her arm. Her face was dusted with pigmentation, particularly on her nose.

“I’m surprised Stacey. You don’t live in a shithole.” Gavin said bluntly.

“Thanks?” I peered awkwardly at Olivia, who laughed.

“I wanted to see you, because I have a proposition.” He fixed his suit, which was vaguely dark purple. It tricked the mind.

“Please, sit down.” I directed them into the kitchen.

“Olivia is a friend of my daughter’s.” If he was going to say they’re related, I would have laughed. Her pale, corn silk hair and green eyes couldn’t in any way come from Gavin. He fixed his chocolate hair, staring into the glass of one of the cupboards.  “When I heard she was having thoughts about exploring the magazine business, I jumped at the opportunity to help her. I asked if she liked any of my writers, and the first, also only name she mentioned was yours.” I stopped in my tracks, about to set some cups on the table. I gave Olivia a curious look.