Cracks Within

Chapter 15

Saturday 27th June 2020.

I walk down the high-street listening to the busy chatter of Saturday shoppers all around me. My bag swings from side to side. I take a left and walk into the entrance of the huge shopping centre, my heels clicking as I walk. Looking in every window, I feel amazing. As I check myself out, I turn the corner and nearly walk straight into a random man.

I recoil of his body. "Oh, my god, I'm so sorry. Are you okay?" I say, panicking if he was hurt. He stands up straight, back to me, clicking his neck.

"Yeah, I'm fine. More worried about you though." a well-spoken voice says. A wave of panic runs through me as I recognise the voice. My breathing quickens as I look at the back of this man. He starts to turn around and my heart is beating faster than it ever has. The man is blonde with chocolate brown eyes. His hair is short and styled, like Neil Patrick Harris. He has pale skin and work a figure hugging jumper with a pair of blue skinny jeans and a long woollen coat. He was extremely attractive. Not who I thought he was. He smiled a Hollywood smile with perfect, white teeth.

"Well, aren't I lucky?" he says, grinning. "I must say, I didn't think I'd be bumping into someone so beautiful while shopping. My lucky day." He had a great laugh.

I laugh, unable to stop myself. "Wow. You're smooth." I can't stop laughing. "But thank you." I tuck some stray hair behind my ear. "Since I kinda fell on you, I should probably know your name. I don't fall on men often."

He laughs again, a good, hearty laugh. "Sean. Yours?"

"Anna."

"Anna." he says, saying my name slowly. "I love it." He flashes another smile. "Can I take you out for a drink, Anna?"

I suppose I could, it's just a drink. "Sure."

We walk around the town, casually chatting about our jobs, what we do for fun. It was easy talking to Sean. Before I realise it, we were standing in front of a cocktail bar. He opens the door for me and does a little bow, laughing as he does. My jaw hurts from laughing already. He puts his arm around my side to steer me to a table near the canal front. As he's pulling my chair back, he brushes my side with his hands. Moving to his own seat, he stares at my face while we carry on talking about everything and anything.

"What would you like to drink?" he says happily, after laughing about his first job.

"Strawberry Daquiri, please." Grinning, I reach into my bag. Sean holds my arm, shaking his head.

"On me, babe." He flashes another smile, winks and walks to the bar. I pull my phone out. 3 emails. I check them.

JOBS4U: New jobs are in your area. Click the link to find your next job!

I delete the email and open the next one.

Amazon: Your items has been dispatched. Your order includes: Star Wars Episode IX Blu-ray, Limited Edition, The Greek Gods hardcover book and Classic Skater Boy Checkerboard T-Shirt, XL. Estimated delivery: 29/6/20.

The third one shocks me the most.

Unknown sender: Don't trust Sean Wells. I saw you today with him. Do not trust him. Okay? DO. NOT. TRUST. HIM. From, your past.

I stare at my phone. Do not trust him, I think. I stare at him as he walks back to me. His lopsided grin made me think that someone was messing with me. He sets my drink in front of me and takes a long sip of his own drink; beer. I bring my drink to my lips. Something is fizzing. I narrow my eyes and move my face closer. A roofie tablet. I slightly laugh and look up at Sean, gritting my teeth.