Always on the Run

6. In for a surprise

Hi guys! Don't faint, it's only been a week since I last updated. ;) even I'm surprised by how busy the last week has been. This is a longer chapter too so I hope you enjoy. I was really excited to write this as it brings Julian's personality out a little more. Let me know what you think. You know the drill. <3

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Julian breaks into his usual Dennis Quaid smile and my stomach flutters in appreciation. Suddenly he steps forward and envelops me in a warm, welcoming hug. “You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that,” he says in my ear. Then he pulls back and grins at me. “Of course I want to give us a chance if you’re willing.”

I can’t help but feel relieved that he’s so willing to accept me yet a part of me still feels this is wrong. What else can I do though? I need to lay low. It’s only a matter of time until the police somehow find out about me. I’m certain it won’t be through Jamie but it’s their job to find the clues and who knows what’s out there? So I have no choice but to do this.

“Thank you,” I say then lean in and kiss him gently. When I pull away I say, “I’m sorry for—”

He holds a finger to my lips. “No apologies, Teresa. It’s okay, I understand. Now, do you want to come inside for a bit? Ewan’s here, it’ll be a good chance for you to get to know each other.”

Realisation hits me and I freeze. I forgot about Ewan. I’ve barely got to know the kid. I’ve met him a couple of times but we haven’t had a proper bonding session. What if he hates me? What if I hate him? He could be an absolute terror for all I know!

You can’t be fussy, Teresa. Right now you don’t have much say in the mater.

Taking a deep breath I force a smile then push my worries aside and quickly say, “I’d love to.”

Julian smiles then steps back and holds the door open. As I step through Julian says, “I can’t believe you’re here!” Once I hear the door click shut behind me, I turn to face Julian and he adds, “What made you agree?”

I shrug. “I suppose I thought it was worth a shot,” I lie. I can’t tell him about Jamie now. Not only because I lied about him being gay but also because it’s not really relevant.

The smile on his face widens. “You have no idea how happy I am.” He steps forward and takes my hand. “You’ll see, this will be the best decision you have ever made.”

Forcing a smile, I remove my hand from his and take a step back. “I want to do what you suggested though. I’m agreeing on flatmate terms only,” I say firmly. “No funny business, okay? If I feel this won’t work after a month then I’ll move out.”

This is something that has only just occurred to me but I think it’s the wisest thing to do. I don’t want to commit myself to anything just in case it fails. The flash of sadness that crosses Julian’s face makes me ever so slightly guilty but I push it aside. I’m not going to jump right into a relationship with him. I want to trial it and see how it pans out. It will also give me time to suss out if the police are on my tail or not.

Julian quickly smiles, the sadness disappearing and he nods. “I understand. I’m not going to force you to do anything you don’t want to. Now, I’ll show you around the house then take you to your room.”

We walk away and Julian chatters incessantly but I barely hear him. I look around at the surrounds and swallow nervously. I can’t believe I’m doing this. After what happened a couple of nights ago—learning what Julian expected of me—this hasn’t been an easy decision to make. I don’t want to be just a housewife. I know we’re not married but I know that’s the role he’ll expect me to undertake. I can’t complain thought. Right now what’s important is being safe and laying low. I can do that here.