Hold Me Down

chapter 5

Clary is ecstatic.

"What was he doing at Hatchard's?" Her curiosity leaks through the phone. I'm in the stock room, trying to keep my voice low.

"He was simply in the area. A coincidence," I tell her.

"That is one huge coincidence, Tessa. Do you think he could've been there to see you?"

"Oh no!" I splutter. "He wouldn't do that for me. He said he was just in the area." I frown. "He seemed hostile towards Jem. I couldn't place what it was."

"Why? What'd he do?"

"Nothing. I just got the sense that Will didn't like him," I shrug. "But what did Jem do? I mean he just met him."

"He was probably jealous of Jem," Clary says.

I snort. "Yeah right. But anyways, are you free tomorrow?"

"Yes I am, why?"

"I need you to photograph Will for my article." Clary, in addition to being a wonderful artist, was also a photographer. The two go hand in hand, she tells me.

"You're seeing him tomorrow?!" She could hardly contain her excitement. I roll my eyes.

"It's for the photo shoot, Clary."

"He seems interested in you," she says. I knew she was smiling.

I groan. "No Clary! He is not interested in me, nor am I in him! He's not for me."

She gave a relenting sigh. "Okay. So where are we going to do the shoot?"

"We could ask him where. He says he's staying in the area."

"You can contact him?"

"I have his cell phone number."

Clary gasps. "The richest, most elusive, most enigmatic bachelor in London, just gave you his cell phone number?"

"Yes."

"Tessa! He likes you. No doubt about it."

"No, Clary! I'll talk to you later." I shut off the phone as Jem walks into the back room.

"Hey," I smile at him.

"So, how do you know Will Herondale?" Jem asks curiously.

"I had to interview him for our student newspaper."

"Will Herondale in Hatchard's. Go figure," Jem snorts, amazed. He shakes his head as if to clear it. "Anyway, want to come over with Clary this evening?"

"Maybe some other time, Jem. I need to study tonight. I have my finals next week." I look at him apologetically.

"That's fine. I'll see you later then?"

I nod and I head back out to the store floor.

.

"Call him." Clary holds the phone out to me. My stomach twists. I am at home sitting at the dining table with Clary.

"No," I complain. I was having a quiet and peaceful evening. I didn't want to do anything to disrupt that.

"C'mon Tessa, you need those photos."

I groan. "I know, I just thought we could do this later."

"You can't put it off forever. Call him Tessa."

I scowl at her and reach into my back pocket for his business card. I take a deep, steadying breath, and with shaking fingers, I dial the number.

He answers on the second ring.