Chapter 2
Cold air smacks me in the face as I walk through the sliding doors of Denver’s international airport, dragging my suitcase behind me.
Using my free hand, I lift the collar of my long, black mohair coat to free my neck from the icy chill dancing along my skin there.
I don’t even know why I still bother to indulge my mother’s bullshit reasoning behind having me travel all the way from London to see her.
“I miss you, Ro-Ro.”
“I never get to see you, Ro-Ro.”
The past three times I’ve travelled the ten-hour flight from London to Colorado, something always comes up.
There’s always an excuse as to why she forgot and accidentally made plans with friends.
Which in turn, ends up with me spending three days in some hotel in the city…
alone, or flying back home to the UK that same day.
This time, though, I’m partially here to get away from my ex. So I guess visiting her has come at the most opportune time for me. But I’m still not happy about it.
Why?
Because Jennifer Miller—maiden name Cole—is a bitch.
I never felt love from her growing up and was treated more like an accessory to her extravagant life than an actual daughter.
She’s harsh when she speaks, uncaring with anyone except herself, and the type of mother who should never have been a mother at all.
My anxiety is already through the roof being here, because no doubt the moment she sees me, the first thing out of her mouth will be a comment about my weight, my hair, my skin, the way I’m dressed, how my job isn’t a real job… the list is endless.
Jennifer Miller is the type of woman who can cut you down to size with just a few small words and a look.
Jenifer Miller… is a cunt.
However, if she’s forgotten again—which I’m really fucking hoping she has—then I can travel to LA tomorrow, meet up with friends, and start my plans earlier than expected.
So at least I’m covered in that sense.
My phone pings from inside my coat pocket and I groan with frustration by the sound of it alone.
I almost don’t want to look at it because if it’s Toby—my ex—it’s only going to piss me off further.
But as I’m a glutton for punishment, I slide it out and when the screen lights up, I breathe a sigh of relief at the realisation of it being a message from my dad.
Dad: Did you land safely? Sent: 17:00
Dad: Any chance you’d be alright with me murdering your ex-boyfriend. The little cunt hasn’t left me alone asking me where you are. Sent: 17:10
Dad: Robyn, as your father I should notify you I’m beginning to get worried at your lack of response. Who will take care of me if you’re dead? Sent: 17:35
I laugh at the three messages as I read through them. My father, ever the worrier.
Robyn: I did land safely, sorry, customs was an absolute nightmare. No you can’t kill Toby. Sent 17:37
Dad: Boring. Sent: 17:38
Robyn: And in the event I do die… the nurses at the lovely care home in Willow Grove I set up for you for your 40th birthday will take care of you lol. Sent: 17:37
Dad: Oh ha, ha! I’m not that old.
Robyn: Say’s who? I’m jumping in a taxi now, so bear with me and I’ll message you when I get to the Miller’s place. Sent: 17:37
Stuffing my phone back into my pocket because my hands are about to drop off, I look around and spot the taxi rank just off to the right.
I drag my suitcase dubiously behind me and stop beside one of the white taxis, tapping on the window.
I wave awkwardly at the older man as he looks at me in surprise.
He jumps out of the car quicker than I’ve ever seen a driver do and smiles at me as he zips up his jacket. “Sorry about that, ma’am.” He offers me a tight-lipped smile. He manoeuvres towards the trunk of the car, opening it up and taking my suitcase from me.
“You’re fine.” I mimic his smile, opening the passenger’s side door and sitting in the back seat. The driver slams the trunk closed just as I close my door and buckle myself in. It’s much warmer here, and I appreciate the fact he seems to have thought about keeping the car nice and cozy inside.
When he eventually gets behind the wheel, he starts the car and secures his own seatbelt.
Adjusting the rearview mirror, his eyes meet mine in the reflection, the corners of them creasing with a smile I can’t quite see.
“Thank you for choosing me to take you to your destination, my name is Kevin and I’ll be your driver today. ”
“Hi, Kevin. I’m Robyn.” I smile. “First day?”
He chuckles. “What gave it away?”
“I don’t think a single taxi driver has ever greeted me that way before.” I smile.
He shrugs, his eyes still gazing at me. “Gotta make an impression, I guess. So, where’re we going today, Robyn?”
“Uh, Oak Hill Crescent? Do you know where that is?”
His eyes widen slightly, but he quickly schools his features to a more reserved expression. “Of course, any particular house?”
“Yeah.” I clear my throat. “East Meadow.”
Kevin releases a long whistle that tells me he knows exactly where I need to go. “Yeah, I know the place. The traffic is a little crazy getting out of the airport, but I should be able to get you there within the hour.”
“Sounds good to me.” I nod, giving him a tight-lipped smile and turning my attention to the window next to me. Unable to get rid of the daunting feeling I’m filled with.
Kill me now.