Chapter 5
CHAPTER 5
LEAH
S tumbling out the door, I make sure I’m away from the window and gawping crowd before gripping the wall and bending double. My free hand splayed across my chest as I frantically suck in air, trying to control the growing panic.
I hear Stella and Nat explode onto the street behind me, rushing to my side.
“That bitch,” Stella hisses, her anger palpable. I tune out her rant.
I close my eyes as waves of dizziness wash over me. This is not how tonight was due to go. Vince never comes across to this side of town, but then again. He loves his expensive wines. Maybe I shouldn’t be surprised.
Nat pulls me upright and into her arms, resting my forehead on her shoulder. “You’ll be okay,” she whispers in my ear.
I expel an audible breath, unable to think of the words that will calm my friends. Stella is still angrily monologuing.
Pulling back from Nat, I catch Stella’s arm, hating the weakness I know will be present in my voice if I try to articulate anything. “It’s okay,” I rasp, giving her arm a reassuring squeeze.
“Nothing about this is okay,” Stella argues, her eyes spitting fire.
“I’m sorry to have ruined our evening,”
Nat steps up behind me and wraps her arms around my waist.
“You didn’t. Dickhead and his bimbo did that. Why couldn’t he have simply left you alone?” Stella hisses. “He’s the one who had to come over to you.”
Stella’s right. I spotted Vince as soon as we walked in. We joined some of Stella’s work colleagues on the other side of the bar, keeping our distance. Vince approached me, tapping me on the shoulder and delivering his news.
Pain rips through me, almost pulling me to my knees as I choke down the wail that wants to escape. For once, I’m happy for my friend’s support. I’d be a puddle on the street if it wasn’t for the death hold keeping me on my feet.
“I need to go,” I say, squeezing Nat’s hand gently, letting her know she can release me.
“We all will,” Stella says, her eyes roaming my face.
“It’s okay. I’ve got to go back to the office and collect my things.”
I give her upper arm a pat, trying to convey my need to be alone.
She nods, although I know from the tightness around her mouth, she wants to argue with me.
“Are you sure?” Nat says, her own eyes filled with concern.
I purse my lips. “I just need... time,” I say.
They pull me in for a group hug. I blink rapidly, refusing to allow my tears to fall in public. I need to get out of here. Have my breakdown in private.
“I’ve got to go,” I say, pulling out of their grip and starting off in the direction of the office. Pleased it’s only a few streets away, especially as I’m in ridiculously high heels, cursing Stella for telling me to wear them.
The city streets are empty as I make my way back to my haven. I count my steps, not wanting the events of the evening to overwhelm me, but it comes back crystal clear.
“What the hell are you doing here?”
His voice appears behind me.
“Enjoying an evening out with my friends,” I reply, turning to face him and holding up my wineglass. I then turn back to Stella and the people from her office.
“Don’t ignore me, Leah,” he says, stepping to my side and forcing me to acknowledge him. I shoot Stella a warning glance to stay out of it. We don’t need a scene.
“I’m not ignoring you, Vince, I just have nothing to say to you.”
“Have you found somewhere to live?” he asks, ignoring my statement.
Sighing, I turn to face him. “No, I’m apartment hunting tomorrow. I’ll let you know as soon as I find somewhere.” I take a sip of my wine, praying he gets the hint and leaves me alone. No such luck as a wave of blond hair appears at his side, gripping his arm, shooting daggers in my direction.
“Have you told her?”
I turn towards the new arrival and shoot her my most dazzling smile. “You must be Yasmin,” I say, watching her eyes squint.
Ignoring me, she shifts her gaze to Vincent, whose eyes remain locked on me.
“Have you?” she asks again, her hand going to her stomach.
My mind freezes. “Told me what, Vince?”
Yasmin turns and gives me her brightest smile, although I notice it doesn’t reach her eyes. “Vincent and I are having a baby. So, we’re going to move into the apartment ourselves. My lease is up, and well, it seems silly to look for somewhere else when Vince already has such a beautiful apartment. ”
I watch her hand graze its way down Vince’s chest, her eyes probing mine as she tosses her hair back and smirks.
Vince flinches, and I choke against the vice-like grip, squeezing my chest and heart.
“A baby... congratulations,” I splutter out. My eyes go to Vince’s. Guilt and something else flash across his features. “Are you sure it’s yours?”
The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them.
The rest of the conversation is a blur. The sting on my cheek, the screaming. I grabbed my bag and left.
I look up and realise I’ve reached the office. A numbness has descended over my body. I push my way through the revolving door and into the main lobby. Its chandelier lighting glistens off the marble and tiles. I make my way to the security gate and flash my card. The security guard gives me a brief glance as the light turns green.
“Evening, Ms Walker,” he says.
“Evening, James,” I say, pushing through, not wanting to stop, needing to find a space to let go.
I push the call button on the elevator multiple times.
It finally arrives, and I fall into it, resting against the back wall.
“Shit, shit, shit!” I say, my voice hoarse.
My hand flies to my chest as a wave of pain envelops my heart.
My breath hisses out as I reach my destination, and the door opens.
The floor is dark.
I stagger out, the automated evening lighting coming on, dimmer than usual but enough to light the pathway to my office. My ankle twists, shooting me into the corner of one cubicle, pain lancing through my hip.
“Fuck!” I scream, glad no one is on the floor to witness my meltdown .
I rub the throbbing area hard with the heel of my palm. That’s going to bruise.
I yank off my shoes, dangling them from my hand. I’m glad I haven’t added a twisted ankle to the list of disasters racking up this evening.
I walk barefoot to my office, pushing open the door and flinging the offending footwear into the corner. They hit the wall with a satisfying bang. I sink onto the sofa in the corner of my office. I drop my head into my hands as the choking sobs I’ve been swallowing down finally make it free.
“Damn him.”
My voice echoes around the empty office as I finally give way to the tears.
The elevator pings, letting me know I’m no longer alone.