Chapter 25
Chapter
Twenty-Five
I rub at the back of my neck. Falling asleep on the sofa wasn’t my smartest move last night, and the early morning yoga I did this morning didn’t help at all. I’d looked for some local yoga classes, but there aren’t many places around that seem to offer them. Nothing close by anyway. Once I pick up my car from Manchester this weekend, I’ll be able to book into one of the classes further out.
I’m on edge as I walk down the aisles of the supermarket looking for something for my breakfast and lunch. I’m so hungry after not eating much yesterday. I would have loved to go grab coffee and a bagel from the café, but Wrath made it very clear I wasn’t welcome in there and I really don’t want to piss him off any more than I already seem to have.
I grab a box of breakfast bars and a pre-prepared salad for lunch. This should be enough to keep me going today. I have a train back to Manchester tomorrow afternoon, so I can grab something at the station before I leave. I can’t believe I’m letting a guy dictate when and where I go shopping. Sighing to myself I decide to grab an iced coffee in a can before heading into the studio.
I’m exhausted. Eric had double-booked a couple of clients, and to try and clear the backlog, I did several shoots back-to-back. It was a good day though. I’ve captured a surprise proposal, a baby photoshoot, a shoot where the client wanted to feel better about breaking up with her partner and I’ve booked in a boudoir shoot for next week. All in all, it’s been a good day.
I walk through the door to my flat and throw my bag and keys onto the counter and then place my uneaten salad in the fridge before heading into the bedroom to get changed. I kick off my flip flops, then strip out of my long skirt and tank top and throw on a pair of shorts and a hoody.
I scoop my hair up and tie it into a messy bun on the top of my head as I make my way back into the sitting room. I stop at the window and peer down onto the street. All day, I felt like I was being watched, but every time I looked around, I couldn’t see anyone.
Not wanting to be seen, I leave the lights off, sit at the kitchen counter in the dark and eat my salad. I know I’ve only been here a little over a week, but I feel pretty pathetic sitting in the dark alone eating my dinner. At least I get to spend the weekend in Manchester.
Knowing that I have to head to work first, I need to be up early to pack and make it across the city in time for my train, I throw the empty container into the bin, quickly tidy up and the head to bed for an early night.
“Are you ok, honey?” My Mam asks, a note of concern in her voice as she watches me swirl my spoon in my hot tea. I look up and give her a sad smile.
“Yeah. I just—” I stop, not knowing how to finish my sentence. I feel a little out of sorts, but I’m not really sure what’s wrong with me.
She leans forward and places her hand over the top of mine. “Marissa, you know if you don’t like London or your job, you can move back here. It’s ok.”
“Oh, no. It’s not that. I’m not sure what it is. I think it’s just because everything is still so new. I haven’t really found my feet yet, and it’s throwing me a little.”
She hums a little as she thinks about my response. Then she gives me a huge smile. “For someone normally so laid back, you’re very impatient. Give yourself time to adjust. No matter what life throws at you, you’re normally so chilled, you adjust easier and quicker than most people I know. Your calm demeanour and your ability to adapt to any situation you find yourself in comes from your dad’s side of the family. You need to figure out whatever it is that has your head in a twist. But give yourself time sweetheart, it’s going to take a little more than a week or two.” She stands from her chair and leans down, placing a kiss on my cheek before making her way over to the counter.
I lean back in my seat and watch her chat with the girl at the till, smiling when I see her point to the cakes inside the display. She has a serious sweet tooth. I jump when I feel a hand on my shoulder, looking up I see the smiling faces of Brick and Knuckles standing beside me. I stand and they both pull me into a hug.
“Back so soon, Flex?” Brick asks as he pulls out of the hug. “London not for you? Or did you miss my handsome face?”
I laugh as Knuckles clips him across the back of the head.
“You wish. I’m just here for the weekend to pick up my car. How are you both?”
“We’re good. We just wanted to thank you for your help a few weeks back.” Knuckles gives me a pointed look and I give him a small smile in return.
There’s a small part of me that feels guilty, while I know they’ll never admit having anything to do with it, Peter Nelson went missing two days after I gave these guys information in him. I chose to do it freely. They explained to me why they were looking for him. One of the old women who Nelson attacked was the grandmother of one of the brothers.
I chose to give them the information knowing full well what would happen. But that doesn’t change the small pang of guilt I feel knowing that I had something to do with it. It’s only a small feeling of guilt though. I’m sure whatever happened to Nelson he had it coming. Knuckles smiles and then turns and leaves, Brick gives me a wink and then follows his brother out of the door.