Chapter Twenty-One
Maya
Jack text me first thing this morning. After he realised I work in the city he decided to meet me near work. Which is ideal, as I can escape back to the girls to head home. Since we’re basically all living together now, we car share to and from work.
I don’t know why I haven’t told my friends where I’m going, I’m a little worried they wouldn’t approve. It just feels nice to be able to get out and be me for a while. With a perfect stranger who doesn’t know anything about me, or what I’ve been through.
Summertime in Worcester is beautiful, the heat of the sun warms my skin as I walk through the city.
The streets are packed full of shoppers and tourists, wandering around enjoying themselves.
Watching them go about their day makes me realise just how crappy I’ve been feeling, I wish the dark cloud hovering over me would leave. What I would give to be like them.
I make it to the coffee shop earlier than planned and enter through the baby pink door. This shop is beautifully unique, quirky decorations like teapots and books littering the shelves around the room.
I see Jack instantly, his bright smile beaming at me, bringing out my own smile in return. God he is so charming, I can imagine many women are falling at his feet.
“Hi gorgeous, I’m so glad you could make it.” He stands, leaning in to kiss my cheek. Such a gentleman.
“It’s nice to see you,” I say, as I take a seat opposite him.
“How has work been today? Do you usually just work mornings?” he asks, seeming to be really invested in what I would say in return. How refreshing to have a man give you his undying attention.
“Not just mornings, but I only do short shifts at the moment. I had to take some time off and just easing myself back in. What is it you do for work, Jack?”
“Oh just this and that, I’m in sales,” He says vaguely, before continuing. “So, are you from Bewdley? It’s a beautiful area.”
“Yes, I have my own place on the outskirts. Is that where you’re from too?” If I had any memories, surely we would of met before if he was, it’s such a small town.
We’re interrupted then as the waitress takes our coffee orders. I turn back to Jack as he carries on.
“Originally yes, but I travel a lot with work so I’m hotel hopping for now. I’d love to learn more about you.” He leans onto his elbows, eyeing me mischievously. How is it possible for someone flirt with just their eyes?
“What would you like to know?” Not that I know much to tell him.
“Your darkest secrets and deepest desires?” He laughs when I blush in response.
“I will be completely honest with you, I don’t have any. I was in an accident six months ago and don’t remember much of anything before then,” I admit, staring at him as I try to gage his reaction. The strange thing is, he doesn’t seem surprised.
“That’s awful, are you well in yourself otherwise?” he asks, studying me with a look I can’t decipher in his eyes.
“Yeah, other than a sore arm and no memory of any of my friends.”
“This sounds to me like the perfect fresh start. A clean slate on life. You should enjoy it, not many people get the chance at a do over,” He says, smiling encouragingly at me. I guess he’s right though, I never thought of it like that. “What’s the one thing you’d love to do with your new freedom?”
I think on that for a moment. I don’t know what I’d want to do. I have no idea what I have or haven’t done before. The only thing that comes to mind isn’t something I should be telling a man I have only just met.
Although, he is good looking and has that cheekiness about him that makes me think maybe he’d be up for it.
No, I can’t. Not yet anyway.
“I want to go somewhere where nobody knows me,” I finally say. The only PG13 thing I can think of, but true all the same. I need to be somewhere with a level playing field.
“Then that’s what we’ll do the next time I take you out,” He winks.
Oh he is forward, but I like it.
“Sounds perfect.”
We carry on chatting about mundane everyday stuff, laughing the whole time at the things he comes out with. He’s got the gift of the gab, that’s for sure.
An hour passes by quickly and I tell him I need to head back to work. The girls will be finishing up soon and I still need to pick up something to wear for tonight.
“I’m so glad you came, Maya. I can’t wait to see you again.” He pulls me into a hug as we exit the shop.
“You too, Jack. Thank you for convincing me to come,” I smile returning his hold, before waving and heading towards the shopping centre. As I walk away, I can smell his aftershave clinging to my clothes. Theres something about it that seems so familiar, but I can’t quite put my finger on it.
I don’t recognise the person staring back at me. Fallon has curled my hair, leaving the now long locks cascading down my back. Gracie has done my make up, smoking out my eyes giving me a sultry but classy look. I have even put false tan on.
The dress I’m wearing is new for the occasion. A black, short, milkmaid style dress with thin straps and an open back. Showing off my figure but not too much. Paired with glittery heels, just because I love them.
All for my birthday.
My main request was that it was just the girls, the thought of a party with people that know me, but I don’t know in return is my idea of hell.
The other is that no one acknowledges that it’s my birthday.
I’m going through too much shit to add that into the mix too.
I don’t really feel like celebrating it this year.
Of course, they all disagreed with me, saying its more reason to celebrate as I’m here and alive.
But how can I celebrate a life I don’t know.
“Well fuck me sideways. Maya, you look fire tonight,” Blair exclaims as she gives me a once over.
We all decided that tonight we are getting dressed up to the max, partying our arses off and staying out until the early hours.
“So do you!” Blair is wearing a deep red, sparkly tube dress. Showing off every curve she has to offer. She looks like sex on legs. “I am so jealous of your figure, you look unreal!”
“I know,” She flips her hair, throwing a wink my way.
The other two look just as amazing, Fallon is wearing a short, silk shirt dress, open low with a belt tight at her waist. Gracie is in a similar dress to Blair, but in a midnight blue with sheer sleeves tight to her arms.
“Well gang, I’ve got to say, one of us is definitely going to pull tonight,” Gracie exclaims. I have to agree, we’ve all put the effort in tonight to look extra gorgeous.
I notice that Fallon’s face dropped at what Gracie said. I wish I could help take her pain away, she never wants to speak about Harry. I always have this nagging feeling in the back of my mind that she blames me, even if it’s unconsciously.
I squeeze her hand and smile at her, hoping to take her thoughts away from where they have wandered.
“Are you excited for a dance tonight?” I ask.
“Yes! It’s been forever since we last went out properly,” She replies.
“Girls, the taxi is here. Let’s go get drunk!”
The name of the bar is lit up in bright lights as we pull up to the curb.
Xpressions.
Gracie told me earlier that it has themed rooms depending on the type of evening you want. Tonight I’ll be happy to go in any of them that will supply me alcohol.
I follow the girls to the furthest room.
As the black heavy door opens, the sound intensifies.
I can feel the base thumping through my body.
The smell of tacky perfume, sweat and cigarette smoke lingers through the air, I take a big gulp as I make my way through the crowds.
It’s overwhelming being in a place like this, it’s all so new to me and quite daunting, but I still feel exhilarated.
I’m led over to the bar where we are greeted by a handsome man, dressed in an expensive looking suit and styled to perfection. He’s either gay or filthy rich. No normal man would make such an effort.
“Hi Maya, I’m guessing you don’t remember me. I’m Jenson. We’ve had sex a few times,” He holds out his hand with a megawatt smile. I on the other hand, am absolutely mortified. Someone is going to have to help me scoop my chin off the floor my mouth has opened that wide in shock.
“What!” I exclaim, shooting looks at the bitches next to me who can’t control their laughter.
“Sorry, I couldn’t resist. We most definitely haven’t had sex, but I’m always open for it if you are,” He replies cheekily.
“Fucking hell, what a way to mess with my head.” I want to be mad, but I don’t think it’s possible to be mad with Jenson. It’s refreshing for someone to treat me as if I’m not some broken doll.
“I’ll make it up to you by getting your favourite drink. Why don’t you all head over to VIP, I’ve saved you a booth,” He winks as he walks behind the bar. I don’t even know what my favourite drinks is. I look at Fallon and she must see the concern in my expression.
“Don’t worry babes, you’ll love it.”
A few minutes pass before a tray of drinks is placed in front of us, four cocktails, four sparkling shots and four black shots.
“So my lovely ladies, here are your pornstar Martinis and samucca shots. I’ll leave you all to it but will be back later to join you all for a drink.
” He lingers for a moment, not taking his eyes off of Blair.
Is she blushing? I swear I can see a tinge of pink travelling up her neck. Oh my god, she really does like him.
We all thank him as he heads off to mingle some more. Gracie is the first to turn on Blair.
“Spill!”
“What? He’s good in bed and I wouldn’t mind another ride.”
“Nope. Not having it. You like him,” Fallon interjects as she hands out our drinks.
“I don’t do relationships. I like my own space,” It looks like she’s blushing even more now.
“Leave her alone, she’ll tell us when she’s ready,” I say, trying to ease them off of her.
“I won’t be ready. Because there is nothing to tell,” She crosses her arms like a moody child.
“Okay, okay. Whatever you say,” Gracie laughs, knowing her sister well enough to know there’s more to it than she’s letting on. “Right, I want to see Maya drink a pornstar for the first time in months.”
I pick up the cocktail and take a sip, all of the girls eyes are on me. Wow, was I that obsessed with them before?
“Oh my god.”
Heaven. In the form of a cocktail. No wonder I loved these so much. They are all giggling at me as they start to drink their own.
“I wish I could taste one for the first time again,” Fallon says with a smile on her face. “I haven’t seen you look this happy in months. As if all we needed was to get you one of these.”
“You’ve held out on me.” I laugh in reply. I’m already loving tonight, it feels less like they’re walking on egg shells around me.
I’m sick of being the girl they all feel sorry for, it feels nice for a change to just be.
After a few more cocktails and another shot or two, I’m dancing in my seat swaying along to the music.
“Who’s ready to dance?” Fal asks as she jumps to her feet, shaking her arse as she beckons us over to the dance floor.
“Hell yes!” Blair joins her, sashaying across the room.
Gracie grabs my hand and gives it a light squeeze, pulling me along after her.
“Come on girl, let’s have some fun.” She lets go of me as we join the others.
It doesn’t take me long to start dancing.
Jumping up and down, shaking my arse and tits as I move along to the music.
All of us are the opposite of sexy, more like animals that have escaped from the local zoo.
It’s the most fun I’ve ever had, that I can remember, not that, that is saying much at the moment but still.
As I spin around, preparing to do what the girls deem to be the best dance move ever, the slut drop, I notice a figure in the corner.
What I assume is a tall man, wearing a tight fitted hoodie and a cap low down over his face, stood like a statue in the corner.
He makes me stiffen with unease. There is something sinister about him.
Is it the fact he is unmoving or that his face is completely concealed? Either way I can’t tear my eyes away.
“Maymay, show us how low you can go,” Fallon calls, dropping down, her arse almost touching the floor before she bounces back up, causing me to lose sight of the stranger. I look around, but he’s gone.
Did I imagine it?
Fuck it, I’m having too much fun for this right now.
I notice Jenson stood at the bar again, but this time there are two men with him. He catches me looking and waves, the other men turning to see what he’s waving at.
That’s when it happens.
A buzzing at the back of my brain, tormenting me. Fighting to get to the forefront of my mind.
One of the men that’s stood with Jenson.
I know him.