Chapter 4
Chapter Four
ALEXANDER
Another day of stupid shit and when I said stupid shit, I meant dealing with yet another lecture from my father.
I looked at the buzzing phone in front of me as more and more meetings came through that my father believed were vital to attend. It meant that it would bore me to death, he just needed a new punishment because this one was getting old and boring fast.
The whispers still hadn’t calmed down after two weeks.
If anything, they had gotten even worse, especially after my run-in at Daisy’s with that girl.
Everybody seemed to have been waiting for my next outburst, not that I could blame them.
The first one was spectacularly bad. Stories had already been leaked to the press as well as some lovely photo stills.
I couldn’t help but feel slightly bad from my outburst from earlier today.
The girl didn’t deserve it. She just ended up being the one I took my anger and annoyance out on.
I sat in the back of my writing skills lecture, doodling on the piece of paper that I was writing lecture notes on.
As much as it was easier to type them, I didn’t want to get distracted by all the things my father would be demanding me to spend my time doing rather than getting my degree in Media and Communications.
I couldn’t quite get that girl out of my mind. The way she stood up and called me out on my bullshit was so attractive. Her long brown hair and her beautiful brown eyes captivated me. It was like she could see right through me.
The door opened, and the girl that had been on my mind since the encounter walked inside.
She sat down at a table near the front and pulled out her work stuff.
This girl was totally in her own world. I wish I could have gotten her name.
It would make finding out about her easier.
I mean, I had one bit of information about her I suppose. She worked at Daisy’s.
Would it be weird to try and approach her?
I shook my head.
That was a stupid idea.
I needed to focus. I had to make this work, and I couldn’t get distracted by a girl. Not when I needed to show my father that this was the right path for me.
I looked away from her and back to my lecturer as he continued to speak about what made a good piece of writing, what drew people to what you were saying whether that was speeches or written words. It started to feel like I was well within an English class the way he kept going.
My phone buzzed once more and I took a deep breath in trying to not get pissed off with my father, Jeremy’s name quickly flashed on the screen, I closed my eyes as a small smile appeared on my face.
Dude, I’m bored.
I let out a snort.
Of course he was.
In lecture. Meant to be concentrating.
The reply was almost immediate.
Doing a bad job
Fuck off, dickhead. If you want, come meet me. I need to do some recon.
Recon?
I wasn’t usually a person that found education boring, but damn, this lecture was dragging.
I couldn’t even pretend to be interested in what he was saying and to be honest most of it was common sense.
Well, I suppose it was common sense for me, but if someone was at university I’m going to guess they passed English and would know how to write correctly and know about grammar as well as all the other things you needed to know.
Not too soon after the lecture finally ended, I watched as the girl packed up her stuff. She did it with such care, putting her laptop and notes away. She walked out of the lecture classroom.
I shoved my notes into my bag, slinging the black backpack over my shoulder and followed her out.
She squeezed into the corner of the lift as we all filled it, she brushed her hair out the way of her face as she scrolled through on her phone.
The phone buzzed in her hand and she quickly placed it to her ear.
“Hey, Daisy,” she said, pausing. “Thank you for coming back to me. I was worried.”
I wonder what she could have been worried about?
The doors opened, and it was a good job she was focused on getting to wherever she was going because it would seem unintentionally like I was stalking her.
Was I overthinking this? I followed the crowd out of the door, not being able to take my eyes off her.
She was a puzzle I couldn’t figure out yet, but I wanted to.
“Alex.” I pulled my gaze from her to see my best friend, Jeremy, leaning against the railing outside. “You didn’t tell me there were so many fit girls here.”
“It would turn into your new hunting ground,” I said, rolling my eyes at him.
“How many did you hit on?”
He gasped. “Wow, I’m offended.”
“Bullshit.” I scoffed.
“Three or four, and I got their numbers, too.” He grinned. “Now forget about my future conquests. Who is she, and why are you staring at her?”
“Who?”
“Don’t play dumb. Oh wait, there’s no playing, you are dumb.”
I reached out punching him in the arm. “Okay, dickhead. We’re going to Daisy’s.”
“Why? Is she hot?”
I stared at him flatly.
Jones joined us as we headed towards the building, as he pushed open the door the bell jingled. I couldn’t see her, which meant I had to sneak in and observe without her realising I was here.
The booth in the corner was the perfect view of the diner as a whole, sitting down on the red leather cushion with Jones and Jeremy sitting across from me.
It was hidden enough that hopefully no other students or staff would realise I’m here.
I hated the attention that being a Prince brought sometimes.
Just once, I would love to fly under the radar and meet someone who has no idea who I was or could ignore the fact I was part of the royal family.
Jeremy flipped open the menu and began looking at the options.
I did the same, keeping my eyes peeled for another view of her. I didn’t have to wait long before she came out from the back and headed over to us.
“Good afternoon welcome to Daisy’s, what drinks can—” She finally looked up from her notepad.
“Ugh, it’s you.” Her eyes narrowed at me straight away.
Jeremy raised his eyebrows, tilting his head slightly.
“Hi,” I said, flashing her a grin.
“I’m surprised to see you sitting down and not knocking over poor innocent girls who are just doing their job,” she said. She looked away from me and to Jeremy. “What can I get you to drink?”
“A coke please,” he said.
“Do I dare ask you? Or will I get that thrown at me, too?”
Damn, the sass on this girl.
“Coke Zero, please,” I said.
She nodded walking away as soon as she left Jeremy turned to face me instantly. “Who is she?” He asked.
“Nobody,” I lied.
“Yeah, and I’m the King.” He scoffed. “She looks familiar.”
I said nothing, but I could see the wheels working in his head. It wouldn’t be too long before he put two and two together and figured out this was the girl I ended up having my argument splashed over the papers.
He gasped. “I figured it out. What was your plan here? Were you going to apologise to her? I hate to break it to you man, but I think she hates your guts. Also, I’m surprised the way she talks to you, usually everyone fucking sucks up to you. And tries to get something from you.”
I grinned. “I know. I like it. She seems different. I want to know more about her. So, yes, this has turned into a little research and not just grabbing a little lunch.”
“I thought this whole university experience was for you to find yourself not get distracted by a—” Jeremy cut off as he saw her approaching again and laid our drinks down in front of us. “Thanks.”
“What can I get you?”
Jeremy flashed her his usual seductive grin making me frown, I moved my foot kicking him. He didn’t even flinch. “Sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”
“I didn’t give it,” she said flatly. “Do you know what you’re ordering or would you like some more time to look over the menu?”
“I’ll tell you my order if you tell me your name,” he said.
“What makes you think I want your order?” She counted.
He tilted his head looking her up and down and I bit my lip to keep from laughing. She had gotten him, she shifted slightly and Jeremy finally gave in. “I’ll have chicken burger and chips with a side of onion rings.”
Her gaze shifted to Jones, and she smiled. “And for you, sir?”
“Just some fries, thank you,” Jones said with a nod.
Her gaze finally turned to me, she plastered a fake smile and I couldn’t help but be slightly amused.
Was it killing her to be this nice to me?
“And you?” She trailed off mumbling something I couldn’t quite hear.
“What was that?” I asked.
“Nothing.”
“Oh no, please share with the class.”
“And for you, Mr. Dickhead?”
“My name’s Alex.”
“My version is better.”
“Pulled pork burger with fries, please,” I said. “Please don’t spit in my food.” She walked away mumbling something to herself, and I looked at Jeremy in concern, “Should I worry?”
“I mean you pissed her off,” Jeremy said with a shrug. “Anyway, forget the girl who hates you. Races are tonight. Which car are you racing in?”
I grinned. I loved the races. It was the one place where nobody cared who I was, well they only cared when they beat me and could brag about it within our circle but otherwise it was normal life.
“I think it’s time we take the Bugatti for a spin, see what that baby can do. Will we be at the tracks like normal?”
“Yeah,” Jeremy pulled out his phone, tapping away and setting everything up. How he ended up with being the King of the races I will never know, but I didn’t complain. “It’s set.”
“Which flavour of the day are you bringing?” I asked.
He pursed his lips thinking. “Maybe Phoebe.”
“Dude, you don’t shit the bed,” I said, shaking my head.
“That’s not the saying Alex,” Jeremy shook his head. “Phoebe isn’t that bad, I heard she gives good head.”
“Phoebe isn’t a fuck around girl, Jer. She likes you,” I said.
Phoebe made her feelings for him clear; she was waiting for her opportunity where he would finally choose her. Unlucky for her it would only end in heartache. “She’s not a good time girl. She’s a long-time girl.”
Jeremy rolled his eyes. “She’s a fun-time girl.”
I sighed, flopping back into the booth. “I don’t know why I bother warning you. One day you are going to meet someone who is not going to take your shit.”
He laughed, “nah, no girl could conquer me.”
“I’m not sure why one would want to.” I let out a laugh as the girl appeared with our burgers. She placed them down in front of us.
I looked at the plate hesitantly. “Did you spit in it?”
She let out a laugh.
“Dude, she wouldn’t tell you if she did.” Jeremy shook his head.
“He’s right. I didn’t though.”
I looked at her and then back at my burger. “Did you?”
“I didn’t,” she said. “I’d never do that. It’s not a line I would want to cross. I hope you enjoy your meals.”
“Thank you,” I said. She went to walk away and I quickly grabbed her hand. “I just wanted to say I’m sorry.”
“Sorry?”
“About the other day. You didn’t deserve that,” I told her.
“Melinda! Stop chatting and get back to work,” a woman said loudly as she passed by us.
I grinned.
I had a name.
It would make finding out about her that much easier.
“Thank you, Melinda.”
Jeremy and I started eating our food, not really talking in between whenever I could watch Melinda’s every move.
Was I moving to stalker territory?
“Dude, you’re hooked,” Jeremy said, shaking his head. “You’ve had two conversations, and you’re a goner.”
“I’m just curious about her. That’s all,” I defended.