Chapter Seven: Elijah

I wake to the sound of the door handle turning. Maciek takes a second to notice I'm asleep with a blanket on his bed. A smile stretches across his mature face as he crosses his arms and rests against the door frame.

"Were you missing me that much?"

"Fuck off."

He chuckles to himself before leaning back and looking towards my bedroom door.

"Seems your little guest is no longer here."

"I know."

I throw the blanket off and rise from the bed. I bump my shoulder into Maciek's as I step out into the hallway.

"She left early this morning."

"You didn't screw on my bed did you?"

I shoot him a glare. I shuffle down to the kitchen and flick the switch on the coffee machine while filling the jug with water. Maciek takes a seat on one of the kitchen stools, waiting for me to spill last night's drama. I choose to ignore him. I don't fancy being scolded for getting into a bar fight and then bringing the woman we've been watching for months back here to fondke.

"Diane has invited you to join us for her fathers birthday bash next Wednesday."

"Not interested."

He laughs again. This time there's a slight twist of irritation in it. I pour myself an espresso and down it in one shot, followed by a second, then a third.

"Who was this refugee? It wasn't a certain pink-haired lady was it. Maybe you should invite her. Double date."

I don't confirm nor deny. Instead, I head back to my room. He follows me, this time blocking me from leaving my room to shower.

"Colette Mcmannon." I finally answer.

"You've put your plan into action then? Didn't sleep with her did you?"

"Why else do you think I slept in your room."

"Good boy."

"I've got to be as I'm the only one not thinking with my dick."

He shrugs and lets me pass.

Its been a couple of days. I figured with how she skipped out on me she was upset with me for not allowing us to progress past groping, despite gagging for more. I stand at the top of the fire escape, cigarette in my mouth. I know she lives here but for some reason, I can't bring myself to ring the bell. It's close to nine on a Wednesday night, and I've been dying to know why she ran out on me so early Sunday morning. I know I did nothing wrong but for some reason not knowing if I had made me restless. Stubbing out the end, I flick the butt over the railings and hold my finger down on the silicone button. I pressed it a couple of more times. I'm about to leave, assuming no one's in when I hear the sound of two locks turning and the door opening slowly. Stood in the doorway is a make-up-less "Lettie." her eyes widen at the sight of me.

"Uh Hi," she says. She seems unsure of what to say as she hides her body with the door.

"I'm sorry to disturb you," I start. I struggle to take my eyes off her pretty face. Freckles decorate her nose and across her cheeks.

"I wanted to check you were alright. You weren't in my apartment when I woke up the other morning and I guess… I guess I'm worried I did something to make you leave without a goodbye."

She steps out, pulling the door behind her. She's dressed in deep green joggers, fluffy socks and a hoody. Not what I was expecting from a global star to relax in if I'm honest.

"You did nothing wrong. In fact, you were perfect," she pauses, tucking a loose strand that's fallen from the bun on top of her head. "Actually, I felt a little… awkward. And embarrassed. I put you in quite a spot saturday night and I then I, you know, kissed you. And yeah… I don't know."

"You did nothing wrong," I interject. She nods her head slowly.

"It was me... It wasn't that I didn't want to take things further. Just so you know. I guess I'm just old fashioned and like to get to know the woman Im interested in before taking her to bed. Even if I really want to." I rub the back of my neck. Why do I feel like a school boy confessing to my school crush?

"Anyway, I'll let you enjoy the rest of your night. I just wanted to check on you."

I turn my back, about to leave when something tugs on my jacket. Just as I turn to look over my shoulder, two damp lips plant a kiss on my cheek.

"Thank you... And I'm sorry again for just leaving."

My heart hammers against my chest as I try to keep my jaw from dropping. Her lavender-scented perfume tickles my nose now she's so close to me, and the way those big blue eyes. Blue eyes? Of course. She probably wasn't expecting anyone so she hasn't put her contacts in.

"Any time."

I rummage in my pocket, pulling out my phone and handing it to her.

"If you give me your number, I'll rescue you whenever you need me to. And maybe you'll let me take you out some time."

I cringe at myself. It seemed like a smooth thing to say. She tilts her head down, her cheeks scrunching as she tries to hide a smile. She taps away and hands my phone back.

"You best text me first, otherwise how will I ask you to rescue me in the future?"

"I'll definitely do that. Have a good evening, Lettie."

"You too… Felix."