Winner

by Belle Brooks

  “I am.” Lesley tilts her head as if she’s shying away from me, and I find this odd.

  “I’m going to have a companion on this trek, though … like a real handsome, male companion.” It’s a look of lust.

  “You found someone, didn’t you?”

  “I did!” she shrieks before turning the cap secured to the top of the bottle, removing it and taking a sip.

  “Spill the beans, Nurse Carter.”

  “Randy. His name is Randy, and oh my, he’s the best. I met him in the Maldives and he loves to sail and … he’s perfect.”

  “I’m happy for you, Lesley.”

  “Thank you.”

  “So, when do you leave?” I shift, trying to get more comfortable for what I feel will be a long discussion.

  “On Monday.”

  “Two days away. Huh,” I say. “You aren’t staying long at all.”

  “No. I’m not. So, tell me about you? What have you been up to?” Her hand rests against my knee.

  “Not much to report. I’ve been running Lad’s, and it’s been relatively successful for me and my mates. Keeps us busy and out of trouble.”

  “Anyone in your life?” Her eyebrows wiggle.

  “Nah. I have Alan to care for, and Tessa is on her last legs now …”

  “What happened to that girl? What was her name?” Lesley withdraws her touch.

  I shake my head and shift my body uncomfortably this time.

  “Rose,” she announces, clicking her fingers.

  As soon as Rose’s name passes through Lesley’s lips, a lump as firm as concrete invades my throat. I still have no idea where Rose is. A few months after I threw her out the door I tried to make contact because I just fucking missed her so much, but the mobile phone she had was disconnected.

  “Tank,” Lesley speaks my name softly.

  “It didn’t work out.” I breathe, downplaying the situation.

  “Sorry.”

  “Don’t be.”

  “Did she fuck your best mate?” Lesley says.

  At first, I wonder why she’d assume such a thing, but I soon remember telling her about the certain type of women I seem to attract.

  “Nah.” I laugh. “Rose had to move away.”

  “Oh,” she says. “Sorry, I shouldn’t be prying into your business.”

  “I don’t mind.”

  “You never did tell me the story about the whole best mate thing, though ...”

  “You never told me about the arseholes you attracted, either.”

  She smiles. “Tell me. I’m nosey and I want to know.”

  “Nothing to tell, really.”

  She cocks an eyebrow high on her forehead.

  “Fine,” I concede. “I met a bird called Stacey Lockhart when I was about twenty-three, and we dated for a bit over a year.”

  “Tell me more.”

  “Not much to tell, as I said … She maxed out my credit, stole anything worth stealing, and then slept with my mate before skipping town.”

  “Shit.” It’s a soft deliverance.”

  “Old news.” I wink.

  “We learn from these mistakes, I guess.” She pauses before standing, and I follow her action. “I better leave you to it … Where did you say you were going today?”

  “I didn’t say. I just said I was leaving town for a job when you arrived.”

  “So you did.” Her smile is still as sweet as it was when she came to offer me a lift home.

  “I’m travelling to Rellic.” I give her the answer because it’s not like it’s a secret that I’m heading into the city to pick up another private bike purchase.

  “Wow. That’s far. An eight-hour drive or so …”

  “I’m flying in because I have to pick up a motorbike and I can’t fly it home, so I’ve hired a car and bike trailer and I’ll drive it back.”

  “Well, I guess this is goodbye until I sail back to Hoffman sometime in the foreseeable future.”

  “Yeah.” I take the back of my neck in a squeeze.

  “Thank you for everything. I hope you’re enjoying the postcards I’ve been sending.”

  “I like them … Keep them coming, hey?”

  “I will.” And with that, she rises to her tiptoes as her hands wrap around my neck. “You’re a good man, Tank. Take care.” Her lips are soft when she pulls my head downward and kisses my cheek.

  “Stay safe, okay?”

  “I will.”

  I hate coming into Rellic. I’ve been three times during the last few months to collect privately owned bikes that have been listed for sale with price tickets too good to turn down.

  Rellic is your typical bustling city where buildings tower sky-bound and appear as if they are piled one on top of the other. There’s no space to roam, or breathe for that matter—the perfect definition of a concrete city. The air is thick, and the smell of gas fumes latches to the small hairs inside your nose … and this smell is always hard to wash from one’s senses.

  In a place like this you can expect the sound of sirens to echo deep into every night, and it always has me wondering why anybody would be pleased to pay the price it costs to live here and call this place home.

  “Pick up the bike, have a look at a few others and you’re out of here on Monday,” I reassure myself before entering the lobby of Surgance on Key, which Sailor booked me into. It’s far more upmarket than the last places I’ve stayed, not your everyday business-traveller type of establishment.

  Taking in the expensively put together and well decorated lobby, I shift my eyes to a long black polished counter that matches the floor. “Better check in,” I mumble.

  I’m all but two steps inside my allocated apartment before the sound of ringing has me seeking the location of the phone. It’s probably, Caterina, Al, Tess, or one of the lads.

  I whiz past luxuries in my haste to take the call, in case it’s an emergency with Tessa or something has gone down at the shop I need to handle, and when I reach the bedroom, I drop my overnight bag to the ground and clasp the handset beside the bed before resting it against my ear. “Hi.”

  “Mr Crossley. It’s Brenda from reception. Sorry to bother you so soon. Could you please come back down to reception at your convenience?”

  “Sure. Something wrong?”

  “No. Not at all, I just had you sign the wrong accommodation booking slip on your arrival. I apologise. I’ll be requiring a signature on the correct form, if I may. It will only take a second. Again, I’m sorry to inconvenience you.”

  “It’s fine. Not a problem. I’ll head back down now and do it before I forget.”

  “No hurry, but it would be appreciated. Thank you.”

  “Give me five.” Placing the handset down, I step over my bag I’d previously dropped in the bedroom doorway, grab the swipe card for my room, and make my way to the lift I just rode up.

  It’s sixteen floors to the ground floor, and with a generic ting, I’m back where I started.

  A simple nod to the lady who smiles broadly in my direction has me distracted, and it’s probably one of the reasons I don’t see her approaching me at first—that and the fact her once auburn hair is now dark brown in colour, not to mention much shorter than it was when I closed the door on her and walked away.

  “Finlay.” One word, my name from a voice more than familiar to me, one I’d hoped to hear again someday.

  I’m staring, I know I am, and when she lifts her oversized sunglasses her identity is one hundred percent clear: it’s Rose. Tight white jeans and a light pink sleeveless top show off her exquisite shape. She’s just as beautiful, if not more beautiful than the last time I saw her.

  “Hi.” She smiles.

  “Rose. Well, I’ll be damned. What are you doing here?” My tone doesn’t mask my excitement and shock over seeing her.

  “I think I’d be able to recognise you anywhere, Mr Crossley.” Her stained pink lips stretch the width of her face, and I think I’d almost forgotten how much I enjoyed her smile.

 
“Mr Crossley, thank you so much. I’m Brenda, and I called your room—again I’m so sorry.” Brenda, who is extremely youthful in appearance, claims my attention with her sudden interruption. She hurries towards me from the reception desk holding out a green clipboard with a piece of flapping paper. “Again, I do apologise.” She offers me a pen, and I sign across the dotted line as required. Brenda’s free hand skims my arm ever-so-briefly as she says, “I’ll leave you to get comfortable. Hopefully there will be no more intrusions on our part. Please enjoy your stay with us.”

  “Thank you, Brenda.” I half-smile, handing back the pen. I’m not sure if I imagine the delay in her parting and the fluttering of her eyelashes, but it appears Brenda stands there looking at me for some time. The sound of Rose giggling, however, has Brenda’s cheeks spotting pink and her clearing her throat before turning away.

  I shift my attention back to Rose, and I can’t stop staring at her obvious amusement about something I’m not privy to. Just like old times, I guess.

  “Hey, Rhi-Rhi, are you ready to head up to the room?” It’s a lanky-looking guy who is sporting a five o’clock shadow that appears out of nowhere and places his hand on Rose’s naked upper arm.

  “Give me a moment.” She smiles.

  “Rhi-Rhi.” I’m confused.

  Rose laughs. “It’s a nickname my friends have given me. I’ve no idea how it happened, but I don’t mind it.”

  “Friends.” It’s barely audible. “So, he’s not …”

  “My boyfriend? No.” She shakes her head. “Luke is a friend from university. I’m here celebrating for the weekend.”

  “University,” I whisper.

  “I have to go,” she says quietly before her hand brushes my arm in passing. “You look good, Fin.” She smiles, twisting her chin over her shoulder.

  “So do you, Rose.” I’m stunned.

  Her hips sway to a hypnotic beat as she moves farther away, and her now brunette hair bounces at her shoulders. I’m puzzled as to what just happened. University … friends … Rose is completely different in so many ways.

  I pause momentarily, and then run in hope of catching the elevator before she’s gone for good. I do, just. I’m slightly panting when I launch myself through the partly closed gap.

  She giggles and even though I want to connect my eyes to Rose’s, I don’t—I keep them planted to my feet.

  “What floor?” she breathes.

  “Ten.”

  “Oh, same as me.” Her tone has an element of surprise. “What room?” she asks.

  “Two hundred eighteen.”

  “I’m in 219. I guess we’re neighbours.” When she says this, we both burst into laughter.

  This trip is about to get a whole lot more interesting. Rellic isn’t going to be as bad as I’d thought.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Rose

  Tessa promised me Finlay would be here and she delivered. However, I wasn’t expecting to see him on check-in. It took some convincing to get my friends to stay in this hotel over the usual cheaper options we’re more accustomed to, but having a secret bank account they’re unaware of made paying for this trip much easier for everyone … I have Finlay to thank for that.

  Glancing at Fin’s side profile, I admire just how little it’s changed … Well, apart from his hair being so much shorter than it was when I left. He has a more all-over-shaved look now.

  “Rose, I’m—”

  “You’re wondering why I’m not mad at you, right?”

  When his eyes flick to mine I see sadness, frustration, fear, excitement … I see it all. Finlay is unable to hide how he’s really feeling. “Well, yes,” he whispers.

  Searching him, I can’t help wondering how I’ve managed to stay away from him for the time I have.

  “Rance told me,” I blurt out.

  He’s searching me for answers. The question is how many answers do I give him? Even I’m unsure.

  “How you really felt the night I left, and why it was so important for me to leave you when I did. Fin, I know about the letter you received.”

  He doesn’t speak a word.

  “Rance really helped me in the following months to get set up at university and in securing a place in the dorms.”

  Betrayal replaces his previous expression. “Rance has known where you were all this time?”

  “Yes,” I say. “And Tessa.” The elevator stops and the doors part wide on our floor, and we step out with haste.

  “Rose.” His hand takes my shoulder in a light grip.

  Turning around, I’m scared as to how his gaze will have changed from five seconds ago.

  “Tess has known where you were as well?”

  “Yes.” My stomach jumps into my chest as I look at the ground.

  Finlay walks around my body, keeping his hand in place. “Please look at me.”

  I do.

  “Can I see you later tonight? I have to see you again.” Desperation takes over his gaze.

  “Yes,” I breathe.

  “I have to go now because I need to be somewhere, but if I could come and collect you about seven p.m., would this be okay?”

  “I have a thing to go to with my friends.”

  “Oh.”

  “You could come if you’d like. It’s just some dinner and drinks.”

  “I’d like to”—he pauses—“come with you.”

  “Okay. Can you meet us in the restaurant downstairs? It’s where we’re eating.”

  “Okay.”

  It’s at this point Finlay must realise he’s holding on to me, and with a sudden snap of his hand, I’m left naked from his touch. “I’ll walk you to your door.”

  “Okay.” I grin up at him.

  The intensity has not changed between us—I know this because being in his presence, even some distance from his side, I’m still overwhelmed with a torrent of intense emotion. One year ago, Finally Crossley walked away from a chance of there ever being an us and closed a door to save me … By doing this, he didn’t just enlighten me—he gave me my life back.

  “Tonight.” He smiles.

  It’s a knowing smile, as if he’s privy to information I’m not aware of, yet it’s me who stands here before him holding a queen-high straight flush of hearts and him who is bluffing. I didn’t leave Finlay as he left me. I’ve always known how he is coping. It’s the only thing that made leaving for this amount of time bearable.

  Five of us travelled into the city of Rellic from the dorms situated farther out of town. I like the dorms since they are closer to where I was born, an hour away in Costic, but a weekend away with friends is something I’ve been looking forward to, as well as having the chance to see Fin again. An afternoon of shopping with Luke, Casey, Tara, and Ziggy, the four people who I met not long after arriving here heartbroken and alone, is filled with the usual laughter. The five of us are studying to become veterinarians, so we have that in common. I believe I’m the only one of us who has a secret identity, though. I’ll have to make sure Finlay is careful with what he says when he comes out with us this evening. I’m glad he is because I want him to see what my life is like now, who I associate with and where I’ve managed to find my own dream.

  The afternoon rolls by and we enjoy a light meal at a small café and continue shopping, that is until Tara begins to change from a nice pink colour to an almost green one, as do Casey and Ziggy, but he looks the worst for wear, and by the time we end up back at the hotel, they take turns circling the bowl in Casey’s bathroom … misery likes company it seems … and I think this misery is gastro. I’m going to have to cancel dinner with Fin because my friends need me and meet up with him later tonight when they are all asleep and the worst is over.

  As we sit in Luke’s room at 6:00 p.m., I explain to him how I mindlessly invited an old friend who is in town to come out with us this evening, and since now we won’t be going, I’ll need to duck away from assisting him with nursing duties for a short moment to cancel those plans. Luke ensures me it’s best f
or me to get out into the fresh air and to go have fun on the town with my friend. I know I shouldn’t accept his offer, but I want to. I really want to spend as much time with Finlay as I can while he’s here.

  “Are you sure it will be okay?” I ask as the credits of the movie Luke and I were watching together rolls down the screen.

  His thin lips lift into a smile before his hazel-green eyes look at me with bewilderment. “Yes, why wouldn’t it be? The gang are all sleeping now, anyways. I checked on each one of them when you were in the bathroom. I think the worst is over.” He seems adamant I should leave.

  “No. I’ll stay.” What type of real friend leaves when the others are unwell, I think, fidgeting with a golden tassel hanging from the corner of a throw pillow sitting in the middle of the black leather lounge we’re relaxing on.

  “They’re asleep, Rhi-Rhi. They didn’t really need us too much anyway, and I don’t know about you, but I’m not planning to get too close to them, even though I still think it’s food poisoning over gastro. They all had those fancy meat appetiser things for afternoon tea, and you and I didn’t … it makes sense.”

  “Yeah, they did.” It probably is just food poisoning.

  “Go have fun, will you?” He stands.

  “Why don’t you come too? We’ve come all this way.” I follow him with my eyes as he makes his way into the kitchenette and places the coffee cup he’d been nursing into the sink.

  “No, I don’t feel much up for it now anyway, and I don’t know your friend, so I’d feel out of place.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I’m sure.” He flashes me a content smile. Luke is a good and understanding person in nature. It makes sense he wouldn’t be bothered by me leaving.

  “Okay, well, I’ll message to check on everyone in a few hours, and I’ll come back if needed.”

  “If you want to. I’ll keep my phone close.” He points towards his bedroom doorway. “I’m busting to use the toilet, so if you’re going, go.”

  “Oh, okay,” I mouth awkwardly, standing.

  “Have fun.” He flashes a toothy smile, and I’m sure he’s convincing me I shouldn’t feel bad about this.