Bagging Alice (Standalone) (Babes of Brighton Book 3)

by Laura Barnard

  ‘Right, Esme, we’re going now, baby,’ I announce with a smile. She jumps onto my lap for a cuddle. Having her little arms around me is the sweetest feeling in the world. I often wonder whether I’ll ever have a child of my own. The thought of having a psycho mother does put me off though.

  I squeeze her tightly, grab Pickles, and follow the girls out. Amber stops me before I make it into the hallway with the others.

  ‘The redhead,’ she smiles. ‘Are you together?’

  I feel my eyes bug out of my head. ‘Huh? No!’

  She laughs condescendingly. ‘Okay, Tom. Whatever you say.’

  Damn, how can that bitch read me? Is it that obvious? Am I putting out desperate vibes or something?

  We leave and make our way over to the car.

  ‘I should drop by my parents’ while I’m here,’ I announce, needing space from Alice. I need to get my head straight. Not that I bloody want to visit the ‘rents. My dad is sure to give me a lecture.

  ‘Well, I’m starving,’ Evelyn says. I snort a laugh. She turns to glare at me. ‘I’m heading straight for a pub lunch. Alice, you coming?’

  She turns to look at me, a strange expression on her face. ‘Actually, I’d quite like to meet the parents that created Tom ‘Manwhore’ Maddens.’

  I feel my jaw hang open. She wants to meet my folks? That’s kind of weird, but I nod instead, wondering what her angle is. Probably wants to slag me off to them.

  Evelyn drops us off outside my house, apparently looking forward to face timing Fabio, or whatever her Luna Island boyfriend is called.

  ‘You ready for this?’ I ask Alice, taking a deep breath. ‘My Dad can be...’

  ‘What?’ she asks with a frown.

  I sigh and roll my eyes. ‘He just thinks I’m not living up to my full potential.’

  ‘Something we have in common then,’ she snorts.

  Great. They’ll probably get on like a house on fire. Gang up on me.

  I take out my key and let myself in. ‘Mum, Dad,’ I call. ‘I’m back.’

  ‘In here, love,’ Mum shouts from the sitting room.

  It’s so nice to hear her voice again. I’ve been a bit of a shit and been dodging her calls, preferring to text her. The woman can talk for England and I’d rather not get stuck on the phone with her. But now, hearing her voice has me realising how much I’ve missed her.

  We walk in to find her on a chair vacuuming above the curtain rail. Jesus, the woman’s a liability.

  ‘Hi, love,’ she says, her eyes lighting up when she sees me. ‘How’s my little prince?’

  Alice snorts behind me. ‘Oh, and who is this lovely lady?’

  I rush over to help her get down. ‘This is Alice, Mum. My roommate.’

  Her face brightens, and she stares at me in surprise. I suppose I never told her my new roommate was a bird.

  ‘Well, it’s lovely to meet your acquaintance,’ she says, shaking her hand. God, I hate how she pretends she’s posh when she meets new people. It’s so embarrassing.

  ‘Nice to meet you too,’ Alice says, her eyes glinting at me with amusement.

  Damn, I’m gonna hear about this later.

  ‘And this must be Pickles!’ She scoops down and takes Pickles from Alice. ‘Oh, aren’t you a dote!’

  Pickles licks her face affectionately. That dog is such an attention whore.

  ‘I had no idea you were coming home, or I’d have got some food in.’

  Mama bear likes to keep me well fed. ‘It’s just a passing visit, Mum. We’re headed back soon.’

  Her face falls. ‘Oh, I miss you so much, love. I’ve got that empty nest syndrome I think.’

  I give her a quick cuddle. ‘You know you can come down and visit me too, right? You’d love a weekend by the sea.’ Oh shit. I probably should have checked with Alice first. ‘I mean, if that’s okay with you?’ I add, with an apologetic grimace.

  Alice smiles genuinely. ‘Of course. We’d love to have you.’

  The door bangs. Shit, Dad’s home. The last time I saw him I was yelling that it’d be a while before I stepped back into this shit hole. Damn rebellious streak.

  ‘Tom,’ he says when he spots us, his eyes widening before he quickly pulls himself together. ‘What are you doing here?’

  ‘Good to see you too, Dad,’ I say sarcastically.

  ‘Of course, it is. Just surprised is all.’ He looks at Alice. ‘And who’s your lady friend?’ He looks her up and down disapprovingly, as he always would my women.

  ‘This is Alice, my roommate.’

  His face softens immediately. ‘Ah, Alice. So lovely to meet you.’ He shakes her hand. ‘Thanks so much for taking our boy in on such short notice. Goodness knows he’s not the most organised. If it weren’t for you, he’d probably still be sleeping on Jack’s sofa.’

  ‘Oh, it’s fine,’ Alice says. ‘He’s actually a great roommate. Very responsible.’

  I stare back at her. She’s lying for me?

  ‘And this is Tom’s new puppy, Pickles,’ Mum says, presenting her like she’s a trophy.

  Dad stares down at her horrified. ‘Tom, you got a dog? Why on earth would you think you’re responsible enough for a dog? You’re not even in stable accommodation yet.’

  ‘My flat is very stable,’ Alice says, as if hurt.

  ‘What I mean is that it’s not his flat. He only needs to annoy you enough and you’ll be kicking him out on his ear.’

  ‘Jeez, thanks, Dad.’

  I look at my watch. We’ve been here less than seven minutes and I already need to leave.

  ‘Anyway, we really need to get going. It’s just a flying visit.’

  Mum’s face falls. ‘Oh. Well, you know I’d love to see you more.’

  I nod. ‘I know, Mum. I’m just busy with work and stuff.’

  ‘You should never be too busy to visit your mother,’ Dad says, as if baiting me for an argument.

  I ball my hands into fists. ‘Yeah, well, maybe if you weren’t riding my balls every time I did, I’d stop by more often.’

  ‘Don’t use that kind of language around your mother,’ he snaps, his cheeks reddening.

  I roll my eyes. ‘Whatever. Mum, I love you, but I’m out of here.’ I grab Pickles and hightail it out of there.

  I keep walking until I’m at the green where me and the boys used to play when we were younger. I let Pickles down onto the lead. Alice’s hand appears on my shoulder. I turn and look down at her.

  She smiles sadly. ‘I’m sorry.’

  ‘For what?’ I ask with a shrug, trying not to look bothered. I don’t want her to think I’m some pussy.

  ‘For your dad being on your case. I had no idea you weren’t close.’

  I sigh, not wanting to talk about it, but knowing she won’t quit until I do. ‘We were. He just thinks I can do better. Hated how I treated the place like a hotel.’

  She smiles cheekily. ‘I can imagine.’

  I smile back, glad she’s lightening the mood. ‘But it seems even when I move out he’s still nit-picking at my life.’

  Her eyes soften. ‘Don’t let him get you down. You’re doing great.’

  I turn my body towards her fully. ‘Am I really, Alice? If I’m such a catch, how come you rejected me?’

  Shit, where did that come from?

  Her eyes widen. ‘I... I...’

  It’s my dad getting in my head and fucking everything up. ‘Yeah, I’m a manwhore and you’re too good for me. Got it.’

  She balks, physically stepping back. ‘Tom, that’s not it.’

  I scoff a laugh. ‘Alright, Alice. Real convincing. Just forget it, okay? I’ll get the train home tomorrow.’

  With that, I turn and head towards Charlie’s house. I need my boy right now. That and a bottle full of Jack Daniels.

  Monday 5th November

  Alice

  I can’t believe Tom left me like that. The whole day was a bit of a head-fuck. First trying to keep everything calm between the girls and Amber, then mee
ting Tom’s parents, and him having a go at me. Way to make everything awkward Tom.

  I had no idea that Tom had taken my rejection so hard. I assumed for a manwhore like him, his ego would be battered for a few days and then he’d get over it. Move on to the next vagina with legs.

  But there he was showing me he cared. Whether he cared about me, or just the fact that someone said no I’m still not sure. It can’t have helped that his dad was so on his case. I was stunned he was so blunt with me there. My parents wouldn’t dare be so rude in front of a guest. They’re all about show and how things would look to outsiders.

  I tried calling him when we were driving back, but he dodged my calls. He only got back late last night and went straight to bed. I despise this awkwardness. This is why living with girls is easier, even Princess Barbie was a breeze compared to this.

  So today I’ve decided I’m going to his work with a picnic. I don’t care if he says he doesn’t have time for lunch. I’ll unpack it at his desk if I have to. This way we can discuss everything and get it out in the open. Pickles is at doggy day care, so we’ll have no distractions.

  I tell the woman at reception that I’m Tom’s roommate and she buzzes me straight through. God, I could be any nutter. I go into the open plan office searching for him as people stop, turn, and stare at me. Yes, I suppose I could have done with a more low-key outfit, but what can I say? I dress to impress.

  I’m wearing my turquoise floral tea dress, and my red, satin, polka-dot peep-toe heels, with my navy cape keeping me warm. I knew if I wanted to win back Tom’s affections I’d have to look the part. Men are always so visual, and I’d guess Tom is even more so. He can’t resist a pretty girl, especially one with food.

  I’m just about to give up when a young guy walks up to me. ‘Hi, can I help you?’ He can’t stop looking at my shoes. Pervert.

  ‘Yeah, I’m looking for Tom Maddens.’

  He smiles. ‘Well, Tom’s a lucky man. He’s just around the corner to the right.’

  ‘Thanks.’ I force a polite smile and move on quickly. Creep.

  I’m just rounding the corner when I spot him at the printer. I’m just about to call out to him when a woman in her forties or fifties with far too much make-up on sidles past him, pauses and strokes his bum. Did I really just see that right?

  Tom jumps out of his skin, then turns to face her, his skin pale. He smiles, but even from here I can tell it’s forced. His eyes aren’t wrinkled, and I can tell he’s uncomfortable by how he’s standing. She winks at him and walks away. What the hell was that?

  He turns fully around and spots me, his face lighting up with a genuine smile. I can’t help but feel special.

  ‘Alice,’ he says walking towards me. ‘Hey. Is everything okay?’

  ‘Yep, all fine. I’m just here to take you out for lunch.’ I raise the basket as if to prove it.

  ‘Oh. Okay, let me just grab my phone.’

  He darts towards his desk, grabs it and then walks back over.

  ‘That looks heavy. Want me to carry it?’

  Sometimes it’s hard to digest when he’s being such a gentleman. It’s easy to forget he has manners when half the time he’s acting like a prepubescent little boy.

  ‘I even made you a ham sandwich.’

  His mouth gapes open just as we go outside. ‘You’re joking? You bought and touched meat?’

  I stifle a giggle. ‘Okay, no. I bought it at the deli already done.’

  He shrugs with a laugh. ‘You still paid for it.’

  ‘Yep,’ I nod. ‘You owe me three-pounds-fifty.’ He turns to look at me, eyes wide. I burst out laughing.

  ‘Yeah, you’re bumped,’ he grins. ‘I’m going to call your veggie leader and report you.’

  I roll my eyes. ‘We’re not a cult, Tom. We just don’t like eating flesh.’

  He raises his eyebrows. ‘No need to be so dramatic. Anyway, where do you wanna eat?’

  ‘What about this park?’ I say, pointing across the road.

  ‘Perfect.’

  He shocks me by looping his arm through mine. I look down at it then back at his face. It’s as if he hasn’t even noticed the unconscious action, instead concentrating on crossing us over the road safely.

  As soon as we’ve crossed and are onto the grass, I bend over and take my shoes off. I don’t want to get them ruined and I love any chance to get my feet onto grass or sand. To really feel the earth underneath my feet. It’s quite fair today, with only a slight chill in the air.

  I take the blanket from my basket, lay it down next to some pretty violas, and perch on the edge. Tom flops down onto his stomach next to me.

  ‘Give me the ham sandwich.’ he says, his eyes lit up with excitement.

  I hand it over and then get out my feta salad. ‘So, who was that cougar that grazed your arse earlier?’

  He frowns, looking down at his sandwich. ‘Huh?’ he asks, vaguely. It’s clear he doesn’t want to elaborate.

  Tom acting shy and vague? This must be a bigger issue than I first thought.

  ‘You know exactly who I’m talking about. Who is she?’

  His shoulders slump. ‘She’s my boss.’

  I freeze with my fork mid-air. ‘Are you fucking kidding me?’

  His boss is touching his arse? How fucking inappropriate is that? I thought it was bad enough when it was some horny colleague, but his boss? That’s bloody sexual harassment in the workplace.

  ‘Nope. My boss.’

  Then it dawns on me. He’s sleeping with his boss, or at least has slept with her in the past. Probably regrets it now that she’s wanting more.

  ‘You’re sleeping with her?’ I blurt out.

  His eyes nearly pop out of their sockets, then sadden. ‘Really, Alice? That’s the first thing you think? That I’m sleeping with her?’

  Ooops. But... yeah, of course I thought he was sleeping with her.

  ‘I’m sorry. So... you’re not?’

  He rolls his eyes. ‘No, Alice. Jesus, is that so hard to believe? But she wants me to. It’s getting awkward as fuck.’

  ‘Shit, Tom, you need to report her. She can’t get away with that.’

  He rolls his eyes. ‘Well, she is.’

  How can he be so laid back about this? If this was happening to me he’d be the first one to kick off. Probably try to kill the guy.

  ‘Wait, how long has this been going on?’ I ask, staring at him intently.

  He tries to shift his eyes away from me, but I follow them and wait until he’s staring back. He blows out a breath in a clear attempt to relax himself.

  ‘Since I started,’ he finally admits. ‘But it’s fine, she’s just a woman.’

  I nearly choke on my salad. ‘Okay, first of all, no one is just a woman. And secondly it doesn’t matter what sex she is. It’s sexual harassment.’

  He scoffs a laugh. ‘I’m a big boy. I’m not gonna get talked into sleeping with her.’

  ‘That’s beside the point!’ I bark, nearly losing it. ‘She shouldn’t be doing this at all. If it were a man doing this to a new female employee, you’d think it was outrageous.’

  ‘Yeah, but I’m not some meek female. Seriously, I can handle it.’

  Meek female? This man is such a cave boy.

  I roll my eyes heavenwards. ‘Ugh, fine.’ I throw myself down onto the grass and look up at the sky. A big grey cloud is looming, threatening to cover our sunshine soon. It reminds me of our current situation and why I’m trying to offer an olive branch.

  I roll onto my side.

  ‘Anyway, Tom. I wanted to talk about us.’

  He frowns. ‘There is no us.’

  Ouch. I get up and walk over to the violas, attempting to cheer myself up. That’s why I like them, they always seem so happy with their smiley look.

  ‘Look, you seem to have taken my rejection really hard. I just wanted to say that it’s not that I don’t like you.’

  ‘You just don’t fancy me?’ he asks with a cocky smile.

  I
think about it for a second, pretending to study the violas. ‘No, I do fancy you.’ His mouth falls open. ‘In fact, sometimes when I’m around you, I feel myself starting to act like an idiot and that’s why we can never be. I need to focus on my career right now, and I can’t let any silly infatuation take up my time.’

  He grins, his eyes devilish. ‘Infatuation? Alice, are you infatuated with me?’

  I sit back down and snort a laugh. ‘No. I didn’t mean it like that.’

  He shuffles closer, our faces so close I can feel his breath against my cheek. He trails his thumb down my cheek, causing goose-pimples in its wake. I try with all of my might not to lean into his hand when in reality I want nothing more.

  I close my eyes in a bid to escape his searching stare. When I open them he’s still there, still looking at me in wonder as if I’m the most perfect thing he’s ever seen. I stare down at his lips. God, I could just move a few centimetres and they’d be on mine.

  I bite my lip subconsciously.

  ‘You’re killing me here, Alice.’ Tom whispers, his voice husky.

  I’m just about to lean in when a big fat droplet of water hits my nose. I look up in bewilderment. The dark cloud is over us now. Another rain droplet falls before a heavy shower takes hold in seconds.

  ‘Shit!’

  We both jump up, throw the food into the basket and Tom grabs it. Using the blanket to shelter us, we run to stand under a huge oak tree people have congregated under. We shiver, attempting to shake off some of the rain from our bodies.

  I can barely look Tom in the face. I can’t believe I was going to kiss him! What is going on with me?

  ‘I’m sorry your dad was a dick to you,’ I blurt out over the thundering shower, desperate to change the subject away from us.

  He politely smiles with a nod, his gaze falling to the floor. ‘It’s fine. He’s not always been like this. I think I’ve just pushed him too far over the last few years.’

  I chuckle. ‘And I bet it doesn’t help that your mum thinks the sun shines out of your arse.’

  He laughs. ‘I can’t help it if I’m her little prince.’

  My God, no wonder he’s so self-assured and useless around the house. That mother has spoilt him rotten.