Filthy Foreign Exchange Book 2

by S. E. Hall

  Yeah…I’m a bit prickly about it.

  “What about you?” he asks, folding up his map.

  “Well, I think it’s safest for me to stick with pretty boy,” I say, a little bite in my tone. “But I plan to check out a few things on my own, too.”

  “Probably smart…although, if you’re tagging along with his pack because of some safety-in-numbers theory, we could always start a group of our own.”

  I’m not entirely sold on Patton at the moment, but I am determined to follow my own “branching out” plan, so I smile in response.

  “Yeah, that sounds good.”

  “Awesome.”

  Never liked that word, either. But the truth is I have to look for the good, and quit picking apart my “options” over trivial details.

  We spend a few minutes going over the agenda for the rest of the day, deciding our group will consist of him, me, Nat, and his roommate Chad.

  “One hour, right here,” Patton confirms, and I agree.

  I watch him walk away and smile to myself, and am wondering what it would be like to actually have myself a cliché summer-abroad romance when I feel a familiar heat at my back.

  “What do you think?” Kingston asks.

  “That I’m bunking up with Natalie. I like her.”

  She’s a few feet away, shamelessly connecting her phone to a selfie stick and unaware of Kingston’s presence.

  He steps around me to look into my eyes. “I meant how do you like what little you’ve seen so far of my city?”

  “Your city?” I raise my eyebrows. “Is the Queen aware that you’ve staked a claim?”

  “Let’s not tell her—another one of our secrets.” He winks. “However, you know very well what I’m asking.”

  I look around in complete and total wonderment at everything in my line of vision, but play it cool as I gaze back at him and shrug a shoulder.

  “Not bad.”

  “Bollocks!” he says, chuckling. “You’re loving it. I know you, Echo. Don’t ever think you can get one past me.”

  “Hi,” Nat says; a welcome interruption. “Um…do you have the room keys yet?”

  Kingston’s eyes never leave mine as he reaches into his pocket, hands her a plastic card, then holds one out to me. “I’ll be in the room next door if either of you need anything. And we’ll be leaving in an hour for the tour of—”

  “Oh, I already have plans, but have fun,” I cut him off, snatching the card.

  “Excuse me?” he questions, his eyes darkening to a scary shade of smoky.

  “Yeah, I’m taking the Underground with some friends to Abbey Road, then coming back for the London Eye.”

  “Friends?”

  “Mm-hmm. From what I understand, we’re allowed to leave your supervision.”

  “Yes, but—”

  “But nothing,” I interject as Jackie and Bridget bound over. “You have lots of others to ‘guide,’ so you do your thing, and I’ll do mine.”

  I grab Nat’s hand and drag her away before he has a chance to say anything in response.

  ~~~~~

  “How do you know him?” Nat asks the moment we’re inside our room.

  “Who?” I point from one bed to the other, silently asking which one she wants.

  “Your pick,” she says. “And you know who.”

  I toss my backpack on the one closest to the window, taking in the sight of Big Ben in the distance.

  “Patton?” I say instead. “I met him on the plane, but he seems safe enough.”

  I turn back around, finding her arms crossed and a taking-no-bullshit expression etched across her face.

  “Seriously?” she laughs. “Fine, we’ll play it your way—for a minute. Patton does seem nice, and I’m cool with tagging along with him and Chad over a group that has more girls vying for Kingston’s attention than not.

  “And now, we play my way. Kingston,” she enunciates. “How do you know him?”

  I flop down on the bed and kick off my shoes. “Long, boring story.”

  “Got an hour, so spill.” She sits across from me, in the room’s lone chair. “That’s part of the roommate agreement, no secrets when it comes to guys.”

  Did she just reference The Big Bang Theory? Loving her!

  “You’re about to be sorely disappointed, because I have very little to reveal about guys.”

  “Ditto,” she says. “Actually I have, like, none at all, so help a friend out and tell me something juicy.”

  Lying on my back now, I shove my hands behind my head and tell her the story of my brother and Kingston exchanging places. It’s strange to just open up and talk about it not only because it’s the first time that I’ve told someone everything—I definitely left out more parts than not with Sebastian—but because I’ve only just met Natalie.

  And I tell her everything: about him snooping through my panty drawer, the tub, the kiss…and even about him being with Savannah on that last day. The only thing I leave out is my brother’s situation with Savannah, as it’s not my business to tell.

  It’s as if I’ve finally tossed the monkey off my back, and I find myself acknowledging the new weightlessness with mixed emotions.

  “Wow,” Nat finally says. She’d had a few questions during the whole tale, but kept any personal opinions to herself. “Do you still have feelings for him?”

  “Honestly,” I say, sitting up to look at her, “I think I might. How pathetic is that?”

  “Not pathetic at all; you can’t help how you feel. And so what if you do? Doesn’t mean you have to act on them, now or ever.” She pauses. “Can I ask a personal question? You can refuse to answer.”

  “Sure.”

  “Were you falling in love with him?”

  My head goes dizzy at the question I’ve never even asked myself before, and my stomach twists into a painful knot of uncertainty.

  “I don’t know. I’ve never been in love before, but there was definitely something between us. Something I miss…very much.”

  She must sense the shift in my mood. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”

  “It’s okay. Thanks for listening. You’re the first person I’ve ever told all that to.”

  “I’ll take it to the grave, promise.” She crosses her heart, and notices the time on her watch in the process. “Shit, we have five minutes before we have to meet Patton and Chad.”

  “You better get ready,” I tell her, sliding my shoes back on and digging out my camera.

  I expect her to change clothes—maybe redo her hair or something—but instead, she just grabs a small, cross-body purse from her bag and swipes on some lip gloss.

  “All set.”

  I laugh, holding open the door for her. “Oh, we’re going to get along just fine!”

  She smiles, then catches me off guard with her next words.

  “By the way, I call dibs on Patton.”

  Chapter 5

  Nat and I head out with Patton and Chad for lunch at a delightful little place, where I insist we sit outside, refusing to miss a single movement or sight.

  “Echo, the food’s not gonna run away.” Nat laughs at me. “Try chewing.”

  I swallow my mouthful and take a drink before responding in rushed excitement. “I’m sorry, I just can’t wait to get started—to go see everything! Especially Abbey Road.”

  The last sentence comes out a whimsical sigh. I’m too amped up to eat another bite, so I proceed to gush on and on over every little fact I know about the infamous recording studio until they’ve had enough.

  “Okay!” Patton tosses his napkin onto his empty plate and stands. “Let’s go before Echo’s head explodes.”

  We all laugh as I reach for my wallet to pay my portion, but Patton stops me with his hand on my arm.

  “I’ve got it,” he says, smiling.

  My grin expands, thinking it nice of him to pay for our meal—that is, until I realize he only lays down enough to pay for mine and his. Which means…not Nat’s.

 
This is a problem on many levels—not only because my new friend called “dibs,” so I don’t want her to think I’m encouraging Patton’s attention toward me, but I also don’t want her feelings hurt. It’s why I do the only thing I can think of before he has a chance to close his wallet—pin him in an awkward corner under the guise of flattery.

  “My, what a gentleman.” I place an innocent hand over his. “Isn’t that nice of him, Nat, offering to pay for our meals? I’m impressed. How ’bout you?”

  Natalie is far from stupid—she’s already proven that. She gives me a tight, knowing smile, but her eyes brighten.

  “Thank you, Patton. Not necessary, but it’s nice to know that chivalry isn’t quite dead.”

  Patton plays it off very well, his expression remaining politely stoic as he pulls out another bill. “No thanks needed.”

  “Okay, let’s go!” I yelp, practically knocking over the table next to us during my sprint toward the sidewalk.

  I don’t miss Nat’s apology on my behalf, or her completely rational explanation. “She’s a bit excited. First day out of the psych ward.”

  I laugh, and am still doing so when she reaches me, shaking her head and linking her arm through mine.

  “What?” She feigns innocence. “You’re acting crazy. Just calling it like I see it.”

  “Hello! The Beatles walked on the very road we’re about to step on!” I nearly shout. “How are you not freaking out?”

  “You sure the city hasn’t repaved the streets since then?”

  My eyes bulge. “You’re horrible, you know that?” I point a finger at her. “And don’t you dare look it up to find out. I don’t want to know!”

  “Sorry. I’m a realist; can’t help it. But for you, I’ll remain in ignorance.” She looks around to Patton, who is slow behind us with Chad, then whispers, “Hey, back there with Patton—”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t expect him to pay for me—”

  “I know. It’s all good, just…if he offers again, I’ll be fine. Seriously.” She stops and looks straight at me. “I think he’s cute and kind of nice, but I don’t want his pity. Cool?”

  “Yeah, I didn’t mean—”

  “No, we’re good, just…if he gets to know me and likes me, then awesome, and if not, that’s life. Make sense?”

  “Spot a Beatle?” Chad asks as they catch up.

  “Huh?” I respond, confused.

  “What else has you stopping before we’ve even reached the Underground?”

  “Waiting on your slow asses,” Nat tells him, then points to the giant red sign across the street. “And we’re here.”

  “Wait, how far away is the studio?” I ask, remembering Sebastian’s warning of using caution on the subway system. “Can’t we take a taxi?”

  “Oh come on,” Nat pleads. “We’re in a group, and it’s barely noon. What happened to seeing what London’s all about?”

  “I won’t let anything happen to you,” Patton tells me, and yet I feel none of the uncertainty flee my tense body. He then looks to Nat. “To either of you.”

  His smile her way seems genuine, but it’s one he shares with me as well.

  “Thanks,” we say in unison before Nat grabs my hand.

  And off we go toward the stairway to hell—at least, that’s how Sebastian had described it in his attempts to sway me from going alone.

  And I have to say, the reality of it is just as daunting as the name; no false advertising on that one. Can you say “stairs,” anyone? Or labyrinth? I feel like I’m searching for my striped-pajama-clad baby brother while David Bowie fights for breath in his incredibly tight leather pants just so he can sing the goblins a song about magic.

  I keep a death grip on Natalie’s hand, with Patton and Chad directly at our backs, and she suddenly laughs.

  “What?” I blurt out, scanning the area for anything even remotely funny.

  “Nothing,” she says, but is unable to stop herself from giggling.

  The doors open, and we enter. She slides down into a seat while I choose to stand, holding onto a pole.

  “Seriously, what the hell is so funny?” I ask again when the Tube takes off, my hand gripping the pole tighter at the momentum.

  “We should be wearing fucking fanny packs!” She throws her head back, her shoulders shaking at her laughter.

  The other passengers seem oblivious. They’re probably used to a few crazies aboard.

  “Fanny packs?” Patton asks from a seat behind me.

  Nat finally inhales a deep breath, wipes her eyes, and explains. “We are such ridiculous tourists! I mean, look around, everyone is either in suits or heels for work, or wearing fanny packs and holding selfie sticks. Yet…we’re scared?”

  It’s then that my shoulders relax, and slowly, a small bubble of laughter finds its way out of me.

  “Oh my God, you’re right,” I tell her. “What is my problem? I’m not usually a wussy!”

  We’re still laughing, with Chad and Patton looking at us like we’re complete babbling idiots, when the train stops.

  “Abbey Road time!” I shriek with my newfound bravado.

  I bound out first through the open doors, leaping over the gap between the train and the platform and coming to a stop at the long, poorly lit pathway: a serial killer’s playground.

  The look I give Nat must be telling.

  “Yup, total tourists!” she says through her laughter, then links our arms again.

  “Come on, let’s go before the hellmouth opens up,” I say.

  “Personally, I’m hoping for the passage to the Hogwarts Express.”

  ~~~~~

  When we finally, and miraculously, emerge onto the street unscathed, I grab the map and lead the way to our first and most-anticipated destination.

  It’s not long before we see the Abbey Road sign. I stand frozen and fascinated, basking in the fact that I’m right in front of the building where so many brilliant musicians recorded.

  I’ve finally looked my fill of the outside, and it’s only when I turn to head toward the doors that I notice Kingston and his group are also here.

  “Hey, how was it?” I ask.

  “How was what?” Jackie gripes, her arms crossed and face wrinkled in disdain. “You can’t even go inside!”

  “What?” I whimper, actually feeling a wave of disappointment roll through my stomach. “Why not? I want to see the microphones, pianos…this can’t be right.”

  Kingston steps forward and rubs my arm. “I thought I had it sorted, Love, but they’re not cooperating today.” He then leans in and whispers in my ear, “I swear to you, I will buy you a session and get you inside when we return back this way in a few weeks. Just you and me—you have my word.”

  “You don’t need to do that.”

  “I know.” His finger hooks under my chin and lifts my head, forcing my gaze to latch onto his. “But I want to.”

  I nod, suppressing my silly brewing tears. Not only is the world not ending, but I know without a doubt that if Kingston says he’ll get me inside, he will.

  “Thank you,” I whisper, then back away when I realize several pairs of eyes are on us.

  “You all just get here?” I ask, going to stand beside Nat and needing conversation to fill the awkward silence.

  “No, we’ve been here for over an hour!” Jackie complains. “And since the guards have been rude,” she shouts for all, including said security, to hear, “about us taking harmless photos and traffic doesn’t stop long enough for us to take any fun shots in the crosswalk, we’ve been waiting to leave!”

  “Then why are you guys still just standing here?” Patton asks.

  “That’s an excellent question,” Jackie sneers, staring pointedly at Kingston. “One I’ve asked several times.”

  I bite my lip and look away, realizing the answer.

  “Oh, I know! Pick me!” Natalie chirps, raising her hand, which drops when I elbow-check her in the ribs.

  “Seriously?” she mutters under her breath. �
��That fucking hurt a little.”

  I drag her back away from the crowd as Jackie starts explaining how Kingston has made a point to tell them every single fact about every musician that’s ever recorded here.

  “Holy shit, how funny is it that he made them all stand here, doing nothing, just to wait for you? And look at Jackie’s face. Good stuff!”

  “You don’t know that’s why.”

  I say the words despite not believing them myself. I’d told him earlier we were coming here, and he’d waited…to see it with me.

  A small but noticeable pang hits my chest, and I know without a doubt a crack has formed in the box where I store away my feelings for him.

  “Well, I’ve seen enough,” Patton announces. “Echo, Nat, want me to get a pic of you on the crosswalk when the light turns for traffic to stop?”

  “Hell yeah!” Nat answers for us both, tossing her camera at Kingston instead of Patton.

  “What are you doing?” I whisper.

  “Giving the man a break.” She grabs my hand. “Come on—walk like a Beatle, baby!”

  We stroll casually across the street. My smile is wide, a part of me happy it’s Kingston snapping the shots.

  “Oh, no you don’t!” I squeal, pulling Nat back and swerving around her. “I’m in front. I’m John!”

  “Well I’m not gonna be Ringo, damn it! We need…wait, sir!” she calls out to a man passing by, grabbing his arm. “Can you stand between us so I can be Paul? Pleeeease?”

  As she begs, the man looks at us like we should share the drugs we’re obviously on in return for the favor, but he hops right in line and obliges.

  And Nat’s friendship potential is sealed. She knows the Abbey Road cover, and shamelessly made the recreation happen. She’s the Paul to my John.

  I’m keeping her forever.

  After we thank our random Ringo and make our way back, Kingston hands Nat the camera, his shoulders bouncing with silent laughter. His smile, aimed at me, is as vibrant as I feel from the experience.

  And Patton is there too, but eager to leave. “You girls ready?”

  Another check in the ‘meh’ column for Patton.