by Lana Davison
Since Luke had moved away for school, his parents had decided he was of an age where he needed his own space and had given him the room above the garage which was once used as an office for his father. Luke’s parents put a mini kitchen and a toilet and shower room in the flat and he had all the privacy he wanted while still benefiting from living under his parents’ roof.
Most Saturdays I would meet up with Luke at his house and we would end up in his room having sex. Our sex became very routine and expected. In his room we would lie on his bed and start kissing. Luke would gently move me onto my back and undress me quickly, undressing himself hurriedly straight after. We would pull back the covers and dive under. Luke would kiss me using it as quick foreplay and then put his erection inside me and push until he was completely in. He worked his body pushing his lower body up and then down, closing his eyes enjoying the sexual pleasures I provided. Making love to Luke was not an easy and natural occurrence, but I always thought we would gel in time. Practice makes perfect – while that was true enough, Johnny and I had needed no practice, our love making had been perfect from the beginning. I did enjoy the sex but it was much more on Luke’s terms than mine. It was just different and I would have to educate Luke as to what I did and didn’t like, otherwise how else would he know? Luke tried in his own way to get me to come through sex, but we hadn’t quite got to that pinnacle point of pure mind blowing explosion that was the only way I knew how to describe my orgasms with Johnny. It wasn’t a difficult task for me to arrive at – there was only one fundamental problem with having sex with Luke, he wasn’t Johnny. It was yet another comparison I had inadvertently made.
*****
My year at the newspaper was finally completed and my traineeship was officially over. I was employed as a reporter and covered local stories about issues with the local residence and the police. Sometimes it would be as lame as someone receiving a speeding ticket for going 5km over the limit or, worse, I even covered a story about flowers being picked from someone’s front lawn. The headline read: Flower Garden Thief at Large.
I didn’t feel I had built up my portfolio sufficiently to move on yet, so I would remain in Pittsburgh covering these diabolical stories until the time was right. Besides, I couldn’t complain, for the first time I was on a proper salary and was putting money away for a rainy day.
The newspaper articles I was assigned to write presented little in the way of a challenge so, to keep my interest in writing going, I began to start writing stories. I bought myself a Commodore computer and sat in my room night after night writing, eventually trying my hand at writing a novel.
I mainly wrote thrillers or detective stories, using my knowledge of science to help me put together the forensic detail. I became completely absorbed in my new found hobby and less interested in Luke. We remained friends but our relationship came to a natural conclusion just before my twentieth birthday.
Johnny’s career was going from strength to strength. His band was the biggest band to hit the charts in a long time. I watched from the sidelines, somewhat happy for Johnny, somewhat saddened that I would never be part of his life again. I still held him responsible for ending our relationship, annoyed at how he did it. He took the sparkle from my eyes and broke his promise to me. I would never forget how that feels.
I learnt to live without Johnny, but the problem for me was that I truly loved his music. I bought it all and listened to it religiously, occasionally wondering if any of his new songs were written about me. Especially the slow song ‘Nothing is What it Seems’. While I knew it probably wasn’t about me, I liked to think from time to time it was, because the words perfectly explained how I felt.
By the time I was twenty-two, I had made a significant amount of money saved up and was well and truly ready for a change in my life. I decided to send my CV to recruitment agencies and also forwarded it onto a few selected newspapers in the hope that I could become a serious journalist. I thought about going abroad and travelling a little but had no clue where to go. I was unable to get a break with a major newspaper for a long time until, suddenly, I received a phone call from The Times New York. I was interviewed over the phone and hired immediately with a start date of four weeks. I was going to move to New York – yikes!
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Johnny woke up to the sound of pouring rain in the company of a redhead he had met the night before. He turned over and thought about Jen; he wanted to touch her, to see her smile, to show her he had made it. He tossed and turned and wished the redhead wasn’t in his bed. He felt nothing for her.
Sleeping around was just something he did these days, like any rock star. If Jen had been here it would be different, he would never look at another girl again.
Johnny got up and walked to the hotel bathroom, naked. His body was firm and fit, just as it had always been. He placed his hands on the sink, looked directly into the mirror and took a deep breath. He picked up a clean glass and rinsed his mouth out with water. Taking a towel from the rack and wrapping it around his lower body, he walked to the mini bar, took out a bottle of water and drank it down in one.
Last night Johnny had enjoyed a few beers but remained in control. He always recalled the events of the evening and usually had a drink to relax and unwind after a massive gig. It went well last night. He still got that feeling in the pit of his stomach before going out in front of an audience, but once he got into it, it was the best feeling, a euphoric rush. He had this way of getting the audience involved, by making them sing along with him. Everyone was having fun, and that was what the tour was all about, making sure the fans were having fun. Michael or someone else from Hunter Management always arranged an after party, inviting a few choice girls they selected themselves. When Johnny attended the girls would flock over to him like a piece of bread amongst the pigeons. His fans would tell him their undying love for him. He would politely laugh and reply by telling them that he loved his fans too.
The redhead in the bed rolled over and felt for Johnny. She lifted her head up and opened one eye to see where he was. “Come back to bed,” she said, patting the empty space.
“Sorry, I can’t. I’ve got things to do,” Johnny replied, walking to the bathroom and turning on the shower. He wasn’t going to kick her out, he would just leave. This is the way he had to leave things, it was easier – no expectations, no delusions.
He showered thinking about his schedule. They had two more States to tour and then he would rest in his apartment in New York for two months before heading to the UK, Europe and then Australia. It was a grueling tour, but necessary.
Johnny finished his shower and changed into a pair of jeans and a plan white t-shirt. He turned back to the redhead girl and noticed she had gone back to sleep. Great, he thought, I can slip away. And with that he left. It was Hunter Management’s job to make sure the girls left without any problems.
A new State, same stage performance, then an after party. Maybe take a girl back to the hotel, maybe not. Same old, same old. Johnny had been on this tour for almost six months and, before that, he was in the recording studio working on the band’s second album. He had been working solidly since he joined Hunter Management. Promoting the band’s first album and working with promoters and journalists. His life now consisted of lots of travel, hotel rooms and parties. He had been constantly working for the past three years; he was tired and counting down the days to get back to his New York apartment. A break before the European tour started.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Johnny walked through the front door of his apartment happy to be home. He jumped onto the massive sofa and turned on the huge television mounted on the wall. He sat there for hours watching anything, noticing nothing. He needed a lazy day, a day of not having to be somewhere or do something for someone. Johnny called the doorman downstairs and asked him to organize a large pizza and a drink to be sent to him upstairs. Johnny planned to stay on the sofa all day. Too tired to move, he let himself rest and do exactly what he wanted. Today
he did not have to fit into a planned schedule. He stretched his body out on the sofa and considered what he wanted to do with some of his free time over the next couple of months. He couldn’t complain about the work, he loved it, and it had made him rich.
He turned his head and looked outside, noticing the sky was blue. He made a mental note of spending more time on his bike, riding around Central Park. He thought about Jen for a second, remembering her riding to school just before they got together. He pushed the thought away, hating to torment himself with thoughts of Jen. Johnny didn’t want to forget Jen, he just wanted it to get easier. He still couldn’t think of anyone else in the same way he thought about her. He wanted to move on, but just couldn’t seem to do it.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Before I left for New York, The Times New York briefed me on three different apartments they had viewed on my behalf and sent me photographs in the post. I selected a small apartment in Manhattan that I could just afford on my new, higher salary, still leaving a little for myself and a little to save. The apartment would need some cosmetic tender loving care but, overall, it was perfect with a small kitchen and a compact living room space. The bedroom had enough room for a double bed and had a full length floor to ceiling mirrored wardrobe space. The only downside was the bathroom was situated as an en-suite; off my bedroom, meaning if a friend came over they would have to walk through my bedroom to use it.
This move was different from the last. I was doing it on my own, working on my own, in a foreign city on my own. I would need to make my own friends and explore what New York had to offer, all on my own. I thought about Johnny briefly, reminding myself that he had come to New York on his own to make it, and he had. I wondered if I might bump into him one day.
I arrived on a bus with a suitcase, a sleeping bag and all my savings. I intended to do my apartment up just the way I wanted it – something I could be proud of.
At 2pm I waited outside my apartment building to meet the lettings agent so that I could collect the keys and get my things inside. I sat on my suitcase and looked at my street map realizing New York was unique with its grid-like street system.
“Good afternoon. You must be Ms Redman?” said a young man in a smart grey suit and white shirt. He looked about my age, early twenties and keen with his salesman smile showing off his extremely white teeth. He put his hand out to greet me.
“Yes, I’m Jen Redman,” I replied, happily meeting his hand to shake it firmly.
“And I am Bradley Court. Pleased to meet you, Jen Redman,” he said giving me a cheesy grin. “Let me take your bag for you.”
“Oh, that’s really kind of you,” I replied, handing my heavy suitcase over.
“Gee what have you got in here, rocks?”
I laughed, “You would think… It’s just my clothes rolled up and jammed packed in there. I’ll have to be careful when I open the case, it might all fling out. I had to sit on the corners to get it shut it.”
“I don’t know – you girls.”
We reached the first floor and Bradley opened the door to my new apartment. I looked around like a girl who had just won a prize. I signed the lease and Bradley left with my bond money and the first three months’ rent paid in advance. The living room was lovely and bright and I could see myself with my own sofa and television and a desk to do my work on. I sat on my suitcase and thought I’d better go and get some basics to put in the fridge.
*****
On my first day at The Times New York I woke up early having slept on carpeted floor with my sleeping bag. I got up, had a shower and dressed in a tailored navy blue trouser suit with a short sleeve knitted top underneath. It was an easy way to look smart without having to use an iron. I had nothing in the apartment – I needed furniture, crockery, cutlery. I needed a start up kit and had no idea where to start.
I caught a taxi to 43rd street and found The Times New York building. I grinned to myself, thinking I couldn’t believe I was actually there for my first day at work. The receptionist looked at her list of names, handed me a pass and told me to take the lift to the 14th foor.
As I left the elevator, I found myself in a bustling, lively office. I looked around and asked a woman who looked approachable if she could direct me to Anita Walker.
I reached Anita Walker’s office and knocked on the door.
“Come in.”
“Hi, Anita. I’m Jennifer Redman, but I prefer Jen.”
“Come on in, Jen, make yourself at home. Take a seat,” Anita said, placing her hand out to direct me to one of the two chairs in front of her desk. I sat down, straightened my trousers and smiled at my new boss.
“So, Jen, you got in yesterday? And you found the office easily enough, I hope?”
“Yes and yes. Although I have no idea where to buy any furniture or crockery. I have nothing. I came here with just my suitcase.”
“Oh dear, you should have said earlier. We can’t have you living like a squatter. Just give me a minute.” Anita buzzed her assistant. “Nicole, can you get Rosie on the phone? I have someone who needs her help and fast.”
“Yes, I’m right on it,” her assistant replied.
“Jen, I’m going to set you up with Rosie. She’s an interior designer and has a great reputation. She can help give you the apartment you want.”
“Oh,” I nodded, looking down at my trousers and wondering how much this was going to cost. Even though I had money saved, I didn’t want to spend it all and an interior designer was a luxury service.
Anita must have seen me fret. “Don’t worry. She’s so popular because she’s reasonable; she knows where to go to get everything. You tell her what you need and what your budget is, it’s as simple as that. Rosie will get one of her junior staff to do a lot of the trawling around for you so it shouldn’t be too expensive.”
“Oh, OK. That sounds good.”
The phone rang and, after a short, friendly chat, Anita had made an appointment for me to see Rosie.
“Right, Jen, go and get your place sorted and come in tomorrow. Rosie will see you right away and she’ll have a junior designer go shopping with you today. You can get a lot of what you need immediately. I’ll see you bright and early tomorrow.”
“Thank you. Thank you so much,” I said, picking up my bag from the floor and making my way to the door.
I walked to Rosie’s office a couple of blocks away, had a brief chat, told her my maximum budget and explained I needed everything except the kitchen sink. Rosie introduced me to Daniel, one of her assistants. He was delightful and camp and made me laugh with all his amazing stories. We hit it off straight away. Rosie decided to send us to Ikea in Brooklyn, using the commercial 4x4.
I spent the day shopping in Ikea; what a great shop for someone who needs to buy everything in one day. The only downside was having to build the furniture, but I could do that, I was able to follow instructions.
I bought so much and still had a couple of hundred dollars left over, so Daniel took me to a supermarket to stock up on essential and cleaning products. I hadn’t thought this move through very well, but it was all falling into place now.
When we got back to my apartment, Daniel and I unpacked the 4x4 making several trips to and from my apartment to the car. I changed into some tracks and got to work cleaning the apartment, while Daniel started putting my bed base together. He then moved onto the desk, bedside tables and television cabinets, all along complaining about the state of his hands and how I would have to pay for a manicure when he was done.
We stopped for a short break and went to a small café for a pizza and a couple of beers before getting back to the job at hand. I knew from the way we got on that we would be firm friends. Daniel talked about trying to find a man, stating there was plenty to choose from, but he hadn’t found Mr Right yet. I told him my previous boyfriend wasn’t right for me either, but I never mentioned Johnny.
Daniel stayed the night sleeping on my new sofa bed while I took the double bed in my bedroom. He left i
n the morning after I made him a slice of toast and a cup of coffee.
I grabbed a quick shower, washed my short hair and got dressed. I looked at my face in the mirror, applied a little make up and mascara and decided to grow my hair again. I looked around the room at what we had achieved last night and the transformation was truly amazing. My space was fully functional and also to my liking. Just a few more bits to add, but I could do that over time. I felt less stressed and excited to go to work. What was in store for me today?
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Today I caught the metro to Time Square and walked to work from there, I was really starting to get the hang of this city and proud of myself for getting on with things. Daniel and I had agreed to meet up at lunch for a bite to eat. I had made my first friend – how good was that?
Anita gave me a writing assignment to do, following up on a police case about a missing girl. She wanted an updated story as to where the police were at. I got to work.
The morning was busy. Anita told me it was crucial I start making police contacts, especially if I wanted to report on police matters. I did. All the reports I was interested in involved the police to some degree.
I met Daniel briefly at lunchtime and we talked like two best friends who were never lost for words. Daniel gave me a cordless phone as a house warming present knowing it was the in thing to have, and told me to get it working so he could call me that evening. I said it was very kind but he shouldn’t have.
“Don’t worry love,” he said, “I didn’t buy it for you. I work for Rosie Marsh, remember? She gets so many freebies, we have a room full of them and I’m allowed to take a couple of things and give them to clients if I want to. It’s all part of the service. So get your phone on pronto, ’cause I’ll need to call you later.”