A Complicated Love (Complicated Love #1)

by D. M Midgley

  “Annabelle?” I realise I’m still on the phone with Joshua.

  “Sorry… Tracy wanted me to pick what outfit she should wear tonight.”

  “Oh… are you going out?”

  “Yea, Tracy wanted a girl’s night out before she leaves, so we are going to a nightclub.” Joshua is silent on the phone. I bite my bottom lip while waiting for him to say something. “Where are you going?”

  What kind of question is that? I frown and shout out to Tracy.

  “Tracy, where are we going tonight?” She pops her head out of her bedroom and gives me a cheeky smile.

  “I was hoping we would check out Blue Bliss tonight.” Her head disappears before I have time to say anything. I focus back on Joshua.

  “Tracy says she wants to check out Blue Bliss tonight.” I can’t help chewing on my lip while I wait for Joshua’s reaction.

  “Blue Bliss is a dump. Why don’t you go to Sienna’s instead? I will set you up in the VIP suite on the first floor.”

  “Wait? What? I guess we can go to Sienna’s if Tracy wants to, but how will you get us into the VIP suite?” He chuckles while I frown, confused on why my question is funny.

  “No way are you going to Blue Bliss. I can’t have you going in there… not you or our baby.”

  “Okay, okay… just hang on a minute. You can’t just tell me what to do. If I want to go to Blue Bliss, I will.” I scowl while I stand and pace back and forth.

  Why does he think he can tell me what to do?

  He sighs. “Look I’m just looking out for you. I don’t want anything to happen, and I would prefer it if you went to Sienna’s.”

  “Okay, we will go to Sienna’s and you will get us into the VIP section? Do you know the owner?” I’m curious to know who this owner is.

  “Uh… yea, it definitely helps knowing the owner.” He chuckles again and I’m really confused as to why he’s laughing at me.

  “Stop laughing at me and tell me who the owner is? Is he a friend?”

  “No, he’s not a friend.”

  I frown and get cross because he's very evasive. “Tell me who the owner is?”

  “Okay, calm down baby, the owner of Sienna’s is… me.”

  I can’t believe Joshua is the owner of Sienna’s. Not only does he have his own publishing company, but he owns a nightclub too. Oh my God! Joshua told me about Sienna’s being a business for himself. Something that he’s built from scratch. I really admire that about him. I was a bit nervous asking him why he named it Sienna’s. I got myself so worked up, thinking that it was after an ex-girlfriend, fiancée or even wife. I didn’t know, but I was really relieved when he told me that Sienna is his mum’s name. I did breathe a long sigh of relief.

  Joshua said he would have us on the list for the VIP section on the first floor. I didn’t even realise it had another floor when I was there on opening night, but I think that it had more to do with the delicious, sexy male specimen that was sitting next to me all night.

  Joshua said he would pop in sometime to see how we’re doing, even though I told him he didn’t have to. I love that he’s so protective of me, but I’m getting really frustrated with him. We haven’t done anything sexual since that drunken night. We kiss and make out a lot, but he always stops it before it gets too hot and heavy. I know he wants to take it slow, but how slow are we talking?

  It’s resulted in very erotic dreams, every night, featuring Joshua and me. Every time I think about them, I feel like I have a fever… it’s getting ridiculous! Maybe tonight I can get to him enough for him to break down his wall. Tracy comes sauntering out of the bathroom. She decided to go for the short, white halter neck top dress with these black super heels. That’s what I call them as I could never walk in them. There about six inches and it looks like she’s having trouble with the way she’s sauntering around clumsily. She has loads of bracelets on her right wrist. She’s put her hair up into a loose braid that lays on the right side of her shoulder. I went for a simple back floaty dress that cinches in at the waist and flairs out from the waist to the bottom that sits just on my knees. Joshua loves my hair down, so I let my hair fall in waves down my back. It’s looking really nice tonight.

  “Sorry bestie, ready to party tonight?” She squeals as she grabs her purse. A car horn honks from the street below. “That’s the cab… come on!” She’s a ball of energy tonight. I grab my purse and phone and put them in my bag. I pick up my little black jacket following after Tracy out the door. I think this night is going to be a good night. I can’t wait to see Joshua. I’ve missed him. I get a text from him in the cab.

  Sorry babe, but I won’t be able to get to the club tonight. I have an impromptu business meeting and it’s not going to finish until late so I will give you a call tomorrow first thing. I like talking to you when you’re all sleepy and lying in bed.

  He puts a little winking face at the end of his text. I’m so gutted I won’t see him tonight.

  It’s ok… I miss you. Why don’t you come to mine when you finish? I would really like to snuggle with you xx

  I wait for his answer while chewing my lip. I want him in my bed tonight, and I’m hoping something might happen with us. Joshua’s text comes in and I open it with nervous trepidation.

  Mmm, sounds good baby… will see you tonight xx

  I silently squeal with delight, I really can’t wait. I pop my phone back into my bag and relax back as I imagine what’s in store for me tonight. Hopefully a fantastic girly night with my bestie and later on, I’m going to have a wicked after party with my sexy, alluring, intoxicating man.

  Sienna’s is packed full, when we finally make our way inside. Luckily Joshua put us on the list and we are shown by one of the bouncers, the way to the VIP area. Tracy and I follow the bouncer through the throngs of people grinding on the dance floor. There’s a set of double metal stairs leading up to the first floor where the VIP section is located. The bouncer leaves us at the stairs and makes his way back to his post at the door.

  Tracy grabs my hand and we make our way up the stairs and to the right where there’s a roped off area. There’s a guy standing by the roped entrance wearing a black suit and dark shades. I giggle to myself as he reminds me of Will Smith in ‘Men in Black.’ We give him our names and he checks his list. He smiles and opens the rope to let us through. There’s not many people in the VIP section, so we have enough room to walk around. The VIP section is made up of black leather armchairs, there're single and double seats and chrome tables are spaced around the area. I look around and see a bar up here, but it’s not situated in the VIP section and there are other tables and chairs dotted about the first floor.

  “Wow, look at this place. Do you want a drink, my shout?” Tracy places her bag on the table and rummaged around until she finds her purse.

  “Go on then… orange juice, please.” I giggle at the frown on her face.

  “An orange juice? In a nightclub?”

  “Uh… hello? Pregnant here!” I wave my hands in front of my stomach. She laughs and rushes out of the VIP section. I’m assuming she’s going to get us some drinks. I feel weird sitting here all on my own. A guy across from me is checking me out. He has a bald head, a black bushy beard and is wearing blue jeans and a light blue button up shirt. He hasn’t stopped looking at me since we arrived. I shift uncomfortably in my seat while I wait for Tracy to get back. I look over at the bar and see Tracy still waiting to be served. I hate sitting by myself in nightclubs. I glance out the corner of my eye at the bald guy, and he’s still staring at me. What’s his problem? I look down and play with my fingernails. I hope Tracy isn’t too much longer. I hear a voice I never thought I would hear again. My head snaps up and I come face to face with Tammy.

  She glares at me as she takes a seat with the bald guy. She’s wearing a short, black mini-skirt with a bright pink halter neck top. Her blonde hair is falling in waves down her back and her black leather, knee-high boots complete her outfit. She has plastered loads of makeup on and to me,
she looks a lot like a clown. She looks so trashy, but she keeps glaring at me as she rubs her hand up and down the bald guy’s chest. What is she doing in the VIP section? Tammy starts making out with the bald guy, when I see Tracy wobbling on her heels back to our table.

  “Here you go, your orange juice.” She places it on the table with her glass. It looks like Tracy’s on cocktails tonight. It’s bright green with a slice of lime wedged on the side of the glass. I’m not sure what cocktail it is, but it does look pretty. I take a sip of my orange juice and I can’t help looking over at Tammy. She’s still making out with the bald guy and it’s a gross display.

  “Do you fancy going to the ground floor?” Tammy looks at me and laughs.

  “Are you kidding me? We’re in the VIP section. Why would I want to be down there?”

  “I’m just a bit uncomfortable up here.” Tracy looks at me with concern.

  “What’s going on Annabelle?”

  “You see that girl over there, plastered to that bald guy?” Tracy picks up her drink and takes a sip while glancing discreetly toward Tammy. She turns back and looks disgusted at what she sees.

  “Bloody hell! Is she trying to eat his face?” We both giggle.

  “She’s Joshua’s ex. I first met her when she was at Lynn Publishing. She was interviewing to be his PA. She was a right bitch, and it didn’t help when Joshua told her I was pregnant and dumped her. Now she is out for my dust.”

  “She does look like a tramp. Don’t know what Joshua saw in her.” Tracy pats my hand. “Just ignore her. We are here for my last night in London. Don’t let her spoil it.” She stands up abruptly. “Let’s go dance!” I giggle at her enthusiasm and take her hand. She pulls me up and we walk out of the VIP section to the first-floor dance floor. It’s not as packed as the ground floor, so it’s easier to dance around. I’m not a very good dancer, so I stand and sway from side to side. Tracy is really going all out and is grinding and gyrating. It doesn’t take long for a guy to make his move. A black haired guy comes behind Tracy and starts grinding against her. He places his hands on her hips and sways in time with her. I’m happy dancing on my own. I have a few guys come up to me and try to start dancing with me, but I politely decline them and they move on to their next prey.

  After two more songs, I’m beginning to feel like a third wheel and slightly weird as everyone else who’s dancing has someone to fall all over. Some of them should be ashamed. If they don’t stop now, they might end up having sex on the dance floor. Tracy is too busy to realise that I’m getting uncomfortable, so I leave her playing tonsil tennis with black-haired guy and make my way back to the VIP section. I notice that Tammy isn’t anywhere to be seen, but the bald guy is sitting in the exact same spot on his own. He notices me as the bouncer opens the roped entrance. He smiles snidely and continues to stare at me. I pick up my drink and try to avoid looking at him. He’s really creeping me out and where has Tammy gone? I really miss Joshua right now.

  “Hey gorgeous, what are you doing sitting here all alone? I turn and the bald guy is sitting in my booth right next to me. I try to scoot as far away as possible, as I don’t like the way he’s looking at me.

  “My name’s Derek.” He licks his lips while his eyes are fixated on my breasts. “Fancy going somewhere a bit quieter?” He smiles wide and takes a gulp of his beer.

  “Um, thanks, but I’m here with my friend.” I glance around looking for Tracy, but I can’t find her anywhere and the guy she was with has disappeared too.

  “Well beautiful, how about I keep you company for a while?” He tries placing his hand on my thigh, but I scoot further away. Now I’m trapped between Derek and a wall. How am I going to get out of here? He’s just staring at me while he finishes off his beer.

  “Ah… that was good. Do you want a drink, babe?” I look at him in disgust as he waits for me to answer him. Before I can answer, Tammy comes sauntering up to us.

  “Well, well, well, what’s happening here then? Can’t you keep your grubby hands to yourself? I can’t go to the toilet without you going after something else of mine. She glares at me while she stands by the side of the booth.

  “Excuse me? Look Tammy I’m sorry, but I’m not sure what I’ve done to you.”

  “What you’ve done? Joshua broke up with me because of you! He had to do the noble thing and stick by you because you had to get yourself knocked up.” She crosses her arms and pouts her lip, looking furious.

  “I had nothing to do with you and Joshua breaking up.”

  “Well, don’t think he’s with you for anything other than that baby! He will come crawling back to me when he gets bored with you. I mean, look at you?” I’m getting really sick of her, but I can’t move because Derek is still sitting right next to me smiling like a Cheshire cat.

  Why is he smiling?

  “Derek, what are you doing sitting with her?” She turns her glare to him while he just laughs and shakes his head.

  “Just keeping this beautiful women company.” He blows me a kiss while staring at my chest. “I was just about to buy her a drink and see where the night takes us.” I stare at him open-mouthed. Is he serious?

  “Um… no, we weren’t. I told you, I’m just waiting for my friend.” I glare at him as he’s making this whole conversation worse.

  “So, it wasn’t enough that you took Joshua from me, but you want Derek as well? You two bit hussy. This isn’t over. I’m going to make you pay.” She flicks her hair over her shoulder and marches away. I see her exit the VIP section and move across to the bar.

  “So gorgeous, let’s get this party started, hey?”

  I can’t take this anymore, I stand up and gather my bag and jacket.

  “Look Derek… No! No! No! Okay? I don’t want a drink with you, and I’m not interested in you, so can you please let me pass and I’ll be on my way.” He scoots out of the booth, but he looks at me with disgust and his face is bright red with anger.

  “Whatever bitch!” He inches closer and I hold my breath. “What a tease. Maybe I should teach you a lesson for being such a tease, bitch.” I flinch away from him and go to move around him. I have to get out of this VIP section. He grabs my arm tight and leans in. “Watch your back, bitch.” He smiles snidely before he releases my arm. I stumble out of the VIP section and go in search of Tracy. I see her leaning up against the bar, flirting with the bartender. She must have gotten bored with the guy she had her tongue down the throat of the last time I saw her.

  I can’t believe Derek, he seems slightly off balance. I’m more than ready to get out of here. After dealing with Tammy and Derek, I’m ready to just go home and wait for Joshua. Maybe get into something sexy, and hope the night will pan out ten times better than this evening. I perch myself on the bar stool next to Tracy.

  “Tracy, I’m feeling a bit tired, so can we go home?”

  “Annabelle, Annabelle!” She wraps her arm around me and squeezes me to her. The bartender looks slightly amused with my intoxicated friend. “This is my best friend in the whole world, world, world.” I smile at the bartender while I try to prize Tracy’s arm from around my neck.

  “Tracy, we have to go now.” She grabs her bag and jacket and jumps down from the bar stool.

  “Okay, let’s go!” She leans over the bar to address the bartender. “Goodbye Kyle. You’re so dreamy. Um… the things I’d like to do to you… ” She blows him a kiss while I drag her away. I giggle as I help her put on her jacket.

  “Oh crap, I forgot to get Kyle’s number… be back in a moment.” She rushes back to the bar.

  “I’ll wait for you outside,” I shout, but I don’t think she hears me. I make my way to the stairs that separate the first floor from the ground floor.

  I feel a hard pressure on my back. I don’t have time to grab the banister before I’m falling. My head hits something hard and my vision goes blurry. It happens so fast that before I know it, I’m at the bottom of the stairs. I ache all over and my hand instantly goes to my stomach. My vision i
s so blurry that I can only just see shadows of people crowding around me. I hear someone screaming, but it sounds very far away. I hope the baby is okay is the last thing I think about before everything goes black.

  Things have certainly been in fast mode with Annabelle and I. Everything has been going great between us and I couldn’t be happier. I never thought I’d ever feel like this, but with Annabelle I wouldn’t wish for it to be any other way. I’m so glad I finally had the courage to get rid of Tammy. She’s been hanging around for ages now, and to be honest I didn’t know how to tell her I wasn’t interested. She can be a right bitch most of the time, and it was just easier to have her popping in and out when she wanted to. I didn’t mean to let slip about Annabelle being pregnant, but Tammy was shouting and kept asking why, over and over again, before she turned and became so angry. I have to admit, seeing Annabelle being all angry at me was a bit of a turn on. I never knew she could be so feisty. She was really pissed at me. I had a lot to make up to her and I wanted too, so much.

  My best mate and ex-college roommate Karl Stanford showed up at my office. I don’t see him much because he lives in Oxford and we both work a lot. He is an Architect and he owns his own company. I could have strangled him when I walked in on him flirting with Annabelle. He’s always been charming and never has any problems getting women, and the way Annabelle was smiling at him, wasn’t sitting well with me at all. Karl didn’t stay long in London. I was so angry with the way things ended with Annabelle and me, so we headed to Sienna’s that night. I drowned my sorrows and confessed my feelings about Annabelle and our baby. Karl laughed at me a lot that night. He said I sounded like a love sick fool. I wouldn’t go that far I guess.

  I mean love?

  I know I care about Annabelle a lot, but is it love? I don’t know much about her. I know I always want to be there for her and the baby, and I do want more with her too. This is why I want to be there for all her appointments and show her that I’m committed. The doctor’s appointment went swimmingly, and I was really looking forward to the scan. When I took her home afterward, I told myself I wouldn’t rush her at all.