by V, Krissy
Luca looks down the table at me and says “OK, well I’m on duty tomorrow morning so I’ll come over early and I can drive you to the interview if you want to go, if not then we can just hang here. Ok Tasha?”
“Thanks Luca, I appreciate it” I smile at him, he really is a lovely guy and I hope that him and Kammie get together, I know that we told them to stay away from each other because they were both players, but I can see how much they like each other and it’s different now we are married. It would be perfect if they got together, just how I like things to be, perfect!
Luca and Felix stand up and start to clear away the dishes “Come on Tasha, let’s go in the lounge and leave the guys to clear up” Kammie says helping me out of the chair. It still hurts when I stand up. Will I be able to carry this off at an interview, I’m not so sure I will.
We sit on the couch when we get into the lounge, Kammie puts one leg under her and turns to face me, with her arm along the back of the couch. “That dinner was fabulous Tasha you should let Felix cook more often” she chuckles when she says this. “Now Tasha, how are you feeling? Does it still hurt? Do you need some painkillers now you’ve eaten?”
“Whoa that’s a lot of questions Kammie! Yes it still hurts! Yes I do need some more painkillers! And no I don’t need you to get them for me before you ask” I wink at her and turn around slowly to find my handbag, it’s on the floor and I try to bend over to get into it but the pain is too bad. I sit back upright again and look at Kammie “Well, actually I do need you to get them for me apparently.”
She smiles at me “Ok Miss Independent I will” she gets off the couch and goes to my bag for the tablets “There’s a lot of paperwork in here, is this what the doctor gave you? Can I do anything with it?”
I reach out and I almost shout “No! Just leave that alone Kammie, I can look after that myself” she stops and looks at me strangely. “OK if you’re sure” she says as she hands me my tablets and sits back down.
“Sorry Kammie, it’s just so painful but I don’t want Felix to know how bad it is because he won’t let me go to these interviews, and I really need a new job.” I say hoping that she will believe that story.
“Hmmm, ok Tasha, but if you need me to go to the pharmacy tomorrow then just ask. When are you back at the hospital for a check up?” she asks.
“Friday, the doctor wants to see how I get on with a week of rest and he can work out my treatment plan then” I sigh. “Let’s change the subject. Did you spend time with Luca today or did you just arrive together? Is anything happening that I need to be excited about?” I smile because I want her to be happy.
“Well, after the hospital I went back to his house to give him an update and then we went out for coffee before we came over here. We are sharing a cab home, so who knows. I really like him though Tasha, I always have done, I think he’s out of my league, but I won’t know if I don’t try” she laughs.
“I think you make a great couple, Luca is a really good guy, I’m going to ask him his intentions tomorrow” I laugh.
“No way, no you’re not” she laughs. “So tell me about these interviews, why are they so important to you?”
“The one tomorrow is for Clifton Associates, they are a Facilities Company who have lots of premises, but they are all here in Bristol so I won’t have to travel and stay overnight. I don’t want to be away from Felix anymore, now that we are married.” I stop for a moment to think about what I just said. “The one on Tuesday is for Blue Eye, a Marketing Company and it’s with the HR Manager and the Operations Director. I like both jobs and they would both prove a challenge, but if I had to choose one, then I would definitely want the second one.” I smile because I know that I have to work hard to get either one of them, but that seems exciting to me.
“They both sound good Tasha, good luck with them both. I know you will get the one you want” she smiles at me and then she gets up and gives me a hug “I love you Tasha I really do, but you would tell me if something was going on wouldn’t you” She’s rubbing my back and I know she expects me to answer her.
“Nothing is going on, what do you mean Kammie?” I’m hoping that by playing innocent she will accept it.
“OK Tasha if that’s how you want to play it that’s fine, just know that I’m here for you anytime of the day or night. That goes for Luca too you know!” She moves back to look me in the eyes.
“Thanks Kammie I know you are and Luca is Felix’s friend but I know he is there for me too” I smile “I’m getting tired now and I need to be up early in the morning, I might take some of the sleeping tablets and pain relief and go to bed. I’m going in the kitchen to tell the lads, is that ok?” I make to stand up, but it hurts and Kammie stands and helps me up.
“Are you sure you’ll be ok in the morning Tasha?” she asks looking concerned. “Yeah I’ll be fine honest, I need to do this Kammie” I say standing up straight and walking towards the kitchen.
“Hi guys, I’m going to go to bed, I’m going to take some sleeping tablets and pain relief and try and get a good nights sleep before my interview tomorrow. This weekend seems like it has been very long” I look at Felix and say “night”. “Luca, I need to be at my interview for 8.00 in the morning, are you sure you’ll be able to take me for that time?”
Luca smiles at me “Of course I will Tasha, I hope Felix can dress you though, I don’t want to have to do that for you” he winks at me.
“Yes I’m capable of doing that thanks Luca” Felix says giving him a punch on the arm “You don’t need to help my wife with that”.
“Oh god, no thanks Luca, no disrespect” I laugh gently. I walk over to Felix and lean up to kiss him on the lips, he gently puts his arms around me and pulls me into a hug. He kisses me very gently and then pulls back and says “Night babe, I’ll be up as soon as I can, hope you sleep well”.
“Night everyone, see you tomorrow Luca, see you soon Kammie” I turn and start to walk up the stairs, get undressed which hurts and then slide into bed. It’s like every time I hurt it reminds me of what happened, I don’t like to remember it, I just want to forget it and move on and go back to my perfect life. I take my tablets, swallow them, lie down and then I fall asleep really quickly.
Chapter 10
THE NEXT MORNING, FELIX wakes me up with a kiss on the forehead, “wake up babe its time to get ready”.
I groan because I feel a bit sluggish after the sleeping tablets and then smile because I know I’m going for my interview this morning. I slowly get out of bed, trying not to hurt my ribs, and then I see Felix standing at the end of the bed with only his shorts on, smiling. “Morning babe, how are the ribs today? Do you think you’ll be able to manage the interview this morning?”
“I’m a little bit stiff and sore but I’ll be fine, I’ll take some pain relief and it’ll only be for a short period of time” I smile at him.
“Ok, well if you go and put your make up on I’ll get your clothes out and help you to get dressed” he turns to go to my wardrobe.
He is being very helpful and I feel protected and safe. I go into the bathroom and get myself ready, when I come out Felix is already dressed, looking very sexy in his navy blue suit. “I got your navy blue trouser suit with the peach blouse, it always looks so nice on you” he holds the blouse up to show me.
“Thanks Felix, I appreciate it, can you help me into them” I reach out for the underwear he has laid out for me, my baby pink bra and matching panties.
He laughs “I don’t normally help you into these babe, I normally help you out of them” he has such a sexy smile.
I laugh too and then lean against him and give him a slow kiss “Don’t make me laugh, it hurts” He helps me step into them and then he does my bra up for me. He holds my trousers while I step into them and then I can do the blouse up myself. I realise that the blouse is a high neck, but I don’t say anything. I brush my hair and Felix helps me with my jacket and my shoes. I look in the mirror and you wouldn’t know that I had a couple of brok
en ribs. I also notice that the high neck on the blouse covers the fading bruises on my neck, which I now realise no one mentioned yesterday.
I get to the bottom of the stairs when the doorbell rings and Luca is standing there. He smiles when I open the door “Your chariot awaits mam” he laughs.
I turn and see Felix at the top of the stairs, he is looking at me strangely, don’t tell me he’s jealous of Luca, as far as I’m concerned Luca is like a brother to me, he is goddamn sexy, but he’s a friend and that’s all!
“I’ll ring you after the interview Felix and Luca will bring me straight home ok. Love you” I say looking up the stairs.
“Good luck babe, yeah ring me after and let me know how you got on” he says and then turns to go back into the bedroom.
Luca helps me get into his car and as soon as he gets into the driver’s side, I can feel an awkwardness between us that I’ve never detected before.
“How are you feeling Tasha? And I mean really feeling?” he asks and I can see him looking at me out of the corner of his eye.
“I’ve felt better to be honest Luca, but I’ll be fine in a few days or so” I hope he believes me. I might be physically better, but mentally I’m not so sure!
“Tasha, can I ask you something? And will you tell me the truth?” he’s really nervous and he’s tapping the steering wheel while he’s talking to me.
“Luca please, I don’t need this right now, I’m going for an interview and I need my head to be in the right place. Can we talk after the interview, please? I’ll answer your questions then” I look at him pleading him with my eyes to drop the subject.
“Ok, but when I’m looking after you this afternoon, then we talk!” he says.
“Fine, just get me to this interview on time” I laugh.
He pulls up outside the building and says “Right Tasha, I’m going to park the car and wait for you in The Cozy Place Coffee Shop over the road, when you’ve finished your interview come and find me in there, ok”
“Ok and Luca, thanks again” I say and peck him on the cheek and then turn to walk into my interview.
I introduce myself to the receptionist and she asks me to wait. I feel really nervous, but that’s only because I would love this job. I wait and then I’m taken into a room by the HR Manager and introduced to Mr. Wolfe, the Operations Director.
He is in his late 30’s and quite good looking, but he comes across quite arrogant, I’m not sure I like him, but I don’t let that deter me.
When the interview is over I walk across the road to meet Luca, I'm a little disappointed that I didn't click with Mr. Wolfe but I'm still excited about the job prospect. Luca sees me coming in the door and stands to go to the till to order me a coffee "What do you want Tasha?" he asks.
"A one shot skinny latte please" I say going to sit at the table Luca was sat at.
He comes back with my coffee and sits down, I take a good swig and sit looking at him "So, how did it go? Tell me about it" he asks.
"Well it went really well. I was able to answer all the questions and give good examples of Facilities Management, the only thing was I didn't feel I clicked with Mr. Wolfe, he seemed very distant but at the same time he seemed very interested in me" I say, it was strange though because he wanted to know about my personal life.
"Mr. Wolfe? Did you get his first name?" he asks me
"That's a strange question Luca, but yes his name is Douglas" I look at him because it's a weird question.
“Was he our age, dark hair, quite short?" he asks.
“Yeah, do you know him?" I ask.
"Yeah. Me and Felix went to school with him, he's a bit arrogant but he's a nice guy, you could work for a lot worse" he smiles.
"Ah I see. Felix said he knew someone in the company, why didn't he tell me it was Douglas when I said I have an interview with Mr. Wolfe? Mind you nothing surprises me anymore" I laugh a little from being nervous.
"I don't know why he didn't tell you, that's very strange. As for things being weird lately, yeah that's something I want to talk to you about Tasha, I know you don't want to talk about it so I'm going to say what I think and then you can decide to talk if you want. Ok?" Luca is looking me right in the eye and I know he expects me to say something but I can't, my heart is racing so much, so all I can do is nod my head.
Luca clears his throat and takes a sip of his coffee "I've noticed that Felix isn't himself these days, particularly where you’re concerned. I don't know why he's being like that considering you're now married. It's like he's worried you're going to leave him or something. He doesn't want to go out anymore when I ask him and you know what party animals we all were. I saw what was going on in Jesters on Saturday night, I saw you trip and I saw your drink falling on that guy, I told him all of that but I have never seen him react like he did. Is there anything going on that would make him think you'd cheat on him?" I'm sitting there and I can feel tears welling up in my eyes, I can’t speak so I just shake my head.
Luca continues "Tasha I need to ask you what happened when you got home Saturday night. I saw you laid at the bottom of the stairs and you were in and out of consciousness, I thought at one stage you were dead" he reaches across the table and covers my hands, rubbing them to comfort me "I also saw the marks on your neck, because I examined you and thought you had twisted or broken it. I didn't say anything to Felix because I was in shock. Did he do that to you? Did you really fall down the stairs? Tasha talk to me, you need to talk to someone" he removes his hands from mine and sits back in his chair. He slowly rubs his chin as if he's thinking.
I really don't know what to say and Luca is Felix's friend so I need to be careful what I do say to him. Would he believe me? Well from what he just said I think he would, can I risk it? I'm not sure. "Luca some things are private and should be kept private, I'm sure Felix wouldn’t like me talking to you about any of this" his eyebrows shoot up.
"Are you serious Tasha? I'm trying to help you out and talk to you, I know I'm Felix's friend, but I care for you and no man should lay a finger on a woman. EVER!" he shouts the last word and people are looking at us.
"Luca stop shouting please" I say, crying. I flinch and sink lower in my chair, I can’t believe how Luca’s shouting has affected me.
"Tasha I'm sorry, I’m sorry but I know something happened on Saturday night and I know you're hiding it from me and I don't understand why. If Felix needs help then we can get him help" he says calming down.
"NO! You can't tell Felix we had this conversation Luca, please" I'm begging him now and I grab his hands across the table "Please!"
"I won't say anything to him about our conversations ever, but I will be asking him exactly what happened. As his friend he would expect no less from me. What I don't want is for something to be going on and you not telling me or Kammie and then something really bad happening. What would have happened Saturday if he hadn't rung us? He didn't want to ring for an ambulance, I had to do it Tasha. I can't even start thinking about it because I just want to bloody kill him! I know you're not going to tell me, but I can work out myself what happened. Can you answer me one question. Is this the first time? Tasha look at me, I need to see your eyes when you answer that question".
I sit there looking at the table, what do I do now? What do I say? I can feel Luca looking at me, waiting for me to say something. I slowly lift my head and look into his eyes "No it's not".
Luca stands up and puts his hands in his hair and shouts out "Fuck", everyone is looking at us again, I'm sure we will be asked to leave soon.
"Luca please sit down. I'm sure it will be the last time, we were drunk on Saturday night and it just went too far, it was kind of an accident honestly. I was going too fast down the stairs Luca, he reached out to grab me and I slipped, you have to believe me. Please you can’t say anything to Felix, I don't know how he’ll react" and now I'm really sobbing.
"Sorry Tasha, I didn't mean to shout I was hoping you were going to say yes it was the first time. Fuck. We need to l
eave, I need to let off some steam and I can't do that in here. Come on honey let's go" he stands up and walks to my side of the table, where he holds out his hand to help me up as I'm still sore and the pain killers are starting to wear off. He puts his other hand on my lower back and gently guides me out of the coffee shop.
"The car is this way, come on are you ok? Are you in a lot of pain?" he asks looking down at me with so much concern in his eyes.
"I'm OK, I just need to take some pain killers that's all, are you ok?" I ask, not really wanting an answer.
"No, I'm not really! I don't know what to say or what to do Tasha. Felix has been my best friend for years and I know he gets jealous but I would never have put him down as someone who could touch a woman like that. It makes me sick. I know that I won't be able to look at him when I see him. I'm going to have to make sure I'm out the house before he comes home". We've reached the car and Luca opens the door for me, when I have my seatbelt on he closes the door and starts to walk around the other side. I hear a lot of swearing and I feel the car move, he's obviously kicked the car or something. He then opens the door and climbs in, "Sorry about that Tasha I just need to scream out loud for a minute, now let's get you home so we can watch some movies and have lunch, what do you say?"
"Luca that sounds like the best thing I've heard all day" I smile and he drives me home.
We spend the afternoon watching silly movies, laughing and I sleep for a while too. At about 5.00pm Luca says "Tasha I'm going to go home, I don't want to be here when Felix gets home, are you ok with that?" I nod my head and say "I am and promise me you won't ever mention it to him, please?"