by Jade Winters
‘I have been. Up twenty-two flights of stairs.’
‘Are you crazy? If I did that, you’d have found me on the fourth, strike that, second floor dead of a heart attack. Why didn’t you use the lift?’
‘Claustrophobic. Can’t do lifts.’ Lauren’s lips turned up in a small, brief smile.
Blinking rapidly, Emma said, ‘But you’re staying on—’
‘The twentieth floor. I know, it doesn’t make sense.’ Lauren paused and then said, ‘But I have my reasons, believe me.’
No wonder she looks so fit with all that exercise. Hmm. Her stamina must be fantastic! She led Lauren down the hallway and into the kitchen.
‘Sorry for landing on you like this. Frankie was leaving and I started feeling nervous, being in the apartment alone after, you know, the burglary.’
‘I don’t blame you. I only witnessed it and it scared the crap out of me. I know it won’t make you feel any better, but burglaries in this area are rare. The security in these apartments is normally really good. Take your jacket off and sit down. I’ll get you something to drink.’
‘I hope I’m not disrupting your evening. If you had plans to go out—’
‘Out? Me? Nah. Fancied a night in. I’m sure you know how it is. Busy all week and by the time it gets to Friday, you just want to chill out.’
Lying didn’t come naturally to Emma, but it wasn’t hard when the only other option was to make herself look like Billy No Mates. The last thing she wanted was for Lauren to think she was some kind of loner who sat at home every night spying on her neighbours with her binoculars.
Emma took the bottle of wine from the fridge and poured two glasses, handing one to Lauren. ‘Hopefully this will help you relax.’
Lauren gave her a grateful nod and took a mouthful of wine.
‘Have you eaten?’ Emma asked, noticing how pale Lauren looked now that the flush in her cheeks had receded. She didn’t have much in the fridge, seeing as she hadn’t been shopping for a week—except for snacks—but she was sure there was an egg or two to make an omelette. ‘I can rustle up something light if you’d like.’
Lauren took another gulp of wine. ‘Thanks, but I had something earlier.’
They sat in silence at the kitchen table, and Emma studied Lauren, whose gaze was focused on her near empty glass. An air of unease surrounded her. She seemed so vulnerable and nothing like the woman she had been speaking to barely an hour ago.
‘You know, if it’ll make you feel any better, you can stay here tonight.’
Butterflies fluttered in her stomach as she anxiously awaited Lauren’s answer. Emma cringed at her insensitivity. She shouldn’t be excited about having Lauren in her apartment, given the circumstances that had driven her here, but she couldn’t help it. Maybe it was because she knew that, in the long run, Lauren would be safe. Emma had no doubt security at her building would be increased, and whatever lowlife had sneaked into the apartment block wouldn’t be able to break in again so easily.
Lauren expelled a quick, relinquishing breath. ‘Would you mind? I don’t think I can face going back there tonight.’
‘Of course not.’ Emma emptied the rest of the wine into her glass. ‘I’m out of wine. Shall I pop to the shop and get another bottle?’
Lauren clutched Emma’s arm as she moved to stand.
‘No, don’t leave,’ Lauren said. She waved her hand before correcting herself. ‘Sorry, but I’d rather not be alone.’
‘Hey, it’s okay. If you’re feeling anxious, alcohol’s probably a bad idea anyway.’ She wondered what had happened to Frankie and why he had left her alone if she was this scared. Maybe he’d stormed out after they’d had an argument.
Emma walked over to the kettle and flipped the switch on. ‘So that guy you had in your apartment—’
‘Frankie?’
‘Yeah, is he …’ Emma stammered, searching for the words that wouldn’t come out coloured in jealousy. Just because Lauren had kissed her years ago didn’t mean she was gay today or had been back then. Lauren had her reasons for doing what she’d done, and her motive for kissing her was something Emma wanted to know more than anything.
‘Is he what?’ Lauren said, frowning.
‘Your …’
‘My?’
‘Nothing. It’s not important.’ Emma was sure Lauren could hear her heart beating.
‘He’s not my boyfriend, if that’s what you’re thinking. He’s my agent.’
Lauren didn’t say it in a smug or showy way, but rather reluctantly, as if it was something she didn’t share too often with people.
‘Your agent?’ Relief flooded through Emma. ‘Why would you need an agent? Are you famous or something in Paris?’
‘No. I sell a few photos here and there. Frankie also owns a gallery, and he’s exhibiting my work.’
‘Wow, that’s really something.’
‘It’s no big deal. Emma, would you mind if I had a look at my place with your binoculars?’
‘Not at all. I’ll have to remember where I put them. It’s not like I make a habit of spying on people,’ she jested as she abandoned making the tea and walked down the hallway to her bedroom. She dropped on the bed and grabbed the glasses, letting a few minutes pass before returning to the kitchen. Not finding Lauren, she went in search of her and found her standing in the living room in front of the window, peering out into the darkness.
‘Ready?’
Lauren looked over her shoulder and Emma thought she glimpsed real, unadulterated fear in her eyes. Jesus, that burglary did a right number on her.
Emma opened the door to the balcony and gestured for Lauren to step out first. Lauren took the binoculars from her and lifted them to her eyes.
‘If you want a bit of live action, look to your far left.’
Lauren’s eyebrow rose a fraction. ‘So that’s what you’ve been getting up to.’
Despite the cold air, heat crept up her neck and spread across her face. ‘No. I just accidentally—’
‘Is there such a thing as accidentally?’
Shifting her weight from foot to foot, she said weakly, ‘Well, I kind of accidentally met you again, didn’t I?’
‘Yes, you did.’
‘So can you see anything unusual in your apartment?’ Emma asked, deflecting the conversation away from her peeping Tom habit.
‘No. I know it’s a bit cold, but can we have our tea out here?’
‘Not a problem, if you like sitting around in arctic conditions.’
Lauren lowered the glasses and looked deeply into Emma’s eyes, sending her heart racing again. ‘Do you mind?’
‘Of course not.’ Emma fought to maintain her composure. All she wanted to do was grab Lauren by the hand and hold her hostage in her bedroom. ‘I’ll be two ticks.’
For the rest of the evening, over numerous cups of tea, Emma attempted to take Lauren’s mind off the burglary. Her efforts appeared to be working, because Lauren gradually lessened the amount of time she spent looking over at her apartment, until she barely looked at all, preferring to engage fully in the conversation about their lives. They spoke about work, parents, the economy, UFOs—everything but that infamous kiss. Emma couldn’t bring herself to mention it. Does Lauren even remember?
When the temperature dropped another few degrees, Emma suggested they go inside. Exhaustion washed over her bones like a warm tide, and her eyelids drooped as she struggled against sleep.
‘I’ll show you to the spare room,’ Emma said, wishing Lauren were spending the night in her bed. Not in an intimate way, though she wouldn’t have turned down the opportunity. Rather, she wanted Lauren to feel secure knowing someone was close by.
‘I really appreciate you being here for me tonight.’ Lauren self-consciously pulled on the end of a lock of hair.
‘Looks like we’re even,’ Emma joked, hoping that by hinting at the kiss she wasn’t overstepping her mark.
Lauren stepped a foot closer, gently kissed her cheek, and walked over to h
er bed.
Emma closed the door and put her hand to her face, where she could feel the heat from Lauren’s lips. An hour later, Emma was sleeping peacefully, and for the first time in years she was content with her life.
Chapter Fourteen
Despite Gina calling Emma into work on a Saturday for an emergency meeting, Emma ran, skipped, and hopped her way there. She still couldn’t believe it. Lauren was in her apartment, in her bed. Okay, technically she was in the spare room, but she was under her roof, breathing the same air as her. She made a mental note to never wash the bedding in that room again. She was happy, happy, happy, and nothing, or anyone, could burst her bubble. Not even the knowledge that Lauren was back for a short while or that they hadn’t spoken about the elusive topic of why she had disappeared. Not even—
Oh God. Why would Wendy be the first person I see today?
Emma tried her hardest to hold on to her ebullient mood—even when Wendy cornered her in the corridor.
‘Why does drama always follow you?’
‘Wendy, I’m afraid you’re out of luck today. Nothing you say or do will wind me up,’ Emma said as she whirled past her.
Wendy shot her a mean grin. ‘Let’s see if you’re still smiling once you’ve spoken to Gina.’
Any other day and the urge to wipe that grin off Wendy’s face would have been paramount in Emma’s mind, but today, it didn’t even touch her.
Unfastening her jacket, Emma hurried to Gina’s office. She waited a few seconds before knocking. If Wendy’s happy demeanour was anything to go by, she was walking into the firing line for some wrongdoing. Exactly what she could have done wrong was a mystery to her. No doubt I’ll find out soon enough!
She tapped on the door with the back of her knuckles.
Five excruciating seconds later, Gina answered, ‘Come in.’
Even without seeing her face, Emma could sense the tension in her voice. As she entered, Gina dropped the telephone receiver back on its cradle and scratched the back of her head.
‘I’m sorry to call you in at the weekend. Take a seat,’ she said, indicating the leather chair in front of her walnut desk. Gina remained standing, which Emma recognized as a bad sign.
Emma lowered herself into the seat, her eyes never leaving Gina’s worried face. ‘What’s wrong? Are you firing me?’
Gina laid the tip of her fingers on her desk and leant forward. Dark, unfathomable eyes that didn’t once blink looked down at her. ‘No, but I do have some bad news. It’s about Louise.’
Emma involuntarily jerked forward. The hairs on her neck rose, her mind jumping to the worst possible scenario. ‘Did someone hurt her?’
A ball of fear tightened in her stomach, nauseating her. Would the friends who’d told Louise that she needed fixing actually resort to violence?
‘Yes. She was attacked last night. Sexually assaulted by a man.’
Her fingers splayed across her open mouth. ‘Oh my God, no.’
‘I’m afraid so.’
‘Is she okay? I mean, is she in the hospital? Have the police been informed?’
Gina’s broad shoulders sagged. ‘No. She refuses to go to the hospital, and she doesn’t want the police involved.’
‘What!’
Gina slowly nodded, defeat written in her eyes. ‘I know, I know. I was equally outraged, but it’s not that simple. Seems Louise invited the him over to her house while her parents were out. Thank God they came back early and walked in while the assault was happening, but …’
‘But what?’
‘Louise’s dad gave the young man a battering.’
‘Jesus Christ. Poor Louise,’ she choked out. Not only would Louise be traumatised from the sexual assault, but she would also have to face her father being arrested if the man pressed charges. Not that she could see that happening given the circumstances.
Gina eyed her warily. ‘I know. It’s heart breaking.’
Emma rubbed her hands over her face, feeling the need to do something practical. ‘Is there anything I can do to help?’
‘No, I’m afraid not.’
Emma closed her eyes and tilted her head back. ‘I can’t get my head around this.’
‘Look, take Monday off. Have a long weekend. Clear your mind.’
Emma opened her eyes. ‘Do you think I should go and see her? Give her some support?’
‘No, you mustn’t do that under any circumstances. Her dad made it clear that he doesn’t want anyone from this place anywhere near her.’ Gina paused before adding in a softer voice, ‘Especially you. I’m sorry.’
Emma rested her head in her hands. ‘Oh great. So her parents think I had a hand in this.’
‘They’re understandably upset and are lashing out.’
‘I should go and see her. If I could talk to her, even for a minute—’
‘No, that is not to happen,’ Gina said resolutely. ‘And if you go against my order and the wishes of her parents, it will have a very big impact on your job here and any future one you might try to get.’
Emma shook her head a little as if to clear it. ‘Are you threatening me, Gina?’
‘No. I’m impressing upon you the seriousness of this situation and the potential penalties you will face if you don’t comply with the parents’ wishes.’
Something in Gina’s tone told her that the friendly advice of taking Monday off wasn’t advice after all. Now there’s a surprise!
Gina was not concerned about Emma’s emotional welfare; she wanted Emma out of the way. In case Louise’s father comes looking for me.
Emma thought back to her last conversation with Louise. Nothing stood out. She didn’t think she’d given bad advice when Louise had asked about men. At least Emma hoped she hadn’t. Then another thought struck her: Louise was going through all this alone. If what she’d said about her parents not being supportive was true, they might blame Louise for bringing this situation upon herself. That poor, poor girl.
‘I thought this job entailed caring about our clients, not abandoning them in their hour of need,’ Emma sputtered, bristling with indignation.
‘It does. But it’s also about knowing when to step back. If Louise wants to see you, I’m sure she’ll find a way. The ball’s in her court, and there’s nothing more you can do. Are we clear on that?’ Gina stared down at her, her eyebrows raised to emphasize the question.
With each ticking second, the decision weighed heavier on Emma’s mind.
Standing, she said, ‘Yes, okay, I get it. I think I will take Monday off. Will you let me know if you hear anything else?’
‘Of course I will. I know it’s hard, but try not to dwell on it.’
‘That’s easier said than done,’ she said.
Emma’s heart and head were pulling her in opposite directions. She knew Gina’s stance was the right one and that if she crossed the line Gina wouldn’t hesitate to follow through on her promise. The problem with working with vulnerable people was that she sometimes allowed her emotions to cloud her judgement. On one hand, it made her better at her job, because it enabled her to reach her clients on their level. On the other, when situations like this arose, she found it difficult to step back. She wanted to rush to Louise’s side and protect her and prevent anything bad from ever happening to her again.
Emma walked out of Gina’s office as if she’d told her the world was ending. Head bowed, she saw out of the corner of her eye the pleased smile on Wendy’s face.
She flashed Wendy a look of disdain. Why is the world so full of sad, messed-up people?
***
The journey home could not have been more different than the one to work. It took all her mental energy to talk herself out of going to see Louise. She pictured the girl alone and scared with no one to talk to. What added salt to the wound was the fact her parents hadn’t taken her to the hospital, where she would have received some degree of comfort and understanding.
Emma pushed open the front door to her apartment and was surprised to hear the sound o
f the TV. She poked her head in the living room. Empty. Then she heard a drawer banging shut in the kitchen.
‘Lauren, I didn’t expect you to still be here,’ she said, slightly bewildered when she found Lauren stirring the contents of a mug on the counter. The moment was bittersweet. Under normal circumstances, she would have been ecstatic to find Lauren in her apartment—half of her was thrilled about it—but the thought of what Louise was going through cast a cloud over everything.
Lauren jumped and dropped the spoon on the counter, almost spilling her beverage. She turned to Emma, her face ghostly white.
‘Sorry,’ Emma said and slipped out of her jacket. ‘I didn’t mean to spook you.’
Lauren took a deep breath and slowly released it. ‘It’s okay. I’m just a little jumpy. I saw your note about going into work. I was just having a coffee before I left.’
‘Don’t rush out on my account. You’re more than welcome to stay here if you’re not up to going home yet.’
‘I have to face it sooner or later. Can I get you anything before I go?’
‘Valium and lots of it.’ Emma pulled a chair back from the table and slid into it. Although she was joking, after hearing about Louise’s plight, she was sorely tempted to dull her heartache with pills, even to give herself an hour’s respite from the overwhelming guilt.
‘What did they call you into work for? Did something happen?’
Emma leant forward and dropped her forehead on the table with a thud. ‘It did.’
‘Whatever it is, it can’t be good news by the look on your face.’
‘No, it’s not good. In fact, it’s dreadful.’
After a few strained seconds, Lauren said, ‘I haven’t got anywhere important to be. Do you want to talk about it?’
‘I can’t. It’s confidential.’
‘Can I at least make you a drink?’
Sensing Lauren’s scrutiny, Emma lifted her head an inch to look at her. ‘No thanks. Just having company is doing me the world of good.’
‘Look, do you want to get out of here for a while? If you want, I can give you an exclusive preview of my exhibition?’
Emma jerked back into a sitting position. ‘For real?’