Just a Number (Thirst Trap #2)

15. Mel

Chapter fifteen

Mel

M y phone rings with an unsaved number.

I answer it and raise it to my ear. “Mel Watson speaking.”

“Hey Mel, it’s Abby. I got your number from Cassidy. Hope that’s okay.”

“Of course. What’s up?”

“Alex was staying with you, wasn’t he?” I’m flustered by the question, my eyes darting across the living room to Zack. He’s gaming with mates and has a headset on. I’ve just been sitting, reading my latest book.

“Err, hang on a minute.” I say to Abby and then to Zack, “I’ve just got to take this.” He gives me a vacant nod, too busy concentrating on the screen to take in what I’m saying. I walk through to the kitchen and close the door.

“Hi, sorry about that. Yes, he was. But he’s moving into a new place today. Were you trying to reach him?”

“Oh no, nothing like that. He’s here at the bar.”

“Okay.” I know I sound confused. Has Alex asked her to call me? What on earth is going on here?

“His new place fell through.”

“Oh, gosh. I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Yeah, sounds like the guy was a real douche. The rent was way too expensive and when Alex told him he couldn’t afford it, the guy offered to exchange sexual favours to lower the rent.”

“What?” I’m aghast, standing at the kitchen counter looking out the window into the back garden with my jaw slack.

“Poor guy’s not having a great time of it.”

“No, I hope he can find something else.”

“Well, that’s why I thought I should call. He seems to think he’s outstayed his welcome with you and has to be out. But I thought if you knew what had happened, you could maybe let him stay a little longer.” She pauses and my mind is all over the place. I don’t know what to say. “I hope I’m not overstepping Mel. I mean, if there’s a reason he needs to be gone, don’t worry. But I got the impression he was too proud to ask if he can stay longer.”

“No, thanks for telling me. I appreciate you letting me know. I need to speak to my son, but hopefully, we can help him out if needs be.”

“Ah, that’s awesome. I’d offer him a place at mine, but I’m in a bedsit, no spare room or even a lounge with a couch in it.”

“Can I just ask that you don’t mention this call to him? I just need to check some stuff first.”

“Of course, no worries. Hey, I read that book you and Cass told me about. Dang, it was spicy! I’m gonna need more recommendations like that, please.”

I laugh. “Come and follow me on Instagram. I review spicy books. There are heaps of recommendations.”

“That sounds good.” She takes a note of my name to find me.

“Cassidy suggested we all get together and start an actual book club. That could be fun.”

“Oh yeah, I love the sound of that. But just spicy books, yeah? I don’t want to be reading classics.” Abby sounds horrified.

“Of course, only those rated three or more chilli peppers,” I tell her with a chuckle.

We hang up after that and I pause while I try to work out what to do.

I thought it for the best that Alex was gone, but he doesn’t have anywhere to go and that’s bullshit. If it were Zack in this position, I would hope that someone would step in, especially if they had the spare space like we do. I cringe when I realise that I wouldn’t want some older, predatory woman taking advantage of him, even if it wasn’t that way at all. I know if other people knew about what Alex and I did, they may see it differently.

I go to speak to Zack. The easiest way to get his attention is to stand close to the screen, and it works as he switches the audio off on his headphones and mic set.

“What’s up, Mum?”

“I was just chatting to Abby from the bar and she said Alex’s new place fell through.”

“Oh, bummer.”

“Yeah, I don’t think I want a guest staying in the guest room long-term, but how would you feel about him staying in the flat above the garage?”

“I’d be down with that. Are you okay with it?”

“Yeah, he’s a decent kid.” I curse myself as a blush rises on my cheeks. “If he stays above the garage, he could come and go as he wants.”

“Sweet.”

“Would you help me give it a tidy? We might need to put a sofa bed or something out there?”

“He could use the one in my room. It’s always covered in junk. I don’t actually sit on it. I’m sure he and I could get it down the stairs and over there without too much bother.”

“That would be great.”

“Shall I call him and let him know?” Zack queries.

Panic rises at the thought of Alex saying something to Zack that he shouldn’t. “Err, no, it’s okay. Abby asked me to pop into the pub for something else so I can speak to him.” I smile to try to hide the panic.

“Sweet. Can I get back to this now?” He gestures at the screen.

“Of course.”

Okay. So Zack’s on board. Not that I thought he wouldn’t be. Now I just need to speak to Alex and make it clear that he can stay, but we keep our distance and what happened last night can never be repeated. And Zack can’t ever find out.

I shake my head as I look in the mirror a while later. Abby hadn’t invited me to the pub at all, but I figured it was the only way to speak to Alex. I could call him, but it’s unlikely he’ll answer if he’s busy working. So why have I gone to the effort of putting on makeup and fixing my hair? I could have just gone as I was, but no, I had to let vanity get in the way. I refuse to dress up though, so I’m wearing some jeans and an old band t-shirt. I add my leather jacket so I don’t look out of place in the pub and some heels as a last-minute addition.

I drive over there. I’m not there to be social, so there’s no need to get a taxi. I’ll just stick to a non-alcoholic drink if I have to wait to speak to Alex.

The place is packed. There’s a football game showing on the screens and a buzz of excitement as many of the patrons watch the game. There’s a big loud cheer and lots of clapping as I make my way through the crowd towards the bar. I spot Abby first. She does a double-take when she sees me.

“Mel. Hey. What can I get you?” She’s pouring a pint for someone else and leans over with the card payment machine so he can tap his card.

“Just a small lemonade, thanks, I’m driving.”

“No worries, coming right up.”

“Is Alex around?” I ask. I can’t see him behind the bar.

“He’s just grabbing a bite to eat. If you head out the back, he’s in the staffroom. You’re all good to go in there. I’ll vouch for you if the boss asks.” She gives me a wink as she pours my drink.

“Thanks. What do I owe you for the lemonade?”

“On the house, honey.”

I give her a nod of thanks, pick up the drink and head towards the back of the pub. I make my way down the dim hallway. The door at the end is ajar and I knock with my free hand.

“Yeah?” Alex answers. I push the door wider and step inside. He’s sitting at a round table in the corner, a heaped plate of food in front of him.

“Mel.” He frowns, looking confused at my appearance.

“Hey, Abby said it was okay to come back here. I hope you don’t mind me disturbing your meal.” He’s wearing that deliciously tight top that shows off his defined chest, but I avert my eyes, reminding myself we’re not going there again.

“It’s fine. You wanna sit?” He gestures to the chair opposite him. “What’s up?” He’s looking at me as if he’s trying to figure me out as I take the seat, putting my drink on the table.

“We didn’t leave things on the best terms earlier. I’m sorry about that.”

“Don’t worry about it.” He looks down at his food as he takes another forkful into his mouth and slowly chews. It’s lasagne with a side of chips, and the smell wafting towards me makes my mouth water.

“I heard your new place fell through.” I try to keep my voice gentle.

“Err, yeah, it did. It’s all good. Something else will come up.” He shrugs it off.

“I spoke to Zack about it.” His head lifts again, and he spears me with a look. No emotion shows on his face and it’s so different from how he previously looked at me that I realise I really fucked up when I asked him to leave this morning. “We’ve got a room with a tiny ensuite and small kitchen space above the garage. I don’t know if Zack already told you?” He shakes his head. “I was thinking about getting a lodger ages ago when my ex-husband moved out. But I never got round to doing anything about it. There are some boxes stored up there at the moment.” I pause, realising that I’m blathering. Come on, Mel, spit it out. “You’re welcome to stay there for a few weeks or however long it takes to find somewhere more permanent.” I wait for a reaction.

“Why? You couldn’t get rid of me fast enough this morning.” His voice is gruff. Is that hurt I hear in his tone?

I heave in a deep breath, trying to work out how much to say. “Last night shouldn’t have happened, Alex. I took advantage of you and that’s not okay.” He’s shaking his head, clearly in disagreement. “It mustn’t happen again and while trying to make that clear this morning, I chased you off. But I don’t want to see you out on your ear. You need somewhere to stay. We have somewhere. It’s yours as long as you need it. No charge, of course.” I give him a soft smile.

“What do you want in return?” he asks me with a scowl and I can’t help but wonder if he’s comparing me to the man he tried to rent a room from earlier.

“Nothing,” I tell him. “I don’t think it’s wise that you stay in the guest room. I think we should keep our distance, but you can come and go as you please if you’re above the garage.”

“I don’t understand why you’re doing this for me.” He doesn’t phrase it as a question. Just a statement.

“If it was Zack, and I wasn’t in a position to help him, I’d hope that someone else would. You’re a decent kid.” Fury flares in his eyes. Clearly, the wrong thing to call him.

“I’m not a kid. I can take care of myself. Thanks for the offer, but I’m sure something will come up.” He tilts his chin forward, looking mutinous.

I want to reach for him, to kiss him, to take away his pain. But I can’t. “I shouldn’t have called you a kid. I was trying to put some distance between us. Look, I’m not telling you what to do. But here’s the key.” I pull it from my jacket pocket and slide it across the table to him. “We need to sort some furniture out. Zack says you can use the sofa bed from his room if you help him carry it across. But it’s yours, Alex, no strings. And you don’t even have to have anything to do with me. Just use it until you find something better.”

“I’m not a charity case. Let me pay you.”

“Okay.” I name a figure that seems low enough that he can afford it with his wages but hopefully doesn’t insult him.

He nods in agreement, picking up the key and twirling the key ring around on his pointer finger. He finally looks up at me again and our eyes meet. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”

“And I owe you that prize from this morning. So have the first week on the house.” His eyebrows rise at that. I’m not sure it’s sensible to remind us both how many times he made me come this morning to earn his prize. I hasten to change the subject. “Do you have somewhere to stay tonight?”

“Yeah, I’m bunking on Laura’s floor.”

I grimace at the thought. “You don’t need to do that. You can stay at ours.”

“It’s fine. She’s expecting me.”

“Okay. If you can come tomorrow afternoon, I’ll make sure Zack is around to help you with the sofa bed.”

“I’ve got to put some hours in at the studio tomorrow. It wouldn’t be until after 4 pm.”

“That’s fine. I’ll make sure Zack is expecting you. Right,” I clap my hands on my thighs. “I best get back.”

He nods, and the atmosphere is still chilly but less so than when I first walked in.

“I’ll see you tomorrow. Thank you,” he says quietly.