Distraction: The Distraction Trilogy #1 (20 page)

But is that the only reason?

I toss the note into the bin and run my hands through my hair. Other thoughts come to mind on that particular subject, but I shove them aside. I don’t have feelings for the girl… at all, not in any way and I won’t entertain that idea.

Does she have feelings for me? She’s a teenage girl; of course she does. Christ how that must have hurt when she realised my intentions were purely platonic. Now I feel like an arsehole. I never should have gotten involved.

My mind wanders to something else, something I bought to give her on her birthday, and my hands ball into fists. If what I’m saying to myself is true, why would I go to so much trouble? Why does the thought of hurting her tear a hole straight through my heart?

Eloise

“I come bearing gifts,” I say to Mr Price, holding up the bag of Mrs Price’s favourite snacks in hand.

“You’re always welcome, especially with gifts,” he responds, smiling widely. “You’re looking well.”

“I’m feeling a lot better. I’m just sorry I haven’t visited. I’ve been under house arrest.”

“Don’t you be apologising,” Judith snaps good-naturedly and holds her arms open. I immediately notice the lack of wheelchair and the lack of bandages on her leg and my smile widens. “Let me look at you.” She claps my cheek, but it doesn’t hurt. “You’ve lost weight.”

I look her up and down once more and quirk a brow. “So have you.”

“That’s because you stopped bringing me such fattening delights. Come, sit. I’ll make tea.”

Mr Price rolls his eyes. “I’ll make the tea while you two lovely ladies chat and eat your fattening delights, as my wife so adequately names them.” He exits the room, but his head pops around the open door seconds later. “Are there any of those cinnamon swirly things?”

I laugh, nodding. “Of course. Just because I prefer Judith, doesn’t mean I’ll leave you out.”

Judith, happy at my words, pulls me in for another hug before guiding me to the sofa, where we both sit back and relax and pile the treats onto the table on individual napkins.

“These are my favourite.” She grabs a chocolate twist and takes a large bite. I join her by grabbing my own. “My son loves these, Isaac. He loved them growing up.” Something I didn’t know. “I hope you get to meet him one day. He insists on staying in Cambridge.”

I stop chewing and swallow the large chunk of pastry in my mouth, almost choking in the process. “I… I have met him. He took over your teaching role. Remember?” I say this softly and her eyes glaze over.

“No… no… he’s in Cambridge. You must be talking about somebody else. I think I know where my son is, Eloise.” She snaps and throws the pastry on the ground. “You’re talking about a different person. I just spoke to him on the phone last night, on his Cambridge landline.”

“Judith…” I try, but she holds her hand up and immediately calls for her husband, who races through.

“What is it?”

I look at him with panicked eyes.

“Where’s Isaac?” Judith asks curtly, her mood clearly sour.

Mr Price checks his watch. “I imagine he’ll still be at the school marking work. Why?”

“What school?” She half shrieks, now standing.

“My school. What’s wrong?”

Her breath starts coming faster and faster. “No… he’s in Cambridge.”

“No, Judith, he isn’t.” Mr Price says as softly and as calmly as I tried to say. “He came home two months ago.”

Her hand goes to her heart and her mouth opens and closes. “I… Of course… how silly of me.” She looks at the mess she made on the floor and sighs solemnly. “I apologise for my outburst. I don’t know what came over me.”

“I’ll finish the tea,” I tell Mr Price, whose heart is breaking more and more with each second that passes. I can see it in his eyes.

He squeezes my shoulder as I pass, but doesn’t say anything.

It’s too soon for this… I can’t lose Judith to this godforsaken disease now, not so soon after Crystal. There has got to be something somebody can do.

Isaac

“Yeah, I’ll come round later. Is she okay?” I ask my dad.

“She’ll be fine. Please, if you could find the time just to show your face, I’d appreciate it. Eloise was here and her outburst was aimed at her. I’m not sure what happened before I entered the room, but I think your mother might have thrown a pastry at the poor girl.”

“Christ.” I laugh a little.

“It’s not funny.”

“It is a little. Not the situation, but Eloise having a pastry lobbed at her. Poor girl.”

“I’m not finding it amusing, Isaac. Just come home when you can.”

I think sometimes in dire situations the only thing you can do is look for the little joys. I pack away the work that I have yet to finish and pull on my jacket.

Stepping into my mum’s house, I’m shocked to see Katherine Hart sitting on the couch beside my mum, who lights up when she sees me.

“I can’t believe I forgot you,” she says quietly as she embraces me and kisses both of my cheeks multiple times. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s fine. Clearly I’m not special,” I joke and let her go.

Katherine looks at me. “Of course you’re special.” She stands and hugs me too, which makes me feel a bit weird. I place my hands on her waist as her hug lasts for longer than a few seconds.

“Oooh, a budding romance?” My mum asks, far too hopeful for someone who claimed in the past to not like the woman in question.

I quickly push Katherine away and look behind me as a gorgeous scent wafts into the room. I see Eloise standing in the doorway, a peculiar look on her face as her eyes dart between me and Katherine. She gives me a polite nod and places the tray that rests in her hands onto the table. I help her remove the three plates and cutlery. She still doesn’t say anything as she takes the tray and leaves the room again, only to return moments later with two more plates and my father trailing behind her with an extra tray of cold drinks.

“I’m sorry we aren’t eating at the dining table. We had to put it in storage when they fitted the elevator.” He says to Katherine, who isn’t fully aware of the situation.

This time Eloise does speak. “My dad said he’ll drop that foldable table off in the morning on his way into work.”

“Oh how nice of you,” Katherine practically hisses and I’m not the only one that heard the vehemence in her tone.

Eloise throws her a fake smile and sits cross legged on the ground. She places the plate on her lap and immediately tucks into the mashed potatoes that are smothered in gravy and surrounded by peas, carrots and sausages.

“Sit here,” I say, pointing to the empty space on the sofa beside Katherine.

My mum glances between the two females and smirks before winking in my direction.

“It’s fine.” Elle motions for me to take the seat, but I really don’t want to.

“You should take the seat. It’s not comfortable on the floor.”

“I’m young and bendy; I can handle it.” She shrugs, shooting another look at Katherine.

I bite down hard on my lip to stop myself from laughing, especially when Katherine glares at the poor girl, who seems to be just fine on the floor.

I pick up my own plate and sit on the sofa, irritated when Katherine moves closer, making sure her thigh is pressing against my own.

Eloise’s mood darkens and the way she eats is rushed and slightly enraged. My dad and I look at each other as the girls seem to size each other up. He smiles secretly and rolls his eyes, turning to his own food.

“Well it’s nice of you to visit, Katherine,” my mother says politely. “And thank you for the lovely scented candles.”

“I got the idea from Isaac. They’re the same ones he has in his apartment. I figured he’s your son, so your tastes must be similar.”

Eloise tenses, but doesn’t look up from her plate. She finishes her food before the rest of us and places her plate on the tray on the table before pulling out her phone and tapping away at the screen.

My dad looks between Katherine and I and for some reason I feel extremely defensive. “It was just a visit.”

Katherine’s smile doesn’t falter. “I forgot we had company.” She nods to Eloise and even though the red headed girl isn’t looking, she knows it’s her she’s referring to. I can tell by the sudden way her body just tensed.

“Eloise isn’t the type of person who goes around spreading rumours,” my mother says with admiration. “Are you, my dearest Elle?”

Elle looks up and gives her the nicest smile she can muster. “Not at all. It’s none of my business. I’m just here for the free food.”

I snigger, but it stops when Katherine shifts the conversation. “Well I was hoping Isaac would join me tonight. I have tickets to see that new show that’s playing in Skegness.”

“What show?” My mother asks excitedly. “My Isaac loves a good performance.”

“It’s Little Shop of Horrors. It’s playing at the Embassy, but the tickets have been sold out. I was lucky to get my hands on two.”

“Doesn’t that sound like fun, Isaac?”

I nod reluctantly. The show does sound like fun; it’s the company that’s intolerable. “Yes.”

“So it’s settled then? You’ll go with me?” Katherine beams, placing her barely touched plate of food on top of Elle’s.

“Go on, it’s been a while since you did anything fun.” Dad says, giving me a stern look. “It’ll be good for you to get out.”

“And suddenly I’m seventeen again.” This is stupid. “I have things to do.”

“Like?” Katherine frowns at me. “Come on, it’ll be fun. Please? Don’t make me go by myself.”

My eyes linger on Elle for a moment, who continues playing on her phone. I don’t know why I’m bothered by what her reaction will be. Maybe it is time I accepted at least a simple date to a show. “Sure. I’ll go.”

Eloise’s shoulders slump slightly and something powerful flutters in my chest. It doesn’t vanish when I clear my throat; it only gets stronger.

“I’ll give Eloise a ride home,” I say. “I didn’t see your mum’s car outside.” The need to have just a moment alone with her overrides my better judgement.

“We’ll all go.” Katherine stands and brushes her skirt down, forcing her to bend slightly so her arse is level with my face. “We’ll drop her off at home and then drive straight to Skegness.”

“I can walk,” Eloise snaps, shoving her phone in her pocket and grabbing her bag. “Don’t go out of your way for me.”

“It’s no problem.” Katherine links her arm through Elle’s. “See you later, everybody.”

“I’ll come by in a couple of days.” Elle allows the female to pull her from the room and I can practically taste her animosity towards Katherine in the air.

Eloise

I’m forced into the back of Isaac’s car, even though I’d rather walk and I wasn’t even ready to leave yet. Katherine climbs in the front and smiles brightly at Isaac as he takes his own seat.

I’m not sure why I feel so hostile towards her, but when she places her hand on his wrist that rests on the console between them, I almost hiss at her like a feral cat.

Instead I give her a polite smile and go back to my phone.

“Have you applied to any universities yet? I’d gladly give you a reference if you need one.”

I’m shocked at her offer and wonder if my hostility is totally misdirected. “Thank you for the offer, that’s really kind, but Mr Price Senior has already done one for me.”

“He’s a good man.” We both share a silent moment of agreement. “So where are you looking into going?”

“Boston, Lincoln, places that are only a few hours away so I can come home when I want to.”

“I went to Boston,” Isaac puts in, finally starting the car. I catch his eyes in the rear-view mirror, but quickly look away.

“Your mum said. Is it a good school?”

“Excellent, if you want to do Business. They have some great courses.”

“Yeah, I still need to look into that.” I cringe at the thought. “I just hope I get grades good enough to get in.”

Katherine again shows her nicer side. “You’re doing brilliantly in my class and if you do need any extra help, I’ll gladly step in.”

“Th… thank you.” What’s her game? Why don’t I believe she’s genuine?

Isaac seems to soften towards her. I see him smile her way and it’s gentle, the kind of smile I’ve only ever seen him direct at myself and his mother. “That’s really good of you, Katherine.”

“Thanks for the ride,” I say as we turn down my street, eager to jump out of the car. “Have fun at your show.”

Katherine grins wickedly. “We will.”

Isaac nods to me, but doesn’t say anything. He only pulls up outside my house and drives away the second I close the car door after me.

Fuck… are they dating?

There were rumours, but I thought they were just that. Rumours.

This is stupid.

He looked at her like he likes her, like he’s attracted to her. I suppose it’s hard not to be attracted to her; she’s a damn goddess! All of the guys in school are sporting boners for her and most of them aren’t secretive about it. She laps up the attention too.

Stupid whore.

Okay that was mean.

I’m starting to wish I’d gone out for my eighteenth. I’m also starting to wonder if the reason I’ve been acting so fucking mature and hardworking is because I secretly wanted Isaac to see me as somebody he can relate to. Who am I kidding?

To him I’m just a kid with a crush. He’s been so kind to me and helped me so many times.

But he touched me; he played with my hair and stroked my neck. I know it was a difficult day and he’s never touched me like that before, but it has to mean something.

No… I’m this way because I chose to be a better person for myself and for my family. It has nothing to do with some blond haired guy with a great smile and a great body and a great laugh.

I am so screwed.

This has to end right now.

It’s only going to end in a pain I can’t handle on top of the rest.

I seriously need Crystal right now and part of me hates her for leaving me during such a vulnerable time. I don’t even care how selfish that is.

Speaking of Crystal… I really need to start looking for another job. Maybe my Dad will hire me to work the phones in his office or something, although working with him doesn’t sound like a great idea.

I wish I’d asked Crystal’s family what they’re doing about the café, but it seemed like such an inappropriate thing to ask at the time.

I read the text that comes through to my phone seconds after I step into my house.

Hayley
:
We should totally go clubbing!

Eloise
:
It’s a Tuesday.

Hayley
:
Quid a drink in Sliver.

Eloise
:
It’s tempting…

Hayley
:
I’ll buy your first five drinks.

Eloise
:
Sold.

I guess I better make myself look pretty.

Isaac

My hands rip at the bottom of her skirt, forcing it up and over her hips, as my mouth devours hers. I feel her thigh, digging my fingers into her flesh as my other hand grasps at her breast. It’s soft and warm through her shirt, but I need to feel her skin.

Ripping the front of her shirt, I pull the cup of her bra down with my teeth before sucking the taut nipple into my mouth. She moans and it rushes straight to my groin. I love the sound of a woman’s groan when you know she’s enjoying herself.

You can always tell women who fake it, not just by the way they sound but by the way their body reacts. If your man doesn’t notice, he’s pretending because he doesn’t give a fuck. I don’t know how they can’t give a fuck. That groan and the way a woman responds to the right touch is the sexiest thing you can ever experience.

I lift her legs and press her harder into the wall, our groins separated by nothing but my trousers.

“Fuck me,” she hisses in my ear, throwing her head back when I sink my teeth into her neck and lap at the trapped flesh with my tongue. “Now… please!”

My hands cup her arse, holding her up as her hands work at my belt. It’s been so long. Too long. I need to release this frustration and I need to release it now.

“Condom, wallet.” I pant and drop one of her legs to the ground.

The darkness of the hallway disorients my vision. I swear for a moment I’m staring into the piercing, angry green eyes of a familiar redhead.

I shake it off and quickly release the condom from my wallet as Katherine drops to her knees and takes me in her mouth.

I wince immediately at the feel of her teeth and cringe further when starts to suck at only the head. What the fuck?

“How is that, Sir?” She says seductively as her head falls back and her hand moves up and down my length.

Sir? Are we suddenly role playing?

I wrap my fingers in her short hair and her silky strands seem to turn that deep red colour that I can’t seem to shift out of my brain. Suddenly Katherine isn’t kneeling before me and my stomach lurches.

“Fuck…” I gasp as startled green eyes look at me solemnly. My guts twist and turn and guilt overwhelms me. “Stop… Stop…”

Katherine stands and flicks on the light, clearly not ashamed of her breasts spilling out of her shirt. Not that she should be. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

“I have no idea,” I tell her, looking down at my now flaccid length. “I think it was the teeth…”

Her hand flies to her mouth and her fingers run across the surface of her pearly whites. “What’s wrong with my teeth?”

I tuck myself away, ashamed of my own body. It has never betrayed me before. “You bit me. It fucking hurt.”

“I did not!”

I’m lying; it was uncomfortable but it didn’t hurt. “Maybe it’s too soon.”

She lets out a startled laugh. “Are you fucking kidding me? What are you? A teenage girl?”

“I think I should go.” I fasten myself up and scoop my jacket off the floor. “Thanks for a wonderful evening.”

“Wait… I didn’t mean to insult you. I’ve just never had a guy go soft on me before.” She cocks her head and leans in slightly. “Is it a problem? Do you need Viagra? I don’t mind.”

“I don’t have a problem!” I yell. She just insulted my fucking manhood! “Maybe if you used less teeth and more tongue…”

“I’ve never had any complaints.”

“I’m going before this gets out of hand.” I tuck the condom into my pocket, along with my wallet, and pull the door open. “Goodnight Katherine.”

“Shit!” I hear her curse before I slam the door to her house closed behind me.

“Thanks a lot,” I whisper to my unresponsive penis after climbing into my car.

I guess it’s for the best. It would have made for an awkward morning after, even more awkward than the result of this event.

My car speakers start to ring. I press the button on my steering wheel to answer the call from a number I don’t recognise.

“Hello?” I ask curiously.

“I think…” Pause. “That I’ve called you three times now.” Followed by a hiccup.

“Who is this?”

“Umm…” Giggle. “I’m drunk.”

It doesn’t take a genius to work that out. “Who is this?”

“I’ll let you have two guesses,” she slurs, her voice high and happy. “If you guess wrong, I disconnect the call and you’ll never know.” I’m not sure I got all of that, but I sort of understood it.

“Okay. You’re young, so you’re a student?”

“Yep.” She hiccups again and laughs. I’m not sure what she’s laughing at, but I know that laugh. That is a very familiar laugh.

“Eloise?”

“Oh my god, that’s not fair! I wanted to play the question game for longer.” She starts giggling again. “I… discovered… jelly shots.”

Of course she did. Jesus Christ. “How did you get my number?”

“I don’t memberrem.” The line goes silent.

“Elle?” I call loudly. “Elle?”

“I really like it when you call me Elle. It’s sweet. You make it sound sweet.”

“Elle… are you home? Are you safe?”

She hiccups and I hear her curse. It sets me on edge. “Yeah, I’m fine… This guy’s giving me a ride.”

Now I’m worried. “Guy? What guy?”

“I… what’s your name?” She starts laughing again, but I don’t hear anybody speaking in the background. “That’s a good point… where the fuck is Hayley?”

Now I’m extremely worried. “Where are you? Elle?” I pull the car over, my eyes scanning the streets for a miracle, or at least a sign pointing in her direction. “Elle?”

“Yeah?”

“Where are you?” She starts giggling again and I don’t think it’s at me. “Where the fuck are you, Elle?”

“I’m fine… you don’t have to… hic… rescue me. I just… I just thought I should hear your voice.”

I have no idea what she’s saying. “Elle, please just tell me where you are?”

“Oh my god… HAYLEY!” She yells. “Don’t… don’t you dare!”

“Elle, talk to me. Tell me where you are.”

“You have to be the sexiest redhead I’ve ever seen in my life.” I hear a gruff male voice, louder than should be possible for somebody walking beside her, which means they’re closer than should be possible and they sound fucking sober. The line goes dead and I scramble to find my phone in the car.

I pull up my call logs and call back her number. I get no answer.

I try again three more times before I put the car into drive and start to scour the streets, calling her number ever few seconds.

Answer you stupid female! What are you doing?

I swerve around corners, my eyes looking everywhere but at the road. I’m fortunate that nothing steps out in front of my car, but I’m frantic, panicking and so fucking scared.

I drive to her house but see no lights on. I wait and wait for her to go home, but nobody arrives and I realise I’ve wasted half an hour sitting on my arse when I could have been searching the streets.

Her phone starts going straight to voicemail and I can honestly say I have never felt so helpless in my life.

What the hell has she done?

Eloise

“I’m not moving…” I mutter in protest as Hayley flicks water at me. She places two pills in my hand and hands me the glass that contains the evil, cold liquid that woke me. “Why?”

“School in twenty minutes.”

“I’m not going.”

“Mum didn’t lie to your dad so you could skip school.”

“Tell her I’m ill.”

Hayley waits for me to down the water and pills before hitting me over the head with a pillow. “Go and have a shower; we’re late.”

“Where’s my phone?” I ask, stripping down to nothing and wrapping a towel around myself.

“Broken, remember? You decided you hated men and then you decided to throw it against a random house.”

“I am so glad it’s insured.” I drag myself to the bathroom and climb into the shower as Hayley brushes her teeth over the sink and quickly combs her damp hair.

I make it a quick shower and braid my hair on the way, but we still make it to school half an hour late.

When I step into the quiet classroom with Hayley by my side, Isaac’s eyes come to me. At first they’re full of relief, but then they’re burning with rage. I lower my head and scuttle to my desk. I feel embarrassed, but I can’t quite figure out why. My mind is screaming at me that I did something last night that I shouldn’t have done. I just can’t remember what it was that I did.