Even Angels Fall (14 page)

Sophie is a hairdresser, which means she doesn’t work Monday’s and Darren’s shifts at a local D.I.Y warehouse vary. They always spend what time they can together; a lot of it just the two of them but with the rest of the group as well. If they have no specific plans or a lack of money limits what they can do in their free time, they usually end up at the flat. It is only Alex and Tom who officially live there but unofficially, they all do in some respect. Coming and going as they please almost every day. It is very much their base and they all treat it like home.

As they enter the kitchen the mouth-watering smell of sizzling bacon hits them and it makes Abbey’s stomach growl. Darren is dancing around the room, juggling various pans with a tea towel thrown casually over his shoulder. When he sees the four of them he stops and salutes.

“Just in time for breakfast kids! I don’t suppose there’s any point in me telling you, you should be at school?!” He frowns at Lucy.

“Monday’s are so overrated…” She smiles, “Besides I got the brains of the family remember, no point wasting my time studying when I could be spending the day with my intellectually challenged big brother!” Darren throws the tea towel at Lucy’s head and rolls his eyes.

“It’ll be 5 minutes… you hungry?!”

“Starving mate…!” Liam exclaims, hovering over his shoulder to see what’s on offer.

“Back off, back off, give the master space!” He states, pushing Liam away playfully and slapping hands with Nathan as his winks at Abbey.

“You wanting some, Abs…?”

“Yeah please, if there’s enough to go around. It smells great…”

“Cheers. It’s a talent of mine, one of my many talents in fact, don’t listen to my irritating little sister I am incredibly intelligent… and skilled with a frying pan!”

Lucy and Liam sit at the table rolling cigarettes as Nathan puts their shopping away in the fridge, and Abbey leans on the counter watching Darren cook up his masterpiece, laughing as he spins and jumps around the kitchen with a childlike enthusiasm. He is obviously in his element and his enjoyment is contagious as he talks animatedly about how he went to Cookery College before enrolment fees forced him to drop out. Abbey is so involved in the conversation that she hardly even notices the kitchen door open, but as she turns, her heart drops through her chest right down to her feet. Standing in front of her is a half-naked Alex. He has a towel hanging around his neck which he is using to dry his damp hair, there are water droplets scattered across his unbelievably toned body and he smells absolutely divine, a mixture of aftershave and shower gel. He is wearing a pair of dark grey joggers that hang enticingly low and if her mouth wasn’t watering before, it certainly is now.

As Alex greets the others he strolls over to the fridge, eyeing up Darren suspiciously.

“How long does it take to cook a fucking breakfast?!” He jokes.

“This my friend, is more than a breakfast, it’s a work of art!”

Alex laughs as he takes a carton of orange juice out of the fridge, turning to face Abbey as he looks her directly in the eye.

“Hello…” The word sounds like velvet as it rolls off his tongue.

“Hi…” Abbey smiles, shyly. It doesn’t escape her attention that this is the first time Alex has ever directly acknowledged her in front of the others; apart from the time he rather aggressively challenged her opinion on drugs across the crowded living room. She cringes slightly at the memory.

Darren’s breakfast is as delicious as expected, and they all eat together sat around the long, glass table in the dining area. Sophie arrives an hour or so later after running a few errands and the rest of the day passes by in the same relaxed manner. They laze about, watching TV, talking and listening to music and the boys find plenty of time to play on the Xbox, especially Liam and Darren who apparently have a score to settle. Abbey’s spirits have definitely lifted and she is feeling perfectly content, if not a little surprised. She had been wondering earlier what to expect from Alex and she finds that she is seeing a side of him today that she hasn’t witnessed before. He is clearly at his happiest and most com- fortable in this environment, at home surrounded by his friends. He is very talkative, funny and engaging, and when he laughs he seems so much younger and far less troubled than he usually does. He always seems so serious, as if he has a lot on his mind, yet he shows none of that now. He is calm and happy… almost playful.

The clouds from earlier have completely cleared and Abbey can feel the sun burning down on her as she sits with her feet up on the balcony. Nathan, Sophie and Alex are sitting next to her and the double doors are pushed wide open, allowing the sunlight to pour into the living room. Nathan passes the joint he is smoking to Sophie and makes his way inside, cuddling up with Lucy on the sofa. Abbey has obviously never smoked marijuana before, but seen as it is a step down from a class A drug like cocaine she doesn’t really see the harm in trying. She likes it, it has a calming effect and her limbs feel heavy, as if she has been sedated. It feels a bit like floating and definitely suits her current mood. Much like the effect of the cocaine, but in a different sort of way, it seems to make all her worries temporarily disappear.

Abbey takes the joint from Sophie and walks over to the edge of the balcony, leaning her arms on the railing and looking down at the bustling city life below. It’s like they are in their own little bubble high up on the 9
th
floor. No one knows they are here and nothing can touch them. It makes her feel giddy, or maybe that is just the weed kicking in?

Abbey anxiously takes another drag as she realises Sophie has gone back inside, leaving her alone with Alex. Too nervous to look around, she stands in silence and carries on gazing out across Leeds City Centre, trying to ignore the tension that is building between them. As it becomes almost unbearable she considers retreating back inside, but stops suddenly when she feels Alex’s arm brush lightly against hers. He is standing right next to her, their skin touching, and it sends a warm shiver through her body. It is like electricity, being so close to him, and although she is trying to keep her cool she struggles to get the image of his unbelievable physique out of her mind, playing the memory of this morning in the kitchen, over and over. He is complete perfection and she wants him more than ever.

“So…” He purrs, “Skipping school, taking drugs, hanging around with trouble makers like us…? And to think I had you down as a good girl!” Abbey glances up to see a flicker of mischief in Alex’s deep blue eyes.

“Not all the time…” She smiles, impressed at how calm and unaffected she manages to sound.

“So how are you liking Leeds?”

“It’s starting to grow on me I guess. It’s just different…” A slightly less confident response but she is still managing to hold it together, despite the fact that Alex is staring at her again. It is incredibly off putting, she could easily get lost in those eyes.

“Different? To how your life used to be? I’ll bet we’re not much like your old friends either…?” Alex smirks.

“No you could say that. I don’t think they would approve of my recent lifestyle choices…” she jokes, darkly.

“What would they say if they could see you now I wonder?!”

Abbey’s smile fades as she fights an unexpected pang of sadness. It has been months since she has seen her old group of friends, or even spoken to them. She does still miss them sometimes and how it used to be. Alex clearly senses the change in mood and he moves his hand towards Abbey - as if to comfort her - hesitating for a moment before quickly resting it back on the railing.

“Lucy told me, about what happened with your brother…” He says after a moment’s pause, “I was sorry to hear about that…”

It is rare for someone to bring the subject up so bluntly and Abbey finds Alex’s honesty incredibly refreshing. She turns towards him, and noticing the look of cautious concern on his face she can’t help but smile. She doesn’t want their first proper conversation to be so depressing and she suddenly feels a strong desire to lighten the mood.

“Is this your hidden, sweet and sensitive side coming out?” She asks, mockingly, and he frowns at her for a split second before a huge, unguarded smile spreads across his face.

“Fuck off…” He laughs.

“Well, I was just wondering if you were likely to start crying on me because you know, I would probably find that a bit awkward…” It suddenly registers with Abbey how much she enjoys seeing Alex laugh, to see the constant tension and worry in his face vanish, if only briefly.

“Nah, that isn’t gonna happen…” Alex takes the joint and Abbey watches the end blaze alight as he breathes in before exhaling slowly, “but you know, I just figured I should say something…”

“Thank you. I appreciate that…” She answers, sincerely.

Abbey really is touched that he cares enough to mention anything at all, and he clearly knows a lot more about her than she had first realized. Has he been asking questions? Getting information about her as she has about him? It hardly seems plausible. It still seems completely unlikely that this beautiful man would ever be in anyway interested in her, but then what was Friday night all about?

“So does this mean I’m not the unwanted stranger anymore?!” She asks, sarcastically, “I’m not going to be thrown out of your flat at any second…?” Alex smiles again but there is a hint of sadness behind it.

“Yeah, sorry about that… years of being screwed over by people kinda takes its toll. I’m not too good with strangers, but I suppose I know you well enough now… although I’m sure I could know you better…” He flashes Abbey a mischievous grin and she blushes furiously.

“I suppose you could…” She gulps. Alex passes the joint back to her and she takes another drag, coughing slightly as she takes too much back. She starts to giggle, and for some reason she feels like she can’t stop as Alex shakes his head and rolls his eyes at her. This is a new sensation. Clearly weed doesn’t just make you calm and drowsy it makes you hysterical as well. She eventually manages to calm herself down and Alex reaches across, trying to take the joint from her hand.

“I think you’ve had enough of that…” He laughs.

“No, no I haven’t…” Abbey is enjoying herself too much to pass it back.

“Yes you have… anymore and you’ll be sick…”

“No I won’t I promise…”

“Oh what so you’re a fucking expert now?!” Alex reaches for the joint again but Abbey hides her hands behind her back, “Give it here…” He laughs as he wraps his arms around her waist and she wriggles, trying to break free. He grabs hold of her wrists but she pulls away and they stagger backwards to the far side of the balcony, both of them now giggling hysterically.

“You’re laughing too, maybe you’ve had enough…” Abbey gasps, barely able to get her words out. She turns her back on Alex and he wraps his arms around her again, playfully pinning her hands by her sides as he tickles her. She shrieks in response, spinning around so quickly that they are suddenly face to face, so close that she can feel Alex’s breath on her lips. They lean back on the railing as their laughter subsides while staring at one another, standing only inches apart. Abbey can feel the electricity surging through her entire body and her breathing becomes ragged as Alex runs his hand down her arm and round her back, pulling her closer. With his other hand he slowly brushes her hair away and holds the side of her face, tracing his thumb softly across her bottom lip. The anticipation is killing her and her mind is racing at a hundred miles an hour. Is this really happening? Is he seriously going to kiss her? She had imagined this moment since the first time she laid eyes on him and it is almost perfect… but what if she isn’t any good? She isn’t exactly inexperienced but she has never been with an older guy before, never one as confident as Alex. What if she ruins it? All these thoughts flash through her mind in the fraction of a second it takes for him to move one step closer. She closes her eyes and leans into him, her stomach in knots as their lips almost touch.

“ALEX…” Nathan shouts urgently from the living room and Alex takes a large step backwards, shoving his hands in his pockets as he turns away from Abbey. She is left leaning against the railing, completely dissatisfied.

“What’s up?” He asks, casually. Nathan has a phone in his hand and he is covering the speaker.

“It’s Marcus…” He states, solemnly.

In an instant Alex’s entire demeanour shifts and he stands bolt upright and alert, with a deep frown etched into his brow. A look of anger washes over him and just like that the happy, smiling, carefree Alex from two minutes ago is gone - the Alex that she was laughing and play fighting with… and very nearly kissing. He takes the phone from Nathan and marches inside without so much as a glance back. Abbey follows behind, joining the others on the sofa where they are all sitting quietly, looking noticeably worried. ‘Who the hell is Marcus?’

Alex hates this part of the city. It is such a dive. It reminds him of the backstreets of Dublin where all the drug addicts and prostitutes hang out. It is full of late night bars, gambling venues and strip clubs, the most popular of which is ‘The Red Lounge’, belonging to Marcus Holt.

Alex makes his way to the back of the club and bangs loudly on the large, rusting metal door. It slides open and a surly bouncer assesses him closely before stepping aside, allowing him to pass.

He stands in the entrance way as his eyes adjust to the dark, murky room, which is a sharp contrast to the bright sunlight outside. Once the hazy patches of green fade from his vision, he hesitantly makes his way across the empty club and up the flight of stairs that lead to Marcus’ office. His skulking friend isn’t far behind, following silently.

Alex is nervous, although he doesn’t show it. He is so used to being in control these days that it is an alien feeling to him, being unsure of himself. He doesn’t like not knowing what to expect and he has absolutely no clue why Marcus has summoned him here.

Alex knocks once and enters without waiting for a response. The office is a large, seventies style room with wood panelled walls that are covered with various sports pictures and memorabilia. There is a plush, mahogany desk in the centre of the room and sitting in a large leather chair behind it, is Marcus. He is dressed in a sharp pinstripe suit, his usual ensemble, which is reminiscent of a 1930’s gangster. Marcus is definitely ‘old school’. He is a good 20 years older than Alex, his dark grey hair is neatly slicked back and he has a prominent scar under his left eye that he wears with pride, like a soldier would display a medal. He isn’t overly tall but he is stocky, solid, and strong, and he has one hell of a presence.