Someone Like You (12 page)

Chapter Seventeen

Priestly

I awake to the sound of Kill It Kid’s
Run
.

Excellent choice from the Nerd Girl again!

I grin to myself and throw back the covers, making my way into the kitchen.

Temperance is dancing about yet again, making toast and coffee. Standing in the doorway, I watch her for a few seconds before I realise what I’m doing.

I need to get a grip … and wipe the shit-eating grin off my face while I’m at it!

I
agreed to a friendship with her so I can’t fuck it up … like I almost did on Saturday night!

“So,” I say, turning down the music a notch. “Is this your clever way of making sure I get to class on time?”

Temperance turns to face me and grins. “Better than an alarm clock.” she tells me, handing me a coffee and some toast.

“Okay, now you’re really trying to bribe me into going, aren’t you?” I say, taking a sip from the mug, trying my best to inhale the caffeine. God knows I need the extra kick this morning.

“Well, is it working?” she asks, adjusting her glasses before buttering more toast.

“Maybe.” I tell her with a twitch of a smile.

She grins. “Good, because you need to find out what you’ve missed so you can tell me what you need help with.”

Ugh.

Why did I agree to this again?

Oh yeah, I’m failing.

I nod. “Okay, I can do that.”

How hard can it be?

***

Temperance

“You have six new messages. Message one: Tempy, please call me back. We need to talk. Message two: Tempy, I’m sorry. Please –”

Ugh.

I hit the end button angrily and throw my phone into my bag as I continue to walk along the path, making my way to my first class.

Ever since Priestly gave me my phone back before he left for class, I’d been staring at it, wondering what I should do. Eventually, I succumbed and decided to listen to my messages. Now I wish I hadn’t.

Along with the six voicemails Nixon left, I also have ten unread text messages from him. I
was debating about whether I should read any of them but after those voicemails, I don’t think I want to.

“Temperance!” I hear someone yell suddenly, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I glance around and find Anson waiting to cross the road.

He makes a run for it, his bro
wn hair ruffling in the wind as his breath comes out in little puffs in the cold air.

“
Soooooo? Tell me every dirty detail!” he says loudly, linking his arm with mine as we walk along. “What happened between you and Mr Man Whore?”

I shake my head wearily. “Nothing happened Anson.” I tell him adamantly.

He raises an eyebrow. “Bullshit.”

“I’m not lying.” I say, even though I feel my face flame at the thought of our almost kiss.

“Bullshit.” he says again, scrutinising my expression. “You’re blushing so something must have happened.”

“I swear
to you, nothing happened.” I tell him firmly and he looks disappointed.

“But the whole vibe between you two was intense yesterday! Why the hell did you think I hauled ass out of there so quickly?”
he says dramatically. “I wanted to stay and hear the rest of the gossip but the filthy innuendos starting flying so I thought it’d be best if I bailed.”

“Filthy innuendos? I think that’s a bit of a stretch.” I tell him patiently. “He was just being a smartass Anson.”

“Whatever you say darlin’!” he tells me with a sly grin.

I roll my eyes but say nothing since I know that he’ll argue with anything I say.

“Come on,” he says. “Since you’re not dishing the dirt, I’ll just have to settle for gate-crashing your English class so I can throw spit balls at Nixon.”

Not knowing what else to do, I simply throw my head back and laugh.

***

Priestly

“Well, how’
d your weekend with Nerd Girl go?” Carter asks, as we make our way to one of the cafés just outside campus.

I’v
e just suffered through an entire morning of Business classes and desperately need another jolt of caffeine … that or something more potent.

See? I’m not a total dumbass … I’ve recently
added a few new words to my vocabulary.

Huh, I guess Nerd Girl is rubbing off on me after all.

I glance at Carter and decide to play dumb. “Huh?”

Carter throws me a look that says ‘don’t bullshit me’ so I sigh heavily.

“What?” I say defensively. “So I went out to a club with Nerd Girl, so what?”

“So what?” Carter repeats. “Are you shitting me? What happened to trying to kick her out?”

I shrug. “She’s offered to tutor me.” I tell him, neglecting to mention the fact that
I
was actually the one who’d asked her for help in the first place.

God knows I could live without him giving me shit about that!

Carter stares at me. “What’s going on with you man?”

“Nothing.” I tell him adamantly.

“Uh huh.” Carter replies sceptically, raising an eyebrow. “Is there something more between you and the Nerd Girl? Did you two hook up?” he asks with a smirk.

“Uh,
that would be a no.” I say with a laugh. “We’ve just called a truce, that’s all.”

“So, you’re not getting rid of her?” Carter asks, looking puzzled.

I shake my head. “Nah man, she’s nowhere else to go and even
I
would feel bad about kicking her out after the whole Nixon thing.”

Carter eyes me suspiciously. “Why don’t I believe you?”

“Believe whatever you want.” I tell him, feeling agitated.

Carter seems to sense my discomfort but clearly wants to torture me since he says, “Oh God, you don’t actually like her, do you?”

“No!” I tell him firmly but the truth is, I don’t know anymore … for some unfathomable reason, I
do
keep trying to kiss her.

What the fuck is wrong with me?

“You sure about that?” Carter asks, interrupting my thoughts.

No.

“Yes.” I say adamantly, desperate to put an end to the conversation.

Carter raises an eyebrow but lets me off the hook. “Whatever man. I gotta go, catch you later
at the party.”

I watch him leave the café and
idly wonder if I can survive my next round of classes.

Ugh, Nerd Girl is going to be the death of me!

***

Temperance

I leave my Creative Writing class and make my way to the café off campus. I desperately need
a caffeine fix after the day I’ve had.

English was
bearable since Nixon was nowhere to be found but I was so distracted in Creative Writing – thinking about everything that had happened over the weekend – that I barely heard a word that the lecturer said.

Heaving a sigh, I approach the café, absently
thinking about the Halloween party tonight.

Priestly had text me to tell me that it was starting at five o’clock and that I’d better get a costume.

The question is, what the hell do I dress up as?

As
I grab my coffee to go, inspiration suddenly strikes. I phone Anson as I start to make my way back to the flat.

“Help.” I declare as soon as he picks up. “I need a Halloween costume.”

I hear a chuckle. “I’ll be there in ten minutes.”

And as promised, when I arrive at the flat, Anson is already waiting. I unlock the door and we both head straight for my room
.

“Okay, what are your options darlin’?”

I shrug as I open the wardrobe door. “I don’t have a clue.”

He browses my rail of clothes and then suddenly claps his hands together excitedly.

“Okay, I’ve got it. Get me some scissors and a sewing kit and let me work my magic.”

“No.” I declare. “Just no.”

Anson shakes his head wearily. “You look great!”

“I look stupid.”

“No you don’t!” Anson argues, looking offended by my lack of enthusiasm for his creation.

Why oh why did I agree to this?

I am so going to regret this.

I stare at my reflection and heave a sigh.

“It will have to do.” I tell him hastily.

He frowns at me and then throws his hands into the air dramatically. “I did my best darlin’. Now, I’ve gotta go get ready. See you later on.”

I nod and watch him leave the flat.

I glance down at my costume once more and heave a sigh.

Priestly’
s definitely going to have a laugh at this.

***

Priestly

I make my way back to the flat, having managed to sweet-talk the teacher into letting us out early and find myself wondering what Nerd Girl decided to dress up as for the party tonight.

Whatever it is, I’m sure I can find some way to tease her about it. After all, it’s been at least a day since I’ve tormented her about something and that small part of me that might actually like her, enjoys messing with her just a little ...

There! I admit it … I’m a teeny tiny, little bit fond of Nerd Girl but that doesn’t mean I want to date her. And as for the whole trying to kiss her thing … well, I can’t figure everything out right away now, can I?

Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I push open the door and come across a scene that makes my mouth fall open.

Holy fuck!

I blink as I try to take in the sight before me. I watch as Temperance hangs up a few Halloween decorations and try not to stare at her ass.

Holy shit.

She turns around and flashes me a killer smile.

“Hey, I got a few decorations at the little shop just off campus. Do they look okay?”

I nod mutely and continue to stare at her.

She’s dressed in short red shorts and a cut off Superman t-shirt with a red shirt over it.

Hot damn if she’s not the hottest
Supergirl I’ve ever seen.

“Are you okay?” she asks with a frown.

I clear my throat loudly before attempting to speak.

“Uh, yeah.” I manage to say. “So, you found a costume.” I add, trying not to ogle her again.

She nods and tugs at her t-shirt self-consciously.

“Yeah, it was Anson’s idea.”

Thank you Anson!

I manage to nod my head. “Uh huh. Well, I uh, gotta go take a shower.” I say, mentally adding a note to make it a cold one.

She smiles at me. “Okay. I’ve just a few more things to do and then we’re ready to go.”

I merely nod my head and quickly make my way to the bathroom.

Holy fuck.

This girl is going to kill me.

Chapter Eighteen

Temperance

Half an hour later and Priestly reappears, dressed in red
Baywatch
shorts and a pair of sunglasses.

Holy sweet mother of God.

Damn he’s cut!

He looks like a freaking model!

I try not to stare at his abs as he flashes me a wide grin. “What do you think?”

“Great.” I say with a gulp, trying not to stare too much.

“So, what time is it?” Priestly asks as he heads to the kitchen to grab a beer.

“Um, nearly five o’clock.” I tell him, searching for some alcohol myself.

I’m going to need something to take the edge off.

I find a bottle of wine and pour myself a glass.

“So,” Priestly begins. “Any plans for the Halloween break?”

I gulp down a large mouthful of wine before speaking. “Um, just heading home for the week. You?”

He nods. “Same. Gonna hang out with my dad for a while.”

“Cool.” I reply lamely
, making my way back into the living area. “Um, so how were your classes today?”

“Not too bad.” he tells me with a shrug
as he flops down onto the couch. “Hopefully I’ll understand them more after we start our tutoring.”

I nod. “Yeah. We’ll start after the break.”

He throws me a grin. “Sounds good.” he says, just as the front door opens.

“Priestly!” someone dressed as
Batman yells. It takes me a minute to figure out that it’s Carter.

He makes his way into the room, pushing up his mask as he looks me up and down.

“Nice costume Nerdo.”

“Uh, you too.” I reply, tugging at my t-shirt again.

He makes his way over to me and holds out his hand. “Sorry about acting like a dick last time I saw you.”

I shake his hand and throw him a small smile. “Thanks.”

Well, I figure the least I can do is accept his apology since if he hadn’t have offended me, I wouldn’t have discovered that Nixon was cheating on me.

He nods and then turns to Priestly. “So, how’s about a beer my man?”

As they head for the kitchen, the door opens yet again and Scooby Doo, Fred Flintstone and Wonder Woman enter the room. I don’t know who they are so I busy myself with downing the rest of my wine.

Half an hour later and the flat is packed with people. As the
Ghostbusters’
theme tune blares, I finally see Anson.

I let out a chuckle when I see that he’s dressed as
Frank Sinatra.

He dips his fedora at me and sings, “
Oh ‘cause I love you … Just the way you look tonight.
”

I give him a little round of applause and then link my arm through his. “Well hello handsome.”

Anson throws me a grin. “So, Superhot Girl, are you enjoying yourself?”

“Actually, I am.” I admit with a smile.

Yeah, probably nothing to do with the wine …

Anson eyes me suspiciously. “Are you drunk?”

I shake my head. “Maybe just a little tipsy?” I say with a smirk.

He
grins and then pulls me towards the kitchen. “Good, we’re going to do some shots.”

Oh well, why not?

***

Priestly

“Hey!” Carter yells in my ear. “Did you check out Nerdo’s costume?”

I nod to him and gulp down some beer. “Yeah. Fuck, I thought I wouldn’t be able to stop staring at her ass!”

Carter lets out a laugh and claps me on the back. “See? Enjoy the scenery my man, enjoy the scenery.”

I shake my head, defeated. “Yeah, I’d better enjoy while I can.”

Carter punches me on the shoulder and then pulls his mask back over his face. “Well, I’m gonna see if any damsels need rescuing … later man.”

I roll my eyes and then head to the kitchen in search of another beer … which is where I find Nerd Girl doing shots with Anson.

“What’s going on here?” I ask with a wicked grin. “Have I created a monster?”

Temperance throws me a killer grin. “Just taking your advice and enjoying myself.”

I nod and watch as Anson hands her another shot.

“She can totally handle her booze!” Anson adds with a hiccup.

“Unlike you.” Temperance tells him with a chuckle.

I bite back a laugh at the look on Anson’s face. “Well, you two have fun. Try not to puke up anywhere.” I add to Anson who scowls at me.

I leave them in the kitchen and can’t help but smile to myself.

It’s nice to see Nerd Girl having some fun. She deserves it and at least she’s not dwelling on that creep Nixon.

***

Temperance

Two hours later and the party has broken up. Everyone has pretty much headed off home, leaving only me, Priestly, Batman and Wonder Woman.

“Walk me hoooooome.” Wonder Woman
declares drunkenly to Priestly.

He sighs in defeat and then pulls on a jacket as he heads towards the door.

“Hey Carter, stay here until I get back, okay?” he calls back before leading a wobbly-legged Wonder Woman out the door.

He nods and I turn to him.
“So, did you enjoy the party?”

He nods his head and then pushes back his mask as he says, “Why yes I did Tempy.”

My blood runs cold when I see that it’s Nixon.

He stares at me intensely with a manic grin and I feel uneasy.

“Nixon, maybe you should leave.”

He shakes his head. “No, I don’t think so.” he tells me, moving closer to me. “We need to talk.”

I shuffle back slightly, feeling increasingly uneasy. “Um, no we don’t.”

He shakes his head. “You never gave me the chance to explain.” he says, edging closer again.

“Um, you cheated on me. What more is there?” I ask calmly, trying to keep the flicker of fear out of my voice.

I really s
hould bolt for the door but I know I’d never make it.

He smiles at me lecherously.

“Oh come on, you’re the one I really want.” he tells me, inching closer again. “Besides, you’re not entirely innocent either. I heard you hooked up with Priestly.” he accuses.

Don’t rise to the bait, just calmly tell him to leave.

“Please.” I beg in a quivering voice as panic engulfs me. “I want you to leave.”

He
steps forward, closing the gap between us, and leans in. “Oh, I get it. I’m not good enough for you but that asshole Priestly is?” he spits savagely. 

“N-no.” I stutter out. “You’ve got it all wrong.”

Nixon throws me a dangerous smile. “Oh, I don’t think so.” he tells me calmly. “The way I see it, if you let that womanising asshole near you, then you’re fair game.”

I really don’t like the sound of this …

“Is that what this is – some sort of sick game that you want to play?” I ask, frowning at him. “Anything that Priestly has, you want to take from him?”

Okay, this is a whole other side to Nixon – one that I definitely don’t want to get to know.

They always say that the most psychotic individuals are the most charming … just look at Ted Bundy!

He lets out a cold laugh. “Oh it’s a game alright, one that I’m winning. I hooked up with his cousin, stole his girlfriend and now … you’re gonna be mine too.”

Suddenly, he lunges for me and I attempt to scream. I tremble with fear as he grips the top of my arms tightly. I am frozen in shock and discover that I have lost the power to scream since no sound escapes my mouth.

For the first time in my life, I’m terrified and have no idea what to do.

The only thing that I can think is that Priestly won’t be home for a while … and there’s no-one left to help me …

***

Priestly

As soon as I leave Wonder Woman to her building, my phone rings.

“Carter, what’s up?”

“Dude, did I leave my wallet at the flat? I can’t find it.”

I stop in my tracks. “Um, aren’t you at the flat right now?”

“No. Why?” he replies, sounding confused.

“But I told you to wait until I came back.” I tell him, starting to pick up my pace now.

“Well, it wasn’t me dude.” Carter says with a chuckle.

“Oh fuck. Then who the hell did I leave with Temperance?” I say before hanging up and sprinting back towards the flat.

I reach the building and quickly storm through the front door where I see a sight that makes my blood boil.

Nixon.

Nixon fucking Kingsley.

I take in Temperance, who is shaking with fear, as the little creep grabs her forcefully. Her mouth is open in a silent scream and just like that, my rage dials up a notch.

Yes, I may be an asshole at times and yes, I haven’t always treated Temperance the way she deserves but, if there’s one thing that I
do
know, it’s that you NEVER mistreat a woman.

I may participate in assholish behaviour
now and again but even
I
know that you treat girls with respect. Something Nixon fucking Kingsley is about to learn!

I don’t even think about what I’m doing when I a
dvance towards him, grabbing him by his Batman cape and haul him away from Temperance before sinking my fist into his gut. I pummel every inch of him until he curls up into the foetal position on the floor.

I am about to strike again when I hear Temperance shout.

“Stop!” she yells and I glance up at her, momentarily distracted.

In that one moment, our eyes lock and I feel the strangest thing in the pit of my stomach. Unfortunately, that one moment also gives Nixon enough time to leap to his feet, punch me in the jaw, and then flee the flat.

I debate going after him but then I notice that Temperance is shaking uncontrollably.

“Are you okay?” I ask, cautiously approaching her. She looks terrified.

She stares at me in fear and shakes her head.

“I …
I thought – Carter … but he … I … Nixon …” she babbles, looking on the verge of tears.

“Hey, it’s okay now.” I reassure her, taking a small step towards her.

She shakes her head again. “I … what … I just ….” she trails off as the tears roll down her cheeks and she starts to cry uncontrollably.

I don’t even think twice about what I do next, I just find myself striding forward, scooping her up in my arms and hugging her tightly. She stiffens at first but then relaxes as she cries softly into my chest.

I rub her hair soothingly. “It’s okay.” I say. “You’re okay now.”

And honestly, I find that I’ve even surprised myself.

***

Temperance

What the hell just happened?

I can’t believe Nixon managed to sneak up on me like that.

Thank God
Priestly came back when he did.

I breathe in his masculine smell of soap and aftershave and calm down enough that I manage to stop crying.

I release myself from his grasp and glance up at him.

“I - …” I start to say but trail off when Priestly interrupts.

“What the hell happened Temperance?” he asks, shaking his head wearily.

I shake my head. “I don’t know.”

“Why didn’t you run? Or lock yourself in the bathroom or something?”

“I never thought.” I say quietly.

“Well, that was a pretty dumb move for such a smart girl.” he tells me with a frown.

“I know.” I say, willing myself not to cry.

Why is he acting like this?

His
grey eyes hold my gaze. “You were all alone! You should have escaped or at least looked for something to defend yourself. You do realise that this could’ve gone down differently … things could’ve been a whole lot worse.” he tells me in a serious tone.

I nod. “I know.”

I get that he’s just concerned but does he have to be such a jerk about it?

He heaves a sigh. “Look,
it may sound harsh but I’m only looking out for you, okay?”

“Okay.” I say,
suddenly noticing that he’s sporting a swollen lip.

Time to change the subject … I don’t want to think about what would have happened if Priestly hadn’t turned up.

“You’re bleeding.” I tell him quietly. “Come on, that needs cleaned.”