by Mills, L. C.
“Everything is so grand here, all the old buildings with their carved statues, stone plinths & the new high rises with their expanse of glass and steel! It's such a juxtaposition with its self.” I admired the old buildings as Cameron drove. London was a city that was vastly proud of its past as well as its future and the past & present sat in harmony with each other. We drove along Victoria Embankment, it followed the River Themes and I recognized the two giant Sphinxes that sat either side of Cleopatra’s Needle. New York also had one, it sat in Central Park.
“I walked down here once, from the Tate Modern to the London Eye! I was kinda lost!” I grinned, remembering it. “It was a happy accident because I found all these cool statues!”
He grinned as we drove on, the traffic had thinned out a bit now.
“You are very observant! That's what I love about London, just walking around finding things by accident, but people miss that if they just stick to the normal tourist trails!”
I smiled as we took the road that lead to the approach to Tower Bridge! I admired the bridges bright blue paint work as it towered proudly above us.
“That is so true! Literally getting lost is the only way to explore! Also the fact that everyone thinks this bridge is London Bridge and it's totally not!”
“Yes, you are quite right, I think TV is to blame for that! Can I ask that you not get lost, alone?” He chuckled as he took the road towards my apartment building.
“We can get lost together and act like we aren't expected to do anything other than just be together, no pressure from family or friends just me and you!” I liked that idea.
He sighed. “Sounds like heaven! And we start this afternoon with our walk! Just me and you, enjoying each other’s company.”
“Oh hell yes! It's nice that I don't get harassed here either like by the press! Half the time back in the states, the only way to stop them publishing or selling photos was to flip them off! They can't sell them if they are classed as obscene!” It was something I was sure people didn't know, they probably thought I was a rude bitch, but I was simply protecting myself.
“I am aware of that rule, it's not always applied, though, but I agree it's easier here to live your life more normally.” He turned the car into the underground car lot of my apartment & comes to a halt, his window slid down soundlessly and he reached out and tapped the security code.
“Jones told you the code?!” I grinned, I figure he would have done.
“He indeed did when he was giving me the details of how bad your level of security was!” The window slid back up and as he drove through the open gate.
“It's not that bad! I mean at least no one can get into my apartment via the lift!” I was of course referring to Cameron's unwanted guest.
“Hmm, yes well at least that is something!” He drove around the car lot and pulled the car into my space.
“I mean I think it's quite safe, but you're welcome to implement whatever you want, if you really feel the need!” I really didn't mind.
“I shall do, but when you’re staying at mine it means you’re very safe, and that makes me feel better! Because I know you are okay.”
I unclipped my seatbelt and let it wind itself back into its place before opening my door. “I'll collect some stuff on the way back to bring back with me.” I closed the door softly.
A few seconds later he joined me on my side of the car and locked it. It flashed twice to indicate it was locked. He held his hand out for mine. “Like I said I want you to make yourself at home so bring whatever you like!”
I grinned as I laced my fingers through his. “We can get the lift up to the ground floor and walk out that way.”
“Lead the way Miss Watson!” He grinned at me.
I stepped in the direction of the lifts. “This way my good sir!” I laughed as we walked.
“Why thank you my fair lady!” His voice dropped half an octave to that husky tone that did things to me.
“You make me blush!” I pressed the button for the lift and waited.
“Taking a compliment is something you will have to get used to!”
The lift doors rolled open and we stepped in, I leant forwards and pressed the ground floor button.
“Hmm, well maybe I'm not very good at taking them, but I guess I will have to learn!” I grinned lopsidedly at him as the doors rolled shut.
“Good girl!” He lent forward and kissed me on the forehead as he stroked his free hand down my face. “Because I like to compliment you.”
After a short lift ride we stepped out into the front desk area of my apartment building.
Cameron still had hold of my hand as we walked out towards the doors. I felt nervous now because I didn't want to have to see Damon, I didn't want there to be a confrontation between the two men but as we reached the door I cringed.
“Evan! Where have you been?! I've been worried!” Damon's voice floated over to me at the doors.
I turned around and glared at him, he was alone at the desk. “Did I not tell you to never speak to me again?! What part of that do you not understand?!” My voice shook, but I felt stronger for saying it.
Damon's face contorted as he came out from behind the desk. It obviously pained him to hear me speak to him so harshly, but it was nothing less than he deserved.
“I text you! You could have at least had the decency to reply! I was worried after you didn't come home!” He stepped over to us, he was acting like he was a concerned friend.
I was at a loss as to know how to even handle him. “You have the cheek to talk about decency after what you did! You have no right to demand I tell you anything! If you feel guilty for what you did, I am not gonna make you feel better about it! Just don't talk to me anymore!” I turned away, letting go of Cameron's hand and shoved open the door needing fresh air.
Cameron followed me outside as did Damon clearly not done yet.
“He's not worth it my darling, let's just go!” Cameron stood by my side, his whole body radiated anger towards Damon and I knew it was taking everything he had not to take control of the situation.
I just wanted Damon to leave me alone, why had he turned on me like that?! Wasn't I meant to be his friend?! I hated the whole situation.
“I just wanted to know you were okay, but I should have known you would run to this arse hole! Money talks I guess!” He looked from me to Cameron and back again.
I felt my heart beat funny in my chest as I felt the anger build. “How fucking dare you insinuate that I am with him for his money? You don't know me at all Damon! You think you have some right to me cause I was your friend?! Well, let me tell you a thing! You don't!” I trembled with anger.
“Well, if I was meant to be only your friend why where you always asking me out for food or to hang out?!”
I stood and stared at him in dismay. I had never got it this badly wrong before. “Because that's what people do!” I shrugged as my words rung out around us.
I wasn't feeling so brave now I was actually confronting him.
“Enough!” Cameron stepped in front of me, his shoulders pulled back, his body in a defensive manner. He was taking control now whether I liked it or not.
“You've heard what my girlfriend has to say, and I’ve heard what you’ve said, you really are deluded! Stay away from her if you want to continue working in this city!” He splayed his fingers out and pushed Damon away as he approached him.
“Fuck you, you think you're someone special because you do good working people out of their hard earned businesses just to make a few more grand on top of the billions you already fucking have?! Then you get the girl that should have been mine! I had been working for months on her and you get her in what two weeks?! If it's not the money what is it?!”
I had never heard Damon talk so openly like that. I thought that he had genuinely wanted to be my friend.
I closed my eyes for a second, I was so upset that he had been simply working on getting into my pant
s all the time and I had just wanted to be his friend. Had it been because of who I was? Had he ever actually been my friend?! I was gutted.
“I don't know what you think I've done, but business is just that! Some people aren't cut out for it. As for why Evangeline is with me?!” He shook his head at Damon. “The simple explanation is that I have shown Evan love and friendship, she feels safe with me! We are in love and quite frankly Damon I am glad I got in there before you because you are a waste of space! You talk like she belongs to either one of us when the truth is she chooses who she's with! You used your position here to gain access to her, so who's the gold digger now huh!” He tilted his head to one side. “Because it sure as hell isn't me!”
I sighed, I hated this. I didn't want there to be a fight. “Cameron I want to go now! Call your friend later on, I've changed my mind!” I hoped he'd understand what I was hinting at and leave. Hitting Damon wouldn't solve anything, although I was tempted myself.
“I am not interested in her money or who she is, I fell in love with her the moment I saw her! You will just use her like everything else in your life!” He stepped back, clearly sensing it wasn't a good idea to throw any punches.
I had hoped he wouldn't mention that to Cameron. I knew Damon had feelings for me, but I thought he would just deal with them, put them aside for the sake of friendship.
Cameron didn't react at all. “Don't even try to assume you know about me, you might think you know my type but you have no idea! Stay away from us if you know what's good for you!” He stepped back to stand next to me and placed his hand on my lower back. “We're going now.” His hand splayed out as he guided me away.
“I'm sorry Evan, I just can't stand the idea of him and you, and I had to try!” Damon sounded defeated.
I shook my head. “I'm sorry about this Cameron, I just don't even know what to say!” I hung my head, not out of shame, but because I didn't know what else to do, I didn't want Cameron to be angry with me either over the fact I hadn't told him that Damon had feelings for me, also I was confused by what Damon had said.
He guided us around the corner and then stopped. “Don't hang your head, you didn't do anything wrong! I know you knew he liked you, it's still not your fault! Do you really want me to call my friend?!” He stroked his free hand down my cheek.
I leant in his touch, glad he wasn't cross with me. “I do! He's taking things too far, I'm glad you’re not cross with me! I kinda need a hug, I feel shitty.” I just wanted to feel his arms around me. I needed to feel safe, to feel loved. Right in that moment I had nobody and I felt incredibly alone.
“A hug is just another way to hide your face from me, don't hide from me Evangeline! I'm not going to be cross with you for not telling me because I knew already! It was obvious the day I dropped you home after the Shard!”
I sighed. “I'm not hiding from you I just want a tight hug! Please!” I didn't really get what he meant about hiding my face, I didn't want to hide from him. I just needed to be held.
I tilted my head up to study him. I was glad he wasn't cross with me though and if I was being honest, I knew he'd known all this time, because he had slammed the SUV door pretty hard that day.
His face softened as he looked down at me. “I know, I just wanted to see your face, I wanted to punch him, but if you're going to contact the police I thought better of it!” He pulled me into a tight hug that squeezed my bones. It felt wonderful.
I tightened my arms around his middle. “I know, he's not worth it though! I am glad you invited me to stay for a few days, though, I don't feel all that safe knowing he has access to my apartment!” I let a breath go. I felt better now I was inhaling his scent.
His hand swept down my hair. “Stay as long as you like, He's got a real grudge against me, but I'm not sure what business he is talking about! I'll have to get Jones to look into that! Might make some sense if we know why he's got worked up for! You okay to continue to the cafe?!”
I nodded. “Yeah, I'm good now, I do agree though, if we can work out who he's talking about maybe we can make some sense out of it all! I won't let him mess up our day! Come on, lead me to the music & the BBQ!” I grinned up at him.
He dipped his head and kissed me softly. I kissed him back enjoying the moment before he pulled away. “This way then my darling, music awaits us! We stay on this side of the river actually, no need to climb the steps to Tower Bridge, just a few side streets to cut down!” He let me go from the hug and held his hand out.
“I'm actually looking forward to seeing this place and for just generally hanging out!” I slid my hand into his. “Also thanks for standing up for me back there, I appreciate it.” I grinned lopsidedly at him.
He smiled. “I will always stand up for you, protect you, and do whatever it takes to make sure you're safe! Trust me, I wasn't letting him anywhere near you!” He started to lead me off down the road I had taken before, it led to the tube station. I fell in love with him deeper and deeper each time he said things like that because he meant them!
“I would do the same for you too Cameron, I've never felt like this about anyone before, you caught my heart and soul Mr. Ballard.” I grinned up at him as we walked.
The smile played at the edges of his mouth. “And you mine.”
A few side streets later and he paused at the corner of another street. I had no clue where we were now. I was thankful he knew his way around.
“It's just down here, not far now!” He started walking again as he led us down the small ally way.
I grinned, thinking about the fact it felt like I was on some magic tour of London. “Okay, cool, and you were right as a tourist I wouldn't have braved walking down here!”
He led me out of the alley way and I stared open mouthed as we walked into a courtyard, it had various tables and chairs outside with a large outdoor BBQ area and set back behind that was a large brick building with large front glass windows. In gold and black lettering across both windows it said: 'Jane's fine tea & music cafe.' It had a vintage feel from the outside. I wondered who Jane was.
Cameron smiled. “Jane is my maternal grandmother, the one that gave me the violin, she's always believed in me and she loved it when I first bought her here, so I had the name changed. Let's head in.”
“That's lovely, I look forward to meeting her one day.” I gripped his hand as he walked over to the door. I was a little nervous. The BBQ wasn’t lit today and it seemed quiet.
“Its okay, no need to be nervous! It's all very relaxed here.” He pushed open the door and the bell above the door gave a tinkle. It was just as I imagined inside. It was furnished with a mix of odd furniture that somehow belonged together, there was a mix of reclaimed brightly painted chairs all nestled into various sized and shaped wooden tables. The name Jane's was spelt out on the far wall with various wooden letters decoupage’d with vintage fabric.
“Ah, so she does exist after all! I thought maybe the media were up to their old tricks again!”
I looked over to the counter to see a man in his late 30s grinning at us both. He had sandy blonde hair and blue eyes. I guessed he was the manager and friend that Cameron had spoken of.
Cameron laughed. “She is indeed real, and very really my girlfriend! Jim this is Evangeline, Evangeline this is my business partner and friend Jim!” He moved us nearer to the counter. The counter itself was just as quirky as the rest, it had some kind of fake grass attached to the front of it, and it matched one of the walls that was also covered with the fake grass but had ornate frames on it with the grass poking out of them.
I let go of Cameron's hand and held my own out to Jim. “Nice to meet you!” I smiled kindly at him.
He took hold of my hand and firmly shook it. “Very nice to meet you to Evangeline, I never thought anyone would domesticate him!” He winked at me.
I laughed as I let go of his hand. “Well, I try my best!” I joked back, he was nice, and he was kinda camp.
Cameron laughed. �
�Well, being domesticated by Evangeline is a rather pleasant experience!”
Jim chuckled. “I saved your favourite table, we aren't that busy today as yet so relax and enjoy!”
“Thanks, we will, luckily the press haven't cottoned on to us fully yet, but keep an eye out for anyone that looks suspicious!”
“Of course! The normal?!” He walked over to the coffee machine.
“Yes please and whatever Evangeline wants!” He turned to me.
I studied the coffee menu. “Oh can I have the mocha-chino please!” I smiled.
“Of course! Flake with that?!”
I nodded. “Oh yes please, I never turn down chocolate!”
“A girl after my own heart! Go get seated and I'll bring it over!”
“This way.” Cameron took my hand again and led me towards the back wall.
“Ah, now I see why you like this table the best!” It not only had a snuggle chair, but it also was nearest the wall with his grandmothers name on it.
“I've never had anyone to share the chair with before, you want to sit next to me?!” He grinned shyly at me.
I made a face. “Oh, I dunno, I might sit there!” I pointed to a single chair at the side of our table.
