MADE IN ESSEX

by Laura Ziepe

  She walked over to Sam and looked down at his peaceful-looking face. He was fast asleep. She slowly began to unbutton his shirt, praying she wouldn’t wake him. Luckily, he didn’t even move. He was far too drunk to ever remember anything even if he did wake up, Adele told herself, banishing her nerves. She was safe. Before she knew it, his shirt was off and she was unbuckling his belt and pulling his jeans down. She moved the bed covers from underneath him and put them on top. As she peered under the covers at his tanned, toned, athletic body she wondered whether she should remove his boxers or not. She decided she should. Well, she had to make it look real if she was going to pretend they slept together.

  CHAPTER 4

  Lisa spotted Nicola instantly. Her long platinum blonde hair was easily recognisable, even from a distance. She was wearing leather trousers with a baggy snakeskin blouse and gigantic black sunglasses, despite it being cloudy. It was always weird seeing Nicola wear normal clothes; working for a television company they didn’t have to wear suits, but had to dress fairly smart still. It also never ceased to amaze Lisa how professional Nicola was at work; she changed her voice so much that her Essex accent was almost undetectable, and she was completely serious and hard working. It was as though as soon as she left the office she could relax and be her true self. Lisa was meeting her in Chigwell to view their new flat and was really excited to see her room, which Nicola had told her she’d love. Nicola had been overjoyed when she’d told her she wanted to move in and they’d spent most of their day at work looking at the Zara Home website, deciding on what bedding they were going to buy and getting ideas about how Nicola should decorate. Then they’d discovered Kylie Minogue bedding and had fallen in love. Lisa had already bought two Kylie bedding sets; one stunning gold with diamanté cushions to match and a gorgeous white set with lace trim and a beautiful throw. It had cost a fortune, but it would look great, Lisa consoled herself.

  ‘Morning, honey!’ Nicola grinned as she reached her.

  ‘Hi,’ Lisa smiled, ‘nice shades.’

  ‘Thanks. I know it’s not sunny but they’re my new Tom Fords and I wanted to wear them. Ahhh, you brought Cupcake! Her little pink top is so cute!’ she flapped. ‘Oh, it has diamonds on it, how amazing?’

  Lisa let Nicola stroke her dog, who she was carrying in her arms. She had to wait until she’d had all her jabs at the vet’s before she could let her down and walk her.

  ‘She’s got a whole wardrobe of outfits,’ Lisa laughed. ‘You really don’t mind me moving the dog in?’

  ‘Babe, are you kidding? She’s so cute. How could I not want her in our flat?’

  ‘I suppose so,’ Lisa said, following Nicola through the gates to the building. There was a big sign saying ‘Manor Hall’ on the side of the wall. Not only did the building look lovely from the outside, but even the stairway, walls and carpet looked fresh and clean. So far, so good, Lisa thought happily.

  They walked to the first floor and Nicola stopped outside number ten.

  ‘Here we are,’ she sang, ‘home sweet home.’

  The front door swung open and Lisa stood there, amazed. It was beautiful!

  ‘Wow. I love it!’

  ‘It’s got underfloor heating and state-of-the-art surround sound and everything!’ Nicola said enthusiastically. ‘How lucky are we to be living in this place? I can’t believe this is my flat!’

  ‘Show me my room!’ Lisa said, putting Cupcake down, who sprinted up and down the floor, relishing her freedom.

  Lisa was delighted when she was taken through to a gorgeous room, which even had its own en-suite bathroom.

  ‘Do you like it, babe?’

  ‘I absolutely love it!’ Lisa said as she took everything in. ‘We are going to have so much fun being single here!’

  ‘I know,’ Nicola agreed. Her eyes darkened. ‘Do you like being single? I mean, you’re happy aren’t you?’

  Lisa sat down on the bed, wondering why she was asking her. She thought for a moment. ‘Yes, I love it at the minute. It’s nice not having to worry about anyone else.’

  Nicola sat down next to her and became a bit serious all of a sudden. ‘I have to tell you something.’

  Lisa felt anxious and fiddled with her bracelet. ‘What’s up?’

  ‘What did you say the name of your ex-boyfriend was?’

  ‘Jake. Jake Sutcliffe, why?’

  Nicola nodded as though she was expecting to hear that. ‘I thought that was him. I got my nails done today before I came here and my nail technician, Katy, she was going on about her new boyfriend and how he proposed to her last weekend.’

  Lisa had a feeling where this was going. ‘Yeah, go on.’

  ‘Well, when I asked about him, she said he was a carpenter and he was from round here. So I asked his name,’ she looked up at Lisa’s face, unsure whether to continue, ‘and she told me it was Jake Sutcliffe.’

  Lisa froze. She could hear her heart beating so loud it sounded like someone was banging drums ferociously. Her head felt hot, like it was going to burst.

  ‘Are you okay, honey?’ Nicola asked, worried. ‘Oh, babe, please don’t get upset. I didn’t want to tell you, but thought it was better coming from me than someone else!’

  Lisa couldn’t speak. She never thought she’d feel this way. She knew Jake hadn’t been the right man for her and she knew her cheating on him was a cry for help, but now he was gone for good. She could never get him back, even if she wanted. He had moved on; he was marrying someone else. How could he have moved on with someone else so quickly? How could he be engaged again?

  ‘Lisa?’

  Lisa shook herself and looked up at Nicola. ‘Sorry. I was in a world of my own. I’m okay. Thanks for telling me. It just feels so weird! I can’t believe Jake is marrying someone else. He didn’t waste any time did he? We’ve only been split up for eight months and he is already engaged again!’

  Nicola shrugged, her brow wrinkling. ‘Maybe it’s just a rebound?’

  ‘No, Jake would never propose on a rebound. He is far too sensible for that. He just loves being in relationships and he’s obviously met someone else he truly loves already. I’m happy for him, really I am. But, I just feel so shocked. I always assumed it would take him ages to get over our relationship, like it’s taking me. Yes, I’m happy and I like being single, but I’m still not one hundred per cent over him. I’ve been with him since I was sixteen! I still have days when I feel a bit lonely and question whether I did the right thing!’

  Nicola cocked her head to one side thoughtfully. ‘That’s understandable. You know you did the right thing, don’t you?’

  ‘Yes,’ Lisa said, ‘I know I wouldn’t have been happy to stay with him forever and that wouldn’t be fair on me or him. I always knew he’d meet someone else and I thought I’d feel fine about it, but I’m so shocked. The thought of him being with someone else just seems so strange. This time last year, he was with me and we were happy. Well, I thought I was, anyway. He’s moved on so quickly and is settled again. Then there’s me going on loads of dates and just being the fussiest person in the world.’

  ‘We’re too young to meet Mr Right,’ Nicola said.

  Lisa thought for a moment. ‘You’re right. Let’s just have fun meeting Mr Wrongs!’

  ‘That’s the spirit,’ Nicola said getting up, ‘now come with me to the kitchen.’

  Lisa followed as Nicola pulled out a bottle of Moët from the fridge and got two glasses out of one of the cupboards. She squealed as she pulled the cork out and it made a loud popping sound.

  ‘Scares me every time it does that, honey!’ she explained, her hand on her chest. She filled their glasses. ‘A toast. To being single, having fun and to not being engaged at twenty-two!’

  ‘I’ll cheers to that,’ Lisa smiled. ‘Also, to having the most fun ever in our new flat. Cheers!’

  ‘Cheers,’ Nicola grinned, taking a sip of the bubbly liquid.

  They both jumped when they heard dogs barking.

  Lisa put her g
lass on the glass table. ‘Oh my God, Cupcake!’

  ‘Oh shit,’ Nicola muttered under her breath, worrying when they saw the flat door ajar.

  Luckily the dog sounded close by, and Lisa sighed in relief when they opened the flat door and found Cupcake barking at a miniature Yorkshire Terrier dog sitting at the door of the flat opposite.

  ‘Cupcake, that’s enough!’ Lisa said loudly, trying to capture the dog’s attention, which didn’t work. The other dog started to bark back even louder and Cupcake made a growling sound.

  ‘Cupcake, honey,’ Nicola chipped in. ‘Be nice.’

  ‘Yes Cupcake, stop that. Come inside, that’s enough,’ Lisa said sternly, wagging her finger at the dog.

  They heard a girl shouting in the flat opposite and when she appeared Lisa stood there with her mouth wide open, agog.

  ‘Oh hi, it’s Lisa, isn’t it? What are you doing here? Is that your flat? Buddy, stop that yapping!’ she yelled at her dog, brazenly.

  ‘Adele? You live here?’ Lisa asked, her voice almost a whisper, hoping she was just visiting a friend. This couldn’t be happening!

  ‘Babe, these flats are like the nicest round here for miles. Of course I live here!’ Adele cackled, reminding Lisa of a witch.

  ‘Oh …’ Lisa said feebly, her earlier excitement bursting like a bubble.

  ‘So is this your flat or your friend’s?’ Adele asked, eyeing them one at a time quizzically.

  ‘It’s mine,’ Nicola informed her politely, ‘and Lisa is going to be renting a room as from tomorrow.’

  ‘Oh amazing!’ Adele smiled, ‘we can do dinner and have girly nights in. How great is it we live opposite?’

  Lisa nodded unenthusiastically, ‘Yeah, really great.’

  ‘Excuse the state of me, girls, I’ve only just got back from last night, if you know what I mean,’ Adele grinned, pulling her dressing gown round her tighter.

  ‘What’s his name?’ Nicola asked with a wry smile.

  Adele held her hands up with a mock-offended look. ‘Now come on. Do I look like the kind of girl that would kiss and tell? Sorry, I didn’t catch your name?’

  ‘It’s Nicola.’

  ‘I’m Adele.’ She picked up Buddy who was still barking at Cupcake and shut him in her flat. ‘Give them time and they’ll be best friends,’ she gave a short, gravelly laugh, which sounded like she smoked too many cigarettes. ‘Do you mind if I take a look at your flat?’

  Lisa looked at Nicola, willing her to say no. She wanted to get away from Adele and pretend this wasn’t happening. How could she live in the flat opposite? Out of the whole of Essex, what were the chances of them both being in the same building? It wasn’t fair! This was supposed to be their dream flat. A chance to finally taste freedom. This wasn’t freedom – what with Adele living dead opposite, showing up at their door every night, like Lisa bet she would. Girly nights in? This was a complete nightmare!

  ‘Of course you can,’ Nicola said, scooping up Cupcake and walking inside.

  Lisa followed reluctantly.

  ‘Oh, it’s so tiny compared to my one!’ Adele exclaimed, looking delighted as she nosed around in every room. She noticed Nicola’s frown as she made her way out of the bathroom. ‘Of course, it’s more homely or whatever this way though.’

  She clearly doesn’t want to get on the wrong side of Nicola, Lisa thought resentfully.

  ‘How big is your one then?’ Nicola enquired.

  ‘It’s got a much bigger lounge and the rooms are double the size,’ Adele boasted smugly. ‘Your one is really cute and small, though I could never live somewhere as little as this myself.’

  ‘Well I like it,’ Lisa retorted.

  ‘Oh great, champagne!’ Adele squeaked, walking to the kitchen and looking through the cupboards for a glass.

  Nicola looked at Lisa questioningly and Lisa gave her a furious expression to show how annoyed she was with Adele for just inviting herself in for a drink. What a nerve she had! Helping herself to their champagne! Who did she think she was?

  ‘We can’t stay for long,’ Lisa lied, frustrated that Adele had ruined her morning. First she found out Jake was engaged, now this.

  ‘Oh I’ll just have a quick glass to celebrate us being neighbours. Oh, it’s Moët,’ Adele said disparagingly, trying to disguise her grimace as she tasted it. ‘I haven’t had this since I was a teenager.’

  ‘What’s wrong with Moët?’ Nicola asked, puzzled.

  ‘Nothing, hun. It’s nice. I think I’ve just been spoilt with expensive champers in my time and it’s hard to go back to the cheap stuff. I’m a Cristal girl myself. Ignore me,’ Adele said, flapping her hand.

  ‘We will,’ Lisa said under her breath, making Nicola snort with laughter. ‘Anyway Adele, I hope you don’t mind, but we really must be going soon.’

  Adele looked disappointed. ‘Oh right. Where are you going?’

  Lisa was caught off guard. Where could she be going? ‘Oh … erm … we’re …’

  ‘She needs to go to the clinic,’ Nicola helped out quickly.

  Lisa shot Nicola a baffled look, who then made a face as if to say the clinic was the first thing that came into her head.

  ‘The clinic? Are we talking …?’ Adele nodded, eyes widening as she gave them both a knowing look.

  ‘That’s right,’ Nicola said, continuing the lie, ‘the STD clinic.’

  ‘But it’s Sunday,’ Adele frowned. ‘What clinic is open Sunday and what’s actually wrong?’

  Lisa faked a strained expression. ‘I’d really rather not say.’

  ‘Oh, well okay then,’ Adele said, looking rather uncomfortable as she downed her champagne. ‘Though if you want my advice the best clinic to go to is the one in Romford and ask for Dr Stevens, he’s the best. Hot too. He’s helped me loads in the past.’ Adele looked flustered as she realised what she’d just said. ‘Not loads exactly … just the one time. Anyway, must go, I think I can hear Buddy barking for me!’

  She turned and left, leaving Nicola and Lisa standing there in fits of laughter.

  *

  Sam woke up and groaned. His head was throbbing in pain and he was gasping for a drink. What on earth had happened to him last night? How did he get home? He shivered, and wondered why he was completely naked. He had been so drunk and he could feel that he was going to be paying for it today. He got his phone from his bedside table and saw he had two messages. The first was from Jade. He squinted as he read the message, trying to focus on the words.

  Morning. Hope you don’t mind, but I’m coming over this morning as I left my red notebook at yours and also think we need to talk. Xx

  The message was sent about an hour ago, so he needed to sort himself quickly. He didn’t want Jade seeing him in this state. He was bemused when he saw his previous message was from Adele, and then memories of him speaking to her and apologising came flooding back to him.

  Hi Sam. I left early this morning before you woke. I hope you don’t mind. Had the most amazing night with you;) You’re still as good as I remember! Adele xx

  Sam felt as though someone had punched him. Still as good as she remembered? What was she talking about? What the hell happened? Surely he hadn’t … he couldn’t even bear thinking about it. This was a disaster! He felt his face burning and a sick feeling wash over him. He deleted the message, jumped up and grabbed his dressing gown, running to the toilet and just making it on time before he spewed up vast amounts of liquid. What a mess, he thought, as he hugged the toilet seat, feeling like death. Why on earth had he thought it was a good idea to drink so much? He was such an idiot! What had Adele meant? he questioned, as he got up and walked to the kitchen to get a sachet of Alka-Seltzer. He put the white tablet in a glass of water, waited for it to dissolve and then downed it as though his life depended on it. Please make me feel better, he prayed as he wiped his mouth, and inhaled deeply as another wave of nausea washed over him.

  He froze when the loud shrill of the doorbell went off. Surely Jade wasn’t here alr
eady? He hadn’t even had a shower or brushed his teeth! He didn’t want her seeing him hungover; he knew she hated it when he went out and got wasted and now he could see why.

  He opened the door, attempting a smile as he saw Jade’s pretty face staring back at him. Her long dark blonde hair was loose and wavy and even though she was wearing casual jeans and a mint green jumper she still looked as glamorous and sexy as ever.

  ‘Morning,’ she said, kissing him.

  He grimaced as he turned; knowing he’d just been puking up and she’d kissed him.

  ‘Hi,’ he exhaled, concentrating on acting completely normal. He didn’t want her to guess anything was wrong.

  ‘Rough night?’ Jade asked, going into his room.

  ‘No, not too bad,’ he lied. ‘I’m just going to jump in the shower and brush my teeth. Won’t be long.’

  ‘Okay, I’ll watch the telly for a bit.’

  Sam put his head under the hot sprays of water and rubbed his face. What had he done last night? Adele’s message kept flashing through his mind. He had to act normal. Whatever had happened, Jade couldn’t know about it. Surely he’d been too drunk to do anything though? He would never cheat on Jade, would he? If only he could piece together last night’s events. He honestly didn’t believe he had slept with Adele, but the sad and frustrating thing was, he couldn’t be certain. He was so annoyed with himself for being so stupid! He had been completely drunk, which was why he’d blacked out and could only remember being in the club. The last thing he remembered was speaking to Adele. Why did things go so wrong whenever she was around? He needed to talk to her and get her to tell him the truth. The trouble was, he was terrified what she was going to say. He wrapped a towel round his waist, brushed his teeth and put some deodorant on and then made his way to his room. Stay calm, he told himself; you’re not ill, you’re fine. And you did not do anything untoward with Adele last night.