Stuck With You

by Carla Burgess

  ‘That’s okay.’ I smiled as I undid my seatbelt, letting it slide through my fingers.

  ‘You’re coming to watch us on Friday, aren’t you?’

  ‘Of course.’ Upstairs in my mum and dad’s house, their bedroom light went on. ‘What time should I get there?’

  ‘About eight?’

  ‘Okay. I’ll see you then.’ I smiled and pecked him firmly on the lips. ‘Goodnight.’

  ‘Wait. Is that all I get?’

  ‘You’ve had enough kisses for tonight.’ I laughed as I opened the door and climbed out. He leaned over to look at me, one hand on the seat.

  ‘I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of you, Elena.’

  Chapter Fifteen

  That night I hardly slept for thinking about Daniel. There was no way what he said could be true. It was laughable really. And yet it felt like my heart beat only for him. My whole body ached with desire. He was like a drug I thought I’d kicked a long time ago, and in just a few days I’d become addicted to again.

  I spent the whole of Thursday thinking about seeing him the following night. I was by turns wildly excited and absolutely terrified. The words he’d said last night kept popping into my head as I tried to work, and I found myself staring blankly at my computer screen on more than one occasion, completely lost in my own little world. To guard against potential heartbreak, I tried to imagine him surrounded by adoring girl groupies with whom he’d go home. I imagined being totally ignored or laughed at. Imagined him talking about me: ‘See that girl over there, she really thought she stood a chance with me.’ Sudden tears filled my eyes and I jumped as Hilary’s sharp voice carried over the partition wall.

  ‘Elena?’ Her fluffy yellow hair appeared, closely followed by spidery, mascara-laden lashes. ‘Have you finished updating that spreadsheet yet? I’ve been waiting over half an hour.’

  ‘Sorry, just doing it now.’

  ‘Why has it taken so long? What have you been doing all morning? You only had a couple of things to do.’

  ‘I’m sorry, Hilary. I just can’t seem to get my head into gear this morning.’

  ‘Hmm…’ Hilary peered at my watery eyes suspiciously. ‘That Alex hasn’t been messing you about again, has he?’

  ‘No.’ Quickly I jiggled my mouse to wake up my computer.

  ‘Are you feeling ill? You’re usually such a good worker.’

  I shook my head. ‘I’m fine. I’ll send this over to you now.’

  Lunchtime took forever to arrive. I’d arranged to meet Rachel and couldn’t wait to tell her everything that had happened. She was bound to be as sceptical as me. But when we met outside Marks and Spencer, and walked arm in arm up the street to our favourite coffee house, for some reason I found myself reluctant to tell her everything Daniel had said. Besides, she was telling me about Patrick and their plans for the weekend.

  ‘Do you think you’re in love with him?’ I asked. She was practically sparkling with excitement.

  ‘Oh, Elena, I’m head over heels, completely and utterly, one hundred per cent in love with him. He’s the most amazing man I’ve ever met.’

  ‘Has he said he loves you too?’

  She nodded, her cheeks flushing pink.

  ‘When did he say he loved you?’

  She gave me an odd look. ‘Why?’

  ‘I just wondered, that’s all. How soon do you tell someone you love them?’

  ‘Why? Are you about to tell someone you love them? Who? Please tell me it’s not Daniel.’ She laughed, and then opened her eyes wide. ‘Oh my God! You’re not joking, are you?’

  ‘I’m not about to tell anyone I love them,’ I said, feeling sick at her reaction. Even Rachel didn’t think he could seriously like me. The waitress appeared with my soup and I thanked her as she set it down in front of me. ‘I was just asking when Patrick told you, that’s all. Or when you told him.’

  ‘We did it together. It just felt right. Completely natural.’ She slipped the napkin off her cutlery and turned her plate so that her toasted sandwich was in front of the salad. ‘And it was quite soon after we got together. When you know, you know, I guess.’ She smiled. ‘I still want to know why you’re asking though.’

  I shook my head. ‘I was just thinking about things with Alex. I can’t remember when he told me he loved me.’

  ‘I don’t think he ever did, did he?’ Rachel said, surprised. ‘You always used to say it to him, and then he’d say “me too”, or something like that. Honestly, he was the least romantic man in the world. You’re well rid of him.’ She forked up some salad leaves and popped them in her mouth. ‘Have you heard from him yet?’

  ‘Yes, he asked me to collect some stuff. Did I not tell you?’ I frowned.

  ‘No, when was this?’

  ‘He phoned me on Saturday, I think, and I went Sunday morning. Daniel took me.’

  ‘Daniel?’ She reached for her drink and took a sip. ‘How come?’

  ‘Mum had invited him round for Sunday lunch.’

  ‘Your mum? Why?’

  ‘Because he helped my dad cut his hedge? Surely I’ve told you all this?’

  Rachel shook her head at me like I was losing my mind. ‘No! The last I heard was a text on Saturday morning saying you had a horrendous hangover.’

  ‘Oh, well, that was the day Daniel trimmed the hedge. He dropped me home and my dad was outside, and you know how Daniel’s a tree surgeon and everything. So yeah, now my parents adore him and I’m sort of seeing him.’

  ‘Sort of seeing him?’ Rachel looked at me for clarification.

  I shrugged. ‘We went out last night. He kissed me.’

  She leaned forward, eyes wide with disbelief. ‘Bull. Shit.’

  I laughed. That wasn’t even the bullshittiest part. She broke out into a grin. ‘Not that I should be surprised, of course, seeing as you’re completely fantastic and gorgeous.’ She looked at me closely and ran her tongue over her teeth. ‘Well, I’m pleased for you, obviously. But if you insist on going into this, please have your eyes wide open so you don’t get hurt again. And please don’t tell him you love him or read him your poetry or anything. Play it cool. Make him work for you. When are you seeing him next?’

  I laughed. ‘Tomorrow night. His band’s playing. I said I’d go, even though I’ll have to go on my own.’ I gave her an accusing look.

  ‘You’ll be fine. Women can go into bars on their own, you know. It is the twenty-first century.’

  ‘I know that. I’m just a bit nervous about it. In case he’s surrounded by women and I just feel ridiculous.’

  ‘Well, at least you’re prepared for that, should it happen.’ Rachel gave me a serious look, which I returned with a look of wide-eyed fear. She glanced down at my soup. ‘Are you actually going to eat any of that? Or just stir it round and round?’

  ‘I’m not that hungry really.’

  ‘Oh God! You’re lovesick. Just like you were at college.’

  ‘I’m not! Don’t be silly. I’m just not feeling well.’

  Rachel perked up slightly. ‘How about you take the rest of the afternoon off and come underwear shopping with me?’

  ‘I can’t really, I’ve been useless this morning as it is.’

  ‘By the looks of you, you’ll be useless this afternoon too. Can’t you use a half day’s holiday?’

  ‘I suppose I could phone Hilary and ask.’

  ‘Yesss! Go on. I bet you need new underwear too, don’t you? Especially if there’s a chance of sex with Daniel?’ She waggled a cheeky eyebrow. ‘Not that I approve, obviously. But you’ll have to throw away those old grey bras.’

  ‘I haven’t got any old grey bras, cheeky.’ I pulled out my phone and rang Hilary.

  ‘Hello! Hilary speaking, how may I help you?’

  ‘Hi, Hilary, it’s Elena.’

  ‘Elena?’

  ‘Yeah, hi, I was wondering if I could take the rest of the afternoon off? As holiday?’


  Hilary sniffed. ‘Well, I suppose so. There’s nothing really pressing that needs to be done. Are you feeling okay? You’re not using holiday when you’re sick, are you?’

  Touched by her concern, I assured her I wasn’t before ringing off. Rachel clapped in excitement. ‘Yes! Come on, let’s drive to Manchester.’

  ‘Manchester?’

  ‘Yes! Durr! We’re going to Victoria’s Secret, silly!’

  In the end, a girly, giggly shopping trip with Rachel was just the distraction I needed. And Rachel was right, I did need some new underwear. My libido had been at an all-time low with Alex before we broke up, and he’d made me feel about as sexy as an earthworm, so a bit of nice underwear wouldn’t go amiss. My credit card took a bit of a hammering, but I didn’t buy as much as Rachel, who spent a small fortune.

  We bought new make-up and toiletries, then ate Chinese food for tea. I checked my phone while waiting for my main course to arrive and found I had a missed call from Daniel and a voicemail.

  ‘Let’s hear what he’s got to say then!’ Rachel took my phone out of my hand and put it on speaker phone.

  ‘Rachel!’ I protested, laughing, but the message was already playing, and Daniel’s voice was saying how much he missed me and couldn’t wait to see me tomorrow. Rachel’s jaw dropped in astonishment and she stared at me for a moment before replaying the message again.

  ‘Oh my God!’ she said eventually. ‘You have Daniel Moore wrapped around your little finger. How long since you got stuck together in that lift? Two weeks? Wow!’

  ‘Give me the phone,’ I said, impatiently. ‘I can’t let myself believe him just yet. It’s too soon. What if I let myself fall for him again and he just moves on to the next girl?’

  Rachel glanced back at the phone and pulled a face. ‘That’s the chance we all take when we fall in love. There are no guarantees.’

  ‘I know, but like you said, this is Daniel Moore.’

  ‘Have you slept with him?’

  I shook my head.

  ‘Kissed him?’

  ‘Last night.’

  ‘One kiss and he’s leaving you messages like that?’

  I shrugged. ‘According to him, one prom kiss, seven years of longing, and then getting stuck in a lift with me…’

  ‘Wow. That’s pretty romantic.’

  I felt myself flush with emotion. ‘It’s pretty ridiculous.’

  ‘What if he’s telling the truth? What if he really does feel like that?’

  ‘Well then, I guess dreams really do come true.’ I tucked my phone back into my bag.

  ‘I really want to come tomorrow night now.’ She narrowed her eyes. ‘I want to see how he is with you.’

  ‘You’ll be with Patrick, on your romantic weekend. You won’t even be thinking of me and Daniel tomorrow night.’

  She laughed. ‘Well, maybe not.’

  We didn’t get home until late evening. I’d phoned Mum to let her know I was going to be late so she wouldn’t worry, but I’d not had a chance to return Daniel’s call. I figured he’d be busy rehearsing anyway. Expecting the call to go straight through to voicemail, my stomach disappeared when he actually answered.

  ‘Hey!’

  ‘Hello! I thought you’d be busy playing guitar and stuff.’

  ‘I’m just having a break while Kev sorts out his drum bit. Can you hear him?’

  ‘Yes.’ In the background, I could hear the unmistakable sound of drums and the odd twang of a guitar. ‘Is it going well?’

  ‘Not really. Everyone’s nervous about tomorrow so we’ve been arguing all night. I’d rather be with you. What have you been up to? I phoned you earlier.’

  ‘I know, I got your message. I was out with Rachel. I took the afternoon off and went with her to Manchester, shopping.’

  ‘Buy anything nice?’

  ‘You could say that.’ I held up a lacy bra on its hanger, letting it swing from side to side.

  ‘Will you be wearing it tomorrow?’

  ‘Oh yes.’

  There was a pause, and I could practically hear the cogs in his brain working.

  ‘Can you describe it for me?’

  ‘Hmm, well, it’s small and lacy and there’s really not very much to it at all.’

  ‘I look forward to seeing it.’

  ‘Oh, I doubt very much that you’ll be seeing it tomorrow,’ I said, although, even as I said it, images of him undressing me were running through my mind.

  He groaned. ‘C’mon, Elena! You can’t do that to me!’

  I laughed wickedly. ‘Goodnight, Daniel.’

  ‘Hey, don’t go yet. What else did you buy?’

  ‘Some Vicks VapoRub and some slippers?’

  He groaned. ‘That’s it. Say those words to me, baby.’

  I giggled and lay down on my bed. ‘So, where are you rehearsing?’

  ‘Kev’s garage.’ He yawned. ‘I’ve had enough now. I’m knackered.’

  I checked my watch. ‘It’s nearly half past ten. You can’t be going on for too much longer, surely?’

  ‘The way this lot are arguing we can.’

  ‘Are you working tomorrow as well?’

  ‘Yep.’

  We were quiet for a moment. In the background, the drums had stopped and voices were screaming at each other.

  ‘Is that Zach?’

  ‘Yeah, he’s a nightmare before a gig. He’s too highly strung.’

  ‘Aww, I can’t imagine him having a go at anyone.’

  ‘To be fair, Kev goes out of his way to wind him up. Have you played that cello yet?’

  I looked to where it stood in the corner of my room. ‘No.’

  ‘Are you going to get it out and practise?’

  ‘Well I doubt my mum and dad or any of the neighbours would be particularly impressed if I started sawing away at it at this time of night.’

  ‘Bring it round to mine. My bedroom’s soundproofed.’

  ‘It is?’

  ‘Yeah, my mum had it done so I could practise guitar. Bring your cello round and you can play it for me. Preferably naked.’

  ‘Naked?’ I winced. ‘Is this what this is about? You have a cello fantasy?’

  ‘Well, it involves you as well.’

  ‘But no clothes?’

  ‘Absolutely not. Clothes are forbidden in my fantasy.’

  I laughed, enjoying the flirty nature of our conversation. It was flattering to know he was thinking about me. Alex had never said anything like that. ‘You’re being very presumptuous, Daniel Moore.’

  ‘I prefer the word optimistic. And like I said, I don’t want to end up in the friend zone.’

  ‘I think you’re way past the friend zone, Daniel.’

  There was a colossal crash and a roar from somewhere in the background. ‘Oh shit. Better go. I’ll see you tomorrow.’

  ‘Okay, bye.’

  I winced and rang off, heart hammering in excitement at the thought of seeing Daniel so soon.

  Chapter Sixteen

  I felt sick with nerves as I got ready to go out. I dressed to blend in: skinny black jeans, black strappy top, black leather jacket. My hands shook as applied my make-up, but I was pleased by how big and smoky my eyes looked. I left my hair loose and shiny, found my heeled boots and caught the bus into Chester before I lost my nerve.

  The pub was packed out when I got there. The support act, a comedian, was already onstage. There was no sign of Daniel or Zach. The seats and tables were already taken, so I queued at the bar for a drink and then stood at the back by the windows overlooking the canal. Candles flickered on wooden tables and groups of people and couples sat around, chatting. I felt a bit conspicuous, standing on my own, so I pulled out my phone and sent Rachel a text, even though I knew she’d be in the spa with Patrick by now.

  I wasn’t really surprised when Daniel appeared at the bar, flanked by two girls. They were chatting to him, touching him, laughing and flirting. The sharp stab o
f jealousy took me by surprise. If he really was going to be surrounded by girls all night, I didn’t think I could handle it. Maybe I should slip away while I had the chance. But no, I ought to go and say hello since I was here. I had to be an adult about this. Besides, Zach would be around somewhere. I could talk to Zach if Daniel got a better offer from the flirty girls.

  Before I had chance to make my way over, Daniel caught sight of me and his eyes locked on mine. He raised an eyebrow and gave me stern look, as though he knew what I was thinking, and then he pointed at me and beckoned me over in a way that was not to be argued with. I felt hot and tingly as I made my way towards him. My legs rubbery and weak. The girls looked at me with polite interest, and Daniel wrapped his arm around my shoulders, drawing me against his hot body.

  ‘Elena, I’d like you to meet my two pain-in-the-arse cousins, Katie and Sophia. Katie and Sophia, say hello to Elena, my girlfriend.’

  My girlfriend? I was his girlfriend.

  ‘Hello, Elena. What did you do to deserve this idiot?’ Katie punched Daniel in the arm. Close to, the girls were clearly a lot younger than I’d first thought.

  ‘Ouch! That’s not very nice,’ he said. ‘Can’t you go back to your dad now? Go on, you’re doing my head in.’

  ‘Don’t be horrible. Since when did you have a girlfriend anyway? She’s far too pretty for you.’

  ‘Who’s being horrible now? Although, I must concede that you’re right.’ Daniel gave me a squeeze and kissed me on the mouth.

  ‘Ugh! Gross!’ The girls stuck their tongues out, pulling disgusted faces. Daniel laughed.

  ‘Get used to it, girls. I’m marrying Elena.’

  ‘You are?’ Their eyebrows shot up in surprise and they blinked at me. I shook my head.

  ‘Yep. I’ve got her a ring and everything.’ Daniel fished in his pocket and brought out a bright green plastic ring that had obviously come out of a cracker. ‘Here you go.’

  ‘You’ve got to go down on one knee, idiot,’ Katie said. She seemed to be the more confident of the two girls.

  Daniel shrugged and lowered himself onto one knee. ‘Oh no, oh no.’ I glanced around, flustered. People had stopped talking and were watching in delighted fascination. ‘Get up!’ I hissed. ‘People are looking.’