Sidequest for Love

by L.H. Cosway

  “Oh?” I replied, reaching up to nervously tug at my shirt collar. “What about?”

  “Mine and Leanne’s anniversary is coming up, and I was hoping you could help me plan something special,” he said, and just like that, relief flooded me.

  I set my coffee down and pulled out my tablet, all business as I started searching for the best-rated restaurants in the city. “Right, yes, I’d be happy to. What did you have in mind?”

  Callum eyed me a moment, pushing his sunglasses down to pierce me with his bright green stare. “You okay, mate? You seem a little tetchy.”

  I tried to affect a casual demeanour as I cast him a quick glance before returning my attention to the tablet. “I’m perfectly fine. Now, there are some Michelin star restaurants that come highly recommended—”

  “Don’t change the subject. You’re not fine, I can tell. Come on now. You can talk to me. We’re friends, right?”

  “Technically, you’re my employer.”

  “But you’ve worked for me for years. You’ve worked for all of us for years. We consider you a part of the gang, a part of the family even.”

  Something about what he said caused a sharp stab of guilt in my middle. “That’s very kind of you to say, but this is still my job.” And I definitely didn’t deserve his friendship, not after what I’d done.

  “Is this about Leanne?” Callum questioned abruptly, and I tensed.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I know you used to have a thing for her, and I know I was kind of a dick about it at the time, but it’s all water under the bridge as far as I’m concerned.”

  “It’s not about that,” I said, shaking my head.

  “But it is about something?” Callum countered, and I realised I’d just inadvertently dug myself a hole.

  “It’s a personal matter. Nothing you need to be concerned about.”

  At this, Callum threw his arm around my shoulders and led me over to sit on the bench a few yards away. “Did I not just say we were family? Come on, Neil. You can trust me. You work for me, but I also consider you one of my closest friends.”

  My eyebrows shot up. “You do?”

  Callum barked a laugh. “Bloody hell. Maybe I should be offended that you sound so surprised.”

  “I just didn’t think you thought of me in that way.”

  “Course I do! You’re one of the most trustworthy people I know. Why else would I let you run all my online accounts for me?”

  Again, the guilt stabbed. Only this time, it hurt more. I wondered briefly if a person could die from the sheer weight of the guilt they carried. “Right, yes. Actually, about that. I’m not sure if I’m—”

  “Ah, I know it’s a pain in the arse, but if it were left to me, none of it would ever get done. I’m shite at all that social media stuff. Don’t have the attention span for it at all.”

  “It’s really not very complicated,” I said.

  Callum grinned. “Call me lazy then. So, you’re really not going tell me what’s bothering you?”

  I considered opening up to him. Not about the Annabelle stuff, but about the things that were frying my nerves in general. Mainly, there was the fact that I’d had a sex dream last night that had completely thrown me for a loop. Sure, my view of the woman in my dream had been hazy, but her hair was telling. There was only one blonde woman who also used to have blue hair in my life right now. The idea that I was having sex dreams about Afric left me more than a little discombobulated. She was too young for me, too out there, her personality too loud and boisterous. Basically, we were chalk and cheese. It would never work. Not that she’d ever be interested.

  “What’s the longest you’ve ever gone without sex?” I blurted, and Callum’s grin widened.

  “Ah, so that’s why you’re tense. I get it,” he said, rubbing his chin. “Let me see. I’m not sure I’ve ever counted the months, but there were definitely some long stretches when Leanne and I were on the outs. Why? How long’s it been for you?”

  I winced as I replied, “Over two years.”

  Callum let out a low whistle. “Fuck, mate, that’s rough.”

  “Yes … It’s been quite rough,” I agreed, though it wasn’t the end of the world. It wasn’t like a person could die from lack of sex.

  “Just you and your hand for two whole years. Poor bastard,” Callum went on in commiseration.

  I chuckled self-consciously. “Make me feel better about it, why don’t you.”

  “Sorry, sorry, I just feel your pain, you know? Hey, how about I take you out tonight? It’s been a long while since I’ve been anyone’s wingman. I’ll ask Paul to come, too. He’s the last of the group who’s still single since Isaac’s been seeing a girl back in London.”

  “Oh, you don’t need to do that,” I said. I was trying my best to be polite because, honestly, the thought of Callum Davidson being my wingman was too painful to think about. No woman would even bother to look at me with him by my side.

  “I want to do it. You’re the backbone of our group,” Callum said. “We’d all be lost without you. It’s about time I did something for you for once.”

  Yet, again, the blade of guilt slid deep. If Callum had a clue of what a piece of shit I really was, he wouldn’t be making this offer. He’d probably break my jaw if he knew, and I’d probably deserve it.

  “Seriously, we’ve still got the afternoon shoot to contend with. You’re going to be exhausted by tonight. I doubt you’ll have the energy to go out.”

  “You let me worry about that,” Callum said as he stood. “I’ll meet you in the hotel lobby at eight.”

  With that, he went, and I was left sitting there, dreading whatever the night had in store.

  Afric

  It was just after seven p.m. when my phone rang. Billy was taking a nap on the couch while I gamed in my bedroom. Quickly logging off, I glanced at the screen and spotted Neil’s name. My lips formed a grin.

  Would you look at me? Grinning just because Neil was calling me. It had crept up on me, but I’d obviously developed a little bit of a crush on him. It wasn’t a big deal. I had crushes on people all the time. I’d just about gotten over my obsession with Michael Sheen.

  What? He had a cheeky smile and a smashing personality.

  “To what do I owe the pleasure of a phone call at this hour?” I answered. With the time difference, Neil was probably still in the middle of his workday.

  “Hey, I just wanted to let you know that I can’t make our video call tonight,” he said reluctantly.

  Just like that, disappointment set in. I’d been looking forward to our call all day. “Oh? Is everything all right?”

  “Everything’s fine. Something just came up.”

  “What came up?”

  There was silence on his end for a moment before he replied, his voice tight, “Callum and Paul are taking me for a lads’ night out in the city.”

  I noted the weariness in his voice. “Well, that’s going to be a boatload of fun. Why do you sound so stressed about it?”

  I heard him exhale a heavy breath. “Callum’s gotten this idea in his head that he’s going to be my wingman. Sometimes I wonder if he has any clue what he actually looks like.”

  I barked a laugh. “Callum Davidson knows exactly what he looks like. I can’t count the number of times he’s been conveniently topless on Running on Air.”

  “Right, well, either way, it’s going to be a disaster. Any woman I try to talk to will only be interested in him.”

  My smile vanished as my eyebrows drew into a frown. “If that’s the case, then none of them have an ounce of taste. You’re a catch, Neil. When are you ever going to realise that?”

  “You think I’m a catch?” he asked, sounding surprised.

  “Of course I do. You’ve got a steady job, your own flat, a smart dress sense and impeccable personal hygiene. You’re organised, reliable, and kind. Need I go on?”

  “You’re forgetting that I’m also stiff, uptight and a little bit awkward,�
� he argued.

  “Oh hush. You’re only stiff and awkward when you’re uncomfortable. Once people get to know you, you’re great. I can personally vouch for that.”

  “That’s very kind of you to say, but it’s not that simple.”

  “Why isn’t it?”

  “Well, for a start, you’re not like most women.”

  “Hey!”

  “It’s not a criticism. I think it’s wonderful how you see the world. You don’t dismiss people because of their imperfections. In fact, you seem to enjoy people far more because they’re imperfect. But in my experience, the women I meet in bars are looking for tall, dark, and handsome men with six-figure salaries.”

  I was shaking my head as I listened to him. “I disagree. I think that a lot of women think they want tall, dark, handsome, and rich. And sure, money can help make life more comfortable, but what they really want is a man who’s kind, a man who listens and is genuinely interested in who they are, a man who cares about their happiness and wellbeing. That’s you, Neil,” I said, feeling somewhat breathless at my declaration. “You are the ideal catch for the person who actually takes the time to look beneath the surface.”

  He didn’t say anything for several seconds, and I started to worry I’d said too much, revealed something I hadn’t meant to reveal. But then Neil spoke, “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the world would be a better place if it had more people like you in it, Afric.”

  A smile graced my lips as I lifted my chin. “That’s very true.”

  He laughed softly, and I loved the sound. “How are you? I hope you don’t mind me cancelling our call tonight.”

  “Not at all,” I lied. “And I’m fine, really good, actually. My brother Billy is visiting. Currently, he’s taking a nap and snoring his head off on my couch. He said the flight took a lot out of him. I told him if a one-hour flight takes a lot out of him, then he’s not going to last long in this world,” I paused to laugh. “Speaking of siblings, how’s Rosie? I think I spotted her commenting on my live stream the other day. She wouldn’t happen to be a librarian, would she?”

  “Yes, she’s a trainee librarian. I actually had a call with her earlier. She’s been fretting about this new book club she’s hosting at the library where she works. She’s worried nobody’s going to show up.”

  “Well, Billy and I can go if you like?” I offered impulsively. “Fill out the numbers. Plus, Billy can talk for Ireland, so he’ll be only too happy to fill any awkward silences.”

  “Seriously? You’d do that for Rosie?”

  I’d do it for you. I also couldn’t resist the chance to meet Neil’s sister in person and quiz her about her brother.

  “Sure, I haven’t got anything else on this week, and I do love a good book discussion. Send me all the details, and I’ll be there.”

  “Rosie might faint if you show up. She’s such a fan of yours.”

  “If she faints, I’ll make sure to catch her,” I said with a chuckle.

  Neil laughed again, and again, I loved the sound of it. “Right, well, I’ll give her a heads up that you’re planning on going. Hopefully, that way, we’ll be able to avoid any fainting.”

  “Hopefully. Good luck with your lads’ night,” I said, though somewhere deep down, I didn’t entirely mean it. The idea of Neil hooking up with a random woman didn’t sit well with me at all. God, I really needed to get a handle on this silly crush. Maybe if he’d quit being so adorably self-deprecating, I could manage it.

  “Thanks,” he said, a hint of foreboding in his voice. “I need all the luck I can get.”

  Neil

  The bar Callum selected was too loud, too busy, and far too stylish for my liking. I would’ve much preferred a quiet little pub somewhere, but Cal insisted I’d have a better chance of meeting someone in a place like this.

  Actually, if I were being honest, I’d much rather be back in my hotel room video chatting with Afric.

  “Can you get your head in the game?” Callum asked, nudging me with his elbow where we sat by the bar drinking our pints. “You look a million miles away.”

  “Sorry. I was just thinking about work,” I lied.

  “Well, that’s the first thing you need to knock on the head. You’re already in danger of becoming a workaholic. Don’t let it cock block you, too.”

  “Didn’t you say Paul was going to join us?” I asked in an effort to change the subject.

  “Yeah, he begged off, though. I think he’s got some secret hook-up going on here in New York. He’s been disappearing every night this week and won’t tell anyone where he’s going.”

  “Definitely sounds like he’s seeing someone,” I agreed. “What about Leanne? Does she mind you going to a bar without her?”

  “No, she thought it was a great idea. You know Leanne loves you, and she’s well aware I wouldn’t stray.” He paused, eyeing me a moment as he took a sip of his drink. “She did mention something about a girl back home who you’ve been texting.”

  Right. I’d forgotten Leanne caught me sending selfies to Afric that day. “Yes, I have been texting someone, but she’s just a friend. It isn’t romantic.”

  “You sure about that?”

  No, especially not if she really is the woman from my hazy sex dream.

  “Yes, I’m sure.”

  “Good. That means we can put operation ‘Get Neil Laid’ into action. Have you seen anyone you like?”

  I gave the bar occupants a cursory glance. The place was full of attractive women, but I just wasn’t interested. I wasn’t sure if it was due to a fear of being turned down or because my thoughts were already focused on someone else.

  Worryingly, that someone wasn’t Annabelle. I still hadn’t messaged her back, and I feared she might be angry at me, or well, angry at fake Callum, but I just couldn’t think of what to say to her, how to let her down gently. I’d realised that I wasn’t as invested in meeting her as I had been the day I confessed everything to Afric in the empty cinema. The day she’d promised to help me. She hadn’t wanted anything in return at the time. Was that because she found my predicament entertaining, or because she just genuinely wanted to do something nice for a stranger?

  “Not yet,” I finally replied, turning my attention back to Callum.

  “Well, sit up straight and at least try to act a bit more confident. There’s nothing women find more attractive than confidence.”

  “I’ll try,” I told him, lifting my head and straightening my shoulders just as a pretty blonde appeared at Callum’s side.

  “Hey, my friends and I were just talking about how awesome your tattoos are,” I heard the blonde exclaim.

  “Thanks. Very kind of you to say,” Callum replied.

  “Oh em gee, are you British? I love your accent.”

  “Yep. My friend Neil and I are both from London,” Callum said.

  I turned slightly and gave her a small nod. Her attention momentarily flicked to me before returning to him. I didn’t think I’d ever been so instantly dismissed before. It was almost comical.

  “That’s so cool. How long are you here for?” she asked Callum.

  “Just a few more weeks. Neil is actually—”

  “Do you know what,” she cut in before he could finish, “I should give you my number. If you’re going to be here for a few weeks, then maybe we could meet up, grab dinner together or something.”

  My mouth settled into a grimace because this was going exactly as I’d predicted. If Callum and I were on a buffet table, he’d be the succulent chicken everybody wanted and I’d be the day-old dry bread roll in the corner.

  “I’m sorry, but I’m not actually single,” Cal replied firmly.

  “Oh,” the blonde breathed before a seductive grin shaped her lips. “Well, your girlfriend back home doesn’t ever have to find out.”

  “His girlfriend isn’t back home,” I cut in, my tone surprisingly confident. I felt bad that Callum was stuck trying to fend off some stranger’s advances just because he was trying
to help get me some action. “She’s here in New York, and if she knew you were flirting with her man right now, she wouldn’t be pleased.”

  The blonde frowned at me in annoyance while Callum shot her an apologetic smile. “He’s right. My Leanne is incredibly possessive.” He said it like he was proud of the fact, and I briefly wondered how it would feel to have a woman love you that much, so much that she couldn’t even stand the thought of you talking to someone else. Must be nice. I wasn’t sure any of my previous girlfriends had ever felt so passionately about me. Sure, they liked me well enough, but I was fairly sure they wouldn’t be overcome with jealousy if a random woman in a bar tried to chat me up.

  The blonde cleared her throat. “Well, it was nice to meet you all the same.” With that, she returned to her friends. I actually felt a little sorry for her. She’d been brave to come over and introduce herself to Callum, much braver than I was since I wasn’t sure I wanted to talk to any of the women in this bar tonight.

  “That wasn’t awkward at all,” Callum said as he returned his attention to his pint.

  “I hate to break it to you, Cal, but you aren’t wingman material. Not for the likes of me, anyway.”

  “What are you talking about? I can be a good wingman,” he protested.

  “I think it only works if the person you’re a wingman for is better looking than you,” I said.

  Callum scoffed. “Bollocks. Anybody can do it.”

  I shook my head. “If you introduce me to any of the women in this bar, they’re not going to want to talk to me, I promise.”

  “But you’re a good-looking chap,” he argued.

  “Maybe, but I’m not you. There’s a reason why you’re the TV star and I’m the assistant is all I’m saying.”

  He leaned his elbow on the bar, studying me now. “Are you depressed, Neil? You sound a little depressed.”

  “I’m not depressed. I’m just not deluded, and I …” I trailed off. Had I actually been about to tell him about Annabelle? A part of me just wanted to get the truth out, lay my misdoings on the table, and let Callum decide how to punish me for them. The other part was way too scared to take the chance. If I lost my job, what would I do? No one at Running on Air would give me a reference once they discovered the truth.