“I hate the outdoors.”
“What do you love to do?”
“Well, obviously photography, writing, art, going to the movies.”
“I like going to the movies. What kinds of movies do you like?” I’m enjoying this conversation, and I settle back into my seat.
“Romantic comedies, thrillers, and dramas. You?”
“Action but I can do thrillers, too.”
“See, nothing in common.”
I try to find something else. “What kinds of holidays do you like to take?”
“The kind where I can sit by the pool or beach and drink cocktails. Maybe read a book. Let me guess, you love full-on holidays where you never stop.”
“I do, but fuck, it doesn’t mean we can’t go on a date and see where it leads.”
“Why bother starting something we know isn’t going to go anywhere?”
“Bloody hell, Presley, are you always this pessimistic?”
“No, just practical. We’re both busy people and neither of us have the time to put into this.”
I make a decision and turn the keys in the ignition. “You’d be surprised what I have the time for, sweetheart.”
“I’ve gotta go, Jett.”
“We’ll talk soon,” I say, and end the call.
I immediately dial another number. Presley’s got no idea what she’s in for.
Forty minutes later, I park my car outside her apartment. She lives in Kangaroo Point, not far from where my apartment in the city is. It’s a gorgeous area, close to the river. I exit the car and squint in the sun. It’s hot in Brisbane today, just the way I love it. I reach for the coffee I bought her and head up to her apartment. I’m wondering if she’ll buzz me in the front door, but as I arrive at it, someone is leaving and he lets me in before the door shuts behind me. Too easy, meant to be.
I take the lift up to her floor, and a couple of moments later, I knock on her door.
She answers it and surprise covers her face. “Jett. What are you doing here?” She sounds unsure of herself, and I know I’ve made the right decision. Presley wants me as much as I want her.
I hold out her coffee, and she takes it with hesitation.
“Hazelnut with a shot of vanilla. I believe it’s your favourite,” I say.
“How the hell did you know that?”
I shrug. “I have my ways.” I take a step forward, trying to push my way inside. She steps aside and lets me. I thank the universe for coffee that makes her momentarily forget she doesn’t want to date me.
Her home is beautiful. I’d been too distracted the other night to pay much attention, but I take it all in now. Splashes of colour everywhere, plants dotted throughout and books on every spare surface. It’s got that feeling my mum and dad’s home has, and I’m drawn to it. After a decade of living out of a suitcase, I’d love to come home to a place like this, instead of the bland apartment I own.
“Michael told you,” she accuses, and I can tell from her tone he will get his ass kicked for this.
“Yes.”
“What did you offer him for that? Michael wouldn’t give me up without something significant.”
I grin at her. “I promised him a lucrative job for his client.”
She’s a clever woman and knows exactly what I’m talking about. “You bribed him with something his client isn’t even interested in?”