The Deal (London Suits 0.50)

Bloody stubborn woman.

“I’m driving you.”

“No. I can take care of myself.”

“Do it for my peace of mind, then.”

She pulled a face but acquiesced. “If it will stop you bugging me.”

“It will.”

“Thank you,” she muttered, almost as an afterthought.

The car journey was silent, other than the voice of the satnav directing me to her home. We pulled up on a street with a row of dingy shops and takeaway places on either side of the dirty road. I parked next to the kerb and left the engine idling.

“You live here?”

Avery pointed above us. “Up above the dry-cleaners. I have a lovely view of the kebab shop over the road from my window.” The sarcasm was evident in her tone.

“We don’t pay you enough,” I grumbled under my breath. Unfortunately, not quietly enough, because she heard me.

“Hey, it’s honestly not that bad. I’m in central London, plenty of public transport near me, and I’m never alone.” Her point was punctuated by a group of rowdy teenage boys coming out of the kebab shop and screeching away on mopeds.

“I can see that,” I said dryly. “There must be better areas than this, though, surely?”

“I’m sorry it’s not up to your high standards, but it’s mine and I like it,” she announced crossly. She shoved the door open, slipped out of the car, and angrily slammed it behind her.

“For fuck’s sake,” I muttered, scrubbing a hand across my face. I turned off the engine and climbed out of my SUV.

“Avery, I’m sorry,” I called.

She whirled around from where she was unsuccessfully stabbing her key into the lock. “Whatever. Just forget it.”

In two

long strides I was standing behind her.

“Avery. Look at me.”

Our eyes met. Hers were dark and stormy, hurt clear in her expression.

“I’m not leaving you like this. I’m sorry I upset you. I honestly didn’t mean to.” I hoped she could see the truth in my eyes.

Her gaze softened and she sighed.

“It’s okay. I’m sorry for overreacting. I guess I’m just a bit sensitive about where I live, especially now I’ve seen your place.”

“It’s just somewhere I sleep.” I shrugged.

A small smile played across her lips. “It’s not, but thanks for that. I’ll see you at work.”

She turned back to the door and this time managed to get the key in the lock straight away. She whispered a soft goodbye, closing the door gently behind her.

4

Avery

Ethan was called away to Manchester on Monday to oversee some issues with one of our bigger ad campaigns, so I didn’t see him at work all week. He still messaged me every evening, though, mostly asking how my day had gone. In return, I asked how he was doing. He seemed stressed; I could tell through our messages—okay, I may have pumped his assistant, Delia, for information—so I sent him silly jokes and memes to try and brighten his day. I wasn’t sure if they helped, but I wanted to make him feel better. He was turning into a genuine friend, much to my surprise. I’d thought we would have nothing in common outside of work, but it proved that I shouldn’t be so quick to judge a person before I knew them.