Mr. Masters (Mr. 1)

snap, because I really need to get off the phone and wake these children up as a matter of urgency. “I’ll see you tonight then?” I ask.

He pauses on the other end of the line. “You sound in a rush to get off the phone. Talk to me for a moment. It sounds like you have everything under control.”

Jesus Christ, I don’t have time for this shit. “Definitely in full control, just not a big phone talker,” I add.

“I see.” He pauses, and I can almost hear him smirking on the other end of the phone. “Don’t forget our meeting tonight, either.”

“Julian, I really need to go.

“Goodbye, Miss Brielle. Stay out of trouble.”

I roll my eyes. “Yes, I will. Goodbye.” I hang up and run to the stairs, taking them two at a time. Fucking hell. Willow is likely to give me a black eye when I wake her up this late.

The list. Why didn’t I remember the list? It seems like a lifetime ago that he told me about it. So much has happened since then. What with all the wanking and sniffing aftershave we’ve both been doing.

I get to the top of the stairs and run down to Samuel’s room.

I open the door to see that he’s still sleeping soundly.

“Sam,” I whisper. “Sam, wake up, baby.” I rub his little head and he frowns with his eyes still closed. “Sammy, wake up. We’re running a little late this morning.” He rolls on his side to face me. His hair is tousled and his face is so sleepy. He is the epitome of cute, and I can’t help but smile down at him. “I love your pyjamas. I wish I had some like that.”

He rubs his eyes. “You have to get them from Grandma, these are my birthday pyjamas.”

“Oh, I see.” I grin. “Go to the bathroom and wash your face. Do I need to help you dress?” I ask. He puts his little arms up for a cuddle, and I feel myself melt. I hold him for a second.

“No.” He hops out of bed. “I can do it myself. I’m big, you know?”

“Okay, good. I’ll go and wake up Willow while you wash.” I leave him to go to the bathroom, and I make my way down to Willow’s room, where I tentatively open the door. She’s lying in her bed with her back to me. “Willow, you need to wake up. We’re running late.”

She ignores me. Great, I’m going to have to go in.

“Willow?” I repeat.

She rolls over and looks at me with no emotion. “What?”

I force myself to fake a smile. “I didn’t realize that I was meant to wake you up earlier.”

She puts the phone back to her ear. “Yeah. She’s finally decided to turn up.” She listens for a moment and then passes the phone to me. “He wants to talk to you.”

I frown as I stare at the phone in her outstretched hand. “Who is it?” I ask.

She smirks sarcastically and climbs out of bed before she disappears into her bathroom, shutting the door hard behind her.

“Miss Brielle?” Mr. Masters snaps, pulling me from my thoughts.

My eyes widen in horror and I put the phone to my ear, what’s he on fucking speed dial? “Yes?” I reply meekly.

“I thought the children were up and dressed already?”

“Me, too.” I cringe. “Weird, huh?”

“You’re just waking them up now?”

I scratch my head. I can’t believe I’m getting caught out on my second lie this morning.

This whole day is already one huge monumental fuck up. It’s a conspiracy.

“They are going to be late for school,” he growls. “Why didn’t you wake them up earlier?”