"Yes, thank you, I would love to!"
Ben is very kind and friendly person. But you know that he will go straight to a friend zone. Not that there is something wrong with kind and friendly. There is just no spark in his eyes for some reason. Party was good fun, stuffed stomach and wobbly legs after a little too many beers. When I enter my apartment, I realise – I badly need fresh air… I'm so happy this place comes with a balcony. I step outside. Lean on the balcony handrail and try to take in big gulp of air.
"It's a beautiful night, isn't it?" I suddenly hear husky voice from the dark. I jump and squeak loud like a piglet. I mean, who is that? Are vampires real?
"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to scare you, I'm Giles.", and from the darkness of my landlord's balcony emerges tall muscular guy, about my age with worried look on his face. "You must be Kitty, right? I'm very sorry again. Estel never really used the balcony and I didn't realise I'll be so scary".
"You aren't scary, I just really didn't expect anyone at this time in the dark."
To be fair my heart is pounding. Not only because I'm very jumpy in general, but also because Giles is a very attractive young man. He's about 6'2 tall, dark brown wavy hair, sharp jaw, Greek god build, that is visible even through baggy t-shirt. The way he towers over me from the dark – it feels dangerous and exiting. Guy manages to send such a vibes even from a distance - standing in another balcony.
"I do prefer sitting here in the dark – light attracts mosquitos and moths. I guess I didn't think I would be so scary. I didn't mean to. So sorry, again." He pauses and then tries to change the subject "So how do you like your apartment? Is it comfortable? Do you need anything? My dad didn't do any refurbishments after Estel left, so please let me know if anything."
"Will do, thanks. I really love it. It's unbelievable, that so close to central London, it is so peaceful."
"That's why I like it here" he smiled and leaned to the wall "I know that apartment is shaped odd – so long and narrow. But neighbours are quiet. All these small gardens are also empty, because they belong to businesses and after work time there is no one there. I used to smoke when I was younger, and after I quit, the habit of having a peaceful break remained. That's why I like having a cuppa in the balcony before bed."
"It's a nice habit… Tea time I mean…"
Unexpectedly we chat quite a while. He's easy to talk to. I wonder why Estel never mentioned how attractive the neighbour is.
***
Next morning I slept till 10am. I had small breakfast and poured second cup of coffee. And then I decided to call Estel. Knowing her, she will probably be asleep while Frank slave in the kitchen. I didn't feel bad at all, that will be revenge for putting me in such uncomfortable situations like yesterday with Ben. Here it is, signal one, two, three…
"Hello…" Answered tired and cranky voice.
"Hey El, how bad your hangover is?" I tried to sound fresh and rested, but my voice refused to pretend.
"I'd say slightly worse than you, babe. I'm not sure how the party ended though. I'll have to ask Frank." Poor Frank, he was the party mum like always: bye bye the guests home, tidy the food and booze leftovers, sort Estel to bed. "And how are you? I see you got home ok. Any luck with Ben?"
"Oh El, Ben is nice, but…"
"Ok, ok, I understood from description "nice"".
"I'm actually calling to ask why you always kept a secret, that your, well, mine neighbour is a hottie?"
"To be fair I barely seen him. I would just hear his telly through the wall sometimes and think – oh, he's back – hope it's him and not a thief. Plus you know, I only have eyes for Frank, hey baby, mmm, what's there?"
From the sound of it, Frank brought some breakfast in bed to my bestie and I let them tuck into it. To be fair I have no time to waste myself. I still need to unpack and can't push it for much longer, as I need clothes for work. People might start thinking that I only wear same blue blazer and nothing else daily.
After sorting out four big boxes I started getting worried that all my stuff won't fit. I didn't realised how many clothes I did actually bring. Dear Lord, did I really packed this all. Suddenly while going through my t-shirts I come upon large green tee with my home team logo and my eyes do tear up slightly. Memories how Mark takes off his t-shirt and gives me to sleep in fill up my head.
"Damn" I didn't realised I packed them. Suddenly my whole body is taken by rage.
"Bloody douchebag. How could he?!" I crunch it and smash it with massive force into the bin. "There, better." But I am still fuming. "Ohh, I need to calm down and stop thinking about that prick." I decide to make a cup of mint tea and get some fresh air. I open my balcony door and step outside.
"Tea or coffee?"
"Huh?" I jump "Oh, you should stop doing this." I growl.
"What?" Giles lifts his eyebrows innocently "it's not my fault, that you keep coming here while drowning in your thoughts. You ok?"
"I will be. After some time."
"Need to talk?"
"I don't think it's a good idea to share personal things with strangers."
"Depends. Sometimes, strangers are the best listeners. You know, fresh view and all" he smirks.