Bad Girls by Gemma Rogers

Author:Gemma Rogers [Rogers, Gemma]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books

33

Barry called out to me as he went past, heading towards the yard, swinging his car keys around his finger as though he was a cowboy with a gun.

‘I’ll be back tomorrow for you.’ He winked and my throat tightened.

I hadn’t noticed the time; it was almost four and Agnes and I still had one more load to do. They were only tablecloths from a local Indian restaurant so didn’t take long between us. By five o’clock, we had everything packaged and ready for collection in the morning.

‘See you tomorrow,’ Agnes called as she gathered her things.

I hadn’t seen Karla since Barry’s meeting and despite everything I sent her a quick text to see if she was okay. In the short time I’d known Karla, I’d never seen her rattled. Not even when faced with Terry’s body. I had to remind myself that she’d stuck her neck out for me, got involved in something that could see her sent back to prison. Perhaps whatever was going on with her had nothing to do with Terry, the photos or the ring. Maybe I’d made a mistake?

‘See you in a while,’ I said, popping my head into Dan’s office on the way out.

‘Pick you up around six thirty?’ Dan checked and I nodded, trying to look cool even though my legs were like mush.

I punched out and waited at the bus stop, pleased when it arrived on time. I’d have around forty-five minutes to get showered, shaved and primed for the biggest night I’d had in years. Excitement mixed with dread swallowed me whole, emotions that were alien to me. My mouth kept filling with saliva, and when I got off the bus, I lit a cigarette, hands trembling. Christ, Jess, get a grip on yourself.

Taking a detour to the corner shop, I bought a bottle of wine and more cigarettes. I had no idea what wine you were supposed to drink with sea bass, or if the one I’d bought was any good.

Stuart tried to catch me in conversation as we arrived home at the same time, but I mentioned I had to dash as I was going out. Apparently, he was going to Mum’s for dinner. Helen must think they were serious if she was inviting him for a meal with Mum. I was pleased for her, she seemed less highly strung with Stuart around. Perhaps that was what getting laid did for you?

I showered as quickly as I could, standing on one leg as I shaved, trying not to cut myself. Once done, I smothered myself in vanilla-scented body lotion, realising I didn’t own a single bottle of perfume any more and I wasn’t going to spray myself with Impulse for a night with Dan. I left my hair loose, white blonde tendrils hung down in front of my chest like a mermaid, long overdue a trim.

As the time ticked on, I became more nervous, even a cigarette and a shot of vodka couldn’t slow my thumping heart. I feared when he came close enough to touch me again, I might have a heart attack.

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