Out of the Shadows ✔️ [Completed] [Book One]

Chapter 2

29th May 2014

I wake up terrified with a silent scream stuck in my throat, still reeling from my usual nightmare. A glistening film of sweat covers my body. The throbbing of my knuckles lets me know I'm clinging to the bed sheets for dear life. I force myself into reality, and glance at the clock. It is 4.46am, and I know there is no more sleep for me.

I dress quickly and set off on my run through the quiet, early morning streets of London. It has been a long time since I have had my nightmare two nights in a row, but it is coming up to two years since I left Ed. He's been on my mind a lot recently, lurking in the background, despite how much I've tried to leave all traces of him in my past.

I run without taking much notice of the route I take, knowing that my trusty app will continually plot my route home. I feel free running this way because no one could predict which way I will run. The Killers' 'Mr Brightside' booms in my ears, pushing me faster. Before I know it, my phone beeps, letting me know it is time to turn back if I want to reach ten miles today.

I arrive at work just before 7.45am with a cup of steaming hot tea, and a bagel. The office is already a whirlwind of activity as we have lots of preparation work to do for my meeting with a new client tomorrow to pitch our business.

I can see my boss, Helen, through the glass door of the main conference room. Papers surround her, but there will be order to her chaos; there always is. As an award winning marketing and communications company, we take pride in the fact that we understand our client's business needs. I try to remind myself of this while we spend the day painstakingly perfecting the marketing pitch I'm going to deliver the next day.

Thankfully, my secretary, Louise, keeps the supply of hot tea coming all day. But no amount of caffeine can alter the fact that by 6pm I'm exhausted.

As we are packing to leave Helen reaches across the table, and rests her manicured hand on mine. My eyes snap up to hers in surprise, and she smiles at me softly.

"You've looked a little distracted over the last few days. I just wanted to check that he hasn't been in contact with you?" I can hear the concern in her voice. I really do love this woman.

"No, of course not. Nothing since the divorce was finalised. Last I heard Ed was still with Emma." She looks at me like she is not convinced by my response. "Honestly, Helen. I'm just not sleeping too great. I will be fine after a good lie in on the weekend, I promise."

My phone buzzes on the table, thankfully ending our conversation. It is a message on our group, which consists of me, Caroline and Sarah.

Be ready for 9 bitches! We are out tonight! I have FINALLY landed the campaign. Drinks are on me! X

I smile, and send my congratulations.

"That was Sarah." I explain to Helen as they go way back. It was Sarah who put me forward for this job around eighteen months ago. "She's landed that campaign that she has been after for months, so we are out tonight to celebrate."

"That is wonderful news. I will message her later." She stands to leave the room, but then looks back at me. "Is Charlie going to be there?"

"I'm not sure; you know what he's like." I offer as explanation with a shrug because everyone knows that Charlie is a free spirit. He is my first real male friend, and every woman I know adores him.