It'd been three weeks since my disaster date and Michael had called nearly one hundred times. Apologising and trying to get me to go on another. I explained to him my reasons and to be fair, they're good reasons to have. Michael agreed but he still wouldn't let a second date slide.
It was 10am and it was time for work. I slipped on my black skinny jeans and cropped white blouse and headed for the door. My dad was sitting at the table, glasses perched on his nose. He was reading his favourite journal, boring shit if you ask me. Emily was at school, well I don't know if she was but we'll keep that quiet. Mother was busy in our meeting room, down the hall, interviewing some shitty celebrity I have no time for. The tube was packed this morning, full of business people and early morning starters. I hopped on and reached into my bag for a breakfast bar. There were no seats left when I got on so I stood and lent against the glass. Two stops and I was off, into the hustle and bustle of rush hour. I planned on getting my lunch before I started but there was no time now. Pinning on my name badge I started my long day at Topshop. I've worked here since I was sixteen, working my way up to store manager. It didn't feel like I was manager, I'm still a kid technically. Josie arrived at 12 meaning I was free to have an hours lunch break.
"You'll be alright here with Kim won't you?" she was an intern from a fashion collage, wanting to become the next fashion icon. She nodded without saying a word, don't be scared, I don't bite. I grabbed my bag and headed for Eat, my favourite on-the-go place in London. I was scanning the fridge for something to eat when a voice behind me laughed.
"Those looks good." It was Michael. God dammit, I was trying to avoid him. I swivelled on my heel to face him.
"Yes they do, that's why I'm here..choosing one." I had so much sarcasm in my voice, it was bad. I bent over, picking up a chicken salad bowl with extra sweet chilli sauce from the fridge.
"Damn girl" he whistled. I could feel my face burning up. I tried to cool it down with the air from the fridge, it didn't work. I headed straight for the queue, not acknowledging Michael.
"Jess please." I turned, Michael was on his knees in the middle of Eat begging for me.
"Michael, what the hell do you think you're doing." I said through gritted teeth. This guy had some balls.
"I want to take you on a second date. Please." He stood up and held out for my hand. It felt like I was standing there forever. People around where saying 'go on' and 'just do it', egging me on to take this guy back.
"Okay fine. It better be good this time." I half smiled but I felt warm inside.
"Of course it will, I promise" Michael legit bounced out the store and punched the air. I walked back to work and slumped in the back room chair. I was thinking about calling Sarah but she was probably busy with Todd so I decided not to. I ate the salad and threw the rubbish in the bin just as my lunch hour came to an end. I returned to the front counter because Josie and Kim were taking stock.
There stood my dickhead of an ex boyfriend Brad, holding a t-shirt. I snatched it off him and scanned the barcode.
"That'll be £16 please." I said coldly
"Even for me?" he's just like Marcus, a smug git. The reason we broke up was that I caught him kissing Madison Matthews at a party we attended. I didn't love him, shit I don't think I even liked him. His family are wealthy and he can play polo and blah blah more bullshit. He's way too prim and proper for me, the radiant smile, the slick back hair and the Ralph Lauren jumpers were too much.
"Even for you." I said, stuffing the tshirt into a bag and forcefully handing him it.
"Shit Jess don't hurt me." he took the bag with his slimey mitts. I rolled my eyes at the sight of his grim little face. We walked out of the store like he owned the place, chest out, chin up.
It was only 2pm and I started with a migraine. It spread from one temple to another, making my head hurt and my eyes strain. Thought about leaving early because you know, I can. However I decided to stay, I needed to sort out the winter collection stand before the weekend. Josie and Kim helped with the sorting out, it was fun and it took my migraine away. Maybe Josie and Kim will be my new best friends since Sarah and Naomi would rather suck their boyfriends dicks than spend time with me. It was closing time and all of the shops in the mall were bringing their shutters down for the night. I locked up and said goodbye to my colleagues. My mother picked me up from work in her black Audi because we were going out for tea with some family friends. Emily was riding shotgun so I resorted to the back seat.
"How was work dear?" she looked at me through the backseat mirror.
"Alright. Brad came in." I mumbled in the most monotone voice imaginable.
"Ahh lovely young Brad. It was a shame you two broke up." Emily turned around and pretended to vomit. It made me laugh because Mother doesn't know he cheated, I just said it was a mutual thing. We arrived at The Ritz hotel and to be honest I really didn't want to be here but whatever. The doorman showed us to the table, we were late because Dad was already there waiting with the rest of the guests.
"Jessica, my darling flower." she beamed as she hugged me tight. I sat down next to Dad.
"Who the fuck is this?" I whispered through pursed lips. Me and dad have a closer relationship. We can joke around and be more friendly than me and mum.
"My friends wife. He's head banker at Santander. She's a stay at home mother." he whispered back.
"More like head wanker.." Dad laughed a bit too loud. Mother shot him a look, full of remorse. Luckily the wank...I mean bankers wife did most of the talking that night.
