lonely bed, I struggle to get to sleep as my conversation with Sally has opened up Pandoraâs Box. The memories of my childhood and my fatherâs suicide all come screaming back to me at once. Visions of my stepmother telling me to leave, and images of my dadâs dead body all inhabit my mind, until Heath and his presence takes over. His face breaks through like the sun on a dark cloudy day and banishes the unwanted thoughts as I slowly drift off to sleep, speculating on the experiences yet to come.
Chapter Nine
Tuesdays at work are the best days. The surgery shuts for a half day and I usually go and browse the shops; but not today. Today I am on a mission to find a proposal for Fridayâs night out.
After spending most of the day sneakily disinfecting things that sick people have touched, my shift ends, and I make my way home listening to eighties tunes and daydreaming about Heath.
Stepping inside, I hear the post shuffle along the wooden floor as I push open my front door. Looking down to examine whether itâs bills or junk, Iâm intrigued when I notice a black envelope. Picking it up and examining it, the front just has âRuth Watsonâ written on it very neatly in silver ink.
Studying it with a puzzled face, I notice that there isnât a stamp, which makes me nervous. Shutting the front door and heading down the hall, my nose suddenly sends signals to my head, telling me I can smell Heath. Lifting the curious post to my nose, I take a good sniff. The musky scent fills my head and I sigh as I take a seat at my desert island. Itâs from Heath, it has to be. Why else would his fragrance be all over it?
I carefully unbind the sticky seal and pull out a piece of black card.
Ruth,
I request your company for a night of kink and fun.
The Place: Fantasia, Clover Road.
The Time: 9pm
The Attire: Something sexy.
RSVP to my number, and donât take too long about it, because I miss you.
H x
A thousand emotions rush through me all at once. Anger; how the hell does he know my address? Lust; he misses me. Apprehension; will we have sex at this club? Will we try The Dungeons and the Let Loose room? Curiosity; when did he post this? And how did we both come to be looking at this particular club?
I inhale the aftershave he must have sprayed on the card, and close my eyes as the aroma picks out memories of our times together.
I send him a text.
I received your invitation, thank you. When were you at my house and how did you know my address? X
His reply comes through within minutes.
G ood. And what is your answer to my invite? H x
I consider my response.
I shall repeat. When were you at my house and how did you know my address? X
I posted it on my lunch break, and I watched you walk home the night I dropped you on the corner :/ H x
He watched me walk home. Why? Thatâs quite sexy, but at the same time kind of freaky that he spied on me.
Why did you do that? X
His response this time is slower.
I wanted to make sure you got in all right. It was late and there was a group of boys across the road falling about drunk. What can I say? Iâm a gentleman. Out of the bedroom at least ;) H x
I smile, but donât recall seeing anyone about that night, and to be honest, I canât even remember getting into bed, so I wouldnât have noticed if there was a circus rolling down the street, let alone a group of people.
I thank him for watching me home safe.
Youâre welcome. Now, you bad girl, I want an answer to my request by the end of Thursday. Okay? H x
I text back.
You will have a reply by then. X
Good, now go and be a bad girl, so youâve got lots to tell me about on Friday ;) H x
I was going to reply with a yes, but I think Iâll make him wait until late Thursday now, or maybe even Friday.
Retrieving my laptop from the front room, I search the club again. I immediately remember the âFetish Fridays,â and check the calendar to see if this Friday is
Lynsay Sands
Sophie Stern
Karen Harbaugh
John C. Wohlstetter
Ann Cleeves
Laura Lippman
BWWM Club, Tyra Small
Charlene Weir
Madison Daniel
Matt Christopher