Chapter 5

I placed the kettle back on to the base and reached for the milk. As I stirred the tea my mind remained elsewhere. Still thinking back to the club that Saturday night, now nearly a week ago. I had barely been thinking of anything else since then. It was both curious and highly unusual and irritating.

I've never thought about a guy like this, not even in my overly hormonal teenage years. This isn't me. I don't go all mushy over a random chance meeting with a hot guy. But even as I thought it I realised that's exactly what's been happening.

Flashes of how I've spent every night since then raced through my head, nights in that club just hoping to catch a glimpse of him again. It's normal for me to venture into the club almost every day. Not always to get drunk and let loose, sometimes it's just a welcome place to go to chill out and unwind. Chat with people and listen to good music. But there's no denying I've been pushing it a little more this past week. Getting there as soon as I can and then hanging around later and later into the night. Seeking comfort in more whiskeys than I should on a work night. All in vain as there's not been a single sighting of him since that night.

"Roxy?"

"Huh?" The sound of my name pulled me out of my reverie as I came face to face with my co-worker Kennedy.

"You okay there?"

"Yeah fine, miles away. What's up?"

"Well it's the weekend tomorrow, so not long till you can switch off work mode and relax," she said. Sweetly flicking her golden hair over her shoulder as she walked further into the break room. In was both looking forward to the weekend and dreading it, no work. Bonus, another family dinner. Nightmare.

"I was wondering if you have the Caan file? I can't find it and I need to put in the final orders for the catering and flowers."

"Err yeah, it should be on my desk. Her father called yesterday and wanted to add a vegetarian platter to the appetizers." I rolled my eyes, hearing Kennedy let out a sigh of her own.

We'd both spent so many hours finalising details for this engagement party. Only for the girls' parents to fly over and want to rearrange a million things. It wouldn't have been such a big deal if it wasn't for the fact that the party is only in a matter of days.

"Are Ryder and Chelsea still assigned to supervise?"

"Yep, I don't envy those two." I was glad I no longer had to attend the events myself to supervise.

It was always my least favourite part of the job. Organising it and watching it all come together was always a blast, but then having to actually live through it and have no fun there was a letdown. Standing on the sidelines directing caterers, bands, musicians, family members etc. Having to ensure everything went smoothly and handling any last-minute hiccups is tedious work.

"Me neither, especially with the soon to be mother-in-law meeting her for the first time at the party. I still remember the disastrous outcome the last time that happened."

A burst of laughter broke from me at the memory. It was a colourful evening ending with several bloody noses on both sides, a sobbing bride to be and her fiancee doing a bunk. Clutching my mug of tea I exited the room, heading back towards my office at the other end of the main room. I spent the remaining hours of work organising the files of upcoming events and finalising last-minute details. Looking forward to the second I could get out of the office and head home.

***********

I'd barely made it through the front door before slumping on to the sofa. Dropping my bag at my feet and kicking off my heels, immediately feeling the relief in my aching feet.

"Finally." I exhaled snuggling up against my cushions and reaching for the remote.

Switching on the television I flicked through several channels, eventually settling on old top gear re-runs. As I got more comfortable I started to feel a wave of tiredness washing over me. I pulled the blanket from the back of the sofa, draping it over me and before long I was asleep.

I didn't know how long it had been when a soft flump of weight landed on me, jolting me awake. Opening my eyes, I looked up to see Evan placing a steaming mug and a small plate of toast on to the coffee table.

"Get this down ya, then get dressed. We're going out."

Sitting up and removing the cushion that he had evidently thrown at me from my lap. I took a bite of the toast, noting the time as I glanced at the clock on the mantle. Half nine. I'd been asleep for a little over three hours.

"You know, you don't have to use your key every time you come over. I was having a nice sleep before you rudely interrupted it."

"Oh well, there's time for sleep when we're dead. Tonight I'm getting you out and back to being the Roxy I've known for all these years." He helped himself to the other piece of toast on my plate, earning a small slap on the hand. "Tonight you are going to have fun and get back on the horse, enough hanging around waiting to spot Mr. Mysterious again."

I couldn't help but feel a slight jolt in my stomach at the thought of going after another guy, one that wasn't him. I didn't even know why, we aren't anything to each other. I owe him nothing and clearly, he doesn't care about me or he would have tried to find me again. Evan's right, this isn't me. I don't mope after guys, I don't sit at home daydreaming about them and thinking of how much I long to see them. Speak to them. Touch them.

Fuck, what is happening to me? How can a few minutes with one guy affect me in a way that no other man has managed to in my entire life? Mentally shaking myself I took a sip of the coffee and jumped up feeling suddenly energised. Deciding Evan was talking sense. Time to get up and get back out there.

"I'm off to get showered and ready."

"Good, I'll wait here." He smiled triumphantly, kicking his feet up on to the table.

Reaching my bedroom, I crossed into my bathroom, removing my subtle work make up that was ever so slightly smudged from my sleep. Tying my hair back, I jumped into the shower, savouring the sensation of the hot water running over my skin. Grabbing my nearby shower gel, I rubbed it over my body. The delicious scent of pomegranate and red apple filled my nose.

When I was done. I wrapped a towel firmly around myself and made my way back to my room. Taking a seat at my dressing table, I applied my body lotion and made quick work of my make up then dropped the towel into the laundry basket and pulled some clothes from my wardrobe. Going with my ruby red cropped, halter top and wet look leggings. I pulled on my trusty black stiletto boots to complete the outfit and let my hair back down, shaking it out.

Walking back into the living room, I saw Evan still sitting in the same place. Laughing along to a stand-up comedy show. He turned as he heard me enter the room, giving me an approving look. He jumped up switching off the tv and made his way over to me.

"You look gorgeous, Rox."

"Thanks, let's go."

**********

We'd only been in the club for about twenty minutes when a guy sat on the barstool next to me and pushed a martini in my direction. He was hot, there was no denying it. Tall, well built with short blonde hair, sharp features, a charming smile and adorable dimples. But he was no Sean. I shook that thought from my head and took the glass, even though I don't usually drink these kinds of drinks. I figured I'd be polite and give him a chance.

"Thanks," I lifted the glass in a toast to him. He chuckled in response clinking his beer bottle against it gently.

"So what's a beautiful girl like you doing sitting alone at a bar?" He spoke with a strong Australian accent and his sweet smile reached his kind eyes.

It wasn't exactly an original line and technically not accurate as Evan was sitting with me, albeit facing the other way chatting to a girl who has caught his eye. Regardless, I neglected to pull him up on it as I replied, "Just waiting for the right guy to keep me company I guess."

"Well hopefully, you don't have to wait any longer." He leant forwards offering his hand, "I'm Darren."

"Roxy, good to meet you." I shook his hand.

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of drinking, laughing and dancing. Darren was sweet, funny and charming. I found myself enjoying being around him and glad that I gave him a chance. It was a good feeling as I became more of my normal self, lost in the music and buzz of alcohol flowing through my system.

The pull I felt inside for Sean was growing weaker and fainter the longer I danced and the more I drank. Eventually, the night drew to a close and I found myself stumbling through the doors of a flat I didn't recognise. I'd taken two steps inside before falling over in hysterics pulling Darren over with me.

He kicked his door closed as we laid there laughing. When we finally calmed down enough to catch our breath he reached his hand out, brushing a lock of my hair away from my eye. Before cupping my face, tilting it to look into his own, his eyes searched my face before flicking to my lips. Then suddenly we were kissing.

He rolled over trapping me under his chest while his fingers tangled through my hair and his tongue found its way into my mouth. An involuntary giggle broke through and Darren pulled back, his eyebrows arched up in confusion. I tried to keep my face serious but failed dismally as I broke into another fit of giggles. Darren joining me as he shook his head and stood up before pulling me to my feet.

"Come on lass, let's get you up."

"I'm sorry this... I just can't." I said taking a deep breath to control my laughing.

I was used to there not being any real passion or fireworks whenever I was with a guy. But there was always heat, something pushing it forward. I always wanted more to happen in those moments. But right now, here with Darren, I felt nothing. No heat, no desire. I looked up expecting him to look a bit pissed off but instead, he just shrugged and smiled at me.

"Don't worry about it, I think we've both had far too much to drink anyway. Look, why don't you stay and get some sleep. You can take my bed."

The thought of staying here was just too awkward for my liking. I knew we couldn't be far from the club, we'd walked here and it hadn't been that long of a trip. If I went back out I could catch a cab and get home.

"Thanks, but I think I'll just head out." After steadying myself and saying a quick goodbye, I walked back to the front door and out onto the street.

I could vaguely remember the direction we'd come from. So I soon found my way back and as usual, the row of taxis lining the street were waiting to pick up whoever was toppling out of the club. I saw Evan leaning against the wall outside talking to Joey and decided to call him over.

"Ev!"

"Alright, Rox! " he called back. He nodded to Joey and then crossed over to me.

"Thought you'd left already," I said, remembering the red head he was chatting up inside.

"Nah, but what happened to you? Saw you leaving with that guy about twenty minutes ago."

"I'll catch you up on the way. Wanna stay at mine tonight?" I asked pulling open the door to a nearby cab.

"Sure."

I spent the journey home filling him in on what had happened at Darren's and how I felt. When we finally made it back, I was so tired from the night. I wanted nothing more than to head straight to bed. Looking forward to sleep and dreading the trip to my parents once more tomorrow.

************

The next afternoon, I found myself and Evan, once again at my parents' house. Thankfully I'd managed to talk him into accompanying me there this time too. I'd worn him down despite his protests, promising to fund his pizza habit for the next week. Just as I closed the front door my mother appeared. A beaming smile on her face and an extra spring in her step, one of come to recognise a long time ago.

"So, Mel's here then."

"Oh good to see you again Evan. Yes, Roxanne, Melody is in the living room with your father."

Her voice rose slightly at the end and there was a rush of excitement to the tone that had me curious as to what it was that she was dying to tell me. However knowing I would find out soon enough, stopped me from asking anyway.

"That's great," I replied flatly, hearing Evan chuckle slightly at my bored tone of voice.

"Today is a special occasion. I've laid out a nice dress for you upstairs." She waved in the direction of the staircase. Causing me to laugh.

"Yeah, that's not happening. I'm fine with what I'm wearing."

She eyed my black crop top, bleached skinny jeans and high heeled pumps with distaste. "For once Roxanne, could you stop being difficult."

"I'm not being difficult mother, I'm being myself. Maybe you could try to accept me for that like you accept Mel." I snapped, pushing past her, making my way to the living room. Keen to get this whole day over with.

I was nearing the door when I heard my father's voice from inside the room. "And this is our Melody when she graduated. And then this one when she first joined her new firm. We were so proud of her that day, we took this family photo together outside."

I wonder who he's showing the melody history of fame to I thought, I lingered outside for a moment before hearing a man's voice answer.

"It's a beautiful photo but I thought you said you had a sister?"

"I do darling."

"I haven't seen her in any of the photos." He replied.

Something about his voice sounded familiar but I couldn't place it. I wasn't surprised he hadn't seen any photos of me, there was only one of me in the house. Taken when I was much younger, before I chose a different path to what they wanted and destroyed any remaining love they had for me.

Anyone who came here wouldn't think they had a second child. Everything clearly showed them and Melody alone, I was used to it by now but still, it hurt in a way. I heard my mother and Evan approaching and so decided to make my presence known. My father cleared his throat awkwardly at being pulled up on the lack of photos showing his other daughter.

"Oh you won't find anything with me in it around here," I spoke up, pushing the door open. "They don't want evidence of the family let down... but, here I am," I said in an overly cheerful voice as I walked through the doorway.

My eyes instantly found my father. Looking surprised and yet still disappointed somehow at my presence before noticing Mel, sitting on the sofa. Immaculately dressed and styled as if she'd just walked right off of a catwalk as usual. However the moment I saw the man sitting next to her I froze in complete shock... Sean.

"I do apologise for Roxanne's behaviour, Sean. Ever so dramatic, as always." My mother had arrived rushing right past me, moving towards them. Sean's eyes were fixed on mine, his mouth slightly open in shock.

"Introductions," my mother said clearing her throat. "Sean, this is Melody's younger sister, Roxanne."

He shook his head a touch as if to pull himself together, a sliver of awkwardness reflected in his expression as he tried a small smile of recognition at the introduction.

"Roxanne, this is Sean Campbell, Melody's fiancee." My mother's grin was so wide it had taken over her face.

The moment I heard that word, I felt the air disappear from my lungs and heard Evan's voice in my ear as he muttered under his breath.

"Shit."