Leah's Story Finding Jake Read online

  The tea helped me gain my composure. Oh God what a fool I must have looked, they would be calling in the doctor if I didn’t snap out of it. I stood up Adam looked surprised

  “Right I will get the next lot of boxes” I patted my pocket to check it was still there grabbed my keys and left.

  Chapter 3

  The next few days were spent unpacking and settling in, I hadn’t seen Adam since that awkward moment; by the time I got back with a second load of packing he had been called away by his office. I had to admit though he had been very kind even Lucy was shocked

  “I can’t believe how sweet Ad was to you Leah, he is such a bastard with women I’ve never seen that side of him before” I had brushed it off, after all what was he meant to do with a strange girl who had a meltdown in front of him.

  Our flat warming was two days away Lucy was kick starting my make over with a shopping trip and hair appointment. Currently I was sat in front of a large mirror with my long straight blonde hair hanging across my face whilst some gossipy girl was putting sheets of tin foil in it. My hair was quite light, but not blonde enough apparently so I was given platinum blonde highlights, a couple of inches off the length and some choppy layers to add volume. They had covered the mirror so I couldn’t peak, after the last titivation by Marie I was unveiled in dramatic fashion

  “Ta da said Lucy as I was spun round” I have to say it was a shock my hair actually looked amazing bright blonde full hair fell past my shoulders, it was even shiny. Marie proceeded to give me styling tips and maintenance advice;

  “just rough dry it upside down and you are done, no straighteners or spray you have perfect hair for layers it will fall naturally into place, to get shine use a serum just on the tips” I thanked her with a huge tip, and purchased an obscenely priced Argan oil hair serum at her advice, I really was thrilled. Next Lucy dragged me to a makeup stand in Selfridges the girl there showed me how to apply foundation and eye shadow, my eyes were green so purples enhanced them, apparently, so that is what I purchased, £170 later I had a new makeup bag and tools to go with it.

  “Are we done yet I am starving?” Lucy frowned at me, she was having a whale of a time dressing me up she was not going to stop until I was perfect. Clothes were our next stop; soon she had me kitted out for work. A capsule wardrobe it is called, a mixture of skirts, trousers, jackets and blouses all to co-ordinate with each other. I had absolutely no say over any of it, hardly got to look in a mirror things were thrust on me then yanked off again lots of oohs and aahs then all in a bag wrapped in tissue along with an obscene amount of shoes.

  My pot of money left over from Grans house was almost depleted, I really hoped it was all worth it then I caught a glimpse of myself in a window laden with bags my new hair shimmering in the sun I felt like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.

  Tonight I had dance class so I had no time to unpack my things I threw on my dance kit pulled my new hair back into its usual pony tail and shouted goodbye to Lucy on the way out. In the car park I spotted Adam’s car, so I hurriedly walked to my Golf hoping to reach it before he got out of his car. Of course as was usual with my track record this was not going to be the case

  “Leah Hi!” I winced and turned round with my best fake smile

  “Hello Adam, have you come to see Lucy?” he looked stunning as always, he must have come from court he was suited and booted! His grey eyes pierced into mine as he gave me the once over making me shuffle awkwardly on my feet

  “I actually came to see if you two girls fancied dinner but you are off to the gym I see” easy mistake to make I guess

  “Actually I have a dance class, ballet tonight to be precise” Adam looked taken aback but seemed genuinely intrigued

  “You can still take ballet classes at your age?” I bristled but tried not to take offence after all he had lived a sheltered life! I tried not to sound too patronising;

  “Twenty two is hardly pushing up daisies Adam! besides I work as a dancer at the Palace Theatre just as a backing dancer during certain productions so I have to keep up training, anyway I will be late so I must go” he was standing in my way so I tried to go around him

  “I would love to see a show when you are in one, let me know Lucinda and I will come to support you” I stared gobsmacked at him patronising bastard

  “ You wouldn’t see me I would be in the background, I have been doing it for over four years so I certainly don’t require a cheerleading squad, bye Adam see you around” I walked away hoping I put a flea in his ear, crikey what does he think of me, one wobble over some pictures he thinks I need support eek I must show them both how tough I really am, I patted my jacket pocket to check its contents then drove away without looking back.

  It was Saturday afternoon Lucy and I had done all we could to make the flat party ready. We had borrowed a spare fridge from an empty flat to stock with bottles; we had purchased numerous bags of ice and had half a cow’s worth of beef ready for our new top of the range barbecue. We had been blowing up balloons for the past hour, my ears had popped and we were in the midst of a fit of giggles

  “Lucy I can’t do anymore I have run out of gas unless you fancy using your arse instead” we cracked up again obviously high on helium but in great spirits for the party, then Lucy spoilt my mood

  “Leah I hope you don’t mind but Adam invited himself; he is bringing Rob oh and his on off girlfriend Natalie. She is such a stuck up princess but I said you wouldn’t mind” I stopped laughing I knew she had deliberately invited him so she could check out Rob so I let her off. As for Adam well he would hopefully have his hands full with Natalie so he should leave me in peace

  “No worries, there are some hotties coming from Uni aren’t there? I am in the mod for fun tonight” she grinned at me

  “Oh a couple yes Todd is nice and of course your number one fan Chris is coming, they are bringing a few friends, so I am sure someone will tempt you. By the time I have your make up done and you’re wearing the new dress, you will be fending them off with a cattle prod” I was pleased Chris was coming he was a dancer very straight, someone I had a few drunken fumbles with, he was always attentive, not boyfriend material but just what I needed at the moment. Tonight would be fab I sorted the IPod out so we had some decent tunes for dancing later, then went for a shower.

  My hair was easy to do myself, Marie was right a blast upside down then a touch of shine spray and it looked lovely. Make up was a harder job, I had a go at it but looked like an Essex girl so scrubbed it off and shouted for help. Lucy had it sorted within minutes so that my eyes stood out and my cheekbones looked enhanced. My eyelashes were actually quite long with mascara on; I could at least manage that bit every day for work.

  I went to get my dress from the wardrobe it was a tiny bit of cloth, very short but my legs were long and toned so I didn’t mind them exposed. I wasn’t altogether happy about showing my boobs though, they had been my nemesis, the only block to becoming a professional ballerina one look at my 32 D’s and my tutor just said

  “No darling breasts are not for the Bolshoi” so I used to wear unflattering bra’s to try to squash them down, not very successfully I might add. The dress was a struggle to get on but once I did I blushed, it really didn’t look like me in the mirror. I looked sort of sexy but not at all comfortable I bent down to slip on a pair of high heels, now I felt worse, so exposed I wanted to cross my arms or wear a cardi. Lucy waltzed in, she had on tiny shorts and sequin vest top, ridiculously high stilettoes and big bouncy curls, how come she always carried sexy off so easily.

  “Lucy you look stunning” she shook her head at me

  “Girl if I look stunning you should think of a better description for yourself Wow flipping Wow Leah you will knockout everyone tonight they won’t believe it’s you, stop trying to cover yourself up will you” she grabbed at my hands to stop me folding my arms then dragged me off to the kitchen to pour me a large glass of punch.

  “Down it Leah do whatever it takes to settle your nerves,
you are not going in that room to hide away or change your outfit so don’t even think about it” How did she know what I was thinking, too many years together.

  I decided to sit on a bar stool so I didn’t feel quite so visible, noises outside the door meant our first visitors were here, knocking back my drink I pasted on my happy face. My face slipped when first through the door was Adam looking stunning as usual. With him was a girl who should be a catwalk model, long red hair perfectly sculpted features and legs to die for. Tagging on behind was the gorgeous Rob he was an Italian stallion and Lucy’s face lit up when she greeted him;

  “Rob” squealed Lucy; she was swept up for a hug as they gushed over each other. Adam stood looking around; I guess he hadn’t noticed me so I poured another drink. Lucy was dragging them into the kitchen as more guests were filing in that’s when Adam saw me.

  He stopped for a second, eyes widening his gaze wandered along my legs then moved upwards stopping at my chest then he met my eyes. He must have seen a hint of anger as he cleared his throat to acknowledge me correctly, Natalie I could see was suddenly feeling like a spare part so tucked her arm into his possessively

  “Ad’s darling fetch me a drink will you whatever that girl is having” he looked across at her as if just noticing her presence

  “Of course Leah Hi you are looking... well! what is that you are drinking?” I pointed to the punch bowl then turned myself back to our other guests, Lucy was filling everyone’s glasses and passing round nibbles, I noticed lots of glances my way from Natalie so I decided to introduce myself as he had not been polite enough to

  “Hi I am Leah Lucy’s flat mate” she took my hand limply smiling warily at me

  “Oh I heard Lucinda had a dumpy friend I didn’t expect her to be you” she looked accusingly at Adam who had the grace to blush dumpy hey! I slid off the stool and headed out to the new arrivals feeling his eyes burning into me as I walked away to where my friends were congregating, my heart lifted as I saw Chris.

  “Leah Oh My God girl look at you where have you been hiding that body” it was Todd and Chris who both lifted me off my feet Chris kept one arm on my shoulders as Adam followed us into the living room

  “Of course I am one of the few who have known exactly what body you have been hiding” he whispered though it was loud enough for most to hear I elbowed him hard blushing furiously. Adam did not look impressed, I imagine I went down even further in is estimations now. His behaviour towards me was confusing and annoying. He was so considerate the other day, now he had turned back into Mr Aloof what is his problem?

  I grabbed Chris to get a drink then we all piled outside for some food. Rob and Lucy were running the meat station they looked very cosy, five years was not long enough to dampen her crush that was obvious. I think I was on my fifth punch when I heard a voice in my ear

  “Are you going to have water with that alcohol at all? “ I turned to Adam and snarled back

  “Are you having chips with that vinegar sir!” he was really annoying me now, I know what would make me feel better a dance.

  “Music time come on Chris lets show em” We led the way to the lounge we had pushed the sofa’s out of the way earlier to create a dance space. On came the beat, we were straight in the centre of the floor, Chris was a street dancer his moves were awesome. I could certainly match him in the swagger department so we had a mini dance off soon we had an audience Adam included, most were stamping their feet and clapping. I took my shoes off so I could be more flexible, when I did a backwards drape over Lucy declared me the winner. Hot and sweaty I wandered outside for some well needed cool air, as I walked past Natalie I heard her whispering to Adam

  “She dances like a pole dancer, but then what else would you expect from a girl who dresses like a whore” My head span towards her Adam gasped realising the enormity of her words, my head pounded it was like I had a brass band playing in my head. I snatched a drink off the nearest person throwing it straight on her pretty stuck up face covering her in red wine, half of which hit Adams crisp white shirt. We stood stock still all in shock, Natalie was spluttering, people had wandered over to see what was happening. I couldn’t believe I had lost control like that

  “you evil witch why the hell have you done that” wine was running down her cheeks “Adam look what the weirdo did to me” Adam was out of his comfort zone with this situation, he flapped around with kitchen towels trying to mop her up, I stormed out of the room before I slapped her. The words she whispered still stinging me. I slammed my bedroom door locking it behind me went to the bathroom and tore the dress straight off washed my face in cold water then crawled into bed ignoring the banging on my bedroom door

  “Lucinda she was really upset we need to get in there to her she wasn’t in her right mind” Adam was shouting loudly, an ear bashing from him was not what I needed

  “I know my friend Adam, she just needs peace so leave her alone go take your girlfriend home she needs you more, I will sort my friend out Adam just go!” The noises faded so I settled into my covers sliding my hand under my pillow to feel the tiny piece of wool that I had hidden there, that was how I went to sleep.

  Chapter 4

  The day after the party was spent cleaning up, Lucy bless her did not say a word about my wine throwing moment of madness, in return I didn’t mention that I saw Rob sneak out of the flat early this morning when I went for a run. Lucky girl at least one of us pulled.

  I felt ashamed of myself perhaps I should apologise, the girl was a bitch but she had no idea how much that comment would hurt me so I can’t really hold it against her. Well there was a silver lining of course at least he wouldn’t bring her out with us any time soon, in fact I wouldn’t be surprised if he stayed away as well.

  We had been clearing up for over three hours now yet still the place looked a tip

  “ Where are the cleaning fairies when you need them, this is taking hours we have our first day at work tomorrow you would think some of the ungrateful bastards would have offered to come back today to help” Lucy smiled sheepishly

  “Rob did but I thought you may want an empty house today” Lucy blushing again? I wanted to quiz her, get excited with her, ask for all the details but the selfish side of me wasn’t ready to bask in her happiness just yet maybe later after a glass of wine. We were just about to try lifting the sofa’s when there was a knock at the door. I went to get it as I was closest, unfortunately it was the wrong decision Adam was standing there.

  “Hi” I squeaked aware of my scruffy attire, he was aware too as I caught him giving me a sly once over. I decided to break the ice.

  “Come in, perfect timing we are moving the sofa’s back” he followed silently behind me I knew I should say something else so bravely I turned round to face him

  “Look I am sorry about my behaviour last night she..Natalie touched a nerve, she was right though I looked ridiculous letting Lucy pick my outfit was never going to be my best idea, sorry if I spoilt her night, if she has to replace the top let me know I will pay” Adam shut me down

  “Leah you don’t have to apologise ignorance is no excuse for the language she used to describe you, please don’t worry about her clothes she has too many anyway. You looked beautiful last night pay no attention to jealous females, looking the way you did will always make other females get their claws out” That was a compliment I think? Blimey second one in a month I didn’t know quite how to respond so I led him to Lucy and the sofa job.

  “Bro just in time cool, Leah stick the kettle on hon” I did the honours while they carried on shifting furniture then we all sat down for a well-earned tea break. Two hours later the flat was sparkling clean again, Adam had pulled his weight so we got it done in half the time, we put music on to help the time pass more pleasantly.

  “Right you two I am treating us to a Chinese if you fancy it?” I was starving so nodded eagerly, Lucy blushed again

  “I have a date coming round” eek I knew who that would be, I wonder if big bro would appr
ove of his sister bedding his closest friend.

  “Lucinda, Rob and I have spoken so he knows I am round here, we can all share a takeaway then you two can do your thing or whatever it is you do” he stumbled over the last part.

  So Adam was okay with it that surprised me, pleasantly though I admit. I went to have a quick shower; this time I let my hair to dry naturally, I threw on my new skinny Levi’s and one of the t shirts Lucy had picked for me. It was a lot tighter than I would wear normally, but looking in the mirror I could see that I had a really nice shape, so maybe she knew what she was doing after all. Lucy grinned when I walked into the lounge,

  “Hot babe, told you I was right” I glared at her to be quiet as Adam was staring at me, making me feel very conscious all of a sudden. We had plenty of Bud’s left over from last night so we all grabbed a bottle. The door went and Rob strolled in his hand possessively on Lucy’s backside, not unnoticed by her frowning brother.

  “Hey Adam, Leah, looking good girl you have been hiding away somewhere how come I never noticed you before” he meant it as a compliment; thankfully Lucy didn’t appear to be bothered by it so I laughed and wandered to the sofa’s to get comfy. Conversation flowed easily between the four of us; I was surprised by how jovial Adam could be.

  Rob being in the police force meant of course we discussed Adams high profile defence case; it appeared a very wealthy and powerful business mogul Victor Bosic had money embezzled out of one of his vast business accounts. Victor had sacked him and was in the process of putting together a file to give to the police, the man in question was found murdered the day Victor reported him. The police were convinced this was not a coincidence and that Victor had ordered the kill himself, so far the defence was strong. Adam could not see him getting prosecuted but actually admitted he thought him guilty.