I don't usually splash out on expensive sportswear — probably because I don't use it enough to justify the hefty price tag — but I wanted to cheer myself up after the break-up and Lexi talked me into a little retail therapy.
The jangling of keys distracts me from my almost finished session, it reminds me of those nights out where you come home trying to be as quiet as possible but end up making more noise because you can't find the right key. Finally, the door creaks open and in sneaks Lexi, clearly surprised to see me awake.
“Busted” I laugh as she staggers across the floor and then collapses on the sofa in a heap, completing her walk of shame. I can smell the alcohol oozing from her pores as I finish my warrior pose and then take the few steps to the kitchen counter to put the kettle on.
“Do you have to be so loud?” She holds her head in her hands and takes a deep breath as I pour her a cup of strong coffee. Even in yesterday's clothes, bed head hair and panda eyes she still looks effortlessly gorgeous. Like one of those women in a rock video.
I'd love to be able to pull off her style, but I just haven't got her edge or attitude. If I walked out of the building in her heavy makeup, black shiny leggings and sheer lace bodysuit, people would just laugh at me, and I would definitely fall over and break my ankle in those five-inch heels.
Everyone says that we look quite similar, but I really don't see it. She's this beautiful blonde goddess with a body to die for and I'm just the slightly chubby girl next door. Even my mum offered to pay for me to have liposuction for my eighteenth birthday present.
It's not that I'm fat or anything, I'm a comfortable size twelve but when I compare myself to my beautiful, toned, slender sister, I feel like a little baby elephant standing next to a gazelle.
“How was your night?” I enquire as she struggles to keep her eyes open. “Looks like it was a good one.”
Honestly, I can't imagine any of her nights out not being great. She's one of those people who everybody gravitates too. The life and soul of the party.
“Ellie dragged me out to this gig in the Northern Quarter and I drank way too much. Ended up going home with the god damn bass player.” She cringes, then as she looks at me her smile widens “He was super-hot though. Looked a bit like Tom Hardy, but with way better tattoos.”
“When are you seeing him again?”
“Don’t know. He got super weird and clingy, so I had to sneak out before he woke up.” She must sense my disappointment as she continues “Oh don't look at my like that Mia. Not everybody sits around waiting for Mr Right. Some of us prefer to have a bit of fun with Mr Right Now. Besides, you know me and relationships don't mix.”
I love my sister more than anything, but she is an absolute mess. Our dysfunctional family life plays a massive part in that but I'm pretty sure her no strings attached mindset is thanks to some guy she was seeing a couple of years back. Dylan, Derek, or something along those lines.
She was working down in London at the time, so I never met him, but they were living together for about a year, then all of a sudden, she moved back home and refused to speak about it.
“Shit. Shit. Shit.” She mutters as she checks her phone, then she jumps up, gulps down her coffee and frantically runs into her bedroom.
I follow her, amused by how quickly her hangover seems to have vanished and suddenly I flinch, and everything goes black.
As I pull her Rolling Stones tee from my head, she continues to throw clothes everywhere, trying to find something to wear.
“What time is it?”
I check my watch. “Eight thirty. Why?”
“I have an audition this afternoon and it's a big one. I completely forgot about it.”
She continues getting ready while asking about my interview, so I explain the comedy of errors leading up to it, and how my nerves nearly gave me an aneurysm.
Of course, she finds it all totally hilarious but I'm sure she'll change her mind when she sobers up and realises that she's stuck with me on her sofa for a little longer.
In the living room, my phone skids across the table as the ring tone startles me.
I pick the phone up and stare at the screen, not recognising the number, but as soon as I am greeted with a deep, gravelly voice on the other end of the line my knees turn to jelly.
“Hi, is that Amelia?”
“Hi, yes this is Mia.” Feeling a little more confident now he's not stood in front of me overwhelming my senses with the scent of whiskey, aftershave, and raw masculinity.
“I just wanted to let you know that you have the job and I'd like you to start on Monday. I'll have a room made up for you today so you can start moving your things in over the weekend.”
His tone is a little more friendly than he seemed in the interview and somehow puts me at ease.
“I... I... I really appreciate the opportunity. Thank you.” I stutter as I accept his offer.
I was absolutely sure that I had tanked yesterday so didn't expect to hear back from him but now that the reality of living with him hits home, a mixture of excitement and nerves flow through me.
Hopefully, he'll be too busy training, so I won't be spending that much time with him anyway. As I try to imagine what his daughter will be like, I zone out and the line goes dead.
“What the fuck was that all about?” Lexi stares at me, confused.
“I've got the job.” I'm in disbelief
