Dear Heart, You Screwed Me(7)

“Why not?” a nervous laugh escaped me as I grabbed the cup of water and swallowed a few mouthfuls to try and wet my throat that had somehow gone from a burning ball of fire to the Sahara Desert.

“Perfect, I’ll meet you down in the lobby at six-thirty,” she winked, pushing off the table and walking back to her hostess desk. My head turned as my eyes followed her. She had long brown hair that was tied in a low ponytail, beautifully tanned skin that made her green eyes pop.

She was the definition of perfect in my eyes.

She had curves in all the right places, an hourglass figure. I would kill for a body like that. I was straight with hardly any curves. I hoped as I hit puberty that I would fill out a bit, but no. I am like a surfboard. Flat.

But we always want what others have right?

Blowing the breath through my nose, I turned back around and sat for a moment taking in the large restaurant. My stomach groaned; I was starving. Pushing out of the chair I walked quietly over to the buffet. My eyes widened, my mouth watering at all the different options that were in front of me.

Sitting back to my table with my eggs, bacon and pancakes I filled my teacup up with English tea. Taking a mouthful, I groaned in appreciation. I loved a cuppa. I didn’t mind coffee, but I much prefer a cup of tea. It just hits different. Especially out of a china cup.

Placing it back on its saucer, I tucked into my food. I wolfed it down, I hadn’t realised how hungry I was. Maybe it was the jetlag? I always had a big appetite, but I just felt famished this morning.

Once I ate a second plate of food, I sat back with a fresh pot of tea and people watched. You had all walks of life here. Businessmen and women, families, couples, older couples, and people who were alone. Like me.

I always wondered what people’s stories are, I always become so fascinated with people’s backgrounds and I don’t know why. I always want to know everything about someone, what makes them tick, what makes them happy, sad, and everything in between. But I hardly ever ask because I get shy. I mean, why would a stranger tell me about their selves inside and out.

I pulled my phone out and saw a message from my mum. Smiling, a small pang of pain shot through my heart. I missed them both.

I had never been this far away from them, but I knew I had done the right thing by coming here to try and get a fresh start.

Sweetie, how was your first night? Mum xo





I tapped back

Hi mum, dad. First night was okay, slept okay and just having breakfast. I am also going out tonight with my new friend Connie. She works here. Very friendly. I like her... :)





I watched as the dots appeared on my screen

I am glad you made a friend, but please be careful. You don’t know this place. Or this girl. What if she is one of them girls that lure you in and sell you onto a sex trafficking gang?





Oh my god. Only my mum would come up with something like that. I snorted a laugh as I began to tap back.

Mum, seriously. I’ll be fine. I’ll message you my location, keep an eye on my locator app if it makes you sleep easier.





Before she could message back, I sent another one.

If I am in danger or need help, I’ll send a poo emoji. ;)





I knew that would wind her up, but I couldn’t help but have a little tease with her. She would be spitting feathers to my dad right about now.

Reese, this is your dad. Please don’t do that to your mother. But yes, we will watch your app. Be safe, have fun and good luck meeting your head-hunter this morning. Call us when you’re back, we love you xo.





I let out a small snort of a laugh before tapping a response back and dropping my phone into my bag. I was going to finish my tea, head back to my room to freshen up and use the loo then head to meet Julianne.





CHAPTER 4





Walking down the unfamiliar streets, Julianne messaged me to tell me where to meet. It was about a ten-minute walk. I thought about waiting for a cab, but the street was so busy I didn’t stand a chance. Not a little newbie like me who didn’t even know how to hail a cab.

Back home in England we called for a taxi and the taxi office sent a car to your address, or you had Uber.

Did they have Uber in New York?

I needed one of those books; ‘New York Tourist Guide for Dummies’.

I was clueless.

I followed my map app on my phone, following the blue line that lighted up my route. I wasn’t too far now. I was so anxious, but also excited. I couldn’t wait to start my new job and get stuck in. It would stop my lonely mind from wandering and making up fake scenarios in my head like it always did.

I stopped outside the small café, ‘Stop the World’ and smiled.

Placing my phone inside my bag I took a deep breath and pushed the door, a small bell chiming above my head. My eyes scoured the room, I had no clue what this Julianne looked like, but I’m sure she would see me… right?

Knotting my fingers together I smiled awkwardly at the hostess that walked towards me.

“Can I help you?”

“Erm, I’m looking for someone called Julianne?” my voice was low, I could feel it trembling. The hostess looked at me as if I had spoken in another language.

“Reese!” I heard a female voice call. Turning my head to the left I saw a petite woman waving her arm in the air. I blushed, pointing to Julianne muttering nonsense to myself as I walked towards her.