“Why not?”
“Long story.”
“Enlighten me.”
“No chance.”
We’re both silent for a few minutes as he drives in the direction of my street.
“You said that this is the first time you’ve been outside in some time, why is that?”
“As I said, it’s a long story.”
“I’d like it if you told me.”
“Seriously, what is your deal?” I say in frustration and drop my head into my hands. “I don’t get any of this, why is it so important that you find out where I live? I’ve been through a difficult time lately so I just want to be left alone. I didn’t even want to go out tonight, but my friend convinced me it would be good for me. And now I’ve got three strangely intense people just dying to find out where I live, and it’s all just too much right now, so please, just drive me home and stop asking questions.”
“You finished?” he asks, grinning.
“Are you making fun of me?”
“You’re cute when you’re all frustrated. I could help you with that you know.”
I sigh heavily, and don’t bother answering back. He seems to be enjoying my annoyance far too much.
When he pulls up outside my apartment block I begin unfastening my seat belt but he grabs my arm. “Allow me,” he purrs.
“Sure,” I say, just wanting to get home and go to bed.
“Are you going to invite me in?”
I have to admit, the idea is a promising one. Not promising enough though. I don’t think any man will ever be able to wash away the marks Matthew left behind. “Are you trying to make a fool of me?”
“Why do you ask that?”
“Because I can’t understand why a hot shot night club owner would want to spend time with a girl who looks like she hasn’t slept in a year, is wearing her best friend’s clothes that don’t even fit her properly and lives in a shitty area, when there are so many beautiful women in the VIP section of your club who would probably sell their granny for a night with you.”
“I find you interesting,” he looks down at me. “And your clothes fit perfect as far as I can see.”
“Did I say how weird I think you are?”
“Not in so many words.”
“Ah God, you can come in if you want, but I’ll warn you it’s tiny and cramped and messy in my place, so you won’t be very comfortable.”
“Let me be the judge of that.”
Inside my apartment Ethan looks around as if inspecting every minute detail. I notice that Nicky must have done some cleaning earlier when I was in bed because it’s a lot tidier than it had been.
“I’m going to make tea, do you want some?”
“Yes, thank you.”
When I come back with two cups I put them on the coffee table and sit in beside Ethan. I’ve only got a small two seat sofa, so suffice it to say things are fairly snug.
“Do you mind my saying that you look very young to own your own night club?” I tell him after taking a sip of tea.
“I’m not as young as I look.”