Alpha's Revelation

Chapter 2

Grace was Taylor's nana who had been unwell for some time now, but was never this bad. Taylor was really close to Grace and had a very special bond.

“Oh, Tay Tay. It’s going to be ok” I hugged my sad friend back, hoping to take her pain away.

“I’m going to go pack and drive down to Greenwoods. I wanna see her before anything happens,” she said as she pulled away and walked towards her room.

“Rosy, can you take the buckets over to 10B, please?” She said over her shoulders and disappeared into the room.

Crap! I wasn’t very good with new people. That was a Taylor thing. I looked towards the buckets and felt sorry for the guy I hadn’t yet met. The last thing you want is to move into a new place and have something that adds more stress.

*Suck it up, Rosy let’s go* I told myself while grabbing the buckets.

Walking out into the foyer, I see the apartment door is open. I knock anyway.

“Come in, I’m in here”, he yells out.

I follow the voice down the hallway and into a bedroom. I can hear water dripping along with some other noises from the ensuite. As I walk into the bathroom, Blake is mopping up the water dripping from the overhead shower. There is a puddle on the floor, which means the water has been leaking for a while.

Hearing me walk in, he turns to face me, but slips and falls instead.

“Oh my god, are you ok?” I drop the buckets and rush over to help him.

“Ouch, that hurt. Yeah, I’m fine, thanks. Who are you?” He asks, looking up at me. The moment our eyes meet, a shiver runs down my spine.

Ok, so Taylor was right. He is hot. Very hot. Those blue eyes and defined jawline, nice sculpted nose and lips that you just want to.....

I stop my train of thought and focus on the question. Am I seriously having such thoughts about this guy?

“Hi, I’m Rosy. I’m Taylor’s flatmate. She’s had something come up, so she asked me to bring you the buckets,” I say while helping him to his feet.

When my skin touches his, I feel an electric shock prickle through my fingers. I recoil from his touch and look at my hands. When I look up, his eyes are wide, and he looks startled. As I shamelessly study his face, his beautiful blue eyes go dark. Something I might have missed had I not been paying attention. What the hell?

“Oh right, thanks for that.” He blinks rapidly and shakes his head a little, like he’s trying to clear his thoughts.

“I’m Blake, by the way. I just thought I’d put the buckets under the drip and keep emptying them instead of letting it floor the bathroom.” He turns away from me and grabs the buckets, placing them under the dripping shower.

He’s completely ignored the electrifying moment we’ve shared.

“Yes, that’s a good plan. Have you called a plumber?” I play along.

“I’ve asked my assistant to do that. I’m new in town and don’t really know anyone or anything.”

I feel terrible for him. Poor guy, new in town, his bathroom floods and he doesn’t have anyone to help him.

“Well, I’ve got a friend that’s a plumber. Would you like me to call him for you?” I don’t want to be pushy, so giving him the option sounds better.

“Oh, that would be great! Could you please do that for me? I’ll be forever grateful.” The smile on his face just lit up the entire bathroom.

Shaking my head to lift the trance I’m in, I pull out my phone. Dialing Rocky’s number, I wait for him to answer.

“Sup, my delicious flower, what can I do for you today?” Rocky answers.

Taylor and I went to boarding school with Rocky, and just like us; he made his life here in Mariners Bay afterwards. He’s a super nice guy and is also Taylor’s “friend”. Taylor and Rocky have both decided that they don’t want a label. Everyone knows they were a thing, even if they refuse to admit it. They are happy just screwing around and enjoying each other’s company, all the while agreeing to not sleep with other people. So, as complicated as it sounds, it’s pretty straightforward to them.

“Hi, handsome. Are you busy? I need your help.” Rocky listens as I explain to him the problem.

“Ah, right. Well, I was heading over to pick up Taylor anyway, so I’ll bring my tools with me. I’ll be over in about ten to fifteen minutes, if that’s ok?”

“Sounds good. See you soon. Bye,”

After disconnecting the call, I turn around to tell Blake the news, but find him on the phone with someone named Vanessa. That name sounds familiar, but then again, there are hundreds of people with the same name.

Blake ends his call and turns to me. “Sorry, I was just letting my assistant know that the plumber situation has been sorted.”

“That’s fine. Rocky will be here in about fifteen minutes or so. Did you need some help with mopping up the floor?” I ask, trying to be a good neighbour.

“Umm, no, I should be ok. I wasn’t expecting my day to be like this. If I had known, I would have organised myself a lot better,” he laughs.

“Organised yourself better how? You don’t even have any furniture in here yet. Were you planning on sleeping on the floor tonight?”

“No, no. The truck hasn’t arrived yet. I should be here in an hour with all my stuff. It’s coming up from Huntly. I meant I’d have my food situation organised better if I knew. I didn’t think this moving thing through. It was very last minute,” he says, shaking his head.

Who decides to just up and move? Something must have happened that caused him to make such a last-minute decision. His tone makes me think there is more to his story.

“There’s a really nice Chinese takeaway a few blocks down. I’ve got the number and a menu in my apartment. Did you want to order something from there, maybe?” I ask quietly. I feel like I’m invading his privacy here, but the guy needs help settling in. Not just in his new place, but also in this town.

“Actually, yes! I would love their number. I’m starving and don’t think I have the energy to be wandering around town looking for a decent place to eat.” He laughs and rubs the back of his head. “You are really thoughtful. Thank you!”

He is cute and hot. He’s around six feet tall and looks to have a nice body under the jeans and t-shirt he has on. But it’s his smile that really draws me in.His smile was really drawing me in. I couldn’t help but want to help him.

Laughing, I walk out of his apartment and back into mine. The menu and number for the Chinese place are on the fridge since we order a lot from there. As I grab the menu, I hear Taylor coming out of her room. Pulling her suitcase with one hand, she carries a bad in the other. Her eyes are red from crying.

“Taylor, shall I come with you? I don’t think you should drive by yourself.” I say as I meet her in the lounge.

“Oh, it’s ok, babe. Rocky is coming with me. You’ve got your CEO in this week, and I don’t know how long I will be away. Rocky will stay with me until Monday and I’ll get dad to drive me back.”

“Ok, well, call me when you get there and keep me updated with what’s happening, ok,” I tell her as she nods her head in agreement.

There is a gentle knock on the door before it opens. A blonde head pops through the gap. Rocky is always a gentleman and knocks, despite having a key to our place. He says that even though he practically lives here; he doesn’t want to invade our privacy. Especially with me being single, I could have a guy over at any point in time.

He walks in and goes straight to give Taylor a hug. I smile, watching the two of them. They are so cute together, and Rocky really cares about Taylor. I envy them sometimes, but my life is way too complicated. I didn’t want a guy in it.

“You alright, babe?” Rocky asked softly, and Taylor nods her head. I can see she is struggling to stay quiet as tears threatened to spill over.

“Rosy asked me to help your neighbor out with his leaky pipe. It shouldn’t take long to fix, then we can take off after?” He asks, giving her the option of leaving now. I know he will go if she says so. He can’t deny her anything. But my poor neighbour kind of needs Rocky right now.

“Yeah, that’s ok. I gotta get some clothes out of the dryer, so take your time,” Taylor replys, and Rocky kisses her forehead. Damn adorable people.

“So beautiful, how can I be of service to you today?” He turns to me.

“Oh hunny, the things you could do for me,” I say to him with a wink, causing both him and Taylor to crack up laughing. Seeing her laugh is a relief and makes me happy. Rocky and I have always had an amicable relationship. He knows about my life same as Taylor. I knew the two of them would be together for a while, so I felt it was best to share my story with him. Since then, we’ve been great buddies, and regardless of how much we flirt, Taylor never doubts my intentions.

“But for now, Mr. 10B needs you more than me. Poor guys really frustrated and look like he’s having a rough day,” I say, walking towards our door.

Rocky follows me, and Taylor disappears into the laundry.

“I brought up my tools; they are outside, so lead the way.”

I walk out into the hallway, and Rocky’s tools are sitting near our door. Just like before, I pause at Blake’s door to knock.

“Come in, doors open”, he yells out.

Rocky follows me into the room where the flood is happening. As we get to the bathroom door, I see Blake still mopping the floor. His t-shirt is soaked through, and it looks like he’s had another fall.

“Blake, Rocky is here,” I say gently, making sure not to scare him this time.

“Hey, man. Wow, some leak you’ve got there,” Rocky says as he walks around me to introduce himself to Blake and shake his hand.

There is a sudden change in Rocky’s body language. He stiffens up a little, and I see him clench his jaw. Rocky is a pretty chill guy and gets along with everyone. However, from the reaction he’s having, it feels like they already know each other. You can feel the tension in the air.

Blake narrows his eyes at Rocky and gives him a tight smile. “Yeah, man, this is crazy. It’s been leaking for a while, actually. I came in about four hours ago to open up the place for the movers and found this bathroom flooded.”

Blake’s eyes flicker to me quickly and then back to Rocky.

“Why don’t you turn off the water? That might stop more flooding?”

“I would if I could. But, unfortunately, I have no idea where the main valve is. I tried calling the agent, but he is a no show.”

“Ahh, right. Your place is the same as Taylor and Rosy’s. So, the valve should be in the same place. Hang on.”

Rocky walks out of the room, and five minutes later, the water from the showerhead stops dripping.

“Well, that’s a relief,” Blake exclaims, wiping his forehead.

“There you go, man. I’ll show you where it is before I leave just in case you ever need to turn it off again,” Rocky says, walking into the bathroom and grabbing his toolbox. He walks toward the shower head and starts pulling stuff apart. He seems happier now.

“Hey Blake, I got you the menu and number for the Chinese place. Why don’t you order something for yourself while Rocky fixes the leak? They gotta leave soon, so Rocky won’t be too long.” I let him know.

“They gotta leave? Who?” Asks Blake.

“Yeah, Taylor’s nana isn’t well and may not make it. So Rocky is driving Taylor home so she can be with her family.” I explain.

“Oh right. Sorry to hear about Taylor’s nana; please pass on my wishes. I’ll go change out of my wet clothes.”

I watch him leave the bathroom and stare at him as he walks out the door. I just can’t keep my eyes off him. He has a nice butt as well. Something about him just draws me in. I hear someone clear their throat behind me, and I turn to find Rocky with a big smirk on his face. He wiggles his eyebrows at me and tries to hide a laugh.

“Did someone finally find her hormones? Never really seen you eye out a guy like that gorgeous,” he whispers. Obviously, knowing Blake is within hearing distance. I flip Rocky the bird and roll my eyes, causing him to laugh.

Right then, Blake walks back in. He’s wearing a different t-shirt now, and it’s a lot tighter than the first one. “What’s so funny?” He asks.

“Rocky just thinks he’s amusing,” I respond and narrow my eyes at him.

He laughs again and carries on working. Blake picks up the menu I brought over and studies it. I’m having naughty thoughts about Blake, and it feels so weird. Rocky is right. I don’t really socialise with guys much besides him. I’m bad looking, but I’m just not interested in wanting to persuade silly guys and play their silly games. However, Blake has intrigued me. I don’t know much about the guy, but there is a pull between us. He flips the menu around a few times and looks conflicted.

“The honey chicken fried noodle and BBQ pork stir-fry are pretty good,” I say quietly.

“The wonton soup and chowmein are pretty good too,” chimes in Rocky.

Blake laughs a little. “I look that lost, huh? Sorry, I’m just wary when I eat at new places. I don’t have the strongest stomach, and a slight hiccup with the food will put me kissing the floor of the toilet for a day or two.”

“Not a pretty image there, my friend,” Rocky laughs and puts his wrench down. “There all fixed. Do you mind turning the main switch back on so we can make sure it’s still not leaky?”

Blake nods and walks out of the room. Rocky turns the shower handle, and there is no water. “Fixed!” He declares as Blake walks back in. “Awesome work Rocky. I’ll leave you guys to it. Before you two leave, I want to check on Taylor.” I say and turn to walk out.

“Hey Rocky, Rosy, thank you very much for your help. Rocky, how much do I owe you?” Blake pulls out his wallet.

“Na man, you’re all good. Take this as a welcome gift to the building, compliments of the pretty girls across the hall. I’ll take payment from Taylor later,” he laughs and winks.

“Or maybe you’d be keen on taking the payment, Rose?” He wags his eyebrow suggestively. “When pigs fly,” I quickly reply, making him laugh harder. This time, Blake joins him.

“Thanks, guys. I really appreciate this. You don’t even know me, and you are so helpful. Didn’t think I would get so lucky moving cities,” Blake says. He sounds frank and grateful. However, his voice holds a little sadness that tells me something terrible has happened. Whatever it is might be the reason for the move.

Rocky and Blake shake hands as I open the door and walk out. While walking I hear a little chatter that includes “keep an eye on her please, she doesn’t know”..

What don’t I know?...