The trouble with Debbie

chapter 4

Debbie lay in bed looking out of the window through the open curtains. She loved Sundays and today was a very sunny, summer Sunday.

She tore herself from the bed and headed for the kitchen. She made herself a strong black coffee and a large joint. She took them both to the back garden and sat down at the table. It was still early but already very hot so she didn't bother with a robe. She sipped her coffee and looked at her phone. Matt had sent several messages during the night, prompting her to put her phone on silent. His messages ranged from sweet and apologetic to sour and angry. She figured it might be time to change her number.She sighed and took another sip of her coffee before looking for her lighter. She finally found it in the pocket of her shorts and proceeded to light the rather long joint. A few quiet moments passed when she heard a throat being deliberately cleared.

She looked over at her fence and spotted a familiar face.

"Oh," she smiled broadly, "Good morning."

"Good morning Debbie," keiron smiled back, "did you sleep well?"

"Very well," she replied, suddenly very shy, "how was your night?"

"Terrible," Keiron shook his head, "I couldn't stop worrying about my new neighbour. But I see she's absolutely fine today."

Debbie laughed, surprising herself at how bashful she had become. Keiron was amazing. He was at least 6 ft 5, dark brown skin that glistened in the sunlight and eyes that she was sure were searching her entire body. He had a low fade haircut and a medium to stocky build. His shoulders were broad and his chest even broader. She remembered the way she had hugged him the night before, how he smelled and how he gently wrapped his arms around her to fool Matt. But let's just relax, this guy is still a stranger and who knows what his story is? Let's just sort out one guy before we too easily fall for another.

"So what's your plan for the day?" Debbie asked, hoping her thoughts weren't evident on her face."I don't really have any," he grinned, "wanna join me for breakfast?"

Debbie was taken by surprise by his straight forward approach.

"Look, keiron," she started, "I really do appreciate you helping me out last night but I don't wanna give off the wrong impression. You're very nice but, I don't think it's a good idea to start hanging out with a guy right now. I don't know you and..."

"It's just breakfast," he flashed a sweet smile, "we can go out somewhere, my treat. If you say yes, I'll share my weed with you."

Debbie laughed, she did like the idea of some company.

"Okay," she finally answered, "I'll drive. Ready to go in 30 minutes?"

"30? Why so long?" he frowned.

"I have to get dressed," Debbie looked at him and for sure, he was checking her out.

"You look great already, just brush your teeth and let's go." he winked.

"I've brushed my teeth already thanks!" she lied.

"Okay, 30 minutes, I'll be on your doorstep." "Alright then." Debbie gave a small wave and headed back inside to get ready, starting with brushing her teeth.

After a speedy shower, and throwing on a dress and flats, she opened the door to find Keiron looking at his watch.

"With two minutes to spare!" he smiled, "you look great."

"Thank you," Debbie grinned like a kid, "you scrub up well yourself."

Keiron let out a deep throaty laugh and as Debbie unlocked her car, he got in the passenger seat and clipped on his seat belt.

They drove the short journey to the best breakfast spot in West Dulwich, according to Debbie, and waited for service.

"So," Debbie sat back in her chair after they placed their orders, "who are you? How did you find yourself coming to my rescue last night?"

Keiron mirrored her and sat back in his chair too. He seemed hesitant and Debbie prepared herself for a barrel of lies he was obviously about to tell.

"I'm just returning from the states," he started, "I left England about four years ago to follow the love of my life."

Debbie looked up in surprise. 'there it is.' she thought to herself.

"Thats romantic,"she managed to push out, " where is she now? Is she coming on a different flight?"

"If she ever stops sucking her managers d**k, I'm sure she'll find time to book a flight."

"Oh s**t," Debbie covered her mouth with her hand, "I'm sorry."

"Don't worry about it," he gave her a gentle smile, "it was a failed relationship for a very long time. I thought we were making it work but, she had moved on already. I thought about trying again but, a job opportunity came up in London and I caught the first available flight. I got off the plane and realised I hadn't arranged somewhere long term to stay so, I looked up available air bnbs and your neighbour was the best one. I had just got out of the cab when I heard your 'friend' giving you a hard time. Figured I'd try and help. First thing that came to mind was pretending to be your boyfriend."Debbie smiled and remembered hearing his voice for the first time. He really did turn up at the right time. She had never seen Matt like that before and if she was honest, it scared her. Sensing her change in mood, keiron slowly reached out and touched her fingers over the table.

"Do you want to talk about last night?" he asked softly.