The trouble with Debbie

chapter 5

Debbie took a deep breath and explained what had happened yesterday.

"So, when you arrived, I had just got back home. He must have been watching me and surprised me on the doorstep. I've never seen that side of him before. I'm really glad you were there. Thank you."

"Debbie," keiron leaned closer, "stop thanking me. Besides, your hug was just what I needed after that flight. A nice welcome back to London. Thank you."

"You're welcome keiron." Debbie smiled shyly and cleared her throat before sipping her orange juice. They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes before keiron spoke again.

"So, tell me about yourself. I'm intrigued. What do you do?"

"I'm an app developer," Debbie replied, "nothing special. I smoke too much, I probably drink too much and I spend about 95% of my time shopping online." keiron laughed and Debbie was confident that this breakfast needed to end. This guy was a dangerous combination of hot, available, stranger and too soon.

"What about you?" she asked, " what do you do? What about your London connections?"

"I'm a construction engineer. Finally got the chance to start my own business, teaming up with a good friend of mine and going into it 50/50. He's the only person who knew I was even coming back to London. I also smoke too much, I don't really drink that much."

The rest of breakfast was easy and conversation flowed nice. Debbie made the drive back home and they sat in the car for a while.

"Do you want to come in?" Debbie asked. Keiron smiled. Dazzling.

"I'd love to," he replied, "Plus I'm sure I promised to share my stash with you."

"Look, first things first," Debbie began, "don't get any funny ideas. I'm not inviting you in for any hanky panky."

Keiron grabbed his imaginary pearls round his neck and fained shock, "how very dare you? I would never..."

"Alright, alright Mr funny guy," Debbie giggled and hit his shoulder, "I was just putting it out there. Come on, let's get inside."

They stepped out of the car and walked to the front door. A bright pink post it note was stuck on the glass and Debbie pulled it off to read it.

"I'm not giving up on us. I know you want me just like I want you. I'll be coming back here every day until you talk to me. Boyfriend or not."

"Bloody heck," keiron sighed, "this guy is serious.

Once inside, Debbie began to feel uneasy. Matt was acting like a super creep and she felt like he was watching her all the time.

"Are you okay?" Keiron asked, concerned at how quiet she had become.

"Honestly," she responded, "no. This whole Matt situation is really uncomfortable. I don't understand why he's acting like this. He made it clear yesterday that we were nothing more than... Than s*x. He already had someone else. He's actually creeping me out. I might go and stay with my cousin for a few days."

"That's probably a good idea," Keiron smiled as he handed her a joint, "is there anything I can do?"

Before she could answer, Debbie heard a sound outside, like a car on gravel. Keiron heard it too and stood up to look out of the window. She put her hand on his shoulder to stop him.

"Wait." she whispered.

A few seconds later the letter box opened and Matts voice filled the hallway.

"Debbie, just talk to me please. Answer the phone at least!"

"I'm gonna talk to him." Debbie started to head to the door. Keiron pulled her back, holding her hand to stop her.

"No way!" he told her, "this guy is insane right now. He's literally shouting through the letterbox, he's called you non stop and camped outside your house. He's not a safe man."

"He won't go until I talk to him." Debbie shrugged, "I have to try."

"Let me try," Keiron held her hand tighter, "I'll talk to him. Please."

Matt continued shouting through the door and occasionally hitting on it with his hand. Debbie nodded in agreement with Keiron and he let go of her hand. He held her face in both of his hands and looked her in the eyes.

"I need you to go upstairs. Go to your room. Do you have a lock on the door?"

She nodded.

Keiron could see she was scared. If he was going to talk to this crazy guy, he wanted to make sure he wasn't able to get to her. He used his hands to move her head towards him and gently pecked her forehead.

"Go lock yourself in your room until I get rid of him. Don't make any sound and don't let him see you at the window. Okay?"

"Okay." she whispered back.

She slipped up the stairs and into her room, locking the door. She listened.

Keiron took a deep breath and opened the door."You?!" Matt fumed, "who the hell are you, man? Where is Debbie? I need to talk to her..."

"You already know who I am. Debs is not here and you need to stop coming here before I make an official police complaint against you for stalking and harassment..." Keiron stood tall.

"You're not her boyfriend," Matt snarled, "where have you been all this time? If she's really your girl, you should be very angry about what we've been doing!"

I was working away," Keiron replied, " it's not your business but we had an arrangement. She knew I was always coming home for her, I wanted her to be free while I was away. You've served your purpose, now its over. Leave."

"Bullshit!" Matt laughed, "I'm not going anywhere. We have something together and we have business to sort out between us..."

"All business goes through me now." Keiron leaned on the doorframe and folded his arms.Matt eyed him for a second, assessing his chances of taking him on.

"Okay," he finally stepped down from the doorstep, "tell Debbie I'll be back again." Keiron didn't answer, he just watched Matt get into his car and reverse out of the driveway. Once he was sure he was gone, he headed up the stairs to find Debbie.