Run! The Black Wolf's prey.

Chapter 28 - Thank God It's Friday

"As you can see, the living room has a wonderful view of Riverside Park,” the estate agent beamed, looking like she was going to move in herself and not just selling the apartment.

Isabel had to agree, though, the view was stunning. The apartment was on the top floor, the large windows facing the park, high above the treetops. It was a sunny day, and the river was sleepily floating to the left, and to her right she could distinguish the Children’s playground and Outdoor Gym in the distance.

This was the fifth apartment Isabel had viewed in three days, and it was so far the best one. She was already finding the process tiresome, and even if this apartment was a bit pricey, she considered just agreeing to take it so she could get the keys and move in. She had arranged so she could go to David’s apartment on Sunday to fetch her belongings, and she didn’t wish to store them in the warehouse for too long.

She thanked the estate agent and left, walking slowly back home. Her mother’s apartment was situated on the other side of the park, about a twenty minutes’ walk away, and she found herself thinking it was the perfect distance – not too far, but not too close. Miriam had left the day before for the conference and Isabel loved being home by herself, not having to consider that her mother was sensing her every mood! She loved her mother, but sometimes she was just way too over-attentive.

Isabel felt utterly unstable at the moment, her feelings spinning around like a roller coaster inside. She could go from feeling content and happy about being single and doing whatever she pleased, to feeling like the world was falling apart! And just thinking of John - his gentle eyes and the dimples in his cheeks when he smiled, his strong arms holding her and the way he had been burying his nose in her neck when they slept closely together at night.... it was torture.

He hadn’t called, or even texted her, and she refused to humiliate herself by being the one to call. She was furious about the way he had treated her! And still… she missed him. Somewhere inside, in a little secret corner of her heart, she still hoped for him to call and say it was all a stupid mistake. She tried to ignore it, but every time her phone buzzed, a little voice in her head whispered eagerly - Maybe it’s him!

It was exhausting.

She bought a take-away coffee and walked slowly through the park, taking her time, brooding over what she should do now with all her time off. Should she join Helen and Eileen tomorrow night? She wasn’t really up to going out clubbing. However, she could hang out with them for a little while... maybe only meet up for a few drinks? And then she could take a cab home as they were going onwards...

She had spent a lot of time drinking tea with her mother or just being on her own the last couple of days, and it would be nice to dress up and hang out with some people of her own age for a change! It was too bad Emma had to work... She missed her company. But Emma's friends were nice as well, and Isabel really needed to meet some new people and build her a new life now that she was single.

> Isabel texted Helen as she was walking along the river.

> Helen replied, adding a bunch of smileys.

Isabel contemplated her options. Stay home tonight, all by herself? Or hang out with the girls, indulging in delicious food and loads of wine? The latter sounded way more tempting.

> Isabel texted back to Helen.

Her lips curled into a smile. This was a good thing! Bazaar was always busy on Fridays, the food was good and the drinks excellent!... It was the perfect place to hang out on a Friday evening. Besides, it was always full of good-looking and single men, and she really needed some distraction. A little eye-candy can never hurt, she thought, as a grin started spreading across her face.

"What are you smiling at?" A familiar voice made her look up from her phone with a jerk, interrupting her daydreaming. Marcus came walking leisurely towards her in his royal blue business suit, wearing his jacket nonchalantly over his shoulder, with a big smile on his face and a teasy twinkle in his eyes.

"Hi! I'm thinking about the upcoming adventures this weekend," she chuckled. "What about you? Why are you so happy?"

"Because I'm looking at you, of course!" he grinned.

"Whatever," Isabel laughed. "How come I always meet you here? Don't you have a job to go to?"

"I need some fresh air," he shrugged his shoulders. "My work is over there," he pointed towards a tall building on the other side of the park. "But I hate spending so much time indoors. It's suffocating. So I go out when I need a break... And running into you is like adding the cherry on top."

"You flatterer," she blushed.

She was feeling very comfortable in Marcus' presence. Almost as if they had known each other for a long time! He was a very handsome man... and he was obviously interested in her. And she was attracted to him, but... it wasn't like the way John had made her feel.

With John, time stopped. With John, she didn't need to eat or sleep. With John, all she wanted was to take off his clothes and be close to him, skin-to-skin. She craved him in so many ways! But Marcus? He was... nice. What if she had never met John in the first place? Then she would probably have had a fling with Marcus, she mused. But now, after John, everyone else was just milquetoasts in comparison. Unfortunately, Marcus included.

"What is your job, by the way? I don't think you've told me." Isabel tried to steer her thoughts away from John, it was only making her upset again.

"Nothing as exciting as yours," he smiled wryly as they started walking side by side. "I've studied law, but I'm not working at any law firm... I work at an investment company. So basically, I'm just reading through contracts and paragraphs etcetera. So, as you hear... I need to get some fresh air from time to time, or I'd go crazy!"

"I must say, it doesn't sound like my cup of tea," Isabel admitted.

"But I make a lot of money," Marcus winked at her.

"That's a nice perk of course," she laughed. "But do you have time to spend it?"

"I was thinking I would spend some this weekend!" he grinned. "Any suggestions?"

"Well, me and my friends are going to Bazaar tonight? It's a good place for spending money," she smiled.

"Maybe I'll come by after work. I would li..." he was interrupted by his phone. He looked at the display, furrowing his brows. "I'm sorry, but I have to take this. I'll see you tonight." He gave her a peck on the cheek before starting to walk away with brisk steps, his phone glued to his ear.

Isabel watched him leave, thinking that maybe... maybe she should give Marcus a chance. He was kind, he was caring. He was that kind of guy she could bring home, and her mother would love him instantly. Yes, she really should give him a chance. She just needed to get John out of her system.