Run Chapter 1

I have been trying to sell this story to a publishing agent for a long time and I am starting to loose hope. I think it is just not sellable. If that is the case it is a tragedy because I think it is well written. Biased? Me? Lol. Here is the beginning of it. I hope whoever stumbles across my blog is interested enough and has the time to sit and read through the latest three posts. Any serious feedback or opinions posted in the comments would be most apreciated. x
The first chapter :

Fred Davis and I have been watching this house for the last hour, but it feels like at least triple that. Our other companion, Malcolm O’Leary is sat behind the wheel, his left elbow casually leaning on the cranked down window and if I know him his eyes are scanning the darkened street in front of the car, his senses alert.


I snap the cuff of one of the latex gloves I’m wearing against my wrist, listening to the sounds of the warm breeze rustling the leaves in the trees and distant sirens that are drifting into the car. Thoughts of Chrissie fill my mind. Her pretty, smiling face, the way her blonde curls fall, her creamy skin. A sigh escapes my lips and Davis turns to look at me.

I check my watch. Miles Joseph left for work about ten minutes ago. I think it’s safe to strike now. Glancing around the deserted street I give Davis the signal to step out of the car.

O’Leary stays put as we cross the street, creeping round to the back door of the Joseph house.

Ignoring the tabby cat stalking something I can’t see rustling in the long grass on the back lawn, I shove my elbow through the window in door and the glass shatters noisily.

Startled, both the cat and its prey scatter.

Putting a gloved hand carefully through the opening, I turn the catch and the tumblers fall open.

Davis follows me inside, glass crunching under our feet.

The kitchen is shrouded in darkness and all is quiet, apart from the steady tick tock of the large circular clock on the kitchen wall keeping time and the hum of the refrigerator.

The back door clicks shut behind Davis.

There is no light beyond the kitchen doorway. Creeping into the front hall, I peer into the lounge. This room is also dark and devoid of life.

“Where is she?” Davis whispers in my ear.

I shrug my shoulders and move towards the foot of the stairs, nearly falling over a pair of high heel shoes that have been left strewn across the bottom step.

“Up there!” I hiss to him, spying a faint light upstairs.

I creep up the stairs, closely followed by Davis. A step near the top creaks loudly and there is a noise from one of the rooms upstairs, but my steady pace doesn’t falter.

At the top of the stairs there are several doors in the hallway. The nearest one is open a crack and there is light shining round the door.

I push the door open, but the room is empty.

“There’s nobody here.” I say, turning to look at Davis.

“Well she can’t have gone far.” He comes into the room behind me and points at the open book lying face down on the bed.

I walk over to a pair of large double door on the opposite wall and throw them open.

“Hello Mrs Joseph!” I grin at the terrified woman before me.

She stares at me, her grey eyes wide and fearful and her face a picture of shocked horror.

“W-who are you?” She stutters, her eyes flicking between my face and where Davis is stood over my shoulder. “What d-do you want?”

“It’s time to come out of the closet.” Davis says, now standing close behind me.

Marie’s hands are clutched tightly under her breasts and I notice there is something beneath her hands. She sees me looking and spreads her fingers, trying to keep whatever it is concealed.

“What have you got there?” I question, yanking at her hands.

“Just take what you came for and leave!” Marie cries out.

“I don’t think you need to be calling anybody.” I smile, pushing the disconnect button and handing the cordless phone to Davis. My smile is cold and unfeeling.

“We’re here for you!” Davis whispers to her.

Her expression turns into a mask of pure terror.

“No!” She calls out and backs further into the closet.

“You a party girl, baby?” I question, my eyes surveying her body and a smile on my lips. She is wearing a silky nightgown and it’s kinda sexy.

“Oh I think she is!” Davis grins.

“What do you want with me?” Marie questions.

“You’re coming with us, right now.” Davis says, pointing his gun at her.

I grab her by the arm and lead her towards the bedroom door, my gun tight in her side.

“If you co-operate, maybe we’ll be nice.” I whisper in her ear.

“You’re making a big mistake!” She responds.

We lead her down the stairs and out the back door.

“Ow!” She gasps. “I think I cut my feet.”

“Keep quiet and we won’t bind you up and stick you in the trunk!” I feel a chill run down her arm at this.

“Get in!” Davis whispers to her.

She sits in the back with me and Davis climbs in beside O’Leary.

“What took you two so fucking long?” He questions, tersely.

“Where are you taking me?” Marie whispers.

“You’ll find out when we get there.” O’Leary snaps, driving away from her house.

Davis points his gun at Marie, as I wrap some duck tape round her wrists.

“What are you doing?” She gasps.

“It’s a safety precaution.” I smile at her, slicing through the tape and letting the roll fall back underneath Davis’ seat.

“My husband is a police officer.” Marie says her tone hardening. “If you hurt me, you’ll be dead before you can say ‘I want a lawyer.’ The department looks after its own.”

“We know who your husband is.” Davis responds.

“And when we are done with you.” I add, leaning in close and dropping my voice. “We are going to see to it that the only person Officer Joseph talks to is the undertaker.”

Run Chapter 2

“And cut!” Graham Rollins yells, a chorus of bells following his command. “Great job everyone!”


I exhale deeply and climb out of the car, tucking my prop gun into the back of my pants. I start walking across the movie set, yanking off the latex gloves.

“That was pretty good.” I say, following Karen Garner across the set and watching her struggle to get the duck tape off her wrists.

“I’m just glad I finally got it together.” She sighs, turning to me. “Mike, help me out here!”

I untangle the tape binding her wrists together.

“If I have to spend any longer in this thing, I think I’m gonna get frostbite.” Karen nods down at the flimsy nightgown she is wearing.

“Hey! Hey!” Ryan Acle comes up behind Karen and drapes an arm round her shoulders. “Are you partying tonight Cookie?”

“Hey Ry!” I greet him and get a smile and a nod in return.

“Why do you call me that?” Karen frowns.

I discard the sticky tangle of grey tape and pick up a bottle of mineral water from a table where there is a collection of them laid out.

“Don’t you like it?” He asks, innocently.

I open the water and knock some back, strolling round the edge of the soundstage behind Ryan and Karen.

“It makes me feel like a first grader!” She pouts.

“Your hair smells like cookie dough.” Ryan says.

Stepping over thick cables and camera rails I manage not to fall over, as crew members flit around.

“It does not!” Karen exclaims.

Curious, I reach across and lift a handful of her long brown hair to my nose.

“Mike!” She cries out. “What are you doing?”

“Doesn’t it smell of cookies?” Ryan asks.

His tone shows he is expecting my support, but I can’t give it. “It smells more like roses.”

“Whatever!” Karen sighs, irritably. “Ryan your gun is digging into my hip!”

“That’s not my gun!” He whispers.

I can tell he’s fighting to keep a straight face and can’t keep a grin off mine.

Karen stops walking and turns to stare at him open mouthed, her face a picture.

I bite down on my lip, trying not to laugh and Ryan breaks into laughter.

“I can’t believe you’d say something like that to me!” Karen exclaims.

“Come on, it’s a joke Cookie!” Ryan chuckles. “Look how you’re dressed!”

“Look how you’re dressed, Officer Joseph!” Karen retorts, her index finger jabbing the air in front of him.

“I will see you kids next week.” Justin Clarke grins, strolling past us.

“Yeah, don’t get a divorce before then you two!” Jeff Maynard chuckles walking backwards as he points both index fingers at Ryan and Karen, as if they are pistols.

“See ya, guys!” I wave to them. Technically it’s just raising my hand, there is no waving involved.

“A cop should treat women with more respect, even a pretend one.” Karen continues, her voice thick with anger. With that she strides away.

Ryan hurries after her, putting an arm round her again.

I trail behind them, laughing quietly. God he loves winding her up!

“Hey, you’re not really mad at me are you?” He asks, sounding concerned.

“Gotcha!” Karen stops walking again and smiles at him. “You are just too easy.”

“You had me.” Ryan sighs, rolling his eyes heavenwards.

“The thing is Karen.” I say, putting an arm round her. “How do we know when we have upset you for real, if you always play him?”

“That’s a good point!” Ryan agrees, drinking from the bottle in his hand.

“Just don’t test me.” Karen says.

I push open the stage door and we walk out onto the lot.

“So, I have some good news.” Ryan says, looking pleased with himself.

“You’re moving to Michigan?” Karen quips.

“I’ve got a date.” He grins, proudly.

“Is it that hottie that gave you the come on in Creepers last weekend?” I ask, interested.

“I’m sure you bed a different girl every other day, Ryan.” Karen says, sounding bored. “What’s so special about this one?”

“Yep!” He looks at me sideways, still grinning. “You remember the Playboy cover girl from the last issue, Elle? That’s the hottie!”

“You got a date with her?” I gasp, my eyes widening. “No way!”

“She is not just any girl, Karen.” He explains, his voice taking on a dreamy edge. “She is an angel. I fell in love with her the moment I first laid eyes on her.”

“Right!” Karen snorts. “You fell in love with her rack more like. I can’t believe you buy that junk.”

“Playboy is art!” I protest.

“Her name’s Elle Monaghan and she gave me her number. We’re set up for tonight.”

“Oh man!” I shake my head. “You are so lucky. You know, I didn’t recognise her in the club.”

“That’s probably cause she had clothes on.” Karen sighs. “Which is more than I can say!”

We stop outside our trailers.

“So, you gonna watch me get changed?”

“Was that an invitation?” I question, giving her a lopsided grin.

Karen simply rolls her eyes and turn to step into her trailer.

I laugh and turn to Ryan. “See ya later, man!”

“Yeah.” He replies, stepping to the front of his trailer.

Before I step into my trailer I turn to him again. “Hey, don’t try to bone her tonight! It’s only the first date remember.”

“I’ll try to control myself.” He grins. “But judging from the way she behaved in the club, I might be the one fighting her off.”

In my trailer I knock back more of the water before setting the bottle down on the table. I take off my costume, laying my gun on the pile of clothes.

The table is cluttered with papers. Most of them these love letters I have been getting and they are not from my girlfriend. It’s more than fan mail because they are definitely from the same chick, whoever she is.

I fasten my pants up and sit down, lifting the newest envelope. Turning it over in my hands, I run my finger along the underside of the flap and pull out the sheet of paper inside. Scanning the neat handwritten page, I get the gist of it without really having to absorb the words. She loves me and wants me and knows I feel the same. I mustn’t forget that she is watching me. As if I could! Whoever this chick is, she has skipped into her own little dream world, where I return her feelings of adoration and it is normal to write long emotional letters to people you don’t know. It’s freaking me out!

There is a knock on the door.

“Yeah?” I call out, dropping the letter back onto the table.

“Excuse me Mr Miller.” A stagehand puts her head round the door. “I’m sorry; there is a woman at the gate, claiming to be your girlfriend and demanding to see you. I thought you’d like to know.”

“Okay, thanks.” I smile, reaching for my sneakers.

She closes the door again.

I go out to see who it is. You never really know. Wednesday there was someone here claiming to be Jeff’s girlfriend, but he doesn’t have one. We suspected she was actually a reporter or a fan. Who else would do something like that?

“Hey Karl!” I nod at one of the security guards manning the gate. “What’s up?”

“Do you know this woman, Mr Miller?” He replies, indicating the blonde stood behind the gate.

“Fleur, what do you want?” I sigh, folding my arms over my chest, my tone cold.

“Michael, don’t be like that.” Fleur Carmel replies, smiling. It’s the kind of smile you’d expect to see on a venomous snake, were such a thing possible, right before it sinks it’s fangs into your arm.

I can see her eyes scanning my body and I don’t like it.

“She’s a friend of mine.” I tell the guards and step up to the barrier. As reluctant as I am to admit that fact! I can’t just turn her away. You never know how she’d repay me.

“I heard that a couple of the actors working on the same production as you are associated with known criminals. Is that true?” She asks quietly, watching me intently.

“I don’t know anything about that and you know I can’t speak for other people, Fleur.”

“You share your house in New York with three females, is that right?”

That’s actually not true anymore, but I’m not gonna split hairs over something that personal with a reporter of all people.

“That’s a well known fact. What are you getting at?” I glare at her, wishing she wasn’t here.

“Is it true that you are sleeping with all of them?” Her gaze is intense, like she’s searching my face for answers.

“You used to be so nice, Carmel.” I stare over her shoulder at the neatly manicured green grass and trees on the opposite side of the street.

“Is she a reporter?” Karl questions, having overheard her last words.

“I’m just concerned about your reputation.” Fleur purrs, smoothly.

“Bullshit! You’re a vulture.” I reply, the venom in my words portraying my feelings towards her. “If you just came down here to grill me, you wasted your time!”

“Oooh, be nice Miller!” She smiles, placing her neatly manicured hands on the painted metal barrier between us and leaning forward. “Or I could interpret your attitude as an admission.”

“Get out of here you!” The security guards tell her.

“You’ll print what you like, it doesn’t matter how much truth there is to it.” I spit. “Do you actually want something, or are you just fishing?”

“I do have something.” Fleur says, dropping her intense eyes and focusing on the way her perfect hands sit on the white rolled steel. “Can we talk in private?”

“Absolutely not!” Security responds. “No press allowed on set!”

“She’s a personal friend of mine.” I remind them. “So why do you want to speak privately?”

“I just don’t think you want any passer by to hear what I have to tell you.”

“How nice of you to think of me.” I reply, my tone grim. “Okay, fine.”

“No it’s not.” Security insists. “She’s not allowed on a working set, you know that.”

“We’ll have a word in my trailer.” I tell them, resting a hand on my hip. “Please?”

Sighing, the guards hand her a visitor’s pass and hold out a clipboard for her to sign.

“Thank you!” She smiles sweetly at them and clips the pass onto the hem of her t-shirt.

“Follow me.” I say and lead her back to my trailer.

“This is nice!” Fleur says, looking around the inside of my trailer with interest.

“So what’s the big secret?” I demand.

“Eve’s pregnant.” She says, picking up the open script laying on the table and starting to flick through it.

“What?” I frown, taking the script out of her hands.

“You don’t know?” She smiles up at me.

“That’s a lie. I don’t know where you get such trash. Who have you been talking to?”

“You mean, she hasn’t told you?” I can see how much she is enjoying this.

“On what do you base this crazy idea? Where’s your proof?”

Fleur take something out of her purse.

“This is from the recent shoot she did at Long Beach.” She hands me a photograph.

It’s a shot of Eve McKenzie taken from the side, modelling a bikini and there is an obvious curve to her stomach.

“Nobody told me. I just used common sense. You have eyes the same as me. That photo has not been doctored in any way.”

“She’s just been putting on a little weight recently, that’s all.” I say, handing it back.

“Only on her stomach?” Fleur points out.

I realise what I just said and mentally kick myself. How could I be so stupid?

“Don’t you dare quote me on that, by the way!” I exclaim, my tone harsh.

“You don’t look very happy about it, Michael.” Fleur says, her attention on the papers accumulated on my table.

“I’m in shock, Carmel. It’s not everyday a reporter tells you that your girl is expecting.”

“She’s a few months along, I’d say.” Fleur leafs through some of my letters. “Maybe it’s not yours. That would explain why she hasn’t told you. Are you two having problems?”

“Not those kinds of problems.” I try to take the letters from her, but she holds them out of my reach. “What are you looking at?”

“Love letters, Mikey?” She smiles. “Looks like Eves not the only one cheating.”

“Yeah, I’ve had some weird letters recently. That doesn’t prove I’m cheating!” I fold my arms and glare at her. “Publish anything hinting at any cheating going on and I’ll have your ass, Carmel!”

“Sounds like you have a stalker, Miller.” She replies, looking more closely at the letters. “Unless you’re faking it to cover for this secret relationship Eve thinks your having.”

“Eve is just insecure, that proves nothing.” I respond. “And I did not let you in here to discuss my private life!”

“You’re a public figure, Miller. You have no private life anymore. You ever worry about the company Eve keeps?”

“You have turned Michael your girlfriend is pregnant into you are both cheating on each other. Nice work, Carmel. Now get out!”

“Not so fast Miller!” She says, handing me the letters back and touches the wound on my stomach. “That looks nasty. How’d it happen?”

“Why do you want to know, so you can spread it across the front page?” I know I also have fading bruises on my body.

“Is it newsworthy?”

“No, but I’m sure you’d print it anyway.”

“Come on, Mike. I thought we were buddies, you know?”

“Maybe she can’t control her temper.” I admit.

“Eve?” Fleur questions quietly, looking surprised. She surveys my body again.

“Stop looking at me like that.” I go over to where my clothes are and a put a t-shirt on.

“Are you okay?” She asks.

“Did I detect a hint of genuine concern for my welfare, Fleur?” I snap, not having forgotten that I don’t like her.

“Are you still mad at me for that assault story I ran last week?” She sighs.

“Why would I be mad?” I question, my voice thick with sarcasm and my body contorting unnaturally with concealed rage. “You only portrayed me as a brutal thug, but something like that well it’s not a big deal or anything, is it?”

“Someone else in the office had a source that painted things that way. My editor just put my story with his and you came out looking like public enemy number one. I can’t help that, Mike.”

“You’re words are poison!” I shout at her, my face twisted into a mask of fury. “I don’t care what your excuse is, you almost ruined my life!”

For the first time Fleur’s intense calm slips away and is replaced by genuine fear, as she takes a step away from me.

“I’m sorry.” She says, looking like she means it. “I’m really sorry Mike, okay?”

“It’s not okay!” I blast, feeling like smacking her. “I hate you. I don’t know why I even let you in here. You lied to me, you are just on a fishing expedition!”

Fleur stares at me guardedly in silence, her eyes flickering to the door behind me.

“Aren’t you?” I challenge her, still shouting. “Go on and deny it!”

“I think I should go.” Fleur whispers. “I have things to do.”

I stare at her in silence, my jaw clenched so tightly it’s starting to hurt. Yes, good god leave woman!

She inches round me, towards the door.

“I’d be interested to hear about what really happened that night sometime, how it started. But I know you don’t want to tell me.” Fleur says, her back to me.

I let out a deep, measured sigh. “Okay, it all started because Eve kicked off.”

Fleur turns, still looking at me guardedly. “Really?”

I don’t even know why I’m telling her this for. I run a hand through my hair and try to control my breathing. “Some chick came onto me and Eve saw me smiling at her or something and just hit the roof. This chick lets Eve have it right back, saying she can’t talk to me like that.”

“She was defending you?” There is surprise in her voice.

“Yeah. I was there with Ryan Acle and we tried to separate the girls at the same time club security appeared. I don’t know what the hell happened, but in the ensuing tussle I ended up giving this girl a hard elbow in the face.” I frown at Fleur, but the anger lingering on my face twists it into a hostile glare. “You made it look like I hit her for fighting with my girlfriend, Fleur. Do you have any idea what I have been through because of you?”

“I can only say I’m sorry so many times.” She licks her lips nervously, her hand resting on the door handle.

“Well say it again, I like hearing it.” I growl, my attempts to calm down having failed.

“I’m sorry, Mike.” She says. “I owe you.”

“Damn right you do!” I shout at her. “I felt bad enough about breaking Kelly’s face, without getting crucified by the media for it.”

“So Eve’s got a temper, huh?” Fleur murmurs thoughtfully, as she pulls open the door.

I follow her to the gate, to make sure she doesn’t detour.

Her eyes keep flickering nervously in my direction as she signs out. She silently hands over her visitors pass before walking away.

I wordlessly turn around and go back to my trailer. Well that could have gone better. I can’t believe the nerve of that woman. And I can’t wait to get out of here!

In my trailer I pick up my wallet and keys and cell phone. There are a few messages on my cell, but I can’t be bothered to look right now.

I put my shades on and head out to the parking lot, where I climb into my rental car. I turn on the radio and head towards Jen and Sam’s place.

I instantly recognise the opening guitar riffs to Snow Patrol’s Run playing on the radio.

“I’ll sing it one last time for you and then we really have to go.” The lead singer croons. “You’ve been the only thing that’s right in all I’ve done.”

I remember the first time I ever heard this song. I was with Chrissie. We’ve always only been friends, but something about that moment felt so special to me and I’ve never forgotten it. But I doubt she feels the same.

“And I can barely look at you but every single time I do, I know we’ll make it anywhere away from here.”

Just thinking about Chrissie’s pretty face and the happy sparkle in her eyes makes me miss her like mad.

“Light up light up as if you have a choice, even if you cannot hear my voice I’ll be right beside you dear.”

I should not have talked to Fleur. I may have known her since before I made it big, but she is still a reporter. God knows what will end up in the paper tomorrow!

“Louder, louder and we’ll run for our lives. I can hardly speak I understand why you can’t raise your voice to say.”

Journalists are dangerous. Tell them one thing and they will twist it to sound like something else. I am always reading shit about myself these days that is news to me.

“To think I might not see those eyes makes it so hard not to cry and as we say our long goodbyes, I nearly do.”

I almost miss being a mechanic. At least back then I wasn’t news.

“Light up light up as if you have a choice, even if you cannot hear my voice I’ll be right beside you dear.”

Nobody cared what I did and girls weren’t crawling out of the woodwork to claim sexual flings that never happened. Some people will do anything to get their five minutes.

Run Chapter 3

“So how’d things go at work today?” I ask, my attention focused on the carrots I’m chopping. “Is Harry still trying it on with you two?”

“Oh god!” Samantha Gimmers sighs, exasperation in her voice.

“He’s still convinced he has a chance of bedding us both.” Jennifer Francais tells me.

“I know word has long since gotten around the office about the two of us.” Sam sighs. “It’s like open season on the hot lesbians!”

“I’m sorry!” I chuckle and add my chopped carrot to the bubbling pan Jenny’s stirring. “So, you gonna help or what Sam?”

“I’m the guest!” She gasps, not budging from where she’s seated on the kitchen counter.

“No you live here, babe!” I reply. “I’m the guest, remember?”

“It’s still hard to make that adjustment we’re so used to living with you.” Jen says.

“I don’t like it when you call me that!” Sam pouts and folds her arms over her chest.

“And I don’t like it when you don’t help with dinner!” I respond.

“I shouldn’t have to do any cooking around here.” Sam says, looking at me out of the corner of her eye.

“You sound just like him!” Jen chuckles.

“Don’t compare me to Michael Miller!” Sam exclaims.

“Ever since his big break he’s been all like I shouldn’t have to do anything round here anymore!”

“Could you guys not talk about me as if I’m not here?” I sigh.

“We are not guys, will you stop calling us that!” Jen hisses, prodding me in the chest with the handle of the wooden spoon she’s holding.

“I’m very aware of that fact, believe me!” I respond, my eyes surveying her body, as I try to hide a grin.

“Urgh!” Jen pulls a face and turns away.

I laugh.

“Mike!” Eve McKenzie hollers from upstairs. “Could I have a minute?”

The look on Sam’s face says that she’s bored with Eve and hates her being here.

“The duchess summons me!” I whisper. “Do carry on in my absence.”

“We were going to put dinner on hold till you came back.” Jen replies, dryly.

Grabbing the tea towel off the draining board I swat her with it, before retreating upstairs to their spare room.

“What’s up, babe?” I ask, leaning against the bedroom doorjamb and try to suppress the panic knotting my stomach.

“I can’t find my silver star pendant!” Eve declares. “What did you do with it?”

I have a view of her shapely butt, as she is down on her hands and knees, her head stuck under the bed.

“Is that what you called me up here for?” I sigh, crossing my arms over my chest.

“You know the one I mean, you gave it to me for our first anniversary!” Eve gets up and begins rummaging through the make up and jewellery on the dresser.

“Why do you need it so bad, honey?” She is clearly stressed, more than possible over something as trivial as a lost necklace.

“Don’t you get it?” She shouts. “It’s my lucky charm!”

“So what’s this really about?” I respond. My cell beeps with a text message in my pocket, but I don’t get it out to look.

“How about those text messages from your secret girlfriend you told me not to worry about?” Eve bristles.

“Evie, we’ve been through this!” I sigh, not raising my voice. “Why are you being so weird about it?”

“Oh I don’t know!” She shouts, her eyes blazing. “Some chick sends my boyfriend flirty text messages, hinting the feelings mutual and then, not surprisingly he tells me it’s a mistake and not to worry about it. But why would that make me concerned?”

“Come on, babe, I’ve promised you I don’t know this girl!”

“Oh that makes me feel so much better!” She replies. “Especially when you eye up other women all the time, flirt with your housemates and spend every minute with that slut of yours!”

“I told you not to talk about Chrissie like that!” I shout back.

“I’ll call her whatever I want!” Eve responds. “How typical of you to defend her!”

“Look, I’m not gonna get into this with you!” I say, the strain of fighting to keep my voice normal showing.

“Why do you spend so much time with that hoar?” Eve questions. “You’re screwing her, aren’t you?”

“You’re being so ridiculous!” I sigh, my jaw clenched, as I take great effort not to shout. “And I am sick of defending my relationship with her!”

Eve slaps me across the face. “Don’t call me stupid!”

“That’s not what I meant and you know it!” I glare at her, my voice rising.

“Why don’t you just admit it, Mike?”

“Admit what?”

“You know full well!” She laughs.

“I’m screwing everything in a skirt!” I hiss at her, my anger showing. “Is that what you wanna hear from me?”

Eve smacks me again. “Don’t insult me!”

“Stop that!” I shout irritably, resisting the sudden urge to smack her.

“You’re so pathetic!” She snorts.

“Get out of my house.” I say, through gritted teeth.

“What’d you say to me?” Eve puts her hands on her hips.

“You heard.”

“How can you talk to me like that?”

I hear the doorbell go and turn my back on her, starting down the stairs.

“Hey, I’m not done!” She shouts after me.

“Don’t worry, I got it!” I hear Sam holler.

“Well I am!” I call back to Eve.

I hear her footsteps pursue me downstairs, as I go into the study.

“Michael!” Eve hollers, grabbing my arm.

“What?” I turn to face her, half expecting another smack. She doesn’t disappoint.

“Don’t you dare walk away from me!”

“Ow!” I groan, touching my face where she punched me. My lip’s bleeding.

Eve’s attention is elsewhere in the room. She pushes past me and strolls over to the drawing desk, lifting something out of the open pencil box.

“You did that on purpose didn’t you?” She scowls.

“Did what?” I question.

“What have I just spent the last half hour looking for?” She hollers, coming over to me again with a silver necklace dangling from between her fingers.

“Your sanity?” I see her fist coming in time to duck out of the way, this time. “Don’t touch me!”

“You bastard!” Eve says. “You are so pathetic!”

“That was supposed to be a joke, by the way” I tell her, touching my lip.

“I have somewhere to be.” She says, tersely.

I watch her leave the room and feel relieved. When I hear the front door slam heavily moments later, I know it’s her leaving the house.

“Hey, Mikey!” Ryan Acle greets me, appearing in the study doorway. “Woah!”

“Jesus Ry!” I gasp. “You gave me a heart attack!”

“Sorry, man.” He chuckles. “What happened to your face?”

“Nothing.” I dab my lips with the bottom of my t-shirt. “How’s dinner coming?”

“You’re asking me?” Ryan says. “I just got here, dude!”

We go through to the kitchen.

“Ouch!” Sam frowns, looking at me.

“Don’t start.” I sigh.

“Why do you take that from her, Mike?” Jen asks.

“What am I supposed to do?”

“Dump her!” Ryan replies.

“I mean a real solution.” I say, opening the fridge.

“I’m serious, Mike.” Ryan says. “Every time I see you two together lately, it doesn’t matter if it’s here or New York, it’s like world war three!”

“Sometimes you look worse than Charlie.” Sam puts in.

I take out a bottle of beer and open it. “Do we really have to discuss this?”

“Why does she hit you?” Jen asks.

“You always ask me that and I still don’t know, okay?”

“You ever smack her?” Ryan questions.

I give him a withering look. “How can you ask me that, man?”

“It was a serious question. A chick did to me what she does to you, I might.” Ryan shrugs, dropping his gaze onto the table. “You know?”

“We miss Charlie.” Jen says, after a pause. “How is she doing?”

“I haven’t been home for a couple of weeks Jen.” I reply. “I guess she’ll be okay. She sounds the same as always on the phone, so who knows?”

“She’s still with that Tom isn’t she?” Ryan asks.

“Yes.” I press my lips together tightly. “I hate to think what’s been going on while I’ve not been there.”

The doorbell goes again and this time I get it.

“Hey Rob!” I greet the man at the door.

“Hi people!” He greets everyone, coming inside. “Hey, uh, who died?”

“You’re funny!” Jenny replies, dryly.

“You been fighting with Slack again?” Rob Michaels asks me.

“Eve, actually.” I tell him.

“Does she look worse than you?”

“That is not funny, Rob!” I sigh grimly. “How can you joke about that?”

“Sorry, you’re right.” Rob says, suppressing a grin.

“You just knock off or something?” Sam asks, taking in Rob’s cop uniform.

“Yup!” He sighs, going over to the fridge and opening it. “Long day stopping speeders on the freeway."

“So anyway!” Ryan sighs, putting an arm round my shoulders. “Will she be back later?”

“Who Eve?” I ask. “Not today. She’s got a modelling gig in the Caribbean coming up.”

“I thought she modelled lingerie?” Rob frowns, opening a bottle of beer. “What’s she going to the Caribbean for?”

“She does swimwear too. Come on guys, how long have I been dating her now?” I reply. “And you still have to ask what she does?”

“You hardly talk about her.” Ryan says.

“You guys are going to New York this weekend aren’t you?” Sam asks, putting the salad she’s just been preparing on some plates.

“Yep!” I say, taking a slug from my drink. “Long weekend for the fourth means we can spend some time at home. I miss Chrissie.”

“We are gonna get hammered.” Ryan says. “It’s a double celebration.”

“You know I don’t celebrate my birthday anymore, man.”

“I’m still coming.” He picks a small tomato off one of the plates on the counter and pops it into his mouth. “See the guys, hold your hand, you know?”

“Hey!” Sam protests.

“Is it done?” I question, peering over Jen’s shoulder at the pans on the hob.

“Thanks for coming back to help, by the way.” She replies.

“It’s amazing how effortless dinner was isn’t it?” I question, smiling.

“Alright, everybody out of the kitchen!” Sam says and holds up her hands to sheppard us into the dinning room.

“Hey, tell me how it’s going with that playboy chick again. You seen her since the club?” I ask, as we sit down at the table.

“Yeah, good!” Ryan grins. “She definitely likes me.”

“You didn’t tell me you had a girlfriend, man!” Rob cries. “What’s her name?”

“Elle Monaghan. I wouldn’t say she’s my girlfriend, not yet.”

“She’s so hot!” Rob gushes. “I saw Elle in Playboy. Man, how’d you get so lucky?”

“Met her in Creepers last weekend AND I bumped into her in Wal-Mart on Tuesday!” Ryan grins. “She recognised me right away and turned on the charm.”

“She came onto you?” Rob questions, doubt clear in his tone.

“Yup!” Ryan grins, leaning back in his chair and draping his arms over the chairs either side of him.

“Alright stud, here’s dinner.” Jen laughs, setting down plates in front of Ryan and me.

“Thanks, Jen.”

“How many times you seen her?” Rob asks.

“Twice.”

“Twice?” I question. “I thought tonight was your first date!”

Ryan shrugs. “We’ve had a coffee together, but tonight is the first real date.”

“So, you planning on getting her into bed?” Rob questions, eagerly.

“That is not why I’m seeing her!” Ryan replies, mid chew.

“You are hot for her, aren’t you?” I question.

“Does the pope wear a tall hat?” Ryan asks. “What I mean is, she’s a really nice girl and I don’t want to rush her into anything she’s not ready for.”

“You mean you want a long term relationship with her?” Rob questions, looking like he’s fighting a laugh.

“Are you implying Elle is not relationship material?” Sam questions. “Just because she takes her clothes off?”

“That’s my point exactly!” Rob agrees.

“I take offense!” Jen cries.

“Me too!” Ryan says. “That’s my girlfriend you’re talking about Michaels!”

“You’re not even a slut, Jen!” Rob laughs.

“Nor is Elle!” Ryan exclaims.

“If I wasn’t sitting so far away from you that would get a slap.” Jen says, frowning at him.

“Have you always been such a pig?” Sam questions.

“Yes!” Ryan and I say together.

“Some friends you guys are.” Rob huffs. “Thanks for the support.”

“I pity the girls that you pull over.” Jen says.

“Why, what do you think I do to them?” Rob questions.

“I dread to think!” Sam says.

“I don’t like what you’re implying!” Rob responds. “I’ll have you know, I am totally professional!”

“What are you laughing at?” Sam asks me.

“You guys!” I reply, shaking my head. “I can’t believe Rob’s still dumb enough to get into these conversations with you two.”

“Next person to insult me is gonna get chained to the mailbox!” Rob cries.

“Sound fun!” Jen smiles.

“Oh, I’m only teasing!” Rob laughs, elbowing Sam. “You’re not really offended are you?”

“If I call you an asshole, you gonna chain me to the mailbox?” Sam asks, her eyes laughing.

“Maybe my mailbox.” Rob grins, putting an arm round her.

“Are you flirting with my girlfriend?” Jen objects. “I don’t believe you, Michaels!”

“I love you, J.” Sam turns to her and they kiss.

“I know.” Jen grins.

“Do you have to do that at the dinner table?” I frown.

Jen looks at me one corner of her mouth turned up and embraces Sam in a passionate kiss.

“Okay.” I say and stare at the ceiling. This is so embarrassing to watch!

“I should come here more often!” Rob gawps, mouth hanging open.

“Pervert!” Sam chuckles.

“How do you live with this Mike?” Ryan whispers, his eyes wide and glued to the girls.

“It’s hard sometimes.” I reply, my eyes straying back to the girls. “This is why I don’t miss living with them.”

“How can you say that Mike?” Sam pouts. “After all the time we’ve spend bunking together, all we’ve been through in New York together?”

“Don’t you two miss it over there?” I ask. I know she’s kidding around.

“A beautiful beach a stones throw away and average seventy five degree temperatures all year round, why would we miss the city?” Jen smiles.

“You should be coming with us.” Ryan says, gulping down a mouthful of food. “Spend the fourth back in the big apple, I bet Charlie would be over the moon to see you two again.”

“We’ll have to catch up with her some other time.” Sam responds. “We have plans with some girls we’ve hooked up with over here this weekend.”

“And then we are going on vacation, don’t forget that Mikey.” Jen looks at me. “You can’t stay here when you come back next week.”

“Right.” I nod, remembering. “You did mention that the day before yesterday.”

Ryan looks at his watch. “Well, I have to go now.”

“You’ve hardly touched your dinner!” Jen complains.

“It’s delicious, Jen. Really it is, but I have to go and meet Elle now.” Ryan drinks some of his glass of water.

“I’ll see you later at the airport, right?” I check, watching him stand up.

“Sure thing!” He nods. “See you ladies, Rob.”

“Good luck, bud!” Rob calls, as Ryan heads for the front door.

*

I yawn feeling very bored and stretch out my arms, folding my fingers together behind my head. I’ve only been waiting on Ryan for about half an hour or so, but it feels like a lot longer than that. Things must have gone good with Elle.

I watch a couple of young women walk past, each pulling a brightly coloured suitcase. The blonde whispers something to her brunette companion and both girls giggle. They both look very excited. An airport cop strolls past them, his pace slow and steady. He is looking about the quiet airport concourse in a bored manner and checks his watch. He approaches the Starbuck’s counter and casually leans against it, conversing with the girl manning it.

Starbucks sounds good. I look down at the cold dregs in the cup on the empty chair next to me. I need a coffee. If Ryan doesn’t get here in the next five minutes I think I’m going to fall asleep.

Yawning again, I get to my feet and sling my bag over my shoulder, walking over to the Starbucks counter.

The girl is handing the cop a cup of coffee when I step up to the counter.

“Thanks, Sandra.” The cop gives the girl a smile. “See you later.”

The cop looks at me before he walks away.

“Hi, what can I get you?” She asks.

“Hi, can I have a black coffee to go please?” I reply and then look around for Ryan.

“Sure.” Sandra turns away and starts to fill a cardboard mug.

I catch sight of Ryan approaching and he nods at me.

“Here you go, sir.” Sandra sets the cup of coffee on the counter between us. “That’s three dollars please?”

I dig in my pocket and hand over the money.

“Hey! Hey!” Ryan comes up behind me and claps me on the back.

“How’d it go?” I respond, picking up my coffee and turn back to Sandra. “Thanks!”

“Hang on I’ll have the same as him please.” Ryan says to the girl.

“Okay.” She turns back to the coffee urn.

“I have had a brilliant night!” Ryan grins, sighing contentedly.

I notice that he has red lip shaped marks on his neck and start to laugh. “Yeah, I can see that.”

“What?” He questions.

“You’ve got lipstick here.” I touch my own neck where the marks are on his.

“Oh.” He rubs at his neck, a smile playing on his lips.

“Three dollars please?” Sandra says.

“Is it gone now?” Ryan questions.

“No.” I laugh, handing over the money for his coffee. Then I pick up his cup and we walk away from the Starbucks counter.

Ryan has a napkin he picked up off the counter and he spits into it, rubbing it against his neck.

“You take her out for a drink or to the movies?” I question.

“Neither. We went to Romhines.” He looks at the napkin and rubs his neck some more. “That’s why I hardly touched Jen’s bolognaise.”

“That new Italian place in South Beach? Classy!” I nod. “You made the right impression then?”

“Elle and I drank wine with our dinner and she couldn’t take her eyes off me.” He smirks. “She played footsie with me under the table all night too.”

“What was she wearing, did she look hot?” I take a sip of my coffee.

“She looked appropriate for the restaurant, but at the same time so sexy. He dress was figure hugging and had a deep v cut down the front of the chest. I think I spent too much of the night talking to her tits, but if she noticed she wasn’t offended.”

I laugh.

“Elle was smiling at me and playing with her hair and any excuse to reach across the table and touch me and she was.” Ryan grins, dropping the scrunched up napkin into a trash can and taking his coffee from me. “Thanks for this, by the way.”

“Anytime.”

“So did we miss the flight yet?” Ryan looks at his watch. “I was running a bit late.”

“They called it about ten minutes ago.” I reply.

We walk up to the security checkpoint, where there are a couple of other people going through ahead of us.

“So how’d you get the lipstick on your neck?” I question, grinning.

“I kissed her goodnight.” He smiles. “And then she kissed me.”

He has a far away look in his eyes and I know he’s back there on her doorstep, or wherever.

“Did she invite you in for coffee?” I question, dropping my bag on the conveyor belt.

“Mm hm.” Ryan grins. “But I told her I had a flight to catch.”

“I bet she was disappointed, huh?” I chuckle, turning out my pockets and leaving my change and keys and cell and watch in the tray. I take my sunglasses out of the neck of my t-shirt and drop them in too.

“Yeah, but I promised to call her. She wants me, Mike. It’s only a matter of time.”

I step through the metal detector just as I remember that I still have my belt on and it beeps a warning. Shit!

“Can you take a mouthful of that for me?” The security guard manning the checkpoint says, pointing at the cup in my hand.

I do as requested and he nods approval. Then I remove my belt and step through again.

“Okay, next.” The guard says.

“So what are you waiting for?” I laugh, putting my belt on again. “Is there a chance she’s really interested in you as relationship material?”

“Like I said earlier, I don’t want to just get off and then never hear from her again.” Ryan says, stepping through the metal detector. “I really like this girl, Mike.”

“I know.” I shove the things back into my pockets. “You have to introduce me to her sometime, Ry.”

“Okay.” The guard says to Ryan.

“There is real chemistry between us.” Ryan shoves his change and stuff back into his pockets. “This girl is going to be sensational when I get her between the sheets, I just know it.”

“Wow, well I’m happy for you bud.” I watch him pick up his bag and we head towards the departure gate.

“How’s things with you and Eve?” He questions, as my cell starts to ring.

I pull it out. “Speak of the devil.”

I flip it open awkwardly and put it to my ear. “Evie, what’s up?”

“Where are you Michael?” Eve slurs. “You should be here with me, making love to me and stuff.”

“Honey, I’m on my way to New York for the weekend. I thought you knew that. Are you okay?”

“No, I want you so much right now!” She sounds like she’s been drinking a lot.

“How is your night, apart from that?” I question.”Where have you been?”

“Are you checking up on me?” Eve asks. “Cause I don’t have to answer to you, Miller!”

I take a sip of coffee. “I’m only asking Evie!”

“So what have you been doing tonight?” She questions.

“None of your concern.” I reply, wondering if she will give the expected response to this.

“Is she giving you a hard time?” Ryan whispers.

I shake my head, smiling and whisper. “She’s had a few drinks.”

“Who are you with?” Eve questions. “Why are you being so secretive?”

“Ryan.” I reply.

“You’ve been cruising the clubs with him haven’t you?”

“No, he’s been on a date and I’ve been at Jen and Sam’s place.” I finish my coffee and drop it in the trash, as we walk past.

“You’d better behave this weekend, Mikey.” Eve warns me. “If you don’t you’re in big trouble Mr!”

“Yes ma’am!” I laugh. “Listen I have to go. I’ll see you later.”

“I’ll be thinking of you.”

I flip my cell shut and slip it back into my pocket. “She’s less volatile when she’s had a few.”

“I don’t envy you, Mike.” Ryan sighs, shaking his head.

We get to the gate and hand our tickets to the airline girl waiting there. She tears them in half and hands the other halves back to us.

Once seated on the plane my eyes start to feel heavy again. I fasten my safety belt and yawn.

Beside me Ryan also looks tired. “Did I tell you I’ve got us tickets to the Yankee game tomorrow?”

“Yep.” I lean back in my seat and shut my eyes. “I have to go home and check on Charlie before that, see how she’s doing.”

“You want me to come? In case Slack is there, I mean.”

“I can take care of that looser, but thanks.”

“Is Charlie at your place alone now that the girls have moved over here?”

“No, I told her she is free to let some of her friends move in if she wants. I don’t mind who, as long as they are trustworthy and make her feel safe.” I yawn.

I feel the plane begin to move and the stewardess’ voice comes over the tannoy. I don’t open my eyes to watch them go through the motions of the safety bit. I’ve seen it before. If you’ve seen it once, you’ve seen it a thousand times.

Beside me I hear Ryan yawn, as the plane trundles round towards the runway.

I hear the change in the tone of the engine noise as the pilot throws the plane into gear for take off and the jet surges forward at high speed. With the engines droning loudly, the plane lifts up into the night sky. By the time the cabin lights are lowered I can already feel myself being lulled to sleep.

Run By Claire Halls

Here's the first chapter for you (sorry about the wierd spacing, it's a copy and paste job):

Chapter 1

Fred Davis and I have been watching this house for a couple of hours now. Our other companion, Malcolm O’Leary is sat behind the wheel, his left elbow casually leaning on the cranked down window and his eyes scanning the darkened street in front of the car. His senses alert.

I snap the cuff of one of the latex gloves I’m wearing against my wrist, listening to the sounds of the warm breeze rustling the leaves in the trees and distant sirens that are drifting into the car. Thoughts of Chrissie fill my mind. Her pretty, smiling face, the way her blonde curls fall, her creamy skin. A sigh escapes my lips and Davis turns to look at me.

I check my watch. Miles Joseph left for work about half an hour ago, which means Marie is home alone. We’re clear now, so it’s time to strike. Glancing around the deserted street, I nod at Davis, the signal to step out of the car.

O’Leary stays put as Davis and I cross the street, creeping round to the back door.

Ignoring the tabby cat stalking something I can’t see rustling in the long grass on the back lawn, I shove my elbow through the window in door and the glass shatters noisily.

Startled, both the cat and its prey scatter.

Putting a gloved hand carefully through the opening, I turn the catch and the tumblers fall open.

Davis follows me inside, glass crunching under our feet.

The kitchen is shrouded in darkness and all is quiet, apart from the steady tick tock of the large circular clock on the kitchen wall keeping time and the hum of the refrigerator.

The back door clicks shut behind Davis.

There is no light beyond the kitchen doorway. Creeping into the front hall, I peer into the darkened lounge. This room is also dark and devoid of life.

“Where is she?” Davis whispers in my ear.

I shrug my shoulders and move towards the foot of the stairs, nearly falling over a pair of high heel shoes that have been left strewn across the bottom step.

“Up there!” I hiss to him, spying a faint light upstairs.

I creep up the stairs, closely followed by Davis. A step near the top creaks loudly and there is a noise from one of the rooms upstairs, but my steady pace doesn’t falter.

At the top of the stairs there are several doors in the hallway. The nearest one is open a crack and there is light shining round the door.

I push the door open, but the room is empty.

“There’s nobody here.” I say, turning to look at Davis.

“Well she can’t have gone far.” He comes into the room behind me and points at the open book lying face down on the bed.

I walk over to a pair of large double door on the opposite wall and throw them open.

“Hello Mrs Joseph!” I grin at the terrified woman before me.

She stares at me, her grey eyes wide and fearful and her face a picture of shocked horror.

“W-who are you?” She stutters, her eyes flicking between my face and where Davis is stood over my shoulder. “What d-do you want?”

“It’s time to come out of the closet.” Davis says, now standing close behind me.

Marie’s hands are clutched tightly under her breasts and I notice there is something beneath her hands. She sees me looking and spreads her fingers, trying to keep whatever it is concealed.

“What have you got there?” I question, yanking at her hands.

“Just take what you came for and leave!” Marie cries out.

“I don’t think you need to be calling anybody.” I smile, pushing the disconnect button and handing the cordless phone to Davis. My smile is cold and unfeeling.

“We’re here for you!” Davis whispers to her.

Her expression turns into a mask of pure terror.

“No!” She calls out and backs further into the closet.

“You a party girl, baby?” I question, my eyes surveying her body and a smile on my lips. She is wearing a silky nightgown and it’s kinda sexy.

“Oh I think she is!” Davis grins.

“What do you want with me?” Marie questions.

“You’re coming with us, right now.” Davis says, pointing his gun at her.

I grab her by the arm and lead her towards the bedroom door, my gun tight in her side.

“If you co-operate, maybe we’ll be nice.” I whisper in her ear.

“You’re making a big mistake!” She responds.

We lead her down the stairs and out the back door.

“Ow!” She gasps. “I think I cut my feet.”

“Keep quiet and we won’t bind you up and stick you in the trunk!” I feel a chill run down her arm at this.

“Get in!” Davis whispers to her.

She sits in the back with me and Davis climbs in beside O’Leary.

“What took you two so fucking long?” He demands.

“Where are you taking me?” Marie whispers.

“You’ll find out when we get there.” O’Leary snaps, driving away from her house.

Davis points his gun at Marie, as I wrap some duck tape round her wrists.

“What are you doing?” She gasps.

“It’s a safety precaution.” I smile at her, slicing through the tape and letting the roll fall back underneath Davis’ seat.

“My husband is a police officer.” Marie says her tone hardening. “If you hurt me, you’ll be dead before you can say ‘I want a lawyer.’ The department looks after its own.”

“We know who your husband is.” Davis responds.

“And when we are done with you.” I add, leaning in close and dropping my voice. “We are going to see to it that the only person Officer Joseph talks to is the undertaker.”

Four Days Before Valentine's

So, I have finished writing this story that I have been working on for months and months now. I am confident that it is good and have sent the first three chapters off to a publishing agent. I am now waiting for their reply and hoping it is the one I want. I have been rejected enough times on another story that I know the chances are slim that the answer will be Yes, send the whole thing!
But I remain hopeful.
I strive for perfection in everything I do, which I guess makes me a bit of a freak. I feel confident that this story is as perfect as it's ever going to be, which is really saying something. It's no five minute read either and runs to near on 400 pages A4. So if the agent DOES ask for the whole thing it will cost me a small fortune in ink and paper to run off a copy. But it's a small price to pay for fullfilling an ambition.
It's called Run after the Snow Patrol song and I in fact feature the lyrics. It's supposed to be a kind of (what's the word?) testament to how good the song is. But if I do get published we may need permission from the music company to include the lyrics. I don't really know about that. Cause it's copyrighted material. You couldn't post a video on youtube of the song without permission, so surely the same applies to written word? I guess I'll find out.
The story starts out with this intense scene from a movie cause the main character is an actor. The idea behind this was to hook the reader in and peak some interest from the outset. But seen as dream sequences are frowned upon because it lulls the reader into a false sense that what is happening is real right up to the point the character wakes up, I hope this movie scene is not seen as the same thing. In one of the earlier versions of this story this scene was real cause the character was a criminal, but then things improved.
You know what the hardest part of writing is? Doing the synopsis. I swear it is. I've spent like years writing this bitch and then I have to sum it up well in a single page and I can't do it! But I have to, so I have. I just don't know if it's good. I hope the difference between a yes or no from the agent is not hinged too much on a good synopsis, cause it might not be a good one.
It's no use me whining about this work of art I have written really when you have no clue about it, but it makes me feel better. Lol.

You know what? I still like this guy from work. It's crazy. I've been a volunteer in this office for over a year now and I still feel the same about him as the day I first met him. It's killing me. I am single now and have been for a while. So is he. Mike is gorgeous and he makes it worth going to work. I have become a fixture in that place because I am so good and effecient at the scanning that I do they could not manage without me now. It's a good thing. It's nice to be helpful.
I would like something to happen between Mike and I but I don't hold out much hope. Doesn't stop me feeling the way I do about him though and dreaming. I hope at the very least that he is attracted to me, even if he's not interested in anything happening. Is it possible to feel both of those things?
Maybe I'm just crazy. I've learned to live with things the way they are though. I can handle it.
It's just nice to talk about it. I can't exactly talk to any of the girls at work about this because I don't want it to get around the office. I don't want to be gossiped about. Unless they have already picked up on something and are whispering things behind my back, but I doubt it. Nothing's happening, it's just me liking him.