Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 39: Restless

"No, it's Hayley." She replies.

I lower my eyebrows.

"Oh, sorry. I thought it was Marcus."

Michael gives me a look and pulls back on his top.

"Its 1:30 in the morning Layla, and Marcus has been trying to call me. Now Zack is awake too. Where are you?"

"Oh fuck I'm sorry. You haven't spoken to him have you?"

"No, I didn't answer the phone but it's woken us all up. Hes called like 5 times. Now where are you? Why is he calling me?"

"I.. I've been at the club. I told him I was with you tonight."

"Oh god sake Lay." She sighs. "If you're going to tell him you're with me at least give me a heads up so I can actually lie for you. What if I answered the phone and told him you wasn't here with me? He would think all sorts of shit."

"I know, sorry. I text him letting him know I was ok..."

"Well he obviously doesn't believe you."

I sigh and rub my head.

"So, you've been at the club. Where are you now?"

I look at Michael. He's going through his alcohol picking up another bottle.

"I'm just with one of the girls from the club. I might stay at hers. It's too late going home to Marcus now."

"You're telling me. I've got to try and get Zack back to sleep now."

"Sorry."

"It's ok... but maybe you should rethink about sneaking around like this all the time. One day Marcus will catch you out..."

"Yeah, I know." I look down. "Tell Zack auntie Layla will buy him a big present if he goes back to bed."

"Yeah, I'll say that and see if it works." She chuckles. "I doubt it though."

I smile.

"Thanks Hayley."

"That's ok. That's what sisters are for I guess. I hope you're ok though."

"I am.."

"Ok." She doesn't sound convinced. "You should get to sleep too. It's fucking late! Good night."

"Good night." I laugh.

We both hang up. I put my phone in my bag and rub my face.

"Drink?" Michael asks, raising a glass.

"No." I shake my head. "I'm going home." I stand up.

Michael gives me a look.

"Really? Don't you think it would look odd if you went home at this time? Didn't you tell Marcus you were staying with your sister?"

"Yeah... but..." I sigh in frustration.

"Relax." Michael chuckles. "If it makes you feel better I promise not to try anything on you again. I want you to stay the night. Going home to Marcus wouldn't be a good idea."

"But staying here isn't either!"

"Why not? You don't trust yourself around me?"

I give him a look. He smirks.

"It's not that. I'm married and I feel bad about this."

"Ok, if you don't want to stay with me then go to your sisters. Just don't go back to Marcus."

"I've got to face him sooner or later, and either way he's gonna be pissed at me for staying out like this."

"You shouldn't feel like that. You're a grown woman, you can do what you want."