Forty-four ~ Evelyn

I'm now four shifts closer to my degree!

That's the only thing powering my will to live after that night shift as I slump onto the bus home.

I've got two days to sleep it off before another set of two nights. At least after that I'm off for four days.

The sweet relief of being able to relax washes over me and I slump into the seat. Empty early morning buses are definitely a key bonus to finishing at six am.

My phone rings to life with an unknown number disturbing my peace. 'Who the hell is up right now?'

Placing the phone to my ear, an unmistakably cheery voice sings down the line.

"Hey Evie! How are you?" Only Lizzie could be this energetic this early.

"Heya, I'm good thanks. You?"

"I'm good. What are you doing tomorrow?"

"Nothing." A fat lot of glorious nothing but laying in bed.

"Great, you're meeting me for lunch! I'll text you the details." Much like her brother, she leaves little room for arguments in her requests.

"Okay." I half chuckle, "By the way, how did you get my number?"

"I borrowed Adrian's phone, but that can be a surprise." A smile begins dancing upon my lips, I'd love to see his face when he realises.

With a plan in place, we say our farewells and I'm left to my usual company of music. It's a lot less demanding.

_._._._

The sun's finally decided to shine on London, so I'm taking it as invite to wear a dress.

I've opted for a teal bodycon dress with short sleeves, paired with black trainers. Knowing Lizzie, I'd rather be comfortable in case something unexpected happens.

She's chosen a cute brunch spot off of Oxford Street in one of the beautifully hidden back streets.

I'm about to text her when I see her, cocktail in hand, sitting in the corner.

She leaps up to pull me into a hug as soon as I'm within proximity, before settling me into the booth next to her.

The conversation immediately flows effortlessly, drowning out the backdrop of pendant lightbulbs in glass jars, walls of greenery and dangling vines with petite flowers. Lizzie has me clinging onto every word like her tales are a harness suspending me over the Grand Canyon.

"How's my brother treating you? Not too overbearing I hope." Her enquiry is harmless, yet holds an air of understanding.

"Good, I have to keep fighting off unnecessary gestures, but I know he means well."

"Tell me about it! He's had a bodyguard glued to my side for nearly a month now!" She huffs dramatically before continuing, "No matter what, I can't escape!"

"Really, won't Ade listen if you tell him it's not what you want?"

"Nope, I've tried. He's even moved him into the apartment next to mine!" My jaw drops at that. Surely not.

"That's insane Lizzie!"

"Tell me about it. That's him over there." She points a manicured finger at a tanned man in black leather jacket, who seems to be paying attention to everything but his coffee.

"At least he's hot."

"Yeah, but he's got an infuriating ego to match!" Lizzie spat with foreign contempt. If looks could kill, he'd be in flames. "The man cannot be reasoned with. You'd think he was looking after a little girl not a grown woman."

"If Ade won't remove a bodyguard, would he replace him. Maybe a female guard?" That should hopefully reduce accidental prejudice.

"I've already asked. Apparently he's one of his best and he's not employed to be my friend." Lizzie rolls her crystal blue eyes and for a moment she resembled her brother's steely demeanour. "I understand, but it would be nice if I could at least tolerate the person I'm spending every waking hour with."

"Should we teach them a lesson?" I try to mask the mischievous grin distorting my features, "Shall we give him the slip and have a girls afternoon?"

Lizzie's usual spark reignited with an additional flame as she nodded and called over the waitress. In addition to ordering another drink, Lizzie promised a handsome tip if the waitress distracted her new friend whilst we ducked. Of course she agreed, only Ade and Leather Jacket seem to have the ability to deny her.

Luckily, the cafe had one of those pay at the table QR codes, so it wasn't blatantly obvious that we were about to bolt like two teenagers.

We chatted casually whilst we waited for our accomplice to make her move. Lizzie was about halfway through her expresso martini when the waitress approached Leather Jacket.

As soon as his back was turned and his attention stolen, we grabbed our jackets and crept past him.

Once our footfall was lost amongst the street's choir, Lizzie stole my hand as her high-heeled feet carried us away in a sprint. I said a silent prayer of gratitude for my decision to wear trainers as we ran.

We weaved amongst the rushing crowds, mutterings of annoyance and beeping cars.

After momentarily glancing back with fiery eyes, Lizzie tugged us into an adjacent clothing store.

"Quickly, grab a new outfit!" She called over her shoulder as she strode towards the hoodies.

Impressed by her commitment, I swiftly selected a pair of black ripped jeans, an unhemmed cropped jumper and a scrunchie to hide my hair in a messy bun with.

We paid for the clothes before heading to the dressing rooms to change.

I released an exhale of relief once fully dressed. Due to my lack of height, it's often a battle to find jeans that fit, but by some miracle my hurried choice fit perfectly without leaving a trail of casualties.

Having folded my clothes away into the shopping bag, I twist my hair into a bun. I pull a few short strands free to frame my face before emerging from the cubicle.

Lizzie struts out moments later, showcasing her alter ego with pride. The burgundy hoodie was a far cry from her usual elegant dresses. She'd even ditched her stilettos for black trainers.

I applauded with laughter as she paraded up and down the length of the dressing room. The casual outfit in no way dampened her natural beauty, but instead highlighted it in different ways.

Lizzie sashayed over before gesturing for me to twirl, pretending to check me out with great exaggeration as I complied.

"Perfect!" She exclaimed, slowly taking in my appearance once more, honing in on my hair until my hands subconsciously moved to feel for non-compliant strands. "Can you do my hair for me?"

My hands fell back to my sides as I took a step forward. "Of course, what would you like?"

"Could I please have it half-up in two buns?" Her volume and smile grew with each detail, "I've always wanted to try it, but was too scared. Now seems like the perfect opportunity."

"Definitely!" I guide Lizzie over to a stool facing one of the framed mirrors. Even without heels, she's a stunning height, so I need her seated to stand any chance of being able to do her hair.

Her dark hair falls halfway down her back in loose waves. She already has a middle parting, so all I have to do is twist the top section on either side into a space bun.

The hairstyle emphasises her cheekbones whilst making her look younger, particularly with her new outfit.

"All done!" I announce as I take a step back, but I don't get far before I'm wrapped in Lizzie's bouncing arms.

"Thank you! They're amazing!" She sings with me still tightly in her hold.

"So, where to now?"

"You'll see!" Lizzie cheers, leading me out by my hand.