“I have to make a phone call.” I grabbed my phone from my bag and walked over to the balcony door, I dialled Rick.
“Melbourne Mortgages you’re speaking with Rick.”
“Hi, it’s me.”
“Hey, you sound tired, did I wear you out last night?” Last night? Oh Yeah. I felt my cheeks warm and I turned ever so slightly to see if Bryce was watching me. Of course he was.
“No, I had a car accident this morning.”
“Shit Babe, you alright? What happened?”
“Well I got hit up the arse and in turn hit the car in front, the air bag went off so the Territory is stuffed. It was towed to Airport West.”
“Shit, the air bag went off? What about you, did you get hurt? Why are you only telling me now? It’s after lunch.”
“I’m fine, although I was a little drowsy from the whiplash, so had a sleep, I feel fine now.”
“Where are you?”
“At work.”
“And you slept?” He sounded confused.
“It’s a Hotel Rick!” I felt like adding Derrrr. Not that I occupied a Hotel suite but that was only minor details.
“Oh yeah, well as long as you are alright. How are you getting home? Do you need me to pick you up?” Oh, I hadn’t thought of that.
“Um no you go get the kids, I’ll catch a cab. Ok Hun I’ve got to go, bye.” I walked back to the lounge and lifted the cloche. Mmmmm Minestrone Soup.
“Have you eaten?” He was watching me intently and nodded.
“Yes.” I dipped my crusty bread in the soup and took a bite, it really was awkward, awkward eating soup on a coffee table and awkward because he was watching me, I put the spoon down.
“Stop it.”
“Stop what?”
“Stop staring at me.” He lent forward and rested his arms on his knees.
“I like staring at you.”
“I can’t eat, if you watch me.” He laughed.
“Why?”
“Because I’ll drop some or spill it or something.”
“Do you need me to feed you?” He was mocking me now but something told me he would be pretty keen if I’d agree.
“No. Oh well, if I make a mess on your rug, or make a pig out of myself, then stiff shit.” He sat back with one leg resting on the other and one hand in his hair. Shit, can you possibly make it any harder for me to eat right now? I came up with an idea, ok smarty pants, enjoy watching this. I started to slurp the soup really loud and bite my bread like a hungry Viking, I looked up at him and he didn’t even flinch. Right! I went in for a marathon slurp and nearly choked on a bit of celery, then did my best Cookie Monster impression with the last bit of bread, that broke him, he cracked up laughing.
“Are you sure you didn’t hit your head?”
“No not really!” Maybe I did? Would explain this crazy display.
“Hurry up and finish, I want to show you something.”
“I’m done.” I grabbed the napkin and wiped my face praying I had removed all the crumbs and soup spray, he stood up and extended his hand.
“Your chariot awaits my dear.” What? What is he going on about?
He led me to his elevator and pushed the basement 4 button, he keyed in a code and down we went. When the doors opened I was confronted with what could only be described as a view from a luxury car dealership, easily 20 cars, new and old.
“Are these all yours? On second thought, don’t answer that, of course they are.”
I love cars, I was my father’s daughter when it came to anything with an engine on four wheels. Dad had taught me to drive a manual transmission in a Stock Car at the age of 16, he had strapped me into the harness and pointed me towards the racecourse. I can vividly remember the adrenalin rush I had when I flew down the gravel track. Our division of motor car racing allowed contact with other vehicles, so I didn’t hold back and that unfortunately was my downfall in that inaugural race. I did get better over the years, earning myself a Victorian Title and 2nd place Championship placing. I competed in the ladies division for 3 years until a bad accident left me with hairline fractures to my C1 and C2 vertebrae, unfortunately after that I could no longer race due to the chronic headaches.
Standing in his private car park was like being a kid in a candy store. The Gold McLaren F1 caught my eye first, how could it not, next to that of course was a Ferrari Testarossa, Omg just like the Barbie one I had when I was little, I had to go and have a look, it was immaculate in all its bright red glory. It didn’t stop there though, side by side were none other than an Aston Martin One -77 and Lamborghini Reventon. Holy Fuck, that’s over $3,000,000.00 just there, between those two. I looked up at Bryce and he was boasting a very big grin, I shook my head at him and kept walking. A bright Yellow Porsche Cayman, Black Jaguar, White Mercedes Benz, Dark Blue BMW, Silver Lexus, Blue Cadillac, the list goes on. It was truly beyond words the calibre of motor vehicle parked in front of me. I stopped in my tracks as I rounded a pylon, I was without a doubt impressed with the luxurious models I had just passed but I was a classic girl at heart and when I saw the 1969 Purple Dodge Charger, I froze, it was accompanied by a 66 Ford Thunderbird, 1979 Trans Am and 1957 Chevy Bel Air. I practically ran up to the Charger, it was sensational, obviously not factory colour but the restoration was immaculate, I ran my finger along the front guard and peaked inside the window. Bryce was leaning against the pylon biting his thumb nail.