Page 8 of Peep
I ensured the trunk and surgical instruments were scrubbed to death and locked up; even if the guy who owns the unit decides to be a nosey bastard, he’ll be out of luck.
I feel like I could collapse from exhaustion, but I need to scout out a new location after work. I have four days until my next job, which should be enough time to find somewhere discreet.
“You know you’ve been looking at that chart for ten minutes. Need some help?” Leo, the head nurse, asks.
Since I started doing locum shifts, I’ve tried to keep my friendships to a minimum, but this doe-eyed guy wants to wiggle his way into my life.
“I’m all good,” I reply, plastering on a smile.
“You doing much this weekend?”
Great, here comes the small talk—something I’ve mastered; acting engaged without giving too much information about myself. Leo, on the other hand, is an open book. He’ll tell you what he had for breakfast three days ago if you’re willing to listen. He’s harmless, though, and radiates pure energy. I used to be like him, carefree and a little naive.
“Not a lot. I’ll be working here again tomorrow, and then I’ll probably hit the gym and catch up on sleep.”
“If you’re looking for a workout buddy, it’s an open weekend at my gym just around the corner; we could hit it together.” He beams, nudging my shoulder with his fist like we’re bros.
I’m not sure if he’s ever stepped foot in a gym. He’s about six-foot with long limbs, no muscle, and hardly any body fat. His deep brown eyes, which have dark rings, are a strong contrast against his almost translucent skin, plead with me to say yes.
Damn, I’m probably going to regret this.
“Ok, sure.”
“Wh-what?” Leo stutters, thoroughly mystified by my response.
“Sounds good. We can be gym buddies.” I force another smile, and he laps it up.
“Oh, ok, cool, amazing.”
Jesus Christ, I think I just made his Christmas and New Year.
“Anyways, I better get on,” I say, snatching the chart off the reception desk and retreating.
Shit, I really wish he wasn’t such a genuine guy because I’ll inevitably feel guilty for stealing his key card later.
Chapter 5
Anders
I’m an idiot who makes idiotic decisions. I should remove the camera before Jahmar finds it. When he casually joked about me rifling through his knicker drawer, I thought my stomach was going to fall out of my arse. I couldn’t help but snap his head off, only adding to his potent suspicion.
I’m a grade-A creep, touching his toys and setting up a camera with a prime view of all the filthy things I’m positive he does to himself. A sick feeling sits low in my stomach like I’m swirlingaround and around on fairground waltzers without any hope of getting off. I’m a terrible person, and I’m probably going to hell.
The sound of the automatic doors gliding open forces me out of my slumped position and existential crisis.
“Alright, sugartits,” Cameron, my best friend since childhood, saunters into reception as if he lives here.
Trailing behind is my other bestie, Sage, whom I met through Cameron about eight years ago. We’re an interesting bunch when you put us together. We’re different in many ways, but somehow, we gel. Cameron’s a classic golden retriever type, and Sage exudes black cat energy…well, to most people. When it comes to Cameron, I swear they go soft.
“Hey, to what do I owe the pleasure?”
“We’ve come to use you for the free swimming pool,” Sage responds, straight to the point, as ever.
“You couldn’t just pretend you wanted to see me?”
“No, because that would be a lie,” they deadpan, not an ounce of humour in sight.
Cameron slings a heavy arm over Sage’s shoulder, and I’m pretty sure they snuggle in closer; weird.
