'I know you'll be landing soon. I won't be there. Find a Tapp Car and take it to 987 Hastings. When you get there, text me.'
What the hell? He promised he'd meet me. Typical he'd switch up the plans. Jackass, I thought. I knew this would fucking happen. I debated my next move; should I just get a hotel and spend a weekend in Vancouver and do fun things?
Carry on to the Island and meet up with my friends out there?
'I know you're thinking of bailing on me; I won't force you to stay.'
Not an 'I'd like you to stay.' Games. I always felt like he was playing games with me. I took a deep breath and collected my small suitcase from the carousel. I pulled it behind me and thought what a waste; I'd packed along all the things he'd asked (and a few more) and even added a few things I thought he might like to see me in.
I thought as I walked; how much would I take of this? Two redirects, I decided; and this was one. As the Tapp Car drove off, I looked at my phone as it buzzed.
'Good girl.'
What the hell? I looked out the back window and saw a man standing on the curb waving at the cab. My phone buzzed again.
'I'm glad you played along. I wasn't sure you would.'
It buzzed again...
'I'll meet you at the next destination. Be careful, its kind of a rough area. I won't be too far behind the cab.'
I dropped the phone on the seat beside me. He better be worth it, I thought to myself.
***
I got out of the car and stood in front of what could only be described as a dank hole in the wall coffee shop? The ride here was 45 minutes, cost me $60 and I couldn't even consider going inside to get a coffee and have a pee.
"Hey, gotta any spare change?" a man in a long coat with an overgrown beard asked me.
I smiled and was about to dig in my pocket for a loonie when I saw the sign on the door of the coffee shop 'If you're asked for money, bring them inside and buy a coffee. Please don't give money; it helps no one.'.
"Would you like to go in and get a coffee?" I asked, noticing he smelled terrible.
"Fuck off, cunt." He flipped me the middle finger and stalked off.
"Hey baby, $20 to suck my cock?" a voice spoke from behind me. I spun around ready to slap whomever it was and met the man I'd come to see.
"Jesus, Duncan. Don't do that!" I drew my breath in sharply, giving him a look.
He grabbed my arm and twisted it behind my back and pulled me close to him, "I do what I like, slut. Understood? I brought you here to please me and seeing you squirm and jump pleases me." His lip twitched, our mouths only inches apart.
"Come, my car's not far." He released my arm and stalked off ahead of me, leaving me to wheel my suitcase and manage my carry-on. He glanced over his shoulder, "You're really quite inept, aren't you?" he smiled, walked back and took both pieces from me, leaving me with my wallet. "Keep up, bitch." He called cheerfully over his shoulder, "I've got plans for you and you're already late."
He opened my door and waited for me to get in before closing it. He placed my things in the trunk and got in the car.
"You're very pretty, Lara. I'm very glad to meet you." He looked at me, "I am glad you came to see me." He grinned as he leaned toward me, "my name is actually James." He sat back and started the car.
As we drove, he pointed out the odd site and was sure to tell me who he did what too and where. I smiled, unimpressed with his bravado but amused with his ability to speak of his conquests with such ease.
His home was nice; not huge but the outside was tidy and the yard was beautiful. The front lawns were well manicured. I looked at his hands; he was well kept. His fingers were slender and just the right length. His nails short and shaped and his skin looked smooth. I reached out my hand and touched the back of his right hand as he shifted down as we pulled into the driveway.
He looked at me sideways, "Can I help you?"