Cam 20- Numbers and noticing
The next morning I wake up to about fifty missed calls from my mother and grandmother as well as
calls from an unknown number. I’d bet anything the unknown calls are from Simon. I’m sure my family
gave my number to him since they happily gave him my workce. I guess it’s a good thing I haven’t
told them where I live although it’s probably only a matter of time. I groan and bury my head in my
pillows as my phone starts to ring again. I know I didn’t want to cut them off entirely, but maybe it is
time to start thinking about changing my phone number after all. I still know where they live. It’s not like
I couldn’t track them down if I wanted to. But no, unless I choose topletely cut them off and move
away, far away, they will be able to track me down eventually and they’re just stubborn enough to do it.
I drag myself out of bed and hop into the shower. I end up taking some extra time with my hair and
makeup today, styling my waves carefully and applying more makeup than I usually bother with
because I look just as exhausted as I feel and even if I don’t agree with her about everything I always
did like my grandmother’s advice when ites to bad days. Control what I can. Which basically just
means myself. I might be exhausted but that doesn’t mean I need to LOOK like a mess. It’s amazing
the difference that the confidence gained from taking a little extra time to get ready can actually make
and how much easier it can make a day feel. I have to get to work early today because I’m expecting a
delivery. I drag myself out of my house, shove headphones on and head to work listening to my ylist.
Maybe if I y the music loud enough, I can drown out my own thoughts, specifically the voices of my
mother and grandmother that seem to be permanently stuck in my brain.
I sort out the delivery then go to hang out in my work room. I should probably do something productive
or useful, but I just don’t feel like it. I end up sitting on the bench in my work room, scrolling through my
phone and reading the messages my family
sent.
Mum- Did you get a chance to talk to Simon? He said he was going to track you down! See, I told you
he hasn’t given up on you yet.
Mum- Honey? How did it go? I know it’s been a few years but he hasn’t changed. He’s still very
handsome, isn’t he? Not to mention he has THREE Witch sisters. Imagine that. Three new Witches to
add to the coven! Plus it shows they have plenty of magic in their blood. You’re practically guaranteed
magical children. He’s perfect!
Grandma- Your mother and I have spent a lot of time setting this up for you. Don’t waste the chance.
You won’t find a better match.
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Cam 20- Numbers and noticing
Mum- WHAT. DID. YOU. DO? I set everything up for you perfectly and you drive him away! And what’s
this Simon is telling me about some Incubus boyfriend? I have assured him that he misunderstood the
situation somehow. I’ve given him your phone number and he’s going to call you to sort things out.
Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!
Unknown- What the hell is going on here? I was promised an exnation and now you won’t even
answer the phone? Bitch.
Mum- I don’t care what you’re doing. You need to call Simon back.
Mum- Are you ignoring me? Answer your damn phone Camille.
It’s like it hasn’t even urred to them that I would have been ASLEEP, or working. I’m still getting
calls and texts right now and they’re getting increasingly unhappy. I’m starting to regret my makeup
after all because I am about two seconds away from crying and roon eyes are not a good look. I
hear a tapping sound at the front of the building which jerks met out of my thoughts. Who is it? I already
received the delivery and the bar doesn’t open for a few hours yet. I’m halfway to the door when I
freeze in ce. What if it’s Simon again? Or worse, my grandmother? The door rattles again and I’m
about to dart back into my work. room to pretend I’m not here when a familiar voice calls out.
“Cam? I know you’re in there. The lights are on and you were expecting a delivery today. Can Ie in
or are you really going to make me wait out here until you open?” Harry speaks loud enough that I
suspect the entire street can hear him. I roll my eyes. He’s so dramatic. I
unlock the door and let him in.
“Seriously Harry, was it necessary to announce your presence to the entire street?” I joke. He
shrugs.
“Well how else was I meant to get your attention? It’s not like I can call you since you keep refusing to
give me your number.” He says pointedly. Oh he has a point. I roll my eyes and
can’t repress a smile.
“Oh all right. I guess it’s only fair.” I give him my number. What’s he going to do? Text me a hundred
times a day? Call me and try to flirt? Send me a dirty picture? All of those things. would be a nice
change from the constant harassment I’m getting now. Harry immediately enters it into his phone and
calls me, except I left my phone in the other room.
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Cam 20- Numbers and noticing
“You have to save my number, okay? That way you can call me when you want to test potions, or if you
need someone to walk you home, or if you just wantpany. Really you should just call me. I don’t
care why.” Harry insists.
“Yeah, yeah. I’ll save your number.” I agree.
“Awesome! I need to text the group chat and tell them I finally got your number. Ryann has been
teasing me about it for WEEKS.” He crows, absolutely delighted. It’s sort of adorable that he is so
excited about something as small as my phone number.
“What’s this group chat you’re talking about?” I ask curiously. Harry grins.
“It was originally just myself, Ryann and Megan, but they added their partners and Aaron plus Amber
and it’s just slowly expanded. We use it as a sort of running feed on our lives and a ce to ask each
other advice. Mostly it’s just everyone waiting to hear about my romantic failures though.” Harry sighs.
“Romantic failures?“I demand. Harry shrugs.
“Well sure. I mean how many times have I asked you out and failed to make progress? It took weeks
for me to even get you to notice me at all. You seem weirdly resistant to my charms.” He points out. He
thinks I’m ‘resistant to his charms‘ like he thinks his magic doesn’t work on me? I can barely keep from
throwing myself at him most of the time! And WEEKS to notice him? I notice everyone! It’s what I do. I
watch them, make drinks and make sure they’re safe and having fun. Does he really think it was even
remotely possible that I didn’t immediately notice him? He’s not exactly subtle, is he? On the bright
side, at least this means he hasn’t realised how badly I want him. Because wanting something does not
mean it’s good for me and I refuse to let him break my heart.
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