But the uber wealthy?
How am I going to be able to relate? They’re all driving around in cars I can only dream of, wearing jewellery I’d be too scared to even touch. They spend their summers holidaying in places like Bora Bora and the Seychelles. I’m lucky if I can afford to do a weekend in freaking Butlins.
I blow out a long breath as I lower my arse to a bench.
You’ve got this, Brianna.
A few little rich kids will not get the better of you.
Nico fucking Cirillo will not get the better of you.
“Fucking prick,” I mutter to myself.
I know he’s just been through something beyond traumatic, losing his dad the way he has, but he’s been an even more unbearable prick than ever.
All any of his friends are trying to do is help, to support him through it, but he’s shutting himself down, preferring to lose himself in a bottle of whatever alcohol he can get his hands on first.
They all thought I’d be the one to pull his head out of his arse, but just like I predicted, every time I’ve tried to reach out, to try and do… anything, it’s been thrown back in my face. Or more so his door has been slammed in my face.
Pulling my phone from my bag, I ignore the notifications and find my best friend’s number, hitting call the second I find her smiling face.
I silently pray that she’s going to be able to answer. I need someone to tell me that I’m overreacting.
Nico has barely been at school since his dad died. He might have exams in a few weeks, but his education seems to have taken a back seat. Rightly so, I guess. I mean, I’ve never had a parent I give any kind of fucks about, so I wouldn’t really know the right or wrong way to deal with one dying.
I helped Jodie through losing her old man, but then he turned out to be just as fucked up as every other parent figure—her mum aside—that I’ve had any real experience with.
Lifting my phone to my ear, it rings twice before it cuts out.
“Fuck,” I hiss, slumping back on the bench.
It dings a second later.
Best bitch: At work. Break in 30 if you wanna meet.
Brianna: Getting an Uber right now. I have a situation…
Best bitch: Hurry.kiss emoji
Thankfully, there’s an Uber right around the corner, and in less than two minutes, I’m in the back of his car and we’re heading across the city to where my bestie is now working… at a sex club. Coolest best friend ever.
The driver’s eyes meet mine in the rear-view mirror after he pulls to a stop outside Hades, and I can easily read the curiosity within his dark stare.
“Have you had the opportunity to visit?” I ask, knowing full well that the chance is very slim.
Hades has a waiting list a mile long and the membership is astronomical—not something the everyday Londoner could ever even consider affording. But I don’t like to judge; this guy could be a secret millionaire. Weirder things sure have happened.
“Unfortunately not. I’m sure intrigued, though. I’ve heard all kinds of stories.”
“Well, do you want me to let you in on a secret?” I ask, leaning forward as if I have something really special to tell him.
“Always. You know us cabbies. We’re experts at keeping secrets.”
I can’t help but bark a laugh at his teasing tone.
“Okay, well…” I pause, building the anticipation. “I can tell you without doubt that everything you’ve heard about this place is true. Ultimate adults playground. Now,” I say, pushing the door open and stepping out, “enjoy the rest of your day. I know I will.”
I’m still chuckling as I nod at the bouncer and head inside. I’ve been here to meet Jodie enough times now for almost all the staff to recognise me on sight—they don’t even bother asking me for my membership card that I was happily gifted by my epic bestie. Like I said… Coolest best friend ever.