Page 120 of Meet Me in Berlin

‘I’m getting there.’

She kisses me hard then, and a group outside the pub ‘aww’ in unison.

When we part, she rests her forehead against mine. ‘I can’t believe you’re here,’ she whispers. ‘I swear I was about to book a flight to Melbourne.’ She grabs my hand and guides me inside.

Jaz jumps up and opens her arms wide. ‘Holly! Finally, I get to meet you in person.’ We hug hello and when she pulls away, she looks me up and down. ‘You’re even more beautiful in the flesh.’

I grin. ‘I was just thinking that about you.’

Jaz raises her brows at Casey. ‘Did you hear that? You might have some competition.’

Casey laughs and jerks her thumb in Jaz’s direction. ‘Watch her,’ she says to me, then addresses Jaz. ‘You have something to do with this? That why you were late and being all shifty?’

Jaz gives a satisfied smirk. ‘Maybe.’ She sits and tugs at our hands to join her and points to two glasses on the table. ‘I got you both a glass of champagne to celebrate while you were canoodling on the footpath.’

‘Aw, Jazzy,’ Casey says. ‘That’s sweet.’

Jaz presses her hand to her chest. ‘I’m a true romantic deep down.’ She hands a glass to me and gives one to Casey, then clinks us. ‘To long-lost lovers.’

‘To lost and found lovers,’ I say, brushing my lips against Casey’s cheek.

‘And to new beginnings,’ Casey says, catching my mouth.

Jaz grunts. ‘When I said I was a true romantic, I didn’t mean I want it shoved in my face. You two are sickening. Is this what I’m going to have to put up with?’ She looks between us, then breaks into a grin.

‘Yep,’ Casey says, gazing at me and pushing a strand of hair from my face. ‘Are you tired?’ she asks. ‘When did you get here? Have you slept? Are you hungry?’

‘For fuck’s sake, Casey,’ Jaz says. ‘Stop mollycoddling her.’

I laugh. ‘Yes, I’m tired. I arrived a few hours ago. No sleep and I need food.’

Casey gives a bashful smile. ‘Sorry. I’m just excited. You’re here for longer than a holiday, right? You’ve still got that British passport and dual citizenship?’

I nod. ‘Still got it.’

‘Brilliant.’

Jaz drains her last mouthful of wine and stands.

‘You’re not staying?’ I ask.

Jaz shakes her head. ‘No can do, Holly darlin’. I’ve got a date.’

‘Another one?’ I ask.

‘Yes, another one, but with the same person,’ Jaz says.

Casey raises her eyebrows at me. ‘It’s getting serious.’

Jaz points at Casey. ‘I’ll see you when I see you. I take it you’ll be in bed all weekend at wherever Holly is staying, and good thing, because our flat will be a-rockin’.’

‘The whole flat?’ I ask.

Jaz gives a slow, sly smile and her eyes smoulder. ‘Oh, you have no idea.’

Casey rolls her eyes. ‘Dear God.’ Then she looks at me. ‘Your timing is perfect.’

‘Later, lovers,’ Jaz says and breezes off.

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