Page 81 of A Little Light

“Everything okay?” Rachel shifted on the bed behind Andi, holding her tighter. “That was…Sally?”

“Yes. It was. She’s invited us over tonight to spend the evening with her and Claire. I told her I’d mention it to you, but obviously, I completely understand if you don’t even want to consider it.”

“Why wouldn’t I consider it?” Rachel frowned when Andi glanced over her shoulder at her.

She didn’t have to pretend everything was okay. Andi knew it surely couldn’t be. Sally hadn’t even apologised to Rachel yet. “Because she was awful to you.”

“I think it’s important for us to lay that to rest. It won’t benefit us moving forward, and I don’t want anyone to fall out. I know Sally is worried about your future, she’s your best friend, so I’d like to say yes to tonight. We should all get on the same page as one another.”

Andi turned on the bed and pulled Rachel into her lap. “You’re quite something, Rachel.”

“We’re all adults. Let’s get it all out of our systems and then bring in the new year with people who mean the world to you.”

“You mean the world to me.” Andi stroked her fingertips along Rachel’s thigh, smiling into a kiss. “So long as you and I are together tonight, I don’t care about anything else.”

“Are you…planning to wear any of these dresses on the bed?”

Andi’s brow furrowed. “No, why?”

Rachel dragged Andi on top of her, her legs wrapped around Andi’s waist. “Because they’re about to get very creased.”

Oh, what an end to this year. Andi stared down at Rachel, her blonde hair splayed out around her, and took a moment to admire just what she had in her life right now. So much had happened since that night some six weeks ago. The night when Andi laid eyes on Rachel for the first time…the night she decided that she was going to make every moment count.

Had she thought it would work out that way? No.

Was she grateful for the outcome so far? Grateful beyond words.

* * *

Rachel excused herself from the conversation she was having with Andi and Claire, taking Andi’s empty wine glass with her as she slipped out of the living room. The atmosphere had been enjoyable so far this evening, but the night was still young. Truthfully, Rachel didn’t see any issues arising. Sally had barely managed to look at her so far tonight.

She landed in the kitchen, clearing her throat so as not to startle Sally. “Would you mind if I topped up Andi’s glass?”

“Oh, no. Of course. Help yourself,” Sally said, her back still to Rachel. She was busy plating up nibbles, but Rachel knew it was more than that. “Food shouldn’t be long now.”

“No rush. Andi and Claire are just chatting anyway.”

Sally did turn around this time, her cheeks beginning to redden. “Then I guess it’s time you and I had a chat.”

Rachel held up a hand. “Look, tonight is about a new start for me and Andi. Tomorrow is a new year, and I really don’t want to end this one on a bad note. It’s been awful enough without me falling out with Andi’s closest friends.”

“I have to apologise to you, Rachel. I wanted to do it on Christmas Eve, but I suspect my presence was less than welcome by the time I’d finished saying what I had to say. Andi…didn’t need it.”

“Andi is far stronger than you think, Sally.” Rachel took the opportunity to sit down at the dining table. Sally and Claire had a huge kitchen and a very country house, even though it was in the city. “I know she’s had a rough time, it’s the entire reason I told her we couldn’t date in the beginning, but I was wrong. She’s the strongest person I know. And she knows exactly what she wants.”

Sally smiled, sitting in the seat facing Rachel. “I know. It took me a moment or two to realise it, but I do know. I guess I just got used to protecting her and looking out for her for too long. When you came along, I saw how happy she was when she spoke about you. Part of me was worried that it was too soon, but we can never really know when the time is right until the right person comes along. I’m sure you agree with that.”

“I do agree with it.”

“It was only when I found out about your job that my fears really surfaced. And I know, I know I was a judgemental bitch, but that’s what it was. Fear. It doesn’t excuse the things I said about you, but…that’s not really me. I’m very supportive of all my friends and their relationships.”

“To be honest, I was quite shocked…and a little surprised. I know my career isn’t for everyone, and I don’t expect everyone I meet to understand, but Andi is supportive, and that’s all that matters to me. That she’s comfortable and trusts me. After all, she’s the one who spends time with me and knows the real me. Not anybody else.”

“You’re right. And she’s very fond of you, Rachel.”

“And I’m very fond of her. She’s incredible and has so much to offer. I know all about the past, and I know just how much she loves Jane. I’m not here to replace any of that. Not one tiny piece of it. I’m here to make Andi happy in whatever way she needs that. I don’t expect some big ‘I love you’ or proposal down the line. I don’t expect to ever take the place of a woman she spent twenty years married to. What we have works, and I’d really love it if you could trust me enough to give me a chance. That’s all I want from her friends. A chance.”

Sally sniffled as she dabbed a napkin under her eyes. “You deserve more than a chance.”

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