Page 130 of Just Between Us

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“I’m nervous,” Jenna murmurs.

I envelope her in a tight hug. “Everything looks amazing. She’s going to love it.”

We break apart, looking at our handy work. Our entire living room has been transformed into a romantic setting. Red rose petals are strewn all over the floors, tealights dance in the dark and in the centre is a table draped in white linen, all set for a candlelit dinner and a proposal.

“You think so?” Jenna asks. “You think she’ll say yes?”

Jenna has been talking about marrying Marie since the night they met. I know Marie feels the same. And even though Jenna was my friend first, they have both become my two closest friends. I’m happy they’ll finally be together officially.

“Of course, she’ll say yes. Knowing Marie, she won’t even let you finish before she jumps up and says yes.”

Jenna laughs nervously. We went to pick up the ring a few days ago. Marie had already given Jenna instructions on the specific ring she’d like—a cushion-cut diamond that is big enough to make someone go blind from its reflection. Jenna passed the test with flying colours. It is stunning.

When I told Jenna about moving in with Levi and Cole, she’d bitten her lip a little shyly and said she’d been thinking about moving in with Marie for a while now. They had already viewed a few apartments in the area, all with a second bedroom too in case I needed it.

Somehow, it’s all worked out perfectly and at the end of July, Jenna and I will leave our small flat and go our separate ways.

A part of me will miss her. We’ve spent the last three years together, but I’m also excited to be with Cole and Levi constantly. It’ll be a weird adjustment for all of us but I’m happy to do it with them.

“Do you want me to hang around for a bit longer?” I ask.

Marie is supposed to show up at eight. It’s seven-thirty now.

Jenna shakes her head. She looks beautiful, her thick blond hair falling around her shoulders, and her lips painted red. “Nah, it’s okay. I think I’d like to be alone before she comes anyway.”

I nod, hugging her tightly. “Let me know how it goes, okay? Good luck.”

I give her a quick kiss before making my way downstairs to Daniel waiting outside for me. He flashes me a smile and opens the door to the gunmetal grey Range Rover waiting for me because Cole hates the idea of me on public transport and I don’t have it in me to keep explaining that is how most people move around. I suppose the black card in my wallet would suggest I no longer fit the category of ‘most people’ exactly. For starters, I have two boyfriends, they are both disgustingly rich and slightly out of touch.

“Evening, Kai,” Daniel says.

I give him just as bright a smile. “Hey, Daniel. Thanks for picking me up.”

“Always at your service,” he quips, shutting the door behind me.

It’ll take a lot to get used to all the wealth and privilege they exist in, but I can’t allow myself to be insecure in it either. This is my life now and I hope it will be for a while.

As we ride through the city, my mind drifts to Kenny. I’ve tried not to think about him too much in the last few weeks. Mum said his family refused an autopsy, so they’ve put his death down as an accidental overdose even though I know that’s not the full truth.

His burial was a few days after his death, and I went with the twins to make sure they were okay. Mum chose not to, saying she couldn’t stomach it because of what he did. As he was lowered into the ground, I allowed myself to let the pain he gave me go down with him. I don’t have to be afraid anymore. With Adam gone too and I can tell Levi feels lighter. It’s like his eyes shine brighter if that’s even possible and his happiness is contagious. I haven’t stopped smiling in weeks.

When Daniel drops me off, I walk into the house that is beginning to feel a lot like home. I let the scent of it engulf me, placing my shoes right next to Levi’s and find Cole first in his office.

He looks up at me from behind his desk when I walk in. “You’re home,” he says.

I go over to him, holding my arms over his shoulders and he hums against me. He looks at me carefully, like he’s trying to see if I might have hurt myself somehow in the few hours I was away. It sends warmth through me, knowing that someone cares about me so deeply, they always check to see if I’m okay.

“How were the preparations? You smell like roses.” He wrinkles his nose.

I laugh, pulling away. “Oh, they were great. Jenna is nervous, but Marie will say yes so nothing to worry about,” I say. “I missed you the entire time though.”

“You did?” Cole raises an eyebrow, but I can tell it makes him happy.

I nod smiling. “I also finished the book last night. I hated it by the way. Too graphic,” I tell him. Cole’s taste can be questionable at times.

“That’s the point,” he says. “But okay, we can pick out a new one. Want to go book shopping?”

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