Page 106 of When The Night Falls

‘Right? I can’t get my mind around it. But Ellie was convinced,’ I said as I walked home from Notting Hill Gate station.

Olivia hesitated. ‘Well, actually, when I think about it, didn’t you say he was also sleeping with his colleague?’

I pursed my lips, the image of Violet popping up in my mind. ‘Yes, but so what?’

‘So he’s clearly not opposed to pushing the boundaries. If he’s been shagging his colleague, we already know he doesn’t abide by standard professionalism, so maybe he did fuck Francesca in there. I wouldn’t put it past him, at least.’

I frowned and kept my gaze on the light-grey pavement. ‘I will be so disappointed in him if he did it.’

‘You need to ask him, Cara. You can’t just let this slide.’

‘But then he’s going to think I’m only jealous.’

‘Do you really think he’s that vain?’

I wrinkled my nose. ‘I honestly don’t know.’

‘I seriously doubt it. He’s your damn boss. It’s a valid concern to bring to his attention. And if he decides to flatter himself with ideas about you being jealous, then that’s on him, honestly.’

I slipped past an old lady walking her tiny sausage dog. ‘I really don’t want him to think that I’m jealous, though, Livy. It could make things awkward between us. And honestly, if he’s moved on, I’m happy for him. He deserves to be happy.’

‘Well, that makes one of us. I’m quite sad. I’ve had my fingers crossed for you two ever since you met.’

I rolled my eyes. ‘That’s ridiculous. I haven’t given you any indication things would ever evolve between us.’

‘It was enough just that you hesitated with rejecting him.’ I could hear the pout in her voice. ‘I really thought he was it. Fuck this Francesca girl. I hope he dumps her.’

It was difficult to stop a laugh from spilling. ‘Okay, Livy, I’m nearly home now, but I appreciate the support. Talk to you later, yeah?’

‘Hold on. Are you free on Friday?’

‘Yes.’

‘Then let’s have a girls’ night at mine.’

‘I’d love that. Just the two of us, though, right? Or will Jess and Nora be there?’

‘Just the two of us, don’t worry.’

‘Great.’

§ § §

When I got home, I quickly showered and settled on the sofa to watch TV with Jason.

‘I’m knackered,’ I groaned. ‘Your brother is a force to be reckoned with. Fucking hell. I can’t believe he works such long hours every single day. How does he stay so fit?’

‘He trains before work.’

‘Christ.’

Jason brought my feet onto his lap and started massaging them. ‘He’s a machine. Always has been.’

During a momentary lapse of judgement, I muttered, ‘Well, that machine also has a sex drive.’

He stiffened, hands freezing on my feet. ‘What?’

I blinked when I realised how that must have sounded. ‘No, no, I didn’t mean it like that. Sorry. This woman stopped by today – Francesca. I think he fucked her in his office, but I’m not sure.’

---