Page 172 of Take My Hand

Emma linked my arm. “Yeah, said I looked fat in this skirt. Normally I’d let it go, with all the shit she’s got going on, but I’ve had enough of her, so I told her to piss off.”

Emma was right, Ana had gone too far. “Maybe we should leave her to it, like Em said.”

“No, it’s fine. We’ll be back in a minute,” Zak said, clearly frustrated.

As he and Liam made their way out to find her, I spotted a couple getting up from a sofa, pulling up the lad who was sitting next to them. He was only semi-conscious but awake enough to be able to stumble along with them.

“Quick, free sofa,” I hissed, grabbing Emma’s hand and dragging her with me. When we got to it, we both flopped down with a sigh.

“She’s a fucking nightmare,” Emma groaned. “I thought Liam was going to blow a gasket when she called me fat.”

“Same with Zak. He was fuming.”

“What did she say to you?”

“Called me a slut and told me to stop sticking my nose in her business.”

“A slut? Wow, she really is an arse.”

I sighed heavily. “I know but am I bad for not wanting to go after her?”

“God, no,” Emma scoffed. “Your night shouldn’t be spoiled just because of her. You tried to help her. You sorted out her house, got your dad to help her mum. Then she got us absolutely wasted.” She shrugged. “So…”

“Yeah, you’re right,” I replied with a determined nod. “I’ve tried and if she’s not willing to meet me half way then that’s her problem, not mine.”

“Exactly.” Emma lifted her bum and pulled out a pair of boxer shorts. “What the hell?”

Holding them up we both stared at them. They were huge and slightly stiff. With a screech, she threw to over her shoulder, and we both burst out laughing.

“Where’s Liv anyway?” Emma asked, wiping her hands on her skirt.

“Talking to Millie Johnson and her friend. You remember Millie, she left last year. The girl who went out with Chris Dickinson.”

“Oh yeah, I remember her. Didn’t know Liv knew her.”

“I think they used to go to dance classes together when they were little.” I looked to where Zak and Liam had disappeared, hoping to see them coming back, but there was no sign. “I think Millie is at Manchester Uni, so they’re probably talking about that.”

“Ah yeah, probs. Fancy going running tomorrow?”

I frowned. “Running? When did you start running?”

“Tomorrow.” She burst out laughing. “Liam has amazing stamina. I think I need to get fit.”

“No,” I cried. “That’s gross, he’s practically my cousin.”

“You know we’re having sex,” she exclaimed. “So, what’s the big deal?”

“You saying about his stamina has made me queasy.”

She rolled her eyes, and we continued chatting for a few minutes until she pointed behind me. “They’re back, but no Ana.”

I looked over, and Zak shook his head with a shrug. My stomach rolled because he didn’t look happy, and I wondered what else she’d done.

“Nowhere to be seen,” Liam said, sitting down next to Emma.

“I think she’s gone, babe.” He took my hand and pulled me up, took my place and then patted his knee. “We couldn’t find her anywhere. My guess is her mum picked her up.”

Hesitating to sit down, I looked out towards the garden, but Zak tugged on my hand.

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