Page 31 of Quiet Longing

“I’m not sure, but I think you might be right about me having a crush on Rhys.”

She squealed and did a little shimmy as we went upstairs. “I’m so excited for this to happen.”

“Don’t get too excited. It might not.”

“Sure, it won’t,” she crooned, and I pushed open the bathroom door.

“You go first. I’ll wait here.”

“Oh, just come in. It’s fine. You can turn around.”

“Okay,” I said, stepping inside and closing the door behind me. I turned to face the wall while Nuala did her business. “What about you and Theo? You looked cosy.”

“Theo’s great, but I don’t like him that way. He’s a friend.”

“What were you talking about?”

“Hmm, this and that.”

“This and that looked pretty engrossing all the same.”

“Oh, stop!” she exclaimed. “It really isn’t like that with Theo and me.”

I heard the toilet flush, and she stepped away to wash her hands. I turned around. “You might have to wait outside for me. I’m a shy pee-er.”

Nuala chuckled. “No problem.”

She left, and I quickly used the facilities then washed my hands. I heard voices outside, but they were muffled. Nuala was talking to someone.

“Why are you here?” she asked when I stepped out and found Kiera and two other girls from Nuala’s ex-friend group.

Kiera shot her a dirty look. “You don’t own this town, Nuala Balfe. Just because you have popular brothers, doesn’t mean you can kick us out of every party.”

“No, but I’m sure Aidan will be only too happy to kick you out the very second Nuala gives the word,” I countered, moving close to my cousin.

“Who are you?” Kiera asked snottily.

“I’m Nuala’s cousin from America, and in future, if you want to talk to her, you can go through me.”

One of the other girls snickered and commented under her breath, “We’d have a long way to go through you.”

I had to admit, the insult stung. I even flinched a little, my stomach twisting uncomfortably.

“What did you just say to her, Danielle?” Nuala stepped forward, looking angrier than I’d ever seen her.

All three girls chuckled while Kiera cocked her head, self-satisfied. “You heard exactly what she said.” Then she looked me up and down like I was nothing before turning on her heel. The other two scurried after her.

“Charli, I’m so sorry. What she said—”

I stopped her with a hand. “It’s fine. I’ve had worse insults thrown at me.”

“Yes, but you shouldn’t have to hear that. You’re gorgeous. I’d kill to have a body like yours, especially those boobs. Don’t listen to Danielle. She’s just jealous.”

“Maybe. It doesn’t matter anyway. I know what I look like.”

“Yes, but—”

“Really, Nuala, you don’t have to make me feel better. I’m made of sterner stuff. What I’m really worried about is you. What did they say to you when I was in the bathroom?”

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