Page 53 of Don't You Want Me, Baby?

He told you that too? About the sperm thing?

Shazza

Showed up at my place last night. Knew I was on my night off. He was half a bottle of Jack in. He would have told me his pin number if I’d asked. Kept banging on about a playlist he made that reminds him of you. I had to tell him my Spotify was down after the third time he played My Girl. So, did you?

Amber

I’m sticking to the plan. It’s best for all of us.

Shazza

Well, I’m here for you, bud, but you need more than me and you know it.

Amber

Managed this far, haven’t I? I’ll see you at work. Just, please. Don’t grill me. I can’t afford the Kleenex bill as it is.

Shazza

Fine, but you have to talk about it sometime. Oh, and don’t be mad, but I got barred from Sloane’s.

Amber

Wait – what? Why were you even there?

Shazza

I went to nut punch the owner. Matt drove me there, said I needed a getaway driver. I think I might really like him. Don’t leave Tyler for too long. Whatever you said really did a number. He took the job in London when you wouldn’t see him. I’ve never seen him like this. He looks and smells like some straggly yeti someone found living alone in the mountains. All growling and moody, and hairy. At least talk to him before he leaves. He needs you as much as you need him.

Amber

I’ll think about it. Did you really nut punch him?

Shazza

Yep. He cried. Hit the deck like a sack of potatoes. It was amazing. Matt laughed his arse off.

Amber

You’re a really good friend.

Shazza

I know. So is Tyler, though. Don’t let Bradley ruin everything. You wasted enough time on him. I know you think you’re doing the right thing here, but everyone needs someone in their corner. Tyler’s been in yours forever. Pretty sure he peed all over it and ruined it for anyone else.

Amber

Gross. Night, I love you xxx

Shazza

Love you more xxx

20

‘I blew it.’ Ben was cleaning down the kitchen, taking a wire brush to a stubborn stain on one of the skillets. He didn’t stop his scrubbing or reply as Tyler spilled his guts. ‘I fucked up, didn’t I? She doesn’t even trust me now. I think I overstepped this time.’

‘I’m not saying anything.’ He dipped the wire brush into fresh hot water. ‘I do miss you here, though. We’ve been slammed since you left, and Amber hasn’t placed an advert for a new chef yet. She’s pretty distracted. Sharon’s doing her best, but with this and the gossip about Bradley, people are talking. Amber’s walking around here like a robot.’ Ben glanced up at him, his scrubbing paused. ‘She’ll be down soon. I don’t think you should be here when she is.’ His jaw ticked and Tyler realised he was angry.

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