Page 104 of Tricky Girls

Elly, I feel a bit bad about. It seemed decent to share at the time but I don’t want her to feel used. I know her feelings run deeper than Haz’s. Haz is a puddle, Elly’s a whole Mariana Trench.

And me?

I’m definitely something damp after last night.

Haz’s kiss had been everything I thought it would be—hard, dominating, wet. I was still trying to catch my breath when I’d felt thatthingtouch me, pushing into my too-long-neglected clit. If we’d been anywhere else, if we’d been alone, I probably would have told her to put it in. I don’t doubt she knows how to wield it. Despite my teasing to the contrary, she’s probably a better lay than most of the guys I’ve been with.

But we hadn’t been alone. We’d been with Elly, and when Haz invited her over to take her share…well, I hadn’t expectedthat. Hands down the best kiss I’ve ever had, never mind lay. The opposite to Haz, she held me like I was precious, likeshe was scared to break me, her lips dragging so carefully, so perfectly, over my own. It did something to me, some kind of mini fireworks exploding below, my entire body standing up in surprise.

This morning, it’s Elly’s kiss I can’t get out of my mind.

I’m languishing in bed, desperately needing to pee, desperately needing to drink, when a knock comes to the door. Haz’s face peeks round it, a sly smile on her lips when she spots me.

‘There’s our little defector. Bet you’re feeling fresh this morning.’

I roll onto my side, smiling sweetly. ‘Be fresher after a cuppa.’

Haz nods, already backing out the door. ‘Done.’

I sigh happily, burrowing deeper into my pillows that smell of Elly’s washing powder. Christmas music blares from her room to mine, her surprisingly in tune voice warbling along to it. Above us, Nic shouts at her to cut it out but even I can hear the smile in her voice.

I recall Elly’s invitation to the mainland for the markets tomorrow, my stomach doing a little flip at the thought. It won’t be awkward, will it—just the two of us? I couldn’t bear it if it was. But I can’t stop thinking about her kiss, a foreign heaviness taking up residence in my heart. It’s not a bad heaviness, just a weird feeling of anticipation. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to repeat what we did. Just to see if it really was as good as I remember it, in the sober light of day.

Things rarely are though, are they? And despite what that asshole upstairs thinks, I have no desire to lead anyone on.

CHAPTER 23

Elly

Seems like the whole of Hazelhurst has the same idea as we all shuffle off the boat and head to the train station that will take us to the city.

Bundled in her black coat and scarf beside me, Tilda bounces up and down, trying to warm up her frozen, Docs-encased feet. The tip of her nose is pink already, her eyes alight at the thought of the festivities ahead. I take back what I said about her not liking Christmas. She’s liking it just fine today.

We don’t manage to find a seat, squished in the corner of the train near the toilet. People jostle us from every side, still hopeful they’ll find somewhere to sit. When the train finally rumbles to life, I guide Tilda to a quieter spot, stationing myself in front of her.

She smiles appreciatively, the sight sending my heart pitter-pattering. She has the prettiest smile, green eyes squinting up and glistening like jewels.

She’s been quiet this morning. Not subdued. I can’t work it out. She seems happy enough to be here, I just get the feeling something’s up. Maybe it’s not for me to know. Tilda’s a deep gal. I don’t need to know everything about her, as much as I want to.

‘So what’s the plan of action?’ she asks. ‘Shops then market?’

‘Might just head for the market. They’ll hopefully have some gifts there.’

‘Who are you buying for?’

‘Maisie who’s five. She’s easy. Anything glittery and colourful. Then there’s Taylor. Deep in her pre-teen phase. She likesgrown up thingsonly. Nothing glittery and colourful for her.’

Tilda laughs. ‘Yeah, I remember that phase. Think I’m still kinda in it.’

‘And then there’s Dan. He’s fourteen and just wants a game. I’ve already Amazoned that one. I reckon there’ll be some nice stuff for my grandparents at the market.’

‘What about your parents?’

‘Eh, bit trickier.’ I look out the window past Tilda’s shoulder. She doesn’t know all that shit. No one does, to be honest. I’m not against anyone knowing, it’s just, well, no one’s ever asked. ‘Not sure my mum’s even gonna be around.’

‘Yeah? How so?’ Tilda waits intently, a little furrow in her brow as she picks up on the heavier vibes.

‘She’s taking a little holiday in a rehab place. Not, like, for drugs. For mental health. She’s got a thing for trying to unalive herself.’

---