Page 59 of Branded Hearts

At least for now.

18

Delicate - Taylor Swift

Itake a sip of my steaming coffee, savouring the warmth spreading through my hands as I cup the mug. Liv and I are at Tracey’s Coffee Stop, our usual spot for morning coffee and catch-ups. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the faint scent of baked goods. Liv is cupping her own mug, a content smile playing on her lips as she takes a sip.

“Wasn’t it so nice to go away with everyone this weekend?” she asks, breaking the comfortable silence.

I nod, a small smile playing on my face. “It really was. And celebrating Isla and Xav’s announcement was the icing on the cake. Such exciting news.”

Liv beams, taking a sip of her coffee. “And even more exciting that I’m going to be an aunty.” We both laugh, enjoying the moment of lightness, yet the mention of our weekend away stirs up thoughts that I hadn’t realised I buried inside.

It’s been seven days since I last saw Bradley—since he kissed me.Twice.

After our weekend away, we’d left early in the morning onMonday—luckily, I had taken the day off. Bradley had dropped me off at home after getting back to Liv’s house, and the drive home had been filled with tension, like a thick fog we couldn’t see through. Unspoken words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. He’d seemed stuck in his head, lost in his thoughts, and I wanted nothing more than to know what was running through his mind.

We’d said goodbye; he kissed me on the cheek, and that’s it. Not a word from him since. Just when I thought I’d finally made peace with the fact that nothing would ever happen between us, that it was all just a silly little crush, bam!

He kisses me and throws everything into chaos. Now, I’m back at square one.

Oh, and I’ve been swearing lately, too. It’s like he’s rewired my brain. The other day at dinner with my parents, I casually dropped the word ‘shit,’ and they looked at me like I’d grown two heads.

Maybe I have, who knows?

All I do know is that it’s been a hectic week, and all I want is for things to go back to the way they were, or for somethingmoreto just happen between us.Does he want me or not?I wouldn’t even know the first thing about ‘wanting’ a guy, let alone dating one. I’m too hesitant to ask Liv because she’ll want to know who it is, and knowing me, I’d blurt it out. She’s my best friend, and I can’t even talk to her about this because it’s her bloody brother.

Olivia’s mood changes suddenly, and her face sours. “Bradley has been in a mood since we got back.”

My face drops, and I ask a little too eagerly, “Oh. Why? How?”before clearing my throat and trying to sound casual.

She watches me for a moment before answering. “He’s just beenextrastandoffish these last few days.”

I add, trying to sound nonchalant, “Maybe he has a lot going on at work?” She shakes her head, shrugging.

“Not sure. Maybe. He’s just been a real prick.”

Clearing my throat, I continue, “Weird. He’d mentioned that he was looking forward to the trip. I wonder what changed his mood.”

Liv’s eyes narrow slightly, and she asks, “Did he? Have you two becomefriendsnow? You seemed oddly close on the trip.”

My blood runs cold, and I quickly try to play it off. “Oh, no, we just spoke a bit on the bushwalk, got to know each other a bit, that’s all. He seemed nice. Wasn’t rude at all.”

Liv nods, her brows furrowing in thought. “Yeah, I noticed that.”

Oh, no, does she know something? Were Bradley and I that obvious?

“N-noticed what?” I ask, my words stuttering slightly.

Liv seems lost in thought for a moment before she responds, “That he was acting strangely over the weekend. Happier maybe? Did he say anything else to you?”

I shake my head quickly. “Nope.”

Liv nods, taking a sip of her coffee, seeming satisfied with my answer. I force a neutral expression, yet my heart sinks at the thought of Bradley being distant.So, it’s not just with me.

Am I the reason?Oh, goodness me.

Clearing my throat, I circle back to Liv’s previous mention. “Well, hopefully, whatever it is that he’s going through, he snaps out of itsoon.”

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