Page 35 of Friends Rucked Up

“I mean, what did you say?”

She wants me to tell her how I feel. I’ve been dancing around the words but there’s no need to hide it now.

“That I might be in love with his sister.”

An uncontrollable smile spreads across her face. “Okay then.” Neither of us say anything for a few seconds, until she adds, “I have to go or I’m going to be late for work.” She waves goodbye.

“Have a great day, Saylor,” I shout as she gets into her car.

Chapter Fifteen

Saylor

“What’s put the spring in your step?” Gordon asks as I pass his newspaper and put his pot of tea down on the table.

“Nothing. I’m just in a good mood,” I say with a big smile.

“Has it got something to do with your boyfriend?” He ignores my denial.

Nothing has changed but in the same breath, everything has become heightened.

I shake my head. “He’s not my boyfriend, although he has admitted he has feelings for me.” Uncontrollably, my smile widens further.

“I’m happy for you.”

“Thank you.”

A burst of air rushes into the sitting room as my brother forces his way through.

“Excuse me, you can’t just let yourself into the nursing home. Who are you here to see?” Sam, one of my co-workers, says.

“It’s okay. He’s here for me,” I say, reassuring her.

“Ah, this must be Harlan. You have that sibling look,” Gordon says.

Harlan looks at Sam first followed by Gordon and then to me. “When were you going to tell me?” he says, his tone accusing. There’s no greeting or awareness of how out of order he is being.

“You can’t just storm into my workplace.” I fold my arms over my chest, hoping he’s going to calm down.

“I’m sorry, everyone. I got lost trying to find the place and I’m feeling a little flustered.” He sits down in the chair next to Gordon’s.

Sam goes back to helping Doris put her cardigan on and most of the resident’s chatter amongst themselves.

“I’ll bring you a pot of tea,” Sam says, hurrying out of the room.

I have a trolley full of drinks, so I’m not sure why she needs to make a fresh pot. A loud giggle echoes through the halls. Great, all the staff will be gossiping about my whirlwind of a visitor.

“How did you get lost? My car’s in the car park, you can’t miss it.” I pull my lips tightly together.

“I know. I saw it. For some reason, the little old dear who lives next door to the nursing home convinced me I’d find you on her side of the fence. Before I knew it, she was trying to set me to work in her garden.”

Gordon and I let out a chuckle. Okay, that explains why he practically sprinted into the building.

“Yes, the old girl will do that to a strapping young lad like yourself,” Gordon says.

“What are you doing here?” I ask. Harlan has never visited me at work even before he left to travel the world.

“I spoke to Alfie.”

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