Page 38 of Friends Rucked Up

“It sucks, but I’m sure we can pull it back,” I say.

He leads me into the living room where Saylor is sat in the armchair.

“I’m sorry you lost, but I think you played well,” Saylor says.

“Thanks.” I take a seat on the sofa.

Harlan grabs me a glass of orange juice, passes me it, and takes the seat next to me.

“How come you didn’t take your bag home?” Harlan asks.

I glance at the bag in question with no real excuse in mind. “I forgot.”

“Harlan visited me at work,” Saylor says.

That explains why he wasn’t home before I set off to training.

“Oh,” is the only response I can muster. I’m not sure what to do in this situation, and I’m off kilter from finding Harlan here.

“Yes. Gordon is a right character. He tried to hustle me when we played cards.”

Saylor laughs. “I told you to be careful.”

“Yes, I should’ve listened. Have you ever visited Saylor at work?” Harlan asks me.

“No. I gave her a lift one time when her car broke down.”

I’m trying to read the room, but I can’t. Harlan seems jolly and Saylor’s relaxed. It’s like I’m in an alternative universe where I didn’t tell him I was in love with his sister.

“That was nice of you.”

I take a drink of my orange, giving myself a second. This whole encounter feels weird. “Okay, what’s going on?” I ask.

“Nothing. I’m just being friendly,” Harlan says.

“Harlan’s trying to make it less awkward and doing a bad job,” Saylor says.

“Make what less uncomfortable?” I ask for clarification.

“The fact you want to bang my sister,” Harlan says, jumping up from the sofa.

“Harlan,” Saylor scolds as I brace myself for whatever is about to be thrown at me.

“I’m going to leave and let you guys figure this out,” Harlan says, practically racing to the door.

He’s not going to fight me or kick me out?

“You don’t have to leave,” Saylor says, following him.

“I do.” He kisses her cheek, and they say goodbye.

I shout goodbye as the door starts to close behind him.

Chapter Seventeen

Saylor

It’s just the two of us now. In the movies, this would be where the guy makes a big gesture or say all the right words, but Alfie’s not that man, and I wouldn’t want him to be. All I want is for him to be real with me. My stomach flips at the idea of what will come next.

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