Page 63 of Matched Up

‘Oh, that’s a shame.You and Niall don’t seem as close any more.Has something happened?’she asked.

‘He’s just busy with Megan,’ I said.‘But I’m kind of tired, so I’m going to go to bed.’

‘OK, night, love.’They said the last part together.

When I got to my room, I couldn’t stop thinking of the way Shane kissed me, the way his fingers traced my skin and made me want him.Then I remembered the look on Niall’s face.The disgust.The betrayal.And the good thoughts were dust.

It was getting almost impossible to get up now.All the extra training I’d been doing meant that I was exhausted every morning, even if I wasn’t getting up early to meet Shane.

I forced my eyes open, then pulled the duvet over my head as I remembered last night.I could have just kept it all a secret, but now?Everyone knew and now I’d have to deal with it.

I checked my phone.

SHANE: Good morning x

And then it all felt worth it.The complicated mess of my life didn’t matter when I had Shane.He’d said that helovedme.

ME: I heard Thunderland is back in town.Date night?

SHANE: Tonight?

ME: If you’re free?

SHANE: I’m there.But …

ME: But?

SHANE: I’m terrified of fairground rides

ME: I’ll protect you

SHANE: Meet you there at 8?

ME: Can’t wait.I can pick you up if you like?

SHANE: Sure, thanks

‘Morning, Lexie,’ Mum said when I eventually got up.I was dressed for training and planned to get a couple of hours in on the pitch outside.‘So, tell me about last night; now your dad’s not here.You can tell me all the good stuff.’She grinned, then took a sip from a cup of coffee.

‘It was great,’ I said before I could think.But she’d already seen my smile.‘I’m kind of going out with someone …’

I let the comment hang in the air and enjoyed seeing Mum’s face light up.

‘What?How did I not know?Is this new?’She put down her cup.

‘I guess.Kind of …’

Mum tapped the seat beside her.‘Sit!’

I sat down.

‘What’s his name?’

‘Shane.’

‘Shane.That’s a nice name.What school does he go to?’

‘St Anne’s.’

---