Page 127 of The Import Slot
“No, Jen, can we talk?”
“There’s nothing to talk about. It would have been nice to know that I’m living in Canada for the next four years, but I was expecting it.”
“You’re moving to Canada for four years?!” Becca stops herself mid-reach for the fridge.
“It’s all talk at the moment. Nothing has been agreed,” I say.
“Yeah, but you’re going to agree, right?” Jen says.
“I, I don’t know,” I say.
Johnny and Liam are back inside now too, which is a relief because I was low-key worried Liam was getting thrown off the balcony.
“Why the hell not?” Jen says, her voice raised a little.
“Yeah, why the hell not?” Liam steps up behind me.
“Liam, keep out of it,” Vicky says.
“Maybe we should keep out of it, Victoria. It’s nothing to do with us,” Gary pipes up, his tone soft.
“Don’t tell Vicky what to do,” Liam retorts, stepping toward Gary.
I swear Liam puffs himself out more to look like the bigger man, even though he’s got at least three inches on Gary. Fuck me, this is becoming a nightmare.
“You’ve known each other for like five minutes, Jen!” Danny adds. “I told you not to get involved with him.” He nods his head toward me.
“It’s none of your business!” Jen yells at Danny.
“It is my fucking business when I’m picking you up from the airport in bits because you’re nursing another broken heart.”
There’s bickering back and forth now, loads of different voices interjecting, all bar Jani, who is still eating the cookies Jen made.
“Why do you think I’ll break her heart?” I fire to Danny.
“I know what you,” he points between Liam and me, “are like. Can get anyone you want, but only when it suits you.”
“We’ve been over this!” I yell at Danny.
“Everyone. Stop!” Jen shouts, and the room goes quiet. “This has nothing to do with anyone else. Please, just leave us to sort it.” She steps forward and puts her arms around me. “We’ll talk about it tomorrow, okay?”
“Jen, what are you thinking? You’ve only known the guy for a few months, and you’re moving to fucking Canada for four years?!” Becca says, clearly part of team Danny.
“Bec, it’s nothing to do with us, apparently,” Danny shrugs, his tone full of sarcasm.
“Vicky wouldn’t even move provinces for me, let alone continents. Jen sounds like a keeper to me,” Liam adds.
“Don’t you dare!” Vicky fumes at him.
“Victoria—” Gary starts, and everyone, bar Bettsy Hutch, Jani, and his date, tells him to shut up. He looks sheepish as he steps back and sits on the sofa.
“Enough is enough. Again, this has nothing to do with anyone else,” Jen says. “We’ll talk about this tomorrow. Please excuse me.” She turns on her heel and heads to the bathroom. I go to follow, but Becca sticks her arm out to stop me.
“What the hell are you thinking?”
“Nothing is settled yet. I don’t even think I’ll go.”
I can feel all eyes on me, so I excuse myself and head back to the balcony for the fresh air.
