Page 31 of Promise Me Ever After
“Which we could continue after I’ve switched that thing off. You know, if you wanted to…?”
I switched it off myself and stepped towards her, catching her around the waist and scooping her up into my arms. “Does that answer your question?”
13
Georgie
When my alarmwent off the next morning, I instantly regretted agreeing to help Darcy in the shop. My head banged and my tongue felt as if I’d been licking a carpet. I reached for the glass next to my bed, only to find it empty.
Alex had left very, very late the previous evening.
We’d spent much of the latter part of the night curled up on the sofa, continuing the clothed make out session which had started in the kitchen.
So much for restraint.
It shouldn’t have happened. There were so many reasons why I should have stopped it before it went as far as it did.
We worked together.
I had a shocking history when it came to falling hard and fast.
He was younger than me.
I hated the fact Darcy had shared details of my upcoming ‘big’ birthday. The vision I had for being this age was so different to reality. By now, there should have been an engagement, marriage, children even. Just like Darcy. Even though I was the older sister, she was the one seemingly getting it right. Alex probably thought I was some desperate spinster, hungry for attention and that’s why I’d been so eager last night.
Despite all that, it had been one of the best nights I’d had in a long time.
With a sigh, I hauled myself out of bed. After a reviving shower, I wrapped myself in my dressing gown and headed downstairs for breakfast.
The kitchen was completely clean, which I didn’t remember doing, and I knew I didn’t have any kitchen cleaning fairies. When had Alex done that? Still stuffed after the previous night’s feast, I grabbed a yoghurt from the fridge and made a mug of coffee. My hand hesitated over the cigarette packet on the side. It struck me I hadn’t had one last night, as I usually would. Alex turned out to be the perfect distraction. Maybe I did need him around more if I was going to keep my vague promise to Darcy about giving up before the wedding.
Even on the walk to the shop, I resisted the urge for nicotine. Strange, but I didn’t feel like I needed it. Instead, I enjoyed the crisp November morning air and watched the sunshine trying to break through the clouds.
Darcy was unlocking the door as I arrived.
“Morning, sis. How are you?” she asked, glancing over her shoulder at me as we went inside out of the cold. “Why didn’t you text me back last night? How was your dinner with Alex?”
Ugh. I’d expected the third degree, and I wasn’t to be disappointed.
Mercifully, I was saved from answering by the arrival of the first of many delivery drivers. Wednesday was the day when Darcy got most of her new stock, hence why I was there to help. Once he’d gone, I took off my coat and stashed it in the tiny area out the back.
“Do you want coffee?” I called, desperate for a second already.
“Please. It’ll help warm me up, it’s freezing in this shop until the heating’s kicked in.”
I busied myself making our drinks, stalling for time. When I came out of the back room, Darcy was chatting with one of her regular customers, an older lady who had a lot of grandchildren she bought presents for. If Darcy ever handed out loyalty cards, this woman would be top of the list. I put our mugs down on the counter, then went over to tackle one of the boxes the first delivery guy had brought.
Ten minutes later, the woman finally left.
“Phew,” said Darcy, taking a sip of her coffee. “Thought she was never going to leave. I don’t think she sees many other people. I’m the only person she speaks to sometimes.”
“How awful if you’re her only company.” I grinned. “Bet you wouldn’t give her an inquisition about a dinner.”
“Well, now she’s gone, I can grill you instead.” Darcy hopped up onto the high stool by the counter, wrapping her hands around her mug. “So come on, how was it?”
I went over to the counter and leaned down, resting my elbows on the surface and cupping my chin in my hands. “I’ve never tasted better food.”
“That’s not what I meant. You and Alex. Did anything happen? You didn’t reply to my messages.”
