Page 49 of Promise Me Ever After
Georgie: How much did you know about my birthday present from Alex?
Darcy: I take it you approve?
Georgie: Of course, you knew how much I love that bracelet.
Darcy: You’d have got it from me and Fraser if Alex hadn’t wanted to get you something.
My gaze fell on the bracelet again. Fuck, he was making things difficult.
Darcy: You still there? I’ve got customers, but come in later on your way to work if you want?
Georgie: Maybe.
Darcy: Okay. Might see you later then. If not, I’ll call you x
I flung my phone onto the duvet. The gift had thrown me. Something so thoughtful made me question whether Alex thought more of us more than a one- or two-night thing. Then there was all the effort he’d gone to with the party. Did I like him enough to want this to be more? Of course I did. Mentally, I counted up how long I’d known him — a little over three weeks. I let out a laugh. By that time with Russ, we were already looking at apartments. Perhaps I had learned my lesson and slowed things down.
22
Alex
Justin:How was the party last night?
Curtis: Alex wouldn’t know, he left after an hour, bahahaha!!
Alex: I had a good time.
Curtis: Was that after you left?
Justin: What about the present? Did she like it?
My mates were so supportive.
I actually had no idea. Given how last night had panned out, ending up back at my place, I hadn’t had the opportunity to give Georgie her gift. Eventually, I’d shoved it into her bag in the early hours of the morning and hoped that she’d find it. I hadn’t heard anything from her since she’d left this morning which made me think one of two things: she’d opened it and hated it, or she hadn’t seen it yet. My fingers itched to message her and find out what she thought, but I didn’t need any kind of awkwardness. There had been enough of that this morning when Georgie had met Mum. I didn’t want a repeat.
Alex: I didn’t get to speak to her about it.
Justin: Why not?
Curtis: Because he was too busy shagging her.
Sometimes I had to distance Curtis from being my sister’s boyfriend. When the three of us talked, he often came out with things I wouldn’t like him to say in Amber’s presence. Even after all this time, I could still be the protective older brother.
Justin: What? Nice one mate!! Does this mean you’re together now?
I didn’t know what it meant. This wanting-more-than-one-night thing was all new to me. We’d had oneamazingnight together, then she’d bolted from the house this morning and I hadn’t heard from her since. Sure, we were working the same shift tonight and I’d see her then. But what was I going to say to her?
Alex: Not sure.
Curtis: Where is she now?
Alex: At hers, I guess?
Justin: She didn’t stay this morning. Ouch.
Curtis: Sorry mate.
Their words made me think. Perhaps she’d got what she wanted and left before having to face up to any sort of feelings. Feelings I didn’t know I was capable of having, let alone after such a short time. Shit had the tables turned?
