Page 11 of Only Ever Yours
“You okay?” he asked, leaning against the bar.
“Mmmm,” I replied, noncommittally.
“Why don’t we do something tonight? Go out, have some drinks, listen to some music.”
All those things sounded so normal, so easy. To chill out with my brother and enjoy being back in Maplebrook. No pressure. No stress.
“Sounds like a plan.” I smiled. “Although I havenothingto wear on a night out here. I literally shoved a bunch of stuff in my bags to cover me for a weekend of doing nothing.”
“Then it’s a good thing the café closes in”—Finn glanced over at the huge clock on the wall—“about five minutes.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Are you saying that to appease me?”
He lifted a shoulder. “Maybe. What sort of a brother would I be if I didn’t let you go and do some retail therapy? I’ll see you at home later.”
Impulsively, I threw my arms around him. “Thanks, Finn.”
The town centre was a leisurely fifteen-minute walk from the gym, and I took my time, enjoying the sunshine. It had been a long time since I’d skived off work on a Friday afternoon to do something for me, and it felt slightly naughty as well as freeing.
Ha, if I worked with Finn, I could have every Friday afternoon off.
I shook away the thought as I got closer to the shopping mall. Once there, I made a beeline for one of the chain lingerie stores and did significant damage to my credit card. I bought several of their three-for-two offers, ending up with more knickers than I could possibly need for a weekend stay. I could never resist a pretty matching set. Next, I went to my favourite clothes store and boughtanotherpair of dark blue skinny jeans, and I found a pair of cute boots on sale. All I needed now was a top to go out tonight, and Ella had mentioned she had new stock in. How could I resist? On the way to see her, I got distracted by a homewares store. I found a cute duvet and pillowcase set, with a china-blueflower pattern, and a white throw, as well as scented candles and a vase. I planned on buying a bunch of flowers on the way home, to make my room look more feminine, even if only for the weekend. I could always keep the things for my next place anyway.
Loaded down with bags, I made my way to Ella’s shop and pushed open the door. The bell dinged as I entered. Ella grinned at me from the till, where she chatted to a woman who had a bunch of dresses she wanted to try on. Once Ella had directed her to the changing room, she waved me over.
“You don’t know how pleased I am to see you.” Her words were whispered in a hushed tone. “That woman was driving me nuts. She couldn’t decide what she wanted, and in the end, I had to show her everything. She’ll be here for hours trying things on now, though.” Ella gestured to my bags. “Someone’s been spending.”
I grinned. “Well, when you escape London with two holdalls and a handbag, you don’t exactly have much to play with. I needed a few essentials.”
Her gaze swept over the bag from the lingerie shop. “Essentials,huh?”
“A girl needs nice knickers.”
“Hey, I’m not arguing. They have good offers on at the moment, as well.”
“You said you had a delivery of new stuff I might like?”
Ella nodded. “We do.”
“Finn suggested going out tonight, and I have nothing to wear.” I paused. “You should come.”
She shook her head. “Thanks, but I don’t want Finn to think I’m stalking him.”
Her word choice made me think of Gil, and my mooddipped. I tried to shake it off and muster a little enthusiasm for the evening ahead. “Okay, fair enough. Now, how about you show me something fabulous to wear tonight?”
Chapter Four
Jase
Felicity
Are you coming out tonight? X
I stared at the screen as I washed up after work. Everything had been done; all the cars had been collected, and I was ready for the weekend. Normally, I’d hang out with Felicity and see where the night took us, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to. Hollis was here, and it had been a long time since I’d spent any quality time with her. Maybe I, Hollis, and Finn would do something instead.
Not sure. Might stay at home, been a long week.
Felicity
