Page 12 of Only Ever Yours
Really? I haven’t seen you in ages xx
I could almost see her pouty face. We’d been out earlier in the week—hardly ages. Nothing had happened even though it was patently obvious Felicitywanted it to.Thatseemed to be where her problem was. As I started to type a reply, another message arrived.
Finn
We’re going to the Live Wire later. Wanna come?
The Live Wire Lounge was a bar in town that usually had a local band playing on a Friday night and always ended up being a great night out. I wondered who ‘we’ was. Finn didn’t have a girlfriend since he’d split up with Ella. Maybe he’d persuaded Hollis to go out. Despite the fact I had almost convinced myself it would be a good idea to stay in, the temptation of a night with Hollis had a pretty strong pull. Even if her brother were there.
Sounds good. Who else is coming out?
Finn
Barney, Lenora, and Hollis.
As long as you don’t let on to Felicity where we’re going, I’m in.
Finn
Why would I tell her? I don’t even have her number.
Best keep it that way too, lol
Finn
You headed home soon?
Just about to lock up.
Finn
Pick up some beers on the way home. We’ll start early
I rolled my eyes. Typical Finn. He’d had all day to dothe shopping, having taken the time to spend with Hollis, and I ended up having to do it. Still, I couldn’t really complain. The shop was on the way home, and it would take me less than five minutes to pop in. Checking I’d set the alarm properly, I locked the garage and started the walk home.
Standing in front of the fridges, I grabbed a pack of beers and headed for the till. Then I remembered Hollis didn’t like to drink beer—something about it being too gassy. Turning on my heel, I went back to check out the wine. I knew nothing about wine; however, I knew Hollis drank rosé. Selecting a mid-priced bottle, I paid for the drinks and left the shop.
Going into our house, I wrinkled my nose. There seemed to be a scented candle burning in the living room, and on first glance, the place looked tidier than I’d ever seen it. Finn sat on the sofa, a beer in one hand, watching the sports news channel.
“You took your time,” he said, not taking his gaze off the screen.
“I was picking upyourbeer even though it seems you already have one.” I tossed a can over to him, which he deftly caught. I wouldn’t want to be around when he opened it. Getting covered in beer wasn’t an option.
“Thanks, mate. Much appreciated.” He raised his can in my direction. “We’re going to grab food at the bar, so the sooner you’re ready, the sooner we can eat.”
“Can I at least have a drink first?” I cracked open one of the cans and took a slug. After my day, it tasted fantastic and would no doubt be the first of many.
Hollis came into the room and eyed the bag in my hand. “Is there anything for me?”
“Hope this is okay.” I pulled out the wine and went over to her.
She glanced at the label and grinned. “Maybe when I was twenty. My tastes have moved on since then, but after all the work I’ve done today, it’ll have to do. Thanks, Jase.” Unscrewing the bottle, she tossed the cap to one side, and to my surprise, swigged straight from the top. “Might as well start the fun early. Oh, your peppermint tea is on the side.” She winked at me, then went back towards the kitchen.
“Jesus,” I breathed, quietly enough so only I could hear. The tea had been a joke, but she’d actually gone out and bought it anyway. “I’m going to get a shower before we go out.”Maybe this evening promises more than I thought.
Finn nodded. “Sure. We’ll head off after that.”
An hour and a half later, Finn, Hollis, Barney, Lenora, and I sat at one of the long bench tables at the Live Wire Lounge. We all had drinks and burgers, with a selection of sides to share, and were enjoying the DJ who was playing before the band. Hollis sat to my left, and I relished the warmth from her body as we were squished together.
