Page 22 of Only Ever Yours
“Oh, God. She’s not banging on about money again, is she?” Jase walked into reception and leaned on the bar in front of me. “I get enough of that in the garage.”
My gaze swept over him. He looked ready for a gym session, dressed in a tight T-shirt that emphasised his muscular chest and a pair of grey sweatpants hanging low on his hips. Thoughts of his holiday pictures flitted through my mind, but I hastily banished them.
“I’m only making sure we don’t end up in the red.” I turned my attention to the screen, trying not to stare.
Jase looked between Finn and me. “Could that really happen?”
I glanced over at Finn, who shifted uncomfortably. “Not now that things are going well here. A few months ago, it was touch-and-go with the garage.”
“Shit.” Jase shook his head. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
“Didn’t want to worry you unless I had to.” Finn shrugged. “And there’s nothing to worry about.”
I had inside knowledge on the finances of both businesses. And while there wasn’t anything to worry about in the immediate future, we had to be extremely careful about how and why we spent anything longer term. The last thing I wanted was for Jase to be out of a job.
“Right. Think I’ll go and beat the hell out of a punchbag now. Catch you both later.” Jase disappeared into the gym.
Once he’d gone, I pounced on Finn. “Seriously, why didn’t you tell him? He’s your best mate and an integral part of the garage while you’re spending more time here.”
“It got too hard, Hollis. What was I meant to say? Sorry, I know we’ve been friends for years, but there’s a possibility I might lose the house and make us both homeless. Finn slapped his hand on the top of the bar. “You weren’t around to see what things were like.”
“I’m here now. You don’t have to keep those things from me.”
One of the mothers approached the bar, breaking into our heated discussion. “Um, sorry to interrupt. Can we get another round of coffees?”
I switched on my friendly barista smile. “Absolutely. Same again?”
“Please.”
“No worries. I’ll bring those over as soon as they’re ready.” Turning to the coffee machine, I glared at my brother. “Wecan talk later.”
There was a strange atmosphere between us for the rest of the day. Both of us had been busy, and we never got the chance to chat. By the end of it, I knew I didn’t want to go home and spend the evening in the house with that tension hanging over us.
Fancy grabbing a pizza and some wine tonight? It’s been a day.
Ella
Sounds like a great plan. I know what you mean!
See you at Amalfi in an hour?
Ella
“Is that my top?” Ella asked as I sat down opposite her.
I rolled my eyes. “Of course it is. I have, like, three tops of my own at the moment.” While I’d been grateful for Ella’s kindness in lending me a bunch of stuff while I worked out how to get my own back, we weren’t quite the same size, and our signature styles were definitely different. I guess it had gone some way to pushing me out of my comfort zone when it came to clothes, though. I reached for the wine bottle in the cooler and poured myself a generous glass. “What’s been going on with you?”
“I’ve been trying to find an outfit for the wedding, and I can’t find anything I like. You would think working in a clothes shop would make it easier.” Ella sipped her drink. “You are still coming with me, aren’t you?”
With everything that had been going on, I had totally forgotten about Barney and Lenora’s wedding. “If you’re sure you want me to. I don’t want to stop you from missing out on a date.”
Ella groaned. “If I could get over your brother, it would be so much easier.”
The waiter came over, and we ordered a large pizza with everything and a salad to share. Never mind going on a diet before the wedding—I would only be going as an insignificant guest, and I could blend into the background.
“Well, in the time I’ve been back, I haven’t heard Finn mention any other women. Maybe there’s a chance he’s still interested.” The first part was definitely true although we weren’t the kind of siblings who discussed our personal lives in detail with each other. Which, if my increasing attraction to Jase was genuine, could only be a good thing. I twirled the stem of the wineglass between my fingers. “Do you know if Jase is still seeing Felicity?” I asked, hoping I’d come across with the right amount of casual interest.
“No idea.” Ella shrugged. “I mean, they hook up, but whether there’s anything serious going on, I have no idea. Have you seen her at breakfast since you’ve been back?”
