Page 7 of Only Ever Yours
I shook my head. “Thankfully not. I dread to think what might have happened if he had. Luckily, one of the neighbours came home and managed to wrestle him out of the building. He was still shouting all sorts at me from the street until the early hours of the morning. Once he’d finally gone, I called Finn, packed a bag, and came back here.”
“Wow. That’s intense.”
“I knew if I didn’t get out when I did, I might never be able to.”
We fell silent for a few moments. I sipped some wine, the taste in my mouth sour. Even talking about Gil did that to me.
“Do you think you’ll go back?” Ella asked.
“Who knows? I guess I’m lucky to have an understanding brother who has a spare room.”
She snorted. “And no girlfriend to have to worry about.”
“He doesn’t know what he’s missing.” I reached out and touched her arm. “You two were really good together. He’ll have to get used to having you around again because you’re my friend, and I’m going to need you to help keep me sane in a house with Finn and Jase.”
Ella laughed. “You got it.” She glanced down at the table, fiddling with her napkin. “It’ll be hard seeing Finn.”
I wanted to ask her more about that, but the waitress arrived with our food and set it down on the table. After she’d gone, I lifted the bottle from the cooler and discovered it was empty.
“Shall I get us another bottle?” Ella suggested.
I shrugged. “Why not? It’s not like I have to be up for work tomorrow.”
“I do, but I don’t care. It’s lovely to see you again.” She went to the bar, and the barman instantly appeared in front of her, ready to take the order.
My phone, face down on the table, vibrated across the surface, and I flipped it over.
Finn
Where are you?
Finn
Jase said you went out for wine and that was ages ago.
Finn
Are you okay?
Finn
Hollis?
Why send one message when four will do instead?Honestly, it was like being around Gil again.
Picking up a bit of crispy squid, I bit into it and started a reply.
I bumped into Ella buying wine and we decided to catch up instead. We’re in Bar 1380.
Finn
Oh, okay. How’s she doing?
You could always ask her yourself…
Finn
I guess you don’t want pizza then?
