Page 34 of Infinity

Nodding her head, I kiss her forehead tenderly and turn the engine on. Putting her seatbelt on I pull away from the kerb as she places her hand on my thigh and leaves it there as I drive.

As I’m pulling up to my house, I see it’s a little packed on the drive. Aidan and Stacey are here, Chris and Taylor also. At least Darcy will have someone to speak too, I know her and Taylor get on well.

“Looks like it’s a full house.” I nod my head towards the drive as I speak, Darcy’s eyes go wide as I switch off the engine. “Come on let’s go in.”

I make my way to the passenger side and take Darcy’s hand as she jumps down. With the height she is, it does make it a challenge to get in and out. I keep her hand in mine and walk her towards the door.

DARCY

Walking into the house, it’s noisy. People talking and laughing. It’s homely, I wish my house was like this. NO DARCY… no feeling sad, I berate myself.

Adam still has my hand encased in his, it’s protective, he makes me feel safe. We walk further into the house until we reach the lounge door. Adam walks in first as I tuck myself in behind him.

“YO!” Says Adam as we walk into the living room. I have no choice but to come out of his shadow as Taylor sees me.

“Darcy!” Taylor squeals as she jumps up and greets me. She wraps her arms around me and hugs me tightly to her chest. She’s about three inches taller than me but then, everyone is taller than me.

She drags me to the couch and sits me down beside her. “Stacy?” She looks up bored from checking out her fingernails. “Have you met Darcy yet?”

I give a little wave and say hi, but gives me a forced kind of smile. She then introduces me to Aidan, who’s a little friendlier than her.

“What are you two up to today?” Taylor speaks from the side of me. I turn to face her and shrug.

“I don’t know. We had a few problems at home last night and I was a little upset so Adam offered to pick me up this morning. I haven’t a clue what we’re doing though.” I don’t know why I seem to able to tell Taylor, everything? It just seems so natural to me.

“We should so go shopping. Have a girlie day - whatcha say?”

“Erm... I’m not sure. I don’t have much money, maybe another time.”

“No way, nothing cheers you up more than a little retail therapy... other than sex of course!” she says looking thoughtful but in a quieter voice as I burst out laughing.

All the men look up as I blush. “I’ll text Ash now and make sure she’s not at work.”

Before I can refuse again, Taylor is tapping away at her screen and looking pleased with herself, while I, on the other hand, I’m feeling a bit nauseous knowing I really don’t have the spare cash to spend.

“Adam. Darcy is coming with me for some retail therapy…” her phone sounds as she tells him, “Oh and with Ash too. Stacy?” She looks towards her as she lifts her head, “Would you like to come with us?”

Stacy looks to Aidan then looks back to us. “I can’t today but next time. We have to get going soon.”

“Okay, next time.” Taylor smiles at her and Stacy very slightly lifts the corners of her lips and smiles back. In fact, she hasn’t smiled much at all in the half an hour I’ve been here.

“Hey, Aid. Why don’t you let her go with the girls and we can go for a pint or something?”

“Why?”

“Why not?”

“It’s not my decision, she can go if she wants.” Aidan answers gruffly.

“I was just saying. We don’t see you much so it’d be good and I could whip your arse at pool, like I used to.” Aidan narrows his eyes at Adam as he laughs, “I was just joking. Lighten up, will you? Jesus, I remember the days when you were fun!”

Taylor leans across and quietly speaks in my ear. “Ash says she’s ready now if you are. We can leave these to slug it out.”

Looking at her wide eyed, “Will they fight?” I ask worried.

“God no! Chris won’t let them, but I say we go now, Adam and Aidan don’t really see eye to eye.” Agreeing, I stand from the sofa, grab my bag and walk towards Adam and say bye with a kiss. He walks to the front door with me and takes his wallet from his pocket.

“Adam, I don’t want your money, I’ll be fine.” He slips a card out of its holder.