Page 67 of Elijah
Amy
aged 28
I couldn’t believe that bloody Maxwell Tanner had the damn cheek to come on to me, while I was having lunch with Rachel. Did the stupid idiot not realise that I knew all about his reputation for being a dick – everyone did, so why on earth would he think that I’d be stupid enough to jump at the chance of making a fool of myself with someone who had a season ticket at the local VD clinic?
“What a dick,” I grumbled to Rachel.
“I didn’t realise that you knew him personally.”
“He used to hang around with Sam. He came around to the flat a couple of times when the three of us lived together.”
“I’m surprised Sam hung around with him. I know he’s a bit of a player, but Maxwell Tanner is on another level.”
“Apparently, they only became friends when Sam gave up swimming. Elijah’s mum told me once that Sam was a county champion, almost Olympic standard, but when he was nineteen he just gave it up and started partying instead. He was teetotal, in bed before ten every night, before that.”
“No way, really?” Rachel looked shocked.
I nodded and took a sip of my wine. “Yes, and while he likes to think he’s a player, I’m sure if the right woman came along, he’d be happy to settle down.”
“You think?” Rachel asked, raising a perfectly shaped eyebrow, scepticism written all over her face.
“Yeah, I do. You know he once told me he envied what Elijah and I had. Admittedly, he was a bit pissed at the time, but he still said it.”
“Really?”
“Hmm, it was just after -.” I stopped, remembering when Sam had given his confession.
The words stopped at my lips as I drew in a breath, trying to steady myself enough to say them. Rachel looked at me expectantly, but as I lifted a hand to my throat, understanding flashed in her eyes.
“You okay?” she asked, reaching across the table.
“Yeah, I’m fine. It just feels a little painful at times, but it happens to lots of people Rach and it was a long time ago.”
“It doesn’t mean you can’t grieve or still feel it.”
I let out a long breath. “I know and mostly I’m fine, but sometimes it hits hard. I think going pushchair shopping with Matty and Carla at the weekend brought it all back.”
“It was bound to. Offering to buy it must have been hard, never mind actually going into the shop. Apart from which, those things cost a bloody fortune.” She rolled her eyes. “I know how much Mum and Dad paid for the one they bought Ali and Declan.”
Ali, Rachel’s sister, had a cute ten month old, Isla, who after one night of babysitting had appeared to have put Rachel and Adam off parenthood for a little while.
“I can afford it, so I wanted to do it. I know that they’re going to be okay, but I want to give them as much help as possible. Carla’s parents have been such idiots about it.”
“They still don’t want anything to do with her?”
“No. They’re so narrow minded and old-fashioned, they’ve told her she’s on her own. Thank god Mum and Dad have been so amazing with them.”
Rachel smiled warmly and turned to look over at the bar. “Ooh it looks like Maxwell has already found someone to help him get over you turning him down.”
I followed her gaze, to see Maxwell laughing and joking with a blonde girl who appeared to find him extremely interesting.
“Maybe I should warn her.” I laughed and watched as she pushed her chest out. “Actually, I’m not sure she’d listen.”
I finished my drink and picked up the sweet menu.
“You want one?” I asked, waving it at Rachel.
“Of course,” she cried with a mock frown. “Fudge brownie with ice cream, please.”
