Page 131 of Stepbrothers

“Yeah, they’re your friends, see if you can heal the rift.”

“But how? It’s not like I’ve ended our relationship, that’s what she said I’d have to do before she’d have anything to do with me.”

“Wow, she rides a fine high horse.” He shook his head. “What has it got to do with her?”

Clarice was quiet.

“It’s not like I’ve told all the guys at the station I’m madly in love with my new stepsister and fucking her as often as possible and so are my brothers.” Hugh paused what he was doing and studied her. “It’s no one else’s business. End of. What you do in your private life, in the bedroom, with you partner, or partners, when the front door is closed, is up to you.”

“So you’re saying I should lie to her.”

“Not at all, I’m saying you should smooth it over so that you can move forward with your friendship. Play it cool, change the subject and don’t feel guilty about keeping the intimate aspects of your life to yourself. That’s why they’re called intimate, they’re private, personal, it’s the innermost sanctum of who you are.” He cracked another egg. “And for the record, I’m glad to be part of that inner sanctum.”

She nodded and thought about it. Was there a way to patch up the friendship and move forward? She didn’t know, but if she didn’t at least try, she’d never know.

Picking up her phone, she tapped out a reply, saying she’d meet them at eight at Romy’s. All she could do was hope the meeting would go better than last time.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Romy’s was busy as usual, but Wendy and Sharon had nabbed a red-seated booth in the window. Three large white wines sat in front of them, the evening sun sparkling through the glasses and sending shards of light bouncing off the wooden table.

She waved and sat, dumping her purse and light-blue jacket on the seat next to her. The buzz of conversation was loud, and the swirl of cologne and perfume hung heavy in the air along with dancing dust motes.

“Hey, you.” Sharon smiled, though there was a slight tension in her cheeks.

“Hi.” Warmth spread through Clarice. She’d missed Sharon. She was so glamorous, too. Her hair was a riot of blonde bubbles and her makeup impeccable. She wore a black velvet choker with a diamante heart at the center and a black lacy top that showed her bra through it. Simple yet elegant.

“Got you a pinot,” Wendy said, gesturing to an untouched large wine.

“You’re a star.” Clarice took a sip. “You both look well. Love the new piercing, Wendy.” She tapped her nose.

Wendy had a tiny rose-gold stud in her nose. Her lips were red but lined with black, and her hair sat in front of her shoulders in two long plaits. She wore a tight, low-cut red dress with small black love hearts dotted over it—one of her favorites for a Saturday night as it showed off her best assets.

“Yeah, wanted one for a while. Only just got around to it.”

“Suits you.”

“So how have you been?” Sharon asked. “It’s been ages.”

Clarice glanced at Wendy. She must have told Sharon all about their altercation. It was the only explanation for Sharon not being in touch.

She decided to ignore the elephant in the bar. “Good, busy. I’ve ditched my job at Grind ‘n’ Go and just waiting to start my teacher training course.”

“Yeah, finally you’re on that course, that’s amazing. I’m so proud of you.”

“I still need to learn how to actually teach the kids.”

“You’ll be great at it.” Sharon grinned.

“That shitty landlord of yours pulling his weight?” Wendy asked.

“No.” Clarice paused. “But I’ve given notice on my tenancy, a lawyer is sorting it out for me. The place isn’t fit for habitation.”

“Tell me about it. I’m sure I heard a mouse when I was there last.” Sharon pulled a face.

“You would have, they’re living behind the cooker.” Clarice shuddered.

“So where are you living?” Wendy asked, her concentration on Clarice.

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