Page 71 of Prove You Wrong

‘But you’re amazing. What did he say exactly?’

Josie remains quiet, concentrating on driving as we exit the car park, joining the main road. I don’t badger her; she’ll tell me when she’s ready.

‘Amongst other things, I’m too young,’ she says eventually, her voice quiet.

‘What were these other things?’ I ask, indignant.

She tuts, ‘It doesn’t matter.’

Josie takes a bend erratically, the car swerving before she yanks it straight and I don’t push her on it, not when she’s trying to drive.

‘You know you can talk to me about this whenever you want?’

There’s a long silence before she says, ‘It’s just … I thought there was a real spark, you know?’

Chapter 22

Ella

It’s habit to fend for myself, so when Nate offered to pick me up for our brunch date, I insisted on meeting him there. Big mistake.

Helena has been temperamental for a few days and now she’s started overheating. Scared to start her,I hurry to the bus stop, catching the seventy-two just in time. Luckily, there’s a seat free and I perch on the edge, unable to relax.

My vanity flared into overdrive as I considered how to present myself today. Attractive, obviously, but not too slutty like in the pub, and not too practical like our high ropes date.Appropriatelydressed, unlike in the bin-bag-rain-poncho or at the rock club.

Hoping I’ve struck the right note with a tight jumper, snug jeans and boots with a bit of a heel, I tug at my chunky scarf, my hands at a loss for anything else to fiddle with. I’ve let my hair hang loose, falling in soft waves over my shoulders, as it’s actually behaving today. Although, after rushing, it probably looks like it’s been blow dried in a hurricane. I’m not about to make it worse by raking my fingers through it.

I arrive at our meeting spot at the park right on time. Thank you traffic gods.

Winter sun is glinting off the coursing river. Nate’s standing, leaning on the railing of the bridge, staring into the depths.

He takes my breath away when I see him. His leather jacket slick to his shoulders and defined arms, reflected sunlight brightening his blue eyes which crinkle at the corners when they scan me up and down.

He leans in and pecks my cheek, his stubble now grown into a soft, bristly beard. ‘You look amazing,’ he rumbles into my ear, the vibrations shooting straight to my centre.

‘Not so bad yourself,’ I reply, the anxiety of making it to our date now replaced with gentle butterflies of anticipation.

‘So what’s the plan?’ I curl my fingers into his, his touch cascading tingles through my stomach, stirring the butterflies into a frenzy.

He tosses a bulky rucksack onto his shoulder and we amble away from the bridge. ‘I’ve booked us a table at Little Treat. It’s that new brunch and dessert place.’

‘Ohhh, I’ve been wanting to try there.’ I give a little clap of excitement.

‘I hoped you’d like it. They have a cocktail menu.’ He nudges me suggestively.

‘Sounds perfect. Thanks for thinking of me.’ I give him a shy smile. ‘But, you know, perhaps next time we should do something you love to do?’

He gives me a very mischievous look. ‘Actually, I plan to show you that very soon.’

I straighten, turning to him as we walk. ‘Oh, what is it?’

‘You’ll find out soon enough.’ He raises his brows up and down just once. ‘I don’t want you to have any prejudices or preconceptions before you give it a go.’

‘Always with the mysterious.’ I pretend to sigh, bumping my hip into his as we walk along.

He smirks. ‘If I tell you in advance, you’ll start thinking about it. Or worse, thinking how to get out of it.’

‘What is it?’ I quirk my eyebrow as I joke, ‘It soundsawful.’

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