Page 190 of Grand Love

Nina

“After all thesemonths you’re finally going home,” Scarlet says, lifting an empty box and placing it on the kitchen counter. “How does it feel?”

I smile over at her as I bite down on my lip. “Exciting.”

It’s Saturday, and today I’m moving back to the penthouse. I didn’t get a lot of time to think on the decision, but with everything that Mason did for me yesterday, and the fact that I won’t ever love like I love him, I know without a shadow of a doubt that this is the right move.

“I knew you’d get here. I just didn’t think it would be yet. I’m so happy for you guys.”

“Thank you, Scar. And thank you for helping me today. Hopefully the girls will show their faces this afternoon.” I chuckle, thinking back to the night before.

“Hmm, Megan was blind drunk! I don’t expect to see her at all.”

“True.” I smile, sealing the full box with tape and placing it on the floor. “How’s everything going at the hospital? Are you still enjoying it?”

“Yeah, it’s great actually. I have big plans for the future which I never considered possible when I started.”

“Like what?” I ask with a frown.

“Well, I’ve been thinking, and I think I’m going to go into paediatrics.”

“With kids? That’s amazing, Scar!”

“I need to choose a speciality, and I love children. I do worry it will be tough sometimes, but I think I could handle it.”

“You could! I know so, you’re stronger than you think.”

She shrugs excitedly. “We shall see! What about you, do you think you’ll start up less—”

The rapping of knuckles against the door cuts Scarlet off. “Just a sec!” I call, placing down the curtains I’d been folding and walking to the door. I pull it open and am caught off guard when I see Joey standing on the other side.

“Joey, hi.”

“Hey, how are you?” He gives me a smile then walks in past me. I stand at the door for a moment watching him as he disappears into my lounge. “I brought you these.” He places a box on the coffee table and then picks it up again. “Do you want them? I presumed you did. You don’t have to.”

I chance a glance at Scarlet who looks just as perplexed as I do. “Is it…”

“Your photos,” he finishes for me. “Scarlet told me you were back with Mason.”

I nod. “Yeah. Yeah, I am.”

“Did you catch that session yesterday, Joey?” Scarlet asks casually from the kitchen. I turn and look at her and she gives me a small shrug, but I know she is seeing what I am. He seems off.

“No.” He scratches at his arm, then rubs at his neck. “I didn’t sleep then I slept through it.”

“Ahh. I see.” Scarlet side-eyes me then comes farther into the lounge. “How are you feeling?”

“Fine. Why?” He tips his chin at her, his gaze narrowed, then he looks over at me.

“I’m just asking, Joey. I haven’t been over in a couple days, that’s all.”

He flicks his eyes between us, then picks up the box of photos. “What was that?” he snaps.

My eyes widen, and I look at Scarlet. “What was what?”

“What did you say?” he asks me, placing down the box again.

“I didn’t say anything, Joey.”

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