Page 24 of Versions Of Us

“Big night for you too then, was it?” Carla stands with her hands on her hips, her eyebrows arched in question.

One side of my mouth twists up in a smirk as I think about the events that transpired after we arrived at Henley’s house.

“Don’t think it escaped my attention that you and Alex slipped away from the party early.”

I nod sheepishly. “What time did everyone else leave? I’ve been wondering how Liv and EJ are feeling this morning.”

“Nice deflection,” she replies with a knowing smile, and then dipping her head toward the café doors she adds, “Why don’t you ask her yourself?”

I turn in time to see Liv stepping through the entrance, her frame adorned with a gorgeous sky-blue sundress, her dark hair twisted on top of her head in a messy bun. Liv doesn’t drink so it doesn't surprise me that she isn’t hungover and looks a million bucks. She’s halfway across the room before she spies me at the counter.

“Kris! How are you?” She beams as she pulls me in for a long hug.

“I’m awesome,” I say. “Best party ever.”

“It was, wasn’t it?” She smiles, then her eyes begin searching the café. “Where’s Henley?”.

“He’s … I don’t know actually.”

“Uh-oh,” Liv eyes me with curious suspicion.

I can tell what’s going through her mind. With the amount of times Henley and I have “taken a break” I don’t blame her. But this time his unknown whereabouts isn’t due to the volatility of our relationship.

“No. It’s not like that,” I correct her. “He said he had an important errand to run. I have no idea what or where, but he said he’d be back tonight.”

“Oh ok, that’s…secretive,” she replies.

“Yeah. It’s definitely a little strange.” I pull my phone from my back pocket, subconsciously checking it for missed calls or texts. There are none. “But you know how he can be. I trust him.”

“Okay. Then, so do I,” she replies. “Hey, I wanted to thank you again for all your help with the party. It was such a fun night. We had the best time.”

“Hey what are best friends for? I had fun too. I think it was a sufficient warm-up for the wedding,” I say. “Speaking of which, do you have a venue in mind yet?”

“Not really. Considering how great the tavern scrubbed up, we could use it again, but I think we want the ceremony to be on the beach.”

“Nice. I can totally picture that for you guys. How’s EJ doing this morning?”

“He’s great! He’s out for a surf so I thought I’d surprise him with his favourite breakfast once he’s finished.” A grin appears on her face at the mention of EJ’s name.

“You guys are adorable. I really am happy for you.”

Liv and EJ have been living in the apartment Liv bought, located above her music studio next door to the Haven. Although they now could afford to buy something much bigger, they love their cosy space.

“I know you are. Thank you,” she says. “Speaking of cute, you and Henley were pretty cosy last night. Did you find out why he was acting so weird?”

“I think you were right. He does want something more serious,” I tell her.

I don’t mention anything about Henley’s promotion in case Steve hasn’t had a chance to talk to EJ about it.

“I knew it!” Liv says with the click of her fingers.

“Kristen, your order’s up,” Carla interrupts, handing me my cappuccino and bacon and egg roll. “Hey, Liv. How are you doing this morning? What can I get you?”

Liv begins to answer, but I’m distracted by the bell above the door as Chase enters the café. He spots me immediately and bounds up to me with more liveliness than anyone should have this early on a Sunday morning.

“Hey, Kristen,” he says excitedly. “You ready for tonight?”

“Hi, Chase,” I reply. “Yeah. I’m nervous though.”

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