Page 56 of Straight to Me

VP sips his tea quietly. “Urm, it was fine,” I say, my eyes flitting between the two of them. “I met everyone I’ll be working with, they seem nice... Sorry, what’s going on here?” I put my bag on the sofa but don’t sit down.

“Jess was telling me about you two visiting Blackpool as kids.” VP’s cheeks lift from behind his mug. As soon as I hear Blackpool my body feels like it shrinks two sizes. She’ll have told him about the time I threw up on one of the rides along the promenade, causing the rides to close and everyone death staring me for ruining their weekend.

It’s been five minutes.

How she’s managed to strike up conversation and jump to memories so quickly blows my mind. She’s beaming at me from where she sits.

Yep, she told him.

“Don’t worry Mads, we don’t have to go on any rides today,” he cracks, breaking out in fits of laughter with Jess.

“I’m sorry Madison, I couldn’tnottell him. Not after I heard that’s where you’re off to today.”

My eyes widen. “We’re going to Blackpool?” I ask. I feel my face light up as I look at VP. I have so many fond memories there. Minus any rides.

“Shit, was it a surprise?” Jess blurts out. VP laughs to himself.

“You and your mouth.”

My eyes squint at her when she stands, apologising as she collects VP’s now empty mug, taking it back to the kitchen. “Thought I could show you some sights, grab some lunch whilst we’re there too,” he says.

He stands slowly and walks towards me.

His leather cut is sitting on top a dark green shirt today, with the sleeves rolled up just above his wrists. My hungry eyes stroll all over his gorgeous face, those tender lips looking straight at me.

Reaching me, his hands cup my face, the smile he wears making me weak. His lips that I still haven’t managed to look away from, touch mine so gently. I close my eyes savouring every second, and I allow my nose to fill with the smell of fresh pine that washes over me.

As he pulls away, my eyes stay closed, perhaps for a moment too long. “Mads?” Prizing them open, his handsome face is so close to mine. I wish we were back at his place, able to lose ourselves in one another. “Did you really puke on a kid?”

Moment over.

He chuckles, making my cheeks blush. “Get off,” I whinge, trying to free myself from his mocking hold. Kissing my head, he lets me go.

“Not just a kid, remember,” Jess says as she reappears from the kitchen.

“An old lady too, right?” His eyebrows lift my way as he asks. There’s another round of laughs at my expense.

“Okay you two. I’m going to get changed, then I’ll be ready to go.” VP nods, making his way to the sofa again.

I grab my bag and dart upstairs to change into mom jeans, a plain T-shirt and jacket. Whilst I reapply some more makeup, my phone sounds from my bag and I see an email from the real estate agent, Michelle has come through. She’s sent confirmation of my rental agreement, an acceptance letter and a move in date confirmed for Monday.

Elation takes over. “I got the flat. I got the flat!”

“What did you say?” Jess calls from downstairs.

“I got the flat! I can move in on Monday!”

Running down the stairs, VP’s standing by the door waiting for me. “That’s great news, Mads.” He half-heartedly smiles to me. His look is anything but happy. Perhaps me saying what I did to get the flat is troubling him again.

Axl stirs from his room. My shouting and banging down the stairs must have woken him from his afternoon nap. “Shit, Jess. I’m so sorry.” I turn back to ascend the stairs again.

I love and hate the little whimpering sound my nephew makes. VP’s eyes don’t leave me as I come back carefully carrying Axl. Every time he gets upset in my arms, I’m wary whether it’s obvious what I’m feeling.

The way I comfort him, singing into his ear, or rubbing his back. I wanted this with a baby of my own someday. VP told me he’d never thought about kids, that he’d love me for me. But he’ll probably want this, like I do. He just doesn’t know it yet.

Either way, I won’t be the woman able to give it to him.

The thought makes my eyes fill with tears. Not wanting my fresh mascara to run, I pass Axl to Jess and hide my face from VP. Watching her take him to the kitchen, I’m immensely proud at what a good mum my sister is. The way she gives him his bottle, she’s so tender and loving. His little hands hold her finger as he drinks.

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