Page 83 of Straight to Me

Rolling my eyes at him, he smiles his cheeky smile. “Don’t make this a joke. I’m not seeing you tomorrow. You can drop me off after we leave here.”

“Is that right?” I love watching his eyebrows raise when I tell him what to do.

“Yes,” I say firmly, sipping my tea. “I want to spend time with my sister. And tell me, what time do you have church on Monday?” He pauses moving his mug to his lips.

“Eleven.”

“So, youweregoing to miss that to babysit with me.” I widen my eyes at him. “See, ridiculous. I’ll babysit my nephew myself and you can help me move once you’re done.”

He lifts the cap off his head, scratching his unruly hair, then places it back down. “Have you always been so stubborn?” My eyebrows raise this time.

“I’m only stubborn when I have to be.” He grins. “Have you ever been this preoccupied with anything in your life before, VP?”

He pauses, his mug hovering in front of his face. “Never.”

We stare a moment longer, both understanding the depth of our feelings and knowing it was time to make room for reality as well.

Chapter Twenty-One

Early Sunday afternoon, Jess and I called Bex to congratulate her and Kyle on their move. Excited, and understandably nervous about the monstrous task of unpacking, my best friend was happy. And that made me happy.

VP dropped me back after our early wakeup call from wild cows mooing in the field next to us. I’d been right about that time of the month presenting itself, and at the worst possible moment, which meant we set off for home much earlier than we had originally planned due to a lack of sanitary products.

Jess had joined me in the bathroom, sitting on the toilet while I took a well overdue hot bath, to hear all the gossip from our night away. She teased me for being lovesick, but in reality, I could tell she was over the moon with how happy I was.

After a brief nap, I join Jess and Max in the lounge where they’re watching football. “Who’s playing?” I murmur, pretending to care. Football isn’t really my thing.

“United vs Liverpool,” Max says, anxiously sitting on the edge of the sofa. A red devil through and through, he never misses a game. Jess rolls her eyes as he enthusiastically shouts at the big screen and my phone pings on the sofa.

VP: Did you manage to catch up on some sleep today?

Me: Yes, definitely needed it. Did you manage to speak to Red today?

VP: No

Me: Oh

VP: She didn’t show up for work.

Me: You need to tell her.

VP: I know. I’ll work it out.

Monday morning arrives and I’m out drinking coffee and reading a book with Axl asleep next to me in his buggy. Jess recommended the dainty coffee shop before she left for work and Axl wouldn’t sleep after screaming the house down at breakfast, so I decided on a stroll here.

The air is cold, but the sun shines brightly, making for a glorious Monday morning walk. I managed to pack all my belongings and load my car before Jess left. The only thing left to do is move them into the flat. I’m happy to finally be able to live in my own place again.

My phone vibrates on the table, so I put my book down and check it.

VP: Mads, can I meet you at the flat? I’m running late. I’ll make it up to you

I hit the reply button, wondering what could have happened when a voice interrupts my thoughts. “Hi Mads.” I look up from my phone to see who it is.

“Alex, hi. How are you?”

He moves to stand by my table. “Fine thanks. Just met with Lauren; your new girl.” He looks worn out, but smiles, tucking his hands in his pockets. “I think you’ll get on, but she’s fiery, to say the least.” He semi laughs as if hinting I’ll get the shock of my life when I finally meet her.

“Oh gosh.”

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