AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“We do. The other part of our party is already here.” I point to my brother and he's waving over at us.
“Follow me.” The host shows us over to our table and hands us menus. “Can I get you a drink first?”
“I’ll have a cola, please. Driver here.” I shrug.
“Make that two, please,” says Harper.
The moment the host leaves us, Derren stands up and walks over to Harper. He bends down and takes her into his arms.
“It is so good to see you, Harp. You look good.”
Harper wipes tears from her eyes and I hand her a napkin.
“It’s good to see you too, both of you.”
“Now look what you did, you big pillock. I said take it slowly,” Alice scolds my brother. “Hi, honey.” Alice reaches over the table and squeezes Harper’s hand. She’s more subtle than my brother.
“Hi. And I wouldn’t expect anything else from Derren. He is always OTT,” says Harper, shrugging.
We all know what my brother is like, and if he was quiet and not fussing, then Harper would probably feel more out of place.
“I hope you’re all hungry because I haven’t had Chinese food in forever,” says Derren dramatically.
“Really? We had takeout last weekend,” says Alice, and we all laugh.
“Sshh. That’s my excuse when I don’t want to look like a pig.”
And that’s how our night goes, laughing and joking with my daft brother. You wouldn’t think we were twins because Derren is the joker and I’m more level-headed, but right now, I’m grateful for him acting normal around Harper and showing her that no one holds anything against her. We just want her back with us.
Chapter 17
Harper
Last night with Derren and Alice was great. They’re amazing people. The company was just what I needed. The food was fabulous. But none of that is what has got me vibrating with energy, it's the kiss I shared with Drew. It was soft and gentle, but it hit me right in the heart and soul. It reminded me of all the times we shared curled up watching movies and sharing each other’s take out. Although, it was only Drew doing the sharing because I had to have a bit of everything, including what Drew had. Those were the days when we were carefree. We had a house, a healthy bank balance, stable jobs, friends, and family. There wasn’t anything we needed to worry about. Now, I’ve got a lot of bridges to mend. I pick up my mobile phone and open my texts.
Me: Would you like a coffee?
I considered writing a long speech telling my best friend how sorry I am, but Pete deserves that grovelling and apology in person.
Pete: Do I want a coffee? Are you freaking kidding me? When and where?
I smile at my friend’s response. He has done exactly what Derren did last night and just acted like nothing had changed. That’s what I need. Normalcy.
Me: Meet me in Culross. I fancy a walk. We can grab a coffee at one of the coffee shops.
I hadn’t been to Culross for a long time. It’s a beautiful, picturesque village that runs along The Forth. It’s always full of tourists, bikers, dog walkers, and families enjoying time with their kids.
I take in a deep breath and throw my hair up in a messy bun. This is the first time I’m going to drive since my ordeal. It’s the first time I’m going out alone. Am I scared? Nope, I’m bloody terrified, but to keep pushing forward, I need to step out of my comfort zone. I need to do this.
Pete: Meet you in the car park in an hour, beautiful.
I grab my handbag and purse, put on some lip gloss, and find my mum and dad sitting at the dining table eating some soup.
“I thought you might be resting. Sit down and I’ll heat some soup for you. It’s homemade scotch broth. Your favourite."
“No need, Mum. I’m just going to head out and have a coffee with Pete. If I don’t have some lunch out, I’ll heat some soup when I come home.”
“Is Pete picking you up?” asks my mum.
