‘And the other?’
‘I don’t know. Are you sure he’s not just being friendly?’
‘Yes, I’m sure. And I think you’re sure too. You’re just afraid.’
‘I am not afraid,’ I replied almost automatically before following up. ‘Afraid of what?’
‘Seeing someone again.’
‘Of course I’m not afraid of seeing someone. Why would I be?’
‘Because you got hurt. And, I don’t know, it hasn’t seemed like you’ve wanted to put yourself out there all that much since.’
‘Yes, I did get hurt. But it happens. I haven’t been avoiding things. I’ve just been really busy with trying to build the blog and business up. Time’s just sort of got away from me. And it’s not like I’ve really met anyone that’s caught my eye.’
‘Right.’
I looked at Amy. ‘Wow. That was loaded.’
Amy let out a sigh. Glancing around first, she leant closer to me, her voice low. ‘It’s just that Marcus and I really thought something might happen between you and Charlie.’
‘Why? Did Charlie say something to him?’
‘No. Not that I know of anyway.’
‘Then what made you think that?’
‘It’s just the way you are together. You get on so well, and clearly enjoy each other’s company. Charlie’s much more chatty with you than he is with most women, apparently. Most people even.’
I nodded. ‘I think that’s because he’s not interested in impressing me. I’m just another friend. He’s relaxed enough with his mates.’ I nodded to where Charlie, Alex and Marcus were now laughing uproariously at something. ‘I guess I just fall into that category which means he doesn’t get himself tongue-tied trying to say the right thing. Which I’m happy about,’ I added quickly.
‘Are you?’ Amy questioned.
‘Of course!’
‘He’s pretty gorgeous.’
‘Amy. We’re friends. That’s all. And I’m really happy with that. If something had happened and then went wrong, it’d just make it really weird and awkward with you seeing Marcus, and those two being so close, so I’m glad that it’s this way. Honestly.’
‘OK. I just wanted to check because Alex has hardly been able to take his eyes off you the entire time we’ve been sitting here.’
‘Oh, don’t talk rubbish.’ I laughed it off, bumping my arm against hers on the seat. But as I glanced up and back at the group of men, my gaze immediately met Alex’s. He held it and smiled at me. I smiled back briefly, but flicked my own gaze away, unsure. Amy was right. And I was completely out of practice with all this.
‘Told you,’ whispered Amy.
‘All right, Miss Smug Pants.’
Amy laughed. ‘Come on, let’s go and rejoin the boys.’ She stood up and pulled me behind her.
‘Feet better?’ Marcus asked, his arm winding around Amy’s waist as we returned.
‘Yes, thanks. Just needed a little rest.’
‘And a little gossip?’ he teased.
‘I don’t know what you mean,’ Amy replied.
‘No. Of course you don’t.’
