*eye roll emoji* Hayleigh, don’t be rude! Lacey, why are you getting him a thank you gift?
Me
I just feel like I’ve been taking him for granted lately and I want to show him how much he means to me
Hayls
*tongue emoji* *water droplet emoji* *water droplet emoji* *water droplet emoji*
Emmy
Hayleigh!!! Ok, how about a nice home-cooked meal?
Me
Huh, that simple?
Hayls
Steak and a blow-job go well together *wink face emoji*
Emmy
I give up! Yes, Lacey, really that simple! Gotta go, Scruff just ate one of Cas’s shoes. He’s been really naughty lately!
Me
Okay, thank you! Love ya both xx
I notice the time and almost drop my phone. I have less than fifteen minutes to get to work. I’m giving a tour to some schoolchildren around the Aquarium this morning, and I need to be on my A-game. Luckily, I’m only in for half a day today, and this afternoon I plan on doing a food shop.
**********
My feet are aching to the bone. Those kids could talk for England, and they weren’t shy either. I’m going to need to do some foot exercises before this baby comes, because I am out of shape.
I drag myself to the staff room, gather my things, and check my phone to see if there are any new messages from Cole, but there are none. My stupid eyes start to sting, but I don’t give them the time of day. Instead, I swipe at my face and storm out of the doors, but I stop short when I see him standing lazily against his truck, holding a crisp green apple.
He smiles at me and holds it out, but I cross my arms and raise a brow. “Is that a peace offering for avoiding me?”
He winces and, at least, has the decency to look ashamed. “If I say yes, will you forgive me?”
I roll my eyes. He can be so dramatic for a serious person. “Give me the damned apple, Cole.” I take it from his outstretched hand.
“Can I take you out for lunch?”
“Free food? I’m in. This is the first week where I haven’t had any morning sickness, so give me all of the food.” I smile at him when he shakes his head.
He opens the truck door for me, and I climb in. When he gets in, he asks, “Do you want to go to Denny’s?” My stomach immediately sinks when I realise that Denny’s, our favourite burger place, is actually in Brimcrest.
“Uh, I don’t know if that’s a good idea, Cole.”
His brow creases. “Why?”
“That’s where Ted is from. I don’t want to risk running into him.”
“Fuck Ted. If he’s there, he has to get past me to get to you. Denny’s is our favourite, and he isn’t taking that away from you.” He puts the truck into drive, and suddenly it isn’t just my heart fluttering at confident, take-charge Cole.
**********
