I thought him moving to a different school for sixth form would save me from Bobbie Reynolds and his stupid hair. But apparently not. I’m not quite sure what I did to deserve this karmic twist. And he’s always talking about his private school like it’s so much better than St Peter’s.Dick.
Tom steps back to let me in. I head inside and sink onto the couch, typing out a quick reply to Kath.
“How’s training going?” he asks, taking a seat next to me and unmuting the football.
We chat about swimming and his university course, slipping into easy conversation. It’s funny—I used to be terrified of Tom. Back when he was this tall, vaguely grumpy fourteen-year-old and I was a scrawny eleven-year-old who tripped over pool bags. Now I kind of miss him when he’s away. I’ve spent so much time at Kath’s house over the years it feels like a second home. Homework at this table, board games on the floor, movie nights on this couch. Evenings spent listening to Tom talk about some ancient battle in history like it was breaking news and we were all about to be tested on it. Though given that he’s talking about something he learnt on his history course right now, I guess some things never change.
I’m also now taller than Tom. Which I would never say out loud, because I value my life.
My phone pings again. Another message from Kath.
“She’s still ten minutes away,” I frown. “I swear this is the first time she’s ever been late. Being on time is basically her entire personality. And she’s meant to be staying at mine tonight too; Mum was so excited to see her. I don’t even know if she’s packed.”
Tom watches me, his expression unreadable. Then he frowns at his beer. “What do you think of Bobbie?” he asks. “Honest opinion. I won’t tell Kath, I swear. But you know her so well and I want to know what you think. I’ve only met him a handful of times, but…” he trails off.
I hesitate. Mum always says to be careful about commenting on people’s partners. But this is Tom. And Kath’s my best friend.
“Youseriouslypromise this doesn’t go beyond us?” I ask.
He nods. His eyes are so similar to Kath’s. That deep brown that makes you just want to trust them.
I let out a breath. OK. We’re doing this.
“I don’t like him,” I admit. The words feel like a relief, like something I’ve been holding in too long. I haven’t even told our friends how muchI dislike Bobbie. Josh has probably guessed, but I don’t want anything getting back to Kath.
“I think he’s an arrogant idiot who doesn’t treat her well enough,” I continue, the frustration spilling out of me. “And I have no clue what she sees in him. She’s way better than him.Obviouslythat’s just my opinion, but—” I stop. Maybe I’ve gone too far.
“I agree,” Tom says, his voice firm. “He’s worse than Claire’s boyfriend, and that guy is a complete idiot. He came over the other day and tried to explain the Russian Revolution to me even though I’m doing a history degree.”
I exhale.
We exchange a look. The kind that saysyeah, we both see it. For the first time, I don’t feel like I’m being dramatic.
“Are you going to say anything to her?” I ask.
He hesitates, taking another sip. “Maybe.” Then he glances at me. “Are you?”
I sigh, torn. My instinct is to stay out of other people’s business. But this is Kath. “I don’t want to upset her.”
Tom gets up, heads to the kitchen and returns with a beer, offering it to me.
“Thanks, but I have training tomorrow,” I say, shaking my head.
He laughs. “Sorry, I know it’s been years, but I always forget.”
“And I’m only seventeen,” I remind him.
“As if that ever stopped anyone.” He scoffs, popping the cap off his bottle.
I roll my eyes, and we lapse into comfortable silence, half-watching the football game playing on the TV. A few minutes later, during a lull in the commentary, he speaks again.
“You’re an idiot, you know.”
I glance at him. “I mean, probably. But what did I dothistime?”
“You should’ve just asked her out yourself and saved us all this hassle.” His eyes stay locked on the screen, like he hasn’t just casually lobbed a grenade into the room.
My glass freezes halfway to my mouth. Shit, have I given too much away? Why would he say that?
