Page 162 of Brighter Together

“Make love to me.”

The anger I carried all the way to Manchester is finally gone.

Not forgotten.

Not forgiven.

Just no longer the biggest emotion inside me.

Chapter 14

Ella

By the time Tommy parks outside Alex and Emma’s house, every light downstairs is on.

“So everyone’s here,” I say.

Tommy switches off the engine.

“We’re three minutes early.”

“That means nothing with your friends.”

He looks towards the house.

Through the front window, Christina is waving enthusiastically at us.

Tommy sighs.

“Apparently not.”

I laugh and reach for the door.

His hand catches mine.

I turn back.

“You okay?” he asks with a frown.

The question has become familiar over the last week.

Not constant.

Not hovering.

Just checking.

Lee hasn’t called.

Neither has Dad.

There have been no messages, no threats and no unexpected visits.

For the first few days, every hour of silence felt suspicious.

Now it is beginning to feel like maybe they have finally listened.

“I’m good.”