Page 46 of Brighter Together

His expression changes instantly.

I laugh. “I’m joking.”

He exhales.

“Mostly.”

“Ella!”

I giggle and poke him lightly in the shoulder.

He laughs.

That easy, open sound is quickly becoming one of my favourite things.

All evening I’ve been watching him when he isn’t looking.

The way he takes the piss out of Alex.

The way he checks Suzie is comfortable without making a fuss about it.

The way he makes sure Rob’s pint is within reach so he doesn’t have to keep shifting around.

The way everyone turns towards him when they’re telling a story because they already know he’ll get the joke.

This version of Tommy is even more dangerous than the grumpy one.

“There.” I point ahead. “The grey block on the left.”

He pulls into an empty space and switches off the engine.

For a second neither of us moves, then I reach for the door handle.

“Ella,” he stops me.

Something in his voice makes me turn back.

Tommy is looking at me.

Not grumpy.

Not amused.

Nervous.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen him nervous.

“I think I owe you an apology.”

“For what?”

“For being a moody arsehole since you started.”

A laugh slips out before I can stop it.

His mouth twitches.

“I wouldn’t have put it quite like that,” I chuckle.