Page 54 of Brighter Together

The road curves along the lake, sunlight flashing through bare branches and across the water. Usually, I enjoy this stretch. Today, I’m aware of every movement beside me.

Ella adjusting her coat.

Taking a sip of coffee.

Crossing one leg over the other.

Stop it.

At a junction a lorry is trying to make a sharp U-turn. I twist slightly to check behind us before reversing and put one hand on the back of Ella’s seat.

A loose strand of her hair brushes over my knuckles.

My entire body remembers Friday.

My fingers in her hair. Her lips on mine. The way she moved closer instead of away.

I pull my hand back.

I glance towards her.

She’s staring straight ahead.

“Ella…”

“I’m sorry,” she bursts out

Our words come out at exactly the same time.

I turn my head towards her.

She does the same.

“I’m sorry,” she repeats.

“What for?”

“For Friday.”

My stomach drops.

Then she puts both hands over her face.

“For attacking you in your car.”

A laugh bursts out of me before I can stop it.

Ella lowers her hands slowly and glares at me.

“Well, I’m glad my humiliation is entertaining.”

“It isn’t.” The lorry has cleared the road and I bring the car back up to speed.

“You’re laughing.”

“Because I thought you regretted it.”

Her expression changes immediately. “What?”