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I let Felix hold me as I cry. The paper Joseph left is still in my hand. I screw it up, roll over, and throw it into my drawer before curling back up in Felix’s arms. I’m sad and devastated, but resolute.

Tomorrow, I’ll burn his words, because there’s never going to be a reason that I will ever crawl back to Joseph Wakefield.

All he’s good for is breaking hearts, and I won’t let him do that to Madeline. We don’t need him. We never did, and we never will.

Chapter fourteen

Delilah

Then—School

“What do you think of this one?” Felix asks, sliding his phone towards me. Open on the screen is the app for house listings.

I pick the phone up and slide my way through the pictures. The one he’s looking so pleased about is a flat, boasting two good-sized bedrooms, a living room, and a decently proportioned kitchen and bathroom. It’s the best one he’s shown me. The place isn’t furnished, but based on the floorplan that has been uploaded, it looks like enough space for the two of us.

“It looks perfect,” I confirm.

“Mum and Dad saw the listing last night. It’s new on the market. It’ll be no chain, and they’re cash buyers, so we can probably move in quickly. They have a viewing booked tomorrow if you want to come with us,” he offers. “Unless you have a shift? Or are planning on getting laid?”

I laugh loudly as I shove his phone back to him.

“I have a long shift, but in fairness, I don’t think I really get a say in how your parents are generously spending their money.”

That Jennifer and Cain are going to buy a place for Felix to stay in when he goes to university just blows my mind. Parents who are taking on a huge financial commitment to give their son some independence? It’s more than I could ever wish for.

“I want you to be happy there.”

“I’ll be with you, so of course I’ll be happy.” I laugh again.

He rolls his eyes at me but then smiles with affection. “So, I take it you’re staying with Joseph again tonight?”

“After you get sick of me, yeah.”

“I would never get sick of you.”

“Hmm, maybe you should reserve that judgement until we’ve lived together for a couple of months. I’m not sure how well you’ll take it if I’m leaving towels on the bathroom floor or don’t see the clutter in the living room. I think you're turning into a neat freak, Felix. How are you so sure you’ll put up with me?” I tease.

“Because I love you, unconditionally.”

“Can I get that in writing? Maybe signed, so I can flash it at you when you get mad?”

He doesn’t reply because both of us hear the sound of the front door opening.

“Is that Delilah Adler gracing us with her presence?” Jennifer teases, her voice travelling down the hallway.

“Can’t be. I heard she had some red-hot lover who was keeping her busy,” Cain replies, and then the two of them start laughing. Their laughter gets louder as they walk down the hallway and come into the kitchen to join us.

I’ve seen them since Felix got home, but in short bursts. Felix has always had a plan to take me somewhere or dragged me to his room so we can talk in private.

“You’re both in good form today,” Felix grumbles.

“Felix, be nice. They’re the best parents ever,” I scold him.

I can’t imagine saying a bad word about Jennifer or Cain. I don’t have any other friends to compare, but I sometimes wonder if all sets of parents are like this, always happy and have such a wonderful relationship with their children. I don’t know if this is the type of relationship I would have had with my own parents if Dad hadn’t left and Mum hadn’t gone off the rails. Would we be laughing and joking, teasing and sharing details about our lives? I will never have that type of relationship with my parents, but I will absorb the love and fun from Felix’s when I’m around them.

Jennifer hauls her shopping bag onto the kitchen counter, and Cain adds the two he’s carrying. I slide off my seat so I can help them unpack everything.

“So, are you going to tell us about this mystery man of yours?” Jennifer asks.