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George wandered in and slumped onto the sofa. “Another workday over. And I believe that means it’s wine o’clock. Want a glass?”
I switched off my Kindle, pulling myself into a more upright position. “That would be great. Thanks, George.” The oven timer rang, making me jump. “Oh! Dinner should be ready. I’ll just go and check.”
George shook his head. “No, stay there. We’ve got this.” He headed into the kitchen and helped Eddie dish up, and they brought me my food on a tray.
“Guys, I appreciate this, I really do, but I feel like an invalid with the way you’re treating me,” I protested.
“You need time to heal. Let us take care of you, babes. Make the most of having two men at your beck and call.” Eddie winked at me. “Now, it’s my turn to pick the film today. I vote for Mean Girls. Is that okay with both of you?”
“Fine by me.” I mustered up a small smile. Romantic movies were banned for the week, a rule Eddie had informed me of as soon as I’d arrived. I was totally on board with his decision; I couldn’t think of anything worse than watching loved-up people onscreen, with my present state of mind.
Much to my surprise I found myself getting into the film, even smiling at parts, listening to Eddie and George quote the dialogue in time with the characters. As the credits appeared on the screen, hope and determination filled me. Maybe I’d be okay.
I slept better that night than I had done in weeks. The next day, buoyed by renewed optimism, I took a long, leisurely shower, washing my hair and using a deep-conditioning treatment. I blow-dried it so it fell in a long, shining curtain around my face and made a last-minute manicure appointment at a nearby salon.
When George walked through the door after work, he stopped dead, gaping.
“Look at you,” he said, holding out his arms to me, a huge smile spreading across his face. I stepped into his arms, squeezing him tightly.
“Can I join the hug, too?” Eddie’s voice sounded from the doorway.
“Come here.” I pulled him into our little huddle. Smirking, I prodded his ribs, wiggling my fingers, knowing how ticklish he was.
“Liv!” he screeched, jumping away from me. His expression was so comical, I couldn’t control my reaction. I doubled over, laughing.
“Baby girl, it’s so good to see you happy,” George chuckled. “How are you feeling?”
“Good. Getting there, at least. I think I’m going to be okay.” I smiled, turning to Eddie. “Ed? Thank you for everything. Both of you. You’ve been there for me when I needed you, and I won’t forget what you’ve done for me.”
“That’s what friends are for.” He studied me, his gaze searching. “Are you feeling okay about going back to work on Monday?”
I nodded. “Yes. I feel…more like myself again. Stronger, like I need to get out there and face everything and stop hiding away. And…it’s the awards dinner soon. I want to be there to support Ethan. Well, not only Ethan—the whole team. I need to get myself together and be ready for that. It’s such a big deal for the company; there’s no way I want to bring the mood down.”
“What about Luke?” A tentative expression crossed his face.
As usual, pain filled me at the mention of his name. “I can’t avoid him forever, Ed. This is getting silly. We need to face each other, as much as it will kill me to do so, and somehow move past it.” I sighed. “I still love him, you know. That’s not just going to go away. But plenty of people get through heartbreak; I won’t allow myself to be the exception. I will get through this.”
“You will. I’m proud of you, babes. Let’s do this, then. Back to work on Monday, face Luke, and get on with your life. By the time it comes to the awards dinner, you’ll be back to your usual kickass self. I’ll be there to support you.” He grinned. “We’ll show Luke just what he’s missing, at the awards. I’m thinking hair curled, statement dress…” He trailed off, sketching his hands in the air as if he was picturing it all in his mind.
“None of that. I don’t want to show Luke anything. What I want is to get back to normality.”
“Of course. But you can still look good doing it, right?” He eyed me, his expression hopeful.
“Oh, go on, then. We can go dress shopping.”
He beamed at me, then bowed, low and sweeping. “Cinderella, you shall go to the ball.”
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help giggling at his dramatics.
It was so good to be laughing again. I’d had enough of hiding. It was time to face the world and move on. My first step would be my usual volunteering at the youth centre. No matter how upset I was, or had been, I’d never let Nick or the kids down.
This was exactly what I needed. Hanging out with the teens. Sitting with them, listening to their stories and anecdotes took me out of my own head and allowed me to fully focus on them. Their presence was like a balm, soothing me and helping me return to normality. I loved being with them, and I hoped that in a small way I helped them as much as they were helping me.
My worries felt miles away as I chatted to Aisha while we sketched, talking about her upcoming exams and the techniques I’d used when I was studying for mine. We arranged to meet up at a coffee shop along with another of her friends the following week so I could help them with their revision and hopefully give them a few useful pointers.
All too soon our time was up, and I began my usual routine of talking to everyone one on one, offering my thoughts and encouragements.
“Your friend was here at the weekend.”
