AllFreeNovel
Share Us
But before I’m out the door, even before I put my trainers on, I know where I’m running to.
It’s pure dumb luck she’s even at the Holland Park house when I get there. Didn’t know she would be. This isn’t where she lives anymore and I don’t know her new address.
Just feel like being near her.
I stand outside the house across the street from hers like a fucking criminal casing the joint, but this is how I feel with her these days anyway. Someone on the outside looking in.
Used to have a key here, I still do, actually. Never gave it back. Probably should.
Probably won’t.
I’m there fifteen minutes maybe — glad I wore compression tights under my shorts, because I’m fucking cold out here — and it’s probably a bit past ten when she and Bridget walk out the front door down towards the town car.
Maybe it’s because it’s an icy winter night or maybe it’s just her in that dark green dress and tartan coat, but I freeze up for a couple of seconds when I see her.
Bridget spots me first, taps her sister and nods with her chin.
Magnolia looks over at me, frowning and curious.
Steady myself, swallow heavy, stand up straighter as they walk over.
“Hey.” I shove my hands in the pockets of my sweater.
“Hi.” She looks up at me, nervous.
“Merry Christmas, Bridge.” I give her a peck on the cheek.
Bridget squints at me. “Mmhm.”
I glance at Parks, nod my head down the street. “Want to go for a dander?”
Magnolia glances at Bridget, who rolls her eyes.
“Will you be okay?”
“In the town car? With our driver? Yeah, I think so.” She looks down at her sister’s bare legs. “Will you? You’ll freeze.”
I give Bridget a playful look how I used to be allowed to. “Not on my watch.”
“How’s that girlfriend of yours, Ballentine?” Bridget asks sharply and Magnolia smacks her.
“I’ll see you at home, okay?” Magnolia squeezes her hand.
Bridge nods at her and walks away. Parks and I trade looks as she does.
“Not my biggest fan?” I give her a grim smile.
“Well.” She peers up at me, gives me a curt smile. “Who is these days?”
I scoff a little at her sharpness but she remains stoic.
We walk down the street in silence, and it’s my favourite night I’ve had in since the one in the club with her. Neither of these should be my favourite nights, I know that. But she shouldn’t be my favourite person anymore and she still is, so…
“What were you doing?” she asks eventually.
I shrug a little. “I don’t know. Went for a run…”
She nods then says, “And you ran to my house?”
