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Ryan wore his scuffed cowboy boots, his ‘good’ jeans, the pair without rips or holes, and a faded button-down that billowed.
“What’s wrong with it?” he winced.
“That shirt isn’t even fashionable to be a cleaning rag,” Sam replied.
“That was mean,” I called over a loud song.
She scoffed, picking up a glass of sparkling wine. “About time he realised you’re a woman and you don’t need his approval. And that he needs a new wardrobe.”
While Ryan was distracted by one of the serving staff, Sam faced me. “You should move out.”
I reeled back. “What?”
“Move out. You’ve got a job, you’re twenty-six and you need your independence. Your own space. Away from Ryan’s judgey eyes. And free to see your boyfriend at your own home. Or his.”
Ryan nudged Benji in his ribs. “Does my shirt really look worse than a rag?”
“Dude, that shirt wasn’t cool when it came out. Whenever that was.”
“Thanks buddy,” Ryan narrowed his eyes. “Thanks a whole bunch.”
“Sorry, the truth hurts, but I’ll always be honest, bud.”
I scanned the room over my glass and my breath caught.
Harry was here, standing at the bar, with Pam from work, talking to an older couple.
Earlier today, he’d said his family had arrived for a surprise visit. The couple with him now must be them.
I allowed myself a moment to check him out. Harry was neither formal or casual, wearing a black tee shirt, his suit jacket he’d worn to the funeral and dark jeans with black boots. He ran a hand through his hair as he sipped his beer.
A younger man came up to Harry and the older couple as my phone pinged.
Harry: You look beautiful Firebird
I glanced up and Harry winked. I clenched my drink, and my thighs, as I held his gaze.
Tonight. I wanted tonight to be our night. If I could sit for photos with Sam, I could show Harry what the bushfire did to my skin and the memories it held.
My phone pinged again.
Harry: Don’t freak out but … my parents surprised me with a visit today. With my brother Liam.
Harry: Managed to get rooms in the pub but they are way down the end of the hallway. So if you were thinking tonight would make a great sleepover, we have plenty of privacy
Harry: ready to meet my fam? I’d like to introduce my beautiful girlfriend
I licked my lips, glancing up again. Harry was bent over his mobile. My phone pinged again.
Harry: Mum found out about us when she read my post about being girlfriend and boyfriend. She joined every group on social media for Ballydoon and Stanmore after our viral emergency video
Harry: so I’m in the dog house with Mum cos I didn’t tell her direct
“You right, Stace?” Benji asked, frowning. “You feeling sick or something?”
I swallowed half my drink in one gulp. “I’m fine.”
I checked my phone again.
