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Is that what Lauren meant by stealing my thunder?
I should’ve been overjoyed, pleased and ecstatic even, that Christopher’s last links to the UK were moving to be closer to the rest of his friends. The whole crew would be together but I couldn’t let myself be happy. I know I sounded like an ungrateful bitch, especially after how they took our news, but if I was honest, I was scared of what this all meant moving forward for us.
The last few days Freddie and Luke had kept me grounded as I poured my heart out to them through text messages. I had been feigning their calls, knowing that the moment I answered I wouldn’t be able to control the outburst of emotions that were balled up inside of me. I wasn’t angry; if anything, I was confused and unsure of why I was feeling this multitude of emotions over a discussion that I shouldn’t have ever heard. Surely if it was of any importance, Christopher would’ve talked to me about Lauren, but he didn’t. No one did and that made me question my mindset even more.
Luke even wanted to jump on a plane and come to the rescue but I just laughed at the thought, knowing that it’s only as he thought he could work his magic best if he was face to face; plus the bonus that he’d get with Lucie snuggles.
I just needed home comforts and time to figure out what my next steps would be. I knew it would be best for me just get back into the routine I knew, and I hoped that it helped with figuring everything out that little bit more simpler.
The moment I hitArrivalsand spotted Freddie and Luke waiting, I knew that everything would be okay. I didn’t miss the look that Christopher and Luke shared together as Freddie wrapped his arms around me and gave me a squeeze before pulling back and giving me a quick glance over.
“I know it’s only been a few days but I’ve missed you. We both have and you too, man,” Freddie stated, glancing between both Christopher and I while sliding my luggage from my grasp and into his hold. He gave me one of his looks to not even dare question him. “Car’s waiting. I bet you’re shattered.”
“I slept most of the journey,” I admitted, shrugging my shoulders as Christopher sidled up to my side and reached his hands out for me. “It was a long journey to do in only a few days.”
“It definitely was,” Christopher said. The tension was palpable between us. “I’m glad to be back here, though.”
“We’re glad to have you back.” Luke smiled and nodded as he ushered us out of the exit and in the direction of the car park.
The silence was stretched between us as we made our way to the car. The guys refused to allow me to load my luggage into the back, stating I should accept the offer of the help of the three men at her side. I laughed at that and automatically climbed into the backseat, finding Freddie climbing in by my side.
“Trust me, okay?” he asked, reaching for my hand as the others climbed in. “Just let us help.”
I nodded at Freddie’s words and at the same moment, Luke climbed into the driver’s seat and caught my gaze before turning around to Freddie and silently communicating with him. It was as if they knew what the other wanted to convey automatically without a single word being spoken. I couldn’t find a word to give Freddie or Luke as Christopher shut the trunk and took his position next to Luke. I gripped Freddie’s hand for comfort as Luke turned the radio on low, trying to break the atmosphere between us all whilst I batted my eyelashes to fight back the tears.
My building couldn’t have appeared quicker. The moment the car halted to a stop at the roadside, I opened the door and jumped out, not stopping for a breath. I didn’t care about the others at that moment. I needed to escape the confined space I was in. I headed around to the back of the car and opened the trunk to get my luggage out, only to be frozen by the sight of Luke clasping Christopher’s shoulder and his words echoing through the space.
“Listen to me, man. I know you want to go in there and talk to her. I get it, brother. I really do.”
I sighed, knowing how hard this must be for Luke. I never wanted this to cause any issues as I began to lift the first suitcase out. It was why I had debated telling Freddie but the moment he saw me, he’d have seen something had happened.
“Just trust me and give me some time with her,” Luke continued. “Let me explain some facts that only I can do,” he said as I closed the trunk. Reaching for my keys I noticed Freddie and Luke both climbing out of the car and swapping positions. “I’ll see you both soon.”
I headed up towards my apartment, scared to acknowledge Luke’s presence as I bumped into Chrissie leaving the apartment. One glance at my friend and my tears fell and I couldn’t reign them in any longer.
“I’m sorry,” I sniffled, wiping my eyes. “I don’t know what’s come over me. These emotions are driving me crazy,” I said as Chrissie looked between us in utter confusion.
“I can stay,” she said. “I’ll rearrange…”
“It’s okay,” Luke said. “If I need you, I’ll call.”
“If you’re sure.” Chrissie’s gaze implored mine and I just nodded before waltzing in and headed straight to the sofa, leaving Luke to deal with Chrissie.
“I’m just going to take the load off my feet,” I muttered, hoping that the strain on my shoulders would soon be gone once Luke spoke.
* * *
“So…” I broke the silence the minute Luke sat down with two glasses of water in his hands. “I didn’t need to burden you with this. Christopher is your friend and I—”
“Isobel, stop and wait a minute,” Luke interrupted, cutting me off. “Yes, Christopher is my family and you’re his soon to be wife. So, you’re important here too. I’m not going to just sit back and watch you both fall apart over something that means nothing.”
“Nothing…” I muttered. “I heard Christopher say about the pair of them.” I winced, realizing I should never have listened. “He could have told me. I mean we all have pasts.”
“I’m not saying he shouldn’t have Isobel but…” Luke took a sip of his water and placed it back on the table. “Christopher and Lauren were never meant to be. Gosh, they had two dates and Thomas was always the one.”
“What do you mean?” I leaned in, thinking what the hell was I actually hearing. “Christopher and Lauren knew they would never work. I saw the connection Thomas had with Lauren way before anyone else did. Why do you think they joke about me being the matchmaker?”
I shook my head at the revelation, allowing it to sink in.
