AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Don’t forget to breathe, babe. You can’t be this kick ass woman with all these amazing ideas to tell people if you aren’t breathing, remember?” Her caramel eyes shine with the strength she knows I need right now.
I inhale and exhale, slowly focusing on each breath.
I can do this.
After a quick speed walk to Victoria Park tube station, Nora and I chatted about anything and everything to take my mind off how nervous I am, we stand on the platform, waiting for our train, as Nora starts nodding furiously.
“We can so do this,” she utters, reading my mind like she always does.
“Yeah?”
“Yeah, and listen. You get to decide how much you want me to be involved, okay? I’ll be there as much or as little as you want me to be. This is your dream, Jess, but I’m here for you,” she says, her smile turning into a wide grin. “Big time.”
We managed to miss any delays on the tube and swiftly arrive at Cafe Moretti in Covent Garden, an Italian restaurant that smells like garlic and tomatoes and expensive olive oil and are shown to our seats. The walnut wood of the table contrasts with the light blue booth we sit in and somehow works with the light gold accents that surround us.
Zoey arrives in true Zoey style, rushing and tearing through the restaurant like a tornado. Nothing changes, it seems. Zoey went to school with Nora and I, but we lost touch when we moved. Right now, she might be my new favourite person because she’s going to help me tonight.
“Hi, Hi ,Hi, sorry I'm late. It’s so good to see you two. God, you’re both so bloody gorgeous. Look at you.” She waves her hands frantically, gesturing to Nora and me, as we both laugh lightly at her compliments.
“Look at you,” I retort. “I love your hair shorter. Really suits you.”
She puffs up her short, platinum hair jokingly. “Oh, this old bird’s nest? Eh… it’ll do.” She winks. “It’s been way too long, girls. I’m so happy we’re getting together now,” she adds, sincerity lining her voice.
We fall into easy conversation and chat about what we’ve been doing since our school days.
“Do you remember when we all got so drunk that Harriett had to rescue us? I’m sure it was your birthday, Jess, and I had snuck some of my dad’s vodka. We sat and drank that in the park near my house…” She leans forward, laughing. “And we couldnotremember the way home because we were so drunk.” Zoey’s blue eyes crease as she sniggers into her palm.
“I definitely remember because Jess and I got grounded for a month,” Nora scoffs, as though it pains her to remember the one time she was grounded.
“We’re just lucky our parents were mostly good to us for all the shit they put up with.” Zoey’s laughter sprinkles throughout her words and then her face falls suddenly. “Oh God, Jess, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up anything… shit. Stupid foot always in my mouth.” Her hand connects with her forehead. “Forgive me?” she asks with worry in her eyes.
“Zo, don’t worry, it’s fine,” I say, brushing it off, praying that I’m doing a good job at masking the sudden chill coursing through my body. I fiddle with the knife and fork sat on my napkin, feeling the cold metal against my skin, as I beg my emotions not to show me up right now.
Nora glances at me nervously, and I force a smile. I don’t miss the way her brows flinch, offering me an apology that she can’t voice right now. I haven’t seen my mum since that New Year’s Eve ten years ago when she showed up at Cam’s house, and although I try every day not to think about her, the truth is, being in London reminds me of her a lot. It’s just been a while since anyone but me or my therapist have talked about her, and I’m a little caught off guard.
Zoey quickly reads the room and changes the subject, smiling warmly at me. “So tell me about this amazing charity you want to set up.”
My shoulders instantly relax, and my breathing evens out as I think about everything I’m here to discuss tonight.
“I want to help children in London who either don’t have access to therapy or have been refused help because it’s so overburdened. The kids who have been in situations where one or both of their parents have fallen victim to drugs or domestic violence.” I take a second to swallow and collect my thoughts as they race through my brain.
“I know not everyone has people who can help them and plenty of kids end up in the system. I was lucky I had family…” I glance over at Nora, who is smiling proudly at me. “So, I want to provide free therapy for extended families who take those children into their homes or foster families who need additional support.”
“I want it to be big, big enough that it’ll make an impact on the mental health of the children who need it the most and ensure they have access to the tools to help them deal with fractured relationships. Hopefully, we can do this by giving them the ability to form healthy relationships and not repeat the same abusive/addict behaviours they were subjected to. But I need to know the ins and outs of how to set up a charity and I know you’ve done that with your animal shelter.”
Zoey listens intently and then her face softens as she smiles at me. “Jess, this is amazing, you know that right?” Emotion clouding her bright blue eyes. “Sorry, I don’t mean to get all… ugh, gross, emotions,” she laughs lightly, fanning her face, whilst I try and stop the same tears forming in my eyes too. We lock eyes and laugh at each other. “Anyway, I can definitely help. I’m happy to walk you through exactly what you need to set up the charity itself. I even have a few connections with some foster families because the children they look after volunteer and visit the shelter to see the animals.”
I hold her gaze, hoping she knows how grateful I am to have her help. “Thank you so much, Zo.”
She waves her hand in dismissal. “What are friends for?” She shrugs, smiling at me. “I’ll come by your hotel for lunch, and we can get started then. Does Wednesday work?”
I nod, taking a sip of my water. “Wednesday is perfect.”
Nora and I are home and in our pyjamas before 11 pm. The comfort of taking my jeans off and putting on the rattiest, most worn pair of pyjamas is unrivalled.
PJ’s over BJ’s,I chuckle to myself. Although, it’s been a while since I’ve given one, so PJ’s definitely win.
Our soft cream, velvet sofa is far too comfy as I sit, flicking absently through my work emails, my eyes growing heavy. I’ve managed to set up my to do list for the morning and check some emails for a few prospective bride meetings that are in my calendar for tomorrow.
