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‘This is fucking amazing! Enjoy the party - I’m off for a spin.’ She closes the door, ignoring his threats that she better fucking be at the party as it was her fucking idea or something along those lines. She waves at him and pulls out of the parking spot, laughing as he flicks her the bird as she drives away.
∞
Tate leans against the counter and watches his family and friends eat and drink him out of house and home. Chloe and his mum weave through the guests, each holding a plate of food, stopping to talk to anyone they pass.
He’ll never know how he managed to find and hang on to someone like Chloe. Since that first day on the beach when she burst into his life, she’s been changing it and him for the better. He has no doubts this year would have ended very differently if not for Chloe.
He looks down at the inside of his left arm. For the first time in months, the skin is clear. He also managed to get on top of the scratching before he permanently damaged the tattoo. Again, thanks to Chloe.
She looks over at him and smiles widely. He points to his watch then gestures towards his crotch. She laughs and walks away, swinging her gorgeous ass.
He curses when he gets an elbow in his ribs. Shane leans against the counter beside him and looks over the room.
‘Not a bad party. Is this going to be a regular thing now?’
‘That depends on Chloe. No way I’m volunteering to do this on a regular basis. They’re like a bunch of savages.’
‘Ah quit complaining. It’s going well. Look.’ He points to the far side of the room. ‘Gary is having a one-on-one with the tree.’
Tate laughs when he sees Gary raise his glass and toast the ten-foot tree. ‘Worrying that’s how we decide if it’s a good party or not.’
Shane nods towards Chloe. ‘I really like her. She’s a good one, Tate.’
‘I know she is.’
‘You love her?’
‘Yeah, I do.’
‘Well, well, well. My baby brother is finally growing up.’
‘Oh shut up.’
Shane gestures across the room to Gregg, Dillon, and Luke laughing with some of his cousins. ‘What’s the deal with Gregg?’
‘Generally or tonight?’
‘Tonight you idiot. He’s wearing a shirt. I can’t remember the last time I saw him in anything other than a t-shirt. He’s made an effort.’
Tate shrugs. ‘Christmas. Who knows?’
‘Or maybe he’s got his eye on someone.’
Tate looks around the room, quickly dismissing that idea. ‘In this lot? Can’t see it.’
‘Whatever the reason he’s made more of an effort than you have. And it’s your party.’
‘I’ve let this lot into my house. That’s the full extent of my effort for the evening.’
Shane opens the fridge and takes out two bottles of juice, passing one to Tate.
‘You can drink if you want.’
Shane shakes his head. ‘My beautiful wife needs a little of my attention when we’re done here. This will make sure I’m on my game.’
‘Yeah, thanks for that image.’
Shane grins and clinks bottles with Tate. ‘So, the girls want to see you tomorrow. You up for taking them for a few hours?’
