AllFreeNovel
Share Us
‘Of course it flipping matters! Now, let me put a bra on and we’ll head over to yours. Forgive me if I fall asleep in your bed while I’m waiting for you to choose an outfit, though. You know I’ve been up since 4 a.m.? Knocking on people’s doors when they’re trying to sleep, honestly. . .’ Chloe said, her head sinking into her crossed arms on the counter.
‘Awright, calm the ham.’
Chloe’s head sprung up. ‘Wait, you’ve texted her back, yeah? I’m not going through this again.’
Jen laughed as she landed a playful punch on her best friend’s arm. ‘Come on, I’ll pour us a wine.’
* * *
Jen had got here early,not wanting to risk being late, but it was now ten to nine. Holly obviously hadn’t had the same idea.
She’d been surprised to find both the close door and the roof door open and had expected to find Holly as she rounded the chimneys, her heart racing a thousand beats a minute. It had all but stopped, her shoulders drooping, her face falling flat, when she discovered she was alone. A few trips round the stacks to double check, but nope. No Holly.
Nothing left to do but wait.
She felt a little bad, being up here, and had no idea how Holly had managed to have the door open, but she took it as a good sign. Surely? There was forward planning here. She might not be here now, but she would be. Soon.
The sky wasn’t as psychedelic as the last time. This evening, the sunset played out in more reserved dusky greys, fading to a cool ink-blue. But Jen could still feel magic in the air. This was their spot. Her skin tingled at the memory of kissing Holly here.
She’d paired a simple T-shirt with her wet-look jeans. Holly hadn’t held back on expressing how much she liked them. Hopefully they would earn her extra points tonight.
Jen checked her phone before leaning her forearms on the railing.
She let out a wavering sigh.
Her stomach twisted. Was Holly going to ghost her? Or maybe if this was a break-up meeting she just wasn’t in a rush to get here.
But it was here: their place. Why not a coffee shop or somewhere neutral?
Sickness settled in Jen’s stomach.
All week she’d been imagining this moment. Holly turning up at her flat; Holly at her work. Bumping into Holly in the street. Any scenario when they could be close. Rekindle what they had.
She understood Holly’s hesitation, but what happened with Alison was out of her control. It was unfair to end things on someone else’s faults.
The door to the roof banged shut and Jen stood to attention. Where to put her hands? Oh God, how was she meant to stand? Her heart fluttered in her chest.
Should she hug Holly? Was this going to be awkward?
Jen pawed at her hair, her palms suddenly sweaty.
The sound of two guys chatting on the other side of the stacks brought her mood crashing to the ground.
Not Holly.
She found a bench among the greenery and plant pots and took a seat.
How long should she wait?
Fuck it.She sent Holly a text.
From her spot on the bench she could just make out the buildings resting against the sky, and the occasional blocks of yellow and white where top-storey lights were on. Jen’s eyes traced the outline, for want of something better to do.
What was the game plan if Holly didn’t turn up?
Her chest twinged at the thought. At some point she had to admit it was over.
Jen drummed her fingers on the bench. Nearly nine o’clock.
