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‘You go ahead– I just need to talk to Holly about something,’ Jen said, taking the final crate of miscellaneous cocktail paraphernalia through to the stockroom. She’d kitted out the counter with lots of props, but in reality all they needed were four shot glasses and a cutting board.
Chloe was unconvinced. ‘Talk, my arse,’ she said with a wink.
Holly’s muscles tensed. Had she done something wrong?
Box stashed, Jen locked the front door as she laughed to herself.
Holly didn’t move from her spot by the counter. ‘Is this because I was late? Sorry.’
‘What? No. Of course not.’
What else was there? The moody cow comment?
Jen leaned against the counter, the grin falling from her face as she looked at Holly. ‘You okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.’
‘I’m fine,’ she lied, her stomach twisting, and not just from tequila. ‘What do you want to talk about?’
Jen took her hand in hers, giving it a wee squeeze. ‘I was hoping for a snog, but something’s up.’
Ah.
She really wasn’t used to having a girlfriend who wasn’t set on messing with her head.
Holly felt heat rise up her neck. ‘I thought you were mad. I’ve totally gone and killed the buzz now. Sorry.’
Jen watched over Holly’s shoulder for a beat, studying the street through the shutters. ‘C’mon, let’s get away from prying eyes.’
Holly followed Jen to the stockroom. She leaned against the table in the middle, feeling like a prize idiot. Jen straddled her legs, putting her hands on Holly’s hips.
She had her serious eyes on again, the ones that could spark fires.
‘I bet I can guess who’s in your head,’ Jen said, kissing Holly’s brow. ‘And I have a message for her.’ She ducked to Holly’s ear, her voice a whisper. ‘Fuck off.’
Holly’s chest heaved with laughter. ‘If only it was that easy.’ She fixed her focus on the corner of the room, unable to match Jen’s gaze. ‘Sorry again.’
Suddenly she was back in London, being called out for not trying hard enough with Shona’s friends. Or if she did let go and be herself, showing Shona up, saying something that was apparently idiotic or embarrassing. She could never do anything right. Too quiet. Too loud. Too Holly.
‘You don’t need to say sorry.’ Jen wrapped her arms around her, pulling Holly into a tight hug as she kissed her head. ‘Did you really think I was mad?’
Holly nodded into Jen’s shoulder.
She sighed, and Holly could feel the tenderness in her embrace. She was annoyed at Shona, not Holly. Sometimes it was like Jen was in her head, knowing exactly what she needed, even when Holly was clueless herself.
Holly tensed her jaw, preparing to speak. Her throat was dry but she forced a gulp. ‘Old habits die hard, I guess. I know you’re not like her.’
Jen’s hold didn’t waver as she spoke into the top of Holly’s head. ‘Good. We’re team Jen and Holly now. I’m here to build you up, support you. I’m the one cheering you on, not tearing you down. And if life doesn't go to plan and the pieces fall apart, I’m here to hold you until they click back together.’ She burrowed her nose further into Holly’s hair. ‘And you do it for me. Or not. You call the shots, Hols. There’s no pressure.’
Emotion welled, as did the tears.
She couldn’t cry; the night would be ruined. Instead, she leaned into the embrace, focusing on Jen’s shallow breathing. Eventually, it felt safe to talk. ‘Why are you so nice to me?’
Jen smiled. ‘Because I like you. A lot.’
‘A lot, eh?’ Holly couldn’t help but grin.
‘Nearly as much as I like that skirt.’
Holly rose from the safety of Jen’s shoulder, meeting her tender gaze. Those eyes could calm a stormy sea with one look, no doubt about it.
