Page 4 of My Best Friend's Brother

I loved dogs.

I cleared up, leaving a mug out for my dad with a tea bag in it. My mum left him years ago for another man, and I decided to stay with him. Mum and I didn’t get on, but dad and I were cut from the same cloth.

We just gelled.

I showered quickly, packing a bag with overnight things before heading out to my little Ford Ka. It was silver with matching bumpers, and I loved it. She took a while to start, but I soon backed out of the drive and sang along to my tunes.

Ellie lived about fifteen minutes from mine, and I made it there just under that. My phone rang as I dragged my bag from the passenger side, and I saw it was Carlisle.

“Hello?” I couldn’t help but be sharp. I was sick of getting whiplash from him changing our plans last minute.

“Baby,” he drawled, and I melted at his husky voice. “Did you get home okay?”

A bit late to ask me that now, no?

“Yeah, I got home on the bus. So you’re out tonight?”

“Don’t be mad,” he sighed, knowing I am.

“I was looking forward to it, Car,” I huffed, walking through the narrow pathway that led to Ellie’s house. “Then I come out of work, and you text me that.”

“I know, baby, I do. I’m sorry.”

But you’re not.

“Couldn’t you have said you made plans?” I asked, leaning down to scratch Jeff, Ellie’s cat. His fur was sticking up in different directions, and he looked exhausted.

I feel you, Jeff.

“Yeah, I could’ve, Jess,” Carlisle snapped. “But I’m not just your boyfriend. I’ve got mates.”

“I’m not having this argument with you again,” I said, walking into Ellie’s house.

This was the sort of relationship we had, she walked into my house without knocking, and I did the same. So she’s like my extended family.

“Why start it then? Why can’t you be cool? I see you all the fucking time.”

I closed my eyes as Jeff purred at my feet, winding in between my legs.

“I don’t—”

“I’m going,” Carlisle said coldly, and I felt the familiar stab of anxiety in my chest.

“I love you,” I whispered as I heard thundering steps on the stairs beside me.

“Hey, you’re here!” Ellie grinned. “I thought it was you.”

“Love you too, babe. See you tomorrow, yeah?”

You’ll be too hungover.

He didn’t wait for my answer and hung up.

“Was that Dickhead?” Ellie asked innocently, her eyes wide. She wore her hair pulled into a tight ponytail, and I noticed she was wearing her running gear.

“Ooh, did you run?” I smiled, shoving my phone into my bag.

“I did, only half a mile, but you know,” Ellie shrugged, pushing open her lounge door.

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