Page 35 of Coming Home to Crumbleton

‘Wasn’t I always?’ said Caroline with a shrug.

‘Fair point,’ said Oli. ‘You know – dad wasn’t that bad. Just strict… he always did what was best for me.’

‘He always did what he thought was best,’ countered Caroline. ‘It doesn’t mean he got it right very often.’

‘Yeah well… no point running through all the “what ifs” now,’ said Oli. ‘I’ve wasted enough time doing that, and all it does is give you a headache.’

‘Fair enough,’ said Caroline.

‘Dad told me everything, you know,’ he said. ‘Before he died, I mean.’

‘Everything?’ said Caroline.

‘That he was the one who told Ruby not to contact me,’ said Oli with a sigh. ‘He told her she’d be holding me back – ruining my life. And he basically told me I’d be doing the same to her. He admitted he was the reason she never got in touch or took my calls… that he was the one who split us up. He apologised.’

Oli paused and watched as Caroline chewed her lip – looking like she was half sorry for him and half ready to punch a wall.

‘Well,’ she huffed, ‘at least he said something.’

‘Yeah well – that’s in the past,’ said Oli. ‘The only “what if” I’m interested in right now is whether Ruby’s going to turn up today or do another runner on me.’ Oli paused and gulped down the last few mouthfuls of his already-cold coffee.

‘Well… I have to hand it to you,’ chuckled Caroline, ‘you’ve managed to time the whole thing for maximum implosion-factor if it all goes wrong!’

‘What do you mean?’ muttered Oli. He wasn’t sure he wanted to hear the answer.

‘Just imagine how awkward tomorrow’s event will be if today’s date crashes and burns!’ said Caroline.

‘Dude… at least try saying it without that twinkle in your eye!’ said Oli.

‘My bad,’ she said with a grin, grabbing her phone as it vibrated against the desk.

‘What?’ said Oli, having to restrain himself from grabbing the thing right out of her hands. ‘Is it her? What does she say?’

‘Looks like our girl is as ridiculous as you, cuz,’ said Caroline, her eyes flicking down the screen.

‘She’s coming?’ said Oli, annoyed at how strained he sounded.

‘Looks like it!’ Caroline nodded.

Oli let out a huge sigh of relief, feeling equal measures terrified and excited. ‘I think my head’s going to explode.’

‘You’ve only got yourself to blame!’ said Caroline. ‘You’re the one who came up with this hair-brained plan!’

‘You do think she’ll like it, though?’ he said, scrambling to his feet.

‘Well…’ said Caroline, ‘I guess you’ll find out, won’t you!’

CHAPTER 16

RUBY

Ruby cracked her eyes open and, for a brief moment, wondered where on Earth she was. Half sitting up in bed, she stared around. Piles of notebooks, posters on the walls, and soft vintage bedding. Of course - she was home - back in Crumbleton under her parents’ roof.

Heaving a huge sigh, she flopped back down into the pillows and sneezed as a puff of dust tickled her nose. Shuffling over onto her side, she came face-to-face with the jug of yellow roses on her bedside table. A small smile appeared on her face - even as something squirmy wriggled in her stomach. Suddenly, the previous evening came back to her.

Roses from Oli.

The drink with Oli.

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