Page 51 of Life After

“Can we do this inside rather than on the doorstep?” Suzanne stepped aside, only to frown when Jen stood frozen in place in the garden. “What is it?” Suzanne followed her line of sight. Tracy was standing at the far end of the hallway. “Ah.”

“I’ll come back some other time,” Jen said, half turning. “I didn’t realise you had company. Sorry.” Suzanne watched, mouth agape, as Jen turned away and walked down the path.

“Jen Fletcher. Get your arse inside this house now.” Tracy’s voice boomed through the air.

When Jen stopped in her tracks and hung her head, Suzanne rushed outside and took her by the hand. When she turned Jen around to face her, Suzanne brought her other hand up to her jawline. “Please don’t leave. I can’t bear to watch you walk away again.”

“I-I was going to come back. Just when it was more convenient.”

“Nowisconvenient.” Suzanne gave Jen a pleading look. If she had to show how desperate she was, then she would do that. Suzanne wasn’t fucking about here. ShewantedJen back. “Come inside.”

“I really don’t think it’s a good idea while Tracy is here. As lovely as she is, I don’t want to sit around feeling as though she’s watching my every move.”

“She won’t. I’ll ask her to leave.”

Jen sighed and shook her head. “No, don’t do that. She’s your best friend. I can come back another time. It’s fine, really.”

Suzanne held onto Jen’s hand, refusing to let go. There was no way Jen was leaving right now. Suzanne hadn’t slept last night, wondering if she would eventually show. Now that she had, she was staying. That was that. “I really need you to stay, Jen. Please.”

Jen slowly nodded as she chewed her lip. “Okay, but we really can just do this another time.”

“We can’t.” Suzanne guided Jen back up the garden path. “Another time isn’t an option. I miss you too much.”

Breathing a sigh of relief as Jen stepped inside the house and closed the door, Suzanne gave Tracy a knowing look and waited for her to go back into the living room. Suzanne turned back to Jen when she knew they were alone and pressed her to the back of the door.

“I know I don’t deserve another chance, but I’m begging you for one, Jen. Ineedanother chance with you if it’s the last thing I ever do.” She feathered her fingertips across Jen’s cheek and smiled. “I know this isn’t going to just go away suddenly, but I want to work at getting us back to that place we were in.”

“I…want that, too.”

Suzanne’s entire body relaxed at that confirmation. She hadn’t known just how much she needed to hear it. “Thank you.”

“I can’t promise I won’t lose my head in the coming days or whatever, but I think it’s important that we at least have a serious conversation about everything.”

Suzanne could work with that for the time being. But for now, she just wanted to look at Jen and appreciate her. She just wanted to sit in the silence with her hand in Jen’s. Anything simple wasallshe needed right now. “We can do that.” Suzanne pulled Jen away from the door and smiled. “Come on. This place has been too quiet without you.”

Jen managed a tight smile, but Suzanne knew she was going to need far more convincing. As they both landed in the living room, Tracy was putting her jacket on. Jen and Tracy watched each other, but it was Jen who spoke up first.

“Don’t leave because I’m here.”

Tracy grabbed her bag and smiled. “Trust me. I know I won’t be welcome here in the next five minutes. I’m saving Suzanne the pleasure of kicking me out.”

Suzanne laughed. “You know me so well.”

“And, uh,” Tracy paused as she looked at Jen. “I’m sorry that I kinda caused all of this between you.”

“You didn’t. I should have been upfront with Suzanne from the moment we met. The past always comes back to bite you otherwise.” Jen dragged a hand through her hair and then removed her coat. “It’s good to see you, though. Hope work isn’t too…you know.”

“Rough?” Tracy asked, brow quirked. “It’s as rough as ever, Jen. I don’t have anyone to chat to anymore now that you’re gone.”

Jen puffed out her cheeks. “Well, I’d offer to come back to keep you company, but I’d rather stick hot pins in my eyes.”

Tracy nodded as she laughed. “Figured that would be your response.” She stepped towards Suzanne and kissed her on the cheek. “Enjoy your night. Sort all of this out, and then call me when you want to get dinner together.”

“I will. And thanks for understanding.” That was the beauty of this friendship. Suzanne didn’t even have to ask Tracy to leave. They just knew what was required of one another.

Tracy turned to Jen. “You look great, Jen. Keep up whatever it is you’re doing, and I’ll see you soon. Preferably with Suzanne.”

“Thanks, Tracy.” Jen’s smile was a little wider than when she arrived. It only sent Suzanne’s heart rate soaring. Her smile always did. “Take care.”

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