Page 51 of Strawberry Kisses

We finally extracted ourselves from the kitchen and headed for the car. When we drove past the house, my parents were stood by the back door, waving at us.

“Your family are so nice,” Connor said as I turned the car down the driveaway and headed towards the winding road that would lead us back to the motorway.

“Yeah, they are. I love them even if they drive me crazy.”

Connor nodded. “I think families are supposed to do that. In a good way though.”

We settled into the drive, Connor flicking through Spotify and singing along happily as we made our way through Devon and back towards the motorway to head North. I was glad we’d waited until Monday to leave because now it was mid-morning and there wasn’t much traffic. At this rate, we’d be home by mid-afternoon at the latest. Then I’d be able to spend the rest of the day freaking out and trying to figure out what the hell I did next.

I wondered if I’d get any sleep before I had to go back to work tomorrow.

“Oh shit!” Connor exclaimed. He sat bolt upright in the passenger seat suddenly looking at his phone like it had bitten him.

“Something wrong?” I asked, trying not to take my eyes off the road.

“Yeah. Maybe?” He laughed nervously. “I just got a Facebook notification from the East Midlands Pole Championships that they’re going to be sending out emails about whether we’ve made the finals in the next hour.”

“It’s going to be fine. I promise.” I tried to keep my voice as reassuring as possible. “You’re an awesome dancer, you put together an amazing routine, and they’re going to love it. And you’re going to go there and win and blow everyone’s minds.”

“Thanks, babe.” Connor sighed. Out of the corner of my eye I saw him fiddling with his phone. “I mean, I know the routine is great. Maybe not my best ever, but still really fucking good. But the competition got lots of entries this year and there were some really fucking talented people submitting, and there are only six places in the final.”

“I’m sure it’s going to be great.” I glanced at a nearby road sign. “There’s a services with a Costa a couple of miles away, want to stop and get coffee?”

“Honestly, Patrick, you are a literal angel!”

“So that’s a yes then?

“Obviously.”

The services wasn’t busy, so we didn’t have to queue long to get drinks. Connor got another salted caramel coffee monstrosity topped with whipped cream. There was even caramel sauce drizzled around the side of the cup. It made him happy, and I wasn’t going to complain as long as he didn’t make me drink it. I wasn’t a huge coffee drinker, so instead I settled on a frozen mango and passionfruit drink that was sweet and refreshing without melting my teeth.

We sat on some benches outside to drink them, enjoying the morning sunshine. It was nice to stretch my legs and switch off for a few minutes before we had to get back on the motorway. I hadn’t done this much driving in years, and I’d forgotten how knackering it was. Maybe next time I went to visit my parents I’d take the train, even though the route was a pain in the ass and took forever, at least I wouldn’t have to concentrate.

“Oh!” Connor let out a sharp intake of breath from next to me. “I got an email.”

“And?” I held my breath, crossing my fingers on the hand Connor couldn’t see. I watched him carefully as he clicked on the notification and scanned the email. I saw his face fall, and I knew what the answer was before he opened his mouth.

Bollocks.

“I… I didn’t get in.” Connor’s voice was soft and laced with shock. I knew he’d said he was worried, but saying you might not get in and then actually not making it were two different things.

“I’m so sorry, babe,” I said, putting my arm around his shoulder and pulling him against me. I pressed a kiss to the top of his hair, breathing in the scent of the honey and macadamia shampoo he’d used. “Did they say why?”

“No, they don’t give individual feedback. They just said they got a lot of entries, all very high quality, blah blah blah.” Connor sighed. “Fuck, this sucks ass. I’ve never had this happen before.”

“I know,” I said quietly.

“God, that makes me sound like such a huge fucking asshole, but I’ve always made the finals for competitions. I mean, if it was Chrome Stars then I’d have expected it because that competition is fucking huge! But this is just the East Mids championships… I just… Ugh, whatever I say is just going to make me look like a salty bitch.”

“It’s okay. You can be as salty as you want with me.”

“Thanks, babe. You’re the best.” Connor stared down at his phone, looking utterly miserable. I squeezed him tighter, wishing there was a way I could make him feel better. I couldn’t imagine how much it sucked not to get in, especially when he’d wanted it so much.

“Oh God,” Connor said. “Levi’s asking if I got in. Would it be terrible if I ignored him?”

“No, of course not.”

“Good, then I’m not even going to open it. I’m just going to wallow in my misery a little longer.” He sucked on the straw of his drink, slurping up the last dregs of cream and coffee. My eyes were suddenly transfixed on the way his lips were wrapped around the paper. Maybe there was one way I could make it up to him… but we’d have to get home first.

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