Page 75 of Chase

“What’s the plan?” Ally asks.

“We need to get supplies and go to her house,” I tell them.

“That won’t work. Her dad isn’t our biggest fan and from what Julia told me, he’s been around a lot more this week,” Arden says again.

“Her dad won’t be a problem. He’s here talking to Mum. She pretty much told him to trust us. He’s not happy, but he isn’t going to get in the way,” I explain to them, giving them the short version of the conversation that was just had.

“Okay, so what supplies do you want us to get?” Ally asks.

“Snacks, dinner, drinks. The usual. You guys know what she likes.”

“I don’t think Chinese is a good idea. Should we do pizza instead?” Rhys asks.

“Good idea.” Rhys told me he spoke to her this week and they’ve worked out some of their issues. It’s nice to see he’s making an effort.

“I had Martha make brownies and muffins in the hope that we’d be beating down her door this weekend,” Arden adds.

Ally laughs at him.

“We’re not beating down her door,” she says to Arden. “Wait… that’s not the plan is it?” Ally asks sounding a little worried.

It’s my turn to laugh.

“No, we aren’t beating down her door. She’ll let us in,” I say confidently.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure. She may not realise it, but deep down she’s expecting us. She just doesn’t know when.”

“Okay,” Ally agrees hesitantly.

“We’ll meet you at your place in half an hour,” Arden tells me.

“Okay. See you soon.”

***

“I’m not wearing them,” Rhys says walking into the lounge room.

“Wearing what?” I ask standing to greet my friends.

“Those. I have a reputation to maintain,” Rhys says pointing to the bag that Arden is holding. Arden throws me the bag.

“It’s a good idea. She’ll love it,” Arden replies.

Slowly opening the bag, I look inside and then back up to Arden. I don’t know what the hell he was thinking. But we’re definitely doing it. Reputation be damned.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Yasmin

I’m in the kitchen washing up when there’s a knock at the door.

“I’ll get it,” Millie calls from the living room.

Dad’s working tonight. He messaged before and asked if it was okay. Given it’s a Friday night and I planned to spend the night reading, I didn’t really care. It’s the first time he’s ever asked. I appreciate the effort he’s making with us. It’s slowly restoring my faith in the fact that he will be there for Millie next year.

“Ummm Yasmin, it’s for you,” Millie calls out. I can hear the laughter in her voice. I grab a tea towel to wipe my hands while I walk towards the front door.

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