Page 49 of The Way We Fell

“No, about the other you. Yes, dummy,” she laughs, digging her toes lightly against the top of my foot.

“Okay. Uh—I’m the reason Ruth wanted to become a lawyer.”

“Nuh-uh.” She makes a noise like a game show buzzer. “I knew that. Try again.”

“When I was a kid—I mean, like five or six—I wanted to be a butcher, like my dad. And then I found out that meat is animals, and I went vegetarian until I was about eight.”

“That’s sweet, though. Why didn’t you stay veggie?”

“Burgers, Katy.” I roll my eyes, even though we’re facing the same direction and she can’t see my face. “And Mum was pregnant with Roo, it was hard enough for them already, running the two businesses. It just reached the point where it was easier for me too. And I missed Granny Bevan’s Friday Chicky Bits.”

“I’m gonna need to know the full story about this sometime. Chicky Bits.” A quiet snort leaves her lips as she struggles not to laugh.

“Absolutely not,” I laugh, tightening my hold on her. “That’s a family secret.”

“I’ll infiltrate,” she laughs, and I find myself laughing along with her. That’s the thing about Katy Keller—she’s infectious. It’s impossible not to smile when she’s smiling at you, to laugh when she laughs. It’s impossible not to feel everything she brings out in me.

“Your turn, Princess.”

“Hmm?”

“Quid pro quo. If I’m answering the question, so are you. Tell me something I don’t know about you.”

“I don’t know, I’m pretty boring,” she says with a self-deprecating laugh.

“I happen to find you very interesting,” I say, lowering my mouth to her ear. She shivers, and I can’t help but wonder what her skin might taste like if I were bold enough to press my lips to it. If I were brave enough. Young enough. Untroubled.

“You know I was there when Maisy was born? I caught her. I was the first person in the world to hold her.”

“Ruth emailed me afterwards. Told me all about it. In gory detail, too. Sorry, Princess. Try again.”

Katy’s quiet for a beat, considering her words.

“When we were in uni, Amie spent a year in Madrid. One time, me, Roo, and Paloma flew out to see her for a few days. Anyway, we were on the plane and I went for a wee, except, it turns out I didn’t lock the door properly. This old guy shoves the door open and there I am, hot pink knickers around my ankles, probably the same shade of pink on my face. And if youevertell anyone, they’ll never find your body.”

“Your secret’s safe with me, Princess,” I say, my body shaking with laughter.

“It better be,” she says, and then sighs happily. “You make a comfortable pillow, Bevan. Anyone ever tell you that?”

“Nope,” I say. “Glad to be of service. Only for you, though.”

Only for you, Katy Keller.

Katy hums again, rolling her shoulders against me and settling down. After a few minutes, her breathing slows, and I realise she’s fallen asleep.

I lied when I told her I’d go camping. Because if I could go anywhere in the world right now, I’d stay right here, with her in my arms.

Chapter twenty-four

Katy

Barelyaweekafterbeing accepted onto the counselling course, I have my first class timetable, with my very first session scheduled only a few days from now. It’s all happening so fast, I almost have whiplash. I’ve almost backed out twice already. But I need to do this. I’m ready to do this.

But first, I need school supplies.

“Katy!” Paloma squeals my name and totters over to me in heeled Chelsea boots, bending at the waist to hug me. With the extra couple of inches from her heels, and my flat-soled trainers, our height difference is comical. Ruth’s hug is next, and then Amie’s. It’s been months since the four of us have had a girly shopping day together. We planned this one a while ago, as soon as Amie and I knew what shifts we’d be working, and I’ve been looking forward to it for weeks.

“I love my daughter, but holy fuck, I am so glad to be away from her today,” Amie complains with a dry laugh. “She has been testing my patience for the last two days, and I’m about to put her in the bin.”

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