Page 9 of Midnight Wishes

‘He made you finish in about three minutes. Has anyone ever done that? On a bathroom sink or otherwise?’

Zoe knew full well the answer to that was no. Not without assistance.

‘There was that time with Lola when she used the finger vibe…’

‘Which had very little to do with Lola and everything to do with the vibrator, babe. Although I appreciated the recommendation afterwards. But if you’re comparing hisprowess to a sex toy, I think you’re only further proving my point.’

Sarah sighed, enjoying the dappled sunlight moving over her skin. She was itching to do some nature studies in the park now that summer had well and truly hit. ‘We’ve agreed that they never need to know.’

Zoe snorted. ‘Yeah, that’s going to go well.’

At least she wouldn’t have to see him that morning.

Something had been circling in her mind. Alex’s girlfriend sitting around upstairs instead of joining for dinner felt a weird move to start with, but even more so if she was choosing to be there but not around. Which suggested she might live there. Which suggested a relationship longer than the three months since they’d hooked up.

She’d tried to remember if Abby or Erik had ever mentioned a partner and come up short. But as she combed through her brain, bits of conversation came back to her.We went for a walk with Celine, one night when Erik had come home late from a dinner with Alex.Celine charged in and stole my burger, after a family barbecue. When she was fully drawn into a painting, it was normal for her to only half engage with a conversation. The fact that she could recall those snatches at all was a miracle.

Sarah knew not all relationships looked the same, and it was entirely possible that his girlfriend was fine with him finding a bit of fun for the night, but if she wasn’t…

Sarah also knew it wasn’t her fault if he had cheated. But that did little to settle the gnawing guilt in her stomach.

When they were a street away, she texted Abby to come outside.

Minutes later, Alex successfully avoided, they were speeding down the M1 towards Sarah’s mum’s house.

‘I’m so glad your mum can fit us in,’ Abby said, leaning forwards to poke her head between the two front seats. ‘I’ve wanted her to make my wedding dress since we had that Halloween party in second year, and she made thatincrediblepirate dress for you.’

It had been spectacular. A frothy, lacy skirt pulled up on one side, exposing more leg than she’d ever been comfortable showing before. A corset that had simultaneously put her boobs on display and kept them secure. It was the first time in her life Sarah had feltsexy.

As for Abby’s wedding dress, there was never a question around her mum making it. She loved Abby and had heard plenty about Erik over the years. When Sarah told her mum they’d finally got together, her first question had been, ‘How long before they get married, do you think?’

‘You know I didn’t care too much about the venue,’ Abby continued. ‘We could get a fast food company to do the catering, and I wouldn’t blink. We’re probably just going to make a mega-long playlist instead of bothering with a DJ or a band. But I’ve been dreaming about my dress since I was seven—’

‘And you and Erik went to your cousin’s wedding, and you thought it was magical, and he decided he was going to marry you,’ Zoe finished.

Abby winced, an apologetic look shooting across her face. ‘I talk about him too much, don’t I?’

‘You’re in love. It’s sweet.’ Sarah shrugged.

Despite the pain it sometimes caused, seeing her friend so unabashedly happy was undoubtedly good for Sarah’s soul. It was a stark contrast to the way Abby had struggled with her mental health in the years since they’d met.

‘Besides,’ Sarah said, ‘Zoe’s just bitter that the closest thing she has to a long-term relationship is pretending she doesn’t want to fuck her co-worker.’

Zoe shot her a glare, and Sarah promptly shut up, remembering that all five foot five of her friend was in her confidence, currently.

‘It’s also a relief that you don’t have to pretend to deny it anymore.Thatwas frustrating,’ Zoe offered.

Abby let the comment wash over her. They’d already teased her endlessly on the subject. ‘I’m not going to ask Zoe about the office demon—’

‘Igot up early to drive everyone. Why amIbeing dragged today?’ Zoe muttered.

‘—but how about you?’ Abby directed at Sarah. ‘It’s been ages since Gregg. Think you’re ready to find someone new?’

Ah, people in relationships. When they found their effortless bliss, they assumed it was as easy for everyone else.

A shock of blonde hair against her neck flashed through her mind, entirely unbidden.Not him,she scolded herself mentally.

And as if Abby could read her mind, she continued, ‘What about that guy you hooked up with while I was on holiday with my parents? You didn’t get his number?’

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