Page 59 of One Day and Forever
Her eyes widened as the message got through. ‘Wait… with the naked stuff?’
Even in the tensest moments she could still make him laugh. ‘You don’t have to act so grossed out. There are a few million people in my fan club that might find the naked stuff appealing.’
Her mouth was now open and moving, but there was nothing coming out. He hadn’t thought this through for long enough to envisage what her reaction would be, but this definitely wasn’t it, so he immediately pressed on, desperately trying to reinforce his point.
‘I was just thinking about what Drea said, about us both being single at the same time. We’ll be in Hawaii for a few days together. Maybe we can… I don’t know. Start slow. Maybe see whether it’s something that could be a possibility for us. You’re always going on about the romcoms. Isn’t it always the good-looking best friend they end up with?’
She was still staring at him, eyes wide, stunned into silence.
That’s when Drea returned, plonked herself down on her chair, then immediately sensed the weird vibe as her gaze went from one of them to the other, and back.
‘Okay, what’s happening? What did I miss? She told you another secret, didn’t she? It’s the bondage, isn’t it? I fricking knew it the minute my black stilettos went missing.’
30
ALICE
It had taken until they were halfway to the airport before Alice’s heart rate had returned to anywhere near normal. As soon as they’d left the home she’d once shared with Larry, Val had put her foot down and they’d raced back to her house to pick up Alice’s cases. On the way, Zac had filled Val in on all the details of his exchange with Larry McLenn.
‘What a relief,’ Val had said, and Alice heard her voice catching with emotion. ‘I was heartsore and worried for you. I’ll admit, I wasn’t on board with going to see him in the first place, but you were right, Zac, because if you hadn’t, you’d always wonder. But I can’t tell you the joy of knowing that you’re not related to that man. If I get to heaven and get a free pass to wipe someone off this earth, Larry McLenn will be the one.’
Despite the stress of the day, that had made Alice smile. ‘Do you have any evidence of these free passes, Val, or is it just a wish list item?’ she’d teased. Even in the semi-darkness of the car, Alice had spotted the side-eye that was coming her way.
‘If they’re not there when I arrive, they will be available as soon as I get the place sorted out,’ she’d joked, but Alice had decided there might just be an element of truth in there.
When they’d reached the house, they’d raced inside, and picked up her travel bag.
‘Okay, have you got everything?’ Val had demanded. ‘All your IDs – passport, driving licence, Tesco Clubcard. And your purse. And where’s your jewellery? Have you put one of those Air Tig thingies in your jewellery bag?’
A year ago, Val had lost her most precious possessions while travelling and it had scarred her for life. She’d then been introduced to the power of tracking devices and never left home without them. ‘AirTag,’ Alice had corrected the title. ‘And yes, one in my purse, one in my bag, one in my jewellery…’
Val had ticked them off on her fingers. ‘And pop one in your bra, just in case you get lost. Me and the Jeep will come save you.’
Alice didn’t doubt it for a second.
Zac – lovely guy that he was – had grabbed the suitcases and lugged them down the path and into the back of the Jeep. She’d checked her watch – they were cutting it fine, but they should make it with about twenty minutes to spare.
Now that they were well on the road and making good time, Alice could begin to breathe normally again. The relief was still coursing through her. Larry wasn’t Zac’s father. Morag hadn’t done the unthinkable. Now Alice could go back to thinking of her friendship with both joy that it had happened and regret that they’d let it go. And unless she ever learned differently, she was also going back to her previous belief that they’d lost touch because youth, time and distance had got in the way.
‘Val, there’s one more thing about what happened at Larry’s house that we have to tell you. When we got there, Larry wasn’t in…’
‘You know, I thought I saw him staggering down the street after you arrived, but I thought I had to be mistaken. Who let you in then?’
Alice’s jaw clenched at the memory.
‘Sandra.’
‘No! She’s still with him?’
Alice nodded. ‘She is. And, Val, what a state she’s in.’ She went on to recount the whole story, and with every detail, Val’s jaw set firmer, and her knuckles got tighter on the steering wheel.
‘He’s a horrible bastard, he truly is.’
‘He is.’
‘And it’s a credit to you that you want to help her.’
‘I couldn’t leave anyone in that position, Val. Problem is, she doesn’t want my help. I’m going to give Bernadette a call in the morning and see what she thinks. Maybe the group can do something to help. Meanwhile, I’ve given Sandra my number and told her to call day or night. She’s not ready yet, but hopefully it won’t be long.’
