Page 19 of Chasing Storm
I frown. “What? Just you two?” I feel unnaturally perturbed by that.
“No, doofus, all of us. But he meant you specifically. So shall we go and meet up? Could be fun?”
“I can’t afford it even if I did want to go. I spent way over my budget last night.”
“If you moved to a cheaper flat, you’d have more money. Or back in with your parents, even.”
“I don’t want to. I love it here, and don’t you start. I’ve already had Mum on at me again today.”
Cass shrugs, not willing to die on that hill. She still lives with her parents, and that’s great for her. But it’s not for me.
“He hasn’t even messaged yet, so you have time to think about it.”
“Look, you can go, but leave me out of it. I want nothing to do with him or any of them. Even Josh is a bit of a weirdo.”
“How so? I think he’s kinda cute.”
“Cute, yes, but a bit bumbling and just as much of a player as JP and Thatcher.”
“True, true. Anyway, enough about them. If you aren’t interested, far be it for me to push you on them. I just thought it was funny that he came snooping around.” She lets out a loud laugh. “It was so obvious!”
I giggle as well, feeling a bit flattered that he took time out of his day, even if it was to dig up information that he would probably use in my downfall.
“Put a film on, I’ll get the pizza.” I stand up and head to the kitchen. “Something with Hugh Grant. I’m in the mood for posh and gorgeous.”
“Hmm, wonder why?” she calls back but gets up to do as I ask.
I stick my tongue out at her back and then bend to open the oven and pull the pizza out. Not as big or tasty as a takeaway, but not bad for two pounds at the Co-op.
“Should we call the others?” Cass asks when I return with sliced pizza and a couple of cans of pop.
“Nah, too late now. I want to watch, forget, eat, and be with my bestie.”
“Aww,” she says with a big beam. “Me too.”
We share a smile before we dive in.
The night is perfect, with the cool breeze floating in through the open window and a light dusting of stars in the sky to illuminate the darkness.
After the pizza, we grab the soft throw blanket draped across the back of the sofa and settle down with a variety of snacks spread out – biscuits, crisps and a big bar of chocolate that I was saving for a day like today.
We sit back and watch in rapt attention, munching on snacks, sipping our drinks, and occasionally shouting out comments as the romance unfolds on the screen of the Rom-Com we’ve watched a thousand times.
“Stay?” I ask her when the film finishes, and we put on another one.
“You feeling needy?” she replies. “I know a hot guy who will probably come over and share your bed with you.”
“Eww.” I almost gag at the thought.
“Yeah, I’ll stay,” she says. “Got any more chocolate?”
“Always,” I say and dive into the kitchen to grab the fun-sized bag of Mars bars.
13
THATCHER
Iwake up in the early afternoon to the light streaming through my open window. My head feels strangely clear and refreshed, in stark contrast to the dreary, hungover feeling I had this morning. I feel lighter and more energised than ever before. Probably down to the dream I was having about Storm Rivers. She was standing under a waterfall on a hot tropical island with that top on with the laces. She was soaked, her hair down her back, her tits visible through the see-through fabric. Her nipples peaked and ready to suck. She beckoned me closer, and I waded through the pool at the base of the waterfall, gathering her to me as I kissed her deeply.
