Page 24 of Losing the Forbidden
“Stop it. Stop trying to distract me. I just want to help, and I can’t do that if you won’t talk to me.”
I bite my tongue and refrain from telling her that I managed just fine before she turned up and insisted on trying to find out more about me.
“I slept with her. Happy now?”
Liv gasps. “But you said she had a—”
“I know. Trust me, I know. But it…it just happened.”
“I told you she didn’t hate you,” she says with a laugh, trying to lighten the mood.
“No, I’m pretty sure she does. I’m also pretty sure she regrets every second with me last night.” I let out a long sigh as I recall her words this morning.
Liv places her hand on my shoulder and squeezes gently. “Everything will be okay.”
“How can you be so positive all the time?”
“I just have a feeling. Fucking hell, is this where you live?” Her tone suddenly changes as I pull up to the gates in front of the house I used to call home and they open slowly. “You’re rich?”
“I’m not, no. My mum is though, I guess. The only money I have is that arsehole’s dirty money.”
A shiver runs down my spine as I’m reminded of some of the things Erica said to me earlier. The reality is that Mum might not have anything. My stomach twists and I feel sick at the thought of him leaving her and Lauren with nothing. After all the bullshit he pulled, that would just be the tip of the iceberg. I always suspected that he only married Mum to get his hands on the business and the money that came with it. Him leaving it on the edge of bankruptcy is only more evidence that I was right all along.
Mum’s car is sitting in the drive as I expected, but I suck in a breath when I see another next to it.
“Shit.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Lauren’s here. I thought she’d gone back home.”
“We can go somewhere else. Find a hotel and meet later…”
She trails off and I look over at her. She’s been nothing but incredible since we met. I’ll feel even more of an arsehole than I usually do if I turn them all away now. They’ve come here because they want to help. It’s time I stopped running and embraced the real me.
“No, it’s fine. Come on.”
I jump out of the car as Dec brings his van to a stop behind me. Liam nods and I give him a weak smile.
“What are you so worried about? The guys will love you whether you’re surfing in Devon or running an empire in London. Just chill, yeah?”
“Well, this wasn’t quite what I was expecting. It’s practically a fucking mansion,” Dec says, helping Nicole from the van.
“I guess,” I mutter. I always knew we were well off; but having gone to private school with even more privileged and wealthy kids, my house never seemed all that impressive.
They all follow me in, stopping to take their shoes off, unlike me who just traipses through towards the kitchen.
“Are you sure that’s the best way to go about it?” I hear Mum ask as I get to the doorway.
Lauren’s mouth opens to respond, but before she gets a chance, she must sense my presence. Her eyes find mine and anger twists her features. “I need to leave.”
“Lauren, this is your home.”
“No, Jenny. It’s your home.” She flicks another look my way. “And his. It’s best I get out of your way.”
“Thank you, Lauren. For everything. I know your dad’s no longer…” she trails off, sadness clouding her features. “Just…don’t be a stranger.”
I watch as they embrace while the others come to a stop behind me.
