Page 19 of Rivers of Ink
“So, you had met her before?”
“Um, well, yes, sort of.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means I slept with her the night before Xander’s funeral.” He couldn’t bring himself to meet Aidy’s eyes. “And again, last night.”
There was a long silence as his words sunk in.
“You’re kidding me?”
“Aidy, I wouldn’t joke about something like that.”
His best friend sank down onto the chair and let out a hard breath. “Is this Isobel all over again?”
The situation was nothing like it had been between him and Isobel. She had been the one to do all the running, making it obvious she was interested in him, doing everything she could to make him go out with her. He wondered if she’d been the same way with Xander. He and Alicia had gravitated together, two lost souls who needed each other at exactly the right time. The more he thought about it, the more he wanted to make it official, to let everyone know that he had been able to move on.
“It’s nothing like that, Aidy,” he said. “Alicia came into my life at a point where I was really, really low. You know how I was after Xander died. When I met her, she seemed to breathe new life into me, made me laugh, have fun, everything I hadn’t been doing. I couldn’t tell you that after her interview because I didn’t know if she’d get the job or if I’d ever see her again. The more time we spend together, the more I want it to work out. She’s so different to Isobel.” He paused. “And at least I don’t have to worry about her getting it on with my brother.” Callan gave a harsh laugh, amused at his own dark humour.
“Then I’m happy for you, Cal, I really am.” Aidy stood up and went over to Callan, embracing him in a man-hug. “You do seem much happier now,” he added, releasing his friend. “Can I tell Wren about it?”
“I nearly told her earlier, so I’m glad you know now. You needed to hear it from me first.”
“Damn right I did!” Aidy’s face took on a serious expression. “Make sure that you don’t let it impact on the business too much, like you did before.”
“Of course, mate, you won’t notice any difference in our working relationship.”
“Glad to hear it, Cal, glad to hear it.”
11
It was three weeks since Alicia had started at The Unbound Soul and she already felt like she belonged there. At first, she had thought she would find it difficult working weekends, instead having time off in the week was an unexpected delight, and she was rapidly getting used to it. She and Callan had coffee together most mornings, and she was spending the majority of nights over at his place. Nell had warned her about the speed with which things were going. There were times when Alicia agreed with her. Mostly she didn’t and still got the same buzz whenever she checked Callan out—when she knew he wasn’t looking, of course.
That particular Friday was busy. Everyone had been working flat out all day with either booked appointments or walk-ins, and the atmosphere was buzzing.
“Gotta be finished on time this evening,” said Aidy. He took the cash from his latest client and consulted the diary. “Need to make sure I’ve got enough time to make myself look hot tonight for the future Mrs Brown.”
“What’s happening tonight?” asked Alicia. She was perched on the edge of the reception podium, legs dangling over the side, heels kicking back against the wood.
“The party. Callan told you about it, right?”
“Told her about what?” Callan materialised at the bottom of the stairs and gave Alicia’s thigh a quick squeeze.
“Seriously, Cal? Alicia doesn’t know she’s invited?”
Alicia shook her head. “What’s the party for?”
Aidy gave a huge sigh which Alicia suspected was directed at Callan. “Me and Wren decided not to have separate stag and hen parties. Our friends are mostly mutual ones, so it made sense to combine it into one. We’ve hired the top floor of the Fork and Dagger for dinner and drinks, then a DJ friend of ours is going to play some tunes until the early hours.”
“And I’m invited?” Alicia raised her eyebrows at Callan, who at least had the decency to look rather sheepish.
“Of course you are! Who else is Callan going to bring to the wedding as his plus one?” Aidy gave her a hug. “That’s if you’re free and don’t have other plans.” He released her and turned to Callan, who he punched on the arm. “Idiot.”
Alicia slid off the podium and punched Callan’s other arm. “Nice of you to mention it.”
“Ouch!” Callan fended off any further blows by ducking out of the way of the two of them. “I totally forgot it was tonight.”
“You’re the best man and you forgot tonight was the stag party?” Alicia rolled her eyes. “Or hen party. Or hag party. Whatever!” She checked the time. “Do I have permission to head off early and make myself look hot, boss?”
