Page 35 of Where There's A Will
“It’s hopeless.” I sighed, my head dropping onto the back of the sofa. “She’s so intent on getting back with Hugo, I don’t think anything I say could change her mind. I mean, he’s taking her to London this week. I can’t compete.”
Talking about London brought on a pang of homesickness. I missed my family and friends. Despite things turning out well for me in New York, I needed a fix of British life.
Yes! That‘s it!
I jumped up from the sofa and grabbed my laptop from the table.
“What are you doing?” asked Roman as my fingers flew over the keyboard, tapping in the details I needed.
“Booking a trip. I’m going home for a while, Roman. Back to London.”
At seven, I was already in the bar, waiting for Bree, halfway through my second double whisky. My announcement on Facebook, that I was headed home for a few days, had been met with excitement and celebration. I felt it was something to shout about. I’d been quiet on the social front the past week, mainly due to Montana. Briefly, I wondered where she was and whether she was enjoying all the sights in my hometown. It was a shame our visits wouldn’t coincide. I would have loved to have taken her to my favourite sushi place.
Bree appeared by my side in a cloud of perfume. She looked amazing, as always, dressed in a cute tea dress and biker boots, her hair glossy and tumbling over her shoulders. If I weren’t already so hung up on her best friend, I knew I’d be making a strong play for her. I hoped Roman would do the same when he got the opportunity.
“You want another?” Bree asked, gesturing to my glass.
“Please.” I grinned.
I watched her as she made her way to the bar, the crowds parting for her as she got closer. A guy, who had already been waiting, waved her to go in front of him. When I let her down, there would be a raft of guys who would be willing to take my place.
When she returned, she placed our drinks on the table and sat next to me, her hand resting on my thigh. “I’ll help you get over her,” Bree assured me, as she began to stroke my leg.
I froze, not wanting her to continue as her hand insinuated its way higher, toward my crotch. “Um, how did you plan on doing that?” I asked the dumbest question ever as Bree was making it so transparent. My hand covered hers. “I think you should stop.”
She pouted. “But why?”
A flash of inspiration hit me. “Because I’m going away soon. I don’t want to get involved with anyone now.”
“Oh.” A look of defeat crossed her face. “Where are you going?”
“London,” I announced.
Bree took a huge mouthful of her cocktail and withdrew her hand. “What is it with everyone and this London fascination? When was New York not cool?”
I threw back my head and laughed, knowing exactly what she meant.
“New York is cool and will always be cool. And London will always be my home.”
“Yeah, I guess I get it.” Bree sat back in her chair. “How long will you be gone?”
“I don’t know. I didn’t buy the return ticket yet.”
We fell silent, each lost in our own thoughts. I drained the second whisky and made a start on the third, beginning to feel no pain. In fact, I felt a lot calmer than I had since Montana had left the previous morning. Maybe the acceptance that she had chosen Hugo over me was finally starting to kick in.
“It’s so strange,” I slurred.
“What is?” Bree asked, leaning closer to me and gazing up into my face.
“I see her everywhere. I mean, hell, she’s right there.” I waved my arms in the general direction of the bar.
Bree caught my hand. “Whoa there, I think you’ve had plenty to drink and you’re starting to see things. You’ll be fine. Here, let me help to make it better.” She inched toward me, raising her lips up for a kiss.
Suddenly, I realised it wasn’t my imagination.
Montana was actually standing at the end of the table, hands on hips, glaring at Bree.
“Are you serious right now?” she hissed at her friend.
