Page 39 of Kiss Me Ever After
“So I can be further away from Ted. Honestly, Alex, if I have to spend any more time with that guy, I’ll end up doing something that will get me into serious trouble.”
His expression darkened. “It’s really that bad?”
“It’s been getting worse for a while. He’s cheating on my mum.” Briefly, I filled Alex in on the whole of the previous day.
He let out a whistle between his teeth. “Wow, that’s some heavy shit. I can’t believe you slept at work instead of coming straight here.”
“I needed some space.” I jerked my head up and looked straight at Alex. “Can I stay?”
“Let me check with Mum, but I’m sure it’ll be fine. It’s not like we don’t have the room.”
The crushing weight squeezing my chest lessened. “Thanks, mate, I really appreciate it.”
“What are you going to say to your mum though?”
I shrugged. “I’ll think of something.”
18
Lennon
After the initialslow start to the day, it picked up around lunchtime and before long, the Blue Goose was back to normal.
I rushed around making sure the customers felt special, giving them little extras here and there, like a free drink or a slice of cake. Bryony seemed to appreciate the gesture too, and it looked like we were getting back on track.
“I’m glad you got to meet Mum,” I said to Bryony, when there was a lull in service shortly before closing.
“What? Oh, yes, lovely.” Bryony busied herself cleaning the counter. “It must be good for her to know there’s someone else looking out for you down here.”
My brows knitted together. “Apart from Sonya, you mean?”
“Um… yes. I mean, I know I’m just your boss, Lennon, but I’d like to think you could talk to me if you were having any problems.”
I’d known Sonya for years, Bryony less than two months. Why would I want to talk to her? And it wasn’t as if I were having any issues anyway. The robbery already seemed a distant memory, and we’d talked about that enough. In fact, I’d be happy if we didn’t have to discuss it ever again.
The door opened, and I glanced over.
“Justin!”
Aside from the bruising on his face, dark rings circled his eyes. He carried a large sports bag in one hand, and a rucksack slung over his shoulder.
I rushed over to him, raising a hand to his jawline and traced the colours there. He flinched, his free hand covering mine.
“What ha—” I didn’t have time to finish my sentence before his lips covered mine in the softest, sweetest kiss.
“Hey, babe.” He drew back and forced a grin. “Did you miss me?”
Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Bryony watching us. “Can I get you something? I don’t want Bryony to think I’m taking the piss.”
“A beer would be good.”
I thought back to the evening of the robbery and how a simple request for a beer had spiralled into something so out of control. “Sure. Give me a minute.”
Bryony frowned as I bustled around getting his drink. “Is this going to become a regular thing, Lennon?”
What right did she have to question me? Despite her earlier comments about looking out for me, she wasn’t my mother or my best friend’s mother. I forced myself to keep it light.
“Don’t worry, I’m sure he won’t be staying long.” Before she could say anything else, I dug my debit card out from the back pocket of my jeans and tapped the card machine. “And his drink is all paid for, so as soon as he’s finished, I’ll make sure he leaves.”
