Page 57 of Kiss Me Ever After
It would be hard being apart, but there was still time to make it the best end of summer ever.
26
Lennon
The startof September came around all too quickly, with Amber’s birthday the signal the summer was almost over.
This year we were going to Vaughans, where Curtis had booked a VIP area for us. As was tradition, we went to the Old Dock first, pre-loading because the drinks were way cheaper there.
I battled mixed emotions. In a few days, I’d be heading back to London to my new flat and—hopefully—new friends, but no Justin. Excitement about starting a new year swirled around with disappointment of leaving what had becomemynew normal. I already knew I would miss Justin like crazy.
I intended to enjoy this evening and make great memories to take with me.
“Best. Birthday. Ever.” In one of Amber’s hands was a glass of Prosecco, and in the other what looked like a sex toy. She lurched towards me and captured me in a hug, placing a messy kiss on my cheek. As she did so, the vibrator switched itself on and massaged my left shoulder.
“I take it you’re having a good night?” I asked, extricating myself from her embrace and attempting to take what would undoubtedly be her favourite birthday gift away from her.
She clutched the item to her chest and pouted. “I am. But if you steal this to keep you happy when you’re pining after the Navarro boy, I’ll never forgive you.”
A laugh escaped my lips. “I’m sure Curtis will be more than happy to help you out in that area.”
Amber plopped down on the sofa. “Do you have to go? It’s been brilliant having you around all summer. I’m going to miss you so much.”
“You aren’t the only one I’m going to miss,” I replied.
My gaze sought out Justin, who chatted with Alex and Curtis on the edge of our VIP area. A group of girls stood the other side of the red rope, checking him out. They were nudging each other, urging one of them to go over to him.
Instantly my stomach knotted, jealousy pounding through my veins. Thankfully, he wasn’t looking at them, seemingly oblivious to their interest. After a beat, he turned and spotted me.
“Oh, I expect Justin will make a move to London himself before too long. He’s totally besotted with you, Lennon.” Amber waved her glass in the air. “And I’ll be here, friendless and alone.”
“You’ll never be alone.” Curtis appeared from across the small VIP space and sat down beside her, pulling her close to him. “I’ll always be here for you.”
“Aww, that’s so cute. I love you, Curtis Porter.” Amber turned to face her boyfriend and gave him a long, lingering kiss. “You won’t abandon me for the bright lights of London.”
“Always the drama queen.” I smirked. Amber wasn’t being serious. “I’m nipping to the bathroom. Shall I get more drinks on the way back?”
Amber examined the bottle in the ice bucket, which she emptied the remainder of into her glass, then placed it back upside down. “Yep! Another one of these, please.”
“You got it.”
As I passed Justin and Alex, I placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. His head swivelled towards me.
“Do you want another beer?”
He grabbed my hips and pulled me towards him. “How long before we can get out of here?” His mouth found mine, teeth nipping at my bottom lip.
Reluctantly, I drew back. “Soon. It’s Amber’s night.”
“You’re such a good friend. Too good, sometimes.” With a loud exhale of breath, he pushed me in the bar’s direction. “And yes to another beer.”
The girls who’d been appraising Justin appeared to have lost interest after he kissed me, and I experienced a pang of triumph.
He was mine.
This summer had cemented it.
And I couldn’t be happier.
