Page 59 of Promise Me Ever After
As we walked into the house, I noticed it was similar in layout to Alex’s place, although more homely and full of stuff. When he’d said it belonged to an older couple, I couldn’t help but be reminded of how Gran’s place had been before we’d worked on it. It had a comfortable feel to it.
Music blared from the kitchen, and even though there were only three people there, loud chatter filled the room. Curtis was the only familiar face. I took in the other couple. The woman had a blonde bob and icy blue eyes which sparkled as she looked at her dark-haired boyfriend. They seemed like they’d been together for years. When Alex and I entered, they stopped talking and turned their attention to us.
“Hi, you must be Georgie.” The woman broke into a broad smile and crossed the kitchen to envelop me in a hug. “I’m Lennon, and that’s Justin. I’m sure you know that he, Curtis and Alex are basically the Three Musketeers.” She giggled.
“Good to meet you.” I reciprocated her embrace.
“Why don’t we get some drinks and get to know each other better?” Lennon grabbed an open bottle of wine and three glasses, beckoning to Amber. “The guys can wait for the pizza, while we get settled in the living room.”
Once the three of us had taken a seat on the sofas and had a full glass, Amber started talking to Lennon. “How’s work? And you have to tell me everything about the New York trip.”
Lennon turned to me. “Before I answer that, I’m interning with a fashion company.”
“Ah, got it. Is that until you finish university?” Lennon couldn’t be any older than about twenty-three.
She shook her head. “Nope. Dropped out to get a job instead. Uni wasn’t working for me and after this summer, I realised I could actually work for a living.”
“Lennon worked in The Blue Goose,” Amber filled in. “Through the summer.”
I took in the expensive highlights and the designer clothes. Somehow, I didn’t see Lennon serving tea and cake.
“Interesting summer though.” Lennon swallowed a gulp of wine while she and Amber exchanged a glance. She waved a hand. “I won’t bore you with the details though. How did you and Alex get together? He’s never been one for a serious relationship.”
Alex’s reputation preceded him. To be fair to him, he’d never hidden his lack of commitment in the past. For both of us, this was different. I was trying really hard, although Alex made it difficult at times.
“We work together at Anna’s Kitchen.”
“Oh, are you a chef too?” asked Lennon.
“God no. I can barely boil an egg. I work front of house.”
“Ha, that was me at the start of the summer. But now I can make a mean brunch.”
“You’ll have to show us tomorrow,” chipped in Amber. “Honestly though, Georgie, Alex has been different since you two started seeing each other. I think he might actually be serious about someone for the first time ever.” She clutched at her chest dramatically which, had she not been rolling her eyes at the same time, would have been more effective.
My fingers went to the bracelet around my wrist. Amber’s eyes caught the action.
“He would have never bought anything like that if he didn’t really like you. His level of present giving is a gift voucher from your sister’s shop or a Blossom gift card. And I work there!”
“He had some help from Darcy though.”
Amber snorted. “The fact he even sought help to get something you’d like is worlds away from where he’s been in the past. Like he’d never remember Mum’s birthday without me reminding him.”
Hearing Amber talk about her brother’s slack behaviour when it came to special occasions compared to what he’d done for me brought heat to my cheeks.
“I’m sure he’s not that bad,” I bluffed.
Lennon leaned over. “No, Georgie, he really is that bad. One Christmas, he got Amber and Sonya the exact same toiletries set, more suited to a granny. That bracelet is an absolute dream.”
While Lennon and Amber chatted about some mutual friends I didn’t have the first clue about, I tuned out. I sipped my wine, thinking about what they had both said about Alex. Given I was the one attempting to hold back and not let my real feelings show, knowing Alex might be serious about us upended that train of thought.
“Lennon, can I use your bathroom?” I interrupted, needing a few minutes on my own.
“Sure, there’s one by the kitchen or you can use the one upstairs.” She waved in the general direction. As her house was fairly similar to the Kane’s, I’d be able to find it.
Needing some space, I decided to head upstairs. After doing what I needed to, I looked in the mirror at my reflection. Hazel green eyes, full of hope and anticipation stared back at me, much different to the haunted look they had held up until recently. Until Alex.
Could we really make this work?
