Page 101 of The Vow We Made
All four of us sit at the kitchen table and I glance at Victoria. Her nostrils flare in a bid to contain a giggle and I’d completely agree. From the outside, this situation must be laughable. I can’t believe I’m having a go at my older brother for being so bloody immature.
“Alright, let’s start from the top. This has got to stop. Will, I get you’re pissed off and your reasons why, but are you really going to let this one small mistake—”
Steph takes offense straight away. “Are you implying the mistake wasmine, Aiden?”
“Not at all, just that if you were as honest with Will, as he was with you, it would have saved a lot of tears.”
“Too right bruv, you tell her,” Will pipes up.
I scowl back. “Don’t get so cocky, mate. You’ve handled this badly.”
“Now hold on a minute—”
“And putting a copy of the magazine through Will’s door wasnotthe way to tell him about your family either, Steph.”
“I know that now, but if you had any idea how much shit I’ve taken just because I have the word ‘Lady’ before my name, you’d be a little more understanding.”
“She has been through an awful lot of shit,” Victoria adds, nodding towards Steph, reaching for her hand and giving it a supportive squeeze across the table.
Will faces Steph head-on and at last he’s talking, not shouting.
“Babe, why are you adding me to the long list of losers you went out with before?” He doesn’t give her time to answer, “I’m not gonna lie, I’m a man of the world and I’ve seen a few things. It doesn’t take much to work out you had a bit of wedge, what with the posh accent and big house, but I was only interested in the girl I brought home for a drink after a right good night out. She was a laugh and a bit of a sort. She didn’t have any airs and graces and that first night was the best—” He stops, remembering where he is and looks between me and Victoria. “We had a good night.”
Steph raises her eyebrows as she watches him get up from his chair and walk to her side of the table. “I get it’s in your blood to protect yourself, babe, and deep down you know I don’t care what you’ve got or not, but the bit you’re missing every time you think of me and you together, is the bit Idowant. It’s the one thing you hadn’t thought about.You. All I want isyou; nothing else, but you’re too wrapped up—”
Steph rises from her seat, places her hands on either side of his face and crushes her lips to his. Will pulls her closer and she sinks against him.
When they pull apart briefly, they lock eyes. “I’m in love with you, you stupid arse,” Steph confesses through the tears streaming down her face.
“Come here ya soppy cow,” Will replies, kissing her full on the lips. It’s obvious he feels the same way, but he would never tell her in front of us. I’m pretty sure he’ll save it for a more private moment.
He pulls back. “So is this it?” he asks. “Are we alright now.”
“We are,” Steph sighs, wiping away her tears, while I catch Victoria with her hand to her chest and tears in her eyes. She’s such a romantic and lapping up every minute. It’s been quite a morning for declarations of love.
“You’re sure there’s nothing else you want to tell me?” Will searches her face for any indication there is more to come.
“I’m completely sure.” Steph looks at me briefly then back to Will. “No more secrets, I promise you that.”
I shake my head. “See what a bit of talking can do Will? Believe me, I’ve learnt the hard way too. Sometimes it’s just easier to clear the air.”
“I agree,” Steph adds. “Now, who’s up for a cuppa?”
“I’m already on it,” Victoria raises her hand.
“Lovely,” Will answers, then leans over to Steph for yet, another kiss. I can’t believe twenty minutes ago, these two were going at it hell for leather.
“You know what?” Victoria says while filling the kettle, “you never did tell me where you two first met.” She turns towards the love birds.
“Didn’t we?” Steph asks, knowing full well they haven’t.
“Come off it, Vicki, she tells you everything.” Will slaps Steph’s bum which makes her giggle and me gag.
“She knows most of it,” Steph winks to Victoria, “but just so you know Aiden,hewas flirting outrageously withmefirst—”
Will interrupts. “Get out of it, you were coming on to me. You fell for my irresistible lines,” Will smirks confidently.
“Something like that,” Steph giggles.
