Page 62 of The Vow We Made
“Name it.”
“Okay…” She waits a beat. “Your brother and I.”
“What about it?”
“I know you don’t approve but I’d ask you not to interfere.”
I hold my hands up in defence. “I’ve never said I don’t approve. You’re a great girl, but my first concern was Will fucking up any chance I had with Victoria.”
She laughs. “Because your relationship is just peachy right now?”
“Fair comment and thoroughly deserved,” I smile, “but I would never interfere, even if I thought you weren’t right for each other. Will is a grown man and can make his own decisions and I’m fairly certain you don’t take any shit either.” She glances over, giving me the side-eye while her mouth curls into a smile. “And for the record, I couldn’t be happier about you two. You’re great together and he’s obviously smitten.” She tries to hide her smirk behind her hand, before I add, “Friends?”
“For life at the very least.” She stands, holding out her arms. I immediately do the same and bring her in for a hug. I love how much she’s into my brother and I hope he behaves himself going forward.
“Thank you, Aiden. I don’t know why but I needed to hear that.”
I catch the slight blush to her cheeks as she pulls away and it’s endearing. If she needs my approval, perhaps we have more in common than she thinks.
“Okay,” Steph announces, “we don’t have time to waste.”
“Don’t we?”
“No we don’t and I need all the help I can get; we’re going to do this together.”
I stare at her then raise a brow. “What now?”
She beams back at me. “No more thinking Aiden, we need action. I’ll pave the way but you have to do the ground work. Build it up, show her you care.”
“If you think it will work, I’ll do whatever it takes. It might be the only opportunity to get my girl back.”
“Your girl?” she questions. “Don’t run before you can walk Dr. James.” Amusement twitches at the corners of her mouth but she’s right, I have a long way to go before I gain that honour.
I take a giant mouthful of scorching tea when Steph drops into the conversation, “She’ll be here in half an hour so get your thinking cap on.”
“What?” I choke out. “She’s coming hometoday?”
“Correct. You might as well jump straight in.”
“Wow, you don’t hang about,” I mumble to myself, while smarting on the devil’s tea which dissolved the top layer of taste buds on my tongue or was it her news that nearly choked me?
“Now we are officially friends,” she continues while sweeping her long red hair to the side, “you need to let me have a copy of your work schedule. I’m relying on you to help with Victoria’s recovery. I can’t do this alone, Aiden and you need the extra brownie points.” Her evil smile reminds me of a tiger before she’s about to pounce.
“Wow you’re bossy.”
She raises her eyebrows. “You’ve only just realised? Then buckle up, you’re in for a bumpy ride,” she beams. “So, let’s get started. Tonight, we’re cooking a welcome home meal.”
I cringe. “I’m not much of a cook, more of a ready meal man.”
My lame excuse is no excuse at all. “Not a problem. I’ll tell you what to do.” She places a chopping board and knife in front of me. “Start with this.” She hands over an onion. “You do know how to chop a red onion I take it?”
“Unless it’s any different to a normal one, then of course I do.” My comment earns me a giggle and while I roll up my shirt sleeves, Steph takes a seat beside me, peeling and chopping carrots. We’re both quiet for a while until Steph places her hand on my arm. “Trust me. Thiswillbe fine. Victoria isn’t a demanding woman, and you have so much to give. You can’t let what happened get in the way of a potentially amazing relationship. And remember, you’re not on your own Aiden. I’ll help you. I promise.”
I carry on chopping as I listen to Steph’s pep talk, knowing I have to give her idea a go but I’m also apprehensive. I don’t know what kind of reception to expect. Will Victoria want me here? Will she tell me I’ve missed my chance? She’d have every right. I’ve totally fucked-up this week and I wouldn’t blame her for showing me the door, but I hope she doesn’t. All I want is the chance I probably don’t deserve.
VICTORIA
I’m excited to go home. I love staying with my parents, but there comes a time when constant fussing becomes too much. I’m worried about work due to my mother placing a ban on all things related to the company and I’ve had to leave Faith to run the show. She’s been pretty amazing and taken everything in her stride, which is why, when I’m back on my feet, I’ll be asking her to join me as a partner. For now, I’m looking forward to catching up and getting back into the real world.
