Page 90 of The Vow We Made
“I was scared. I wanted to tell you and I didn’t know where to start. It seemed like the easiest way. You’d see the article, then ask me about it. I didn’t think you’d be quite so… angry.”
He nods. “I see.”
Steph holds her breath, waiting for his next move. I don’t think either of us expect him to leave anyway, slamming the door behind him.
Poor Steph falls into my arms and sobs her heart out. “I honestly didn’t think he’d react like this Aiden. I don’t understand.”
I try to console her. “Male pride is a difficult creature Steph. You’ve just got to give him some time and let him come back when he’s ready.” I’m sure if she could go back in time and do things differently, she would.
It was simple really. Will had decided he wanted more with Steph, more than he’s wanted with any woman, so he finally came clean and told her about his past. How he didn’t start out as a black cab driver but a student with a degree in computer science. Will was employed by a giant in the world of technology who stumbled over his patent for a guidance app. It was ahead of its time and there wasn’t anything like it around back then. They bought the rights, title and interest which gave Will a very comfortable future. In theory, he never has to work again, but the money gave him the opportunity to follow his strange calling to become a black cab driver. He was able to buy his own cab, take The Knowledge, and after four years and two attempts, he passed and became a cabbie, but on his own terms. It’s the reason he’s able to drive his mates and me around when he likes and can swan off to Scotland at the drop of his girlfriend’s hat, or rather, heusedto. Right now, his relationship is uncertain. He was straight with Steph and I’m guessing he expected the same level of honesty in return.
“What if he doesn’t come back?” Steph asks. I have no idea how to answer.
“Let’s just see what happens.” Sadly, I know what a stubborn arse my brother can be. If he doesn’t solve this argument, his perfect woman could slip through his fingers.
VICTORIA
Aiden is deep in thought tonight. I know he’s worried about his brother, just as I am about Steph. Their argument the other day left them both a little broken which is why we’re doing all we can for them, separately of course. I just hope they get it resolved. It’s so stupid when it’s clear how much they care for each other.
Then there’s Aiden’s work. His daily pressure is immense and not one I think I could cope with. Imagine dealing with life and death every day, the mixture of heartache and tears, highs and lows plus everything in-between. But still, I’m sure it’s not the major cause of his worries, so the only thing I can do is be here to support him.
“How’s work?” I ask casually while catching up with Poldark. He’s not interested in it anyway and only watches for my benefit.
“The usual.” He places his arm around me and bites the corner of his lip as if to stop whatever it is spilling from his mouth.
“Are you sure? It’s just… you seem a bit distracted.”
He blows out his cheeks with a long breath, raises his eyebrows and shakes his head. “I can’t think of anything in particular, although it has been a bit full-on this week. We’ve had everything from a pencil top wedged in a school boy’s ear to a pretty serious knife attack.”
“Hmm.” I bite my lip. “I don’t know how you do it.” We both turn our attention back to the TV although my mind is still on him. “You would tell me if something was wrong?”
“Of course.” He kisses my forehead but I’m unconvinced.
“Actually, there was something I wanted to talk to you about.”
“Okay.”
I can’t tell by the tone of his voice if this is going to be a good or bad conversation but I don’t expect, “I’ve got some news. Not about me, but about Luke,” to be the subject.
“What about him?”
“He wants to introduce us to his new woman so we’re invited for dinner.”
“Youarejoking?” From what Aiden said, and the conversations I’ve heard between him and his brother, Luke is quite the lothario. This is my cue to start questioning. I can be a total gossip when I want to be. “Who is she? Is it the same woman they were talking about when we went for lunch?”
“I think so.”
“Do you have a name?”
“I’m sure he said it was Eve?”
“And where did they meet?”
“Slow down angel.”
“I’m sorry, I just want to know everything.”
He smirks. “Then I’ll try to accommodate. From what I can remember, he said he met her on a plane, she’s drop-dead gorgeous, Luke’s words, not mine,” he winks then carries on, “she has her own money and I’m fairly sure he’s mad about her.”
