Page 92 of Fix Them Up
I turned. Willa was standing at the door with her designer duffel bag and her sunglasses pushed through her blonde hair.
My mouth fell open.
‘What –’ My gaze moved between Liam and Willa at speed.
Liam squeezed my hand. ‘Happy Birthday, Red.’
Chapter Twenty-Nine
‘What the fuck!’ I squealed as I ran over to Willa, pulling her into a hug.
Willa smelt like her rose perfume. Rich and heady.
‘Hey,’ Willa said. ‘Surprise.’
I pulled back to survey my best friend. Her platinum-blonde hair was straightened to perfection. Light touches of make-up framed her pale skin and bright blue eyes. She had her usual expression on her face – schooled and a little cold.
A bad bitch.
My heart burst – a piece of home, just for me.
‘How did you get here? Why are you here? How did you know where I’d be?’
‘I came up on the train.’ She angled her head to Liam. ‘He suggested it would be best to take public transport, despite my aversion.’
I angled my eyebrow. ‘Did you book First Class?’
Willa’s eyes shifted away. ‘Maybe.’
I shook my head. ‘Posh bitch.’
‘I’ve got a brand to maintain.’
I shifted back towards Liam. ‘Willa, this is Liam. Liam, Willa.’
Willa scanned Liam, assessing. ‘We’ve spoken.’
‘I emailed Willa. Asked her to come up for your birthday.’
‘Yes,’ Willa said, her lips rising at the corners. ‘He emailed work,and he was very… insistent. Obviously, I was going to say yes. I was going to point out that I’d invited myself several times. But I didn’t get a chance because he had a very compelling speech prepared.’
I turned to Liam. ‘A speech?’
Liam shifted on his feet. ‘Well, I know how hard it is to get Londoners past the Watford Gap.’
My heart squeezed.
I beamed. ‘Thank you, Liam.’
Liam blushed. Actually blushed. ‘Don’t mention it.’
‘I am going to mention it. This is the best gift ever.’ I slapped my hands on either side of Willa’s face. ‘I’m so excited to show you around. I can show you the house!’
‘Can you let go?’ Willa said, her speech muffled.
I pulled her into another hard hug. She said she hated public displays of affection, but I was one of the rare approved people.
Liam said, ‘I thought we could look around the market. I’ve made you a cheese board for later. I got some wine in. I will be out with Abi, so you two can catch up. I’m taking her to see the latest Marvel film.’
