Page 84 of Cut up
“Nicole,” Lucas groans.
Nicole shrugs. “What? You’ve barely been home lately, and when you are, all I hear isCamille this, Camille that.It’s nice to put a face to the name.”
“Well, now that you have,” Lucas says dryly, “maybe leave out the embarrassing stories.”
“Not a chance.” She turns her attention back to me. “We’re having family dinner out at the farm Friday night. You should come.”
“Oh, I—” I start, caught off guard.
“Come on,” Lucas says, eyes warm on mine. “We’ll have food, drinks, maybe a bonfire. It’s chill. And you’ll get to meet the rest of the family.” I bite my lip. It sounds… nice. A real family. Something I haven’t had in a long time.
“Okay,” I smile. “Yeah. I’d love to.”
Nicole beams. “Great. Don’t let him bail.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” I glance at Lucas.
42
In a while crocodile
It’s been a great couple of months since moving in with the boys. Work’s been busy, Sarah’s been amazing company, and things with Lucas have been… incredible. I’m starting to develop really strong feelings for him.
Honestly, I’m not even sure I want to move in with Dad when he arrives.
I told myself living with Lucas straight from leaving Sean was wrong, but everything with Lucas feels so right.
During the week, Rhonda—my boss—ended up letting Sandy go and Louise left straight after.
With most of the clients preferring Sarah and me, their days had become too quiet. Plus, they kept pulling the “sick” card too often. Rhondawas over it.
So, Sarah and I picked up a few more hours this week, and hopefully, that’ll continue.
I’m going to quit my job at The Tipsy Tap now that I’m getting more hours at the salon. The bar has been fun, but it’s not what I want to do long-term.
So during my lunch break today, I call my boss Mike.
“Camille!” He says happily.
“Hey Mike. How are you going?” I reply
“Good, good. What ‘bout you? What are ya calling for?”
“I’m good too. Well, I actually wanted to call to let you know I’ve decided to quit. I’m running out of time for a second job. I’m real sorry if that puts you in a jam.” I say sincerely.
“You’re fine mate. I get it. We’ll miss ya, but we’ll be okay. I’m happy for ya chick. I gotta head off now. But don’t be a stranger, alright?” He adds. “See ya later alligator.”
“In a while crocodile,” I say goodbye in the way we normally do. Knowing he will be fine, I don’t work enough to bother him too much.
Sarah and I just finished our last clients and are packing up for the day.
“What are you up to this weekend?” Sarah asks.
“I’m actually going to a family dinner with the guy I live with—Lucas. The one I told you about?” I smile. “I don’t really have plans for tomorrow. Probably just rest. How about you?”
“Nice! Yes, Lucas. Girl, you seem smitten. Your face lights up every time you talk about him. Your weekend sounds lovely.” She grins. “Georgia and I are having a chill night at home tonight, then a movieand dinner date tomorrow. I feel like I spend all my time with her, and I don’t even care. I love it.”
“You’re such an amazing mum, Sarah. She’s lucky to have you. I’d kill to have memories like that with my mum.”
