Page 51 of The Secret We Keep
That was before you tried to kiss her.
Actually, it was after, but the fact still remains thatiswhat I did. I almost kissed Morgan.
Why? Why did I think that was okay? Perhaps I’m more messed up than I care to let on, because there is no way that it was the right thing to do. Clearly, I overstepped a line as her friend’s older brother.
I hustle out from my seat.
“Where are you going?” Mum whispers, her words erupting from her, body vibrating.
“Just need to make a call.” I step past Pops and the woman sitting to his left.
“Don’t miss the start. This is a big deal for Evie. She looks up and doesn’t see you in the crowd, it will crush her.”
“Not as much as not having her dad there will.” Mum’s sigh triggers my apology. “I’m sorry. I’ll be two minutes, that’s all.”
I leave everyone sitting on the bleachers and step outside the sports centre in town. I should be used to the hustle and bustle of city life,but with every passing car and roar of an engine, the more I’m missing the serenity of Stoney Grange.
Or maybe it’s because you know that’s where Morgan is.
I wish my inner voice would jog the fuck on and stop torturing me.
Glancing down at my watch, she should be here. I pull out my phone and check the message I sent her this morning.
I can pick you up at 3:00
Morgan: It’s okay. I can make my own way there
You sure? I don’t mind.
Morgan: I’m sure, Paddy. I’ll get a lift
Okay. Competition starts at 4pm. I’ll see you later
I gave Morgan the correct time, she just never replied. Did I make things awkward by trying to kiss her?
Do you really need me to answer that?
“Oh, get fucked,” I mutter to my inner critic.
“Paddy?”
I spin on my heels. “Morgan? You came?” I blurt out like some love-struck teen.
“I said I would, didn’t I?” she semi-laughs.
Despite the tightness in my throat caused by my embarrassment, I manage to ask, “How did you get here?” with a shake of my head. I need to get a grip.
“My brother dropped me here.”
Her brother? “I thought you two didn’t see each other anymore. He’s back?”
Morgan steps closer, and I can tell by the small, puffy bags underneath her eyes that she’s tired. “Yeah. He’s back.” She looks away with a turned down expression.
I knew her brother. Guy was a complete twat when we were at school. Always thought he was funny by picking on the younger kids on the football team. I never understood the kick he got from ridiculing them how he did.
“Hey, look at me.”
Morgan does as I say immediately. Her response feels like validation. That what I say matters.
