Page 30 of Keeper
She nods and I gesture for her to walk out first, watching the sway of her hips under the floaty skirt as she exits. My eyes close in pain.What the fuck are you doing, Booker?
Old George is a favourite hangout of Camden and Tanner’s. It’s located in the heart of Bethnal Green, so it’s nice and close to the stadium and pretty much all of our flats in East London. It’s a bit more posh than our other hangout, Welly’s, which is where we go every year to celebrate Vi and our mum’s birthday because they share the same date. Vi has never loved her birthday because of that fact, but getting engaged to Hayden on it last year has surely helped.
“Who all is there?” Poppy asks as I drive the five minutes to the pub.
“It’s pretty much just a Harris do,” I laugh. “Indie’s not the most social butterfly you’ll ever meet.”
“Really? I got on with her quite well at your dad’s. How old is she, though? She looks too young to be a doctor.”
“She turned twenty-six today, so she is young to be as advanced in her career as she is. Cam said she skipped a few years in school.”
“That doesn’t surprise me. She seems brilliant.”
I look over at her. “So, you like her and Belle then?” I watch for her reaction.
She nods eagerly. “Those two are hilarious. Their banter had me laughing more than helping with the wedding plans. But I think they had it all covered to begin with. Indie’s to-do list is meticulous.”
I slide my hand down my jean clad thigh, wiping the sweat off my palm. “I was wondering if you’d want to come to that actually…Tanner and Belle’s wedding.” I can feel her head snap to look at me. “What?” I ask, squirming beneath her skeptical glower.
“You don’t have anyone special you want to take instead?”
“Like who?”
She huffs, “Like a date.”
Frowning, I reply, “Truthfully, I’d rather go with my best friend.”
I can feel her eyeing me as I pull into a parking stall right in front of Old George. I cut the engine and turn to look at her. Her gaze sparkles in the darkness as she stares intently at me.
“What, Poppy?” I ask, tugging on my earlobe. “What aren’t you saying?”
She fidgets with her hands on her lap. “Are we best friends again?” Her hoarse voice asking such a thoughtful question pulls me up short.
“Did we ever stop?”
“I guess not.” She looks up at me again, staring at my face like she’s trying to commit every millimetre to memory. A soft smile lightens her brow. “But I will tell you, Belle already beat you to the punch. She invited me to their wedding at your Dad’s house. I think she likes me!”
That thought makes me smile as I exit the car and hold the door open for her. She has an extra bounce in her step as we enter the large bar and restaurant area. Old George is adorned with exposed brick, dim lighting, and quirky vintage décor. It’s a cool place for a fun night out that’s just a bit different that the dingier pubs we’re used to.
We walk through two reception rooms full of diners and head to the back door that opens into the huge beer garden. It’s a lattice and ivy ensconced oasis complete with twinkling Edison bulbs. A live indie rock band plays as we walk along the cobblestone footing toward the back where Camden reserved some rustic picnic tables for the night.
Everyone greets Poppy like she’s one of the family. She’s quick to wish Indie a happy birthday. I even see her slide a card over to her. Indie coos that she didn’t need to, and they do that whole girlie bit where they argue who’s the sweetest. Indie is all smiles, rocking her cheetah-print specs and eyeing Camden through all the chaos.
Tanner vacates his spot on the bench so Poppy can slide in next to the girls. Across from them is Dad, Gareth, Vi, and Hayden. They all fall into easy conversation, so I head over to the outdoor bar with Tanner and Camden to order Poppy a drink.
I can’t help but notice Camden’s fidgeting as he peels the label off his brown bottle of beer.
“Why are you acting so strange, Cam?” I ask and pat him on the back. “Have a bloody drink and try to relax. Indie looks like she’s having a great time.”
Tanner eyes Camden speculatively. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you have something up your sleeve. But considering you tell me everything, that can’t possibly be true, right?”
Camden looks at the two of us and throws his hands up in the air. “You guys caught me! The stripper is due to arrive any minute now.”
Tanner chuckles. “Just what the doctor ordered.”
“Nice pun, bro!” Cam high fives Tan.
I roll my eyes and grab Poppy’s drink from the bartender. “You better be joking.”
