Page 64 of Just Do It
She nodded enthusiastically. ‘Yes. Definitely.’
12
I got in the car, one hand tucked around the present I’d bought and the other holding a brolly over me as biblical rain teemed from the sky. I’d told Finn to message me instead of getting soaked himself coming to the door.
‘Hi!’ I said, a little breathlessly as I shoved the wet umbrella into a plastic bag I’d brought along for the purpose.
‘Hi,’ he said, waiting patiently while I faffed. Having finished, I leant over and kissed him quickly before he steered out into the traffic.
‘Are we going to be late?’
His posture was relaxed and I could see a gentle smile resting on his features as he shook his head, eyes still focused on the trail of red tail lights in front of us. ‘It’s fine. Strict schedules aren’t really a thing in our family.’
‘I did try to get away on time but then a phone call I’d been waiting for came in. Isn’t it typical? They’d had all day and then chose to ring when I had one foot out of the door.’
Finn pulled the handbrake on as we sat in traffic.
‘You OK? You seem a little flustered.’
‘Me? No, not at all.’
One dark brow twitched ever so slightly as he threw a brief glance my way.
‘OK, yes. I am if you want to know the truth.’
‘I always want to know the truth with you. What’s up? Is it work?’
‘No. It’s this. Tonight.’
The dark brows drew together. ‘Why? Did you not want to come?’
‘I’m just a bit nervous.’
‘They’re going to love you, just like our friends did. And Colette and Greg will be there too, so it’s not like you won’t know anyone.’
‘Did you say your parents are going to be there too?’
‘Yep. They’re looking forward to meeting you.’
I curled my toes in my shoes and felt the tension in my neck tighten.
‘Oh good. No pressure.’
‘No,’ Finn repeated, his left hand coming to rest on my thigh. ‘That’s right. There is no pressure, Elizabeth. It’s just a fun evening celebrating my sister’s birthday. Nothing more.’
‘Of course. Yes, I know that. I didn’t mean… it’s just the whole meeting the parents is made out to be this big thing, isn’t it? Even though I know this isn’t that, not in that way but still.’ I sucked in some air having gabbled the previous sentence without taking a breath.
‘What have you got there?’ Finn wisely decided a change of subject was in order and indicated the present sat wrapped on my knee.
‘Birthday present. I’ve no idea if she’ll like it.’
‘Am I allowed to know what it is?’
‘A luxury spa day voucher and some goodies from the same spa.’
‘Alice has two kids. I can guarantee she will love it. Thanks. You didn’t have to get anything.’
‘Of course I did. She was kind enough to invite me.’
