Page 24 of Not So Happily Ever After (British Bad Boys)
That’ll teach me. It doesn’t stop my stomach from pitching.Please don’t have changed your mind about the fundraiser.I take a breath and answer. “Hey.”
“Mac.” His panic is obvious. “I can’t do this.”
Aw,hell. Why did Brooklyn have to be right when she didn’t think we’d reassured Jake the other day?
So much for Atomic Fire being back on track. And what about the party?
Okay. Calm down. Think of the alternative if Jake decides to pull out.I can do this.“Remember, you said you’d give it a couple of weeks before you made any decisions. You’re going to be gorgeous again before you know it.”
Maybe I should’ve said he’sstillgorgeous?
“It’s the crutches. I can’t make them fucking work.”
Thecrutches? Seriously, am I his own personal medical advisor?
Focus, Mac.At least he’s not freaking out over his bruise and scratches.
“It can take a bit of practice to get the hang of them.” Something occurs to me. “Why don’t you have a wheelchair?”
“The crutches looked cool.”
Right. I should’ve guessed he chose his medical appliances based on their apparent coolness. “Wheelchairs are awesome.”
There’s a long silence. I’ve no clue whether he’s considering my comment or sulking because I didn’t commiserate on how difficult life is with crutches.
“You think?” Doubt drips from each word, but at least he’s not dismissing my suggestion out of hand. I’ll take that as a good sign.
“You should totally give it a try. Tell Baz to get it sorted.”
It takes a little more persuasion, but finally Jake is optimistic enough for me to end the call.
I shove my phone back into my pocket just as Dad arrives home with Margo and Duke. Margo used to be Mum’s best friend, and she’s like an auntie to me. And Dad and Duke go way back to their university days, before Duke became a mega-famous rock star, although now he’s more well known for his activism.
She parks on the drive behind Dad’s car, and they get out and come over to me.
“Did you have a good lunch?” I ask as she kisses my cheek.
“Lovely,” she says, glancing at Dad, who’s frowning at the exposed engine of his car as though he has no idea what it is.
“Do you think the car needs to go in for a service?”
I slam the bonnet shut and grin at him. “It was just an oil change. Seeing as I’ve driven it more than you during the last couple of months, it’s only fair I make sure the engine doesn’t blow up.”
“More than fair,” Margo agrees.
“You all right, darlin’?” Duke gives me a bear hug before we make our way inside the house. “I heard about Jake. Lucas should’ve sent me to sort the little bugger out.”
“Hedidbreak a leg.”
“That’s not why he wanted to chuck in the towel.”
I’m compelled to defend Jake, for no other reason than I happen to know Duke scares the living shit out of him. “Everything’s fine, now.” Mentally, I cross my fingers. “They’re having a party next week to celebrate not dying.”
“Jesus Christ.” He shudders. “Fucking boy bands. Do my head in.”
We end up in the kitchen, and Dad puts the kettle on. As Margo gets the cups, she glances at me. “Are you doing anything at the weekend?”
I’m spending it with Will Hamilton.Why does that sound like we’re having a dirty weekend away, when it’s a completely innocent thing between two old friends?
