Page 78 of Not So Happily Ever After (British Bad Boys)
Reminded me of Jenna’s reaction when our plans changed after my dad died.
Mac isn’t anything like Jenna.
I was a wreck the year after leaving Uni. Coping with Dad’s sudden death, the responsibility of taking over the company, and getting over my ex. And who stuck by me through all the forgettable one-night stands and drunken nights where I tried to find oblivion?
Mac.
She was always there and didn’t care if I was recovering from a hangover or being an unsociable git. When I needed her the most, she never let me down.
I’ve known her forever, and she can be as sarcastic and cutting as anyone. But she’s not mean, and if I hadn’t been so gutted with the way things were falling apart Saturday night, I would’ve guessed.
She had no idea I was referring to my mum’s stroke when I told her I forgot. All she heard was I didn’t think she was special enough to remember something so important to her.
No wonder she told me to fuck off.
I know her studies come first. But I can’t leave things like this between us. I’ll go see her at Oxford and try to fix our friendship. Tell her if she’s willing to give me another chance, I’ll wait for her until she graduates if it means we can be together.
Looks like I’ll be taking Lucas’s advice, after all.
Grovel.
…
Mackenzie
Thank God for the weekend.
And not just because tomorrow is my birthday and I’m going clubbing with Brooklyn and some of our friends to celebrate.
It’s because I’ve spent the last few days disentangling myself from Uni.
The official side wasn’t a hassle. It was mainly explaining to Mum’s friends from her Uni days why I’m going in a different direction. Not that they condemned me. I was so stupid to ever think they would. But I just felt I owed it to them, for all the help and support they’ve given me over the years.
Brooklyn and I sit cross-legged on my bed, the way we used to when we were teens. It’s the first time we’ve got together all week.
“Have you made a shortlist of universities?”
That’s another thing I never thought would happen. My talk with Dad was a real eye-opener in more ways than one. When I suggested looking at local colleges, he told me to check the universities. It turns out the bursary from Mum’s work will cover a wide range of university degrees, not just the sciences.
How did I never know that?
“I’m doing that next week.” And then I sigh because who am I trying to kid? “One of my top three choices is in Wales. Awkward, much?”
“Hmm.” Obviously, she knows all about the breakup with Will. We had a major discussion on the phone about it on Sunday night. And although I haven’t told her about his mum’s stroke, because that’s confidential, I did share about his stake in Oakland after my weekend away. “That shouldn’t be a reason for you to cross it off your list.”
Even if I’m accepted by Aberystwyth, it’s not like the university is right next door to Oakland. The chances of us bumping into each other there are about the same as they arehere.
Zero to none.
I pick at the frayed cuff of my vintage sweater. I’ve been so busy this week I haven’t had much time to obsess over Will.
Liar.
I might’ve been able to push him to the back of my mind during the day, but night’s a different matter. And not just because I miss having his ripped body next to me in bed. Or being able to snuggle in his arms every evening. Or the crazy conversation we’d have while eating or watching TV or…
Fuck it. I miss every bloody thing about him. Even the annoying things.
Did he have any annoying habits? I can’t think of any right now. I let out a defeated groan, and Brooklyn pats my hand.
