Page 40 of Prove You Wrong

‘Just for an hour, after I do the illumination check.’

‘Sure.’ He’s eyeballing me in that piercing way that lets me know he sees through all shit. ‘Weird, but sure.’

‘Can I bring someone? To the illuminations?’

‘And now it all becomes clear.’ He sighs like he’s a disappointed parent. ‘Yes. You can seduce that girl of yours in my tree top cabin. Although, watch out for splinters.’

Standing up, I grab an old tee-shirt from the back of a chair. ‘It’s not like that.’ I pull it over my head. ‘And anyway, you’re the one who told me not to give up. To show her who I really am.’

Chunk flashes me a grin. ‘I’ve got three words for you.’

‘If it’s “Son, use protection,” I’m gonna burnyoudown.’

‘No.’ He chuckles. ‘Sign. The. Waiver.’ Walking off he throws over his shoulder, ‘And you won’t get splinters, I had the floors polished.’

I shake my head as I search for some shorts. May as well have a run before my shower, helps me think. I need to get my head sorted for my date with Ella. Work out a plan.

My phone screen lights up and I wonder if Ella’s ears are burning.

Ella: So where are we going?

Nate: You’ll find out soon enough.

When I return from my 10K, there’s another message waiting for me.

Ella: Dress code?

I smirk as I reply.

Nate: You’ll want to wrap up warm.

Getting myself cleaned up, I dress in jeans and a black tee, then I head over to the pub on my bike.

I don’t feel my phone buzz when I’m riding, so it’s only when I arrive I see Ella’s response.

Ella: Are you always this insufferably mysterious?

‘What’s got you grinning like you’re high?’ Scott asks as he hauls a ladder up against the side of the building.

‘Messaging a friend.’

‘A friend, huh? My friends don’t make me smile like that.’

‘That’s ‘cos your friends suck.’

Scott’s eyes darken a little and I feel like a shit, but then he says, ‘So, no more nailing and bailing, huh? Knew you’d get bored of random hookups eventually.’

It goes without saying that I love my brother, but he’s too fucking serious for his own good.

Keeping my voice light, I say, ‘Move on, bro. You know I’ve not pulled any of that shit for a long time now.’

He holds his hands up in mock surrender. ‘Didn’t mean to hit a nerve.’

Even his goading, overbearing big brother shit isn’t going to put a damper on my mood, so I simply smile and tap out a reply to Ella.

Nate: You’ll have to wait and see ;)

Scott’s watching me. When I pocket my phone he says, ‘I’m pleased for you. Dad would say it shows you’re maturing.’

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