Page 13 of Grand Love

“Oh, wow.” I chuckle.

“I don’t get it.” She shrugs. “The guy is a jerk, if he was my husband I’d be pissed.”

“Has he made a move?” Lucy sits forward.

“No! God, I’ve made it very clear I’d never go there with a married man. He’s just… intense, the way he looks at me.”

Lucy cringes. “Slimeball.”

“Hottest slimeball I’ve ever seen,” Megan adds.

“What are we all like, in our prime and none of us can find a man,” I tut.

“Umm, I’m more than happy on my own, thanks,” Scarlet scoffs.

“I don’t know how you live out at the house by yourself, Scar. The place gives me the creeps.” Lucy shivers. “Anyway, I’m taken. Happily fucking. Condom and all.” We chuckle.

“I have everything, bar the man,” I groan.

“You could have the man too… Sorry. Just saying,” Scarlet says on a shrug.

“That ship sailed, Scar, as much as I love your enthusiasm.” I smile over at her. She took it hard when me and Mason split up. Luckily, I didn’t lose her as a friend. “I actually wanted your opinion.” I shuffle up the sofa and bring my legs up under me. “I think I’m going to let Mason come here to drop off and pick up. I’m hoping it will make things smoother. For everyone.”

“What?” Luce mutters.

“Bad idea?” I wince.

“Not at all,” she says. “Just surprising. It’s been a while.”

“Yeah, I can’t even imagine what it would be like to see him again. It scares me a little,” I tell them.

“As long as you don’t kill him,” Megan says, giving me a soft wink.

“I just feel like it will rip open the wound all over again, making myself vulnerable when I’m only now finding my feet.”

They go quiet, all lost in thought. It’s been a crazy year for us all. They have been there for me every step of the way and I know it hasn’t always been easy. In fact, it’s been a nightmare at times. Juggling full-time jobs and then dealing with me and my issues after dark.

“I can’t rely on you guys forever.” I sip my wine.

“Yeah, you can.” Lucy gives me a reassuring look, one that leaves no room for question. “But I do think this is the next step and the right one.”

“Do you ever wonder about him? Like…” Scarlet looks at me, trying to think of the right words.

I give her a tight smile. “All the time, Scar.”

All the damn time.

* * *

Mase

I putthe Bentley into park and stare up through the windscreen at the tower flats in front of me. Clothes hang from the balconies, along with flags and football shirts. The place is a dive. “She lives here?” I ask Charlie as he continues to read the file.

“You need to read this before you go barrelling in there, Mase. She has kids.”

“What?” I frown, flicking my eyes to the paperwork. “How many?”

“Two. Both in care.” He shakes his head as he reads. “She was arrested for being in possession of class A drugs. You need to get more details before you do this. Come back another time.”

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