‘Okay.’
Then he walked out of the room.
I had no choice, no matter what Greg said. I was always going to help Adam. Two days later I was standing in Sam’s living room with a bag of instruments, waiting anxiously for him to turn up.
‘You’re a complete fool, you do know that right?’ Sam said as he placed two steaming hot mugs of coffee on the small side table.
‘You might have mentioned it once or twice,’ I replied, plonking the bag on the floor with a crash.
He lowered himself onto the sofa behind me and tucked his feet beneath him. I snuggled next to him but rather than putting his arm around me like he usually would, he stayed where he was, giving me nothing.
‘Rose agrees with me you know. She’s furious with you.’
‘Yes, you’ve told me that too.’
There was a pause. ‘So why are you doing it, E?’
I craned my neck to look up at him and was shocked by how sad he looked.
‘You know why.’
He shook his head and I shuffled to face him. ‘No, I know what you’ve told me. But I don’t really understand it. I just don’t see why you’re risking everything you and Greg have for the sake of Adam Bowers.’ He held his palms up.
‘He needs me.’
‘Gregneeds you. He’s practically begged you to stay with him.’ He shook his head. ‘At least I’m here to keep an eye on things.’
I nodded. He was right. Itwasgood he was here. I had been unsure where to arrange to meet Adam again, keen to make sure it was somewhere safe, neutral. A location where no intense moments like we’d shared the other day could be repeated. So when I’d told Sam what I was planning, he’d suggested we came to his flat.
‘Do you think that’s a good idea?’ I’d said. There had never been any love lost between Sam and Adam.
‘I think it’s better than any of your ideas,’ he’d replied. And because I hadn’t been able to argue with that, it had been agreed.
‘Adam’s probably terrified of seeing you anyway,’ I said now.
‘Good. He should be.’
I rolled my eyes but was prevented from saying anything further by the doorbell.
‘I’ll get it.’ I leapt up before Sam could get there.
Adam was soaked through when I opened the door but his face broke into a smile when he saw me.
‘Oh good, this is the right place.’ He peered over my shoulder. ‘Are we on our own?’
‘No, Sam’s here. I think he wanted to keep an eye on us.’
‘Oh right.’
I stepped aside to let him in and waited while he removed his drenched jacket and boots. ‘Don’t worry, he won’t bite.’
Adam looked up at me. ‘Are you sure? After everything you told me about how I behaved I don’t imagine he’s thrilled I’m back.’
‘I told you on the phone, he’s fine. Really.’ I walked back into the living room where Sam was standing, arms folded, looking stern. Adam stopped in the doorway behind me.
‘Hello Sam.’
‘Hello. I didn’t think I’d see you around here again.’
