“Sorry. He’s on his way.” Nerves creep in as I add, “With his sister and her husband.”
“Ooh.” She pushes herself upright. “Meeting the family.”
“Shush.”
She laughs. “Help me up.”
I stand automatically, then pause. “Why? Where do you think you’re going?”
She eyes me like I’m stupid. “To meet Sean’s family.Duh!”
And of course, Joe chooses that moment to come downstairs. He pauses in the doorway, looking between us. “Why are you meeting Sean’s family?”
Cue awkward silence.
I’ve not spoken to Joe about Sean since that one conversation. To be honest, I’m not sure what I’d say to him. Even more reason to talk to Sean about what we’re doing.
“Er... because his sister and brother-in-law are visiting him for a few days, and I’m his friend.”
Hailey rolls her eyes where Joe can’t see her.
“Hisfriend,”Joe repeats, the sarcasm heavy, but he’s also smirking, so I relax a bit. “Right.”
“What are you doing now?” I don’t think for one minute he wants to join us, but I don’t want him to feel left out either.
His smirk disappears, abruptly replaced with something closer to horror. “I’m busy.” He gestures over his shoulder. “Doing stuff.” Then he turns and disappears back upstairs.
Hailey snorts. “Yourfriendshould almost be here. Let’s go meet the family.”
I don’t bother trying to talk her out of it, and I don’t really want to if I’m honest. I’m nervous, and Hailey is part ofmyfamily, it’ll be nice to have her with me for moral support.
After helping her on with her coat and boots, I don’t bother with mine since we’re only going next door, and we head out. It’s already dark outside, even though it’s only just gone six o’clock. And it’s nippy, too.
We’re just coming around the side of the house, and I’m contemplating going back for my coat anyway when we hear voices. I smile as I recognise Sean’s, but then freeze as the words register.
“What were you thinking bringing Reed here?” Sean sounds frustrated rather than angry, and I wonder who’s brought who with them.
Hailey grabs my hand to tug me forward, but for some reason, I dig my heels in and refuse to budge. I shouldn’t eavesdrop like this, I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t help myself.
A woman answers him. “Because he’s sad and lonely. You two were perfect for each other. I don’t know what happened between you, but it’s obvious neither of you is over it.”
“Deb—”
“Just talk to him.Please.” She sighs. “He’s here now, you might as well. Maybe you can patch things up.”
Patch things up? What the fuck is going on?
I walk around the corner just as the front door to the pub opens.
“Sean?”
“Sean?”
Sean’s eyes widen as he looks from me to the other guy who said his name. I’m guessing this is Reed. The man standing beside him must be Deb’s husband. It’s like a six-way standoff as we all look at each other.
“Well, this is awkward.” Really wish I’d brought my coat now. It’s cold, and I’m already fighting a shiver. Hailey clutches my arm in silent support and I’m so fucking glad she came out here with me.
“Vic—” Sean starts, but I hold up my hand to stop him.
