REED
NEW YEAR’S EVE, 2023
“Areyou sure it’s okay if I stay here?” I set my bag down in the hallway as Sean closes the front door behind me.
As expected, Sean rolls his eyes. “For the hundredth time,it’s fine.”
“Fine, as in Vic doesn’t mind me being here, or fine because he’s too far away to physically hurt me?”
Sean’s loud laughter echoes off the walls, loud enough to make his dog, Lucky, poke his nose around the kitchen door to see what all the fuss is about. Sean bends to stroke him, shaking his head and looking at me like I’m an idiot. “Vic wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
“But he might make an exception for the ex-boyfriend you’ve invited to stay in your house over New Year’s.”
“Friend.” Sean stands and puts a hand on my shoulder. “I know you two didn’t meet under the best of circumstances...”
A snort escapes me, because that’s putting it mildly. “I blame your sister for that.”
“So do I.”
Sean’s sister, Deb, tried to matchmake under the misapprehension that even after all this time Sean and I still had romantic feelings for each other—we don’t—not realising that Sean was now with Vic. To cut a long story short, it was super embarrassing for everyone involved.
“Reed.” Sean squeezes my shoulder and looks me in the eye. “I thought we sorted all this before Christmas. Vic and I are good.” He gestures between us. “I thoughtwewere good. No?”
“Yeah. You’re right. Of course we are.” I run a hand through my hair, frustrated with myself. I should’ve told him the truth about my breakup way before now. Maybe Deb, too, then she might’ve thought twice before trying to set me up withanyonelet alone Sean. “Sorry.”
Sean sighs. “You don’t have to be sorry, Reed. For any of it. And you don’t have to come tonight if you’re uncomfortable.” Another shoulder squeeze. “It’s okay if you’ve changed your mind.”
For fuck’s sake, Reed! Get a grip. It’s New Year’s Eve and you’re ruining the mood.
Jeez, when did I get so fucking maudlin?
“Sorry.” I hold a hand up when he opens his mouth. “No, I am, because I haven’t changed my mind, and I want to go out...”
His eyebrows rise expectantly. “But?”
God, sometimes I hate how well he knows me. He’s a great guy, don’t get me wrong, and I count myself lucky that we managed to break up and yet remain friends. But he’s a big believer in talking things through, when sometimes I’d like to pretend that there’s nothing wrong.
His brow furrows, and he reaches up to grip both my shoulders now. “We can stay in if you want. We don’t have to?—”
“I saw Karl and Harrison,” I blurt.
Understanding fills his eyes, and I close mine.
“Where?” he asks, grip still firm, holding me together, and I’m so fucking grateful because for whatever reason, seeing them again opened up that old wound like a motherfucker.
“I stopped at Tesco to fill up with petrol before setting off to come here, and they were just coming out of the kiosk. What are the fucking odds, right?” Before he can say anything, I take a deep breath and attempt to pull myself back together. “I don’t know why it caught me off guard so easily. It’s not like I don’t know they’re together...” I shrug. “They looked so fucking happy.”
Sean pulls me in for a hug despite my protests, and in the end, I give in and hug him back.
It’s nice.
More than nice. And with a heavy sigh, I finally,finallymanage to let some of the hurt go. I don’t want to be the kind of person that holds a grudge forever and lets it overshadow all the good things. I indulge myself in the warmth of Sean’s arms for a little longer before stepping back with a sniff that he thankfully ignores.
“I’m okay. Really,” I add when he looks sceptical. I shoot him a rueful smile. “Pretty sure this wasn’t what you signed up for when you invited me to spend New Year’s Eve here.”
“Not exactly.” His mouth curves into the beginnings of a smile, but his grip on me remains firm. “But you’re my friend, and if this is how you’re feeling, then I feel even better about my invitation, because you shouldn’t be alone. Especially not tonight.”
It’s only one night. It shouldn’t make all that much difference, but somehow it does. And just knowing that I have Sean in my corner, with his unwavering support and no judgement, is the kick I need to get my arse in gear. “I’m so fucking glad we managed to stay friends.”
