He stares around the apartment, his eyes wide. “What the hell happened?”
Bob, Darlinton’s police chief, looks up from where he’s cuffing Adrian. “Well Kade, you have one tough best buddy. And a very resourceful sister and an impressive pooch. This guy won’t be giving you or your sister any trouble for a long time. He’s carrying enough stolen pharmaceuticals to give Walter White a run for his money.”
I put my arm around Olivia. It’s now or never. “She’s safe, Kade. And I love her.”
His eyebrows shoot up. “Youloveher?”
Olivia walks forward and gives him a hug. “I know, it must be a shock. But Aron saved my life. Him and Snoop. And I love him too.”
Kade’s eyes are wide but he hasn’t punched me or fainted, so I’m taking that as a good sign.
“How’s Owen doing?” I ask as he sits down on the sofa.
“He doesn’t have a concussion, thank goodness. Doc says he’s going to be fine and he’s already excited to have a cast. Sally’s pretty tired, I’m going to go back and get them later on.” Kade looks exhausted.
“Why don’t you get some sleep? I’ll wake you up in a couple of hours.” Olivia pats him on the shoulder. Kade yawns, nods and then leaves the room.
After the cops have left, Olivia and I snuggle together on the couch. I can’t stop kissing her.
“Say what you said before…” Her eyes are beautiful.
“I love you and I want to be with you forever. Best friend’s little sister or not. How could I let go of someone with such great plumbing skills?” I kiss her again as she laughs and punches my arm.
Snoop comes and looks at us, so I pet his ears and tell him he’s a good boy. He lies down by the couch and starts snoring, tired out by his adventure.
Olivia’s soft curves press against me as we kiss. We may have come together in an unconventional way, but I know things are going to work out.
I’m on my best friend’s couch, kissing his sister, but somehow I feel like I’m home.
EPILOGUE - OLIVIA
One year later
I tap my fingers nervously against the desk.
It’s quiet at the gym today, which I’m glad of because I keep making silly mistakes. The phone rings; it’s Juni, back in Darlinton.
“Hey Oli, did you get your results yet?” Her voice is bright.
“Ugh, Juni. Not yet! I’m going out of my mind waiting. They said they’d email them by three and I keep clicking refresh on my inbox every ten seconds.” I tap my fingers on the wooden desk again.
“Don’t worry, honey. I have a good feeling. Someone with your skills is going to do just fine. Okay, text me as soon as you know, there’s a client hovering outside the door…” She puts the phone down.
I press refresh once more and then get up to stretch my legs. Aron and I moved to open the second branch of Langstones here in Everburn in September. I’ve been splitting working here with studying at the local technical college. If I pass my exams, I’ll have a diploma and be able to get a plumber’s apprenticeship. Aron thinks it’s a done deal, but I’m not so sure. I’m one of only five girls on my course and all the guys seem so confident.
I look out the window at the sunlit main square. Everburn’s turned out to be a really fun town to move to. It’s a little smaller than Darlinton and Newhope, but because of the college there are some cool bars and events here. Not that Aron and I spend a lot of time going out; we’re in our own little bubble most of the time.
There’s a soft knock on the window and Aron’s standing there waving at me. I’ve been so lost in thought I hadn’t seen him. He holds up a bottle of champagne and some flowers, raising his eyebrows expectantly. I shake my head and point at the laptop.
He comes inside. “No news? Shall we check again?”
I nod and walk over to the laptop, refreshing my email. A new email pops up and I click on it lightning fast. I read the top two lines.
Dear Ms Brook,
We are delighted to inform you that you have passed your diploma….
Aron doesn’t give me time to blink before he’s scooped me up in a giant bear hug. I think he’s doing some kind of football chant or something.
